2014 USAR OFFICIAL RULES OF RACQUETBALL
This is the latest version of the USA Racquetball’s Official Rulebook that went into effect on September 1, 2013 and covers all USAR sanctioned and non-sanctioned play in the USA. Also included are rule modifications for the IRT, LPRT, WOR, CPRT, NMRA, as well as for Wheelchair, Deaf, and Vision-impaired racquetball play.
This version includes four (4) rule changes approved at the May 2013 meeting of the USAR’s Board of Directors. They are:
1. In USAR-sanctioned events throughout the nation, all divisions (including the “Open” divisions) will play the two-serve game -- except for the U.S. National Team Qualifying divisions at the U.S. National Doubles and the U.S. National Singles Championships. See Rules 3.1 and 5.
2. Players must wear shoes and cannot play in socks only or in bare feet. See Rule 2.5(b).
3. Electronic audio devices cannot be worn during play unless they are needed to amplify one’s hearing ability. See Rule 2.5(c).
4. Unintentional “carries” during the rally are allowed and are no longer called. See Rule 3.13(b).
The procedures for proposing future changes to the USAR rules are described near the end of the Rulebook. See Policy and Procedure “E”.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The 2014 USAR Official Rules of Racquetball are copyrighted. All rights reserved. These rules may be downloaded and printed for reference. A new or updated rulebook will be available soon with any new changes.
This is the latest version of the USA Racquetball’s Official Rulebook that went into effect on September 1, 2013 and covers all USAR sanctioned and non-sanctioned play in the USA. Also included are rule modifications for the IRT, LPRT, WOR, CPRT, NMRA, as well as for Wheelchair, Deaf, and Vision-impaired racquetball play.
This version includes four (4) rule changes approved at the May 2013 meeting of the USAR’s Board of Directors. They are:
1. In USAR-sanctioned events throughout the nation, all divisions (including the “Open” divisions) will play the two-serve game -- except for the U.S. National Team Qualifying divisions at the U.S. National Doubles and the U.S. National Singles Championships. See Rules 3.1 and 5.
2. Players must wear shoes and cannot play in socks only or in bare feet. See Rule 2.5(b).
3. Electronic audio devices cannot be worn during play unless they are needed to amplify one’s hearing ability. See Rule 2.5(c).
4. Unintentional “carries” during the rally are allowed and are no longer called. See Rule 3.13(b).
The procedures for proposing future changes to the USAR rules are described near the end of the Rulebook. See Policy and Procedure “E”.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The 2014 USAR Official Rules of Racquetball are copyrighted. All rights reserved. These rules may be downloaded and printed for reference. A new or updated rulebook will be available soon with any new changes.
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Racquetball Basics
How To Play Racquetball - Racquetball is easy and fun to play, although it may take a few games to figure out the basics such as scoring, serving and some simple rules. Racquetball can be played indoors and outdoors, but most MN courts can be found indoors at private health clubs, and all sorts of local recreation centers. The game can be played as 'singles', between two players, or 'doubles' between two teams of two players each. Matches are typically two games to 15 points and a tie-breaker to 11 points if needed.
For the basics let's get started with a few so you can enjoy your racquetball experience.
The serve-Play begins with the server standing in the Service Zone and serving the ball to his/her opponent(s) who is standing in the Receiving Zone. To serve, the server must first bounce the ball and then strike it with the racquet.
Racquetball Equipment
To play a game of racquetball you only need a few things to get started. Most racquetball equipment and accessories can be purchased seperately or starter kits can be purchased for about $30.
• Racquet (Cost anywhere from $20-$200, depends on budget, and willingness to pay for feel and technology.)
• Eyewear (Recommended and important, helps reduce the risk of injury if you are hit in the eye.)
• Ball (Balls come in different colors such as blue, green, lavender and black. Any color will do.)
• Glove. (Optional, this will help you keep a firm grip on the racquet during those fast rallies.)
• Shoes (Any type of indoor court or tennis shoe, there are shoes designed specifically for racquetball.)
Fitness Facts
• An average game will take 20 minutes, during which a player will run a distance of approximately 3,650 feet -- or over two miles in one hour of play.
• The average calories burned during racquetball play ranges from moderate at 640/hour to 794/hour -- to a high level at 13.7 per minute (or 822/hour).
• Racquetball offers both aerobic and anaerobic benefits, with both sustained high level heart rate activity and quick bursts of energy required during play.
How To Play Racquetball - Racquetball is easy and fun to play, although it may take a few games to figure out the basics such as scoring, serving and some simple rules. Racquetball can be played indoors and outdoors, but most MN courts can be found indoors at private health clubs, and all sorts of local recreation centers. The game can be played as 'singles', between two players, or 'doubles' between two teams of two players each. Matches are typically two games to 15 points and a tie-breaker to 11 points if needed.
For the basics let's get started with a few so you can enjoy your racquetball experience.
The serve-Play begins with the server standing in the Service Zone and serving the ball to his/her opponent(s) who is standing in the Receiving Zone. To serve, the server must first bounce the ball and then strike it with the racquet.
Racquetball Equipment
To play a game of racquetball you only need a few things to get started. Most racquetball equipment and accessories can be purchased seperately or starter kits can be purchased for about $30.
• Racquet (Cost anywhere from $20-$200, depends on budget, and willingness to pay for feel and technology.)
• Eyewear (Recommended and important, helps reduce the risk of injury if you are hit in the eye.)
• Ball (Balls come in different colors such as blue, green, lavender and black. Any color will do.)
• Glove. (Optional, this will help you keep a firm grip on the racquet during those fast rallies.)
• Shoes (Any type of indoor court or tennis shoe, there are shoes designed specifically for racquetball.)
Fitness Facts
• An average game will take 20 minutes, during which a player will run a distance of approximately 3,650 feet -- or over two miles in one hour of play.
• The average calories burned during racquetball play ranges from moderate at 640/hour to 794/hour -- to a high level at 13.7 per minute (or 822/hour).
• Racquetball offers both aerobic and anaerobic benefits, with both sustained high level heart rate activity and quick bursts of energy required during play.