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- The Sports Rules Book
The Sports Rules Book offers coaches, players, physical education teachers, youth sport administrators, and sport enthusiasts the information they need to understand and play 64 of today’s most popular sports. Each chapter covers a different sport—the sport’s origin and history, description of the playing area, useful terminology, equipment needs, and essential rules. Selected sports’ coverage also includes officials’ signals and rule modifications to help teachers and sport administrators adapt the sport for younger and less-skilled players. This edition contains updated coverage on most major sports and includes 10 new sports: adventure racing, cornhole, bocce, croquet, horseshoes, kung fu, pickleball, surfing, speed climbing, and stand-up paddleboard racing.
The chapters are in alphabetical order and contain standardized sections for quick reference. Each chapter is also reviewed and approved by an appropriate governing body or an expert in the sport to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
With understandable and concise rules for 64 sports, The Sports Rules Book is the all-in-one answer book for teaching and playing most of the world’s most popular sports.
Chapter 1. Adventure Racing
Chapter 2. Alpine Skiing
Chapter 3. Archery
Chapter 4. Australian Football
Chapter 5. Badminton
Chapter 6. Baseball
Chapter 7. Basketball
Chapter 8. BMX Racing
Chapter 9. Bocce
Chapter 10. Bowling
Chapter 11. Boxing
Chapter 12. Canoeing and Kayaking
Chapter 13. Cheerleading
Chapter 14. Climbing
Chapter 15. Cornhole
Chapter 16. Cricket
Chapter 17. Croquet
Chapter 18. Cross Country
Chapter 19. Cross-Country Skiing
Chapter 20. Curling
Chapter 21. Cycling
Chapter 22. Equestrian
Chapter 23. Fencing
Chapter 24. Field Hockey
Chapter 25. Figure Skating
Chapter 26. Football
Chapter 27. Golf
Chapter 28. Gymnastics
Chapter 29. Handball
Chapter 30. Horseshoes
Chapter 31. Ice Hockey
Chapter 32. Judo
Chapter 33. Jujitsu
Chapter 34. Karate
Chapter 35. Kung Fu
Chapter 36. Lacrosse
Chapter 37. Netball
Chapter 38. Pickleball
Chapter 39. Racquetball
Chapter 40. Rowing
Chapter 41. Rugby Union
Chapter 42. Shooting
Chapter 43. Skateboarding
Chapter 44. Snowboarding
Chapter 45. Soccer
Chapter 46. Softball
Chapter 47. Speed Skating
Chapter 48. Squash
Chapter 49. Stand-Up Paddleboard Racing
Chapter 50. Surfing
Chapter 51. Swimming and Diving
Chapter 52. Synchronized Swimming
Chapter 53. Table Tennis
Chapter 54. Taekwondo
Chapter 55. Team Handball
Chapter 56. Tennis
Chapter 57. Track and Field
Chapter 58. Triathlon
Chapter 59. Ultimate
Chapter 60. Volleyball
Chapter 61. Water Polo
Chapter 62. Water Skiing
Chapter 63. Weightlifting
Chapter 64. Wrestling
Human Kinetics has been providing the world authoritative information related to physical activity since 1974. That information takes the form of textbooks and their ancillaries, consumer books, journals, online courses, software, and audiovisual products. The information touches the lives of millions of people worldwide who are interested in some form of physical activity. Those people include college students and professors, personal trainers, rehabilitation specialists, athletes, coaches, physical educators, nutritionists, parents, and sedentary people who want to become active.
Myles Schrag is the founder of Adina Publishing and a former acquisitions and developmental editor at Human Kinetics. He has been involved in sport throughout his life as a participant, fan, coach, and parent. His career also includes experience as a freelance writer, book reviewer, and newspaper editor. His sports writing, youth coaching experience, and all-around interest in sport and physical activity make him uniquely qualified to author this book.
Baseball officials
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language.
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language. The umpire's decision on any judgment call is final and may not be appealed. A manager may, however, appeal any call that they believe goes against the rules. For common officials' signals, see figure 6.2.
The dimensions and features of a handball court
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet.
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet. The short line is parallel to the front and back walls; its outside edge is 20 feet from the front wall. The service line is parallel to the short line, and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the short line.
The service zone is the area between the outer edges of the short line and the service line. The service boxes are located at each side of the service zone. Each service box is marked by a line parallel to the side wall, 18 inches from the wall. The receiver's restraining lines are 5 feet behind the short line. They are parallel to the short line and extend 6 inches from each side wall.
Track and field hurdles
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle races are run entirely in lanes. A runner must clear the hurdle with both legs. The runner is disqualified if either leg dips lower than the horizontal plane of the hurdle. This means that the leg must go over the top of the hurdle and is not allowed to go around or beside it. Hurdlers are not disqualified, however, for unintentionally knocking over hurdles.
The top bar of the hurdle is made of wood or plastic. The hurdle is durable enough that it is not easily broken by a competitor hitting it. Heights of hurdles and distances between hurdles are shown in table 57.1.
Baseball officials
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language.
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language. The umpire's decision on any judgment call is final and may not be appealed. A manager may, however, appeal any call that they believe goes against the rules. For common officials' signals, see figure 6.2.
The dimensions and features of a handball court
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet.
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet. The short line is parallel to the front and back walls; its outside edge is 20 feet from the front wall. The service line is parallel to the short line, and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the short line.
The service zone is the area between the outer edges of the short line and the service line. The service boxes are located at each side of the service zone. Each service box is marked by a line parallel to the side wall, 18 inches from the wall. The receiver's restraining lines are 5 feet behind the short line. They are parallel to the short line and extend 6 inches from each side wall.
Track and field hurdles
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle races are run entirely in lanes. A runner must clear the hurdle with both legs. The runner is disqualified if either leg dips lower than the horizontal plane of the hurdle. This means that the leg must go over the top of the hurdle and is not allowed to go around or beside it. Hurdlers are not disqualified, however, for unintentionally knocking over hurdles.
The top bar of the hurdle is made of wood or plastic. The hurdle is durable enough that it is not easily broken by a competitor hitting it. Heights of hurdles and distances between hurdles are shown in table 57.1.
Baseball officials
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language.
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language. The umpire's decision on any judgment call is final and may not be appealed. A manager may, however, appeal any call that they believe goes against the rules. For common officials' signals, see figure 6.2.
The dimensions and features of a handball court
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet.
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet. The short line is parallel to the front and back walls; its outside edge is 20 feet from the front wall. The service line is parallel to the short line, and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the short line.
The service zone is the area between the outer edges of the short line and the service line. The service boxes are located at each side of the service zone. Each service box is marked by a line parallel to the side wall, 18 inches from the wall. The receiver's restraining lines are 5 feet behind the short line. They are parallel to the short line and extend 6 inches from each side wall.
Track and field hurdles
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle races are run entirely in lanes. A runner must clear the hurdle with both legs. The runner is disqualified if either leg dips lower than the horizontal plane of the hurdle. This means that the leg must go over the top of the hurdle and is not allowed to go around or beside it. Hurdlers are not disqualified, however, for unintentionally knocking over hurdles.
The top bar of the hurdle is made of wood or plastic. The hurdle is durable enough that it is not easily broken by a competitor hitting it. Heights of hurdles and distances between hurdles are shown in table 57.1.
Baseball officials
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language.
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language. The umpire's decision on any judgment call is final and may not be appealed. A manager may, however, appeal any call that they believe goes against the rules. For common officials' signals, see figure 6.2.
The dimensions and features of a handball court
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet.
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet. The short line is parallel to the front and back walls; its outside edge is 20 feet from the front wall. The service line is parallel to the short line, and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the short line.
The service zone is the area between the outer edges of the short line and the service line. The service boxes are located at each side of the service zone. Each service box is marked by a line parallel to the side wall, 18 inches from the wall. The receiver's restraining lines are 5 feet behind the short line. They are parallel to the short line and extend 6 inches from each side wall.
Track and field hurdles
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle races are run entirely in lanes. A runner must clear the hurdle with both legs. The runner is disqualified if either leg dips lower than the horizontal plane of the hurdle. This means that the leg must go over the top of the hurdle and is not allowed to go around or beside it. Hurdlers are not disqualified, however, for unintentionally knocking over hurdles.
The top bar of the hurdle is made of wood or plastic. The hurdle is durable enough that it is not easily broken by a competitor hitting it. Heights of hurdles and distances between hurdles are shown in table 57.1.
Baseball officials
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language.
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language. The umpire's decision on any judgment call is final and may not be appealed. A manager may, however, appeal any call that they believe goes against the rules. For common officials' signals, see figure 6.2.
The dimensions and features of a handball court
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet.
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet. The short line is parallel to the front and back walls; its outside edge is 20 feet from the front wall. The service line is parallel to the short line, and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the short line.
The service zone is the area between the outer edges of the short line and the service line. The service boxes are located at each side of the service zone. Each service box is marked by a line parallel to the side wall, 18 inches from the wall. The receiver's restraining lines are 5 feet behind the short line. They are parallel to the short line and extend 6 inches from each side wall.
Track and field hurdles
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle races are run entirely in lanes. A runner must clear the hurdle with both legs. The runner is disqualified if either leg dips lower than the horizontal plane of the hurdle. This means that the leg must go over the top of the hurdle and is not allowed to go around or beside it. Hurdlers are not disqualified, however, for unintentionally knocking over hurdles.
The top bar of the hurdle is made of wood or plastic. The hurdle is durable enough that it is not easily broken by a competitor hitting it. Heights of hurdles and distances between hurdles are shown in table 57.1.
Baseball officials
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language.
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language. The umpire's decision on any judgment call is final and may not be appealed. A manager may, however, appeal any call that they believe goes against the rules. For common officials' signals, see figure 6.2.
The dimensions and features of a handball court
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet.
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet. The short line is parallel to the front and back walls; its outside edge is 20 feet from the front wall. The service line is parallel to the short line, and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the short line.
The service zone is the area between the outer edges of the short line and the service line. The service boxes are located at each side of the service zone. Each service box is marked by a line parallel to the side wall, 18 inches from the wall. The receiver's restraining lines are 5 feet behind the short line. They are parallel to the short line and extend 6 inches from each side wall.
Track and field hurdles
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle races are run entirely in lanes. A runner must clear the hurdle with both legs. The runner is disqualified if either leg dips lower than the horizontal plane of the hurdle. This means that the leg must go over the top of the hurdle and is not allowed to go around or beside it. Hurdlers are not disqualified, however, for unintentionally knocking over hurdles.
The top bar of the hurdle is made of wood or plastic. The hurdle is durable enough that it is not easily broken by a competitor hitting it. Heights of hurdles and distances between hurdles are shown in table 57.1.
Baseball officials
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language.
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language. The umpire's decision on any judgment call is final and may not be appealed. A manager may, however, appeal any call that they believe goes against the rules. For common officials' signals, see figure 6.2.
The dimensions and features of a handball court
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet.
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet. The short line is parallel to the front and back walls; its outside edge is 20 feet from the front wall. The service line is parallel to the short line, and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the short line.
The service zone is the area between the outer edges of the short line and the service line. The service boxes are located at each side of the service zone. Each service box is marked by a line parallel to the side wall, 18 inches from the wall. The receiver's restraining lines are 5 feet behind the short line. They are parallel to the short line and extend 6 inches from each side wall.
Track and field hurdles
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle races are run entirely in lanes. A runner must clear the hurdle with both legs. The runner is disqualified if either leg dips lower than the horizontal plane of the hurdle. This means that the leg must go over the top of the hurdle and is not allowed to go around or beside it. Hurdlers are not disqualified, however, for unintentionally knocking over hurdles.
The top bar of the hurdle is made of wood or plastic. The hurdle is durable enough that it is not easily broken by a competitor hitting it. Heights of hurdles and distances between hurdles are shown in table 57.1.
Baseball officials
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language.
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language. The umpire's decision on any judgment call is final and may not be appealed. A manager may, however, appeal any call that they believe goes against the rules. For common officials' signals, see figure 6.2.
The dimensions and features of a handball court
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet.
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet. The short line is parallel to the front and back walls; its outside edge is 20 feet from the front wall. The service line is parallel to the short line, and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the short line.
The service zone is the area between the outer edges of the short line and the service line. The service boxes are located at each side of the service zone. Each service box is marked by a line parallel to the side wall, 18 inches from the wall. The receiver's restraining lines are 5 feet behind the short line. They are parallel to the short line and extend 6 inches from each side wall.
Track and field hurdles
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle races are run entirely in lanes. A runner must clear the hurdle with both legs. The runner is disqualified if either leg dips lower than the horizontal plane of the hurdle. This means that the leg must go over the top of the hurdle and is not allowed to go around or beside it. Hurdlers are not disqualified, however, for unintentionally knocking over hurdles.
The top bar of the hurdle is made of wood or plastic. The hurdle is durable enough that it is not easily broken by a competitor hitting it. Heights of hurdles and distances between hurdles are shown in table 57.1.
Baseball officials
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language.
The umpire-in-chief (home plate umpire) is in full charge of the game. Any umpire may disqualify any player, coach, or manager for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct or language. The umpire's decision on any judgment call is final and may not be appealed. A manager may, however, appeal any call that they believe goes against the rules. For common officials' signals, see figure 6.2.
The dimensions and features of a handball court
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet.
A standard four-walled court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 40 feet long (see figure 29.1). The recommended minimum height for the back wall is 14 feet. The short line is parallel to the front and back walls; its outside edge is 20 feet from the front wall. The service line is parallel to the short line, and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the short line.
The service zone is the area between the outer edges of the short line and the service line. The service boxes are located at each side of the service zone. Each service box is marked by a line parallel to the side wall, 18 inches from the wall. The receiver's restraining lines are 5 feet behind the short line. They are parallel to the short line and extend 6 inches from each side wall.
Track and field hurdles
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle events include the 60-meter (indoors only), 100-meter, 110-meter, and 400-meter races. Youth competitions can also include a 300-meter event.
Hurdle races are run entirely in lanes. A runner must clear the hurdle with both legs. The runner is disqualified if either leg dips lower than the horizontal plane of the hurdle. This means that the leg must go over the top of the hurdle and is not allowed to go around or beside it. Hurdlers are not disqualified, however, for unintentionally knocking over hurdles.
The top bar of the hurdle is made of wood or plastic. The hurdle is durable enough that it is not easily broken by a competitor hitting it. Heights of hurdles and distances between hurdles are shown in table 57.1.