The Shuffler has arranged with FSA State Tournament Director Glenn Monroe to answer your questions relative to The Rules!! Thus the title: “What’s The Rule?” 

To begin what we expect to be an interesting feature, Earl has prepared a list of questions for Glenn.  We expect Glenn to respond to the first two questions on Monday, April 27th.  We will post his reply on this page when we receive it.• Unless otherwise stated, the most recent rules and regulations of the Florida Shuffleboard Association shall be used to answer all questions.

Question 1) I think my opponent is using too long a cue (or too short) how do I check or what do I do? 

Glenn: If you suspect that your opponent is using a cue longer than 6’3” (B.2), you should ask the tournament director to measure the cue. If the cue is found to be too long, it must be removed from play. Shortening an adjustable cue would not be enough as it could be too easily changed again. If the tournament director believes that the player was knowingly using an illegal cue, a 10-point penalty may be assessed under Rule C.19.

It is not a violation to use a cue that is less than 6’3”.

Question 2) My opponents won the lag and choose yellow. They took a break and when they came back they had changed their mind and wanted black. Can they do that?

Glenn: The short answer is, “No”. This rule (C.1) has been changed at least six (6) times while I have been involved in the game and, consequently, is the cause of some misunderstanding. What has never changed is that once the color choice has been made, it is binding.

The current rule is, “Color choice must be made upon returning to the court.” The intent of the rule change was to allow partners up to ten minutes (the maximum time allowed between games) to discuss their color preference before making their choice. It was not the intent to allow them the opportunity to change their choice once made.