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?”

If You have a question you would like answered, send it to Glenn at: gamonroe@gmail.com

Unless otherwise stated, the most recent rules and regulations of the Florida Shuffleboard Association shall be used to answer all questions.

1. My opponent was taking way too much time to play his shots. Isn’t that a penalty?
   
   Maybe. Unlike many other sports, the F.S.A. rule governing that slow play is very vague: C.14 – “For intentional delay or stalling, PENALTY: 5-Off.” Deciding on whether the rule was violated has always been a judgment call. When the rule was written, there was a referee on every court who could closely monitor the progress of a game and more easily determine when a player was beginning to delay a game. Now, enforcement of the rule requires a judgement from the tournament director who usually does not have the opportunity to observe the pace of play over time.
   So why does a player want to slow down a game? It is usually done to delay a match past the 4:00 p.m. cut-off so they will not have to play another match that day or as a strategy to annoy an opponent to the extent that they begin to make mistakes. If a T.D. determines that slow play is caused by either of those factors, a penalty would be appropriate.
   
   
2. How can I qualify for the Amateur Tournament of Champions? I can’t find it in the Preview.
   
   The rule for the Amateur Tournament of Champions has not been printed in the Preview because it is a provisional event, meaning that it is being held on a trial basis until the F.S.A. Board has determined that it should be a permanent event.
   To qualify an amateur must place in a statewide tournament, either an amateur or open event. As long as the player remains an amateur, eligibility is granted on the following basis:
   1. 1^st Place = 3-year eligibility.
   1. 2^nd through 4^th in the Main = 2-year eligibility.

 1^st through 4^th in Consolation = 1-year eligibility.