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NHPA OFFICIAL RULES OF HORSESHOE PITCHING
Recommended: The NHPA Rules on this page are kept current.
Other web sites should link to them instead of copying
to assure their source file is always current.
The sport may be played by one individual for practice or by two or
more for sport. Horseshoe courts basically require a level area with
2 stakes located 30 to 40 ft. apart, with recommended improvements
as found desirable by the participants. NHPA sanctioned play must be
on sanctioned courts meeting specifications stated in NHPA Rules.
Contact NHPA Executive Council for official interpretations.
NHPA BYLAWS ART.XII concerns ALL NHPA(sanctioned)TOURNAMENTS and
should be included when reviewing NHPA OFFICIAL RULES OF HORSESHOE
PITCHING. The rules are also mentioned in BYLAWS ART.XI and STANDING
RULES 12 & 14.
-
OFFICIAL RULES OF HORSESHOE PITCHING
Published By The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of
America (NHPA)
(Jan 1, 2004)
-
RULE 1 - COURT LAYOUT
-
See diagram on back of rules pamphlet.((similar sketches are
shown following this document))
-
Section A. PERMANENT GROUND LEVEL COURTS
-
1. Dimensions - A horseshoe court shall be a level rectangular
area 6 ft wide and a minimum of 46 ft long. A north-south
setting is recommended for outdoor courts to minimize the
effects of the sun.
-
2. Pitcher's Box - The pitcher's box is the square 6 ft by 6 ft
area at each end of the court. It is composed of 2 parts - 1)
the pit, and 2) the pitching platforms.
-
a. PIT - The pit is a rectangular area filled with the substance
onto which the shoes are pitched. Its maximum length (in the
direction in which the shoes are pitched) is 72 inches and its
minimum length is 43 inches. Its maximum width is 36 inches and
its minimum width is 31 inches. The pit must be centered in the
pitcher's box. If the pit is less than the maximum dimensions,
the extra space shall be filled with the same material of which
the platforms are made, or some other material different than
the pit substance, and shall be level with the pit and
platforms.
-
b. Pitching Platforms - The pitching platforms flank the pit to
its left and right sides and are parallel to each other. They
shall be level with each other and to the top of the pit. They
shall be 18 to 20-1/2 inches wide (depending upon the width of
the pit) and shall be a minimum of 6 ft. long.
-
3. Stakes - The stake is the target at which the shoe is
pitched. Each stake shall be centered between the platforms with
a minimum of 21 inches from the stake to the front and back of
the pit. On regulation courts the stakes are 40 ft. apart. This
is measured from the front of each stake level with the pitching
platform. Stakes shall be 1 inch in diameter and may be made of
cold-rolled steel, mild iron, soft metal or synthetic material.
Each stake shall be no shorter than 14 and no higher than 15
inches above pit level and they shall both have an approximate 3
inch lean toward each other.
-
4. Pit Substance - Clay, sand, dirt and synthetic compositions
are all legal substances to put in the pit. The minimum depth of
the substance shall be 4 inches. An 8 inch depth is recommended.
-
5. Extended Platforms - The pitching platforms on either side of
the pit shall be extended forward (toward the opposite pit) an
additional 10 feet to accommodate pitching at shorter distances.
The front of the extended platforms shall be 27 feet from the
opposite stake. The extended platforms shall be level with and
be of the same width and material as the full-distance
platforms. It is recommended that the 14 feet between the front
ends of the platforms be filled in (using the same material as
the platforms) to provide a continuous level walking surface
between the two pitcher's boxes.
-
6. Multiple Courts
-
a. Side-by-side - To eliminate distraction and safely separate
activity, stakes of courts adjacent to each other shall be a
minimum of 10 feet apart. A greater distance (at least 12 feet)
is preferable.
-
b. Back-to-back - A minimum of 16 feet and a protective barrier
must separate the stakes of back-to-back courts.
-
7. Backboards & Protective Barrier
-
a. Backboards - Every pit should have a backboard. It should be
at least 3 feet behind the stake, be at least 1 foot high and
extend the width of the pit. For spectator visibility, a mesh
netting or chain link material is recommended. If of solid
material, it should be a color that will provide a contrasting
background so as to keep the stake visible for the contestants.
-
b. Protective Barrier - All court complexes shall be surrounded
by a protective barrier. The barrier should be at least 8 feet
behind the stake. A chain link type fence at least 4 feet high
is recommended.
-
8. Foul Lines - Foul lines shall be defined by lines extending
across the front of the full-distance and extended platforms.
This places them perpendicular to an imaginary line between
stakes at 37 and 27 ft. respectively from the front of the
opposite stakes. (Measured at the level of the pitching
platform).
-
9. Imaginary Stakes - Imaginary stakes shall be marked midway
between the left and right extended platforms at a distance of
30 feet from the opposite stakes. They shall also be marked on
the full-distance platforms at a distance of 40 feet from the
opposite stakes if the stakes are not 40 feet apart.
-
Section B. COVERED AND INDOOR COURTS
-
The regulations for covered and indoor courts are exactly the
same as for permanent ground level courts with the additional
stipulation that they shall have a minimum 12 foot vertical
clearance to the lowest possible obstruction.
-
Section C. TEMPORARY AND/OR RAISED COURTS
-
The regulations for temporary and/or raised courts are the same
as for permanent ground level courts with the exception that for
any raised court, the top of the pit shall be no more than 7
inches above the level of the pitching platforms. In addition,
the 4 inch pit substance requirement is recommended, but not
mandatory.The 40 ft. distance for elevated platforms shall be
measured from the front of the bottom of the stake, at floor
level before the substance is put into the pit.
-
Note: The NHPA realizes that many sets of
courts now in existence do not meet all of the conditions listed
in Rule 1. All new courts shall be constructed using the
guidelines in Rule 1 and charters are encouraged to modify their
existing courts to meet these standards as soon as possible.
-
RULE 2 - PLAYING EQUIPMENT - THE HORSESHOE
-
Section A. Legal Shoes
The sport of horseshoes is played with specially manufactured
equipment. Any official (legal) horseshoe must be sanctioned and
approved by the NHPA and must pass the following maximum weight
and measurement standards. (there are no minimum standards): 1)
It shall not weigh more than 2 pounds, 10 ounces; 2) it shall
not exceed 7-1/4 inches in width, 7-5/8 inches in length and, on
a parallel line 3/4 inch from a straightedge touching the points
of the shoe, the opening of the shoe must not exceed 3-1/2
inches. (A 1/8 inch tolerance to 3-5/8 inches is allowed on used
shoes.) No part of the original manufactured shoe may exceed one
inch in height. Shoes not meeting these requirements shall not
be used in NHPA sanctioned competition and all games pitched
with illegal shoes shall be forfeited. All horseshoes used by a
pitcher may be checked at any time to verify they are legal
shoes for weight, measurement and altered shoes. This checking
will be done by a judge or other tournament official.
-
Section B. ALTERED SHOES
Any shoe which has been changed from its original design (calk,
notch, etc.) shall be considered an "altered" shoe. An "altered"
shoe is illegal and cannot be used in sanctioned play.
-
Note: The NHPA Executive Council has the right to waive the
"altered" shoe provision for a physically impaired contestant.
-
Section C. SHOES SANCTIONED BY OTHER COUNTRIES
Any shoes sanctioned by another country are permissible in NHPA
sanctioned play only for contestants from that country, and then
only if they meet NHPA specification. They are not allowable
(for U.S. citizens) in NHPA sanctioned events unless they are
also sanctioned by the NHPA.
-
RULE 3 - PITCHING DISTANCES
-
Section A. Males
-
1. Juniors - Junior contestants may pitch from any place on
either the full-distance or extended platforms. They must
observe the 27 foot foul lines. Juniors' age nine or under, for
the entire calendar year, may observe a 20-foot foul line.
-
2. Open Men and Seniors - All Open Men and Senior contestants
shall pitch from on or behind the full distance platforms
adjacent to the pits and observe the 37 foot foul lines.
Physically impaired males in these categories may be given
permission by the governing NHPA officials to move on to the
extended platforms and observe the 27 foot foul lines.
-
3. Elders - Elders are classified as short-distance pitchers,
shall pitch less than the full-distance, and observe the 27 foot
foul line.
-
Section B. Females - All female contestants may
pitch from any place on the full-distance or extended platforms
and observe the 27 foot foul lines, except that any woman
pitching in an Elders class must pitch less than 40 feet.
-
RULE 4 - PIT PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE
-
Section A.
Every effort shall be made to keep the substance in the pit in
soft putty-like condition so the shoes will not bounce or move
around after coming in contact with the substance. The substance
in the pit shall be watered (if necessary) and leveled to the
top of the surrounding platforms (unless the pits are raised)
before a game starts. Each contestant is responsible for one
pit, but a contestant may have someone else do the preparation.
During a game, a contestant shall not step on, mash, or
otherwise repair any of the substance in the scoring area of the
pit without the consent of the opponent or a tournament
official. Repair needed because of a measured shoe or a shoe
which was "buried" shall be handled using the same guidelines.
-
NOTE: Pits composed of sand or dirt often
"hollow out" after a few innings. A blanket statement by the
tournament director (made before competition begins) shall allow
the leveling of these courts as needed without constant consent
between the contestants.
-
Section B.
With the permission of the tournament committee, the stakes may
be painted for visibility purposes before a game starts. This
procedure shall not be done while a game is in progress, unless
both contestants agree to do it.
-
RULE 5 - GAME PREPARATION
-
Section A. It is customary for contestants to
find out their court assignments and warm up on the court for
their first game. The court should be prepared for play during
this time in order to get all games started about the same time.
-
Section B. Each game will
begin with the flip of a shoe or coin. The winner of the flip
will have choice of first or second pitch.
- Section C. Only after
all games of a round are complete. Contestants shall go promptly
to their next assigned court and each prepare one pit for play.
(If during the time it takes to complete a round a contestant
wants to practice he/she shall practice on the court where they
just finished their game so as not to be a distraction by
preparing a court near a game still in progress.) After both
pits have been prepared, the contestants have the option to
pitch no more than four warm up shoes. Then the game must start
immediately.
- Section D. A
contestant may practice while waiting for their next opponent.
-
RULE 6 - PLAY OF THE GAME AND VALUE OF THE SHOE
-
Section A. Innings
The game is broken down into innings. Each inning consists of
four pitched shoes, two by each contestant.
-
Section B. Value of the Shoe
-
1. Ringer - A ringer is a shoe which comes to rest encircling
the stake. A straightedge touching both points or any part of
the heel calks of the shoe must clear (not touch) the stake in
order for a shoe to be declared a ringer. A ringer has a value
of three points.
-
2. Shoe in Count - A shoe which is not a ringer but comes to
rest with any portion of it within 6 inches of any part of the
stake is a shoe in count. A shoe in count has a value of one
point. A "leaner", or any other shoe which is touching the stake
(but not a ringer), is considered a shoe in count and has a
value of one point.
-
3. Shoe Out of Count - A shoe which comes to rest further than 6
inches from the stake is a shoe out of count and has no scoring
value. A shoe which is declared to be a foul shoe (see Section
H) is considered to be a shoe out of count (no matter where it
comes to rest).
-
Section C. Delivery of Shoes
-
1. The contestant pitching first shall deliver both shoes (one
at a time) and then the other contestant shall deliver both
shoes (one at a time). A contestant may deliver the shoes from
either the left or right platform but, in any one inning, both
shoes must be delivered from the same platform. A contestant
shall pitch the entire tournament with the same hand or arm,
except in the case of a medical emergency.
-
2. A contestant shall deliver both shoes within 30 seconds. The
time shall start when the contestant steps onto the platform
with the intention of pitching. (As opposed to retrieving shoes
or removing foreign material from the platform).
-
NOTE: Extra time taken to repair a damaged shoe
by filing a burr, etc., or a delay resulting from a distraction
not caused by the contestants, shall not be penalized.
-
Section D. Position of Contestants During Delivery
-
1. THE PITCHER. During the entire address and
release of the shoe, the pitcher must not start or step
completely outside the platform with either foot.
-
Exceptions:
-
(a) A contestant observing the 37 ft foul line may start
directly behind the platform provided they step within it when
they release the shoe.
-
(b) A physically challenged contestant must have at least some
contact with the platform and be completely behind the 27 ft.
line when the shoe is released.
-
2. THE OPPONENT. An opponent's position when
not pitching, shall be standing quietly and stationary on or
behind the same court's opposite platform and at least 2 feet
behind a contestant who is pitching from the same or adjacent
court. In mixed distance pitching, a short distance pitcher who
pitches first must return to this position on or behind the
40-foot platform.
-
3. THE CONTESTANTS. If both contestants use the
same platform to deliver their shoes, the contestant pitching
first should cross over to the other platform in front of the
pit and then move to the proper position. (see #2) As the first
contestant is crossing in front the second contestant should be
crossing over in back and mounting the platform from the rear.
If both contestants use opposite platforms, the contestant who
pitches first should step directly back to the proper position
described in #2 of this section.
-
4. No contestant shall walk to the opposite stake (except to
remove a foul shoe) or be informed of the position of any
pitched shoes prior to completion of an inning.
-
Section E. Flow of the Game
-
1. Once the four shoes in an inning have been pitched, the
contestants shall walk to the other end to determine the score
for the inning and retrieve their shoes. No shoe shall be moved
before its scoring value is determined. If the decision is in
doubt, a judge shall be called. The judge shall make the
necessary measurement(s) and determine the scoring for the shoes
in question. (Contestants are encouraged to carry measuring
devices and to make their own decisions whenever possible to
help speed up play.) Play shall continue in similar fashion in
each inning until the game limit is reached.
-
2. At any one time, a contestant shall carry and use only two
horseshoes during the course of a game. A spare shoe or shoes
should be kept available at court side in case of a broken shoe
or if the contestant desires to switch shoes. Shoes may be
switched between innings, but not during an inning unless a shoe
breaks (see Section F).
-
3. If it is discovered during an inning that a contestant has
pitched the shoe of an opponent, then if the contestants agree
the remaining shoes may be pitched and the score be based on the
shoes they pitched. If they don't agree on pitching the
remaining shoes then the shoes shall be picked up and the entire
inning shall be re-pitched using the correct shoes. If the
contestants fail to discover the error until after all four
shoes have been pitched, the inning shall be scored on the basis
of whatever shoes they pitched. If agreement cannot be reached,
a judge shall be called. Based upon the input from the
contestants, the judge shall either determine the scoring for
the inning or void it and order it to be re-pitched.
-
4. When a shoe is being measured by a contestant and it (or the
stake) is accidentally moved, the inning shall be scored only if
the contestants can come to an agreement. If no agreement can be
reached, a judge shall be called. As in (3) above, the judge
shall either determine the scoring or void the inning and order
it to be repitched.
-
EXCEPTIONS: If one or more shoes (are obvious
ringers and have been agreed to by the contestants) are moved to
make a measurement they need not be repitched. Only the shoe(s)
in question when the shoe or stake was moved must be scored or
ordered repitched by the judge. If one or more shoes are below
the shoe(s) in question, they will be scored and remain in place
for the repitch. No scored shoes will have the scoring changed
due to a repitch.
-
NOTE: If a judge moves a shoe (or the stake)
while making a measurement, the judge shall either determine the
scoring for the inning or void it and order it to be repitched.
-
5. It is legal for a contestant to carry and use a blunt ended
hook or shoe pick-up device not exceeding 36 inches in total
length. Any hook on the device cannot protrude more than 2
inches from the main shaft. Care should be taken in using the
hook so as not to endanger the opponent. Also, contestants are
encouraged to carry a file and towel to keep their shoes smooth
and shoes and hands clean and dry.
-
Section F. Broken and Cracked Shoes
-
1. Broken Shoes
-
a. If a shoe breaks into two or more parts when it hits the
stake or lands in the pit, the parts shall be removed and
another shoe shall be allowed to be pitched in its stead. If the
shoe broke when striking the backboard or other "foul" ground,
it is foul and may not be repitched.
-
b. If a shoe has landed in the pit and becomes broken by having
another shoe land on it, it shall be scored as it appears to
lay. If there is any disagreement, a judge shall be called. The
judge shall either determine the scoring for the inning or void
it and order it to be repitched.
-
2. Cracked Shoes - If a shoe is discovered to be cracked (but
not completely broken in two), it shall be scored as it lays.
Once the scoring is determined, it shall be replaced.
-
Section G. Broken Stakes
A broken stake is defined as any stake not in the same position
as when the game started, and when both contestants agree that
it is broken. When the stake breaks during an inning, the game
shall be discontinued at the end of the previous inning and the
stake replaced. If a stake breaks as the result of being struck
by the fourth shoe of the inning, then it shall be counted. If
they cannot agree, then a judge shall be called. The judge shall
either determine the scoring for the inning or void it and order
it to be repitched. (Once the scoring is determined, the
tournament officials may decide to complete the game on another
court or hold the completion until a later time.) If not, once
the stake is replaced, the contestants may take four warm up
shoes each (if they so desire) and play shall resume.
-
Section H. Foul Shoe
A foul shoe is a shoe which was delivered in non-compliance with
one of the rules of the game. It scores as a shoe out of count
and is to be removed from the pit (if it is in the scoring
radius of the stake) before any more shoes are pitched. Shoes
already in the pit that have been disturbed by a foul shoe are
not to be removed, unless they were knocked into foul territory
and are returned to the scoring area.
-
1. The following are rule violations that must be spotted and
called by an assigned judge. The penalty is to declare the shoe
a foul shoe.
-
(a) Any shoe pitched when the contestant has made contact with
the foul line before the shoe is released.(Rule 1,#8)
-
(b) Except as provided in the "Exceptions" of Rule 6, D, #1 any
shoe pitched when the contestant has started or stepped
completely outside the pitching platform with either foot before
releasing the shoe
-
(c) Any shoe not delivered within the thirty second time limit.
(Rule 6, Section C, #2).
-
(d) One shoe when a contestant has illegally stepped on the
scoring area of the playing surface. When this violation occurs,
the contestant shall pitch only one shoe in the next inning. The
second shoe shall be carried to the other end. (Rule 4, Section
A).
-
(e) The second shoe, if it is pitched from a different platform
than the first shoe. (Rule 6, Section C)
-
2. The following occurrences are also considered foul shoes and
the shoes must be removed from the pit (if they are in the
scoring radius of the stake) before any more shoes are delivered
unless all competitors in that game agree to leave the shoe
where it is.
-
a. Any shoe which contacted the background, court frame, or any
ground outside the pit before it came to rest.
-
b. Any shoe which struck a previously defined object such as a
tree limb, wire, indoor court ceiling, etc.
-
NOTE: A shoe which strikes a foreign moving object is not foul
and may be repitched.
-
c. The second shoe if the contestant changes shoes after the
first shoe has been pitched. The only exception is if the first
shoe has broken in two and qualifies for a repitch.(Rule 6 Sec
E, #2)
-
d. Any shoe that leaves a contestant's hand once the final
forward swing of the delivery process has started shall count as
a pitched shoe. If it touches any ground outside of the target
pit, it shall be counted as a foul shoe. A shoe that is
accidentally dropped by a contestant before the final forward
swing has started shall not be considered foul and may be picked
up and pitched.
-
3. A contestant's shoes shall be called foul if the contestant
removes any shoe before the scoring of that shoe has been agreed
upon. A judge shall be called if a decision cannot be reached.
The judge shall determine the scoring for the inning.
-
Section I. Protests
If a contestant desires to make a protest, the protest shall be
made to the judge or tournament official at the time the problem
occurs. The tournament committee shall make the final ruling on
all protests.
-
RULE 7 - LENGTH OF THE GAME
-
The length of a game shall be determined before play begins.
There are three options:
-
1. Point Limit - The game shall be played to a predetermined
number of points. 40 points is the suggested amount. The first
contestant to reach (or exceed) that amount is the winner.
-
2. Shoe Limit - The game shall be played to a predetermined
amount of shoes. It shall be an even number. When that amount is
reached, the contestant with the highest score is the winner. If
the score is tied, there are two options:
-
a. Each contestant shall receive 1/2 win and 1/2 loss. (This
option should be used if a handicap system is in effect.)
-
b. A two inning tie-breaker shall be played, using the same
method of play that was used in the game. In the event of
another tie, the same process shall be repeated and this
procedure shall continue until the tie is broken.
-
3. Point Limit or Shoe Limit. (Whichever Comes First) For
example, 35 points or 50 shoes. During the tiebreaker described
in #2, (b) a pitcher reaching (or exceeding) the point limit is
the winner.
-
RULE 8 - SCORING THE GAME - SINGLES PLAY
-
There are two methods of scoring in horseshoes - cancellation
and count-all.
-
Section A. Cancellation Scoring
-
1. In cancellation scoring, only one contestant can score in
each inning.
-
a. Ringers - Ringers cancel each other. A ringer of one
contestant shall cancel a ringer of the other contestant those
shoes shall not score any points. Any uncancelled (live) ringer
scores three points.
-
b. Shoes in Count - A shoe in count shall score one point under
the following conditions:
-
1. If there are cancelled ringers and no live ringer, the
closest shoe in count to the stake shall score one point.
-
2. If there are no ringers, the closest shoe in count shall
score one point. If the other shoe of that same contestant is
the second closest shoe in count, it shall also score one point.
-
3. If there is one uncancelled ringer and the other shoe of the
scoring contestant is the closest shoe in count to the stake, it
shall score one point (four points total).
-
NOTE: Opposing contestant's shoes in count that are touching the
stake or are determined to be an equal distance from the stake
shall cancel each other and, like cancelled ringers, shall score
no points. In that situation, the next closest shoe in count, if
there is one, shall score one point.
-
2. Calling the Score
-
a. Points shall be awarded in the following situations. The
contestant scoring the points shall call the score.
-
1. No ringer with the closest shoe in count - call "one point".
-
2. No ringer with the two closest shoes in count - call "two
points".
-
3. One ringer with either no shoe in count or the other
contestant having the closes shoe in count - call "one ringer,
three points".
-
4. One ringer with the closest shoe in count - call "one ringer,
four points".
-
5. Two canceled ringers with the closest shoe in count - call
"one ringer each, one point".
-
6. Two cancelled ringers with one uncancelled ringer - call
"three ringers, three points".
-
7. Two uncancelled ringers - call "two ringers, six points".
-
b. No points shall be awarded in the following situations. The
score shall be called by the contestant who pitched second.
-
1. All four shoes out of count - call "no score".
-
2. Two cancelled ringers with no shoes in count or with the
other two shoes an equal distance from the stake - call "one
ringer each, no score".
-
3. Four cancelled ringers - call "four dead".
-
Section B. Count-all Scoring
-
1. Count-all Scoring can be where both contestants receive
credit for all of their shoes that are scored in each inning.
Each contestant can score zero, one, two, three, four or six
points
-
2. Count-all scoring can be where both contestants receive
credit for only ringers pitched in each inning (Ringers Only).
Each contestant may score zero, one or two points per inning.
This type of scoring should generally be limited to upper
percentage classes.
-
3. Care should be taken in reporting the scores to the
scorekeeper so that the proper score is recorded for each
contestant.
-
Section C. Recording the Score
-
In tournament play, the score sheet (not the scoring device)
shall be the official record of the game. Contestants are
encouraged to pay close attention to the score at all times. If
a question or discrepancy occurs regarding the correct score,
the contestant(s) may approach the scorer between innings or
during their half inning to rectify the situation. If the
discrepancy cannot be corrected to the satisfaction of both
contestants, a tournament judge shall be called to make the
final decision.
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