Rules And Laws
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- The Basics
- Players
- Equipment
- The Court
- Playing The Game
- The Coin Toss
- Serving
- Substitutions, Time-Outs, Between Games
- Fouls & Cards
- Scoring
- Referees
- Policies
- Racial And Religious Vilification
- Infectious Disease
- Team Officials Conduct
- Representative Teams
- Draft And Trading Period
- Most Valuable Player Awards
- Tribunal System
- League Processes
- Ranking System
- Teams
- Uniforms
- Team Name
- The Basics
Players
Suburbanball is played by two teams, each with three or more players. Only three players from each team are allowed on the court at a time. If either team has fewer than two players, the game will be halted until both teams have at least two players on court. A team may only use 10 players per match.
The Suburbanball
Suburbanball is played with an inexpensive ball about the size of a soccer ball or netball. This is the “Suburbanball”. Suburbanballs should be provided by the home team. It is always handy to have a spare in case of puncture or other loss of functionality. Suburbanballs should be pumped up and firm.
The Suburbansticks
Suburbanball is played with just about anything you can find to hit the Suburbanball with. Items that weigh over 4 kilograms or that are longer than 170cm(6.7inches) are considered illegal. Suburbansticks should have no sharp metal or splintery wood on them. The following are the most common Suburbansticks… Cricket bats, hockey sticks and baseballs bats. Each player is only allowed one Suburbanstick on them when on court.
Padding & Protection
Is optional, but some players choose to wear knee pads, shin pads or even gloves. Players should not have excessive padding. It is recommended that all players wear mouth guards.
The Court
Suburbanball can be played on any flat surface. If playing in the street, then the street should be reasonably straight and level, preferably paved and with a curb, and having as little traffic as possible. The playing area should be 30 metres(100 feet) long from goal line to goal line. No-man’s land should be 6 metres(20 feet) long. Lines should be clearly marked with chalk or paint. If not playing in the street the width of the court should be 6-8 metres.
Suburbanball can be played on a range of different surfaces. Home teams may choose the surface of their court. As long as the surface is flat and lines can be marked it may be used. The most common locations are listed here… Low-traffic streets, gravel roads, grass fields, outdoor sports courts and indoor basketball courts.
The object of the game is to use the Suburbansticks to drive the ball across the opposing team’s goal line, scoring a point. In World Suburbanball League play, the first team to reach 10 points and hold a lead of at least two points is declared the winner of that game. A match is usually the best of three games, but can be varied. If one team reaches 10 points but does not hold that two point lead (i.e., the score is 10-9), play should continue until either team can establish a two-point lead. That team should then be declared the winner.
The Coin Toss
The winner of this decides which way they would like to go as well as whether they would like to serve or receive.
Serving
Play is begun by serving the ball. One team serves while the other receives. Each team should be on opposite sides of the court, outside the boundaries of no-man’s land. The serving team hits the ball toward the receiving team.
Until the ball crosses into and out of no-man’s land, no player from either team can enter no-man’s land. Once the ball has cleared no-man’s land, any player may go anywhere on the court. If a player steps into no-man’s land before the ball has cleared it, a free hit is awarded to the opposition. After a point is scored, the scoring team decides if it will serve or receive. Play continues in this manner until one team wins.
Substitutions
Subs can be made at any stoppage of play (After a point has been scored, a foul or an out of bounds). There is no limit to the amount of substitutions that a team can make, remembering that a team can only have a maximum of 7 players on its interchange.
Timeout
Each team may have a 2 minute time-out each game.
Between Games
After the completion of one game there should be a five minute break before the next game is started.
Fouls
Fouls should be taken with a free hit from the place the offence took place or along the line that the foul occurred. Defenders must clear a 5 metres radius from free hit. If a defender fails to get back this 5 metres and the offensive team is disadvantaged by them then the ball shall be brought back and the defender may be carded. If a foul takes place closer than 12 metres to the offence’s goal line, the foul must be taken from 12 metres back.
All players must be on the court for any play-in, serve or free hit. If they are not on the court they should be given a chance to get on and if they refuse this chance then they are no longer a legal player and will not be able to participate again until the next stoppage in play.
Body Balling: Using body deliberately to move the Suburbanball, including kicking the ball. If the suburbanball is hit into the body by another player or the player is using body to stop the Suburbanball it is a play on.
Breaking: In a serve situation if a player enters no man’s land before the ball has gone into and out of no man’s land a free hit shall be awarded to the opposition.
Butt-ending: Striking an opponent with the top of the shaft of the stick in a jabbing motion.
Carrying: Deliberately carrying the suburbanball, includes bouncing the Suburbanball repeatedly on Suburbanstick. If a player bounces the ball on their Suburbanstick more than three times in a row without the suburbanball touching the ground then it is a foul.
Charging: Running, jumping or charging violently into an opposing player.
Checking From Behind: Hitting a player on the back part of the body when that player is unable to defend themselves.
Cross Checking: A check delivered with both hands on the stick with arms extended at the time of impact.
Dangerous Swinging: Taking an unnecessarily dangerous swing at the ball while, putting opposition at risk of injury as a result of being hit by Suburbanstick.
Delay Of Game: Deliberately hitting suburbanball off the court. Intentionally displacing lines, cones, posts. Stalling the start of play.
Dissent: A foul shall be assessed to any player who persists in challenging or disputing the rulings of any official during a game. If the player persists in such challenge or dispute, he shall be assessed a misconduct penalty and any further dispute will result in a a carding.
Diving: A player who attempts to draw a foul by their deliberately falling.
Elbowing: Use of an extended elbow to hit opponent.
Holding: Use of hands or arms to impede an opponent’s progress.
Holding The Stick: A player is not permitted to hold an opponent’s stick.
Hooking: Use of the stick to impede the progress of an opponent, while making no attempt at the ball.
Misconduct: A misconduct foul shall be imposed on any player who uses obscene, profane or abusive language to any person or who intentionally knocks or shoots the ball out of the reach of an official who is retrieving it or who deliberately throws any equipment off the court .
Sheparding: Impeding progress of an opponent who is not within 5 metres of the suburbanball.
Kneeing: Striking an opponent with the knee.
Roughing: Excessive pushing or shoving.
Slashing: Swinging the stick at an opponent, regardless of whether contact is made, while making no attempt at the ball.
Spearing: Stabbing at an opponent with the point of the stick blade regardless of whether contact is made, while making no attempt at the Suburbanball.
Time Wasting: When both teams are on the court, the serving/free hitting team is ordered to play, when ordered to do so by the referee they must proceed, if they do not comply the referee shall warn the captain and allow the team fifteen seconds within which to begin the play or resume play. If at the end of that time, the team shall still refuse to play, the referee shall impose a white card on a player of the offending team and give the opposition a free hit. Should there be a repetition of the same incident, the referee shall issue a Blue or Orange card.
Trapping: Trapping the ball to yourself, including holding the Suburbanball on your Suburbanstick.
Tripping: A player who uses his stick or any part of his body to cause an opponent to trip and fall, while making no attempt at the Suburbanball.
Un-sportsmanlike Conduct: A player who challenges or disputes the rulings of an official and abuses the line of sportsmanship.
Injuries
If a player is injured during play and is unable to get up, play shall be halted at the next stoppage in play and the player shall be treated. If a goal is scored before the next stoppage in play it is still counted as a score.
Technical Goal
Technical goals are awarded when literally no goal is scored, but an offence has taken place and that has stopped what would have been otherwise been a goal. This rule is at the digression of the referee. In some cases the offence may be sufficient enough to warrant a card being issued. Some instances where this may occur are…
Illegal Substitution
- There is a deliberate and illegal substitution during play and that player stops a goal from going through.
- A player on a breakaway is interfered with by player who has illegally entered game.
Professional Fouls
- There is a foul from behind when a player is on a breakaway and has a clear run with the ball to the goal line.
- A player traps the ball on the goal stopping the offensive team from scoring.
- A player picks up the ball on the goal line with their hand.
- Throwing or shooting of object at the ball stopping it from going for a goal.
- A player on a breakaway is interfered with by an object shot or thrown by defending team.
Cards
White Cards: Issued as a warning to players, if a player has been warned then the next time they commit that offence they will incur a more severe card.
Blue Cards: Can be issued to a player who repeatedly offends or outrageously offends. A blue card will result in being sent off for 10 minutes, no replacement may be issued.
Orange Cards: Can be issued when a player repeatedly offends or outrageously offends or causes bodily harm to an opponent. An orange card results in being sent off for the rest of the game and possible suspension. No replacement can be put on court for rest of the game.
Cards are awarded at the digression of the referee.
Advantage
If a foul is committed behind play or a player is able to keep going from a foul and have a greater advantage than what their would have been if a free hit had been taken then it is play on. Advantage is at the digression of the referee, who may choose to let play continue and if there is no advantage, bring the ball back for a free hit.
Play On
If the ball strikes a referee or any loose object on the court including any piece of playing equipment dropped unintentionally, the game shall continue.
Traffic - Street Courts Only
The game shall be paused in the event of a car coming. It will resume once the car has passed with the team who was in possession at the time of the stoppage. If no one had the ball at this time. The serving team will replay serve.
Swapping Ends
When one team reaches the score of 5, teams must swap ends. The game takes a 2 minute break. This continues at 10, 15, 20 etc.(if games goes that long).
Out of Bounds
The edge of the street is considered the edge of the court. If the ball crosses out of the court, the game is paused. If playing in the street, once the ball makes contact with the grass nature strip it is out. If playing on a lined court the whole ball must be over the line. If using cones, markers or posts to indicate areas on the court as soon as the ball touches these it is out. The ball is called “out” on the last player to make contact with the ball (with a suburbanstick or the player’s body). A member of the other team then hits the ball back in from the point on the edge of the court where it crossed out, and the game resumes. This is called a “play-in.” Players are free to cross out of bounds at any time, provided they immediately return to the court.
Defenders must be clear a 5 radius from free hit. If a defender fails to get back this 5 metres and the offensive team is disadvantaged by them then the ball shall be brought back and the defender may be carded. If the play-in is closer than 12 metres to the offence’s goal line, the foul must be taken from 12 metres back. All players must be on the court for any play-in, serve or free hit. If they are not on the court they should be given a chance to get on and if they refuse this chance then they are no longer a legal player and will not be able to participate again until the next stoppage in play.
Scoring
When a ball crosses the goal line and any part of it is under 1.5 metres it is counted as a point for the team that is trying to score in that direction. The whole ball must be over the line for it to be called as a score. If a player inadvertently knocks the balls across his own goal line, it is still counted as a point for the other team. Balls which come off the offences body and across the goal line do not count as a score. If this happens, the defence play the ball in from their defending goal line.
After a play-in from out of bounds or a free hit, the ball must touch both the ground and another player before crossing the goal line to be counted as a point. If the ball crosses the goal line without making these two contacts, a free hit should be taken by the defensive team at the goal line it went over. If the whole ball goes over the goal line above 1.5m the defensive team should play it in from their defending goal line.
After a serve, the ball must touch both a player on the other side of no-man’s land and the ground before crossing the goal line to be counted as a point. If the ball does not make these two contacts, it should be re-served. The serving team has 3 serves to try and make these contacts and if they are not made the defensive team should take a free hit from their defensive 12m line. The serving team should remain behind their defensive 12m line until the ball has been hit.
Scores should be recorded on the official WSL score sheet.
Player Grooming
- Players should have finely cut nails, that are not sharp.
- Players should remove all body piercing before matches.
Captains & Managers
It is the responsibility of the captains to toss a coin as well as be responsible for their teams on court actions. The captain of a team also has the right to talk to the referee about the game during a break in play. The captain or the manager of a team must indicate to the referees any replacement captain and be responsible for the substitution of players .
When To Play
Suburbanball is a day or night game. Street lights should provide sufficient light, but if it is too dark to play, the game should be postponed until a suitably lit site can be found.
After The Game
In order to make this a truly cohesive organization, we’re going to want to keep accurate records, especially of the games that have been played.
When you play a WSL match, you should keep score on an official WSL score sheet. Make one copy for each team, and then send a copy and report of the match to the WSL
When filling the score sheets out, be sure to give credit to each person who scores each goal, and have the referees and team captains sign it.
The use of referees is required, and is up to the teams involved. If two referees are used, there should be one on each side of the court, and both should remain off the court when possible.
Referees have the final say on all calls, unless both teams contest a call. If both teams contest a call, the call is reversed. The choice of referees is up to the teams involved. If the WSL provides referees, a team may contest the choices, and request a new referee(s) if the other team approves.
If there is a complaint about a decision, the only person that should speak to the referee about it is the captain. This should occur during a stoppage in play and the captain should be rational. Whatever decision the referees reaches is final.
Acts of un-sportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. The referees retain full latitude to identify and penalize improper conduct with warnings, carding players and/or forfeiting contests.
Racial And Religious Vilification
The WSL developed this policy, which incorporated a process of education, conciliation and potential Tribunal sanctions. The WSL understands that religious and racial vilification of any sort is unacceptable, regardless of when or where such vilification occurs. The WSL has also recognized that it has an opportunity and responsibility to relay this important message to the public and raise community awareness that vilification at any level is unacceptable.
A complaint can be brought by a referee, a player or a club. Initially, the matter is dealt with through confidential conciliation between the persons involved, but if it cannot be resolved in such a way, it is referred to the WSL Tribunal or the local tribunal for determination. Any complaint made against a player with a prior offence may be referred immediately to the Tribunal. Further education is required following any attempted resolution through conciliation. The conciliation process is held in confidence to give all parties the opportunity to come together face to face to resolve their differences with the assistance of a suitable independent person appointed by the WSL Commission on agreement between the parties. If the conciliation is successful and parties agree to terms that will be the end of the matter.
Penalties are to be determined by the WSL Tribunal. All matters discussed in conciliation hearings are to remain confidential.
Infectious Disease
No club or team shall allow any player to participate in any match or continue to participate in any match for so long as such player is bleeding has blood on any part of his or her body.
Where a referee is of the opinion that a player is bleeding or has blood on any part of his or her uniform, the field referee shall stop play at the first available opportunity and wait until the blood is removed or the player has been replaced.
Team Officials Conduct
Each team official and team runner shall wear a uniform or other form of identification, such as an armband. Team Officials (and spectators) should stand at least 2 metres from court boundaries and must only set foot on court during a stoppage in play. The same applies for interchange players.
Bribes & Gambling
Accepting a bribe or agreeing to throw or fix a game or illegally influence its outcome; failing to promptly report any bribe offer or any attempt to throw or fix a game or to illegally influence its outcome; betting on any WSL game involving their team; associating with gamblers or with gambling activities in a manner tending to bring discredit to the WSL.
Substitution Areas
A team’s substitution players should all remain in the one area and these two areas should be on the opposite sides of the court.
Representative Suburbanball
Selection in a WSL representative team is considered one of suburbanball’s highest honors. Players selected are recognized as being the elite in their position for that particular season. To be selected more than once in WSL representative team means you are considered one of the superstars of the suburbanball. WSL representative teams are selected, in a squad, by a committee appointed by the WSL. Selection is a symbolic, though significant achievement.
Representative teams include district, zone, state, and national as well as worldwide all-star teams. The time of the selection of these teams may vary depending on when matches are scheduled. The best team and league officials should also be selected to be apart of representative teams and matches.
Draft And Trading Period
At the conclusion of a season, a one week draft and trading period begins. During this period clubs have the right to trade in contract players with other clubs in their competition.
A draft comprising of un-contracted players looking for a club will take place. 1st choice in the draft will go to the club who finished last on the ladder in the previous season and choices will continue in ascending order and once at the top return to the bottom side. This continues until all players in the draft are gone or all clubs choose to pass their choices. Draft picks can be traded to other clubs in exchange for more choices or an in-contract player.
Player Loyalty Policy
Once a player has played for a side in a particular season they may not player for any other team in that league. All players are obligated to this rule and breaches may result in a fine. The player may play for another team after the season is completed. Some teams may choose to contract their players in order to prevent them going to another team over a certain period of time. This is perfectly legal and these contracts are recognized by the WSL.
Most Valuable Player Awards
This is presented to a player who is the best and fairest in a team, league or world-wide realm at the end of each year. After every game the referees should decide upon who shall receive the 6 votes for the match and then each captain should cast a set of 3,2,1 votes for their team MVP.
A player is ruled ineligible for the award if they are suspended by the WSL or their local league. However if a player is suspended by their club they are still eligible. Blue and Orange carded players are also still eligible.
Finals Policy
Player participants in a final series must have played at least two games in during the regular home and away season. This restricts teams from producing players that have not played during the season to help them gain an advantage and win the grand final.
Extreme Weather Policy
If it is decided that a game is to be played in temperatures above 30 degrees or a humidity level that is uncomfortable for players then a number of adjustments should be made. Each team should be given two timeouts per game and the break between games should be extended to 10 minutes. In the event of a storm then play should halt until lightning has cleared. In any other conditions the referees may decide to cease play if conditions become unplayable. If both captains agree to halt the game then this may be done also.
WSL And League Tribunal System
A tribunal should be made up of at least three impartial judges. A case should be heard in the week after the game that the offence occurred took place. The WSL and it’s Referees Association will present the case against the player or official that has been charged with an offence. The player or official and their representation have the chance to present their case to the tribunal.
After both sides have been heard the tribunal shall decide on a punishment first through a guilty or not guilty verdict and if found guilty they must decide on a punishment. The punishment can be a match suspension or minimal fine.
After the decision has been handed down a club can choose to appeal the decision. If this occurs a new tribunal will be collected and the case reheard. The tribunal can choose to undo the verdict, down grade the punishment or impose a heftier punishment.
The WSL Tribunal has the right to impose small fines on players who have offended. The WSL Tribunal has a set of guidelines in place in the event of an offence and may fine appropriately.
Ranking System
Each win is worth 4 points on your competition ladder; if more than one team finishes on the same amount of points then they are ranked by percentage (POINTS FOR divided by POINTS AGAINST). A forfeit will result in a 2-0 (10-0)(10-0) defeat. When neither team able to field a team it will be declared a draw and result in 2 premiership points being award to each side. Top 4 teams at the end of the season will go into the finals, the finals system is shown below.
The Poulakakis Top 4 Finals System
The rankings will be posted at TrustAMate.com each week.
Game Times And Location
Each team must have a home court and is the responsibility of the team to have lines marked correctly before games. It is also the responsibility of the home team to provide the suburbanball. Game times and dates are specified by the fixture, which all team members should receive a copy of alternatively it is available on the WSL web site.
Teams
Once you have a team of at least 3 together (it is recommended u have more in case of injury, illness or many other reasons.) Send your team list with names, email and phone numbers of all your team members as well as your team name and home court address to here. Failure to have at least 2 turn up at a game will result in forfeit. Teams can be up to 15 minutes late, after that the game is called off.
Uniform
Though uniform is not required it may be helpful to wear t-shirts or some item of clothing the same color.
Team Name
Each team must have a name. Every team name in the WSL should be different in some way. A logo is required for every team, you can create your own or the WSL will do it for you.
admin | 
October 20, 2008 12:19 pm
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