Racketlon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Racketlon is the sport in which you challenge your opponent in each of the four racket sports table tennis, squash, badminton and tennis. A racketlon match contains four sets, one in each sport. Each set is played to 21 points, much like in table tennis, but the total winner of a racketlon match is not the one that wins most sets but the one that scores the most points in total. The winner is the best all round racket player.
[edit] Definition of Racketlon
The following three pinciples need to be fulfilled in order for a sport to qualify for the term Racketlon:
The game must include the following four sports: table tennis, squash, badminton and tennis The game must be built on the concept of a racketlon match involving the same two individuals (pairs in doubles) playing each other in all four sports - with equivalent sets being played in each sport. Each rally must count. The player (pair) who wins most rallies is the winner of the racketlon match. Any sport that fulfills the three principles above is racketlon. Any other sports involving the combination of several racket sports might be termed "multi racket sports" - but they are not Racketlon.
[edit] Rules of Racketlon
Set Order
The sets are played in the following order (from smaller to larger rackets): table tennis, badminton, squash, tennis
Scoring
Each set is played to 21 points. Every rally results in a point to the winner of the rally - just like in table tennis. Also, like in table tennis, the winner needs to have a margin of at least two points to win the set. A set can thus end e.g. 22-20 or 25-23 but never 21-20. The winner of a racketlon match is not the one that wins most sets but the one that scores the most points in total. This means that it is possible to loose three out of the four sets and still win the match. If any of the players so wishes the match shall be stopped as soon as (a) the winner has enough points for the match to be decided - AND (b) the rest of the points have no other significance. (Note that group play is sometimes decided through counting total points difference. In that case (b) might apply and the rest of the points might still have significance for the result of the group in which case each match shall be played to the end.). If, after 4 sets, both players have exactly the same number of points, then the tennis set is extended with one single point. The winner of this single point tie-break is also the winner of the full match. Server is decided by the drawing of lots. The winner of the lot chooses whether to decide who gets to serve or what side to play on. To off-set the server's advantage there is no second service in the single point.
Serving & Sides of Court
At the beginning of each set lots are drawn. The winner of the lot chooses whether to decide who gets to serve or what side to play on. After every five points the serve goes to the other player. At the first of these five serves the server can choose from which side to serve. Then, the server shall switch from side to side every time. If any of the players so wishes sides are switched at the time when 11 points are first reached by one of the players. After 20-20 the serve switches hand at every point until the set is decided. In tennis, the server has two chances - first and second service - just as in normal tennis.
Time Intervals & Continuous Play
A maximum break of one minute shall be allowed at eleven (i.e. when 11 points is first reached by any of the players) in each set. The break between sets shall be maximised at "3+3" minutes meaning: (a) Warming up at the next sport has to commence within 3 minutes after the end of the previous set. (b) The next set has to commence within 6 minutes after the end of the previous set Play must be continuous at all times (as far as can be reasonably expected). Umpires and referees have the right to penalise players under the misconduct rule should they breach this. Players may pause for a brief drink and to towel down every five points only (so after 5, 10, 15 points, etc), if this is breached the umpire may penalise the offending player. If sweat has dripped onto the table tennis table, badminton court, etc, then of course the player may use a towel to wipe that away at any time.
Conduct on Court
For any act of misconduct (as judged by the umpire) such as swearing, threatening behaviour, racket abuse, delaying or dangerous play, etc, the player shall be penalised as follows:
1st incident - warning 2nd incident - player loses a point 3rd incident - player loses the set 4th incident - player loses the match and is disqualified from the tournament.
Line Judging:
If a call by a line judge is challenged and no judge or referee is present then the call stands and the challenger has to accept the call. The challenger may, of course, request a referee to preside for the rest of that set, if available.
Injury
Each player is allowed one injury time-out per match of 5 minutes In the event of bleeding the same rule as above applies, as long as bandages/plasters are readily available of course. If any injury is the result of a collision with the opponent, the umpire may allow the player as much time as he needs, and if necessary, penalise either player.
