NAH Ruleset

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snottyotter
snottyotter's picture

Whereas mallet on mallet is allowed but slashing is not, different wording would be nice there.

andytk
andytk's picture

I think the wording is (mostly) fine, it looks like they're moving away the game's original rules where it was basic "x-on-y" penalties, it's better to look at it as "you can/can't do ... with your body/mallet/bike" otherwise you'll end up with "mallet on mallet is fine as long as you dont......................".

Previously a combination of "mallet-on-mallet" and "don't be a dick" was sufficient but as the game becomes more refined (or not...) we have to start looking at it differently.

andytk
andytk's picture

I've also been working from v4 of the ruleset, turns out we're on 4.1! http://www.nahardcourt.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/NAH_Ruleset_V4-1.pdf

Neil
Neil's picture

A couple of minor incidents this week for discussion - this relates to steering arm infractions (SAI).

Em and Rob cited SA during my contact with them on Tuesday. I interpreted both situations as they were trying to block my path/shield the ball with their left arms/elbows/bars as I was on their left side, therefore continued to force my way past the front of their bikes to get the ball on their right. They took no avoiding path and I was mindful of leaning across the 'cockpit' area. Who has the right to initiate contact here? Is any contact other than shoulder illegal? If so, can you therefore 'block' with your steering arm if thus protected and claim a foul?

Last night I had the ball and was attempting to go around Ste with him on my left side. I made initial contact with my left arm/elbow and thus my steering was affected and I dabbed. This I see as totally my fault as I had the option to shoulder but didn't - the others above I see as 'encouraged' and 'avoidable' by the complainant.

Thoughts??

andytk
andytk's picture

Where did you make contact with Em/Rob? A steering "arm" is only defined as being their elbow to fingertips. Contact to their upper arm/shoulder in line with the other rules in section 10 appears to be fine.

In a separate note, the wording for interference in v4.1 of the rules is much easier to understand.

Emyr
Emyr's picture

My understanding of the SA rule is that above the elbow is fine, but forearm is out of bounds.

andytk
andytk's picture

Yes, rule is nice and simple:

Quote:

§10.8 – Steering Arm Contact
§10.8.1 – A steering arm contact penalty will be assessed when a player initiates contact with an
opposing player’s steering arm at or below the elbow.

Was the contact you and Rob received elbow or below?

In response to Neil's idea about blocking with your steering arm - I guess you could, but you'd have to make it so they couldn't just check your upper-arm/shoulder, without having a bike in front of me, it seems like you'd need to be in an odd position to use it to your advantage to receive the foul call...

Neil
Neil's picture

Being taller than most, I'd say I'm usually above the opponents elbow reaching across with my arm to drop the mallet down and across the front of their bike to make contact with the ball - when I interpret that I'm being deliberately blocked or obstructed. If the opponent sticks their elbow out as any defence then they are going to assume/say that it's elbow and below. Like I say, if I've fouled/caused a dangerous incident then so be it (I understand the physics of dangerous steering arm contacts and am for the ruling) - what I'm concerned with here is - can a deliberate block be made by a player extending their elbow out to initiate and, if coming off worse, claim a foul?

andytk
andytk's picture

Slightly separate but... if you make contact with them while doing that - are you infringing the 'Extension' rule? My guess would be yes...

Back on track, if they use their elbow to make contact with while you're going for the ball over their wheel, chances are it's not 'high and even' as your arm's over the top of theirs and they could be called for 'Charging' or are you changing your body position to "invite" contact as in §10.2.1.1

Neil
Neil's picture

And the Extension rule is??

andytk
andytk's picture
Quote:

§10.1 – Extension
§10.1.1 – An extension penalty will be assessed when a player extends their arm and uses their
elbow, forearm or hand to initiate contact with another player. Principle physical contact must
be made with the shoulder when engaging with an opponent.
§10.1.1.1 – A player may “tuck” their arm up close to their body in the initiation of contact.
A penalty will result only if the player extends their arm upwards or outwards from the
shoulder to initiate contact in a pushing, stabbing or punching manner.

As of V4.1 http://www.nahardcourt.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/NAH_Ruleset_V4-1.pdf

Neil
Neil's picture

So I'm extending my arm and mallet out and across to reach for a viewable ball, albeit in front of the player's torso and making contact with their arm in the process. In my mind I'm not looking to make player-on-player contact at all (otherwise I'd just shoulder in and be looking for a dab). Mid-game, I feel I have the right to compete for the ball as in these instances I sense the player is expecting/seeking such contact ie. by not playing the ball and becoming a screen.

As you say, if I'm being called for extension then I could call for charging...

andytk
andytk's picture

I guess 90% of the time it'd be ignored as incidental contact and you'd get away with it as it's not an inherently dangerous/dick move. The other 10% one of you would be going too fast, or at a bad angle and then it's whatever the ref decides...

Neil
Neil's picture

On another topic - what's in the ruleset about reaching through and reaching around the opponent with your mallet?

When I go through the bike or under the BB it is because I can see the ball and think I can connect with it. Assuming I don't allow them to ride over the mallet - is this legal?

When I reach around, I don't think I can say I can see the ball, so the reality is I'm merely interfering/applying pressure/threatening to hook.

What's the legality here?

chan
chan's picture
Neil wrote:

On another topic - what's in the ruleset about reaching through and reaching around the opponent with your mallet?

Penalty for this is instant facebook deletion ;-)

chan
chan's picture

Hey, who remembers when bike polo was fun?

Neil
Neil's picture

^ Think yourself lucky you lived through those times...

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