2018
Proposed Rule Changes
revised January 1, 2016
II
Requirements Requirement 2
Section F - League
Credit Page 23 Reads as follows
All seasonal, sanctioned Club/League play must be four hundred (400) or more pitched shoes to qualify as an official
event for NatStats purposes.
All seasonal,
sanctioned Club/League play must be two hundred (200) or more pitched shoes to qualify
as an official event for NatStats purposes.
Some leagues pitch 120 shoes a night and have substitutes. There are times when a person may play or sub in 3 league nights. and only pitch 360 shoes. By the rules that are currently in place, this person may not get credit for that league.
In comparison, tournament competition, Rule E, page 23 a contestant may pitch 100 shoes and get credit for NatStats.
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During a league night in our club, a contestant will pitch 120 shoes (
3 - 40 shoe games )
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Some tournaments, a contestant may only pitch 100 - 200 shoes and
receive NatStats credit.
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There are times when several subs are available and not
all are able to receive NatStat recognition. The
change in this rule will help.
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There are times when a player may be on a league team, but due to work
or illness may not get to pitch 400 shoes.
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This would also encourage more participation. Membership is down an as
NHPA members, we should try to
increase participation
Reads as follows
1. For singles and doubles
events, a contestant must have pitched a minimum of 100 shoes to receive Natstats credit.
Exception: If all games of the round-robin schedule have been pitched in less
than 100 shoes, these statistics may be submitted for Natstats credit.
2. In team tournament
competitions, any team member who has pitched a minimum of one hundred (100)
shoes during that event may receive Natstats credit.
3. For elimination tournaments,
a contestant must pitch one hundred (100) or more shoes to receive Natstats credit for
that event.
1. For singles, doubles, team, and elimination events, a
contestant must have pitched a minimum of one hundred (100) shoes against
another contestant to receive Natstats credit.
Exception: If
all games of the round-robin schedule have been pitched in less than one
hundred (100) shoes, these statistics may be submitted for Natstats
credit. This exception applies to point games only.
Numbers 2 and 3 are redundant and need to be removed. Number 1 now includes all necessary wording.
Reads as
follows
Section E - Court Rotation
At the end of each game, contestants shall go promptly to their next assigned court. If the court is vacant, they may practice here at this time. After the games on adjacent courts are completed , both pits shall be prepared for play (see Section B above). When the scorekeeper is ready, the contestants have the option of pitching no more than four (4) additional warm-up shoes each, and then the next game must begin immediately.
At the end of
each game contestants can practice on current court until their next assigned
court is available. After the games on adjacent courts are completed, both pits
shall be prepared for play (see Section B above). When the scorekeeper is
ready, the contestants have the option of pitching no more than four (4)
additional warm-up shoes each, and then the next game must begin immediately.
To prevent contestants from debating with Judges with the potential to avoid unsportsmanlike behavior and allow everyone the same privilege to practice eliminating the unwritten rule in the Championship level. At the World this year were several instances where contestants disagreed with the Judges and acted in unsportsmanlike conditions. I believe this may help solve a few issues.
Reads as
follows
See
proposed addition in red/italic type
The Tournament Officials shall decide how Class winners are to be determined and how ties are to be broken and shall announce these procedures before tournament play begins.
1.
Class
Winners - At the end of round-robin play, win/loss records or ringer
percentage shall determine Class winners.
In addition, total points may be used if the scoring was done using the
count-all method.
2.
Class Ties - If ties occur, they shall
be broken by playoff games, overall ringer percentage, who-beat-whom in the
regular round-robin, or highest above/closest to their entering ringer average.
Total points may
be used if the scoring was done
using the count-all method.
In World, National, Regional and State Championships, all ties for first place in the Championship Class of a designated Division must be broken by a playoff game(s).
See
proposed addition in red/italic type
Handicapping may be used in open tournaments and in league play. The Tournament/League Officials shall determine the amount of the handicap. Class winners will be determined by win/loss record or , for count-all formats, by total points scored. An alternate-pitch format shall be used. For the breaking of Class ties, the options in Section B (above) may also apply, except that ringer percentage shall not be used. Game handicapping shall not be used in any World, National, or Regional Tournament or in the Championship Class of a designated Division of any State Championship Tournament.
Some background information: Several RGS revisions ago, the use of total points as an option for the breaking of Class Ties was eliminated (see Section B-2 above) as it was determined that using this option as a tie-breaker in cancellation play penalized the higher percentage pitchers.in that Class. This was verified by the analysis of past tournament results, was agreed-to by members of the IT Committee, and was also approved by the Chairman of the Rules Committee and the NHPA Council. This also resulted in the same changes that were made to the HS Master Program, now widely used in Charter Tournaments. At least two articles were published in Newsline Magazine, which included reasons for the Rule change and examples of how the use of total points for the breaking of Class ties was unfair to the higher percentage pitchers.
The current wording of this Rule has lead to some mis-interpretations of the Rule by some Tournament Directors, especially as it applies to the breaking of ties in handicapped Classes. The proposed addition of the sentence in B-2 (a repeat of the information in B-1), and also the addition of the phrase 'for count-all formats' in Section F, does not change the original intent of the Rule and helps to distinguish between the use of total points as it may apply to cancellation formats and count-all formats in tournament play.
Reads as
follows
None
To be added
under Requirement 2 as Section D-Tournament Size
Section D:
Tournament Size: The minimum number of contestants in a sanctioned tournament
shall be four (4) contestants.
Current
Section D becomes E, Section E becomes F, etc.
Reasons: The number of two
person tournaments being submitted to NatStats has been
increasing. Some of these tournaments are not publicized as required by Section
II, Requirement 1-A, of the RGS book. Having such tournaments that do not
follow the current RGS guidelines adversely affects the integrity of NatStats. Some feel that many of these tournaments are
staged at the last minute for the express purpose of getting qualifying events
for entry into the World Tournament. Allowing such tournaments could adversely
affect participation in regularly scheduled tournaments. Others feel that an
average obtained after pitching two fifty (50) shoe games against a familiar
opponent does not equate to the rigors of pitching in a competitive tournament.
Reads as follows Section A - Juniors
(See REQUIREMENTS 6 for exceptions and additional information)
1. Junior Cadets (any pitcher twelve (12) years old or younger for the entire calendar year)
Junior cadets may pitch from any place on the extended or full-distance platforms and shall observe the twenty-foot (20') foul line. Note: Junior cadets may choose to move into Junior Boys or Junior Girls prior to the age guidelines, but cannot return to the Junior Cadets once this declaration has been made.
2. Junior Boys (any male pitcher eighteen (18) years old or younger for the entire
calendar year)
Junior Boys may pitch from any place on the extended or full-distance platforms. They shall observe the twenty-seven- foot (27') foul lines. Note: Junior Boys may choose to move into the Open Men Division prior to the age guidelines, but cannot return to the Junior Boys once this declaration has been made.
3. Junior Girls (any female pitcher eighteen (18) years old or younger for the entire
calendar year)
Junior Girls may pitch from any place on the extended or full-distance platforms. They shall observe the twenty-seven-foot (27') foul lines. Note: Junior Girls may choose to move into the Open Women Division prior to the age guidelines, but cannot return to the Junior Girls once this declaration has been made.
(See
REQUIREMENT 6, for exceptions and additional information)
1.
Cadet Boys (any male pitcher twelve
(12) years old or younger for the entire calendar year)
Cadet Boys may pitch from
any place on the extended or full-distance platforms and shall observe the
twenty-foot (20') foul line. Note: Cadet Boys may choose to move into the
Junior Boys prior to the age guidelines, but cannot return to the Cadet Boys
once this declaration has been made.
2.
Cadet Girls (any female pitcher twelve
(12) years old or younger for the entire calendar year)
Cadet Girls
may pitch from any place on the extended or full-distance platforms and shall
observe the twenty-foot (20') foul line. Note: Cadet Girls may choose to move
into the Junior Girls prior to the age guidelines, but cannot return to the
Cadet Girls once this declaration has been made.
(See REQUIREMENT 6, for exceptions and additional
information)
1.
Junior Boys (any male pitcher eighteen
(18) years old or younger for the entire calendar year)
Junior Boys
may pitch from any place on the extended or full-distance platforms. They shall
observe the twenty-seven- foot (27') foul lines. Note: Junior Boys may choose
to move into the Open Men Division prior to the age guidelines, but cannot
return to the Junior Boys once this declaration has been made.
2.
Junior Girls (any female pitcher eighteen
(18) years old or younger for the entire calendar year)
Junior Girls may pitch from
any place on the extended or full-distance platforms. They shall observe the
twenty-seven-foot (27') foul lines. Note: Junior Girls may choose to move into
the Open Women Division prior to the age guidelines, but cannot return to the
Junior Girls once this declaration has been made.
Dividing the Cadets into Boys and Girls better adheres to the NHPA practice of separating divisions based on gender. With the last increase in age of Cadets, there has been significant growth in participants in this division; that growth is prone to continue into the future. Separating Cadets into Boys and Girls divisions will allow for increased recognition place on a greater number of the youngest of the NHPA participants. Most kids have picked their favorite sports and teams in elementary schools; with more value place on this age demographic we can support the development of more committed life-long NHPA members. Additionally, more individual focus placed on girls may lead to a greater number of females participating in the NHPA as youth and later as adults. Finally, a few NHPA charters are already treating Cadets in this manner at their state tournaments. This rule brings those charters into compliance and encourages the rest of the charters to place this added emphasis on their Cadet-age youth.
Note 1: Following all other current rules, Cadets could be "mixed" with each other or with other divisions if their numbers are not high enough at a given tournament for a division class. State and World Tournament should make every efforts to fill these divisions and award Cadet Boy and Cadet Girl Championships
Note 2: The Sections B-E of this rule will need to be re-numbered C-F.
Section B - Eligibility
Tournament entry and league participation is restricted to contestants holding a current NHPA membership card (see Bylaws for additional information on membership). This includes pacers and substitutes. Other eligibility requirements may apply for State tournaments and for the World Tournament.
Contestants
holding a current NHPA Full Member membership card (see Bylaws for
additional information on membership) are given priority over other member
levels for Tournament entry and league participation. This includes pacers
and substitutes. Other eligibility requirements may apply for State tournaments
and for the World Tournament.
Note: with
this change, a required clarification of membership levels must be made to
Bylaw Article III Section 3. The following is a recommendation:
SECTION 3.
Full Member - Dues for Full
adult members are the National dues of twenty five dollars ($25.00) plus the
amount set for State dues within their Charter. Three dollars ($3.00) of every
adult membership will be set aside for the World Tournament prize fund, for the
next year. Only Full Members may enter State and World Tournaments.
Provisional
Member - Dues for Provisional adult members are the National Provisional dues
of ten dollars ($10.00). Provisional Members are
allowed entry to regular tournaments/leagues (upon paying their full entry fee)
for the period beginning at their first entry to the end of the current
calendar year. At which time they must become Full members in order to
continue participating in NHPA tournaments/leagues. During their provisional
time, a member can upgrade to Full member at any time by paying the
remainder of their National Dues ($15) and their state charter dues.
Provisional Member tournament/league statistics are reported to the NHPA
and the member is provided an NHPA membership card number with a
"P" at the beginning of their charter-assigned membership number
(e.g., P095001) for tracking purposes. Provisional members cannot vote
and do not count toward the awarding of charter
delegates, but are reported on charter membership reports to the NHPA.
Trial Member - All dues for Trial members are waived and the member is
allowed entry to one regular tournament/league (upon paying their full entry
fee). Trial Member tournament/league statistics are not reported to the NHPA.
Trial members cannot vote and do not count toward the awarding of carter
delegates, but are reported on charter
membership reports to the NHPA.
The rule change will allow other levels of NHPA members to participate in NHPA tournaments, but prioritizes entry and participation of Full NHPA members.
This change requires that the membership bylaws to be altered to identify the other levels of membership. The suggestion given includes two additional NHPA membership levels for adults, "Provisional," and "Trial." Both are designed to entice new membership recruitment and growth by removing the upfront barrier of NHPA dues price tag, especially now that it has increased by a record amount. The Provisional membership level only will last for the year the participant starts and thereafter they must upgrade to full membership if they wish to continue with the NHPA. The
Trial membership lasts for one event and thereafter they must upgrade to Trial or Full membership if they wish to continue with the NHPA. A Trial and Provisional membership may only be used one time by a new member.
The creation of other NHPA membership levels is a key step in opening the door to attracting new membership to the NHPA from among, foremost, non-sanctioned organized horseshoe pitching groups, but also to small community/neighborhood groups who represent the 110 Million other horseshoe pitchers in the USA. The NHPA should be making it easier for horseshoe enthusiasts of all walks of life to affiliate with the NHPA, not harder. This rule removes a significant barrier to joining the NHPA and participating NHPA horseshoes. As the NHPA starts bringing in new members those new members will become exposed to the NHPA world. They will learn about top caliber horseshoes. Top quality facilities. Challenging state and world championships. Pro style
equipment. NHPA marketing/promotion/communication. etc, etc... In time, as many such members are incorporated, they will help fortify the NHPA with growth and vitality.
Current
Wording
(the
full wording of unchanged clauses is omitted for brevity)
Court conditions inconsistent with the NHPA specifications listed below are discouraged, primarily because of the need to standardize the conditions and results of play for all pitchers. All NHPA
sanctioned events must be contested on fully or conditionally sanctioned courts. These courts must be re- sanctioned by the Charter RD (or designates) every four (4) years, beginning in 2007.
1. Full Court Sanction - Permanent...
2. Conditional Court Sanction - The NHPA recognizes...
3. Portable Raised Pits - Portable raised
pits...
4. Court Complexes - Since only one...
5. Court Sanction Waivers - Waivers for some...
b.
Permanent CS Waiver -
c. A Special Waiver -
....
d.
Other Court Sanction Requirements
Proposed
Change
(the full wording of unchanged clauses is again omitted for
brevity)
Court
conditions inconsistent with the NHPA specifications listed below are
discouraged, primarily because of the need to standardize the conditions and
results of play for all pitchers. It is strongly recommended that all
NHPA sanctioned events must be contested on fully or conditionally sanctioned
courts. These sanctioned courts must be re-sanctioned by the Charter RD
(or designates) every four (4) years, beginning in 2007.
1.
Full Court Sanction - Permanent...
2.
Conditional Court Sanction - The NHPA
recognizes...
3. Portable Raised Pits - Portable raised pits...
4.
Court Complexes - Since only one...
5.
Court Sanction Waivers - Waivers for some...
b.
Permanent CS Waiver -
c. A Special Waiver - ....
d.
Other Court Sanction Requirements
6.
Non-Sanctioned Courts - Courts that
do not meet one or more identified criteria in the Sections B-D of
Specification II. Tournaments/Leagues played on non-sanctioned courts may be
given a secondary NHPA sanction number identifying that the tournament was
played on non- sanctioned courts in the NHPA statistical database (e.g.:
09-18-N01). Non- sanctioned courts cannot be used for NHPA state or world
championship play.
Although desirable that all tournaments be played on high quality courts that would meet the full NHPA sanction for courts, this rule has created a significant divide between the NHPA and the American horseshoe pitching public (over110 Million). In essence the NHPA has said to that
public "if you don't play horseshoes on our courts, you are not playing horseshoes, as we (NHPA) are the nationally recognized organizing body of the sport and we do not recognize your courts." No wonder NHPA has a hard time attracting non-NHPA horseshoe pitching enthusiasts and community groups. Furthermore, the NHPA has lost some of its membership over the years as the sanction court rules have become more and more strict, due to old complexes falling out of compliance. This membership loss may be further exacerbated in 2019 with the imposition of short distance platform requirements.
Because non-sanctioned courts have the potential to be significantly out of any given specification, a secondary NHPA Sanction number should be applied to tournaments/leagues pitched on any such courts to allow the NHPA and participants to identify these events
separately from those on sanctioned courts. A simple option is including the letter "N" in the first digit of the tournament/league number for a charter for a given year (e.g., 09-18-N01 = Utah- 2018-Tournament #1 played on non-sanctioned courts).
Allowing non-sanctioned courts to be used for NHPA play is a key step in opening the door to attracting new membership to the NHPA from among, foremost, non-sanctioned organized horseshoe pitching groups, but also to small community/neighborhood groups. The NHPA should be making it easier for horseshoe enthusiasts of all walks of life to affiliate with the NHPA, not harder. This rule removes a significant barrier to joining the NHPA and participating NHPA horseshoes. As the NHPA starts bringing in new members those new members will become exposed to the NHPA world. They will learn about top caliber horseshoes. Top quality facilities. Challenging state and world championships. Pro style equipment. NHPA
marketing/promotion/communication. etc, etc. In time, as many such groups are incorporated,
they will strive to develop fully sanctioned facilities and will help fortify the NHPA with growth and vitality.
(See also Playing Rule 1, Section A)
All Junior play (mixed class or otherwise) will be conducted on an amateur basis. Awards presented to this Division by the Tournament/League Officials should have no immediate monetary value. The awarding of trophies, medals, or ribbons is recommended. Any award with monetary value, including trust funds from the Charter, State, World Tournament or the Junior Scholar Pitcher Awards Program, shall not be issued before the successful completion of high school.
It shall be the responsibility of all Junior pitchers (or their parents/guardians) to make sure that their amateur standing is not jeopardized by any violation of the above information.
Awards
presented to a Junior or Cadet by the
Tournament/League Officials may have immediate
or deferred monetary value.
Collegiate: Prizes or
cash awards for horseshoe pitching achievements do not impact amateur status in
any NCAA sports (Horseshoe Pitching is
not a NCAA sport).
Scholastic (High School): It is the responsibility of the youth participant and their
parents/guardians to check state scholastic
sport association regulations/restrictions when determining whether to accept
an award with any monetary value.
The host
charter and/or the NHPA assumes no responsibility for any adverse effects which
Horseshoe pitching awards may have on the amateur
status of any youth
participant.
The issuing of Junior awards has been a topic of discussion for decades in the NHPA. During that time there has been little if any change to the ruling that youth should not receive money, or anything with immediate monetary value, in order to preserve their "amateur status." The long hoped for day when horseshoe pitching would become a mainstream collegiate (amateur) sport has become a present impossibility with the ongoing chronic low numbers of youth participating in organized horseshoe pitching. The same holds true for state high school (amateur) athletic associations. There simply is not enough interest among youth for either level to sanction horseshoe pitching.
It has been said that this rule has "served the NHPA well," so there is no need to change it. However, to the contrary, in a day of less restrictive amateurism rules, and ever growing diversions that compete for the time of our youth, this rule has become quite harmful to supporting our current youth and also to increasing membership among our youth divisions. If we don't do something to make horseshoes more appealing to kids, like awards with immediate monetary value, the junior numbers will likely keep falling.
In spite of the NHPA rules disallowing such, some charters that have either historically
or more recently offered "prizes" to youth participants have produced vibrant and sizable youth memberships. When asked what most pleased them about pitching horseshoes, prizes were usually the primary reply or a close second. Amateurs have been traditionally classified as participants who play a sport for the pure love of the game. However, if our game does not love the youth back, we will continue to lose them and it will prove more and more difficult to attract new youth.