Welcome to Raqball Advanced Rules (R102) - the professional-level certification for referees, tournament directors, and competitive coaches. This course builds on R101 fundamentals with detailed game administration knowledge.
By the end of this course, you will master:
Understanding precise game timing is critical for match officials and tournament scheduling.
| Match Type | Duration | Periods | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Match | 40 minutes | 2 Γ 20 minutes | Most common format |
| Youth Match (U12) | 30 minutes | 2 Γ 15 minutes | Modified for younger players |
| Championship | 60 minutes | 3 Γ 20 minutes | High-level competition |
The shot clock ensures continuous play and prevents teams from stalling. Understanding shot clock rules is essential for players, coaches, and officials.
| Situation | Shot Clock | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Possession | 30 seconds | Clock starts when team gains clear possession |
| After Timeout | Full reset (30 sec) | Clock resets after team timeout |
| After Defensive Foul | Full reset (30 sec) | Offensive team gets fresh shot clock |
| Rebound (Same Team) | Continues or resets | If under 15 sec remaining, resets to 15 sec |
When a match ends in a tie, specific overtime protocols apply based on competition level and format.
In tournament pool play, ties may be allowed to stand. Check tournament rules for specific tie-breaking procedures.
Some tournaments use TARGGET shootouts instead of overtime:
| Period | Timeouts Allowed | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| First Half | 2 per team | 60 seconds each |
| Second Half | 2 per team | 60 seconds each |
| Overtime | 1 per team | 60 seconds |
Referees may call official timeouts for:
Proper period management ensures fair play and adequate rest:
| Break Type | Duration | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Halftime | 10 minutes | Teams switch sides, full break |
| Period Break (3-period) | 5 minutes | Teams switch sides after each period |
| Pre-Overtime | 3 minutes | Coin toss for possession |
Teams must switch sides at halftime or between periods to ensure fairness (wind, sun, court conditions).
The winning captain chooses ONE:
The losing captain gets the remaining option.
The game clock stops for these situations:
Teams/players may receive warnings or penalties for:
Referees may add stoppage time at the end of each half for:
Referee or timekeeper must announce added time before the period ends. Typical added time: 0-3 minutes.
A match may be terminated early due to:
If a match is suspended due to weather or facility issues:
| Element | Standard | Official Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Match Duration | 2 Γ 20 min | Timekeeper + Referee |
| Halftime | 10 minutes | Timekeeper |
| Timeouts | 2 per half (60s each) | Referee grants, timekeeper tracks |
| Overtime | 5 min (sudden victory) | Referee + Timekeeper |
| Warmup | 10 min shared | Referee monitors |
| Category | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Players on Court | 6 | 6 | Required to start/continue play |
| Game Roster | 6 | 12 | Can include substitutes |
| Season Roster | 8 | 18 | League/tournament specific |
| Position | Location | Primary Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Target Guard (TG) | Front Center | Protect TARGGET, initiate offense |
| Wings (W) | Front Left/Right | Ball movement, shooting, defense |
| Midfielders (M) | Mid Left/Right | Transition, support, versatility |
| Sweeper (S) | Back Center | Last line defense, long passes |
Unlike some sports, Raqball does NOT require fixed positions. Players may rotate freely during play, but teams typically maintain general formation for tactical reasons.
ONLY the team captain may:
Captains are held to HIGHER standard of conduct:
| Match Type | Substitutions Allowed | Re-Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Match | Unlimited | Yes - unlimited |
| Tournament Match | 6 per half | Yes - counts as substitution |
| Championship | 3 per period | No - one-way subs only |
Maximum bench personnel allowed:
All bench personnel must be:
Note: Coach ejection does NOT reduce number of players on court
Referee inspects before match:
Target Guards must wear contrasting color jersey (different from both teams and referee).
To be eligible for a match, a player must:
Playing an ineligible player results in:
Referees and tournament officials may:
| Element | Requirement | Penalty for Violation |
|---|---|---|
| Players on Court | 6 (min 4 to continue) | Forfeit if below 4 |
| Game Roster | 6-12 players | Cannot add after submission |
| Team Captain | 1 identified captain | Match cannot start |
| Uniform Numbers | 1-99, unique, visible | Player cannot participate |
| Substitutions | At center line, ref approval | Yellow card |
| Bench Personnel | Max 11 total | Ejection of excess personnel |
| Foul Type | Severity | Consequence | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Foul | Low | Possession change | Double drib'up, traveling, out of bounds |
| Major Foul | Medium | Free position + possession | Illegal contact, obstruction, delay of game |
| Severe Foul | High | Card + free position/penalty | Dangerous play, fighting, abuse of official |
When classifying a foul, referees consider:
All minor fouls result in:
Raqball is a limited-contact sport. The following contact is illegal:
Not all contact is a foul. Referees allow incidental contact that:
Major fouls result in:
A yellow card is issued for:
In tournament/league play:
A red card is issued for:
If a team receives 3+ red cards in single match β automatic forfeit
The TARGGET zone (3-meter semicircle) has special protection rules:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Defensive goaltending | Automatic TARGGET awarded (3 points) |
| Offensive TARGGET interference | No points awarded, possession change |
| Zone camping (defensive) | Free TARGGET attempt for opponent |
| Too many defenders in zone | Free position at arc, 3 meters from TARGGET |
Referees may allow play to continue after a foul if:
When playing advantage, referee:
Awarded for major fouls that prevent scoring opportunity:
If fouled player is injured and cannot take penalty:
| Offense | Card | In-Game Penalty | Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor foul (travel, double drib'up) | None | Possession change | No |
| Major foul (illegal contact) | None | Free position | No |
| Unsporting behavior | Yellow | Free position/TARGGET | No (unless 2nd yellow) |
| Second yellow card | Red | Ejection + TARGGET attempt | Yes (1+ matches) |
| Violent conduct | Red | Ejection + TARGGET attempt | Yes (2+ matches) |
| Abuse of official | Red | Ejection + TARGGET attempt | Yes (2+ matches) |
| Scoring Method | Points | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| TARGGET Hit | 3 points | Ball hits TARGGET disc cleanly |
| Ground Goal | 1 point | Ball bounces in opponent's court after legal play |
| Penalty TARGGET | 3 points | Awarded for major foul, taken from arc |
For a score to count:
A TARGGET hit scores 3 points when:
Referee determines valid hit. In unclear situations:
| Outcome | Possession |
|---|---|
| TARGGET Hit (goal) | Scoring team keeps possession from center court |
| TARGGET Miss (ball in play) | Either team may recover rebound |
| TARGGET Miss (ball out of bounds) | Opponent's ball from sideline |
A ground goal (1 point) occurs when:
1Ground is effective for:
Penalty TARGGET (free TARGGET attempt) is awarded for:
| Result | Points | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| TARGGET Hit | 3 points | Scoring team (center court) |
| Miss (ball recoverable) | 0 points | Shooting team (from arc) |
| Miss (out of bounds) | 0 points | Defending team (from sideline) |
| 5-second violation | 0 points | Defending team (from arc) |
The scorekeeper must record:
Official scoreboard must display:
A score counts at the end of a period if:
Determining buzzer beaters:
| Scenario | Clock Status | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| TARGGET shot released at 0.1 sec | Ball in air when buzzer sounds | Score counts if successful |
| Ball caught at 0.0 sec | Period ended | No further play allowed |
| Foul committed at 0.0 sec | Period technically over | Penalty enforced at start of next period |
| Scoring Method | Points | Key Requirements | Possession After |
|---|---|---|---|
| TARGGET Hit | 3 | Ball contacts disc, audible ping | Scoring team (center court) |
| 1Ground | 1 | Ball bounces in opponent court | Scoring team (center court) |
| Penalty TARGGET | 3 | Free shot from arc, no defense | Scoring team (if successful) |
| Defensive Goaltending | 3 | Automatic (referee awards) | Scoring team (center court) |
Average competitive match scores:
The "no-zone" refers to the minimum distance defenders must maintain from offensive players in certain situations:
| Situation | Required Distance | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Free position (after foul) | 3 meters | Re-take, potential card |
| Throw-in (out of bounds) | 1 meter | Warning, then yellow card |
| Penalty TARGGET attempt | Outside TARGGET zone (3m) | Retake + yellow card |
| Center court restart | 3 meters from center line | Warning, then delay of game |
If defender encroaches on no-zone:
Players without ball may:
A player or ball is out of bounds when:
| Scenario | Ruling |
|---|---|
| Player catches ball while stepping on line | Out of bounds - opponent's ball |
| Player jumps from inbounds, passes while in air, lands out | Legal play if pass completed before landing |
| Ball hits player's foot and goes out | Out on that player's team - opponent's ball |
| Simultaneous touch by both teams | Jump ball or possession arrow (league specific) |
A screen (or pick) is legal when:
Defenders may:
An offensive charging foul occurs when:
Defender establishes legal position when:
A defensive blocking foul occurs when:
| Factor | Charge (Offensive Foul) | Block (Defensive Foul) |
|---|---|---|
| Defender's Position | Established (stationary) | Moving/late |
| Who Initiates Contact | Offensive player | Defensive player |
| Penalty | Turnover to defense | Free position to offense |
Charge vs block is one of the most challenging calls. Referees consider timing, position, and who initiated contact. When unclear, benefit often goes to defense (no-call).
Raqball is a limited-contact sport:
| Severity | Examples | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Incidental | Minor bump, brush | Play on (no call) |
| Minor Contact | Light push, hand-check | Possession change or free position |
| Major Contact | Hard push, holding, charging | Free position, possible yellow card |
| Dangerous Contact | Head contact, reckless play | Yellow or red card, free TARGGET |
| Violent Conduct | Striking, fighting | Red card, ejection, suspension |
| Principle | Rule | Violation Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Steps with Ball | Max 2 steps without dribbling | Traveling - turnover |
| Drib'up | 1 bounce per possession | Double drib'up - turnover |
| No-Zone Distance | 1-3 meters depending on situation | Warning/yellow card, replay |
| Boundary Lines | Lines are OUT of bounds | Turnover to opponent |
| Screens | Must be stationary | Illegal screen - turnover |
| Charging | Cannot run into stationary defender | Offensive foul - turnover |
| Measurement | Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Court Length | 30 meters (98.4 feet) | Β±5 cm |
| Court Width | 15 meters (49.2 feet) | Β±5 cm |
| Center Line | 15 meters from each baseline | Β±2 cm |
| TARGGET Zone Radius | 3 meters (semicircle) | Β±2 cm |
| TARGGET Arc Radius | 6 meters from TARGGET center | Β±2 cm |
| Component | Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Disc Diameter | 30 cm (11.8 inches) | Β±1 cm tolerance |
| Height (center of disc) | 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) | Β±2 cm tolerance |
| Disc Material | Metal (aluminum or steel) | Resonant for audible ping |
| Disc Thickness | 2-3 mm | Sufficient for durability |
| Mounting Post | 5 cm diameter | Stable, padded base |
Referee must check before match:
If TARGGET becomes damaged or unstable during play:
| Specification | Requirement | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Circumference: 68-70 cm | Standard size 5 ball |
| Weight | 410-450 grams | Β±5 grams |
| Pressure | 0.6-0.7 bar (8.5-10 psi) | Slightly lower than soccer |
| Material | Leather or synthetic | Water-resistant, durable |
| Color | High-visibility (orange, yellow, white) | Must contrast with court |
Referee must verify:
| Surface Type | Best For | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood | Indoor competitive | Smooth, clean, proper finish |
| Synthetic Sport Floor | Indoor multi-purpose | Non-slip, shock-absorbing |
| Rubberized Surface | Outdoor courts | Weather-resistant, non-slip |
| Concrete (sealed) | Outdoor recreational | Smooth finish, painted lines |
Referee inspects before match:
Match may be postponed if court conditions are unsafe or do not meet specifications. Referee has final authority on court playability.
| Equipment | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Official Raqballs | 3 minimum | Match play and backups |
| TARGGETs (with stands) | 2 | Scoring targets at each end |
| Scoreboard with clock | 1 | Display score and time |
| Referee whistle | 2 | Main referee + backup |
| Yellow cards | 2 | Warnings |
| Red cards | 2 | Ejections |
| Match sheet/scoresheet | 2 copies | Official record |
| Measuring tape | 1 | Verify dimensions if needed |
| Ball pump & pressure gauge | 1 | Ball maintenance |
| First aid kit | 1 | Medical emergencies |
Each referee must have:
| Team/Role | Color Requirement |
|---|---|
| Home Team | Light/white jerseys |
| Away Team | Dark jerseys |
| Target Guard | Contrasting color (different from both teams and referee) |
| Referee | Black/gray striped or solid (different from both teams) |
| Element | Specification | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|
| Court Size | 30m Γ 15m | Measuring tape |
| TARGGET Height | 2.5 meters to disc center | Measuring pole |
| TARGGET Disc Diameter | 30 cm | Measuring tape |
| Ball Circumference | 68-70 cm | Measuring tape |
| Ball Pressure | 0.6-0.7 bar | Pressure gauge |
| Line Width | 5 cm | Visual inspection |
| Clear Zone | 2 meters minimum | Visual measurement |
Use this checklist 30 minutes before match:
The match sheet is the official record and must include:
If error discovered after signing:
| Type | When Filed | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Protest | During match | Player eligibility, court/equipment violations |
| Post-Match Complaint | Within 2 hours | Referee decisions, rule interpretations |
| Formal Complaint | Within 24 hours | Conduct, eligibility, administrative errors |
The following CANNOT be protested:
| Position | Primary Responsibilities | Certification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Head Referee | Final authority, calls fouls, manages match | R103+ (Regional or higher) |
| Assistant Referee | Assists head ref, monitors sidelines | R103+ recommended |
| Scorekeeper | Maintains official scoresheet, scoreboard | Training required |
| Timekeeper | Operates game clock, signals timeouts | Training required |
The head referee has authority to:
Referee decisions cannot be appealed during match - only post-match formal complaint allowed for rule misapplication (not judgment).
| Time | Activity | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
| 60 min | Referee arrives, inspects court and equipment | Referee |
| 45 min | Teams arrive, begin warmup prep | Teams |
| 30 min | Team rosters submitted to scorekeeper | Coaches |
| 25 min | Shared court warmup begins (10 min total) | Teams |
| 15 min | Captains verify rosters, sign match sheet | Captains + Scorekeeper |
| 10 min | Final equipment check, ball inspection | Referee |
| 5 min | Coin toss, team captains make selections | Referee + Captains |
| 2 min | Teams to benches, starting lineups ready | Teams |
| 0 min | Whistle - Match begins! | Referee |
If any of the following occurred, referee must complete incident report:
Home team/facility responsible for:
| Document/Process | Timeframe | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Roster Submission | 30 min before match | Coach/Manager |
| Match Sheet Signing | Within 10 min after match | Captains + Referee |
| Immediate Protest | During match | Team Captain |
| Written Complaint | Within 2 hours after match | Team Captain/Coach |
| Formal Complaint | Within 24 hours | Team Captain/Coach |
| Incident Report | Within 24 hours | Referee |
You've completed the Raqball Advanced Rules (R102) certification course. You're now ready to take the exam and earn your FREE certification!
Good luck! You've got this! πͺ