Raqball is a dynamic team sport that combines elements of throwing, catching, and strategic positioning.

The Core Concept:

• Two teams compete to score points by throwing a ball at a target
• Players use a RAQQET (a specialized racquet) to catch and control the ball
• The goal is to hit the TARGGET (a vertical target board with scoring zones)
• Movement rules create strategic gameplay without running

Unlike traditional sports, Raqball's unique rules ensure that players of all genders, ages, and athletic abilities can compete together fairly.

The Origins of Raqball:

Global Governance:

• International Raqball Federation (IRBF)
  • World governing body for Raqball
  • Sets international rules and standards
  • Oversees global competitions and development
  • Board leadership includes Chris Oven and other international leaders

United States Governance:

• Raqball USA Federation
  • Official governing body for the United States
  • Member organization of the IRBF
  • Manages U.S. certifications, programs, and events
  • Promotes Raqball development nationwide

Remember: IRBF = World · Raqball USA Federation = United States

Sports That Influenced Raqball:

How Raqball Differs from Tennis:

• Team vs Individual: Raqball is a 3v3 team sport, tennis is typically 1v1 or 2v2
• Target vs Net: Raqball uses a vertical TARGGET, tennis uses a ground-level net
• Ball Control: Raqball allows catching and carrying the ball in the RAQQET net
• Movement: Raqball uses DRIB'UP technique, tennis has continuous running
• Gender-Inclusive: Raqball is designed for mixed-gender teams from the start

What Makes Raqball Unique:

• No offside rule (unlike soccer/hockey)
• Strictly non-contact (unlike basketball/football)
• Zone-based scoring (distance matters!)
• Gender equity built-in from day one

Think of it as: A hybrid sport that takes the best elements of multiple games and creates something entirely new and accessible!

Everyone! Here's why:

Gender-Inclusive Teams:

• Mixed-gender teams are encouraged and promoted
• Equal playing time and participation for all
• No gender-based position restrictions
• Truly inclusive competition structure

Skill Levels:

• Beginner: Easy to learn basic rules
• Intermediate: Develop strategic play
• Advanced: Master techniques and tactics

Whether you're a student, parent, coach, or sports enthusiast, Raqball welcomes you!

Raqball's Global Mission:

United Nations SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Primary Focus: Raqball directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality)
• How: By being the world's first sport designed from inception for mixed-gender teams
• Impact: Creates equal opportunities for all genders in competitive sports

Social Initiatives:

• Gender Equity Programs: Promoting mixed-gender competition at all levels
• Youth Development: Teaching equality through sport from an early age
• Community Building: Creating inclusive spaces for all participants
• Sustainability: Contributing to broader UN sustainability goals

Raqball USA's Commitment:

Raqball USA Federation is dedicated to supporting gender equality initiatives and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in sports through inclusive programming, education, and community outreach.

Remember: Every time you play Raqball, you're supporting gender equality! 🎯

Court Dimensions:

• Length: 20 meters (65.6 feet)
• Width: 10 meters (32.8 feet)
• Similar to: Half a basketball court

Court Zones:

Key Features:

• TARGGET at each end (vertical scoring target)
• Clearly marked zones for scoring
• Sidelines and end lines define boundaries
• Can be played indoors or outdoors

The TARGGET is the scoring target - a vertical board with different scoring areas.

TARGGET Structure:

• Vertical board mounted at each end of the court
• Center hole for precision shots (worth double points!)
• Dimensions: 280cm × 110cm (110in × 43in regulation size)
• Position: Placed behind the baseline at center

Why It Matters:

• Creates strategic decisions (close vs. far, hit vs. hole)
• Rewards precision (center hole = double points)
• Rewards distance (back zone = more points)
• Opponents can defend but must stay 1 meter away

The RAQQET:

• Specialized racquet designed for Raqball
• Netted face for catching and controlling the ball
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable grip
• Lightweight for quick movements

The Ball:

• Official Raqball (regulation size and weight)
• Soft enough for safety
• Firm enough for accurate throwing
• Durable for indoor/outdoor play

Other Equipment:

• Uniform/Jersey (team colors)
• Athletic shoes (non-marking for indoor)
• Optional: Protective eyewear

Official Equipment Provider:

What RZ BALL Provides:

• Official RAQQETs: Regulation-standard racquets for all skill levels
• Official Raqballs: Certified balls meeting IRBF specifications
• TARGGETs: Regulation scoring targets for competition and training
• Court Equipment: Lines, markers, and accessories
• Facility Solutions: Complete court setup and installation

Equipment Portability:

Why Portability Matters:

• Accessibility: Bring Raqball to any community
• Events & Demos: Set up demonstration courts quickly
• School Programs: Transport equipment between facilities
• Growing the Sport: Low barrier to entry for new programs

Remember: RZ BALL provides all official equipment, and it's designed to be portable for maximum accessibility!

Team Composition:

• 6 players per team:
  • 3 active players on the court
  • 3 substitute players on the bench
• Mixed-gender requirement: Teams must include players of different genders

Substitutions:

• Unlimited substitutions during stoppages
• Quick swaps keep the game fast-paced
• Strategic - coaches can adjust for offense/defense
• Must occur during dead ball situations

Officials:

• 2 referees (one on each side of the court)
• Scorekeeper tracks points and time
• Timekeeper manages game clock

Coach Roles During a Match:

• ✓ Strategic Advisor: Provides tactical guidance and play calls
• ✓ Motivator: Encourages and inspires the team
• ✓ Timeout Manager: Decides when to call timeouts
• ✓ Substitution Coordinator: Manages player rotations
• ✓ Team Representative: Communicates with officials

Player Responsibilities:

• Execute Strategy: Follow coach's game plan
• Communicate: Call out plays, screens, and switches
• Follow Rules: Understand and respect game regulations
• Support Teammates: Positive encouragement

Official Roles (Review):

• Referees (2): Enforce rules, call violations, maintain fair play
• Scorekeeper: Track points, fouls, and game statistics
• Timekeeper: Manage game clock, quarters, timeouts

Team Captain:

• On-Court Leader: Communicates with referees
• Team Representative: Can discuss calls with officials
• Decision Maker: Makes choices during coin toss

Remember: Clear roles and communication lead to better team performance!

Game Duration:

• 4 quarters of 5 minutes each
• Total playing time: 20 minutes
• Halftime: 2 minutes after 2nd quarter
• Short breaks: 1 minute between 1st-2nd and 3rd-4th quarters

Game Pace:

• Fast-paced - quick possessions
• Clock mechanism: Stops on every dead ball, restarts when ball is live
• Timeouts: Per event rules and officials' discretion

Winning:

• Team with most points at end wins
• Overtime: If tied, sudden death - first TARG scores wins (no fixed time)

DRIB'UP is Raqball's unique movement technique - it's how you move with the ball!

DRIB'UP Rules:

• Bounce with RAQQET: Hit the ball down to the ground using your RAQQET
• Catch in RAQQET: Recatch the ball with your RAQQET after the bounce
• Move while airborne: You can take steps while the ball is in the air
• Must be intentional: Accidental drops don't count as DRIB'UP

Why DRIB'UP Matters:

• Allows controlled advancement down the court
• Creates strategic positioning opportunities
• Different from running - promotes fairness
• Requires skill and practice to master

Remember: You can't just run with the ball - you must use DRIB'UP technique!

DRIB'UP Limitations:

• Multiple DRIB'UPs Allowed: Players can perform consecutive DRIB'UPs
• No "Double Dribble" Rule: Unlike basketball, you can DRIB'UP repeatedly
• Strategic Advantage: Use multiple DRIB'UPs to advance or create space

Offside Rule:

• Free Positioning: Players can be anywhere on court
• Strategic Flexibility: Set up plays without offside concerns
• Simplifies Play: Less restrictive than traditional ball sports

Effective Playing Time:

• Total Match Time: 20 minutes (4 × 5-minute quarters)
• Effective Playing Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes
• Why the Difference?
  • Clock stops on dead balls
  • Timeouts and breaks
  • Substitutions and stoppages
  • Officials' timeouts for injuries/equipment

Remember: Raqball's movement rules promote skill and strategy over physical advantages!

HIGH PASS:

1GROUND:

Quick Reference:

• Ball control: Keep ball moving and non-static on RAQQET
• HIGH PASS or 1GROUND: Use to advance position
• DRIB'UP: Move while ball is airborne during the bounce
• Movement: Use DRIB'UP, passes, and 1GROUND (max once per possession)

Strategy Tip: Use HIGH PASS and 1GROUND to give receivers momentum for better shooting position!

A TARG is a shot at the TARGGET! Points depend on where you shoot from and where you hit.

Front Zone (Opponent's Half) Scoring:

Back Zone (Your Own Half) Scoring:

Strategy: Close shots are safer (1-2 points), but long-distance shots from back zone are worth more (2-4 points)!

Complete Scoring Breakdown:

Strategic Decisions:

• Aggressive Attack (Front Zone): Push forward for easy 1-point shots, or risk 2-point hole shots
• Long-Range Power (Back Zone): Stay back for valuable 2-4 point shots - harder but worth more!
• Center Hole Bonus: Always doubles your points (1→2 or 2→4)
• Court Position Matters: Every meter counts - farther = more points

Scoring Examples:

• Shot from front zone hits TARGGET = 1 point
• Shot from front zone through hole = 2 points
• Shot from back zone hits TARGGET = 2 points
• Shot from back zone through hole = 4 points (maximum!)

Pro Tip: Master accurate shooting from the back zone - it's the key to high scores!

Offensive Strategies:

• Accuracy First: Aim for center hole (doubles points!)
• Back Zone Power: Shoot from back zone for maximum points (2-4 pts)
• Quick Ball Movement: Pass to create better shooting angles
• Use DRIB'UP: Advance to better positions
• High-Low Game: Combine HIGH PASS with ground movement

Defensive Strategies:

• Guard the TARGGET: Block shooting lanes
• Maintain distance: Stay legal spacing from opponent
• Anticipate passes: Intercept when possible
• Communicate: Call out screens and switches

Remember: The team with the most points when time expires wins!

What "Non-Contact" Means:

• ❌ No pushing, holding, or blocking with your body
• ❌ No intentional contact with opponents
• ❌ No screening (using body to obstruct)

• ❌ No charging or aggressive movement into players
• ✅ Maintain safe distance at all times

Why This Matters:

• Safety first: Protects all players from injury
• Inclusivity: Allows players of all sizes to compete fairly
• Skill focus: Emphasizes technique over physicality
• Gender equity: Levels the playing field

Violation: Contact fouls result in possession change and/or penalty throws for the opposing team.

Movement Violations:

• Traveling: Taking steps with the ball without DRIB'UP, HIGH PASS, or 1GROUND
• Double DRIB'UP: Performing DRIB'UP, catching, then DRIB'UP again without passing
• Carrying: Holding the ball too long in RAQQET (must keep it moving)

Ball Handling Violations:

• Out of Bounds: Ball or player touches/crosses boundary lines
• Dropped Ball: Losing control of ball (unless DRIB'UP)
• Illegal Pass: Pass doesn't meet HIGH PASS or 1GROUND criteria

Defensive Violations:

• Too Close: Defender must maintain minimum distance (1 meter) from offensive player with ball
• Interference: Blocking shooting lane with body
• Contact: Any physical contact (see previous slide)

Official Protest Procedures:

When Can You Protest?

• Rule Interpretation: Dispute about how a rule was applied
• Scoring Errors: Incorrect point recording
• Eligibility Issues: Player or team qualification questions
• Timing Discrepancies: Clock management errors

What CANNOT Be Protested:

Protest Process:

1. Immediate Notification: Team captain informs head referee of intent to protest
2. Written Submission: Must submit written protest within specified timeframe (typically 24-48 hours)
3. Include Details:
   • Match information (date, teams, officials)
   • Specific rule citation
   • Description of disputed situation
   • Desired outcome
4. Review Process: Competition committee or designated authority reviews
5. Decision: Written response provided to protesting team

During-Match Disputes:

• Team Captain: Only the captain can address officials
• Respectful Communication: Maintain sportsmanship always
• Officials' Authority: Referees have final say during play
• Continue Play: Game proceeds while protest is noted

Remember: Written protests only - no verbal protests accepted!

Substitution Rules:

• When: During timeouts OR when team has possession
• How: Player enters from own endline near bench
• Who: Any of the 3 bench players can replace any of the 3 court players
• Strategy: Fresh legs, matchups, or tactical adjustments

Timeout Rules:

• Team timeouts: Per event-specific rules
• Officials' timeouts: For injuries, equipment issues, or other stoppages
• Use: Strategy discussion, rest, or momentum shift

Raqball values respect, integrity, and fair play above all else.

Core Values:

• Respect: For opponents, teammates, officials, and the game
• Integrity: Play by the rules, admit mistakes
• Inclusivity: Welcome all players regardless of background
• Safety: Prioritize player wellbeing

Expected Behavior:

Remember: How you play the game matters as much as whether you win!

You've completed the Raqball Rules Fundamentals course!

What You've Learned:

• ✅ What makes Raqball unique and inclusive
• ✅ The court, TARGGET, and equipment
• ✅ Team setup and game flow
• ✅ Movement rules (DRIB'UP, HIGH PASS, 1GROUND)
• ✅ Complete scoring system
• ✅ Critical non-contact rule
• ✅ Violations and penalties
• ✅ Sportsmanship values

Next Steps:

• Take the exam below to earn your certificate
• Download the full rules PDF for reference
• Watch videos of Raqball gameplay
• Find local programs to start playing

Good luck on your exam! 🍀