The Independent Pétanque League


MATCH RULES



This League is a Friendly League and introduction of these modifications to the EPA Rules is not intended to alter common practices within our League. They will, however, be useful where misconceptions arise and invaluable in cases of dispute. You may find that the amendment of some Rules will make play more relaxed but only by complete agreement of those involved.

Each Team should have a complete copy of these Rules available at every game.

The Independent League shall abide by the Official Rules of Petanque as modified and adopted by the EPA (formerly the BPA), subject to the amendments set out here.

Any dispute regarding the interpretation of these Rules must be referred to the League Organiser.

Each amendment shown corresponds with the same article number of the EPA Rules for ease of reference. Articles not shown have not been amended. A copy of the EPA Rules is at the end of this document.

GENERAL:

Article 1: We do not play singles on this League.

Article 2: In addition to the traditional boules, dog boules are ermitted, but not carpet boules or children's size boules.

Article 4: Players do not have to be members of the EPA and hold a licence to play on this League.

PLAY:

Article 5: Replace with: Within the Independent Petanque League, matches will be played on a minimum of two pistes, each measuring a minimum of 12m x 2m surrounded by solid barriers. String may be used to divide the piste in the middle for convenience, but the string is not live. One edge of the piste must be marked at one metre intervals along its length as an aid to throwing legal cochonnets.

Article 9: 'The Dead End'. An end is deemed dead when the following occur:

a) When the cochonnet floats due to a waterlogged piste. Postpone the game if you cannot continue, or play on the other piste.

b) If the cochonnet gets broken by a boule, start that end again, new cochonnet.

c) When all the boules have been thrown and both the nearest Home boule and the nearest Away boule are measured to be equidistant from the cochonnet, then no score can be achieved this end. Start a new end.

d) If the cochonnet is knocked off the piste during the game by a boule-
(i) if both Teams have boules to throw - no score
(ii) if both Teams have no boules to throw - no score
(iii) if only one Team has boules to throw - they score one point for each boule they are still holding.
In the case of (i) and (ii) the same end be played again, and in the case of (iii) a new end should be played.

e) The cochonnet should be visible from the circle. If it is not visible during play, and could not be seen even if boules were removed from in front of it because all or part of it is buried, then no score can be had this end as it could not be accurately measured. The same end is played again.

f) If a person accidentally moves the cochonnet, or a boule, and nothing has been measured, and it is not possible to put it back in its' original place, then no score this end, play this end again.

g) Persons removing boules or the cochonnet before the two Teams have agreed the score that end, can have these points deducted and may be disqualified at worst for repeat offences of this. This behaviour may render a dead end, depending on the circumstances and how much was measured before the boules/cochonnet was removed.

Any member of any Team has a right to query something they do not think is right these Rules must be referred to on the night and discussed by the Team Captains. However, they must make the query immediately before any further play takes place - not at the end of the game or match when it would be too late to 'sort out' any discrepancies.

Article 12: Omit this Rule.

BOULES:

Article 15: Add: The surface of the piste may be flattened under foot between ends, not raked, and the 'last divot only' can be filled at any time during the game.

Article 16: Total silence is not necessary, but sporting behaviour a must.

Article 18: String boundaries are limits of the playing area and any contact of a boule or cochonnet with such string renders it out of play.

POINTS AND MEASURING:

Article 24: Add: Boules should be measured from the edge of the cochonnet at its widest point to the edge of the boule at its widest point.

DISCIPLINE:

Article 37: This does not apply to the Friendliest Team Trophy, as this can be shared by more than one Team if so decided by the votes.

Article 38: Add the following code of behaviour to be observed:

a) no alcohol allowed on the piste, refrain from drinking excessively during the game.

b) accept the decision of any nominated umpire.

c) ensure pets, children and persons not involved in the game in progress do not encroach on to the piste or otherwise interfere with the game.

d) behave in a courteous manner and abide by the umpire's decision as befits a Friendly League.



Version 3, issued 05/03/2008

Copyright: Tracey Asquith - Fox, League Organiser and the Committee of the Independent League. With acknowledgement to the official BPA Rules.