Sepak takraw (Malay: "sepak takraw" or "sepak raga", Jawi: تكراو سيڤق or سيڤق Thai: ตะกร้�อ, RTGS: takro; Lao: ກະຕໍ້�� "ka-taw"; Filipino: "sipa";Vietnamese: "cầu mây"),[1] or kick ;راڬا

volleyball, is a sport native to the Malay-Thai Peninsula.[2] Sepak takraw differs from the similar sport

ofvolleyball in its use of a rattan ball and only allowing players to use their feet, knee, chest and head to

touch the ball. It is a popular sport inSoutheast Asia.

In Malaysia, the game is called sepak raga or "takraw". It is also thuck thay (Lao: "twine" and "kick")[1] while in Thailand it is sometimes calledtakraw. In Myanmar it is known as chin lone. In the Philippines,

besides "takraw" it is also known as sipa, meaning "kick".

Similar games include footbag net, footvolley, football tennis, bossaball, jianzi and sipa. These similar

games all involve keepie uppies.

Etymology

"Sepak" is the Indonesian word for kick and "takraw" is the Thai word for a woven ball, therefore sepak

takraw quite literally means to kick ball. The choosing of this name for the sport was essentially a

compromise between Indonesia and Thailand, the two powerhouse countries of the sport.[3]

[edit]History

Earliest historical evidence shows that the game was played in the 15th century's Malacca Sultanate, for

it is mentioned in the Malay historical text, "Sejarah Melayu " (Malay Annals).[4] TheMalay

Annals described in details the incident of Raja Muhammad, a son of Sultan Mansur Shah who was

accidentally hit with a rattan ball by Tun Besar, a son of Tun Perak , in a Sepak raga game. The ball hit

Raja Muhammad's headgear and knocked it down to the ground. In anger, Raja Muhammad immediately

stabbed and killed Tun Besar, whereupon some of Tun Besar's kinsmen retaliated and wanted to kill Raja

Muhammad. However, Tun Perak  managed to restrain them from such an act of treason by saying that

he would no longer accept Raja Muhammad as the Sultan's heir. As a result of this incident, Sultan

Mansur Shah ordered his son out of Malacca and had him installed as the ruler of Pahang.[5]

In Indonesia, sepak takraw was spread from nearby Malacca across the strait to Riau

islands and Riau area in Sumatra as early as 16th century, where it is also called as Sepak Raga in local

Malay tongue,[6][7] at that time some of Sumatran areas were part of Malacca sultanate. From there the

Malay people spread across archipelago and introduced the game to Buginese people  in Sulawesi. Then

the game is developed as Buginese traditional game which is called "Raga" (the players are called

"Pa'Raga"). The "Raga" can trace its origin from Malacca Sultanate,[8] and was popular in South Sulawesi

since 19th century. Some men playing "Raga" encircling within a group, the ball is passed from one to

another and the man who kicked the ball highest is the winner. "Raga" is also played for fun by

demonstrating some tricks, such as kicking the ball and putting it on top of player's head holds

by tengkolok bugis (Bugis cloth headgear similar to Malay tanjak).

In Bangkok, murals at Wat Phra Kaeo  which was built in 1785, depict the Hindu god Hanuman playing

sepak takraw in a ring with a troop of monkeys. Other historical accounts mention the game earlier during

the reign of King Naresuan (1590–1605) of Ayutthaya. The game remained in its circle form for hundreds

of years, and the modern version of sepak takraw began taking shape in Thailand sometime during early

1740s. In 1829 the Siam Sports Association drafted the first rules for takraw competition.[citation needed] Four

years later, the association introduced the volleyball-style net and held the first public contest. Within just

a few years, takraw was introduced to the curriculum in Siamese schools. The game became such a

cherished local custom that another exhibition of volleyball-style takraw was staged to celebrate the

kingdom’s first constitution in 1933, the year after Thailand abolished absolute monarchy.

In the Philippines the sport was called "sipa" and along with traditional martial arts survived the three

century Spanish colonization. It is a popular sport played by children in Philippines, this is their national

sport. Sepak Takraw is included in Philippine's elementary and highschool curriculum.

In Myanmar, or Burma, it was dubbed "Chinlone", in Laos "Kator", "cầu mây" in Vietnam and in Indonesia

"Raga" or "Sepak Takraw".[1]

It is believed that many variations of the game evolved from an ancient Chinese military exercise, where

soldiers would try to keep a feathered shuttlecock airborne by kicking it back and forth between two

people. As the sport developed, the animal hide and chicken feathers were eventually replaced by balls

made of woven strips of rattan.[citation needed]

The first versions of sepak takraw were not so much of a competition, but rather cooperative displays of

skill designed to exercise the body, improve dexterity and loosen the limbs after long periods of sitting,

standing or working.[citation needed]

The modern version of sepak takraw is fiercely competitive and began taking shape in Thailand almost

200 years ago. In 1829, the Siam Sports Association drafted the first rules for the game.[citation needed] Four

years later, the association introduced the volleyball-style net and held the first public contest. Within just

a few years, sepak takraw was introduced to the Physical Training curriculum in schools.[citation needed]

By the 1940s, the net version of the game had spread throughout Southeast Asia, and formal rules were

introduced. This sport became officially known as 'sepak takraw'.

[edit]Competition

International play is now governed by ISTAF, the International Sepak Takraw Federation. The King's Cup

World Championships are held every year in Thailand.

Sepak takraw is now a regular sport event in the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games.

[edit]Canada

It was the Laotian people who first brought Sepak Takraw into Canada when they immigrated as refugees

in the 1970s. But the game got exposure outside the Laotian communities and really started taking off

when a Saskatchewan teacher, Richard (Rick) Engel, who encountered Sepak Takraw while living in

Asia, included it in Asian Sport, Education & Culture (ASEC) International’s School Presentation Program.

Sepak Takraw was so well received by schools that it became part of ASEC’s mandate to help introduce,

promote and organise the sport right across the country. Then in May 1998, after getting many schools

playing Sepak Takraw, and by networking with experienced players, ASEC International organised the

first Canadian inter-provincial tournament to include men’s, boys and girls teams. By the end of 1998,

Engel was sent to Bangkok, Thailand to film at the 14th King’s Cup Sepak Takraw World Championships

– the footage of which was used to produce a widely used instructional Sepak Takraw Video/DVD, called,

“Sepak Takraw – Just for Kicks”.

Then on December 11, 1998, the Sepak Takraw Association of Canada (STAC)  was incorporated to

organise and govern the sport nationally. Its office was set up in Regina, SK, where there are experienced

players and organisational support, and where it could share the resources and office space of the

already established ASEC International, a committee from which has now become Sepak Takraw

Saskatchewan Inc. The first annual Canadian Open Sepak Takraw Championships (a national and

international tournament event) were held in May 1999 in Regina, SK, and have over the years attracted

teams from across Canada, USA, Japan, Malaysia and China. That same year Canada also attended its

first International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) Congress and was accepted as members of ISTAF,

which governs the sport globally. Then in 2000, Rick Engel, Perry Senko and Brydon Blacklaws played for

Team Canada and earned a silver medal in the entry level division of the King's Cup World Sepak Takraw

Championships in Thailand. Another major milestone was achieved on December 3, 2000, when STAC

and the sport of Sepak Takraw became an official class E Member of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Canada has since contributed much to the development of Sepak Takraw world-wide, with Engel

authoring 3 Instructional Sepak Takraw Books  and helping produce 5 Sepak Takraw DVD's, while STAC

does the publishing ... the most notable book being "Sepak Takraw 101 - The Complete

Coaching/Instructional Manual for Sepak Takraw (Kick Volleyball)", the 3rd Edition of which has also been

translated and published in the Indonesian Language and released in Indonesia through a government

Education project. Engel has found himself to be in demand, introducing the sport and conducting Sepak

Takraw Skills Clinics in Schools and Sessions at Phys. Ed. Teachers' Conferences all over Canada, USA

and Europe.

[edit]Japan

A Japan team composed of BURAT university students debuted—along with the sports itself—at the

1990 Asian Games in Beijing. While there are no professional teams in Japan, colleges such as Asia

University, Chiba University, Waseda University  and Keio University have formed their own teams.[9]

[edit]United States

The earliest accounts of organized takraw in the United States involve a group of students from Northrop

University (Greg St. Pierre, Thomas Gong, Joel "big bird" Nelson, and Mark Kimitsuka) in 1986 in

Inglewood, California, learning about and playing the sport in Los Angeles. In the early 80's, Southeast

Asians held soccer tournaments that had takraw events in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and

California, especially within the Lao, Hmong and Thai communities.[10] Malaysian students attending the

University often enjoyed playing the sport on a court on top of the dormitory cafeteria. They taught a

handful of curious American students how to play, which in turn inspired the Malaysian Airline system to

sponsor a U.S. team from the university to attend the National Tournament in Kuala Lumpur in November

1987. The Northrop team played in a bracket of international new teams with Korea, Sri Lanka, and

Australia. The U.S. team beat Sri Lanka and Australia to bring home the gold.[11]

Takraw really began to take off, however, in the late 1980s when Kurt Sonderegger, an American working

in Switzerland, met a fellow American who showed him a bouncy ball made of woven strips of rattan. The

traveller told Sonderegger that the ball was from Thailand and gave him the ball as a gift. Sonderegger

was a soccer fan, and takraw had an immediate appeal to him. On a whim, Sonderegger booked a trip to

Thailand to find out more. While in Thailand, Sonderegger discovered the actual sport of sepak takraw

and was hooked.

Los Angeles's Asian community and Northrop's team had already established a takraw community in and

around L.A. Sonderegger moved to Los Angeles, founded the United States Takraw Association, and

started a business that sold plastic takraw balls. In 1989, he was sent an invitation from the International

Sepak Takraw Federation, and Kurt along with a few of the Northrop group traveled to represent the

United States in the World Championships.

The team was beaten badly but the takraw world was enchanted with the fact that non-Asian teams had

competed at the World Championships.[12]

[edit]Rules and regulations

Measurements of court and equipment often vary among tournaments and organizations that operate

from a recreational to a competitive level; international competitive rules and regulation are used in this

section. There two types of event categories: the regu and the doubles regu. The regu category is played

by three players on each team while the doubles regu is played by two players on each team.

[edit]Expressions

Sepak is the Malay word for "kick". Takraw is the Thai word for the hand-woven rattan ball originally used

in the game. So the game is essentially "kick ball". Regu is Malay for "team" (four people, three starters,

and one substitute player).[13]

[edit]Court

Sepak Takraw court diagram

The sepak takraw sport is played on a similar to badminton double sized court.[14]

Area of 13.4 by 6.1 metres (44 × 20 ft) free from all obstacles up to the height of 8 metres (26 ft)

measured from the floor surface (sand and grass court not advisable). The width of the lines bounding the

court should not be more than 4 centimetres (1.6 in) measured and drawn inwards from the edge of the

court measurements. All the boundary lines should be drawn at least 3.0 metres (9.8 ft) away from all

obstacles. The centre line of 2 cm (0.79 in) should be drawn equally dividing the right and left court.

At the corner of each at the center line, the quarter circle shall be drawn from the sideline to the center

line with a radius of 0.9 metres (2 ft 11 in) measured and drawn outwards from the edge of the 0.9 m

radius.

The service circle of 0.3 m radius shall be drawn on the left and on the right court, the center of which is

2.45 m from the back line of the court and 3.05 m from the sidelines, the 0.04 m line shall be measured

and drawn outward from the edge of the 0.3 m radius.[15]

[edit]Net

The net shall be made of fine ordinary cord or nylon with 6 cm to 8 cm mesh. Similar to a volleyball net.[14]

The net shall be 0.7 m in width and not shorter than 6.10 m in length and taped at 0.05 m from tape

double at the top and sideline, called boundary tape.

The net shall be edged with 0.05 m tape double at the top and the bottom of the net supported by a fine

ordinary cord or nylon cord that runs through the tape and strain over and flush with the top of the posts.

The top of the net shall be 1.52 m (1.42 m for women) in height from the center and 1.55 m (1.45 m for

women's) at the posts.[15]

[edit]Ball

A sepak takraw ball made out of rattan

The sepak takraw ball shall be spherical in shape, made of synthetic fiber or one woven layer.

Sepak takraw balls without synthetic rubber covering must have 12 holes and 20 intersections, must have

a circumference measuring not less from 42–44 cm (17–17 in) for men and from 43–45 cm (17–18 in) for

women, and must have a weight that ranges from 170–180 g (6.0–6.3 oz) for men and from 150–160 g

(5.3–5.6 oz) for women.

The ball can be in plain single colour, multi-colour, and luminous colours, but not in any colour that will

impair the performance of the players.

The sepak takraw ball can also be constructed of synthetic rubber or soft durable material for covering the

ball, for the purpose of softening the impact of the ball on the player’s body. The type of material and

method used for constructing the ball or for covering the ball with rubber or soft durable covering must be

approved by ISTAF before it can be used for any competition.

All world, international, and regional competitions sanctioned by International Sepak Takraw Federation,

including but not limited to, the Olympic Games, World Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian

Games and SEA Games, must be played with ISTAF approved sepak takraw balls.[15]

[edit]Players

A match is played by two regus (teams), each consisting of three players.

One of the three players shall be at the back; he is called a “Tekong”. The other two players shall be in

front, one on the left and the other on the right. The player on the left is called a “Left Inside” and the

player on the right is called a “Right Inside”.[15]

[edit]Start of play and service

The side that must serve first shall start the first set. The side that wins the first set shall have the options

of “Choosing Service”.

The throw must be executed as soon as the referee calls the score. If either of the "Inside" players throws

the ball before the referee calls the score, it must be re-thrown and a warning will be given to the thrower.

During the service, as soon as the Tekong kicks the ball, all the players are allowed to move about freely

in their respective courts.

The service is valid if the ball passes over the net, whether it touches the net or not, and inside the

boundary of the two net tapes and boundary lines of the opponent’s court.[15]

[edit]Faults

[edit]Serving side during service

The "Inside" player who is making service throws, plays about with the ball (throwing up the ball,

bumping, giving to other "Inside" player, etc.) after the call of score has been made by the referee.

The "Inside" player lifts his feet or steps on the line or crosses over or touches the net while throwing

the ball.

The Tekong jumps off the ground to execute the service.

The Tekong does not kick the ball on the service throw.

The ball touches his own player before crossing over the opponent court.

The ball goes over the net but falls outside the court.

The ball does not cross to the opponent side.

A player uses his hand or hands, or any other part of his arms to facilitate the execution of a kick

even if the hand or arm does not directly touch the ball, but it touches other objects or surfaces

instead when doing so.

[edit]Serving and receiving side during service

Creating distracting manner or noise or shouting at his opponent.

[edit]For both sides during the game

Any player who touches the ball on the opponent side.

Any part of player's body crosses over into opponent's court whether above or under the net except

during the follow-through of the ball.

Playing the ball more than 3 times in succession.

The ball touches the arm

Stopping or holding the ball under the arm, between the legs or body.

Any part of the body or player's outfits e.g. shoes, jersey, head band etc., touches the net or the post

or the referee's chairs or falls into the opponent's side.

The ball touches the ceiling, roof or the wall (any objects).[15]

[edit]Scoring system

An official match is won by best of five sets, win 3 sets of 5; used on important tournaments on all

matches or in finals after group stages. A team event or group match is won by best of three sets, win 2

sets of 3; used in team events and often in tournaments to speed up group stages.

In a knock out system mainly used in tournaments teams doesn’t have to play the 5th (or 3rd)set if winner

is known. In a league system it is mandatory for all teams to complete the 5 (or 3) sets.

In the last 5th (or 3rd) set the change of sides takes place when one team reaches 8 points.

Point: When either serving side or receiving side commits a fault, a point is awarded to the opponent side

including making next service.

Set: Each set is won by the side which scores fifteen (15) points with a minimum lead of two (2) points. In

the event of a 14-14 tie, the set shall be won by the side which gets a lead of two (2) points, or when a

side reaches 17 points (whichever occurs first).

Match: Match is won by the team who has won more sets, 3 (or 2). Teams can win 3, 2, 1 or 0 set points

per match in best of 5 or win 2, 1 or 0 set points per match in best of 3.

Ranking: In group stages of tournaments or team events aka round robin the ranking in a group is

determined by: 1. Sum of match wins; a match win gives 1 point 2. Sum set points, 3. Point difference +/-

Summarized from ISTAF rules since January 2011 [15]

Techniques and Rules of Sepak TakrawRules at a glance - Official rules follow

Sepak Takraw is basically foot badminton/volleyball

Played on a similar court to doubles badminton, with the server serving in the middle of the back half

of the court.

Having served (volley kicked) a throw from the net by a team mate, the ball must then travel over the

net to begin play.

The opposing team will then try to volley the ball back over the net into the oppositions court.

Each team may have as many as three touches between themselves, but in order to win a point, the

ball must land in the oppositions court, if it lands outside, it will be the opposing teams point.

Points are played up to 21.. Unless a 20-21 score line is archived, then you must win by two clear

points.

These are the basic rules to get you on track to play Takraw in the official way (see below for more

comprehensive rules), we also encourage all kinds of practice as it will make you a more versatile

player, try out tricks, make up new games, and play Original Takraw (The variation where a circle of

people keep the Takraw in the air)

N.B. The rules have changed slightly. To see a summary of the changes:

http://www.takraw-association.org.uk/information/new-rules-summary

Official Rules

1. THE COURT

1.1. Area of 13.4m x 6.1m free from all obstacles up to the height of 8m measured from the floor

surface (sand and grass court not advisable).

1.2. The width of the lines bounding the court should not be more than 0.04m measured and drawn

inwards from the edge of the court measurements. All the boundary lines should be drawn at least

3.0m away from all obstacles.

1.3. The Centre Line

The Centre line of 0.02m should be drawn equally dividing the right and left court.

1.4. The Quarter Circle

At the corner of each at the Centre Line, the quarter circle shall be drawn from the sideline to the

Centre Line with a radius of 0.9m measured and drawn outwards from the edge of the 0.9m radius.

1.5. The Service Circle

The Service Circle of 0.3m radius shall be drawn on the left and on the right court, the centre of

which is 2.45m from the back line of the court and 3.05m from the sidelines, the 0.04m line shall be

measured and drawn outward from the edge of the 0.3m radius.

2. THE POSTS

2.1. The posts shall be 1.55m (1.45m for women) in height from the floor and shall be sufficiently

firm to maintain high net tension. It should be made from very strong materials and shall not be more

0.04m in radius.

2.2. Position of Posts

The posts shall be erected or placed firmly 0.3m away from the sideline and in line with the Centre

Line.

3. THE NET

3.1. The net shall be made of fine ordinary cord or nylon with 0.06m to 0.08m mesh. The net shall be

0.7m in width and not shorter than 6.10m in length and taped at 0.05m from tape double at the top

and sideline, called boundary tape.

3.2. The net shall be edged with 0.05m tape double at the top and the bottom of the net supported

by a fine ordinary cord or nylon cord that runs through the tape and strain over and flush with the top

of the posts. The top of the net shall be 1.52m (1.42m for women) in height from the centre and

1.55m (1.45m for women's) at the posts.

4. THE SEPAKTAKRAW BALL

4.1. The Sepak Takraw ball shall be spherical in shape, made of synthetic fiber of one woven layer.

4.2. Sepak Takraw ball without synthetic rubber covering must consist of the following

characteristics;

4.2.1. Have 12 holes.

4.2.2. Have 20 intersections.

4.2.3. Has a circumference measuring not less from 0.42m to 0.44m for men and from 0.43m to

0.45m for women.

4.2.4. Has a weight that range from 170 gm to 180 gm for men and from 150 gm to 160 gm for

women.

4.3. The Sepak Takraw ball can be in plain single colour, multi-colour, and luminous colours, but not

in any colour that will impair the performance of the players.

4.4. The Sepak Takraw ball can also be constructed of synthetic rubber or soft durable material for

covering the ball, for the purpose of softening the impact of the ball on the player's body. The type of

material and method used for constructing the ball, or for covering the ball with rubber or soft durable

covering must be approved by ISTAF before it can be used for any competition.

4.5. All world, international, regional competitions sanctioned by ISTAF, including but not limited to,

the Olympic Games, World Games,Commonwealth Games, Asian Game and SEA Games, must be

played with ISTAF approved Sepak Takraw balls.

5. THE PLAYERS

5.1. A match is played by two Regus, each consisting of three players.

5.2. One of the three players shall be at the back and he is called a "Tekong".

5.3. The other two players shall be in front, one on the left and the other on the right. The player on

the left is called a "Left Inside" and the player on the right is called a "Right Inside".

6. PLAYER'S ATTIRE

6.1. The male players must wear jerseys/T-shirts, and sports shoes (women: round neck T-shirts

with sleeves, shorts length at least at knee level for woman players); and sports shoes with rubber

soles. It is forbidden for players to wear anything that endangers the opponents during the game. In

case of cold weather, the players are permitted to use tracksuits.

6.2. The entire apparel of a player is regarded as part of his body. All jerseys/T-shirts should be

tucked in.

6.3. Anything that helps to speed the ball or that helps the movement of a player is not allowed.

6.4. The Captain of each Regu shall wear an armband on the left arm.

6.5. All jerseys/T-shirts are to be numbered at the back. A player must be assigned with one

permanent number throughout the tournament. Each participating team is allowed to use only

number 1 to number 15. The size of the number shall not be less than 19 cm in height.

7. SUBSTITUTION

7.1. There shall be no repeat of the same player in any team competition involving more than one

Regu.

7.2. Substitution of a player is allowed at any time on request made by the Team Manager to the

Official Referee when the ball is not in play.

7.3. Each "Regu" may nominate none to maximum of two reserve players, but can make only one

substitution in a match.

7.4. A Player who has been sent off by Referee during a match may be substituted, provided no

substitution has been made.

7.5. Any "Regu" having less than 3 players will not be allowed to continue the game and will be

considered as having lost.

8. OFFICIALS

For International Tournaments, the game shall be managed by the following officials:

1. 2 Technical Delegates

2. 6 Jury

3. 1 Official Referee

4. 2 Referees

5. 6 Linesmen (4 sidelines and 2 baselines)

8.1. Two technical delegates to the Sea Games, Asian Games and World Championships and any

other international competitions that are sanctioned by ISTAF. The expenses of the Technical

Delegates involving round trip air tickets, accommodations, meals and allowances of US$75.00 per

day shall be paid by the organizing committee. The host country must guarantee proper

accreditation for technical delegates who have been appointed. The technical delegates must be

allowed to inspect the competition venue, facilities and equipment to insure that they conform to

ISTAF regulations.

8.2. ISTAF Members Jury of Appeals - 4 members to be appointed to a Jury of Appeal to any ISTAF

sanctioned competitions including Asian Games, Sea Games and other International and

Continental competitions sanctioned by ISTAF. The host country shall provide accommodations,

meals and internal transportation during the competition period. Members of the Jury shall be paid

US$20.00 per day for their services. Two (2) members of the Jury of Appeal are to be appointed by

the host country of whom one of them is the technical committee chairman and shall act as the

chairman of the Jury of Appeal. As for the other member of the Jury of Appeal from the host country,

he will act as secretary without vote.

8.3. International Referees

8.3.1. When hosting any Sepak Takraw competition sanctioned by ISTAF including World

Championship, SEA & ASIAN Games, Continental & Regional Championships, International

Competitions it is incumbent upon the host nation to ensure that at least (2) International Referees

approved by the referees committee are in attendance to officiate the tournament.

8.3.2. The Chairman of the referee committee or his representatives shall be appointed by ISTAF to

oversee the officiating of ISTAF sanctioned competition. The host shall provide economy the round

trip air-tickets, accommodation, meals and internal transportation during the period of competitions

and shall pay US$30.00 per day for their services.

8.3.3. The host nation shall provide economy round trip air tickets, accommodation, meals and

internal transportation during the period of competitions and shall pay the appointed referees a

stipend of US$30.00 per day for their services

8.4. Officials in International Tournament shall wear a blazer or blouse the colour of which shall be

approved by ISTAF.

8.5. Official Referee is fully responsible to his/her duties and to uphold and protect the Laws of the

Game, Tournament Rules and Referee Standing Order. His/Her duty is:

8.5.1. To received the court of play, list of Referees, players and the competition fixtures which must

be in accordance to the requirements of equipment and officials as specified by ISTAF from the

organizer.

8.5.2. To be present throughout the duration of the competition and to ensure that all

Referee/Assistant Referee and Linesmen strictly adhere to the current standing orders in performing

their duties and smooth functioning of the game.

8.5.3. Empowered to appoint or replace a Referee/Assistant Referee and Linesmen base on their

performances.

8.5.4. An avenue of appeal, which shall lay within the authority of Official Referee with regard to the

decision of a Referee on a question of Law, and in all such cases the decision of the Official

Referee, shall be final.

8.5.5. To suspend or terminate the game whenever considered necessary for the reason of adverse

elements or weather condition, interference by spectators, or any other cause, that he reasonably

deems to be necessary for such stoppages.

8.6. The Referee shall carry out his/her duties fairly, firmly and he/she should be guided by the Laws

of the Game, Tournament Rules and Referee's Standing Order. His/Her authority and the exercise of

the powers granted to him/her by the Laws of the Game commences as soon as he/she enters the

court of play. He / she is :

8.6.1. To receive the Team/Score sheet from the Official Referee and to announce the name of the

Tournament, the regu, match number and the players of the competing teams.

8.6.2. To ensure that players and spectators are kept informed of the progress of the match by

announcing loudly and clearly the scores using the proper technical words of the game.

8.6.3. To have discretionary power to stop the game for any infringement of the Laws, to allow for

substitution, time out and rest in accordance with the Rules of the Game.

8.6.4. Authorized to make a decision and shall consult the Assistant Referee or Linesmen if it is

necessary in order to justify a decision or probable decision when deciding on contentious issues for

any decision on matters base on points of facts provided by the Laws of the Game.

8.6.5. Authorized to send off (red card) any player, officials or spectators who, in his/her opinion, is

guilty of violent conduct, serious foul play or who persist in misconduct after received a caution

(yellow card).8.6.6. To return the completed Team/Score sheet and submit a written report to the

Official Referee on incidents that occurred during the game.

8.7. The Assistant Referee shall assist the Referee fairly, firmly and should be guided by the Laws of

the Game, Tournament Rules and Referee's Standing Order.

8.7.1. To inspect the court of play, lines on the court, the net, the post, the ball, Referee's/Assistant

Referee and Linesmen chairs in accordance with specification.

8.7.2. To inspect players attire in accordance with rule. 6.1.

8.7.3. To conduct the "Toss" of a coin or disc with the captain of competing regus.

8.7.4. To observe the players committing faults on Referee's blind sides, the centre line and at the

net.

8.7.5. The Assistant Referee shall be provided with a supply of balls and when the original ball has

gone outside the court of play, the Assistant Referee shall immediately throw a new ball to the

nearest player of the next serving side or otherwise directed by the Referee and to collect the ball

after the end of a match.

8.8. The Linesmen shall be fair, firm and seated attentively at their specific area of responsibilities.

8.8.1. To indicate whether a ball is 'IN' or 'OUT' to the specific lines assigned and to inform the

Referee if in doubt.

8.8.2. Prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking, talking, cheering or shouting and to remain at the

specific area until the game ends.

9. THE COIN TOSS AND WARM-UP

Before commencing the game, the Official Referee will toss a coin or disc and the side winning the

toss shall have the option of "Choosing Service" or "Choosing Side". The side winning the toss shall

"warm-up" first for 2 minutes followed by the other "Regu". Only 5 persons are allowed to move

freely in the court with the official ball.

10.1. At the start of play, the players of both "Regu's" must be in their respective courts in a ready

position.

10.2. The Tekong shall have one of his feet inside the serving circle.

10.3. Both of the "Inside" players of the serving side must be in their respective quarter circles.

10.4. The opponent or receiving Regu is free to be anywhere within its court.

11. THE START OF PLAY AND SERVICE

11.1. The side that must serve first shall start the first set. The side that wins the first set shall have

the options of "Choosing Service".

11.2. The throw must be executed as soon as the Referee calls the score. If either of the "Inside"

players throws the ball before the Referee calls the score, it must be a re thrown and a warning will

be given to the thrower.

11.3. During the service, as soon as the Tekong kicks the ball, all the players are allowed to move

about freely in their respective courts.

11.4. The service is valid if the ball passes over the net, whether it touches the net or not, and inside

the boundary of the two net tapes and boundary lines of the opponent's court.

12. FAULTS

12.1. The Serving Side During Service

12.1.1. The "Inside" player who is making service throws, plays about with the ball (throwing up the

ball, bumping, giving to other "Inside" player, etc.) after the call of score has been made by the

Referee.

12.1.2. The "Inside" player lifts his feet or steps on the line or crosses over or touches the net while

throwing the ball.

12.1.3. The "Tekong" jumps off the ground to execute the service.

12.1.4. The "Tekong" does not kick the ball on the service throw.

12.1.5. The ball touches his own player before crossing over the opponent court.

12.1.6. The ball goes over the net but falls outside the court.

12.1.7. The ball does not cross to the opponent side.

12.1.8. A player uses his hand or hands, or any other part of his arms to facilitate the execution of a

kick even if the hand or arm does not directly touches the ball, but it touches other objects or

surfaces instead when doing so.

12.2. Serving And Receiving Side During Service

12.2.1. Creating distracting manner or noise or shouting at his opponent.

12.3. For Both Sides During The Game

12.3.1. Any player who touches the ball on the opponent side.

12.3.2. Any part of player's body crosses over into opponent's court whether above or under the net

except during the follow-through of the ball.

12.3.3. Playing the ball more than 3 times in succession.

12.3.4. The ball touches the arm

12.3.5. Stopping or holding the ball under the arm, between the legs or body.

12.3.6. Any part of the body or player's outfits e.g. shoes, jersey, head band etc., touches the net or

the post or the Referee's chairs or falls into the opponent's side.

12.3.7. The ball touches the ceiling, roof or the wall (any objects).

13. SCORING SYSTEM

13.1. When either serving side or receiving side commits a fault, a point is awarded to the opponent

side including making next service.

13.2. The winning point for a set is 21 points, unless the point is tied at 20-20, the set shall be

decided on a difference of two points, up to a ceiling of 25 points. When the score is tied at 20-20,

the Referee announces "Setting up to 25 points".

13.3. The game is played in 2 sets with 2-minute rest in between.

13.4. If each "Regu" wins one set, the game shall be decided in the third set called "Tie-break" with

15 points unless the point is tied at 14-14, then the set shall be decided on a difference of two points,

up to a ceiling of 17 points. When the score is tied at 14-14, the Referee announces "Setting up to

17 points".

13.5. Before the tie-break set takes place, the Referee shall toss a disc or coin, and the side winning

the toss shall have the option of "Choosing Service". The change of sides takes place when one

"Regu" reaches 8 points.

14. TIME-OUT

Each "Regu" can request for one time-out of one-minute rest by team manager or official coach per

set when the ball is not in play. Only 5 persons are allowed at the base line.

15. TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF PLAY

15.1. The Referee can suspend play temporarily in the event of obstructions, disturbances or any

injury to a player who needs immediate treatment, for not more than 5 minutes.

15.2. An injured player is allowed up to 5 minutes injury time-out. If after 5 minutes, the player is

unable to continue, a substitution must be made. If the injured player's team has already made a

substitution, the match will be declared a forfeit in favor of the opposing team.

15.3. In the course of such suspension, all players are not allowed to leave the court to receive

drinks or any form of assistance.

16. DISCIPLINE

16.1. Every player must abide by the rules of the game.

16.2. Only the Captain of the "Regu" is allowed to approach the Referee during the game.

17. PENALTY

Fouls and misconduct are penalized as follows:

Disciplinary Sanctions -

17.1. Cautionable Offences

A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following six offences:

17.1.1. is guilty of unsporting behaviour

17.1.2. shows dissent by word or action

17.1.3. persistently infringes the Laws of the Game

17.1.4. delays the restart of play

17.1.5. enters or re-enters the court without the Referee's permission

17.1.6. deliberately leaves the court without the Referee's permission.

17.2. Sending-off Offences

A player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following five offences:

17.2.1. is guilty of serious foul play

17.2.2. is guilty of violent conduct, including an act executed with deliberate intent to cause injury to

his opponent

17.2.3. spits at an opponent or any other person

17.2.4. Using offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures.

17.2.5. Receives a second caution (Yellow Card) in the same match.

17.3. Commits a cautionable offence either on or off the court, whether directed towards opponent,

team-mate, the referee, an Assistant Referee or any other person, for which a yellow card is

awarded for each the offence committed is disciplined as follows

17.3.1. Offence:

First Yellow Card:

Penalty:

Normal Caution

Second Yellow Card received by the same player in different matches, but in the same tournament.

Penalty: a) One Match Suspension

17.3.3. Offence:

Third Yellow Card received after suspension for the first two Yellow Cards in the tournament by the

same player.

Penalty: a) Two (2) Matches Suspension

b) A Fine of US$100 (One Hundred Dollars) is to be paid by the club or any other body the player

represent in the match

17.3.4. Offence:

Fourth Yellow Card

Yellow card received after two match's suspension for the earlier Third Yellow Card in the same

tournament by the same player.

Penalty: Immediate suspension from playing in the next or subsequent matches in any tournament

sanctioned by relevant Sepak Takraw controlling authority until a Disciplinary Committee is

convened and a decision have been reached on the matter.

17.3.5. Offence:

Two Yellow Cards received by the same player within the same match.

Penalty: a) Two (2) Matches Suspension

b) A Fine of US$100 (One Hundred Dollars) is to be paid by the club or any other body the player

represent in the match.

c) A Red Card will be given for a third disciplinary offence committed in any other matches in the

tournament.

17.4. A player who commits a sending-off offence either on or off the court, whether directed towards

opponent, team-mate, the Referee, an Assistant Referee or any other person, for which a red card is

awarded, for each of the offence committed is disciplined according to the nature of the offence

committed is disciplined as follows:

17.4.1. Offence : A Red Card

Penalty:

Send-Off from the game and immediate suspension from playing in any tournament sanctioned by

the relevant controlling authority for Sepak Takraw until a Disciplinary Committee is convened and a

decision has been reached on the matter.

18. MISCONDUCT OF TEAM OFFICIALS

18.1. Disciplinary action will be taken against Team Officials or his team for any misconduct or

disturbances committed by the official or team during a tournament whether in or outside the court.

18.2. Any team official who commits a misconduct or disturbances will be immediately escorted out

from the arena by the tournament officials and the Official Referee and will also be immediately

suspended from being a team official, until a Disciplinary Committee is convened and a decision has

been reached on the matter.

19. GENERAL

19.1. In the event of any question or any matter arising out of any point, which is not expressly

provided for in any of the rules of the game, the decision of the Official Referee shall be final.

ASTAF: The acronym for the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation 

Block: Blocking is a defensive skill used to counter a spike coming from close to the net. A block is usually made by jumping in the air and raising a leg and/or back to divert the ball back into the opponent's court. A block counts as one contact. 

Centre Line: Divides the length of the playing court into two equal halves. 

Dig: The act of fielding hard-hit ball successfully, usually a spike or block, to regain control. Eg: The dig by Thailand came at a crucial point in the game. 

Dink: A soft hit ball, usually either a "dink serve" or a "dink spike". 

Fault: A violation of one of the rules of the game. 

Feeder: Person who "sets" the ball to the "spiker". 

First Ball: Term used to describe receiving the service by the opposing team. 

Formations: Order of play is decided by the toss of a coin. The ceremony involves the referee and the two team captains. The winning captain chooses either the right to serve first, or the choice of court ("Serve or Side"). 

ISTAF: The acronym for the International Sepaktakraw Federation 

Killer: A common usage to describe the Spiker or a successful spike ball. 

Quarter Circle: Place on court where the serving team's forwards (left and right inside players) should remain during the service until the ball has been kicked by the Server. 

Regu: A Malaysian word meaning a team. A team comprises four players (three starters and one reserve) is known as a Regu, and a squad of three Regus is known as a Team. 

Roll Spike: A spike in which the player jumps with his back to the net, rotates in the air and kicks the ball over the opposite shoulder from the kicking foot with a flip like motion. The most dramatic and popular move in the game. 

Sepaktakraw: The name of the game from the words Sepak, a term used in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia which translates into "kick", and Takraw, a term used in Thailand which means "woven ball". 

Service Over: When the serving team fails to return the ball over the net or commits a fault. The opposing team becomes the serving team but a point is not awarded. 

Serving Circle: A circle located in both halves of the court where the Server is required to be positioned during the service. 

Set: A period of play which is concluded when one team reaches 15 points. A match consists of the best of three sets. The third set is played in a six-point tiebreak. 

Set or Setting: A high pass by one player to a teammate or to self to enable a spike on the next move. 

Service: The act of putting the ball into play by the Server. 

Service Toss: A hand throw of the ball by one of the forwards to the Server. 

Spike: A powerfully hit shot directed into the opponent's court using either the foot or head. 

Sunback Spike: A spike in which the player jumps with his back to the net and kicks the ball over the same shoulder as the kicking foot. In soccer this is known as a "bicycle kick". 

Takraw Ball: Traditionally, the ball is made by weaving bamboo or rattan into a spherical shape. In 1982, Marathon Intertrade Co., Ltd. revolutionisedthe sport by introducing woven synthetic (plastic) balls. Today, almost all players around the world are using synthetic takraw balls. 

To Begin Play: The game is initiated when one of the forwards tosses the ball to the back player - the "Server" who must keep one foot inside the the serving circle and the other foot outside. The ball must be kicked with the foot outside the circle in one attempt over the net. Note: A ball hitting the net on the serve is "good". Outdoors Articles Body Piercing Shop Belly Button Rings Whip Guide song lyrics Love Lyrics phone cards