2025 Stones Throwing Association Rule Set

Rules of the Game​

I. The Course

II. Game Play

A. Number of Players and Equipment

B. The Basic Round

C. Concerning the Designation of a Stones Being In Bounds

D. Concerning the Striking of Stones and other Objects

E. Concerning the Interference of Stones by Participants, Referees, and Spectators

F. Water Hazards

G. Throwing an Opponent’s Stone or out of turn 

I. Scoring a Round

J. Continuing a Game

K. Moving through the Course

L. Playing the Landings

M. The X

N. End of the Game

O. Overtime Rules

P. Postponement of a Game Already in Play:

III. STA Tournament Rules

A. Gameplay abides by all rules of the game.

B. Official rulings are final, except in cases of challenges.

C. Time Management and Shot Clock Regulations

E. Player Misconduct:

F. Offsides

I. The Course

The game is to be played on a course consisting of five distinct fields of play known as stretches.

 Each stretch consists of an initial throwing zone (the base), clearly marked boundaries signifying in bounds and out of bounds, and culminates with a patch of land known as the landing.

Stretches may include pools of water and/or any other type of natural obstacle including fire, stone, vegetation, logs, branches, and other organic matter.

The playing surface on the stretches is made of natural materials that can vary greatly and can change throughout the course. It could consist of dirt, gravel, sand, grass, pine needles, etc.

 Stretches can take on any shape and range greatly in length (35-75 feet is suggested).

There should be a natural progression of the stretches in such a way that the landing of one leads to the base of the next.

In addition to the five stretches, there is an area disconnected from the course and entirely surrounded by an area designated as out of bounds. This area is known as the X. It is roughly 2-3 feet in diameter. It must be accessible by two or more stretches, including 5 and/or 4.

II. Game Play

A. Number of Players and Equipment

 The game is typically played in either a one on one format or in teams of two.

 Games are played with sets of stones and a 50 mm ball known as the mark. A set of stones consists of four balls: one 90 mm, two 100 mm, and one 110 mm in size.

2A. For a stone to be considered legal for use, any chips or breaks must be no larger than the diameter of a quarter.

2B. If a stone or mark breaks during a round of play, the largest portion of the stone or mark is used for scoring only for that round.

 In team play, each team either shares one set or individual players have his or their own. Tournament rules will dictate which format is followed. No matter which format is played, only 2 stones are thrown by each player in one round of play.

 In one on one play, each player throws all four stones in a given round.

B. The Basic Round

To start the game, a member of the team designated to go first, standing within the base of the first stretch, throws the mark in a forward direction to a distance greater than 1 meter. If it is thrown less than 1 meter or is thrown out of bounds, another opportunity to throw the mark is granted to the same individual*. If the second throw is less than 1 meter or goes out of bounds, the opportunity to throw the mark goes to the other team.

*If the first mark throw goes into a pool of water, the opportunity to throw the mark immediately goes to the other team.

 Once the mark is “established” in play, the team that threw it then throws one of their stones towards the mark in an attempt to get as close as possible. If the throw remains in bounds, the team has “established” their stone as the one closest to the mark. If the throw goes out of play, that team must continue to throw until they establish a stone in play.. Once the team has established a stone in play, the other team throws their stones, one at a time, until they either establish one of their stones as the closest to the mark or they run out of stones.

 Players within a team alternate the throwing of stones within a round, choosing which size to throw based on the terrain and the positioning of the mark.

This procedure continues until one team is out of stones. At that point, the other team throws all of their remaining stones, attempting to place as many as possible closer to the mark than the closest stone of their opponent.

C. Concerning the Designation of a Stones Being In Bounds

 If any part of the stone is within the boundaries of the course, the stone is considered in bounds, unless specific course rules suggest otherwise.

D. Concerning the Striking of Stones and other Objects

 Legally and without penalty, stones may strike the mark, other stones, physical obstacles on the course, and objects that are out of bounds; including living creatures or spectators if the contact is deemed unintentional. If contact is declared intentional, all rules below regarding interference of stones apply.

 If the mark is knocked out of bounds during a round of throws, the round is canceled, all stones are picked up and players return to the original throwing position. A new round will start from that point with the mark being thrown by the other team.

 If an established mark is knocked back behind the throwing line by the throwing of a stone, it is considered out of bounds.

Stones established in bounds may be knocked out of bounds by the throwing of other stones within the same round.

 Stones already thrown and resting out of bounds can still factor into play and therefore must not be interfered with.

Stones already thrown and resting out of bounds may be knocked into bounds by the throwing of other stones within around.

E. Concerning the Interference of Stones by Participants, Referees, and Spectators

 If any stone, not in motion, during a round of play is interfered with by someone other than a player, the stone is moved back to its original resting spot. If a stone is thrown, in motion, and strikes someone other than a player, a rethrow is granted. Or in cases where the entire round is deemed unfairly altered, the round will be replayed.

 If any stone in motion strikes a player participating in the contest, the team of the player who interfered must forfeit a stone for that round, and a re-throw is granted. In cases where the entire round is deemed unfairly altered, the round will be replayed with the team responsible for playing the round with one less stone.

 If a resting stone is interfered with by a participant, the team of the player who interfered must forfeit a stone for that round. In cases where the entire round is deemed unfairly altered, the round will be replayed with the team responsible for playing the round with one less stone.

F. Water Hazards

 If the mark is thrown into a pool of water, even if it is a team’s first mark throw of a round, the mark is forfeited to the other team.

 If a stone is thrown into a pool of water, the teammate of the player who threw the initial stone must discard one of his or her remaining stones if a stone remains in hand and the next throw goes to the player who committed the penalty.

 All stones in water are considered out of play.

 If the mark is knocked into the water, it is out of bounds and the round is considered canceled. The above rules concerning a mark being knocked out of bounds apply.

 If a stone is knocked out of a body of water and returns to the field of play, it is considered in bounds.

G. Throwing an Opponent’s Stone or out of turn 

 If a player accidentally throws an opponent’s stone, the player must either forfeit one of his or her own stones, or the opposing team can choose to keep the initial throw as their own.

 Rule on Out-of-Turn Throws

Definition: An out-of-turn throw occurs when a player throws their stone during a time that is not their allotted turn in the sequence of play.

Consequence: Should a player commit an out-of-turn throw, the stone in question will be immediately declared dead and considered out of bounds the moment it leaves the player’s hand.

Enforcement: This rule is to be strictly enforced to maintain the integrity and order of gameplay. The immediate declaration of the stone as dead prevents any impact it may have on the current layout of stones within the field of play. 

Resetting the field: If the field of play is affected by the illegal throw the referee will have to reset the playing field to the original layout before the toss to the best of their ability. If the field is unable to be reset accurately this will result in a resetting of the round. 

Determining Ball Proximity to the Mark

 Within around, the game’s referee will determine which stone is closest to the mark using the naked eye. Each player may also look for his or herself, but the referee’s determination will stand unless challenged.

 During the course of the game a team can challenge the official’s call, while around is still being played, requesting a measurement. If the team wins the challenge, another is granted. If a team challenges and loses, they cannot challenge for the remainder of the game.

 If a game goes into overtime, teams challenges are reset.

 Once the last stone of a round is thrown, players may recommend that the distance from the mark to all stones be measured.

I. Scoring a Round

 Once all stones are thrown and the mark is still in play, the team with their stone closest to the mark is awarded one point, as well as a point for each stone closer than their opponent’s closest stone.

 If all four stones of one team are closer to the mark than any of their opponent’s stones, that team is awarded 6 points.

A round is considered closed when points of that round have been decided upon. No person may interfere with the position of stones before a round has been closed.

 If the position of stones is altered by a participant in the contest before the round is closed, the above rules concerning interference apply.

If both team’s closest stone to the mark is of equal distance to the mark, no points are awarded to either team.

J. Continuing a Game

 After a round is closed, a new round begins with the mark being thrown from the spot where the prior round ended and the above procedure is followed.

The player whose turn it is to throw the mark identifies the new throwing spot by placing a small disk (a spot) on the ground.

 For each throw during that round, one of the throwing player’s feet must be touching the spot. No other body part can be touching the ground closer to the mark. If there is a spot violation, the player who committed the penalty loses a stone and any stones that were disrupted are placed where they were before the stone was thrown.

 With every new round, the throwing of the mark alternates between teams.

 Players within a team alternate the throwing of the mark.

 Rule on Intentional Mark Out-of-Bounds Throws

Definition: An intentional out-of-bounds throw occurs when a team deliberately throws the mark outside the designated play area.

Consequence for Two Intentional Throws: If a team intentionally throws the mark out of bounds twice in succession, the opposing team is granted a strategic choice as a penalty to the offending team.

Strategic Choice for the Non-Offending Team

Option to Establish the Mark: The non-offending team may choose to take control and establish the mark themselves.

Option to Enforce Continuation: Alternatively, they can compel the offending team to continue throwing until they successfully establish a mark in play.

7.. Rule on Mark Displacement

Condition of Displacement: If the mark gets knocked off a landing twice during a round, a specific procedure must be followed.

Movement Requirement: Both teams must move back exactly 5 feet from the original spot.

Implementation of the Second Spot

Placement of Second Spot: A second spot is to be placed at the new location, exactly 5 feet behind the original spot.

Purpose: This ensures a standardized and fair repositioning of the mark throw following repeated displacements from a landing.

K. Moving through the Course

All mark throws throughout the game must be in a forward direction (in proximity to the landing) through the course.

 As the game moves through the course, a given stretch can be played as many times as desired, but all five landings must be played at least once. This suggests that an entire stretch can be skipped except for its landing.

Regardless of the stretch on which the mark is established, stones that are in bounds anywhere on the course are considered in play.

L. Playing the Landings

 Each landing must be played before play can progress to the next field.

 The mark can be thrown on the landing or knocked onto the landing during the round.

 A landing is considered played when the mark is established on the landing at the end of around.

If the mark is thrown or knocked beyond the landing of the current field, it is considered out of bounds.

 If a mark established on the landing is knocked backward off of the landing, but is still in bounds, the round continues as long as the mark lies in closer proximity to the landing than where it originated, thus progressing forward on the course.

 After a landing is played for the first time, the following round moves to the next base.

 After all ensuing rounds played on a landing, the spot is placed where the mark ended the round. The next throw is from the spot, not the base. (i.e. X or overtime)

M. The X

 The mark may be thrown to the x from anywhere on the course. This excludes the opening mark throw-off a game.

For the x to be considered played, a round must end with the mark established on the x.

3.. If the mark is established on the x but is then knocked off of the hole by the throwing of a stone in the round, the round is considered canceled.

4.. For points to be scored on the x, at least one stone and the mark must be established on the x when the round is closed.

5.. The scoring for all stones established on the x is the same as the rest of the course except that all point totals are doubled.

6... In the event that the mark is established on the x, but is then knocked back onto the regular course, play will continue as long as the mark is proceeding forward on the course without skipping a landing but will not be governed by x rules (i.e., points will not be doubled).

7 . Options for Throwing the Mark from the X

Current Stretch Option: Players throwing the mark from the X have the option to target the current stretch they are on.

One Stretch Back Option: Additionally, players have the choice to throw the mark to the stretch immediately preceding the current one in the course sequence.

Strategic Flexibility: This rule offers players increased strategic flexibility and decision-making opportunities when throwing from the X while maintaining a pace of play during tournaments.

Implementation and Enforcement

Referee Oversight: Referees will ensure that players adhere to these options, confirming the validity of the targeted stretch for each mark throw from the X.

Clarification to Players: Players will be clearly informed of these options and their implications for gameplay strategy.

8.. After the (X) round has been completed and the mark has been re-established, play must continue forward through the course toward the next unplayed landing, previously played landings may be skipped.

N. End of the Game

 The game is played until a round closes with the mark in bounds on the final landing and a team holding a two-point lead.

 If a team has at least a two-point lead at the end of that round, they are the winner.

O. Overtime Rules

Trigger for Overtime

Criteria for Overtime: Overtime is initiated in Stones Tournament Association (STA) matches when a game concludes with teams either tied or with only a one-point differential, and neither team has achieved the required two-point lead for victory.

Coin Toss Procedure

Conducting the Coin Toss: At the commencement of overtime, the referee will conduct a coin toss to determine the initial advantage.

Eligibility for Calling: The team that either holds the current lead or was the last to hold a 

lead in the match will be granted the privilege to call the coin toss.

Winning the Toss: The team that wins the coin toss will have the choice to either:

Accept: Choose the stretch of the course where overtime play will commence.

Defer: Allow the opposing team to choose the starting stretch.

Throwing the Mark:

If the coin toss-winning team accepts and chooses the stretch, the opposing team will then have the right to throw the mark first in overtime.

If the coin toss-winning team defers, they gain the right to throw the mark first, after the opposing team chooses the stretch.

Overtime Play

Continuation of the Game: Overtime play proceeds in the same manner as regular play, with the exception of the initial stretch and mark throw determination.

Win by Two: The overtime continues until one team achieves a two-point lead, thereby securing the victory.

Referee’s Responsibilities

Overseeing the Coin Toss: The referee is responsible for conducting the coin toss fairly and transparently.

Monitoring Compliance: The referee ensures that the decisions made post-coin toss are adhered to and that the overtime play proceeds according to STA rules.

P. Postponement of a Game Already in Play:

 Once a game has started, it can only be postponed for lightning or hurricane-force winds. If a team refuses to continue to play for any other reason, they have forfeited the game.

III. STA Tournament Rules

A. Gameplay abides by all rules of the game.

B. Official rulings are final, except in cases of challenges.

Within around, the game’s referee will determine which stone is closest to the mark using the naked eye. Each player may also look for his or herself, but the referee’s determination will stand unless challenged.

During the course of the game a team can challenge the official’s call, while around is still being played, requesting a measurement. If the team wins the challenge, another is granted. If a team challenges and loses, they cannot challenge for the remainder of the game.

C. Time Management and Shot Clock Regulations

Shot Clock Duration

Standard Time: In all Stones Tournament Association (STA) matches, a shot clock of 35 seconds per shot will be enforced.

Warning System: Referees will provide a verbal warning to players when there are 10 seconds remaining on the shot clock.

Timeout Allocation and Usage

Number of Timeouts: Each team is entitled to three timeouts throughout the match.

Duration of Timeouts: Each timeout will have a duration of one minute.

Procedure for Calling Timeouts: Teams can call timeouts at any point during their turn before the shot clock expires. However, timeouts cannot be called consecutively without a play occurring in between.

Shot Clock Reset

Post-Timeout Reset: Following a timeout, the shot clock will be reset, granting the team a fresh 35-second period to execute their next shot.

Implementation: The shot clock reset will be immediately effective upon the conclusion of the timeout period.

Enforcement and Penalties

Shot Clock Violation: If a team fails to complete their shot within the 35-second shot clock, it will result in a shot clock violation, leading to the forfeiture of the throw.

Timeout Violation: Teams exceeding the allocated number of timeouts or attempting to call consecutive timeouts without a play will be subject to penalties as specified in the STA 

Rulebook.

Referee’s Role

Timekeeping: The referee is responsible for the accurate management of the shot clock and the enforcement of timeout rules.

Communication: The referee will communicate the start and end of timeouts, as well as shot clock warnings and resets, to ensure clear understanding among players.

E. Player Misconduct:

 Any verbal foul (determined by the official as malicious) towards another player, official, or spectator results as 1st offense, warning. 2nd offense, loss of a stone for the remainder of the game. 3rd offense, ejection from the game.

*Casual chirping and trash talk is permitted

 Any physical contact (determined by the official as malicious) towards another player, official, or spectator results as 1st offense, loss of ball for the remainder of the game. 2nd offense ejection. Or depending on severity, immediate ejection from the game.

3. Restriction on Fan Advice

Rule on Advice: Fans are prohibited from giving specific advice or instructions to players while the team is actively engaged in throwing or on the shot clock.

Objective: This rule is implemented to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure that external influences do not affect the players’ decisions and strategies during active play.

Enforcement and Penalties

Warning System: Fans found in violation of this rule will initially receive a warning from the referee.

Escalation for Repeated Infractions: In the case of multiple infractions, fans may be subject to removal from the viewing area to preserve the fairness and concentration of the game.

Referee’s Responsibilities

Monitoring Fan Interaction: Referees are tasked with monitoring the interaction between fans and players, particularly when a team is on the shot clock.

Issuing Warnings: The referee has the discretion to issue warnings to fans who violate this rule and to take further action if necessary.

Communication of the Rule

Announcements: This regulation will be communicated to fans prior to the start of the match, either through public address systems or visible signage at the venue.

Inclusion in Event Protocols: The rule will be included in event protocols and guidelines distributed to fans attending STA matches.

F. Offsides

Playing from the spot

Description: Small circles will be implemented in the center of each spot used for mark throws in Stones Tournament Association (STA) matches.

Purpose: These circles are introduced to provide a clear and standardized position for players’ feet during throws, enhancing the precision and fairness of positioning.

Rules for Foot Placement

Complete Coverage: When preparing for a throw, the player’s foot must completely cover the circle on the spot.

Boundary Limitation: While covering the circle, the player’s foot must not extend beyond the front edge of the spot (the side closest to the mark).

Definition of Compliance: A throw will be considered legally executed if the player’s foot is positioned as per the above guidelines at the time the stone is released.

Enforcement and Penalties

Spot Violation: Failure to comply with these foot placement rules will result in a spot violation.

Consequences: In the event of a spot violation, the throw will be nullified, and the player will forfeit that particular throw.

Official Monitoring

Referee’s Role: Referees are responsible for ensuring that players adhere to the spot circle rules. They will monitor foot placement during each throw and declare any violations.

Player’s Responsibility: Players are expected to be aware of and comply with these positioning rules. It is the player’s responsibility to ensure correct foot placement before each throw.

A player standing on the spot may ask the ref at any time if their body is in a legal position to throw.

 Rule on Forward Movement Beyond the Spot

Definition: A forward fall past the spot occurs when a player’s body moves beyond the front edge of the spot before their thrown stone comes to a complete rest.

Illegality of the Throw: Any stone thrown wherein the player falls forward past the spot before the stone has come to a rest will be considered an illegal throw.

Consequences of Illegal Throws

Nullification: The throw will be immediately nullified, meaning the stone will not be counted for scoring or positioning purposes in that round.

Enforcement: This rule is to be strictly enforced to maintain the integrity of the throwing technique and the strategic positioning of stones.

Monitoring and Adjudication

Referee’s Role: The game’s referee is responsible for monitoring player movement post-throw and determining the legality of each throw.

Video Review: In cases where the legality of a throw is unclear, referees may use video replay (where available) to make a final determination.

 Requirement for Distinct Colors

Distinctive Color Selection: During Stones Tournament Association (STA) matches, players are required to use stones that are of clear and distinct colors. This is to ensure easy visual differentiation between competing players’ stones during gameplay.

Prohibition of Similar Shades: Players are not permitted to use stones that are different shades of the same color as their opponent’s stones. For instance, if one player uses dark blue stones, their opponent cannot use light blue stones.