rules to play horseshoes

Rules to play Horseshoes

11. Pit substance
Clay, sand, dirt and synthetic compositions are all legal substances to put in the pit. The minimum depth of the substance shall be 4 inches. An 8 inch depth is recommended.
12. Extended platforms
The pitching platforms on either side of the pit shall be extended forward (toward the opposite pit) an additional 10 feet to accommodate pitching at shorter distances. The front of the extended platforms shall be 27 feet from the opposite stake. The extended platforms shall be level with and be of the same width and material as the full distance platforms. It is recommended that the 14 feet between the front ends of the platforms be filled in (using the same material as the platforms) to provide a continuous level walking surface between the two pitchers boxes.
13. Multiple courts
a. Side by side To eliminate distraction and safely separate activity, stakes of courts adjacent to each other shall be a minimum of 10 feet apart. A greater distance (at least 12 feet) is preferable.
b. Back to back A minimum of 16 feet and a protective barrier must separate the stakes of back to back courts.
14. Backboards and Protective Barrier
a. Backboards Every pit should have a backboard. It should be at least 4 feet behind the stake, be at least 1 foot high and extend the width of the pit. For spectator visibility, a mesh netting or chain link material is recommended. If of solid material, it should be a color that will provide a contrasting background so as to keep the stake visible for the contestants.
b. Protective Barrier All court complexes shall be surrounded by a protective barrier. The barrier should be at least 8 feet behind the stake. A chain link type fence at least 4 feet high is recommended.
15. Foul lines
Foul lines shall be defined by lines extending across the front of the full distance and extended platforms. This places them perpendicular to an imaginary line between stakes at 37 and 27 ft. respectively from the front of the opposite stakes. (Measured at the level of the pitching platform).
16. Imaginary stakes
Imaginary stakes shall be marked midway between the left and right extended platforms at a distance of 30 feet from the opposite stakes. They shall also be marked on the full distance platforms at a distance of 40 feet from the opposite stakes if the stakes are not 40 feet apart.
17. Covered and indoor courts
The regulations for covered and indoor courts are exactly the same as for permanent ground level courts with the additional stipulation that they shall have a minimum 12 foot vertical clearance to the lowest possible obstruction.
18. Temporary and or raised courts
The regulations for temporary and or raised courts are the same as for permanent ground level courts with the exception that for any raised court, the top of the pit shall be no more than 7 inches above the level of the pitching platforms. In addition, the 4 inch pit substance requirement is recommended, but not mandatory.The 40 ft. distance for elevated platforms shall be measured from the front of the bottom of the stake, at floor level before the substance is put into the pit.
Note: The NHPA realizes that many sets of courts now in existence do not meet all of the conditions listed in Rule 1. All new courts shall be constructed using the guidelines in Rule 1 and charters are encouraged to modify their existing courts to meet these standards as soon as possible.
19. Altered shoes
Any shoe which has been changed from its original design (calk, notch, etc.) shall be considered an altered shoe. An altered shoe is illegal and cannot be used in sanctioned play.Note: The NHPA Executive Council has the right to waive the altered shoe provision for a physically impaired contestant.
20. Pitching distances
1. Juniors Junior contestants may pitch from any place on either the full distance or extended platforms. They must observe the 27 foot foul lines.
2. Open Men and Seniors All Open Men and Senior contestants shall pitch from on or behind the full distance platforms adjacent to the pits and observe the 37 foot foul lines. Physically impaired males in these categories may be given permission by the governing NHPA officials to move on to the extended platforms and observe the 27 foot foul lines.
3. Elders Elders are classified as short distance pitchers, shall pitch less than the full distance, and observe the 27 foot foul line. Section B. Females All female contestants may pitch from any place on the full distance or extended platforms and observe the 27 foot foul lines, except that any woman pitching in an Elders class must pitch less than 40 feet.