Ridiculous Rules A COLLECTION OF THE WILDEST SPORT RULES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED. Words | Alexa Georgelos “Wait thirty minutes after eating before swimming!” “Don’t talk to strangers!” Everybody knows these rules. Crazy, childhood rules that are simple and easy to remember, even if they aren’t strictly enforced. But do you know what are strictly enforced, yet not so easy to remember? Sports rules. Especially the weird ones. Most people are aware of the basic rules for sports. However, so many different things can happen on the court, field or course. This, in turn, creates an extensive (and sometimes ridiculous) set of rules that will make you think … “really?”
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Hats are Hindrances
According to ITF Rule 26, if a tennis player’s hat unintentionally falls off during a match, the opponent can call a let (replay of the point) and claim the hat as a hindrance. However, there is another side to this rule. If the player intentionally causes a hindrance, the opponent wins the point. Unfortunately, this rule is sometimes forgotten or confused, so it’s best to make sure your hat is attached securely.
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When it’s OK to Reach Over the Net Most people know that in tennis, a player must return the ball before it bounces twice. But what happens when the opponent slices the ball so severely, it spins back over the net into the other player’s court? The player is allowed to reach over the net and attempt to play the ball from the opposite side. Only rule: don’t jump over or touch the net.