Common Penalties Reference
Quick reference guide for the most common penalties in quadball.
Penalty Types
Back-to-Hoops
Duration: None (procedural reset)
Effect: Player must return to hoops and reset before rejoining play
Common situations:
- Minor illegal contact
- Interposition interference (minor)
- Improper immunity claims
- Illegal pursuit of flag
Blue Card
Duration: 1 minute in penalty box
Effect: Team plays short-handed
Common situations:
- Illegal substitution
- Delay of game
- Playing while off stick
- Sideline infractions
- Illegal circumvention
Yellow Card
Duration: 1 minute in penalty box
Effect: Team plays short-handed
Common situations:
- Contact from behind
- Illegal contact (standard)
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
- Feigning injury
- Disrespect to officials
Red Card
Duration: Ejection from game; a substitute serves 2 minutes in the penalty box
Effect: Permanent player removal
Common situations:
- Intentional contact to head/neck
- Tackling a helpless receiver
- Egregious unsportsmanlike conduct
- Fighting or violent conduct
- Intentional goaltending by a beater or seeker
Contact Penalties Quick Reference
| Situation | Legal Contact | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Chaser tackles chaser with ball | From front only | Legal / Yellow if from behind |
| Chaser tackles chaser without ball | Never legal | Yellow Card |
| Contact with helpless receiver | Never legal | Yellow/Red Card |
| Beater-beater contact | Same rules as chaser contact | Yellow Card if illegal (Red if excessive force) |
| Any contact to head/neck area | Never legal | Yellow Card (Red if intentional) |
Procedural Penalties
| Violation | Penalty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| False start | Blue Card | Moving before "sticks up" |
| Illegal substitution | Blue Card | Entering play incorrectly |
| Too many players | Yellow Card (Captain) | Illegal set of players |
| Delay of game | Blue Card + Turnover | Stalling with ball |
| Illegal reset | Turnover | Second reset in one drive |
Penalty Box Rules
- Entering: Must go immediately when carded
- Serving time: Starts when the head referee resumes play
- Early release: Goals by non-offending team release players serving 1-minute penalties
- Multiple penalties: Served consecutively, not simultaneously
- Keeper penalties: Must switch headband before going to box
Appeal Process
- During game: Only speaking captain may discuss calls with Head Referee
- After explanation: Head Referee's decision is final
- Post-game: Rules clarifications only, not judgment calls
- Tournament disputes: Escalated to Event Director for non-officiating matters
For complete penalty details, see the Official Rulebook or Referee Manual.