Two Serves Won the First Round
2004-12-15
_________________
After a proposal brought forward by the Austrian
representative the IRF have recently been discussing the
shortening of the racketlon serve games from the present 5 to 2
(Still 4 sets to 21!). The major argument behind the proposal is
that the winner of the toss gets an unfair advantage with 5
serves, since he will e.g. be able to choose to start serving.
After an initial period of analysis and discussion there has now
been a vote on the issue, which was won by the 2 serve
alternative by a clear 13 votes against 8.
This means that the IRF today launch an official test period,
covering at least 3 tour events after which a second vote will
take place about whether to change the official rules.
However, just like during 2004 organisers on the 2005 tour will
enjoy so called "Rules Flexibility" - meaning that they
have the right to experiment with the rules within the general
racketlon framework (see the three principles of racketlon in the
official rules) although the offical
rules are generally recommended.
For the test period this "rules flexibility" means that
the new "2 serves to 21" format will be _recommended_
and not _required_ during the test period. During the test period
the poll on the Racketlon Forum will stay open as a guidance to
the members of the IRF. Express YOUR opinion on the forum!
Here is the vote breakdown per country:
Country .... 2-serves ....5-serves
Sweden ............................4
Finland ............3
Belgium ...........2
Austria ............2
England .............................2
Scotland ............................2
Germany ..........2
Canada ............2
Bulgaria ............1
Greece .............1
France -
Total ................13 ..............8
(According to the IRF statutes half of the voting power is
allocated according to the principle "one country, one
vote", the other half is allocated depending on how many
players each country has on the world ranking.)
For an account of the discussion that preceeded the vote, see the
full IRF analysis. Also, a poll
has been organised at the Racketlon Forum where everyone can vote
as a guidance to the IRF. Let us know your opinion! (Go
Vote!)
_________________________________