Two Serves Won the First Round
2004-12-15
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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!)

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