Referee Rules Quick Reference
Referee Rules Quick Reference
This page summarizes common rulings. The full Tournament Rules remain the governing document.
| Situation | First response | Escalation | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow play | Warning; direct player to maintain pace | 15-second turn limit; possible loss of game | 3.10 / 10.1 |
| Late to table | At 5 minutes, opening game forfeited | At 10 minutes, match forfeited; limited exceptions | 3.11 / 10.2 |
| First domino touched | Stop play; inspect circumstances; warning may be appropriate | Award game if deliberate, unfair, or repeated | 5.4 / 10.3 |
| Exposed domino | Determine accidental or deliberate conduct | Direct play, reshuffle, or award game | 6.1-6.4 |
| Talking or signalling | Warning and instruction to stop | Game penalty or removal for repeated/deliberate conduct | 7.1-7.10 / 10.4 |
| Pass dispute | Require clear verbal pass and verify sequence | Rule on exposed domino or improper inducement | 7.3 / 7.5 |
| Side switch | Check game count and prior switches | Disallow switch and restore proper seating | 4.1-4.4 |
| Blocked game | Count individual remaining pips | Use 6-6 tie-break until decisive | 8.1-8.4 |
| Score dispute | Pause submission and hear both teams | Referee ruling; Tournament Director review | 9.1-9.6 / 10.5 |
| Outside interference | Remove person from playing area | Additional discipline if interference continues | 7.9 / 10.6 |
Decision principles: Be neutral, stop play when needed, hear both teams briefly, apply the same standard to both sides, record material warnings and penalties, and escalate unresolved disputes to the Tournament Director before play continues.