Preamble: These Official Rules and Regulations govern all sanctioned Professional Rock Paper Scissors (WRPSA) competitions. They ensure fair play, competitive integrity, and clarity of procedure. All participants must comply with these rules to maintain the sport’s credibility.
1. Purpose and Scope
1.1 Purpose: Establish standard rules and procedures for professional RPS play, ensuring fairness and transparency.
1.2 Scope: Applies to all professional matches and tournaments sanctioned by the League. These rules supersede informal or local rules.
1.3 Authority: The League’s referees and officials have sole authority to interpret and enforce these rules.
2. Definitions
- Player: A competitor who meets League eligibility requirements.
- Match: A contest between two players with a predetermined number of rounds.
- Round: A single play where both players simultaneously display a throw.
- Throw: A valid hand gesture of Rock, Paper, or Scissors.
- Stalemate: When both players display the same throw, requiring a replay.
- Referee: An official responsible for enforcing rules and resolving disputes.
- Prohibited Device: Any device that gives an unfair advantage.
- Match Area: The designated space for official matches.
- League: The governing body sanctioning professional play.
3. Match Format and Victory Conditions
3.1 Standard Format: Best-of-three rounds. Tournament stages may use best-of-five or best-of-seven formats.
3.2 Winning a Round:
- Rock defeats Scissors.
- Scissors defeat Paper.
- Paper defeats Rock.
3.3 Winning a Match: The player who first wins the majority of rounds wins the match.
3.4 Tournament Advancement: Winners progress per tournament rules.
3.5 Official Result: The referee’s declaration finalizes the match result.
4. Standard Hand Signals
Only three throws are permitted: Rock, Paper, and Scissors. Any other gesture is an illegal throw.
- Rock: Closed fist with thumb flat across fingers.
- Paper: Open hand with fingers together, palm horizontal.
- Scissors: Index and middle fingers extended in a clear V-shape.
5. Sequence of Play
- 5.1 Ready Position: Both players face each other with hands ready.
- 5.2 Countdown: Standard cadence is “1, 2, 3, Shoot” or “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot.”
- 5.3 Simultaneous Throw: Both players must throw on cue.
- 5.4 False Start: Throwing before the cue nullifies the round and results in a warning.
- 5.5 Late Throw: Throwing after the cue is cheating and causes immediate round loss.
- 5.6 Mechanics: Hands must remain closed until the final beat.
- 5.7 Holding Position: Players hold their throw momentarily for clarity.
- 5.8 Between Rounds: Short reset period allowed, no stalling.
- 5.9 Injuries: Referee may allow short injury timeout.
- 5.10 Environment: Matches require good lighting and clear visibility.
6. Prohibited Conduct
- No external coaching or communication.
- No electronic devices such as smart watches, phones, AR/VR gear, or AI tools.
- No illegal or unclear throws.
- No distractions, taunting, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
- No collusion or match fixing.
- No actions harming the integrity of the sport.
7. Player Equipment and Attire
Hands must be empty and uncovered. No gloves, props, or reflective eyewear allowed. Clothing must not distract or obscure throws. Referees may inspect players before matches.
8. Officiating and Dispute Resolution
- 8.1 Referee Duties: Verify readiness, oversee cadence, observe throws, and enforce rules.
- 8.2 Authority: Referee decisions are final during play.
- 8.3 Protests: Must be raised immediately before the next round.
- 8.4 Replay: Available in some tournaments for critical decisions.
- 8.5 Appeals: Post-match appeals allowed for serious violations.
9. Penalties and Sanctions
- Warning: For minor infractions.
- Round Forfeit: Loss of round for late throws or illegal gestures.
- Match Forfeit: For serious or repeated violations.
- Disqualification: Removal from the tournament.
- Suspension or Ban: For severe or repeated misconduct.
- Prize Forfeiture: Cheaters may lose titles or prizes.
10. Fair Play
Players may sign a fair play oath.
11. Amendments and Updates
The League may update these rules before each competition season. The latest version always takes precedence.
By participating, players agree to uphold these rules and the integrity of Professional Rock Paper Scissors.