Showa-Shinzan
International Yukigassen

Laws of the Game- Interpretation and Guidelines for Referees -2023/2024
昭和新山国際雪合戦競技規則-解説と審判員のためのガイドライン-

International Alliance of sports Yukigassen
Address
TelephoneEmailWebsite418-30, Aza-Takinomachi, Sobetsu-town,
Usu-gun, Hokkaido, JAPAN+81-(0) 142-66-2244
yuki@town.sobetsu.lg.jp
www.yukigassen-intl.com

International Alliance of sports Yukigassen

１

Laws of the Game

Outline / Court

Outline of the Game

Diagram #1

Safety Net (more than 3m apart from the court)

Protect yourself from Snowballs and attack your opponents with snowballs,
that is sports “Yukigassen – Snowball Fight -”!
A team wins when it captures the flag of the opposing team or hits all themembers of the opposing team with snowballs.
Yukigassen is the new exciting tactical sport that requires strong willpower,
quick judgment and intelligence.

End Line
Chateau
Back Line

Flag
No.2 ShelterNo.1 Shelter

Center Shelter

1 Court
1.1 The standard court will be a sectioned-off rectangle with the following dimensions:Length 36m, Width 10m. And Shelters, chateaus, and flag stand placements are asshown in Diagram #1.

Center Line5m

1.2 Lines will be formed with a rope creating a solid line.
3m
1.3 Shelters and chateaus will generally be built using snow. However, other objects
serve similar purpose and are safe could also be used.

8m

1.3.1 Center Shelter 180cm in height, 90cm in length and 45cm in depth.
2m

1.3.2 No.1 / No.2 Shelters 90cm in height, 90cm in length and 45cm in depth.
2m

1.3.3 Chateaus90cm in height, 90cm in length and 45cm in depth.

2m

1.4 A safety net may be placed around the entire court 3m from the end and side lines.
Note: Be sure to allow as much space as possible between the court and the safety
nets to provide sufficient room for the referees' movements and accumulated snow.

6m

5m
2m
10m

１

２

Laws of the Game

Equipment / Wear

2 Equipment / Wear
2.1 Snowballs shall be produced using snowball-making equipment before the match.
2.1.1 Each team shall have maximum 90 snowballs to use per a period.

2.3 Team flags shall be made of cloth and be
50cm in height and 70cm in length.
2.4 Numbers, Flag poles, Targets for Victory
Throws (VT) used shall be ones provided by
the tournament organizer.
2.4.1 Numbers shall be recognizable bycoaches and are as follows: forwards,
FW1-4; backs, BK5-7.

2.2 Helmets shall be ones specifically indicated.

Team Flag / Flag with strings for
attaching to the flag pole.

2.4.2 The standards for flag poles and targets for Victory Throw (VT) shall not be
regulated as long as they do not obstruct game play.

2.2.1 Helmet colors shall match those of the other members of the team. But, Green
helmets are reserved for referees and shall not be used by any team.
2.2.2 Helmet colors or design for each team shall be different.
2.2.3 Under special circumstances, helmets other than designated helmets may be used ifthey are approved by the Tournament organizer.
2.2.4 Modification of shields shall be prohibited.

Numbers : Forwards, FW1-4; Backs, BK5-7
When lining up, team members should do so innumeric order starting with "0" for the coach.

Flag pole

Targets for Victory
Throws (VT)

2.5 Attire shall be those that are suitable for the sport. Shoes are required.

2.5.1 Helmets shall be kept on during the period of a match.
2.5.2 For the safety of other players, the shoes with metallic spikes are prohibited.
In recent years, many teams adopt their own designs on the their helmets.
However, please note that green colored helmets are reserved for referees only.
Helmets shall be kept on during the period of a match.

2.5.3 The use of megaphones and similar equipment by the coach and players is prohibited.

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３

Laws of the GameTeam / Coach / Player

3 Team / Coach / Player
3.1 A Team consists of no more than 10 registered players. Of the 10 players,
7 are active players and 3 are substitute players.
3.1.1 Players and Substitutes who can play in the match must be indicatedon the player roster.
3.1.2 A team may appoint a coach from all players who indicated on the player roster,and put “〇” on the roster.
3.1.3 A team may takes place their coach at every match.
3.2 Restriction on player movements are shown in Diagram #2
3.2.1 Forwards can play anywhere in front of their own back line. Forwards may not crosstheir own back line with either foot.
3.2.2 Backs can use the whole court.
3.2.3 The coach’s designated area is on the opposite sideline of that of the chief referee,
within the width of their own side of the court. Interfering the referee is prohibited.

3.3 The coach may also act as an player. In such case, it shall be put “〇” on the roster under thecoach sections of its player.
3.3.1 In the circumstance that a player is also a coach, he/she shall wear the player numbers
over the coach tags. The coach acting as a player must remove the player number andreturn to their designated position before being able to act as a coach again.
3.4 Substitutions may be made between periods. However, under special circumstances suchas injuries, player substitution is allowed before the first period begins.
3.4.1 A player who has been replaced by a substitution may play again in the next period.

3.4.2 In case of injury during play, substitution during the period is not allowed.
3.4.3 The coach must inform the chief referee of a substitution. Substitutions must be
witnessed by the chief referee.

Diagram #2* C/R means Chief Referee* A/R means Assistant Referee

Player Roster
Coach

C.R

A.R

ForwardOwn Back Line

Coach

Refer to the tournament program
to find and fill-in the Court &Match numbers.

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４

Laws of the GameMatch

4 Match4.1 One period is 3 minutes with 3 periods per Match.
4.1.1 Time passed before the resumption of the period does not count as part of the actual
period time.
4.2 Players may directly hand snowballs to one another,or roll snowballs to one another.

“Out” means when one’s foot out or a part of body out of the line perfectly.
As long as a player is stepping on the line, even small contacts means the player
is still safe within bound..

Note: When handing a snowball to a fellow team member, bothplayers' hands must be in contact with the snowball at time ofpassing. Otherwise, it's considered a toss (refer to photo) and thereceiving player is considered ousted.

×

×

OUT

4.3 Invalid Snowballs are as follows: :OUT

Own Safe Zone

Own Safe Zone

4.3.1 Less than 2/3 of a snowball
4.3.2 Snowballs that are not on court and Snowballs that come from outside the court○

4.4 The following players are “out”, an ousted player cannot play on this period:

4.4.2 When two players hit each other simultaneously,both players are “out.”
4.4.3 A Player who uses an invalid snowball.
4.4.4 A Player who makes an illegal snowball.
Illegal snowballs are as follows:a. A snowball which is broken during
a period and has been fixed by having
snow added to it.
b. A snowball newly made during the period.

×

×

OUT

OUT

4.4.5 A player who commits a false start
4.4.6 A player whose foot out an end line or side line. A player whose limb/body partcrosses over the end or side lines, or when they touch a snowball that is not on
court.
4.4.7 A Forward player whose foot crosses his own team’s back line. A forward player
who comes in contact with a snowball behind their own back line.
4.4.8 A Player who receives snowballs from ousted players directly.

○

Not Out

4.4.1 A player who has been hit anywhere on his body including clothing with a thrownsnowball.

Own Safe Zone

Own Safe Zone

Not Out

×

×

×

OUT

OUT

OUT

Own Safe Zone

Own Safe Zone

Own Safe Zone

If a player’s part of the body other than foot is on the line, he is out
4.5 A player is not considered out when hit by a snowball thrown by an ousted player.

4.6 Players who are called "out" must leave the court from the nearest sideline or endline
immediately.
4.6.1 An ousted player must then move to the designated area (Diagram #3) and wait
there until the end of the period.

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５

Laws of the GameWins and Loses

5 Wins and Loses
5.1 Wins and losses, Points are decided within a period as follows:

5.2 Final decisions of wins and losses are as follows:

5.1.1 Winner

5.2.1 The team won more periods wins the match.

The team captured the opposing team’s flag (*1)
The team hits all members of the opposing team with snowballs.

Winner 10 points
Loser 0 point

The team with the greater number of remaining players at the endof the period.

1 point per a remaining
player for both teams

The team more than 4 players entered the opponent court(go over center line) (*2)

5.2.3 If the total points for all three periods is tied, then the winner of the match will bedecided by a victory throw (VT).
5.3 Victory throws are done by 7 players who have been presented at the 3 rd period.

5.1.2 Loser

The team captured the own team’s flag (*1)

5.2.2 If the both teams won the same number of periods, the team with the most points will
be declared the winner of the match.

Loser 0 point
Winner 10 points

5.1.3 If the winner is not decided by the above procedure, then the game is considered a tie.
5.1.4 Capturing the as the same time as the sounding of the period ending whistle does notcount as a win. Likewise, a player shall not be called out after the sounding of
the period ending whistle.
*1 ● Capturing a flag means when the flag is completely pulled out of its holder.
● If a flag is pulled out by an ousted player, the flag must first be replaced into theholder by the ousted player before leaving the court.
Once the flag falls out of bound, it can no longer be capture for the win.
*2 ●The definition of "over the center line," are subject to the image description of

4.4.6 on the right hand side of page 4. In other words, it is considered that the
pictures on page 4 explain the “action that leads to being ousted” as “crossing/overthe center line”.
●Exceptions are the following: it is assumed that the center shelter is not consideredbeing on the center line, which means the above rule does not apply when touching(with hand or other body parts) a part (top or side surface) of the opponent’s side of
the center shelter.
●When deciding whether to count 4 or more people in the opponent’s court (which
is an instant loss for the team), an ousted player who left the court (4.4.6 shallapply) will not be counted.

5.3.1 The method for the victory throw is as follows: a target is placed on the chateau andeach team chooses 5 members to take part. From behind the flag stand, teams alternate,each player is allowed one throw to
Match Documentation Form
knock off the target.
The team with the most
17
2
11
knockdowns of the target off
the chateau wins. Once a team has
122
121
secured enough points to win, there
no need to continue.
Team ATeam B
5.3.2 If the winner is not decided after
each of the players had a turn, thenthe remaining 2 players from eachteam will take turn at the VT throw.
If the game is still tied after all 7
players from each team has had aturn, then the VT will go onto thend
2 round in the same order at thestrd
1 round. (the same after 3 round)
5.3.3 Each player must first wait for thesignal from the chief referee
before each throw. Otherwise, thethrow is invalid and the player
losses a turn. A throw is also
invalid if the player’s foot orother body parts touch area
beyond the line.
refer to 4.4.6

4
10

5
0

2
1

6

16

11

Team B

Signature2

Signature５

６

Laws of the Game

Flow of the Match

6 Flow of the Match
6.1 Before the Match
6.1.1 Upon entering the court, teams are to have their snowballs checked by the referees.
If the number of snowballs is found to be less than the official number allowed, no
additional snowball(s) could be made at this time. If the snowball was more than thespecified number, the excess snowballs will be removed by the referee.
6.1.2 The teams attach the team flag to the pole after determining own court and helmet
color by the chief referee’s instruction.
6.1.3 Before the start of the match, players from both teams (including substitute players)
are to line up at the center line; the coaches hand in the player roster to the chiefreferee. After shoe inspection, both teams exchange pre-game greetings.

6.4 Interrupting the Period
6.4.1 When the chief referee and the assistant referee believe that the match needs to beinterrupted, the match will be interrupted immediately.
6.4.2 If there is an accident (injury) during the match, a interruption may be requested by
the players or the coach.
6.4.3 When an interruption occurs, players need to stay at the current spot while holding
snowballsuntil the chief referee gives the signal for each team member to return to theirown court.
6.5 Resuming the Period
6.5.1 Before resuming the period, active players will line up on the backline just like thebeginning of the period, However, each player is allow to hold only 1 snowballexisting in their own court (ground or snowball case).
6.5.2 The period will begin with the signal of the chief referee.
6.6 The End of the Period
6.6.1 A period ends when a team is declared the winner or when the time for the periodruns out. The chief referee will signal the end of the period.
6.6.2 At the end of the period, players who aren’t “out” need to stand on the Backline.

6.2 Before the start of the Period
6.2.1 The snowballs for one period are to be placed behindthe chateau.
6.2.2 Players are to line up on the backline holding up to 2
snowballs. Then, Players lining up on the back line,
are allowed one foot or both foots on the back line.

6.7 The End of the Match
6.7.1 The end of the match is to be declared by the chief referee.
6.7.2 When the match ends, both teams are to line up at the center line and wait for the
results annoucement by the chief referee.

6.2.3 The period will begin with the signal of the chief referee.
6.3 False Starts
6.3.1 A false start occurs when a player begins to move after the referee's call toattention but before the signal for the start of the game.

6.3.2 A player who commits a false start will be called out and cannot play on this period.
6.3.3 If “False Start” happens, the start of the period will be redone without the creationor collection of any new snowballs. However, the players can again hold up to 2
snowballs from the remaining stock of snowballs allocated for that period.

６

７

Laws of the Game

Fouls / Penalties

7-1 Fouls / Penalties
7.1 A player or a coach committing a foul as stated under clause 7.1 will be ordered to leave
the court (Red Card) , and the team will be given a warning (Yellow Card).
7.1.1 If a player commits an act deemed dangerous by the referee.
(ex. Using violence, Jumping over the shelter, etc)
7.1.2 If a player interrupts the match - to interrupt a match is when a player or coach does
not follow the orders of the referees in a way that it would keep the match fromcontinuing and to direct from unrelated player -.
7.1.3 If a player or a coach protests a decision made by the referees.

7.1.4 If a player or a coach behaves disrespectfully to the referees or the opponents.
7.2 The team committing a foul stated under clause 7.2 will be given a warning (Yellow Card).
7.2.1 If a team refuses to start a game or delays a match without good reason, in spite of areferee’s multiple requests
7.2.2 If a player who is called "out“ to supplies their team with snowballs intentionally.
7.3 The team committing a foul stated under clause 7.3 will be disqualified (Red Card)

7-2 Protests / Accidents
7.5 Protests and Questions
7.5.1 The decisions of the referees are final, and protest is not allowed.
7.5.2 If the coach has questions about these rules, he/she may ask a head referee or a
court manager about it.
7.6 Postponement and Cancel
7.6.1 The match is to be postponed or canceled if the weather conditions are so that it is
not safe to continue the match.

7.6.2 In the case of the cancel, If the first period of a match is completed, the match isconsidered official.
7.7 Accidents
7.7.1 If a match cannot be continued due to injury, and if the injury was caused
intentionally or accidentary, the team which caused the injury will be declared theloser. In the even that the cause of the injury is not clear, the team unable to continue
will be declared the loser.

7.3.1 If a team is given 2 warnings in the same tournament.
7.3.2 If a team renounces a game without good reason.
7.3.3 If a player who is not listed or listed on the other team as a player participates in agame.
7.4 The player ordered to leave the court and the team disqualified are not allowed to return toplay in the same tournament.

７８

Guidelines for Referees

Referee / Official

8 Referee / Official
8.1 Composition of Referees is as follows;

Head Referee

Person responsible for all matches in the tournament

Court M anager

Person responsible for all matches on his court
Assistant to head referee

Referee

Person responsible for judging of the match

Chief
Referee

Assistant
Refereea.

Signaling the beginning of a match, any interruptions of a match,
the restarting of a match, and the end of a match.

b.

Proclaiming players “out.” Proclaiming decisions concerning fouls,
warning and asking players to leave a match.

c. Confirming substitutions.
d. Judgment and Declaration of a winner and loser.
a. Proclaiming players “out.” Judge of false starts and flag captured.
b. Interruptions, and Notification about fouls to the chief referee.

8.2 Referee’s basic position are as follows;
Diagram #3
A/R.7

A/R.5
A/R.3

C/R

A/R.1

8.1.1 1 Chief Referee and 7 Assistant referees are stationed per a court as a general rule.
But, the tournament organizer can change to 1 Chief Referee and 5 Assistant referees
according to circumstances of the tournament.
8.1.2 Referee Equipments are as follows;: Referee uniform and Helmet, Certificate, Whistle,(For Chief referee only: Yellow and red warning card)

A/R.2

A/R.4

Referees are required to wear theircertificate in a easily recognizable spot.
8.1.3 The follow officials are stationed as a general rule. But, the tournament organizer
can omit a part of these officials according to circumstances of the tournament.
A/R.6* C/R means Chief Referee * A/R means Assistant Referee● A/R 2-3 face slightly forward basically and A/R 4-5 face slightly behind basically,
and adjust their directions to meet the situation of the match at that time.

８９

Guidelines for Referees

Referee’s Motion 1

9 Referee’s Motion 1
9.1 Before the Match
9.1.1 The referees are to complete the snowballs and uniform inspections. If the numbersof snowball are found to be less than the number allowed, proceed to start the game.
If there are more snowballs than allowed, remove the excess snowballs.
9.1.2 Chief referee confirms team name, decides each court and the color of the player's
number cloth in the presence of both team's coach.
9.1.3 Chief referee will line up the teams at the center line, receive and confirm the playerroster with each team's coach, inform of any additional regulations as needed after
greetings, and order assistant referees to inspect the soles of shoes.
9.1.4 Before the opening greeting, the referees will line up with the chief referee in thecenter.
9.2 Before the start of the Period
9.2.1 Assistant Referees will inform the chief referee of the completion of checks(confirmation of snowballs, and the line up position of players) with the raising of
one hand towards chief referee.

9.4 During the Period
9.4.1 Declaration of “Out”“Outs” will be informed by pointing at theplayer and saying loudly “out” in a fashion thatis easily understood.
“Red (or Blue) No.○, OUT !!”9.4.2 Ousted players are to leave the court via the nearest sideline or endline.
9.4.3 It is desirable to notice the “Out Point (Part) “ in case of declaration of “Out”.

9.4.4 The referee can declare a “Safe” call as clarification of “not Out” in case of
uncertainty. The signal for “Safe” is the horizontal waving of the hand. In this case,
it is desirable to declare additional reason ( "Shelter", "One hopper", and so on).
A Safe Call is not to be used as a reversal of a previous Out Call. Rather, it is toclearly indicate to the player and the audience that a player remains in the game.

9.2.2 Chief referee confirms the standby of time-keeper and scorer.

9.4.5 When there are conflicting calls from different referees, the Out Call prevails.

9.2.3 Each referee is to be in their designated spot as in the Diagram #3.

9.4.6 The signal for the interruption
The signal for the interruption of the period will be:while blowing the whistle multiple times, botharms will be out front making a 45 degree angle
making a crossing sign multiple times.
Whistle “Pi! Pi! Pi! Pi! Pi! Pi－－－－－－!!”(Shortly, Powerfully)

9.3 Starting the Period
9.3.1 The chief referee will receive the signal from the other referees and check theirspots, and then start the period.
9.3.2 The signal for starting (Chief Referee)
To start a game, the referee will
declare with a verbal signal"ready" while both arms are
opened in a 180 degree straightline; followed by a short whistle
blow and bringing both arms
forward. Whistle “Pi !! (Shortly,
powerfully) ”
9.3.3 The assistant referees are to note the chief referee's declaration and then to watch for
false starts by the players.

9.4.7 The signal for the capturing of a flag（Assistant Referee）
The signal for the capturing of a flag will be:
long blow of the whistle with one hand above thehead making a circle multiple times.
Whistle “Pi－－－－－!!” (long, powerfully)
9.4.8 When a flag is captured and the assistant referee’s signal is confirmed,
The Chief Referee will end the period. When the team hits all members of the
opposing team or when the team more than 4 players entered the opponent court, thesame motion will apply.

9.3.4 The signal for the false starts is the same with "9.4.6 The signal for the interruption".

９10

Guidelines for Referees

Referee’s Motion 2

9 Referee’s Motion 2

Diagram #4

9.5 Ending the period
9.5.1 The signal for the ending a period (Chief Referee)

Coach and theother player

Selected 5 Players

The end of the period will be signaled with: the whistle
blown long, and both arms held straight up to take a step.

Whistle “Pi－－－－－!!”

Scorer

9.5.2 Players who are not “out” will be confirmed and counted. (Assistant Referees)
Chief Referee

9.5.3 As a safety precaution, all referees will enter the court to inform everyone of theending of the period.
9.6 After ending the Period
9.6.1 Players who are not “out” will line at their own back line and results will beannounced. In the case that all members were ousted, or a flag was
captured, or more than 4 players from one team enters the opponent’s side of thecourt, all members from both teams will line up at their own back line and results
will be announced.

The teams would take turnthrowing in alternate order.
Be sure to throw only after thereferee whistle.

The VT Line should be drawn at theflag holder. A throw is invalid if theplayer crosses the VT Line during
the throw.

Assistant Referee

9.6.2 Chief referee decides each court in the presence of both team’s coach again,rd
before the beginning of the 3 period.
9.6.3 The coach must inform the chief referee of a substitution. Substitutions must be
witnessed by the chief referee, and the chief referee notice its substitutions toopponent’s coach.
9.7 Victory Throws（ＶＴ）

Images of Victory Throws
9.8 Ending the Match

9.7.1 The position of referees and players at the VT is as the Diagram #4

9.8.1 When the match ends, both teams are to line up at the center line to wait for
the results to be announced by the chief referee.

9.7.2 The chief referee will inform both coaches of the VT and have the selected players
from both teams line up at the line placed flag stand and make them sit down.

9.8.2 The winner’s coach and chief referee shall sign each name on the Match
Documentation Form to confirm the result.

9.7.3 The Assistant referees will confirm that the players are in position, and inform,
and assist the chief referee.
9.7.4 The chief referee will determine the process and explain it to both teams.
9.7.5 The chief referee will signal for the start of the victory throw, and when finished,
the results will be announced.

10 Others
10.1 In the case that something happens that is not covered in the official rules and regulations,
it will be discussed and settled through a meeting between the referees.

10Guidelines
Lawsforof theRefereesGame
1. Duty● Referee in every Tournament●● Court Manager and Referee in every Tournament● Course Instructor for 2nd and 3rd Class Referee● Course Instructor for 3rd Class Referee● Member of Competition Committee of IAY● Affiliated Association● IAY (Competition Committee)● IAY (Competition Committee)● minimum age of 16 years● 2 years of 3rd Class Referee Experience● 5 years of 2nd Class Referee Experience● 2 times of 3rd Class Course Experience● 2 times of Course Instructor Experience● Referee Experience● Head Referee or Court Manager

He/She can engage in a responsible post,in case there are no 2nd or 1st Class Referee.
2.

Authority(Publication of Certificate)

3. Requirement

Head Referee, Court Manager, and Refereein every Tournament● Head Referee in Regional Tournament

experience at the Tournament● Nominated as a excellent referee by
Affiliated Association which he/she belongs
4. Course and Examination● Affiliated Association● Affiliated Association● IAY (Competition Committee)● Lecture about Rule (1 hour)● Lecture (2 hours) and Examination about Rule

● Written and Practice Exnamination, Report

Practice Training (1 hour)

Practice Training (2 hours)

5. Instructor and Examiner● 1st or 2nd Class Referee● 1st Class Referee or Supervisor (See below)● Senior Examiner (See below)

6. Examination Fee● Fixed by each Affiliated Association● Fixed by each Affiliated Association● 5,000 yen （IAY）

7. Valid Period● The qualification is valid for 2 years● The qualification is valid for 2 years● The qualification is valid for 2 years

8. Registration● Affiliated Association● Affiliated Association● IAY (Competition Committee)

8.1 Registration Fee

Fixed by each Affiliated Association

2,000 yen (Affiliated Association)

3,000 yen （IAY）

8.2 Certificate Fee

Fixed by each Affiliated Association

1,000 yen (IAY)1,000 yen (IAY)9. Additonal Qualification
9.1 Requirement（１）Supervisor(Add to 2nd Class Referee Qualification)（２）Senior Examiner(Add to 1st Class Referee Qualification)● to be qualified for Examination of 1st Class● to be nominated from among the members ofReferee by Affiliated Association which

Competition Committee of IAY and to be

he/she belongs

appointed by IAY President

9.2 Authority

● IAY

● IAY

9.3 Registration Fee● Add 1,000 yen to Referee Registration Fee● Exemption

9.4 Course and Examination● Exemption● Exemption

9.5 Available Period● Same as his/her Referee Qualification● Same as his/her Referee Qualification