I.
History of Sepak Takraw
Sepak Takraw evolved from a game similar to footbag / hacky sack into the exciting
professional sport it is today.
What does Sepak Takraw mean?
Sepak (Malay): Literally, "to strike with the foot", or, simply put, "to kick."
Takraw (Thai) :Ball / Basket
such a well-loved part of local culture, an exhibition was staged to celebrate the kingdom's first
constitution in 1933, the year after Thailand abolished absolute monarchy.
Sepak Takraw is the officially recognized name for the sport but you may find it varies somewhat
or entirely from country to country. Below is a list of countries and translations for Sepak Takraw.
In Thailand the game is simply called Takraw and this shortened form is also largely used in the
West.
Malaysia = Sepak Raga
Philippines = Sipa
Singapore = Sepak Raga or Sepraga
Thailand = Takraw
Brunei = Sepak Raga Jala
Burma = Ching Loong
Indonesia = Rago (South Sulawesi)
Laos = Kator
1960 ASTAF founded (Asian Sepak Takraw Federation) and the sport was officially
given the name Sepak Takraw. The first international competition was held in Malaysia in 1965,
at the South-East Asian Peninsular Games (SEAP Games). The SEAP games were the
predecessor to today's Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
Origins
Takraw originates in South-East Asia. It is thought the Thai and Malay people played
the game as far back as the 15th century. Recorded history of the game exists in Wat Phra
Kaew - The temple that serves as a resting place for the Emerald Buddha. This sacred Buddhist
temple in Bangkok (Thailand), contains murals depicting he Hindu god, Hanuman, playing
takraw in a ring with a troop of monkeys. Other historical documents record the game being
played during the reign of King Naresuan (1590-1605).
As with all history the true origin lies in debate, with many countries claiming it as their
own. Some believe the practice evolved from a similar game played by the Chinese military,
which is thought to have spread through trade with China.
Circle Game (Recreational)
Before the game was played professionally with nets on courts, villagers, usually
male, would kick a rattan ball to each other. The only goal being to keep the ball in the air for as
long as possible. As such it is a team game, albeit, with only one team. This game is still played
today either for skills training or purely for fun. It has a strong sense of teamwork and cooperation through its common goal. As a pseudo-noncompetitive sport, it is well suited to people
of all ages.
Professional Evolution
Today Sepak Takraw is played on courts in professional tournaments like the
upcoming 2010 Asian games and the prized King's Cup, held every year in Bangkok.
In 1829 Siam Sports Association began putting the first rules down on paper. In 1833 they added
a volleyball style net and held their first public competition. This new style of Takraw became
International Competitions
Asian Games
In 1990, Sepak Takraw was included at the Asian Games in Beijing. The first women's
championships in Thailand were hosted in 1997. Today, more than 20 countries have national
associations with representatives on the board of the global governing body, the International
Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF).
Evolution
Adding a net has not just created a competitive version of Takraw but has added an
extra layer of excitement. In order to strike the ball downwards (spike) with speed and be able to
clear the net, the killer (striker / spiker) must execute a strike in mid-air. The manoeuvres for
executing these breathtaking displays of skill and acrobatics vary from player to player but are
all great to watch.
Worldwide Spread
Takraw is popular in Thailand, Malaysia, Laos and Indonesia but is largely unheard of
in the West. It has made some impact in Western countries, notably Canada and the U.S.A. This
is largely thanks to Asian students studying in the West but also Western travellers /
backpackers picking up the sport, and / or the ball used to play it.
Olympic Status
Sepak Takraw still remains unheard of in much of the world. While many people have
attempted to acquire Olympic recognition for this much loved sport, their requests have fallen on
deaf ears. It is however played in the Asian Games and has been since 1990. The Asian Games,
like the Olympics, are held every four years. Though the Asian Games have been played since
1951 and is a prestigious event, Olympic status is still sought by those with a passion for the
sport.
II.
Rules and Regulations
THE COIN TOSS AND WARM-UP. Just before the start of a match, the Court Referee will toss a
coin or disc in the presence of the opposing captains. The Captain who calls correctly may elect
to either (i) Serve first or (ii) Choose which side of the court to start the match from. The loser
makes the remaining choice. Both sides shall abide by the Court Referees instructions. The
Regu winning the toss shall warm-up first for two minutes followed by the other Regu. Only
three players and two other persons shall be allowed to move freely in the court with the official
ball.
POSITION OF PLAYERS DURING SERVICE. At the start of the play, the players of both Regus
must be in their respective courts in a ready position. The Tekong shall have his non-kicking foot
inside the service circle in ready position before the Referee calls the score. The kicking foot can
be placed freely anywhere during the service. Both Inside players of the serving side must be in
their respective Quarter Circles.The opponent or receiving Regu is free to be anywhere within its
court.
THE START OF PLAY AND SERVICE. Each match must be officiated by a Referee (stationed
at one end of the net), an Assistant Referee (stationed opposite the Referee), a Court Referee
(stationed behind the Referee), one Line Referee to the right of the Referee along the side-line,
and one Line Referee to the right of the Asisstant Referee along the side-line. The Referee is
supported by an Official Referee and an Assistant Referee. The Regu which serves first shall
serve three consecutive times, followed by the opposing Regu which shall also serve three
consecutive times. Service shall alternate thereafter every three points, regardless of which side
wins the point. The motion of the Rolling Ball is counted as one count when the ball touches
any part of the body from below the neck and roll to the other approved part of the body and vice
versa unintentionally. At deuce (when both sides reaches 20-20), the service shall alternate at
every point made. The Regu receiving the first service in the previous set shall serve first in the
subsequent set. Players shall change sides before the start of each set. During the third set, the
teams shall change sides when one Regu reaches 11 points. Once the Referee calls POINT,
(Name of Team), the Tekong of the serving team has fifteen seconds to be ready for the next
service with his foot in the Service Circle. If this action is delayed, a warning shall be given.
Wiping of sweat, adjusting of attire and other related actions shall be done within the period of
fifteen seconds. The throw must be executed as soon as the Referee calls the score. If the
throw is executed before the Referee calls the score, it shall be re-thrown and a warning shall be
given to the Regu. A repetition of this act shall be considered a Fault. During the service, as
soon as the Tekong kicks the ball, all the players shall be allowed to move about freely in their
respective courts. The service is valid if the ball passes over the net, whether it touches the net
or not, and is inside the boundary of the two net tapes and boundary lines of the opponents
court. In a knock-out system for Team Event, the Team does not have to play the 3rd Regu if a
winner has been decided. In a league system for Team Event, it is mandatory for teams to play
the 3rd Regu.
SUBSTITUTION. There shall be no repeat of the same player in any team competition involving
more than one Regu. Substitution of a player is allowed at any time on request made by the
Team Manager to the Official Referee when the ball is not in play. Each "Regu may nominate
none to maximum of two reserve players, but can make only one substitution in a match. A
Player who has been sent off by Referee during a match may be substituted, provided no
substitution has been made. Any "Regu" having less than 3 players will not be allowed to
continue the game and will be considered as having lost.
FAULTS.
The Serving Side During Service. The "Inside" player who is making service throws, plays
about with the ball (throwing up the ball, bumping, giving to other "Inside" player, etc.) after the
call of score has been made by the Referee. The "Inside" player lifts his feet or steps on the line
or crosses over or touches the net while throwing the ball. The Tekong jumps off the ground to
execute the service. The Tekong does not kick the ball on the service throw.The ball touches
his own player before crossing over the opponent court. The ball goes over the net but falls
outside the court. The ball does not cross to the opponent side. A player uses his hand or hands,
or any other part of his arms to facilitate the execution of a kick even if the hand or arm does not
directly touches the ball, but it touches other objects or surfaces instead when doing so. 12.2.
Serving And Receiving Side During Service. Creating distracting manner or noise or shouting
at his opponent.
For Both Sides During The Game. Any player who touches the ball on the opponent side. Any
part of player's body crosses over into opponent's court whether above or under the net except
during the follow-through of the ball. Playing the ball more than 3 times in succession.The ball
touches the arm. Stopping or holding the ball under the arm, between the legs or body. Any part
of the body or player's outfits e.g. shoes, jersey, head band etc., touches the net or the post or
the Referee's chairs or falls into the opponent's side.bThe ball touches the ceiling, roof or the
wall (any objects).
SCORING SYSTEM. When either serving side or receiving side commits a fault, a point is
awarded to the opponent side including making next service. The winning point for a set is 21
points, unless the point is tied at 20-20, the set shall be decided on a difference of two points, up
to a ceiling of 25 points. When the score is tied at 20-20, the Referee announces Setting up to
25 points. The game is played in 2 sets with 2-minute rest in between. If each "Regu" wins one
set, the game shall be decided in the third set called "Tiebreak" with 15 points unless the point is
tied at 14- 14, then the set shall be decided on a difference of two points, up to a ceiling of 17
points. When the score is tied at 14-14, the Referee announces Setting up to 17 points. Before
the tiebreak set takes place, the Referee shall toss a disc or coin, and the side winning the toss
shall have the option of Choosing Service. The change of sides takes place when one Regu
reaches 8 points.
TIME-OUT. Each "Regu" can request for one time-out of one-minute rest by team manager or
official coach per set when the ball is not in play. Only 5 persons are allowed at the base line.
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF PLAY. The Referee can suspend play temporarily in the event
of obstructions, disturbances or any injury to a player who needs immediate treatment, for not
more than 5 minutes. An injured player is allowed up to 5 minutes injury time-out. If after 5
minutes, the player is unable to continue, a substitution must be made. If the injured player's
team has already made a substitution, the match will be declared a forfeit in favor of the
opposing team. In the course of such suspension, all players are not allowed to leave the court
to receive drinks or any form of assistance.
DISCIPLINE. Every player must abide by the rules of the game. Only the Captain of the "Regu"
is allowed to approach the Referee during the game.
PENALTY. Fouls and misconduct are penalized as follows: Disciplinary Sanctions
Cautionable Offences. A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of
the following six offences: 1) is guilty of unsporting behavior 2) shows dissent by word or action
3) persistently infringes the Laws of the Game 4) delays the restart of play 5) enters or re-enters
the court without the Referee's permission 6) deliberately leaves the court without the Referee's
permission.
Sending-off Offences. A player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the
following five offences: 1) is guilty of serious foul play 2) is guilty of violent conduct, including an
act executed with deliberate intent to cause injury to his opponent. 3) Spits at an opponent or
any other person 4) Using offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures. 5)
Receives a second caution (Yellow Card) in the same match.
Commits a cautionable offence either on or off the court, whether directed towards
opponent, team-mate, the referee, an Assistant Referee or any other person, for which a
yellow card is awarded for each the offence committed is disciplined as follows:
17.3.1. Offence: First Yellow Card
Penalty: Normal Caution
17.3.2. Offence: Second Yellow Card received by the same player in different matches,
but in the same tournament.
Penalty: a) One Match Suspension
17.3.3. Offence: Third Yellow Card received after suspension for the first two Yellow
Cards in the tournament by the same player.
Penalty: a) Two (2) Matches Suspension. b) A Fine of US$100 (One Hundred Dollars is
to be paid by the club or any other body the player represent in the match.
17.3.4. Offence: Fourth Yellow Card Yellow card received after two match's suspension
for the earlier Third Yellow Card in the same tournament by the same player.
Penalty: Immediate suspension from playing in the next or subsequent matches in any
tournament sanctioned by relevant Sepak takraw controlling authority until a Disciplinary
Committee is convened and a have been reached on the matter.
17.3.5. Offence: Two Yellow Cards received by the same player within the same match.
Penalty: a) Two (2) Matches Suspension. b) A Fine of US$100 (One Hundred Dollars is
to be paid by the club or any other body the player represent in the match. c) A Red Card
will be given for a third disciplinary offence committed in any other matches in the
tournament.
A player who commits a sending-off offence either on or off the court, whether directed
towards opponent, team-mate, the Referee, an Assistant Referee or any other person,
for which a red card is awarded, for each of the offence committed is disciplined
according to the nature of the offence committed is disciplined as follows:
17.4.1. Offence: A Red Card
Penalty: Send-Off from the game and immediate suspension from playing in any
tournament sanctioned by the relevant controlling authority for Sepak takraw until a
Disciplinary Committee is convened and a decision has been reached on the matter.
MISCONDUCT OF TEAM OFFICIALS. Disciplinary action will be taken against Team Officials or
his team for any misconduct or disturbances committed by the official or team during a
tournament whether in or outside the court. Any team official who commits a misconduct or
disturbances will be immediately escorted out from the arena by the tournament officials and the
Official Referee and will also be immediately suspended from being a team official, until a
Disciplinary Committee is convened and a decision has been reached on the matter.
The posts shall be 1.55m for men and 1.45m for women in height from the floor and
must stand firmly to maintain high net tension. It should be made with very strong materials
and shall not be more than 0.04m in radius.
The position of the posts shall be erected firmly 0.3m away from the sidelines and
shall be in line with the Centre Line.
3.
III.
Equipments used
1.
The Court.
The Court Dimension. The court dimension of 13.4m (metres) x 6.1m free from all
obstacles up to the height of 8m measured from the floor surface. The width of the lines
bordering the court should not be more than 0.04m measured and drawn inwards from the
edge of the court measurements.
The Centre Line. The Centre Line of 0.02m shall be drawn at the centre of the court
equally marking the right side and left side of the court.
The Quarter Circle. At both ends of the Centre Line, the Quarter Circle shall be drawn
from the sidelines measuring a radius of 0.9m.
The Service Circle .The Service Circle shall be 0.3m radius drawn on the left and right
sides of the court, the centre of which must be 2.45m from the back line and 3.05 metre from
the sidelines of the court. The width of the Service Circle shall be 0.04m.
Free Zone. The court shall have an area, clear of any obstructions within 3.0m away
from the sidelines and the baselines.
2.
The Posts
THE NET
The net shall be made of fine nylon cord with a mesh of 0.06m to 0.08m.
The net is 0.7m in width and must not be shorter than 6.1m in length placed
vertically over the axis of the Centre Line.
Two side bands of 0.05m wide shall be fastened vertically to the net and placed above
each sideline. These are considered part of the net.
The net shall be edged with a 0.05m wide tape, doubled at the top and bottom. It must
be supported by a fine cable that runs through the tape, strains over and flushes at the top of the
post.
The height of the net at the center of the court shall be 1.52m for men and 1.42m for
women while the height at the posts shall be 1.55m for men and 1.45m for women.
THE SEPAKTAKRAW BALL
The Sepak takraw ball shall be spherical in shape and, made of synthetic fiber with one
woven layer.
A Sepak takraw ball without synthetic rubber covering shall consist of the following
characteristics;
- Have 12 holes.
- Have 20 intersections.
- Have a circumference measuring from 0.41m to 0.43m for men and from 0.42m to
0.44m for women.
- Have a weight that ranges from 170g (grams) to 180g for men and from
150g
to 160g for women.
The Sepak takraw ball can be single coloured, multi-coloured, or luminous, provided the
color will not inhibit the performance of the players.
The covering of the Sepak takraw ball can also be made of synthetic rubber or soft
durable material to soften the impact of the ball on the players body. The type of material and
method used in making the ball shall be approved by ISTAF before it can be used in any
competition.
All international and regional competitions sanctioned by ISTAF, including but not limited
to, the Olympic Games, World Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and SEA Games,
shall be played with ISTAF-approved Sepak takraw balls.
Team Event .Each team, referred to as Team shall comprise three Regus, and shall
consist of a minimum of nine players and a maximum of twelve players. Each player shall be
registered in order to participate in any competition. A maximum of three players shall be
registered as part of the teams reserve pool. Players in the reserve pool may be fielded only
as substitutes. Each player shall be permitted to play for only one Regu in any Team Match.
Prior to the start of a game, each team must have a minimum of nine registered players
present on the playing court. Any team with less than nine players shall not be permitted to
play the game and shall be disqualified.
Regu Event. Each Regu shall consist of a minimum of three players and a maximum of five
players (1 Regu of 3 players plus 2 reserves) all of whom must be registered. Prior to the start
of the game, each Regu must have at least three players present on the playing court. Any
Regu with less than three players shall not be permitted to play the game and shall be
disqualified.
V.
5.
The Players Attire
All apparels used by players shall be in accordance with the Law of the
Game. Any equipment that is designed to increase or reduce the speed of the ball,
increase a players height or movement or in any other way give an unfair
advantage or endangers himself or other players shall not be permitted.
The opposing teams shall wear jerseys of a different colour.
A team shall have a minimum of two sets of jerseys of different colour. If
both teams are wearing the same colour jerseys, than the home team shall change.
When the match is played in a neutral venue, the team listed first on the match
program shall make the change.
A players attire consists of a jersey, shorts, socks and sport shoes with
rubber soles without heels. The entire apparel of a player is regarded as part of his
body. All jerseys shall be properly tucked in prior to the start of the match.
All jersey shall be numbered on both the front and back. A player shall be
assigned only one number from 1 to 36 throughout a tournament.
The numbers shall not be less than 19 cm (centimetres) in height on the
back, and not less than 10 cm in height on the front within the chest area.
The name of the player or the country he represents shall be printed on the back of
the jersey above the number and must be clearly visible.
Jerseys may carry a sponsors logo subject to tournament regulations.
The jersey manufacturer logo may appear on any player apparel at approved size.
The Captain of each Regu shall wear an armband on the left upper arm. Its color must
be a different color from the jersey.
Any other apparel not specifically mentioned in these Law of the Game shall have to
be approved by ISTAF.
IV.
Players
A match is played by two groups, referred to as a Regu or Regus, each consisting
of three players.
One of the three players shall be positioned at the back and is called a Tekong (The
Server).
The other two players shall be in front, one on the left and the other on the right. The
player on the left is called a Left Inside and the player on the right is called a Right Inside.
Both are referred to as Inside players.
Officials
For International Tournaments, the game shall be managed by the following officials:
2 Technical Delegates
6 Jury
1 Official Referee
2 Referees
6 Linesmen (4 sidelines and 2 baselines)
Two technical delegates to the Sea Games, Asian Games and World Championships
and any other international competitions that are sanctioned by ISTAF. The expenses of the
Technical Delegates involving round trip air tickets, accommodations, meals and allowances of
US$75.00 per day shall be paid by the organizing committee. The host country must guarantee
proper accreditation for technical delegates who have been appointed. The technical delegates
must be allowed to inspect the competition venue, facilities and equipment to insure that they
conform to ISTAF regulations 5 Laws of the Game.
ISTAF Members Jury of Appeals 4 members to be appointed to a Jury of Appeal to
any ISTAF sanctioned competitions including Asian Games, Sea Games and other International
and Continental competitions sanctioned by ISTAF. The host country shall provide
accommodations, meals and internal transportation during the competition period. Members of
the Jury shall be paid US$20.00 per day for their services.
Two (2) members of the Jury of Appeal are to be appointed by the host country of
whom one of them is the technical committee chairman and shall act as the chairman of the Jury
of Appeal. As for the other member of the Jury of Appeal from the host country, he will act as
secretary without vote. 8.3. International Referees 8.3.1. When hosting any Sepak takraw
competition sanctioned by ISTAF including World Championship, SEA & ASIAN Games,
Continental & Regional Championships, International Competitions it is incumbent upon the host
nation to ensure that at least
International Referees approved by the referees committee are in attendance to
officiate the tournament. The Chairman of the referee committee or his representatives shall be
appointed by ISTAF to oversee the officiating of ISTAF sanctioned competition..Officials in
International Tournament shall wear a blazer or blouse the color of which shall be approved by
ISTAF. Official Referee is fully responsible to his/her duties and to uphold and protect the Laws
of the Game, Tournament Rules and Referee Standing Order. His/Her duty is: (1) To receive the
court of play, list of Referees, players and the competition fixtures which must be in accordance
to the requirements of equipment and officials as specified by ISTAF from the organizer. (2) To
be present throughout the duration of the competition and to ensure that all Referee/Assistant
Referee and Linesmen strictly adhere to the current standing orders in performing their duties
and smooth functioning of the game. (3) Empowered to appoint or replace a Referee/Assistant
Referee and Linesmen base on their performances. (4) An avenue of appeal, which shall lay
within the authority of Official Referee with regard to the decision of a Referee on a question of
Law, and in all such cases the decision of the Official Referee, shall be final. (5) To suspend or
terminate the game whenever considered necessary for the reason of adverse elements or
weather condition, interference by spectators, or any other cause, that he reasonably deems to
be necessary for such stoppages.
The Referee shall carry out his/her duties fairly, firmly and he/she should be guided by
the Laws of the Game, Tournament Rules and Referees Standing Order. His/Her authority and
the exercise of the powers granted to him/her by the Laws of the Game commences as soon as
he/she enters the court of play. He / she is: (1)To receive the Team/Score sheet from the Official
Referee and to announce the name of the Tournament, the regu, match number and the players
of the competing teams. (2) To ensure that players and spectators are kept informed of the
progress of the match by announcing loudly and clearly the scores using the proper technical
words of the game. (3) To have discretionary power to stop the game for any infringement of the
Laws, to allow for substitution, time out and rest in accordance with the Rules of the Game. (4)
Authorized to make a the decision and shall consult the Assistant Referee or Linesmen if it is
necessary in order to justify a decision or probable decision when deciding on contentious
issues for any decision on matters base on points of facts provided by the Laws of the Game. (5)
Authorized to send off (red card) any player, officials or spectators who, in his/her opinion, is
guilty of violent conduct, serious foul play or who persist in misconduct after received a caution
(yellow card). (6) To return the completed Team/Score sheet and submit a written report to the
Official Referee on incidents that occurred during the game.
The Assistant Referee shall assist the Referee fairly, firmly and should be guided by
the Laws of the Game, Tournament Rules and Referees Standing Order. 1) To inspect the court
of play, lines on the court, the net, the post, the ball, Referees/Assistant Referee and Linesmen
chairs in accordance with specification. 2) To inspect players attire in accordance with rule. 6.1.
3) To conduct the Toss of a coin or disc with the captain of competing regus. 4) To observe the
players committing faults on Referees blind sides, the center line and at the net. 5) The
Assistant Referee shall be provided with a supply of balls and when the original ball has gone
outside the court of play, the Assistant Referee shall immediately throw a new ball to the nearest
player of the next serving side or otherwise directed by the Referee and to collect the ball after
the end of a match.
The Linesmen shall be fair, firm and seated attentively at their specific area of
responsibilities. 1) To indicate whether a ball is IN or OUT to the specific lines assigned and to
inform the Referee if in doubt. 2) Prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking, talking, cheering or
shouting and to remain at the specific area until the game ends.
Fatima Joy Fajardo, BSS
