World Pong Tour Etiquette 101

Unlike many sports, (beer) pong is for the most part played without the supervision of a referee, umpire or coach. The game relies on the individual player to show consideration for other players and to abide by the rules. New players are often in need of advice about customary behavior and practices to follow on the table so that play proceeds safely and without delay. Here are some tips to help all players get the maximum enjoyment from the game.

• All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be.
  
  
• Players should ensure that no one is standing directly behind them when shooting. Do not under any circumstance cross the center of the table once the game has begun.
  
  
• Players should alert tournament officials nearby if there are any questions on the rules. Once a game is over, it is over.
  
  
• Players should always show consideration for other players on the table and should not use any foreign objects such as cups, cell phones, balls or anything else as distractions while their opponents are shooting.
  
  
• Players should not stand over the table or wave hands and cups when their opponent is shooting.
  
  
• Moderate trash talk is allowed, however players must not use excessive foul language, racism, personal attacks on players personal lives or family members, or ever cross the table in an unruly manner.
  
  
• Players should play at a good pace. The WPT may establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow. It is a players’ responsibility to keep up with the pace of play of players around them. It is not acceptable to take more than 20 seconds to shoot a ball.
  


• Players should shake hands with their opponents after the game is over.
  
  
• Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing, please keep note of your team schedule. When the game is completed, players should immediately leave the table, leave the two balls on the table and report the game to a tournament official.
  
  
• If a player believes the pong balls may be lost or dented, he or she should ask a tournament official for a replacement ball. The dented ball should be reported to the tournament official.
  
  
• Before leaving a table, players should remember to leave the balls on the table.
  
  
• Throwing cups or smashing cups will not be tolerated and will lead to forfeits and/or ejections. Additionally, players should never touch the cups in play on the table, unless requested to be fixed by the other team.
  
  
• Players should avoid issues by notifying tournament officials of extremely wet surfaces on or near the tables.
  


• The entire objective of playing beer pong is to have fun. You can follow these rules of etiquette and still have a good time on the tables - the players on adjacent tables will appreciate it.

Conclusion; Penalties for Breach

• If players follow the guidelines in this Section, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.
  
  
• If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a tournament or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the WPT consider taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player.
  
  
• Such action may, for example, include forfeits or ejection from the event. This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interest of the majority of players who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines.

 

In the case of a serious breach of Etiquette, the WPT may disqualify any player without warning.

• The following may lead to ejection from the tournament, without warning. The following may also lead to suspension from WPT.
  
  
• Any physical harm done to the tables including flipping tables, punching tables or moving tables.
  
  
• Anyone acting disorderly to a tournament official.
  
  
• Anyone who gets into a physical altercation with another player.



Any abusive or destructive behavior done to the host venue including hotel rooms will lead to
immediate ejection, arrest, penalties and/or suspension from future events.