FAQs


FAQs Q1. Petanque for Beginners If there are any questions, comments or suggestions that anyone would like to ask or make, you can use the link below to record them. But equally if there are things you want to discuss with other Petanque players why not use the existing Discussion Forum on Pétanquefederationaustralia.com.. This is intended to offer help to, not only Beginners, but to all interested in the sport. We hope beginners will start more quickly to perform to a much higher standard in the quickest possible time because of the information and help this page contain. FOR THE BEGINNER GENERAL. 1. Find a club that plays within the confines of an association. In Australia it would be "The Petanque Federation Australia". This is because you will always play according to a set of agreed competition rules, and where you will find the most enthusiastic players. Don't be afraid to visit other clubs before you settle into one. Each club will have its own attractiveness. Be sure that your club is going to be and do the best for you. 2. There will be a Joining fee to join a club and a further fee to be obtain a “player’s license”. This will allow you to play in regional and national competitions 3. The aim of the game of Pétanque is simple, If playing football is kicking a ball into the opposite goal and keeping it out of your own, playing pétanque is placing your boule nearer to the cochonet (coche) and keeping your opponents boule away. In fact the first aim of the game ought to be PLACING YOUR BOULE where you want them, rather than knocking objects out of the way. 4. The game is played between two teams, it can be two players, one against one (French "Tête-a-Tête" ) with three boule each, or four players, two against two ( "Doublette" ) again with three boule each, or six players, three against three ( "Triplette" ) playing with two boules each. 5. The team winning the toss starts by drawing a circle about 35 to 50 centimeters (14 to 19.5 inches) across, standing inside it and throwing the coche (pronounced cosh) forward, not less than 6 metres or more than 10 metres away. The team that throws the coche also throws the first boule. The opposing team throws the second boule. From then on, the team furthest away from the coche after each throw, throws the next boule. This continues until one team has thrown all its boule. After this, the other team throws all its remaining boule. 6. Getting near to the coche can be achieved in various ways: a) A boule can be thrown to it. b) The coche can be moved closer to one of your own boule. c) The opponent's boule nearest the coche can be moved further away by playing your own on to it. A team claims as many points as they have boule nearer the coche than the opposing team. When both teams boule have been thrown and the points assessed, this constitutes an end (French "Mène" ).The team winning the end gets to start the next end. 7. The team first to 13 points wins the game. In official competitions, games may be played to 11 points. (courtesy of Petanque.org) Q2. General questions Question: How many members are needed to form a club? Answer:To form a club you need a minimum of 6 License players. Question: How can I become a PFA member? Answer:Only affiliated Clubs are members of PFA. However by acquiring a PFA players license through your Club, you become a PFA member by association with no voting rights. Question: Why should I become a Petanque Federation Australia license player? Answer: (a) To be able to participate in PFA sanctioned Tournaments at Club, League, National and International events. ( b) You need to hold a current players license to be elected as a Club, League or PFA office bearer. ( c) You need to hold a players license to become (1) A PFA accredited Umpire (2) a PFA accredited Coach. d) PFA license holders can represent Australia Internationally. e) PFA license holders are covered by PFA Insurance Policy. Question:As a PFA licensed Player, Umpire or Coach can I enter a non PFA sanctioned event? Answer: Yes!! However, a non PFA sanctioned event is NOT covered by the PFA Public Liability Insurance. We suggest that you contact the organizers to protect yourself in case of injuries. PFA official (Umpires & Coaches) may attend these events, however must not act in any official capacity. Question:Are there documents that can be consulted covering rules and regulations? Answer:All documents can be found on PFA website (Rules of the Game, Question: Are officials subject to same rules and regulations? Answer:PFA Officials have to comply with PFA Code of Conduct like all other Members. Question: How do I become an Umpire or a Coach? Answer:Please contact your State Umpire or State Coach through your Club Secretary. Question: Does PFA have different Rules of the Game? Answer:PFA adopts and applies Local rules from time to time at the recommendation of the Umpire Commission. However, the FIPJP Rules of the Game always prime. The rules of the game can be viewed on http:/www.petanquefederationaustralia.com , the official Federation website , PFA also publishes a pocket size “rules of the game” book Question: Does PFA have Internationally qualified Coaches and Umpires? Answer: Yes PFA has 10 internationally qualified Coaches (CIEP) level 1 and 2 Level 2. PFA has a qualified International Umpire (FIPJP). Question: Can an umpire intervene in a game without being asked to? Answer: An Umpire is entitled to intervene in a game without being called by the players involved in the game. Question: Can an Umpire’s decision be challenged? Answer: During a game, the Umpire’s decision is final and cannot be challenged, a complaint can be lodged against a decision (not a measurement) to the Umpire only before the end of the game. Question: Can a spectator be reported by an umpire? Answer: YesIf the spectator is a licensed player, he or she may be subject to Disciplinary action as detailed in PFA’s Disciplinary Policy. Question: I have lost my License what should I do? Answer: You will need to provide a new photo and pay a $5 administrative fee to obtain a new License from PFA. Question: How does one contact PFA? Answer: A player should contact a PFA Official through his/her club; see PFA “Communication Policy” on our website. The following are typical questions on Insurance cover with regards to players or officials performing the following functions Question:Conducting come-and-try days at locations away from club premises, such as towns where there is no petanque club. Answer: Clubs and licensed players are covered under the Petanque Federation Australia Public Liability/Professional Indemnity and Personal Accident Policies whilst they are conducting or participating in come-and-try days, provided that the come-and-try days are sanctioned/approved by Petanque Federation Australia It is the responsibility of the organizers to ensuring that the names of non license players are recorded on the prescribed “3 trials Form” for the Club’s records and future reference. Question:. Promotional activities held at private venues such as local council recreation reserves and parks, wineries, etc. Answer: These activities are also covered provided that the promotional activities are sanctioned/approved by Petanque Federation Australia . Question: Conducting petanque activities at schools. Answer: These activities are also covered provided that the activities are sanctioned/approved by Petanque Federation Australia. PFA also recommend that you check with the school to see whether they have Public Liability/Professional Indemnity and Personal Accident Policies in place for their students whilst they are involved in petanque activities. PFA will not sanctioned these activities if the School doesn’t have public liability insurance for their students. Question. Community petanque days at clubs where non licensed players are invited in an endeavour to promote the sport and attract new members. Answer: These activities are also covered provided that the activities are sanctioned/approved by Petanque Federation Australia. Again, It is the responsibility of the organizers to ensuring that the names of participating non license players are recorded on the prescribed “3 trials Form” for the Club’s records and future reference. Question: Visits to other clubs for social petanque and local tournaments. Answer:These activities are also covered provided that the visits are sanctioned/approved by Petanque Federation Australia.. Question: Traveling to promotional events, social days and tournaments. Answer. Traveling to petanque events etc are also covered provided that the activities are sanctioned/approved by Petanque Federation Australia..