Obscure Decrees that Are Seldom Enforced
If you’re an avid sports fan, you may think you’ve seen it all. Here, however, are some unusual rules (still on the books) that you may not know.
Professional Football
The National Football League (NFL) likely leads the way when it comes to oddball rules. Did you know that:
- One point can be awarded to a team attempting an extra point if the snap is fumbled and returned by a defender, who is subsequently tackled in the end zone. The rule only applies, though, if the defender recovered the ball outside of the end zone and tried to return it.
- The defense may not leap at the crossbar and attempt to bat a field goal or extra point away. As in basketball, that is considered to be goaltending.
- If a team calls a fair catch on a punt, they can opt to kick a field goal on the next play. It’s three points if they convert.
- An extra point can be drop-kicked through the uprights
Major League Baseball
Perhaps the most fascinating rule in professional baseball was implemented in response to the ability of pitcher Pat Venditte to effectively throw with either hand. Known as the “Pat Venditte” rule, it requires a pitcher to designate which hand he will use before facing a batter. The pitcher must not switch hands until the batter is either out or reaches base. The rule applies to pinch-hitters as well.
Another rule rarely enforced involves how a ball is caught. A player may only use a glove or his hand to catch a thrown or batted ball. The rule prohibits the use of a cap, pocket, chest protector or any other part of the uniform to make a catch. Violation involving a batted ball results in a three-base award. For a thrown ball, it’s a two-base advance.
Other Obscure Rules in Professional Sports
If you’ve ever watched Wimbledon, you know that the players must wear white. The rule actually allows some color—a single centimeter anywhere on your clothing is the limit.
Another rule in professional tennis calls for immediate disqualification of a player if he or she strikes an official or ball person, or causes them to be hit by a ball or racquet. Novak Djokovic famously forfeited a match at the US Open a few years ago when he struck a ball in anger and it hit a lines person.
In professional polo, left-handed players not allowed, as they dramatically increase the likelihood of head-on collisions.
