Code of Behaviour

This Code applies to all players in tournaments run under the auspices of Pétanque New Zealand, all coaches, managers and other tournament officials, and all spectators at Pétanque New Zealand events.

Players

Players must:

  1. Play and abide by the rules of the game as instructed by the Tournament Organising Committee and Umpire(s) of the day.
  2. Play the game in a sporting manner.
  3. Not use foul, abusive or insulting language, particularly to other players, officials and spectators.
  4. Accept without argument the decisions of the Umpire(s).
  5. Observe the correct dress of the day. At National team events a co-ordinated uniform is expected.
  6. Not consume alcohol while still active in a day's play i.e. while they still have games to play on that day. Players must not arrive under the influence of alcohol or behave in a drunk or disorderly manner for the duration of the event. Players must abide by the host club's rules regarding drinking at the venue.
  7. Not consume or use prohibited drugs immediately before or during competition. PNZ reserves the right to carry out random drug/alcohol testing.
  8. Not smoke any form of cigarette (including e-cigarettes) during games, or on the terrain at any time (i.e. even if on the terrain watching another game). Players must also abide by the host club's rules regarding smoking at the venue, which may include further restrictions on where players can smoke.
  9. Not leave bags and other personal items, including drinks, on the piste. They must be a minimum of 30cm outside the dead ball line so as not to constitute an obstacle.
  10. No glass (or other fragile) containers are allowed on the terrain for the duration of the tournament.
  11. Not leave unplayed boules on the playing area. They may be left behind the dead ball line at the playing end of the piste.
    1. Players with a disability may receive a waiver of this condition at the discretion of the umpire.
  12. Switch off mobile phones during games.
  13. Not wear earphones/buds during a game (this is a Risk Management issue).

Any player who is found to be in breach of this code of behaviour will be guilty of improper behaviour and liable to the penalties in Articles 38 and 39 of the rules of the game.

Spectators

(Note that players are spectators for the purpose of any game other than that in which they are playing.)

  1. Spectators must observe silence while a player is preparing to throw a boule, as required by Article 17 of the FIPJP Rules.
  2. Only players involved in a particular game and the umpire(s) of the day are permitted on the piste during play. Spectators, friends etc may not enter the playing area to advise, coach or otherwise communicate with the players.
  3. Non-playing spectators may drink alcohol in line with the host club's rules but may not be obviously affected by alcohol at the venue.
  4. Spectators should refrain from making or receiving telephone calls anywhere near where games are in progress.
  5. Supporters and/or family or friends must not encroach onto the terrain or allow any pets or children to do so while there are games being played. This includes entering onto pistes not in use.
  6. Pets should not be in the vicinity of the terrain, and must not be allowed to disrupt play at any stage.

Any spectator, who through his or her actions causes a disruption or disturbance on the piste shall be removed from the ground with possible disciplinary action and/or suspension of licence if applicable and depending on the severity of the offence.

Coaches, Managers and other Tournament Officials

  1. Coaches and Managers should make themselves known to the lead Umpire for the tournament.
  2. Coaches, managers and other tournament officials (for example markers or scorers) are not allowed on the terrain at any stage of a game in progress. If they wish to advise, coach or otherwise communicate with players on the terrain, those players can be called to the edge of the piste for any such discussion. This must be done without disruption to the game in progress.

Recording and Reporting of Disciplinary Action taken

Where infringements of this Code of Conduct result in disciplinary action being taken, the date and/or place of the offence/infringement, the name of the person concerned, and the penalty imposed will be recorded.

Where a player is suspended from competition, or from membership of Pétanque New Zealand, PNZ will advise all PNZ affiliated Clubs and Regional Associations of the player's name and period of suspension.

PNZ reserves the right to make this information publicly available if it considers it to be in the interests of pétanque in New Zealand.

Last Revised: October 2024