# Rule 4.6 Rally: how the wording changed (American four-wall) 50 rulebooks state this rule, from 1928 to 26 January 2025. The wording was reworded or changed 12 times. ## How to read this - Added words are marked [+ like this +]; removed words [- like this -]. - Each rulebook says what kind of change it is: unchanged, punctuation only, moved, reworded or changed. - A program matched each clause with the one before it. Automatic matches were made by the program alone; machine-reviewed ones were also checked by a second program. A person has not checked either. ## Rulebook by rulebook | Date | Rulebook | Clauses, by kind of change | | --- | --- | --- | | 1928 | A.A.U. Four-Wall Rules, 1928 | 1 first recorded | | 1931 | A.A.U. Four-Wall Rules, 1931 | 1 unchanged | | 20 June 1990 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990 | 2 first recorded, 1 reworded | | 14 October 1994 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 14 October 1994 | 1 first recorded | | 31 January 1999 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 31 January 1999 | 2 unchanged, 1 moved | | 31 January 1999 | American four-wall, 31 January 1999 | 2 unchanged, 1 moved | | 2000 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 2000 | 1 unchanged | | 9 March 2001 | USHA One-Wall Rules, March 2001 | 1 unchanged | | 7 October 2001 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 7 October 2001 | 1 unchanged | | 8 April 2002 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 8 April 2002 | 1 unchanged | | 20 August 2002 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 20 August 2002 | 1 unchanged | | 19 January 2005 | USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004 | 2 unchanged | | 1 April 2005 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005 | 4 first recorded, 1 changed | | 15 April 2005 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005 | 3 first recorded, 2 reworded, 1 changed | | June 2006 | USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006 | 6 unchanged | | June 2006 | American one-wall, small ball, June 2006 | 5 unchanged | | June 2006 | USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006 | 5 unchanged | | May 2007 | USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007 | 6 unchanged | | 13 October 2007 | American three-wall, 13 October 2007 | 3 first recorded, 2 reworded | | June 2008 | USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008 | 5 unchanged | | 2012 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012 | 3 unchanged, 3 punctuation only | | 2014 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014 | 6 unchanged | | January 2014 | USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014 | 5 unchanged | | 6 February 2015 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015 | 4 unchanged, 1 punctuation only, 1 changed | | 6 February 2015 | USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015 | 5 unchanged, 1 changed | | 6 February 2015 | USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015 | 2 first recorded, 1 unchanged, 2 reworded | | 22 January 2017 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017 | 6 unchanged | | 22 January 2017 | USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017 | 6 unchanged | | 22 January 2017 | USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017 | 5 unchanged | | 27 January 2019 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019 | 6 unchanged | | 27 January 2019 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019 | 4 unchanged, 1 changed | | 12 July 2019 | American four-wall, 12 July 2019 | 6 unchanged | | 12 July 2019 | American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019 | 5 unchanged | | 26 January 2020 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020 | 6 unchanged | | 26 January 2020 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020 | 5 unchanged | | 20 September 2020 | USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020 | 5 unchanged | | 21 September 2020 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, September 2020 | 6 unchanged | | 22 January 2021 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021 | 6 unchanged | | 22 January 2021 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021 | 5 unchanged | | 9 December 2021 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, December 2021 | 6 unchanged | | 23 January 2022 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022 | 1 first recorded, 6 unchanged | | 23 January 2022 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022 | 5 unchanged | | 27 November 2022 | American four-wall, 27 November 2022 | 7 unchanged | | 17 January 2024 | American four-wall, 17 January 2024 | 6 unchanged, 1 moved | | 26 January 2024 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024 | 7 unchanged | | 26 January 2024 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024 | 5 unchanged | | 17 July 2024 | American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024 | 5 unchanged | | 26 January 2025 | USHA Four-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 2025 | 7 unchanged | | 26 January 2025 | USHA One-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 2025 | 5 unchanged | | 26 January 2025 | USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 26 January 2025 | 6 unchanged | ## The wording ### Rule 4.6, part 1 of 7 Begins: “1.) No return. Any ball not returned to the…” - **20 June 1990, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > 1.) No return. > Any ball not returned to the front wall that caroms off a player's hand or fist into the gallery or into any opening in a side wall shall be an out or point against the player failing to make the return. - **31 January 1999, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Moved (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990. > [- 1.) -] No return. > Any ball not returned to the front wall that caroms off a player's hand or fist into the gallery or into any opening in a side wall shall be an out or point against the player failing to make the return. 1 word removed. Interpretations: 18 interpretations attached. - New here: The ball does not have to be completely broken to have the point replayed. - New here: A ball that is starting to crack will often have an erratic bounce. - New here: The referee should call for a replay only if he determines that a ball has cracked sufficiently to cause an erratic bounce. - New here: If a player suspects a ball has cracked, he should immediately toss it to the referee for inspection. - New here: The player should not push or squeeze the ball. - New here: This is the referee's responsibility and he will make the replay call if necessary. - New here: In most cases, if a foreign object (such as a ball from an adjacent court) enters the court, the referee should immediately stop play and call a hinder because of the distraction and for safety reasons. - New here: However, it might happen that a player would lose a shoe, headband or even a glove. - New here: In these cases, the referee should allow the opposing player one opportunity to hit a rally-ending shot if all of the following conditions are met: - New here: 1. - New here: The referee believes the opposing player is in no danger of stepping on the lost object; - New here: 2. - New here: The opposing player does not appear to be distracted by the lost object; - New here: 3. - New here: And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity to hit an offensive, rally-ending shot. - New here: If the player is allowed the one offensive shot, one of the following calls should be made immediately afterward: If the player skips the ball in, that player loses the rally. - New here: If the player hits a kill shot or pass shot that cannot be retrieved, that player should be awarded the rally. - New here: If the player who lost the equipment is able to retrieve the shot, a hinder should be called. - **31 January 1999, American four-wall**: Moved (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990. > [- 1.) -] No return. > Any ball not returned to the front wall that caroms off a player's hand or fist into the gallery or into any opening in a side wall shall be an out or point against the player failing to make the return. 1 word removed. Interpretations: 18 interpretations attached. - New here: The ball does not have to be completely broken to have the point replayed. - New here: A ball that is starting to crack will often have an erratic bounce. - New here: The referee should call for a replay only if he determines that a ball has cracked sufficiently to cause an erratic bounce. - New here: If a player suspects a ball has cracked, he should immediately toss it to the referee for inspection. - New here: The player should not push or squeeze the ball. - New here: This is the referee's responsibility and he will make the replay call if necessary. - New here: In most cases, if a foreign object (such as a ball from an adjacent court) enters the court, the referee should immediately stop play and call a hinder because of the distraction and for safety reasons. - New here: However, it might happen that a player would lose a shoe, headband or even a glove. - New here: In these cases, the referee should allow the opposing player one opportunity to hit a rally-ending shot if all of the following conditions are met: - New here: 1. - New here: The referee believes the opposing player is in no danger of stepping on the lost object; - New here: 2. - New here: The opposing player does not appear to be distracted by the lost object; - New here: 3. - New here: And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity to hit an offensive, rally-ending shot. - New here: If the player is allowed the one offensive shot, one of the following calls should be made immediately afterward: If the player skips the ball in, that player loses the rally. - New here: If the player hits a kill shot or pass shot that cannot be retrieved, that player should be awarded the rally. - New here: If the player who lost the equipment is able to retrieve the shot, a hinder should be called. - **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Reworded (machine-reviewed). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. > [+ 1.) +] No return. [- > -] Any ball not returned to the front wall that [- caroms -] [+ goes +] off a player's hand or fist into the gallery or into any opening in a side wall shall be an out or point against the player [+ thus +] failing to make the return. 3 words added, 1 removed. - June 2006, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). - May 2007, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). - **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Punctuation only (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. > [- 1.) -] [+ 1) +] No return. Any ball not returned to the front wall that goes off a [- player's -] [+ player’s +] hand or fist into the gallery or into any opening in a side wall shall be an out or point against the player thus failing to make the return. 2 words added, 2 removed. 16 more rulebooks with the same words: - 2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 6 February 2015, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 6 February 2015, USHA One-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). - 22 January 2017, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. - 22 January 2017, USHA One-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. - 27 January 2019, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. - 12 July 2019, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 21 September 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 22 January 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 9 December 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 27 November 2022, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). - 17 January 2024, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). ### Rule 4.6, part 2 of 7 Begins: “1. The referee believes the opposing player is in…” - **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > 1. The referee believes the opposing player is in no danger of stepping on the lost object; - **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > 1. The referee believes the opposing player is in no danger of stepping on the lost object; 4 more rulebooks with the same words: - June 2006, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). - June 2006, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. - June 2006, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. - May 2007, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006. - **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: First recorded (automatic). > 1. The referee believes the opposing player is in no danger of stepping on the lost object; - June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. - **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Punctuation only (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. > 1. The referee believes the opposing player is in no danger of stepping on the lost [- object; -] [+ object +] 1 word added, 1 removed. - 2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - January 2014, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. - **6 February 2015, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Punctuation only (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. > 1. The referee believes the opposing player is in no danger of stepping on the lost [- object -] [+ object; +] 1 word added, 1 removed. - 6 February 2015, USHA One-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014. - **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: First recorded (automatic). > 1. The referee believes the opposing player is in no danger of stepping on the lost object; 24 more rulebooks with the same words: - 22 January 2017, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. - 22 January 2017, USHA One-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. - 22 January 2017, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. - 27 January 2019, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. - 27 January 2019, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. - 12 July 2019, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. - 12 July 2019, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. - 26 January 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019. - 26 January 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. - 20 September 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 21 September 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. - 22 January 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 22 January 2021, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. - 9 December 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. - 23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 23 January 2022, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. - 27 November 2022, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. - 17 January 2024, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2024, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. - 17 July 2024, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. - 26 January 2025, USHA One-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024. - 26 January 2025, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. ### Rule 4.6, part 3 of 7 Begins: “2. The opposing player does not appear to be…” - **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > 2. The opposing player does not appear to be distracted by the lost object; - **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > 2. The opposing player does not appear to be distracted by the lost object; 4 more rulebooks with the same words: - June 2006, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). - June 2006, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. - June 2006, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. - May 2007, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006. - **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: First recorded (automatic). > 2. The opposing player does not appear to be distracted by the lost object; 6 more rulebooks with the same words: - June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. - 2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. - 2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - January 2014, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. - 6 February 2015, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. - 6 February 2015, USHA One-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014. - **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: First recorded (automatic). > 2. The opposing player does not appear to be distracted by the lost object; 24 more rulebooks with the same words: - 22 January 2017, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. - 22 January 2017, USHA One-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. - 22 January 2017, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. - 27 January 2019, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. - 27 January 2019, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. - 12 July 2019, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. - 12 July 2019, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. - 26 January 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019. - 26 January 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. - 20 September 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 21 September 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. - 22 January 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 22 January 2021, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. - 9 December 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. - 23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 23 January 2022, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. - 27 November 2022, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. - 17 January 2024, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2024, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. - 17 July 2024, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. - 26 January 2025, USHA One-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024. - 26 January 2025, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. ### Rule 4.6, part 4 of 7 Begins: “2) Player. If a player stops play for any…” - **23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > 2) Player. If a player stops play for any reason other than safety or equipment the referee shall consider this to be an appeal for concurrence and the player stops play at his/her own risk. If the appeal is upheld, the player’s call shall stand. Otherwise, the player loses the rally or the referee may call for a replay. - 27 November 2022, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). - **17 January 2024, American four-wall**: Moved (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 27 November 2022. Same words as the rulebook compared with. 3 more rulebooks with the same words: - 26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2025, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). ### Rule 4.6, part 5 of 7 Begins: “3.) The ball caroms off a player's hand or…” - **20 June 1990, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > 3.) The ball caroms off a player's hand or fist into the gallery or into any opening in a side wall. 3 more rulebooks with the same words: - 31 January 1999, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 31 January 1999, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990. - 19 January 2005, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). - **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > 3.) The ball goes off a player's hand or fist into the gallery. - **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Reworded (machine-reviewed). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. > 3.) The ball [- caroms -] [+ goes +] off a player's hand or fist into the gallery or into any opening in a side wall. 1 word added, 1 removed. 4 more rulebooks with the same words: - June 2006, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). - June 2006, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. - June 2006, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. - May 2007, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006. - **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: Reworded (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. > 3.) The ball [- caroms -] [+ goes +] off a player's hand or fist into the gallery or into any opening in a side wall. 1 word added, 1 removed. - June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. - **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Punctuation only (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. > [- 3.) -] [+ 3) +] The ball goes off a [- player's -] [+ player’s +] hand or fist into the gallery or into any opening in a side wall. 2 words added, 2 removed. - 2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - January 2014, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. - **6 February 2015, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Changed (machine-reviewed). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. > 3) The ball goes off a player’s hand or fist into the [- gallery or -] [+ gallery, +] into any opening in a side [- wall. -] [+ wall, or ceiling. +] 4 words added, 3 removed. - **6 February 2015, USHA One-Wall Addendum**: Changed (machine-reviewed). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014. > [- 3.) -] [+ 3) +] The ball goes off a [- player's -] [+ player’s +] hand or fist into the [- gallery. -] [+ gallery, into any opening in a side wall, or ceiling. +] 12 words added, 3 removed. - **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Reworded (automatic). Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004. > [- 3.) -] [+ 3) +] The ball [- caroms -] [+ goes +] off a [- player's -] [+ player’s +] hand or fist into the [- gallery or -] [+ gallery, +] into any opening in a side [- wall. -] [+ wall, or ceiling. +] 7 words added, 6 removed. 4 more rulebooks with the same words: - 22 January 2017, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. - 22 January 2017, USHA One-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. - 22 January 2017, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. - 27 January 2019, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. - **27 January 2019, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Changed (machine-reviewed). Compared with USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. > [- 3) -] [+ 3.) +] The ball goes off a player’s hand or fist into the [- gallery, into any opening in a side wall, or ceiling. -] [+ gallery. +] 2 words added, 11 removed. 19 more rulebooks with the same words: - 12 July 2019, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. - 12 July 2019, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. - 26 January 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019. - 26 January 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. - 20 September 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 21 September 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. - 22 January 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 22 January 2021, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. - 9 December 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. - 23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 23 January 2022, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. - 27 November 2022, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. - 17 January 2024, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2024, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. - 17 July 2024, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. - 26 January 2025, USHA One-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024. - 26 January 2025, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. ### Rule 4.6, part 6 of 7 Begins: “3. And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity…” - **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > 3. And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity to hit an offensive, rally-ending shot. > If the player is allowed the one offensive shot, one of the following calls should be made immediately afterward: If the player skips the ball in, that player loses the rally. > If the player hits a kill shot or pass shot that cannot be retrieved, that player should be awarded the rally. > If the player who lost the equipment is able to retrieve the shot, a hinder should be called. - **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > 3. And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity to hit an offensive, rally-ending shot. > If the player is allowed the one offensive shot, one of the following calls should be made immediately afterward: If the player skips the ball in, that player loses the rally. > If the player hits a kill shot or pass shot that cannot be retrieved, that player should be awarded the rally. > If the player who lost the equipment is able to retrieve the shot, a hinder should be called. 4 more rulebooks with the same words: - June 2006, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). - June 2006, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. - June 2006, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. - May 2007, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006. - **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: First recorded (automatic). > 3. And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity to hit an offensive, rally-ending shot. > If the player is allowed the one offensive shot, one of the following calls should be made immediately afterward: If the player skips the ball in, that player loses the rally. > If the player hits a kill shot or pass shot that cannot be retrieved, that player should be awarded the rally. > If the player who lost the equipment is able to retrieve the shot, a hinder should be called. 4 more rulebooks with the same words: - June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. - 2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. - 2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - January 2014, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. - **6 February 2015, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. > 3. And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity to hit an offensive, rally-ending shot. [- > -] If the player is allowed the one offensive shot, one of the following calls should be made immediately afterward: If the player skips the ball in, that player loses the rally. [- > -] If the player hits a kill shot or pass shot that cannot be retrieved, that player should be awarded the rally. [- > -] If the player who lost the equipment is able to retrieve the shot, a hinder should be called. no words changed. - **6 February 2015, USHA One-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014. > 3. And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity to hit an offensive, rally-ending shot. [- > -] If the player is allowed the one offensive shot, one of the following calls should be made immediately afterward: If the player skips the ball in, that player loses the rally. [- > -] If the player hits a kill shot or pass shot that cannot be retrieved, that player should be awarded the rally. [- > -] If the player who lost the equipment is able to retrieve the shot, a hinder should be called. no words changed. - 6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. - **22 January 2017, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. > 3. And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity to hit an offensive, rally-ending shot. [+ > +] If the player is allowed the one offensive shot, one of the following calls should be made immediately afterward: If the player skips the ball in, that player loses the rally. [+ > +] If the player hits a kill shot or pass shot that cannot be retrieved, that player should be awarded the rally. [+ > +] If the player who lost the equipment is able to retrieve the shot, a hinder should be called. no words changed. - **22 January 2017, USHA One-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. > 3. And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity to hit an offensive, rally-ending shot. [+ > +] If the player is allowed the one offensive shot, one of the following calls should be made immediately afterward: If the player skips the ball in, that player loses the rally. [+ > +] If the player hits a kill shot or pass shot that cannot be retrieved, that player should be awarded the rally. [+ > +] If the player who lost the equipment is able to retrieve the shot, a hinder should be called. no words changed. - **22 January 2017, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. > 3. And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity to hit an offensive, rally-ending shot. [+ > +] If the player is allowed the one offensive shot, one of the following calls should be made immediately afterward: If the player skips the ball in, that player loses the rally. [+ > +] If the player hits a kill shot or pass shot that cannot be retrieved, that player should be awarded the rally. [+ > +] If the player who lost the equipment is able to retrieve the shot, a hinder should be called. no words changed. 21 more rulebooks with the same words: - 27 January 2019, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. - 27 January 2019, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. - 12 July 2019, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. - 12 July 2019, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. - 26 January 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019. - 26 January 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. - 20 September 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 21 September 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. - 22 January 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 22 January 2021, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. - 9 December 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. - 23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 23 January 2022, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. - 27 November 2022, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. - 17 January 2024, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2024, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. - 17 July 2024, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. - 26 January 2025, USHA One-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024. - 26 January 2025, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. ### Rule 4.6, item I Begins: “Every effort shall be made to keep the ball…” - **1928, A.A.U. Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > Every effort shall be made to keep the ball dry, particularly on the service. - 1931, A.A.U. Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - **20 June 1990, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Reworded (machine-reviewed). Compared with A.A.U. Four-Wall Rules, 1931. > [+ I. Dry ball and gloves. > +] Every effort [- shall -] [+ must +] be made to keep the ball [- dry, particularly -] [+ dry. > Deliberately wetting the ball results in an out or point. > The ball may be inspected by the referee at any time. > If a player's gloves are wet to the extent that they leave wet marks +] on the [- service. -] [+ ball, the player must change to dry gloves on a referee's timeout. > This is strictly a referee's judgment. > If a player wishes to change to dry gloves, he must hold the palms of his hands up to the referee and obtain the referee's permission to change. > He may not leave the court without the referee's permission. +] 98 words added, 4 removed. - **14 October 1994, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > I. Dry ball and gloves. Every effort must be made to keep the ball dry. Deliberately wetting the ball results in an out or point. The ball may be inspected by the referee at any time. If a player's gloves are wet to the extent that they leave wet marks on the ball, the player must change to dry gloves on a referee's time-out. This is strictly a referee's judgment. If a player wishes to change to dry gloves, he must hold the palms of his hands up to the referee and obtain the referee's permission to change. He may not leave the court without the referee's permission. Two minutes are allowed for glove changes. The referee should give a one-minute warning, but the player is still responsible to be back in the court within two minutes. - **31 January 1999, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (machine-reviewed). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990. > I. Dry ball and gloves. [- > -] Every effort must be made to keep the ball dry. [- > -] Deliberately wetting the ball results in an out or point. [- > -] The ball may be inspected by the referee at any time. [- > -] If a player's gloves are wet to the extent that they leave wet marks on the ball, the player must change to dry gloves on a referee's timeout. [- > -] This is strictly a referee's judgment. [- > -] If a player wishes to change to dry gloves, he must hold the palms of his hands up to the referee and obtain the referee's permission to change. [- > -] He may not leave the court without the referee's permission. [+ Two minutes are allowed for glove changes. The referee should give a one-minute warning, but the player is still responsible to be back in the court within two minutes. +] 29 words added. - **31 January 1999, American four-wall**: Unchanged (machine-reviewed). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990. > I. Dry ball and gloves. [- > -] Every effort must be made to keep the ball dry. [- > -] Deliberately wetting the ball results in an out or point. [- > -] The ball may be inspected by the referee at any time. [- > -] If a player's gloves are wet to the extent that they leave wet marks on the ball, the player must change to dry gloves on a referee's timeout. [- > -] This is strictly a referee's judgment. [- > -] If a player wishes to change to dry gloves, he must hold the palms of his hands up to the referee and obtain the referee's permission to change. [- > -] He may not leave the court without the referee's permission. [+ Two minutes are allowed for glove changes. The referee should give a one-minute warning, but the player is still responsible to be back in the court within two minutes. +] 29 words added. 6 more rulebooks with the same words: - 2000, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 14 October 1994. - 9 March 2001, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 7 October 2001, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 8 April 2002, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 20 August 2002, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 19 January 2005, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999. - **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Changed (machine-reviewed). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 20 August 2002. > I. Dry ball and gloves. Every effort must be made to keep the ball dry. Deliberately wetting the ball results in an out or point. The ball may be inspected by the referee at any time. If a player's gloves are wet to the extent that they leave wet marks on the ball, the player must change to dry gloves on a referee's [- time-out. -] [+ timeout. +] This is strictly a referee's judgment. If a player wishes to change to dry gloves, [- he -] [+ he/she +] must hold [- the palms of his hands -] [+ his/her gloves +] up to the referee and obtain the referee's permission to change. [- He -] [+ He/she +] may not leave the court without the referee's permission. Two minutes are allowed for glove changes. The referee should give a one-minute warning, but the player is still responsible to be back in the court [+ and ready to play +] within two minutes. 9 words added, 8 removed. - **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Changed (machine-reviewed). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. > I. Dry ball and gloves. Every effort must be made to keep the ball dry. Deliberately wetting the ball results in an out or point. The ball may be inspected by the referee at any time. If a player's gloves are wet to the extent that they leave wet marks on the ball, the player must change to dry gloves on a referee's timeout. This is strictly a referee's judgment. If a player wishes to change to dry gloves, [- he -] [+ he/she +] must hold [- the palms of his hands -] [+ his/her gloves +] up to the referee and obtain the referee's permission to change. [- He -] [+ He/she +] may not leave the court without the referee's permission. Two minutes are allowed for glove changes. The referee should give a one-minute warning, but the player is still responsible to be back in the court [+ and ready to play +] within two minutes. 8 words added, 7 removed. 4 more rulebooks with the same words: - June 2006, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). - June 2006, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. - June 2006, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. - May 2007, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006. - **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: Reworded (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. > I. Dry ball and gloves. Every effort must be made to keep the ball dry. Deliberately wetting the ball results in an out or point. The ball may be inspected by the referee at any time. If a player's gloves are wet to the extent that they leave wet marks on the ball, the player must change to dry gloves on a referee's timeout. This is strictly a referee's judgment. If a player wishes to change to dry gloves, [- he -] [+ he/she +] must hold [- the palms of his hands -] [+ his/her gloves +] up to the referee and obtain the referee's permission to change. [- He -] [+ He/she +] may not leave the court without the referee's permission. Two minutes are allowed for glove changes. The referee should give a one-minute warning, but the player is still responsible to be back in the court [+ and ready to play +] within two minutes. 8 words added, 7 removed. - June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. - **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. > I. Dry ball and gloves. Every effort must be made to keep the ball dry. Deliberately wetting the ball results in an out or point. The ball may be inspected by the referee at any time. If a [- player's -] [+ player’s +] gloves are wet to the extent that they leave wet marks on the ball, the player must change to dry gloves on a [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] timeout. This is strictly a [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] judgment. If a player wishes to change to dry gloves, he/she must hold his/her gloves up to the referee and obtain the [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] permission to change. He/she may not leave the court without the [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] permission. Two minutes are allowed for glove changes. The referee should give a one-minute warning, but the player is still responsible to be back in the court and ready to play within two minutes. 5 words added, 5 removed. 3 more rulebooks with the same words: - 2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - January 2014, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. - 6 February 2015, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. - **6 February 2015, USHA One-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014. > I. Dry ball and gloves. Every effort must be made to keep the ball dry. Deliberately wetting the ball results in an out or point. The ball may be inspected by the referee at any time. If a [- player's -] [+ player’s +] gloves are wet to the extent that they leave wet marks on the ball, the player must change to dry gloves on a [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] timeout. This is strictly a [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] judgment. If a player wishes to change to dry gloves, he/she must hold his/her gloves up to the referee and obtain the [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] permission to change. He/she may not leave the court without the [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] permission. Two minutes are allowed for glove changes. The referee should give a one-minute warning, but the player is still responsible to be back in the court and ready to play within two minutes. 5 words added, 5 removed. - **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Reworded (automatic). Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004. > I. Dry ball and gloves. Every effort must be made to keep the ball dry. Deliberately wetting the ball results in an out or point. The ball may be inspected by the referee at any time. If a [- player's -] [+ player’s +] gloves are wet to the extent that they leave wet marks on the ball, the player must change to dry gloves on a [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] timeout. This is strictly a [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] judgment. If a player wishes to change to dry gloves, [- he -] [+ he/she +] must hold [- the palms of his hands -] [+ his/her gloves +] up to the referee and obtain the [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] permission to change. [- He -] [+ He/she +] may not leave the court without the [- referee's -] [+ referee’s +] permission. Two minutes are allowed for glove changes. The referee should give a one-minute warning, but the player is still responsible to be back in the court [+ and ready to play +] within two minutes. 13 words added, 12 removed. 24 more rulebooks with the same words: - 22 January 2017, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. - 22 January 2017, USHA One-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. - 22 January 2017, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. - 27 January 2019, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. - 27 January 2019, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. - 12 July 2019, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. - 12 July 2019, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. - 26 January 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019. - 26 January 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. - 20 September 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 21 September 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. - 22 January 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 22 January 2021, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. - 9 December 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. - 23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 23 January 2022, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. - 27 November 2022, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. - 17 January 2024, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2024, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. - 17 July 2024, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). - 26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. - 26 January 2025, USHA One-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024. - 26 January 2025, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. All rules: [clause history](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/clause-history/).