All elements of pinball competitions including rulings, malfunctions, machine settings and player conduct will be run in accordance with PAPA/IFPA rules which can be found here.
It is assumed that all players will have read and understood all rules and etiquette set out by The Australian Pinball Open, PAPA and the IFPA. Not knowing a rule will not exclude a player from its application.
The pinball machines in use have been provided by venues and private collectors from all over the country and must always be treated with respect and care.
While pinball is a sport that can involve a player moving a machine in regular play – whether to make a ‘save’ or redirect a ball, excessively moving of a machine (for example, the legs of a machine being lifted off the ground) will result in the competitor being issued a yellow or red card.
Any competitor ‘rage tilting’ (purposely attempting to cause or causing a tilt after a ball has drained) or striking a machine’s lockdown bar or glass will be issued with a formal warning – yellow card or red card.
Any players in violation of the rules and regulations set out below will be issued a formal warning from a Tournament Official in the form of a yellow card. Any further violations will result in the competitor being issued a red card and disqualification from the tournament. Arguing with or abusing an official as a result of a warning or disqualification being issued may result in the player being banned from the premises for the remainder of the event.
There will be a zero-tolerance policy on profanity and aggressive, disruptive, or inappropriate behaviour. These include but are not limited to aggressive behaviour towards other competitors, officials, or machines; outbursts – especially those involving profanity; and homophobic, racist, or sexist language.
Any ruling made by a Tournament Official is final. Arguing a ruling once it has been made may result in the immediate loss of the game in question, a yellow or red card in accordance with the rules set out above, disqualification from the tournament, or ejection from the building. These decision(s) will be made by tournament officials as they see fit.
During all tournaments there will be ‘No-Go Zones’ marked around each machine. These are not to be entered except by the player currently on the machine, or a Tournament Official or machine tech making a ruling or assessing and repairing an issue with a machine.
Any players deemed to be excessively distracting to a competitor or inhibiting a competitor’s ability to compete – whether purposefully or accidentally – may be issued with an informal or formal warning at the discretion of Tournament Officials.