Rule Update | September 6, 2014
In effect starting Fall 2014
Once per match each team may invoke the “Ringer Rule,” which, in effect, forces the opposing team to bench a chosen player, the “ringer,” for a single round. This rule may only be invoked if the affected team has enough players on hand to bring in a substitute (ie. more than 4), and it does not interfere with a Starter’s minimum play requirements. Only one team can make this move in a single round, and it can only be made AFTER the lineups have been declared for that round.
At the start of each round, after both lineups have been declared and before game play starts, one team is entitled to invoke the “Ringer Rule.” Upon being declared the affected team may shuffle their lineup for the ENTIRE round AND they may change the chosen pinball machines for that round. Lineup changes, however, must remain within the overall rule guidelines — no single player may play more than once per round, available starters must play at least one Doubles game and one Singles game, and Doubles pairings may not be repeated. The team that invokes the rule may not make any changes after invocation.
There are certain conditions where the Ringer Rule may not be used. If one team has less than 5 players on hand, then neither team may invoke the Ringer Rule. This condition is subject to change during the course of a match, so if the 5th player shows up in round 3, then the Ringer Rule is from then on available. No team may invoke the Ringer Rule on a player if doing so prevents them from fullfilling their minimum play requirements. For instance, as Starters are REQUIRED to play at least one Doubles game and one Singles game, you may not bench a starter in round 2 if they did not play in round 1. Also, if a “Ringer” is benched in round 1, then they MUST play in round 2. Finally, the Ringer rule will NOT be in effect during the playoffs.