Ask a Kubb Ref: Agreement on a Violation

The rules say nothing about this specific scenario. However they do give some general guidance:

III. Rules Enforcement

A. Etiquette and the Spirit of the Game

1. Kubb is a game that expects high standards of etiquette and courtesy. Among the basic considerations of etiquette are such things as concern for spectators, other players, and respect to the direction of the tournament coordinator and decisions by all officials of the game.
2. These rules have been designed in spirit to promote a fair and enjoyable tournament environment for all kubb players, regardless of age, sex, or ability. One of the objectives of the U.S. National Kubb Championship is to determine the relative skills of the players, however, the spirit of the game will take precedent. The spirit of the game of kubb demands good sportsmanship, courtesy, and honorable conduct. The spirit should influence both the interpretation and application of the rules of the game and more importantly, the conduct of the participants.

B. General Rules

1. Some phases and situations in kubb can be complicated and potentially indefinable by any ruleset. If a situation is not covered in these rules, the decision shall be made in accordance with fairness, with decisions being influenced by the spirit of the game. Often a logical extension of the closest existing rule or the principles embodied in the rules will provide guidance for determining the resolution.

U.S. National Kubb Championship Rules

If a situation is not covered in these rules, the decision shall be made in accordance with fairness, with decisions being influenced by the spirit of the game. The spirit of kubb is to bring people together and to be peaceful. The teams should get together and discuss the throw and what they saw. Obviously, someone saw something they believed was a rule violation. Were they in a good viewing position? Was there someone in a better position, and if so, what did they see? If the other players cannot convince them that the shot wasn’t in violation, it’s generally accepted that the call of a rules violation stands. However this can be different from region to region and club to club. In our Kalamazoo Kubb club, it was always viewed that in a situation like above, there would be a discussion and perhaps a spirited debate, but that the defense will make the final call. Yes, this could lead to pettiness, revenge phantom calls, and other ugliness but that’s when a tournament director and/or referee will step in and provide support to the players. After all, there is a whole section about sportsmanship, game penalties, and player ejections for that type of behavior. After all, we are all adults and should be able to come to a decision on our own. 

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