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RUBY'S WASHER TOSSFOUNDERS TOURNAMENT · MIRAMICHI

Rulebook · Founders edition

Official rules

Seven articles, four minutes to read, zero excuses on the lane. Captains accept the rules at registration.

1.Spirit of the Game

  • Washer toss is a game of touch, nerve, and neighbourliness. Play hard, laugh harder.
  • Scorekeepers and tournament officials have the final word. Disputes are heard once, politely.
  • Chirping is heritage; disrespect is not. One warning, then a forfeit.

2.The Court

  • Two washer boxes per lane, 21 feet apart, centre to centre.
  • Each box is a 16-inch square with a 4-inch cup at centre.
  • The foul line is the front edge of the box. A thrower's foot may not cross it before the washer lands.

3.Teams & Throws

  • Teams are two players. Partners stand at opposite boxes and stay there for the full game.
  • Each turn, a player throws three washers at the far box, alternating with the opposing player at their end.
  • The team that scored last throws first. Opening throw goes to the winner of a one-washer closest-to-the-cup toss.

4.Scoring

  • In the cup: 3 points. Around here that's a suey, and you're allowed to call it loud.
  • In the box: 1 point. Anywhere else: a story for later.
  • Cancellation scoring: matching points cancel each end.
  • First team to 21 wins. At 20-all, play continues until one team leads by 2.
  • A washer leaning into the cup counts as in the box. In or out.

5.Fouls

  • Foot over the foul line: that washer scores nothing and stays where it lies.
  • Thrown out of turn: the washer is removed, no score, play resumes in order.
  • A washer that bounces off the ground into the box or cup scores nothing.

6.Time, Ties & Weather

  • Pool games carry a 20-minute courtesy cap to keep the lanes moving; at the cap, the leader wins, and a tie plays one final full end.
  • Bracket games play to the full 21, no cap.
  • Light rain plays. Lightning clears the lanes until 30 minutes after the last strike; the director may compress the format to finish the day.

7.Conduct & the Venue

  • The beer garden's rules are tournament rules. Staff and officials draw the line and it holds.
  • Drink service stays at the tables and rail, never on the throwing lanes.
  • Play like the whole bar is watching. It is.