DEFINITION Sepak takraw is a highly skilled game which requires a specific technique each in handling the ball where

players routinely spike the ball with turning acrobatic somersault movements or bicycle kicks in mid air to keep the ball in play. The amazing difference is that, Sepak takraw players are not allowed to use their hands. They can use the feet, leg, shoulders, head or even their bottoms to keep the ball in play. Sepaktakraw is a highly skilled game which requires a specific technique each in handling the ball where players routinely spike the ball with turning acrobatic somersault movements or bicycle kicks in mid air to keep the ball in play. The name of the game came from the words Sepak, a term used in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia which translates into "kick", and Takraw, a term used in Thailand which means "woven ball".

Today, Sepak takraw is both of a recreational and a competitive sport which is played throughout South East Asia and in other regions in Europe, Middle East, North and South America.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The origin of sepak takraw is not really known, but in the Philippines, the Muslims were believed to play this game known then as Sipa. The Muslims played by kicking the ball made of rattan but followed no rules. From 1891 to 1920, the game was played by forming a circle of no specified area. As a game, Sipa was very popular in Manila and other provinces. Tournaments were held as big

events and brass bands were hired, ground were decorated, and high public officials were invited to grace the event. The rules and regulations of Sepak Takraw have been modified since 1891. The following dates were important to the history of the sport: 1920 to 1946, the game was played in a circle with a net and court. 1946 to 1960, the rules were changed and modified. 1965, The Asian Sepak Takraw Federation was formed composed of Laos, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The size of the ball increased. 1980, a review of the rules and regulations of the game was made. 1985, during the SEA games held in Bangkok, another modification of the rules was made and finalized. These rules are present rules of the game. This game has several names in different Asian countries. Bola Sepak Raga or Sepak Raga Singapore Sepak Raga Jaring or Sepraja Malaysia Sepak Raga Jala Brunei Rago Indonesia Kat- Laos Ching Loong Burma Sipa, now Sepak Takraw Philippines Takraw Thailand

EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES USED The equipment and facilities needed in playing sepak takraw are the sepak ball, the net, posts, and the court. A. Ball

Rattan sepak takraw ball

Synthetic sepak takraw ball

1. Traditionally hand-woven of rattan stems, today Takraw balls are made of hard plastic. 2. Rattan balls can still be found for sale in markets throughout Asia as the products of traditional handicraft, but they are not used in regulation play in schools and adult leagues. The Sepak takraw ball can also be constructed of synthetic rubber or soft durable material for covering the ball, for the purpose of softening the impact of the ball on the players body. The type of material and method used for constructing the ball, or for covering the ball with rubber or soft durable covering must be approved by ISTAF before it can be used for any competition. 3. The synthetic ball has 12 holes and 20 weaving intersections. The hand-woven balls differ, with a more complex weave. 4. A mens game ball weighs 170 to 180 grams (6 -6.3 ounces). A womens Sepak Takraw ball weighs 150 to 160 grams(5.3 5.6 ounces) (5.6 oz) for women. 5. It shall be spherical in shape, made of synthetic fibre of one woven layer. 6. Sepak takraw ball without synthetic rubber covering must consist of the following characteristics have a circumference measuring not less from 0.41m to 0.43m for men and from 0.42m to 0.44m for women. 7. The Sepak takraw ball can be in plain single colour, multi-colour, and luminous colours, but not in any colour that will impair the performance of the players.

B. Net

1. The net shall be made of fine ordinary cord or nylon with 0.06m to 0.08m mesh. 2. The net is 0.7m in depth and not shorter than 6.1m in length placed vertically over the axis of the centreline. 3. Two side bands 0.05m wide are fastened vertically to the net and placed above each sideline. They are considered as part of the net. 4. The net shall be edged with 0.05m and tape double at the top and bottom supported by a fine ordinary cord or nylon cord that runs through the tape, strain over and flushes with the top of the post. 5. The height of the net at the centre of the court shall be 1.52m for men and 1.42m for women while at the posts shall be 1.55m for men and 1.45m for women.

C. Posts 1. The posts shall be 1.55 m (1.45 m for women) in height from the floor and shall be sufficiently firm to maintain high net tension. It should be made from very strong materials and shall not be more than 0.04 m in radius. 2. The posts shall be erected or placed firmly 0.3 m away from the sideline and in line with the Centreline.

Net post

D. Court

Sepak Takraw Court Dimensions 1. The court is a rectangular area measuring 13.4 m x 6.1 m free from all obstacles up to the height of 8 m measured from the court surface. 2. The width of the lines bounding the court should not be more than 0.04m measured and drawn inwards from the edge of the court measurements. All the boundary lines should be drawn at least 3.0m away from all obstacles. 3. The Center Line of 0.02 m should be drawn equally dividing the right and left court. 4. The Quarter Circle. At the corner of each at the center line, the quarter circle shall be drawn from the side line to the center line with a radius of 0.9 m measured and drawn outwards from the edge of the 0.9 radius. 5. The Service Circle of 0.3 m radius shall be drawn on the left and on the right court, the center of which is 2.45 m from the line of court and 3.05 m from the side lines, the 0.04 m line shall be measured and drawn outward from the edge of the 0.3 m radius.

Sepak Takraw Court 5

PLAYERS

1. The game is played between two Regus consisting of three players on each side. 2. One of the each players shall be at the back and he is called Back or Tekong. 3. The other two players shall be in front, one on the left and the other on the right. The player on the left is called Left Inside and the player on the right is the Right Inside

PLAYERS ATTIRE

1. All equipment used by players must be appropriate for Sepaktakraw. Any equipment that is designed to increase or reduce the speed of the ball, increase a players height or 6

movement or in any other way give an unfair advantage and that endangers himself/herself or other players shall not be permitted. 2. To avoid unnecessary conflicts or confusion, two opposing teams must wear different colour jerseys. 3. Teams must have a minimum of two sets of Jerseys/T-shirts, one light and the other dark in colour. If both teams arrive at a match dressed in Jerseys of the same colour, the home team must change. On a neutral site, the team listed first on the match program shall change. 4. A players attire consists of Jersey/T-shirts, shorts, socks and sport shoes with rubber soles without heels. The entire apparel of a player is regarded as part of his/her body. All Jerseys/T-shirts should be tucked in. In case of cold weather, the players are permitted to use tracksuits. 5. All jerseys/ T-shirts shall be numbered on both sides. A player must be assigned with one permanent number throughout the tournament. Each participating team is allowed to use only number 1 to number 15. The size of the number shall not be less than 19cm in height at the back and should be 10cm in height for the front (centre chest area). 6. The Captain of each Regu shall wear an armband of a different colour from the Jersey/Tshirt on the left arm. 7. Anything that helps to speed the ball or that helps the movement of a player is not allowed.

BASIC KICKS/HITS 1. INSIDE KICK There are 5 basic kicks/hits that any good Takraw player will have mastered. The most important of these is the inside kick, for it provides maximum ball control. Use this kick to field a ball dropping in front of you. With your planted leg flexed at the knee, lift up your other leg and swing the foot and lower part of the leg in and up sideways like a pendulum in front of you, turning the ankle so that you hit the ball with the flat surface of the inside of your foot. The inside kick is commonly used for passing and setting the ball up high for a spike. 2. THE OUTSIDE KICK The Outside Kick is used when the Takraw ball drops outside your shoulders and slightly behind you. It is similar to the Inside Kick in that your leg swings like a pendulum, but out and upward (rather than in and upward). Shift weight to ball of support foot as you lift kicking leg up away from body. Turn your ankle so that toes are pointing out (not down), which enables you to kick the ball up with the flat, outside surface of your foot. Avoid swinging or kicking your leg forward (only lift it upward). 3. FRONT FOOT KICK This kick is primarily used to save a low dropping ball in front of you. To propel the ball upwards most consistently, the front of your foot must be flicked up in a quick smooth motion as the ball is contacted (remaining loose at the ankle, not stiff). 4. THE KNEE BUMP The Knee Bump is usually used to deflect upwards a low angle pass or a fast serve to the mid-body. Lift your knee up very quickly, with the foot following underneath (not kicking out). The ball is contacted at about waist level with the front of your thigh, just behind the knee, for maximum upward thrust and height. Contact with ball in mid-thigh area will serve the same purpose, but ball will not be thrust up as high. Note: both the Front Foot Kick and Knee Bump are used for added control when making a save or controlling a pass. They do not always provide consistent control. 5. THE HEADER The fifth basic hit is the Header, and it is used frequently in games to deflect upwards a high angle pass or fast serve to the upper body. With legs flexed at the knees, put the top of your forehead in front of the ball, lifting up your chin and spring up from the legs as the ball strikes the forehead so as to deflect it up high in your own court. 8

General Helpful Hints: - aIways be in a ready stance, with feet pointing ahead and shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, weight low and slightly forward. - with the basic kicks/hits, usually you should face the direction that you want to direct the ball to as you contact it. - approach contact with the ball in a slow, easy and relaxed fashion, it is more important to first develop good timing (knowing when and how to contact the ball) than it is to kick the ball hard. - the support leg provides your balance so should maintain a low profile and be flexed at the knee as your other foot executes the kick. - ambidexterity is key to being a more versatile player, when ball approaches your right side, kick it with your right foot - left side, left foot. FREE STYLE This is a chance to expand on your basic kicks and come up with some more challenging moves of your own. Here are a couple to get you started. 1. FLYING CLIPPER Leap off the same foot that you'll use to kick the ball. Cross your kicking foot behind and under your other leg. Lift your kicking foot, turning your ankle and making contact with the ball with the flay surface on the inside of your foot. 2. HAND LOOP This move can be done with a number of kicks. Position your arms to form a loop. The idea is to have the ball first fall through the hand loop then kick it back upward.

RULES A. Scoring A point is given to serving regu when its opponent has made a fault according to rule. 1. When either serving side or receiving side commits a fault, a point is awarded to the opponent side including making next service. If player one was the previous server, then player two is to make the service. 2. The winning point for a set is 21 points, unless the point is tied at 20-20, the set shall be decided on a difference of two points, up to a ceiling of 25 points. When the score is tied at 20-20, the Referee announces Setting up to 25 points. 3. 4. The game is played in 2 sets with 2-minute rest in between. If each "Regu" wins one set, the game shall be decided in the third set called "Tiebreak"

with 15 points unless the point is tied at 14-14, then the set shall be decided on a difference of two points, up to a ceiling of 17 points. When the score is tied at 14-14, the Referee announces Setting up to 17 points. 4. Before the tiebreak set takes place, the referee shall toss a disc or coin, and The side winning of the toss shall serve. The change of sides takes place when one Regu reaches 8 points. B. Substitution 1. Each "Regu in a Double Regu Event may either not nominate or nominate any onereserve player and it can make up to two consecutive substitutions in a set. 2. In case of injury, after substitutions had been made, the Regu will not be allowed to continue. 3. Any Regu having less than 2 players will not be allowed to continue the game and will be considered as having lost. C. Position of Players During Service 1. At the start of play, the players of both "Regu's" must be in theirrespective courts in a ready position. 2. The Tekong shall be positioned at any point behind the baseline of his respective court for the execution of the serve. The Tekong shall also be the thrower for the serve. 10

3. The non-serving player for the serving regu, can position himself at any location within his side of the court, but must remain within one spot while the serve is being made. 4. The opponent or receiving Regu is free to be anywhere within its court. D. The Start of Play and Service 1. The side that must serve first shall start the first set. The side that wins the first set will start and serve in the second set. 2. The throw must be executed as soon as the Referee calls the score. If the Tekong, who is also the thrower, throws the ball before the referee calls the score, it must be rethrown and a warning given to the regu. A repetition of this act will be considered as Fault 3. During the service, as soon as the Tekong kicks the ball, all the players are allowed to move about freely in their respective courts. 4. The service is valid if the ball passes over the net, whether it touches the net or not, and inside the boundary of the two net tapes and boundary lines of the opponents court. 5. Players of the serving regu will alternate as Tekong each time it has won a point from the previous serve until the receiving team manages to gain a point. E. Faults 1. The Serving Side During Service 1.1 The Tekong who is making the service throws, plays about with the ball (throwing up the ball, bumping, etc.) after the call of score has been made by the referee. 1.2 The non-serving players of the serving regu move away from his adopted position for the serve when the serve is being made. 1.3 The Tekong jumps off the ground or when his feet goes across the baseline on his side of the court, including the act of touching the baseline with any part of his body when executing the serve. 1.4 1.5 1.6 The Tekong does not kick the ball on the service throw. The ball touches his own player before crossing over the opponent court. The ball goes over the net but falls outside the court. 11

1.7 1.8

The ball does not cross to the opponent side. A player uses his hand or hands, or any other parts of his arm or arms to facilitate the execution of a kick even if the hand or arm does not directly touches the ball, but it touches other objects or surfaces instead when doing so.

1.9

The Tekong of the serving regu throws the ball before the referee calls the score, for the second or subsequent time during the match.

2. Serving And Receiving Side During Service Creating distracting manner or noise or shouting at his opponent. 3. 3.1 For Both Sides During The Game Stepping on the centre line (except during a follow through after an execution of a spike or a block) 3.2 3.3 Any player who touches the ball on the opponent side. Any part of player's body crosses over into opponent's court whether above or under the net, including stepping on the centre line, except during the followthrough. 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Playing the ball more than 3 times in succession. The ball touches the arm or rolls over the body. Stopping or holding the ball under the arm, between the legs or body. Any part of the body or player's outfits e.g. shoes, jersey, head band etc., touches the net or the post or the referee's chairs or falls into the opponent's side. 3.8 3.9 The ball touches the ceiling, roof or the wall (any objects). Any player who uses the aid of any external object as a form of support to facilitate the execution of a kick. 4.10 Any player who delays the game unnecessarily.

F. Toss and Warm-Up 1. Before commencing the game, the Court Referee will toss a coin or disc and the side winning the toss will choose side or service. The side that loses the toss will abide with the decision.

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2. The side winning the toss shall "warm-up" first for 2 minutes followed by the other "Regu". Only 3 persons are allowed to move freely in the court with the official ball.

G. Temporary Suspension of Play 1. The Referee can suspend play temporarily should a player gets injured and needs immediate treatment, for not more than 5 minutes for each regu. 2. An injured player is allowed up to 5 minutes injury time-out. If after 5 minutes, the player is unable to continue, a substitution must be made. If the injured player's team has already made a substitution, the match will be declared a forfeit in favor of the opposing team. 3. In the event of obstructions, disturbances or any other matters, only the Official Referee can suspend play upon concurrence with the Tournament Committee. 4. In the course of such suspension, all players are not allowed to leave the court to receive drinks or any form of assistance.

H. Discipline 1. Every player must abide by the rules of the game. 2. Only the Captain of the "Regu" is allowed to approach the referee during the game. either for matters relating to the position as well as condition of the players in the Regu, or to ask for a reasonable explanation for the decision made by the referee concerning the match, for which the referee must accede to the request made by the Captain of the Regu. 3. The team managers, coaches, players and team officials are however not allowed to dispute the referee's decision during the match or to act in any way that will jeopardize the continuity of the match, for which such act shall be regarded as a serious Disciplinary offense.

I. Misconduct of Officials 1. Disciplinary action will be taken against Team Officials or his team for any misconduct or disturbances committed by the official or team during a tournament whether in or outside the court.

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2. Any team official who commits a misconduct or disturbances will be immediately escorted out from the arena by the tournament officials and the official referee and will also be immediately suspended from being a team official, until a Disciplinary Committee is convened and a decision has been reached on the matter. J. Penalty

Red or Yellow Cards given for penalties incurred Fouls and misconduct are penalized as follows: Disciplinary Sanctions

1.

Cautionable Offences A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following six offences: 1.1 Is guilty of unsporting behaviour by the display of such action that can be

reasonably regarded as either a mitigated or unmitigated violation of the norms of sporting ethics, which can be considered as having or will have a detrimental effect on the proper conduct of the match as a whole. 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Shows dissent by word or action. Persistently infringes the Laws of the Game. Delays the restart of play. Enters or re-enters the court without the referee's permission. Deliberately leaves the court without the referees permission.

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2.

Sending-off Offences A player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following

five offences: 2.1 2.2 Is guilty of serious foul play Is guilty of violent conduct, including an act executed with deliberate

intent to cause injury to his opponent 2.3 2.4 2.5 Spits at an opponent or any other person Using offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures. Receives a second caution (Yellow Card) in the same match.

3.

A player who commits a cautionable offence either on or off the court, whether

directed towards opponent, team-mate, the referee, an assistant referee or any other person, for which a yellow card is awarded for each the offence committed is disciplined as follows: 3.1 Offense: First Yellow Card Penalty: 3.2 Offense : Second Yellow Card received by the same player in different matches, but in the same tournament. Penalty: One Match Suspension 3.3 Offense: Third Yellow Card received after suspension for the first two Yellow Cards in the tournament by the same player. Penalty: Two (2) Matches Suspension A Fine of US$100 (One Hundred Dollars is to be paid by the club or any other body the player represent in the match. 3.4 Offense: Fourth Yellow Card Yellow card received after two matches' suspension for the earlier Third Yellow Card in the same tournament by the same player. 15 Normal Caution

Penalty: subsequent

Immediate suspension matches in any

from playing in sanctioned

the next or by relevant

tournament

Sepaktakraw controlling authority until a Disciplinary Committee is convened and a have been reached on the matter. 3.5 Offence : Two Yellow Cards received by the same player within the same match. Penalty: Two (2) Matches Suspension A Fine of US$100 (One Hundred Dollars is to be paid by the club or any other body the player represent in the match. A Red Card will be given for a third disciplinary offence committed in any other matches in the tournament.

4.

A player who commits a sending-off offence either on or off the court, whether

directed towards opponent, team-mate, the referee, an assistant referee or any other person, for which a red card is awarded for each of the offence committed is disciplined according to the nature of the offence committed is disciplined as follows: 4.1 Offense: Red Card Penalty: Send-Off from the game and immediate suspension from playing in any tournament sanctioned by the relevant controlling authority for Sepaktakraw until a Disciplinary Committee is convened and a decision has been reached on the matter.

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OFFICIALS

Positioning of Officials and Players

The game shall be managed by the following officials: 1. 1 Official referee 2. 2 Umpires 3. 6 Linesmen (4 Sideline and 2 Base Line) In the event of any question or any matter arising out of any point, which is not expressly provided for in any of the rules of the game, the decision of the Official Referee shall be final.

TERMINOLOGIES Here are some terms that are used in playing in this sport. ASTAF: The acronym for the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation Block: Blocking is a defensive skill used to counter a spike coming from close to the net. A block is usually made by jumping in the air and raising a leg and/or back to divert the ball back into the opponent's court. A block counts as one contact. Centre Line: Divides the length of the playing court into two equal halves. Dig: The act of fielding hard-hit ball successfully, usually a spike or block, to regain control. Dink: A soft hit ball, usually either a "dink serve" or a "dink spike". Fault: A violation of one of the rules of the game. Feeder: Person who "sets" the ball to the "spiker". First Ball: Term used to describe receiving the service by the opposing team. Formations: Order of play is decided by the toss of a coin. The ceremony involves thereferee and the two team captains. The winning captain chooses either the right to serve first, or the choice of court ("Serve or Side"). ISTAF: The acronym for the International Sepaktakraw Federation Killer: A common usage to describe the Spiker or a successful spike ball. 17

Quarter Circle: Place on court where the serving team's forwards (left and right inside players) should remain during the service until the ball has been kicked by the Server. Regu: A Malaysian word meaning a team. A team comprises four players (three starters and one reserve) is known as a Regu, and a squad of three Regus is known as a Team. Roll Spike: A spike in which the player jumps with his back to the net, rotates in the air and kicks the ball over the opposite shoulder from the kicking foot with a flip like motion. The most dramatic and popular move in the game. Service Over: When the serving team fails to return the ball over the net or commits a fault. The opposing team becomes the serving team but a point is not awarded. Serving Circle: A circle located in both halves of the court where the Server is required to be positioned during the service. Set: A period of play which is concluded when one team reaches 15 points. A match consists of the best of three sets. The third set is played in a six-point tiebreak. Set or Setting: A high pass by one player to a teammate or to self to enable a spike on the next move. Service: The act of putting the ball into play by the Server. Service Toss: A hand throw of the ball by one of the forwards to the Server. Spike: A powerfully hit shot directed into the opponent's court using either the foot or head. Sunback Spike: A spike in which the player jumps with his back to the net and kicks the ball over the same shoulder as the kicking foot. In soccer this is known as a "bicycle kick". Takraw Ball: Traditionally, the ball is made by weaving bamboo or rattan into a spherical shape. In 1982, Marathon Intertrade Co., Ltd. revolutionisedthe sport by introducing woven synthetic (plastic) balls. Today, almost all players around the world are using synthetic takraw balls. Tekong- Player at the back. To Begin Play: The game is initiated when one of the forwards tosses the ball to the back player - the "Server" who must keep one foot inside the the serving circle and the other foot outside. The ball must be kicked with the foot outside the circle in one attempt over the net. REFERENCES Kelley, Shawn. "Takraw: A Traditional Southeast Asian (mostly in Malaysia ) Sport". http://web.archive.org/web/20070710234948/http://www.tatnews.org/emagazine/2 813.asp. Retrieved March 2, 2013. Lopez, L., Beldia, M. Pangan, R. (2000) Physical Education, Health, and Music III. Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc.

http://tenpesos.com/sepak-takraw-in-the-philippines-2/

http://www.takraw.or.th/th/regu/Double_eng.htm 18