Weird sports rules that will make you double-check the rulebook

Just like that, Boxing Day is right around the corner! And did you know that besides sports' fascinating traditions, there are also some truly weird laws?

Sure, many rules are designed to ensure fairness, safety, and smooth play during these intense competitions. However, some of them seem so strange that they can leave even the most passionate fans scratching their heads.

Although controversy in sports most commonly comes from bad calls the referee makes, today, we will be discussing the controversy with the structure of sports. Rules are necessary, but many times, they can be seen as making the experience less enjoyable than it otherwise would be!

The “No Hat Trick” rule (hockey)

Fans watching the NHL often throw hats onto the ice when players score three goals in one game. This may seem like a fun tradition!

However, there is an odd rule that bans the collection of these hats for personal use. The hats thrown on the ice are usually collected and donated to charity. Not even the players are allowed to keep them.

No over-celebrating (football)

Isn't celebrating a win the whole point of the sport? Not according to FIFA, which changed the law for soccer in 2004 and even forced referees to give a yellow card to players who remove their shirts while celebrating goals.

This rule was introduced to maintain the decorum of the game and prevent excessive time wastage. It does not stop at the shirts, as players are also not allowed to jump over the perimeter fence of the field.

There is a fine line between normal celebration and over-celebration in sports, but generally, players and teams are expected to balance their excitement with respect for the game. Fans and coaches also often criticise extreme celebrations because they can “take away” sportsmanship by focusing too much on the player rather than the team.

A “Yellow Card” for diving (football)

Staying on the soccer side of things, the rule is clear: when a player exaggerates a foul to get the referee to award a penalty, it is worthy of a yellow card. While this rule was designed to combat certain behaviours, the execution is often inconsistent.

Ball boys and girls (tennis)

You will find Ball Boys/Girls in tennis tournaments, and they are not just there to toss balls to players. They are also tasked with certain strange duties and rules. Let's look at some of the rules that must be adhered to:

• Rolls must be flat and straight.
• No bouncing balls or balls swerving left to right are allowed.
• The ball boys standing at the back of the court are the ones responsible for "feeding" the players. They must, however, "feed" in a specific position, with their feet shoulder-width apart and their arms up in the air, clearly showing the ball.
• As a ball boy, you are not allowed to interact with the public during a game. Waving at your mom in the crowd is prohibited.

The two-point conversion (American football)

In American Football, players can try to score two additional points after the touchdown by either running or passing the ball into the end zone from the two-yard line. The conversion rule can be applied instead of kicking for an extra point. While the rule itself is not strange, the actual process can be. A team may fail at the two-point conversion attempt by losing the ball to the opponent.

Since introducing this rule in 1994, the two-point conversion has caused quite a bit of discussion among fans and experts. It was not until 2014 that things got interesting after the NFL experimented with moving the extra point distance back.

Mankad rule (cricket)

Cricket is a widely popular sport, though it sometimes has pretty weird rules. However, this may be among the strangest ones!

The Mankad rule, named after the Indian cricketer Vinoo Mankad, allows a bowler to run out a non-striker if they leave the crease before the bowler has delivered the ball. Some will argue that it is technically legal, but others consider it highly controversial and unsporting.

The Mankad rule can be seen as a loophole that creates awkward moments on the field when it is enforced. Players and fans can see this as strange and unfair. Previously, Mankad was considered unfair practice under Law 41 of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Scorecard rules (golf)

The scorecard is an important document in golf. It records a player's scores throughout a round and includes information about the course, like hole lengths, par values, and slopes. Players are responsible for ensuring that their scores are recorded accurately, and both the player and the marker must sign the card.

The secret ingredient to a great game?

From the confusing use of yellow cards for soccer diving to the Mankad rule in cricket, sports have their share of quirky and downright weird rules.

Whether aimed at player safety, tradition, or just keeping the game moving, these regulations show that sports are not always as clear as they seem. Some of these laws may seem silly or out of place, but they add a layer of intricacy, fun, and surprise, making them even more entertaining.