15 Sports Rules That Are So Weird, You’ll Think They’re Fake
Some sports rules are so bizarre that they sound completely made up, but they are very real.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Sports come with all kinds of rules, but some are so strange that they leave fans and players scratching their heads. While they might seem ridiculous, each one serves a specific purpose in its respective sport. Get ready to dive into 15 of the weirdest sports rules that are actually enforced.
1. Red Cards for Excessive Celebrations (Soccer)
Антон Зайцев on Wikimedia Commons
Scoring a goal is exciting, but celebrating too much can get you penalized. FIFA rules prohibit removing your shirt, excessive dancing, or climbing the fence after a goal. Some players have even received red cards for going overboard with their celebrations.
2. You Can Win by Checkmate or Knockout (Chess Boxing)
Hossein Khosravi on Wikimedia Commons
In chess boxing, competitors alternate between playing chess and boxing rounds. You can win by checkmating your opponent or knocking them out in the ring. It is a true test of brains and brawn.
3. Timed-Out Before Even Playing (Cricket)
Acabashi on Wikimedia Commons
In cricket, a batsman must be ready to face a delivery within three minutes after the previous player is dismissed. If they fail to show up in time, they are declared “Time Out” and sent off without playing a single ball.
4. Free Throws for Technical Fouls (Basketball)
Artem Korzhimanov on Wikimedia Commons
In basketball, certain violations allow the opposing team to take free throws without any defensive interference. Something as minor as calling a timeout when you have none left can cost your team crucial points.
5. No Pants Allowed (Sumo Wrestling)
Eckhard Pecher User:Arcimboldo on Wikimedia Commons
Sumo wrestlers must wear traditional mawashi, and pants are against the rules. Any attempt to cover up too much can lead to disqualification from the match.
6. No Caddies in Mini Golf (Miniature Golf)
Tracey Clarke on Wikimedia Commons
In professional mini-golf, players must make all shots on their own. Unlike traditional golf, bringing a caddie for advice or help is strictly prohibited.
7. No Leading Until the Last Lap (Keirin Cycling)
Daieuxetdailleurs on Wikimedia Commons
In keirin cycling, riders must follow a pacing motorcycle until the final lap. Breaking away too soon results in disqualification.
8. No Deliberate Losing (Badminton)
Wilson Dias/Abr on Wikimedia Commons
In competitive badminton, intentionally losing a match to get an easier opponent in the next round is illegal. Several teams have been disqualified for violating this rule.
9. Must Attack Every 30 Seconds (Team Handball)
Steindy (talk) 00:03, 21 January 2010 (UTC) on Wikimedia Commons
Teams must attempt to score within 30 seconds of gaining possession. Holding the ball too long without attacking results in a turnover.
10. The Dropped Third Strike Rule (Baseball)
Keith Allison on Flickr on Wikimedia Commons
If catcher drops the ball on a third strike, the batter can still run to first base . This unusual rule keeps players on their toes.
11. No Hands Allowed (Water Polo)
Red CreaDeporte on Wikimedia Commons
In water polo, only the goal keeper can touch the ball with both hands. Any other player who does it commits a foul.
12. No Tiebreakers Allowed (Tug-of-War)
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James E. Foehl on Wikimedia Commons
If a tug-of-war match ends in a tie, both teams are declared losers. There is no rematch or sudden death round.
13. Helmet Rule for Running Backs (NFL)
All-Pro Reels on Wikimedia Commons
Running backs are not allowed to lower their helmets when making contact with defenders. Breaking this rule results in a penalty.
14. No Switching Hands (Table Tennis)
Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commons on Wikimedia Commons
In table tennis, players must use the same hand for the entire point. Changing hands mid-play is not allowed.
15. No Dunking Before the Game (NBA)
Lance Cpl. Frederick J. Coleman on Wikimedia Commons
Players are not allowed to dunk during pre-game warmups. The rule was put in place to prevent injuries before tip-off.