Clarification on Fair Play: Regarding Use of Grip Enhancing Substances/Materials
Approved by the IRF Board and published on March 20th, 2026
Pursuant to IRF Rule 2.2.3, the use of materials or substances that enhance grip are strictly forbidden. Illegal substances include, but are not limited to:
Dry chalk, liquid chalk, grip enhancing gloves, tacks, pine tar, grip powders, sunscreen (to intentionally enhance grip), anything that leaves a residue on the ball, etc.
This policy is in place effective immediately. The official rules language is under review and will be voted on by National Governing Bodies (NGB) for final integration in the IRF Ruleset.
Enforcement: Before the game, players should verify nobody is using illegal substances. If a player appears to be using anything during a match or have introduced a substance or material mid-match, a Tournament director or observer review may be requested upon the end of a game. If an observer is present, they may check for illegal substances at their discretion.
Penalty: any player determined by a tournament director or certified observer to be using or to have used any illegal grip enhancement materials or substances will be disqualified from the event and be subject to additional sanctions upon review.
Background: For many years, the progression of skill has naturally allowed for players to experiment and push the boundaries of what is possible in Roundnet. While rules about unfair equipment (Rule 2.2.3) have existed for over a decade, the rule is not well known or discussed.
This clarification is being socialized to ensure fair play at the highest level, where margins of victory continue to narrow as the sport progresses.
Applicable Rules:
2.2.3 Players may not use clothing or equipment to unfairly inhibit or assist the movement of the ball or another player. For example, players are allowed to wear hats, but not allowed to throw their hats at the ball.
