Outlined below are several important new ruling additions, updates, and clarifications to some WBO Organized Play rulebooks and the Organizers' Guide. View all WBO Organized Play Rules & Resources here, and a summary of the changes below:
Updates Overview
All Rulebook Updates
Spinning Definition Updated
As Beyblade Burst has progressed, instances of extremely difficult-to-call, close matches between two Beyblades spinning in the opposite direction of each other have skyrocketed. The previously existing definition of "Spinning" attempted to explicitly outline our intention for determining this fundamental aspect of the game. But after much debate we've decided that a simpler definition–as presented above–will help to avoid some confusion and subjective interpretation of the terms used in the longer, previous definition.
The dictionary definition of the word "spinning" or "spin" inherently has a component to it that suggests or is related to turning or rotating. Knowing this, one key difference to note in the new definition for our purposes–Beyblade matches–is the usage of the wording "visibly moving" rather than what was previously used ("visibly rotating").
Practically speaking, as long as a Beyblade has been spinning in the same spin direction it was launched in, it merely needs to be visibly moving in that same direction for longer than its opponent at the end of a battle to be considered to have spun longer; it does not need to, strictly speaking, be rotating around its axis for the purposes of our definition. To be more precise, our definition concerns itself technically not with defining 'spinning' itself, but with what constitutes "still spinning" in extreme, less obvious situations such as the end of matches between Beyblades spinning in the opposite direction of each other.
Please note the additional part-specific rulings for the Plastics & HMS rulebook outlined in the section below as well.
For reference, the old definition can be found below:
Plastics & HMS Rulebook Updates
New Part-Specific Rulings Added
This trio of part-specific rulings was added to clarify some exceptions to the application of the above general spinning definition.
Organizer’s Guide Updates
![[Image: WBO-Organizers-Guide.png]](https://worldbeyblade.org/images/WBO-Organizers-Guide.png)
“Video Review Policy” Added
In order to give Organizers greater flexibility when it comes to controlling the flow and timing of their events, we have added the above Video Review Policy to the Organizer's Guide. We hope that in combination with the new spinning definition, this policy will help Organizers avoid as much as possible lengthy video reviews of nearly impossible-to-call opposite spin stamina matches or even choose to not allow them altogether if it better suits their situation and community.
For those that do choose to use it, note our recommendation that all matches within the stage(s) you permit it for are recorded when the WBO Video Review Protocol recommends it if possible. This ensures that all players have the same ability to benefit from additional reviews by judges.
One way or another, setting an expectation before your event begins is key so that all players are on the same page when it comes to what will and will not be permitted with regards to video review.
Judge’s Guide Updates
![[Image: WBO-Judges-Guide.png]](https://worldbeyblade.org/images/WBO-Judges-Guide.png)
“Video Review Protocol” updated
Green text is updated and or new.
The Video Review Protocol has been updated to account for our previously announced updated consecutive draw rules and language updates.
The brand new additions are under #2-3. We've recommended that one person be appointed to record the 'official' video for the battle. This is important especially in situations where many people may be recording a match. Considering only the official video will ensure that a decision can be made swiftly and without additional input from non-judges.
“Asking for Help” section updated
The above was added to make it crystal clear that judges should be rendering decisions based on certainty. For instance, this means that if they aren't using video, they shouldn't be calling victories if they are not certain.
Feedback?
If you have any feedback on these particular changes, or any questions or suggestions for further adjustments or additions, please post your thoughts below or in the WBO Organized Play Rules thread.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support of WBO Organized Play! We appreciate any and all feedback and are always looking to improve and clarify things where possible.
Updates Overview
- IMPORTANT: All Rulebooks: Spinning Definition Updated
- Plastics & HMS Rulebook: New Part-Specific Rulings Added
- Organizer’s Guide: “Video Review Policy” Added
- Judge’s Guide: “Video Review Protocol” Updated
- Judge’s Guide: “Asking for Help” Section Updated
All Rulebook Updates
Spinning Definition Updated
All Rulebooks – Gameplay Appendix: Spinning Wrote:A Beyblade is still considered to be spinning so long as the top half of it is visibly moving the same spin direction it was launched in. If a Beyblade starts spinning again after it has stopped, the round does not resume as the round has already concluded
As Beyblade Burst has progressed, instances of extremely difficult-to-call, close matches between two Beyblades spinning in the opposite direction of each other have skyrocketed. The previously existing definition of "Spinning" attempted to explicitly outline our intention for determining this fundamental aspect of the game. But after much debate we've decided that a simpler definition–as presented above–will help to avoid some confusion and subjective interpretation of the terms used in the longer, previous definition.
The dictionary definition of the word "spinning" or "spin" inherently has a component to it that suggests or is related to turning or rotating. Knowing this, one key difference to note in the new definition for our purposes–Beyblade matches–is the usage of the wording "visibly moving" rather than what was previously used ("visibly rotating").
Practically speaking, as long as a Beyblade has been spinning in the same spin direction it was launched in, it merely needs to be visibly moving in that same direction for longer than its opponent at the end of a battle to be considered to have spun longer; it does not need to, strictly speaking, be rotating around its axis for the purposes of our definition. To be more precise, our definition concerns itself technically not with defining 'spinning' itself, but with what constitutes "still spinning" in extreme, less obvious situations such as the end of matches between Beyblades spinning in the opposite direction of each other.
Please note the additional part-specific rulings for the Plastics & HMS rulebook outlined in the section below as well.
For reference, the old definition can be found below:
Spoiler (Click to View)
Plastics & HMS Rulebook Updates
New Part-Specific Rulings Added
Plastic & HMS Format Rulebook – Beyblade/Part-Specific Rulings Wrote:Gyro Engine Gear (Flame Pegasus/Thunder Pegasus/Capricorn Strike G)
A Beyblade using Gyro Engine Gear is considered to be spinning as long as the metal Gyro part is visibly moving the same spin direction it was launched in, regardless of whether the top half of the Beyblade has stopped or not. If a Beyblade starts spinning again after it has stopped, the battle does not resume as the battle has already concluded.
Gyro Mode (Magical Ape MS)
A Beyblade using Gyro Mode is considered to be spinning when the outer gyro shell is visibly moving the same spin direction it was launched in. If the gyro starts spinning again after it has stopped, the round does not resume as the round has already concluded.
Bunshin Core (Phantom Fox MS)
A Beyblade using Bunshin Core is considered to be spinning as long as either half of the Beyblade is visibly moving the same spin direction it was launched in. If any part of the Beyblade starts spinning again after both halves have stopped, the battle does not resume as the battle has already concluded.
This trio of part-specific rulings was added to clarify some exceptions to the application of the above general spinning definition.
Organizer’s Guide Updates
“Video Review Policy” Added
Tournament Management – Video Review Policy Wrote:Organizers may choose to allow or disallow video review of rounds from consideration by judges at their events.
We recommend whether you choose to allow it or not, announcing your video review policy at the beginning of the event.
Depending on your policy, please note:
- If you choose to disallow video review, attendees may still independently record matches. However, they may not be reviewed during the event.
- If video review is permitted for use by judges, we recommend having them use the WBO Video Review Protocol outlined in the Judge’s Guide for all applicable matches.
Video review is supplemental to a judge’s initial call. The judge’s final call is always final and never insufficient if they do not review any video.
In order to give Organizers greater flexibility when it comes to controlling the flow and timing of their events, we have added the above Video Review Policy to the Organizer's Guide. We hope that in combination with the new spinning definition, this policy will help Organizers avoid as much as possible lengthy video reviews of nearly impossible-to-call opposite spin stamina matches or even choose to not allow them altogether if it better suits their situation and community.
For those that do choose to use it, note our recommendation that all matches within the stage(s) you permit it for are recorded when the WBO Video Review Protocol recommends it if possible. This ensures that all players have the same ability to benefit from additional reviews by judges.
One way or another, setting an expectation before your event begins is key so that all players are on the same page when it comes to what will and will not be permitted with regards to video review.
Judge’s Guide Updates
“Video Review Protocol” updated
Judge\s Guide - WBO Video Review Protocol Wrote:WBO Video Review Protocol’s use is recommended when two players have had 2 consecutive draws. Once initiated, each time the same 2 combos play each other in the same match, the WBO Video Review Protocol will be utilIzed. Below are the step-by-step process of the video review:
- A judge calls 2 consecutive draws between 2 combos.
- Starting from the 3rd battle, appoint one person to record the 'official' video for the battle. Only this video will be considered for review.
- Play the battle. Video is recorded and reviewed by the judge of the match, and by another judge who is available. Both judges must observe the live battle as well as review the video footage.
- Each judge decides in secret which player the victory goes to, or if the battle is a draw.
- The judges reveal to each other the winner of the battle simultaneously. A draw only occurs when both judges declare the battle a draw, or when the 2 judges give different players the win.
Green text is updated and or new.
The Video Review Protocol has been updated to account for our previously announced updated consecutive draw rules and language updates.
The brand new additions are under #2-3. We've recommended that one person be appointed to record the 'official' video for the battle. This is important especially in situations where many people may be recording a match. Considering only the official video will ensure that a decision can be made swiftly and without additional input from non-judges.
“Asking for Help” section updated
Judge\s Guide – Asking For Help Wrote:Judges are expected to always rule based on certainty. If at any point during a match you are unsure of a particular ruling or would like a second opinion, do not hesitate to consult the rulebook or ask for help from a fellow judge. It’s always best to be safe rather than sorry!
The above was added to make it crystal clear that judges should be rendering decisions based on certainty. For instance, this means that if they aren't using video, they shouldn't be calling victories if they are not certain.
Feedback?
If you have any feedback on these particular changes, or any questions or suggestions for further adjustments or additions, please post your thoughts below or in the WBO Organized Play Rules thread.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support of WBO Organized Play! We appreciate any and all feedback and are always looking to improve and clarify things where possible.
![[Image: beybase-signature-is-beyblade-a-sport-Article.jpg]](https://i.postimg.cc/VLksgt2k/beybase-signature-is-beyblade-a-sport-Article.jpg)
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