Sport Stacking - Rules and Competitive Sequences

Rules and Competitive Sequences

There are three sequences stacked in official Sport Stacking events, that are defined by the Rule Book handed out the WSSA:

• 3-3-3: Uses 9 cups. This sequence consists of three sets of three cups each. The three sets must be stacked going from left-to-right or right-to-left, and then down-stacked into their original positions in the same order as the up-stack.
• 3-6-3: Uses 12 cups. This sequence is similar to the 3-3-3, except a six stack replaces the three stack in the middle. Each pile of cups is stacked up from left-to-right or right-to-left, and the down-stack occurs in the same order.
• Cycle: Uses 12 cups. This is a sequence of stacks in the following order: a 3-6-3 stack (see above), a 6-6 stack (two pyramids of six cups stacked up and down into one containing all twelve cups altogether) and a 1-10-1 stack (a pyramid of ten cups in the middle), finishing in a down stacked 3-6-3.

Common for all sequences are these major rules:

• You may not up-stack two pyramids at the same time, but in the down-stack, it is okay to touch two stacks at the same time.
• If a stack is not completed correctly (such as when a cup or cups falls off the pyramid, considered a "fumble") you must correct it immediately. The only exception to this rule is if the cups fall over during the down-stack. If this happens, you may continue your down-stack normally and correct the fallen stack when you reach it.

There are three main categories of competing that WSSA-sanctioned tournaments offer:

• Individual: Each competitor is allowed two warm-ups and three timed tries for each sequence. The best time for each sequence is recorded and compared with other competitors. In the case of a tie, the second best times are used.
• Doubles: Two competitors stand side-by-side to complete the stack, with one competitor using only his or her right hand while the other using only his or her left hand. The same rules for individuals apply here. The only official doubles event is the Cycle (with the exception of the "Special Stackers" category, where only the 3-6-3 is offered).
• Relay: Four competitors take turns stacking at a table, switching when the preceding competitor crosses the foul line with at least one foot. The foul line is observed by a line judge, who decides whether or not this rule was followed. The 3-6-3 relay is the only official event; however, some tournaments offer head-to-head (best 2 out of 3) 3-6-3 and Cycle relays. There are no warm-ups in this event.