Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 No Re-dos
Each follower gets exactly one attempt to replicate the Leader's shot. A premature or fumbled release counts as the attempt; if it does not result in a make, the follower receives a letter.
7.2 Dunking
Dunking is commonly banned in casual and house-rules play, primarily because it cannot be reasonably replicated by all players in a mixed-skill or mixed-age group. Some competitive or All-Star variants permit dunks. Agree on dunking rules before play begins.
7.3 Identical Consecutive Shots
Many house rules prohibit a Leader from calling the exact same shot from the exact same spot in two consecutive rounds. This rule discourages spam-shooting a single high-percentage spot to grind out letters. Agree on the rule before play begins.
7.4 Disputes Over Shot Replication
If players disagree on whether a follower's attempt matched the Leader's called shot style or location, resolution is by group consensus. In tournament play, a designated scorekeeper or non-participating referee may adjudicate.
7.5 Stepping or Fouls During Shot
Standard basketball traveling and double-dribble rules do not apply during H.O.R.S.E. The shooter is stationary at the designated spot and shoots from that position; movement before release is permitted unless explicitly prohibited by house rules.