Miniten was devised in the 1930s by R Douglas Ogden, a Manchester businessman with an interest in sporting activities, who formulated the original rules of the game.
As the name implies it is in some way akin to Lawn Tennis but offering a game which can be played in a comparatively small space. The game can be enjoyed by the less proficient, as well as those to whom practise has brought greater skill.
Miniten did not gain rapid national prominence but it was taken up over a period of time by various sporting and outdoor organisations, not all of which had copies of the original rules.
Consequently variations in methods evolved. Also the keener and more skilful players soon realised the limitations which the original rules imposed on the pace, and on the attacking aspects of the game.
Variations therefore tended, in most cases, towards a lower net and longer service court areas. Whilst facilitating a faster and infinitely more exciting game, this also meant for the beginner comparative ease in clearing the net and grounding the ball within the confines of the court.
As Miniten spread throughout the country development in the various centres had followed a general pattern, however, there were still variations in court sizes and markings, and net height, together with some differences in rules of play.
It was against this background that in 1966 a group of enthusiasts in the South of England set out to investigate the situation, and to arrive at a common formula acceptable to all parties.
After much research and many meetings the aim was achieved and a controlling body, The Amateur Miniten Association of Great Britain was formally constituted with the declared objectives of fostering the game and in particular:-
1. to promote and encourage in every way the game of Miniten
2. to interpret and administer the Rules and Regulations
3. to act as a governing body for the sport
4. to represent British Miniten interests Nationally and Internationally, especially in relation to any International Miniten organisation which may come to be set up.
Unfortunately I wasn't around when the rules were chosen, but I would guess that it was possibly a way of differentiating between the two games, as also the tie-break starts on the opposite court as it does for Tennis.
My feeling though is that I prefer the 9 point tie break as 7 points is very quick. For example, let's say the sun is shining at one end, the person at the other end has 6 points before they change ends, match/set point already. At least with 9 this doesn't happen, though I think if this was the case I would ague that 13 would be the best number as you would definitely have to change ends twice, thus smoothing the advantage/disadvantage of ends.
You actually see 9 point tie-breaks in tennis now, where they have a 2 sets and a tie break game, where the tie break is a decider if it's one set all, so in a way they have decided that a tie break to 7 can be a bit of a lottery.
An Answer from Martin:
"You hit the nail on the
head with your example of being in the sun for 6 points. This is exactly why the
tie-break was raised to 9 points.
Being an old codger I was at the AGM at South Hants when East Mids (Mac) proposed the idea. As I remember there weren't any objections but it was quite strange really that the proposal came from East Mids who were probably the greatest exponents of the lobbing game, who used the sun and wind to great effect."
Thanks Martin
If anyone else out there has further information or wants to add a better answer, then please e-mail in on admin@amateurminitenassociation.co.uk
The simple answer is that there is no one way of making a thug, they come in all shapes and sizes, all that is required is that they fit in a 10.5" diameter circle, are made of wood and have smooth flat surfaces. Playing at tournaments you see almost as many different shapes and sizes as you do people!
Some are circular faces and take the rules to the limit, others called coffins or flippers tend to have parallel faces that are longer rather than narrow, then others have an angle between the faces...I guess the answer what shape is a thug is really, whatever shape you like!
I have a done a little search on the web and have the following:
http://www.naturism.net/rules.html
This has some drawings and pictures.
I would be grateful if anyone again has any pictures or drawings they may have done or have which I can put on the site admin@amateurminitenassociation.co.uk
Miniten is the only solely naturist sport as far as I am aware, so to play friendly games I would suggest that you try searching for your nearest club which has courts and see if you can book a visit.
I would suggest the following link
http://www.british-naturism.org.uk/clubs/
As for tournaments, most are open tournaments so anyone can play, but please contact the club in advance to say you are coming and hopefully they can let the organiser know. IF you need a partner, often there are some spare, but not always, so future planning is key.
If any club is looking for players or wants to advertise games please let us know on admin@amateurminitenassociation.co.uk
[This is the answer to the question.]