ground rule

noun

1. Usually ground rules. basic or governing principles of conduct in any situation or field of endeavor:

   the ground rules of press conferences.

2. Sports. any of certain rules specially adopted, as in baseball and softball, for dealing with situations or circumstances arising chiefly from the particular nature of the playing area or the interference of spectators.

ground rule

noun

1. a procedural rule or principle

Word History and Origins

Origin of ground rule¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

For the past 11 months, as the coronavirus has slithered about and ravaged our way of life, we have had to consider the role of athletics in an unstable society, debate their worth and establish new ground rules for playing amid the catastrophe.

From Washington Post

By year’s end, officials had approved the first draft of an ordinance that lays out ground rules for the use and acquisition of surveillance gear.

From Voice of San Diego

Perhaps it’s time for new ground rules and a new commitment to popular democracy to put them into practice.

From Washington Post

So it’s crucial to set plans and ground rules about who will be in the kitchen ahead of time.

From Popular-Science

Officials have said the smart streetlights program has been shut off while the City Council considers a surveillance ordinance laying ground rules for how such devices can be used.

From Voice of San Diego

On that basis, I'd call the Post piece at least a ground-rule double.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• code
• guidance
• instruction
• protocol
• rule