The Game ■ Seven players can take the court at one time. ■ Players have a specific position (marked on bibs), each being restricted to a certain area of the court. ■ No backboard on the goal hoop. ■ The ball is smaller and lighter than a basketball. ■ Players may not run with or dribble the ball. ■ Players can only hold the ball for three seconds before passing. ■ No bodily contact with any opposing player. A contact results in a penalty and possibly a turnover. ■ Opposition players must be at least three feet from the player with the ball. ■ Only two of the seven players may shoot a goal (Goal Attack and Goal Shooter) ■ Goals may only be shot from within the semicircle around the posts. ■ Each goal is worth one point ■ Play starts with a center pass with players in their starting positions as in the diagram below. ■ A game consists of four, 15-minute quarters with an interval of three minutes between the first and second and third and fourth quarters, and a five-minute half-time interval. Up to two minutes of time is allowed for each injury. ■ The aim is to score as many goals as possible from within an area called the Goal Circle — a semi-circle centered on the goal line and measuring 16 feet in radius.
The Equipment ■ The ball is made of leather, rubber or similar material, weighing between 14-16 ounces and measuring around 28 inches in circumference. ■ The court is 100 feet by 50 feet and is divided into thirds. There is a center circle with a diameter three feet and two goal circles which are semi-circles measuring 16’ in radius. ■ All lines are part of the court and measure two inches in width. ■ The goal posts are placed mid point of each goal line and measure 10 feet in height. The goal rings have an internal diameter of 15 inches.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 6, 2006. Read the original PDF.