Starting the Game
- Six (6) balls will be used in the game; 3 balls will be spaced out evenly on each side of the court just before the centerline.
- Teams will start each game with exactly 6 players on the floor; minimum 4 players required to start any game.
- At least three (3) active players will start each game lying on the ground, chest on the floor, at the back of their half (* THIS WILL NOT BE IN EFFECT FOR THE AUGUST 21ST TOURNAMENT)
- All non-active players must remain clear of the playing area - If a team has less then 6 players at the start of a game, the opposing team decides whether to play at an equal player ratio (ie 4-on-4) or play with the advantage. The team with more players can give the other team one (1) “extra life” maximum.
a) These “extra lives” cannot be revived during game play. This means once a player is hit and the team loses a life, catching an opponent’s throw cannot restore the life. - The game begins at the sound of the referee's whistle.
- At the sound of the first whistle, players will run for the balls. The balls are not in play until one of the following happens.
a. Upon initial possession, each ball must be carried across the "Safe Line". This occurs when the player with possession of the ball crosses the "Safe Line" with both feet
b. The player with first possession of the ball legally passes the ball to a teammate who is completely behind the "Safe Line" with both feet
c. Once a player behind the “Safe Line” has held the ball it is in play and can be thrown from anywhere. If the ball is thrown before the ball cross the "Safe Line" the ball will be given to the other team. If the thrower is caught, he is out, but anyone hit by this un-cleared ball is still safe.
d. The "Safe Line" is usually about 4 feet back from the center line
