Official Rulebook: THE GAME
Version 1.0
1. Game Overview
THE GAME is a 1v1 duel sport where players try to score points against the
other player by getting a ball to bounce off the other player's goal box. The game
starts with each player with a hand on the ball in the center A whistle is blown to
start the match, the players hit the ball to take possession and attempt to get the
ball into the other player's goal box without standing or holding the ball. The
player with the most points after the game wins
2. Arena Specifications
● Dimensions: Rounded rectangular arena measuring 14ft x 16ft.
● Central Circle: A 2 ft-diameter zone in the center.
● Goals: Two rectangular zones (5ft long x 4ft tall) marked on opposing back
walls.
● Walls: 7-foot mesh walls surrounding the arena, Goals marked on the
mesh
3. Player Rules
3.1 Movement Restrictions
● Players must always remain on their knees, seated, or lying down.
Standing or placing weight on the feet is prohibited.
3.2 Ball Interaction
● Players may strike or redirect the ball using hands, forearms, knees, chest,
or head.
● Holding the ball (clutching, trapping, or cradling) for more than 1 second is
prohibited.
● Players may only strike the ball 3 times before it touches the wall, the
ground, or the other player.
3.3 Central Circle Rules
● Players may not touch the ground inside the central circle at any time.
Violation: turnover (see Section 6.2).
4. Scoring
● 1 Point: Awarded when the ball touches any part of the opponent’s goal
zone.
5. Match Structure
5.1 Game Start
● Both players begin on their knees right outside the central circle, each with
one hand on the ball.
● The referee initiates play with a beep or whistle.
5.2 Standard Play
● Section 1: First to 7 Points
○ Players compete until one reaches 7 points.
○ No time limit. Section 1 ends immediately upon scoring the 7th point.
● 5-Minute Break
● Section 2: 10-Minute Half
○ Players accumulate additional points.
○ The player with the highest cumulative score after both sections
wins.
6. Penalties & Violations
6.1 Free Shot
● Awarded for:
○ Excessive or dangerous physical contact (e.g., shoving, tripping).
○ Dangerous use of the ball (e.g., intentionally striking the opponent at
high speed).
○ Execution: The offended player takes an uncontested shot from
outside the central circle.
6.2 Turnover
● Awarded for:
○ Holding the ball for>1 second.
○ Standing/placing weight on feet.
○ Intentional delay of play.
○ Unsportsmanlike conduct.
○ Out-of-bounds (ball exits arena).
○ touching the inside of the center circle
6.3 Dangerous Play
● Definition: Actions deemed by the referee to endanger opponents,
including:
○ Throwing the ball with excessive force at an opponent.
○ Using the ball as a weapon (e.g., swinging it recklessly).
○ Penalty: Immediate Free Shot for the opponent and a warning.
Repeated offenses result in a match forfeit.
7. Out-of-Bounds
● The ball exits the arena if it crosses the mesh walls.
○ Result: Turnover to the opponent.
8. Tiebreaker Protocol
8.1 Overtime
● If scores are tied after both sections, a 5-minute sudden-death period
begins.
● If a player scores in overtime, the opponent is given 1 minute to score; if
they don't, the scorer wins. If not, the 5-minute overtime commences. Once
the 5 minutes are over, they go to a penalty shootout.
8.2 Penalty Shootout
● If still tied after overtime:
● Players alternate 3 penalty shots from the back boundary of their half.
● Shooter: Must strike the ball while remaining on their knees.
● Defender: Must stay on their knees in their half but may block freely.
● Sudden Death: If tied after 3 rounds each, repeat until one player scores
and the other misses.
9. Equipment
Ball: Lightweight, high-grip volleyball or foam ball (8–10 inches in diameter).
Goals: Marked with non-reflective tape or paint.
10. Referee Authority
● The referee’s decisions are final, including judgments on:
○ Acceptable levels of incidental contact.
○ Dangerous play with the ball.
○ Players may receive warnings, turnovers, or match forfeits for
violations or unsportsmanlike conduct.
