CENTERBALL
Centerball is a method of playing a game on a playing field with a ball, allowing opposing teams to attempt to score a goal by putting the ball into the area defined by the playing surface, the two opposing vertical poles, and the crossbar. A score is tallied for each team as goals are made. By determining the highest tally over a predetermined period of time, a winner of the game is determined.
The applicant is unaware of any prior art pertaining to this application.
THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a method of playing a game comprised of providing an elongated playing court that has a playing surface and has two ends, two adjoining sides and a center lined circle. The circle has a center line parallel to the ends, and is equally divided in area. There are also two vertical poles, each located on the centerline of the circle and each positioned opposing each other about ⅓ of the distance inside the circle line up to a distance of five feet. There is a crossbar extending between the vertical poles a predetermined distance from the playing surface.
There is a ball provided allowing opposing teams to attempt to score a goal by putting the ball into the area defined by the playing surface, the two opposing vertical poles, and the crossbar. A score is tallied for each team as goals are made. By determining the highest tally over a predetermined period of time, a winner of the game is determined.
When a center ball field 4 is not available outdoors the game can be played on a soccer field. For indoor purposes if a center ball field 4 is not available it can be played on a basketball court.
The center ball field 4 is also modified to accommodate different age groups. The specifications for each age level are as follows. For U6-U7 the field is 4 is 20 yards wide and 30 yards long with a circle 8 radius of three yards or nine feet. For U8 the field 4 is 25 yards wide and 35 yards long with a center circle 8 radius of 3+ yards or ten feet. For U9 the field 4 is 30 yards wide and 45 yards long with a center circle 3 radius of 4 yards or twelve feet. For U10 the field 4 is 40 yards wide and 60 yards long with a center circle 8 radius of 8 yards or 24 feet. For U11 the field 4 is 50 yards wide and 80 yards long with a center circle 8 radius of 10 yards or 30 feet. For U12 the field 4 is 55 yards wide and 100 yards long with a center circle 8 radius of 10 or 30 yards. For U13 the field 4 is 60 yards wide and 100-110 yards long with a center circle 8 radius of 10 yards. For adult the field 4 is 70 yards wide and 110 to 120 yards long with a center circle 8 radius of 10 yards or 30 feet. For international play the field 4 is 80 yards wide and 120 yards long with a center circle 8 radius of 10 yards or 30 feet.
The width and length of the field 4 creates a perimeter 20 that has a rectangular shape, this rectangular shape 20 forms the out-of-bounds lines 22. This perimeter 20 is also known as outer perimeter 20 or out of bounds 22.
The rest of the field 4 is open, except for the out of bounds lines 22 and the center circle 8 and goal 12. The goal 12 is in the center circle 8 and consists of two different goals 12, half the circle represents one team goal 12, while the other half of the circle represents the other team goal 12.
Each team has one half of the center circle 8 as their respective goal 12. Only the goalie for each team can enter at their respective goal area 8. So only the goalie has access to their respective goal area 8 and no others.
The goal 12 is always the same. It consists of the center one third of the distance of the center line 6 within the center circle 8 regardless of the center circle 8 radius. Goal 12 dimensions are as follows. U6 through U8 goal 12 is one yard or three feet wide and five feet high. U9 goal 12 is 1.33 yards of four feet wide and five feet high. U10 goal 12 is 2.66 yards of eight feet wide and five feet high. All remaining goals 12 are 3.33 yards or 10 feet wide and five feet high.
The outer perimeter 20 also forms the out of bounds line 22 which results in loss of possession for the team that last touched the ball.
For purposes of the game of center ball the ball size is similar to that of a soccer ball. For adults that would be represented by a #3 soccer ball in size and density. For all others it would be represented by the size and density of the #2 soccer ball.
For the purposes of the game of center ball, the player equipment would consist of shorts, jersey, cleated shoes, socks and shin guards for outdoor field player. Goalies would be essentially outfitted with the same attire with the addition of gloves. Indoor players would be required to wear indoor footwear.
Officiating of the game of center ball for each game requires one head referee with two supporting referees to help maintain fairness with the play of the game. The construction of the referee positions are as follows. The head referee makes decisions and reports regarding conduct on the field 4 with the players and coaches. When penalties occur the head referee, with his supporting referees have the authority to stop play. The head referee alone has the responsibility and authority to interpret and apply the rules of conduct on the field 4. Although the head referee has the authority to interpret the rules on the field 4 that authority can be challenged by the consent of the coaches of both teams in agreement with each other.
The supporting referees will be designated a certain area of the field 4 to referee from. They are to know the rules, the conduct, and guidelines of the game. They have the authority to stop play if they believe a penalty has been committed. The supporting referees are required to report what they hear and see and what they believe to be a penalty to the head referee so that a judgement, of whether or not the activities witnessed on the field 4 of play was a violation of the rules, can be determined by the head referee.
The responsibility of the referees is to accomplish the goal 12 of maintaining proper interpretation, enforcement of the rules, and to administer fair and safe play. The responsibilities also include the following. The referee must exercise mature and unbiased judgment in evaluating each situation, not showing favoritism to any one or more player or players and or teams. A referee must replay when a judgment regarding a penalty cannot be made. The referee must provide players with balls. The referee must call the ball and players “out” when the “out of bounds” line 22 has been crossed. The referee must handle the temperaments of the game by exercising their authority to give warnings, technical, and or finally ejection from the game. The referee must determine whether any appeals are valid and to judge them accordingly.
There are only two teams that can play each other on the field 4 at any given time. Each team has a maximum of eighteen players. The maximum number of players on the field 4 per team is six. Each team may choose one of their players as a captain. Each team can only have up to one goalie on the field 4 during play. No team is required to have a goalie on the field 4 during play. The goalie can foe pulled at any time during the game and replaced with any other player of any position. Other personal on a team may include a team manager, one assistant manager, up to three coaches, medical and trainers.
The player positions are as follows; each team will provide the following players to fill each of the following positions. The center, which is one player is responsible for directing the players in the offensive and defensive zones. The goalie which is one player is responsible for protecting the goal area 8. The goalie is the only player with the privilege of entering in and out of the team's half of the center circle 8 area during play. The left and right wing forwards which there are two players are responsible for strategizing play in the offensive zone. Though the offensive wings may help the defense when the ball is in the defensive zone they are primarily trained for offensive play. The left and right guards which there are two are responsible for strategizing and play in the defensive zone. Though the defensive wings may help the offense when the ball is in the offensive zone they are primarily trained for defensive play. The captain is chosen by the team manager from any of the players. The captain's responsibilities are defined by the team manager. However, they will typically consist of leading the team on and off the field 4 from the player position. Typically, the captain of the team will be the center.
The guidelines and rules of conduct are as follows. The game time for each game including stoppage time, lasts roughly one to two hours. The game consists of two halves. Each half lasts ten, twenty, thirty or forty minutes. At the end of each half the teams change ends of the field 4. This means the goalies will defend the other half of the circle. Each time there is a foul or a time out the game clock will stop until the head referee signals the teams to resume play of the game. The game times per age are recommended as follows. Juniors will play ten minute halves. Non-professional adults will play twenty minute halves. Semi-professional adults will play thirty minute halves. Professional adults will play forty minute halves.
The starting of the game starts by choosing sides of the field 4. The visiting team will choose which side they wish to defend to start the game. After field 4 sides are chosen both teams will proceed to their designated lots next to the field 4 of play. The coaches will prepare the team in selecting starters. Then each team will prepare for the throw. Once teams are prepared referee will facilitate the executing of the throw. After the throw the game will have officially begun.
The possession of the ball will be determined by the jump. The goalies will jump for the possession of the ball in the center circle 8. For the jump to occur all of the players and referees must position themselves in their proper places and follow a certain procedure. This placement and procedure is as follows. The goalies will stand in their half of the center circle 8 facing each other across the center line 6 on the outside of one of the vertical goal bars 14 and 16.
The remaining players position themselves at certain outer points of the center circle 8. They will place themselves according to their positions no closer than an arm's length from his counterpart on the other team, meaning that for example offensive wing next to a defensive wing. The center takes a different position, meaning they are free to place themselves as they wish on the field 4. The placements are as follows, right forwards and guards must be placed on the right side of the defensive zone while the other on the left side of the defensive zone. The left wing forward and guards must place themselves on the right side of the offensive zone while the other on the left side of the offensive zone. The center may be freely placed wherever they see fit so as long as they are no closer than one arm's length from the other players.
Once the remaining players have placed themselves they may not move until after the ball has been thrown up for the jump. The referee will stand where the line for the circle meets the center line 6 with the ball in hand. The referee will cue the players with the word “ready” indicating that the referee is going to toss the ball. Any player that moves will be penalized since the toss is about to take place. Illegal movement will result in loss of possession. The referee will toss the ball above the player's heads. When the ball leaves the referees hand the goalies will jump. Then all players are allowed to move. But if any player hinders the movement of another player they will be penalized. Interference during a jump ball results in loss of possession. When the goalies jump they may catch the ball for themselves or swat the ball over to another player. The goalies may not score from inside the circle. Scoring must occur outside of the circle. Any player or goalie attempting to score inside of the center circle 8, whether intentional or unintentional will result in penalty. Illegal movement from a scoring attempt within the center circle 8 will result in loss of possession.
Player substitution is allowed meaning player changes must conform with the rules of substitution. Any breach of the substitution rules will result in penalty. Illegal substitution of team in possession will result in the breaching team losing possession. Illegal substitution of team not in possession will receive one warning per half a second violation will result in the loss of one player for one minute. Disengagement means the player being substituted must first disengage with play and go to the out of bounds line 22 where his team resides. Before an entering player can take the field 4 the disengaged player must tag or slap the hand of the entering player in order for that player to enter the field 4 of play. The disengaging player cannot be considered disengaged until the tag. The tag is a necessary in completing the substitution.
There is a protocol for the substituting of a player. The substituting player leaving the field 4 of play must be waiting for the player he is substituting at least one foot from the out of bounds lines 22 and must make the tag before stepping onto the field 4.
Conduct for the players on the field 4 is as follows. Players on the field 4 may not touch one another on the field 4 with the intent to disrupt movement during play. Touching another player with the intention of disrupting a play is called interference and will be penalized accordingly. Player on player interference results in loss of possession if the team has possession. If the team is not in possession, a first time penalty results in one warning per half. A second interference per half results in one minute with one man down. Player against handler interference, first infraction, results in one warning per half, the second time results in one-minute man down in a non-scoring attempt. Player against goalie interference results in loss of possession, when possessing the ball. First time is a warning per half, a second time results in one-minute man down if the ball is not in possession.
Conduct off of the field 4. All players are to act respectfully during all time stops and conduct themselves according to the manner of the time stop. During the penalties and timeouts players are allowed to either stay on the field 4 or go to their team area for changes in personal. There may be certain circumstances wherein the players must vacate the field 4 of play. The directive for vacating the field 4 may be given by the referee or other persons with the proper authorization. Regardless, misconduct during time stoppage may result in a warning or ejection.
All players may touch the ball and try to snatch the ball from the ball handler, however, they must do so without touching the ball handler. If the player touches the ball handler, they are to be penalized. When the interference is against the ball handler in a non-scoring attempt, first time, is a warning and the second time results in one minute one man down. Interference with a player against the ball handler in a scoring attempt, five second one shot one on one with the goalie.
Player conduct around the goal area 8. All players, except the goalie, may not enter the goalie area or the center circle 8. If they step into the center circle 8 they will receive a penalty. When there is a goal Line 10 violation the team with possession, they lose possession. When there is a goal line 10 violation for the team that does not have possession, the first time is a warning per half. The second time results in one minute one man down.
No player is allowed to make a play on the ball when it is inside the goalie area. Even if the goalie has the ball in the center circle 8 no player is allowed to reach into the goalie box and make a play. If a player interferes with the goalies attempt to play the ball the player will be penalized. Interference by a player against the goalie team with possession means loss of possession. Interference with a player against the goalie without possession results in a warning for the first infraction per half, the second infraction results in one minute with one man down.
Player conduct with the goalie outside the goalie area is as follows. If the goalie steps outside of the goalie area, he is to be treated as any other player on the court. No player is to interfere if the goalie is outside the goalie area and attempting to return to his half of the center circle 8. If any player interferes with the goalies attempt to return to the goalie area that player will be penalized. Interference of a player against the goalie if player's team has possession results in loss of possession. Interference of a player against the goalie when the player does not have possession results in a warning the first time per half, the second interference results in one-minute man down.
Ball handling is conducted as follows. The players are allowed to handle the ball with their hands, feet, arms, legs, head and body. Legal movement with the ball occurs upon touching the ball the players are allowed to move with the ball. If they are not in motion when they touch the ball then they may, up to eight seconds, remain stationary and the move with the ball without penalty and receive the final stoppage time of eight seconds after that movement. If they are in motion when they receive the ball they may remain in motion, but when they stop they will be required to pass or shoot the ball in eight seconds or receive a penalty. A time violation of holding the ball to long results in loss of possession.
Stopping with the ball, if the player stops after moving with the ball they may not move again and must either pass or shoot the ball within eight seconds or receive a penalty. To stop with the ball in possession is to have both feet planted, without movement, for one second. When a player stops the referee is to signal the player with the ball that the player is not to move with the ball anymore and is now limited to passing or scoring with the ball in an eight second time frame for the moment they stop. Holding the ball too long results in loss of possession.
Illegal movement with the ball occurs when the ball handler, while moving with the ball stops and moves again. This results in loss of possession. Other illegal activities with the ball involve things such as, throwing not passing the ball to another player with the intention of hurting them. Those that commit these activities will be penalized accordingly as misconduct. Illegal movement, moving twice with the ball results in loss of possession.
Ball handling with the goalie and other players is as follows. The ball handler is not allowed to interfere with the goalie whether they are in or not in the goalie area nor are they allowed to interfere with the movement of other players. If the ball handler interferes with the goalie or other players, they will receive a penalty. This interference of ball handler against the goalie results in loss of possession.
The goalie and the goal area 8 and conduct of the goalie with other players is as follows. The goalie is not to interfere with any other players including the ball handler. Interference with any of the other players by the ball handler will result in a penalty. Interference of the goalie against another player results in loss of possession if the team has possession. If they do not have possession, then the first infraction is one warning per half. A second infraction per half results one minute with a man down. If the infraction occurs during a scoring attempt the penalty is a five second one on one, one shot with the goalie. The goalie is allowed to play the ball like any other player. The goalie may play inside or outside the goalie area at will. The goal area 8 will be used for the starting of the game and dual possession.
Scoring is as follows. A point is awarded to a team when a player causes the ball to pass through the goal 12 in a legal way. A legal score is legal when the player puts the ball between the goalie poles without interfering with the movement of any other players, without crossing any of the out of bounds lines 22, without double movement and without crossing over into the goalie area. One point is awarded per score. If a player interferes with another player attempt to put the ball into the goal 12 for a score the referee will whistle the play to stop on the account of the interference, order the players to their respective sections alongside of the field 4. Then allow the player who was fouled eight seconds for one attempt to score a goal. The player may move and attempt to score from any legal position against the goalie. After eight seconds regardless of whether the player has attempted to score with the ball, the penalty scoring chance will end and the referee will signal this with the whistle. Then the game will resume with full teams on the field 4. No player, including the goalie, may try to score inside the center circle 8 or in the out of bounds area 22. All scoring attempts must originate in the field. 4 of play in bounds and not in the center circle 8 or out of bounds lines 22.
Ball possession sifter scoring is as follows. After scoring the team that was scored on will receive the ball and throw it inbounds from their end of the court. They have eight seconds to put the ball into play or receive a penalty. This time violation for holding the ball too long results in loss of possession.
Out of bounds is as follows. All out of bounds lines 22 for the soccer field 4 apply to Centerball 2. The team that touches the ball last before going out of bounds 22 is penalized. The team taking over possession of the ball will put the ball back into play from the point the ball went out of bounds 22. They have eight seconds to put the ball into play or receive a penalty. The ball can be thrown or kicked into play. Out of bounds 22 means the team that last touched the ball before leaving the field 4 of play has a loss of possession.
Dual possession occurs if two players clutch or grab the ball at the same time it is the referee's responsibility to call for dual possession. When there is a dual possession the referee will apply the same procedure for starting the game to settle the dual possession dispute.
Time stops during the game are as follows. Each team will receive three time outs per half. Each time the referee blows the whistle for a penalty the game clock should stop. After the penalty has been determined, announced, executed, and teams ready to begin play again the time will commence once the referee blows the whistle to indicate it. Injury time outs are as follows. Whenever there is an injury the referees will blow the whistle and announce an injury. When the whistle blows the game clock will stop. Once the injured player is taken off the field 4, or has proven healthy and decides to continue to play, the referee will check to see if the teams are ready to resume play again. Once they are ready to play again the referee will blow the whistle to indicate the commencement of play and the game clock will begin. Teams are allowed to use time stoppages as strategizing events. Each time the whistle blows for a time stop; indicating a penalty, timeout or injury each team will have the opportunity to strategize during each time stop in a game. If there are too many or not enough players on the field 4 when it is time for the game to start the team will be penalized. During this time the guidelines for substitution will apply.
Tie score and overtime is dealt with in the following manner. In the event of a tie game at the end of regulation time both teams will lay overtime to determine the winner of the game between the two teams. The teams will continue to change sides. If the teams have a tie score at the end of overtime, then they will play a second overtime in order to end the game. After the second overtime if the teams remain tied they will end the game with a tie.
When the game has ended the players must show the other team respect. Once time has expired in the game and there is a clear winner of the game each team will respectfully line up to meet in the center of the court to shake each other's hand.
There are key terms and definitions that help to establish the utility of the game of Centerball 2. The first warning refers to the first time the incident or penalty takes place. In these incidents wherein a warning is given the referee blows the whistle to stop the game. He openly gives the warning. Then the referee proceeds to start the game again.
The second warning refers to the second time the incident or penalty takes place. The referee stops the game and then gives the second penalty openly.
Man down refers to the time frame from one to four minutes where the team has been penalized time with one less man down. Thus, the team that is penalized will play for one to four minutes with one less man on the field than they normally play with.
Five seconds one shot, one on one with the goalie refers to a penalty where the player who was fouled will get five seconds to take one shot on an empty field 4 against the goalie. In the case of this penalty the player will begin from the out of bounds line 22 at the end of the field 4 and can move anywhere except the center circle 8 to set himself up in order to shoot the ball.
Delay of game occurs when players are not on the field 4 and ready to play at the start or restart-up of the game.
Double movement occurs when a player who has already moved with the ball moves again.
Ejection occurs when a player is removed from the game due to their conduct.
Flagrant foul occurs when a player commits a foul that insults a player, the fans, the referees and the integrity of the game. The flagrant fouls are put into three categories. A flagrant one is when a player commits a hard foul that results in a minor injury or when a player uses inappropriate language, such as cursing at another player, referee, fans or coaching staff. Flagrant two occurs when a player commits a second flagrant foul or when a player gets into a fight. A flagrant three is when a player commits a third flagrant foul or when a player intentionally harms another player to the point of medical treatment or when a player conducts their self in a reprehensible way, such as mooning the crowd.
Goal line 10 violation occurs when a player crosses the goal line 10 with any part of their body during play.
Interference occurs when a player disrupts another player's ability to execute any kind of movement during play.
Interruption occurs when a player or coach interrupts the flow of the game during a time stop.
Illegal movement occurs when a player makes a move that has been determined to be against the rules.
Illegal move of a player, handler and goalie occurs to the type of move a player has made, in that it was against the rules.
Jump ball refers to the type of activity that needs to take place to settle who will obtain possession of the ball. This takes place either at the beginning of the game, at the start of the second half, or when players have obtained possession of the ball at the same time.
Loss of possession refers to when a player or team does something to cause them to forfeit possession of the ball. Loss of possession can occur when a player puts the ball out of bounds 22 or when a player, whose team possesses the ball, commits a penalty which warrants loss of possession.
Out of bounds 22 refers to the ball crossing the out of bounds line 22.
Penalty refers to a disciplinary action formed to apply to those players or coaches that take illegal action on and off the field 4 of play.
Personal foul occurs when a player commits a foul with intention.
Player against (player, handler and goalie) refers to the type of interference or foul that was committed, in that it indicates who committed the activity.
Scoring attempt refers to player attempt to score points with the ball by shooting the ball at the goal 10.
Team with possession signifies that the team being referenced has possession of the ball.
Team without the ball signifies the team being referenced does not have the ball.
Time violation occurs when a player or coach delays the game during a time stop or time out or prior to the start of the game or a half.
Too many men on the field 4 occurs when a player steps out onto the field 4 as an active player.
Warning per half refers to a situation the referee will give the player who commits the foul a warning per half before dolling out the penalty.
Replacement refers to the player that will be replacing another player on the field 4 of play.
Claims
1. A method of playing a game comprising:
- (i). providing an elongated playing court having a playing surface and having two ends, two adjoining sides and a center lined circle, said circle having a center line parallel to said ends, and being equally divided in area;
- there being two vertical poles, each located on said centerline of said circle and each positioned opposing each other about ⅓ of the distance inside said circle line a distance up to five feat; there being a crossbar extending between said vertical poles a predetermined distance from said playing surface;
- (ii). providing a ball;
- (iii). allow opposing teams to attempt to score a goal by putting the ball into the area defined by said playing surface, said two opposing vertical poles, and said crossbar;
- (iv). tallying a score for each said team as goals are made;
- (v). determining the highest tally over a predetermined period of time, and therefrom,
- (vi). determining a winner of said game.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 29, 2016
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2018
Inventor: Timothy A. Berry (Sanford, MI)
Application Number: 15/249,551
