Diamond Discus Flying Disc Game

Abstract

A game performed within a playing area includes a home run area, a first diamond, a second diamond, a third diamond, and a home diamond. The game is performed between two opposing teams, wherein the regulation game piece is a flying disc. Each team attempts to accumulate a maximum number of points during at least one inning which includes two game sessions. The offense and defense switch roles in each of the two game sessions. During each game session, the team playing defense repeats a pitching process and a fielding process. In response, the offense repeats a flinging process and a diamond advancing process. At the conclusion of a predetermined number of innings, the winner is decided based on the number of points accumulated during each inning. If a regulated score is equal for the two opposing teams, the game continues into a sudden death situation.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/947,692 filed on Mar. 4, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method of game play with a flying disc. More specifically, the present invention is a flying disc game played on a diamond shaped field used typically as a baseball field.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Football, basketball, and baseball are amongst the most followed sports in the United States. An equal amount of individuals prefer to actively participate in each of these sports either as a recreational sport or at a professional level. Since each of these sports require a considerable amount of skills, not all individuals can participate in these sports actively. The present invention introduces a game which allows users with a wide range of skills to actively participate in a safe haven game similar to baseball.

The present invention is a game in which the knowledge of baseball, and the skills involved when playing with a flying disc are utilized. More specifically, the knowledge an individual has on the rules and regulations of baseball can be implemented when participating in the present invention. Moreover, the skills such as catching a flying disc and tossing a flying disc are also utilized when participating in the game introduced by the present invention.

As for many sports, baseball is played during a designated time period of the year, commonly known as the regular season. Even though the regular season may vary according to the level of professionalism, baseball is not played throughout the year. As a result of the limited playing time, many of the baseball facilities are unused during the off-season. Having such unused facilities is financially disadvantageous to facility owners since maintaining facilities is still required during the offseason. Even though the game introduced by the present invention is played on a baseball field preferably, the game can also be played on any other similar field.

In addition to the expenses related to facilities, maintaining a baseball team itself requires a considerable financial investment. Most of the expenses are related to baseball gear which is essential in order to complete a game of baseball. Unfortunately, the necessary finances may not be a luxury to certain individuals or teams with minimal financial backing. The game introduced by the present invention addresses the issue by using minimal equipment for the participants.

Athletic skills vary from one individual to another. For instance, a certain individual can be extremely good at a game involving a flying disc while being extremely poor at baseball or a similar safe haven game. In such instances, the individual can be reluctant to participate in baseball related activities. The main reason being the lack of confidence in baseball related activities. On the other hand, the individual can be keen to participate in a sport similar to catching or throwing a flying disc. The present invention addresses the issue by giving the opportunity for individuals with a wide range of skills

The game introduced by the present invention is performed on a baseball field or any other similar field, and utilizes certain rules of baseball in conjunction with certain rules of games with flying discs. The present invention allows individuals of all ages to participate in a physical activity which requires a certain level of athleticism and physical condition. Even though the gaming method of the present invention is intended to be played at a competitive level, it can also be played plainly as a recreational activity. As a result, individuals can utilize the present invention in order to enhance their skills in throwing and catching a flying disc and also certain skills in baseball, such as running between bases. In comparison to baseball, the present invention requires minimal equipment. More specifically, the present invention requires only a flying disc. The weight of the flying disc can differ according to the level of professionalism the present invention is played at. For instance, amateur athletes can use a lighter weight flying disc. On the other hand, professional athletes can use a heavier flying disc. Additionally, participants of the game of the present invention can incorporate different colored uniforms. The different uniforms are especially beneficially when participating in the game of the present invention at a professional level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a flowchart illustrating the basic overall method of the present invention; and

FIG. 1b is a flowchart thereof, further illustrating the basic overall method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the pitching process and the flinging process of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the diamond stealing process of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the fielding process of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process involved with a home run of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is another flowchart illustrating the fielding process of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the two second rule of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the fielding process of the present invention, wherein the runner is unable to catch the flying disc tossed into his attainable zone.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the diamond advancing process of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is another flowchart illustrating the diamond advancing process of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the process of skipping diamonds in the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of the field used in the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention introduces a game similar to a safe haven game such as baseball. However, the present invention does not utilize a bat and a ball as in traditional safe haven games. Instead, the present invention utilizes a flying disc which is exchanged among the players of two opposing teams. Similar to throwing the ball, striking the ball, and catching the ball in traditional safe haven games, the present invention allows the players to toss the flying disc, fling the flying disc, and field the flying disc. Moreover, a winner of the present invention is determined through a scoring system, wherein the team with the highest score during a predetermined period is declared the winner.

The present invention can be played in a field similar to a baseball field or any other field with a similar structure. As seen in FIG. 12, the present invention is played within a delineated perimeter which encloses a playing area 1, a home run area 2, a first diamond 3, a second diamond 4, a third diamond 5, and a home diamond 6. The home run area 2 determines when a play results in a home run and is positioned farthest away from the home diamond 6. In order to clearly separate the home run area 2, the home run area 2 is adjacently positioned about the playing area 1. On the other hand, the first diamond 3, the second diamond 4, the third diamond 5, and the home diamond 6 are utilized to keep track of the scoring of the teams participating in the present invention. More specifically, the first diamond 3, the second diamond 4, the third diamond 5, and the home diamond 6 are sequentially arranged in a diamond-shaped configuration within the playing area 1. For a team to score in the present invention, an offensive player advances from the home diamond 6, to the first diamond 3, the second diamond 4, the third diamond 5, and returns to the home diamond 6. The playing area 1 and the home run area 2 are radially extended from the home diamond 6 as further illustrated in FIG. 12.

The overall process of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Similar to traditional safe haven games, the present invention is played between two opposing teams, wherein each team includes a plurality of players. When the present invention is commenced, at least one inning is played and each of the at least one inning includes two game sessions. During an inning, each of the two opposing teams attempts to accumulate a maximum number of points. In the process of achieving the maximum number of points, the offense is provided with a maximum number of outs. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the maximum number of outs is three. Therefore, the offense can continue to accumulate points only until an out count reaches the maximum number of outs. After each of the two game sessions is complete, the roles of the two opposing teams are switched between offense and defense. As an example, the team that played offense during the first game session proceeds to play defense during the second game session Likewise, the team that played defense during the first game session proceeds to play offense during the second game session. During each session, the defense intends to limit the offense to a minimum number of points.

In contrast to traditional safe haven games which use a bat and ball, the present invention utilizes a flying disc as the regulation game piece. The weight of the flying disc varies according to the level of professionalism the present invention is played at. For instance, when the present invention is played at an advanced level, a lightweight flying disc is initially utilized as the flying disc. Next, a heavier flying disc is utilized as the flying disc in a different play. However, the flying disc which started a play is utilized until the end of the play. During each of the two game sessions, the defense repeats a pitching process and a fielding process. The defense executes the pitching process and the fielding process intending to reduce the offense to a minimum number of points. In response, the offense repeats a flinging process and a diamond advancing process during each of the two game sessions. The offense executes the flinging process and the diamond advancing process until the maximum number of outs is reached. A score is regulated for each of the two opposing teams during each of the two games in order to determine a winner.

A game session is commenced with the pitching process. The overall pitching process is illustrated in FIG. 2. In order to complete the pitching process, the defense is provided with a pitcher and a catcher. The pitcher is centrally located in between the first diamond 3, the second diamond 4, the third diamond 5, and the home diamond 6. Moreover, the catcher is located adjacent to the home diamond 6. The positioning of the pitcher and the catcher is such that they are facing each other at a predetermined distance during the pitching process. The pitching process is initiated by giving possession of the flying disc to the pitcher. The pitcher is determined by the defense according to variables such as skill level. When the pitcher has possession of the flying disc, the pitcher begins executing a plurality of tosses to the catcher. Each of the plurality of tosses can be different from one toss to the other, or can be the same toss throughout the pitching process. As an example, the toss can be either a backhand toss, a side arm toss, an overhand toss, or a finger toss. Regardless of the type of toss, each of the plurality of tosses needs to be within an attainable zone. The attainable zone is a three-dimensional volume which is defined by the arm length of each of the plurality of players on offense. More specifically, the reachable zone of each of the plurality of players on offense, when their arms are spread outwards is included in the attainable zone. The area each of the players on offense can reach when their arms are spread upwards is also included in the attainable zone. Additionally, an area up to the center of the shinbone of each of the plurality of players on offense is also included in the attainable zone. Therefore, the attainable zone varies from one player to another depending on the reach of each of the plurality of players on offense. The attainable zone eliminates the possibility of the defense obtaining any unfair advantage during the pitching process. Furthermore, an unattainable zone is also defined, wherein the unattainable zone is anywhere outside the attainable zone for each of the plurality of players of the offense.

The flinging process corresponds to the pitching process. The offense is provided with a flinger to respond to the plurality of tosses by the pitcher. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flinger is positioned in a flinger box which is in between the home diamond 6 and the catcher. Resultantly, the pitcher, the home diamond 6, the flinger, and the catcher are collinear with each other during the pitching process and the flinging process. The overall flow of the flinging process is illustrated in FIG. 4. As an initial step of the flinging process, the flinger attempts to intercept the flying disc tossed in the attainable zone of the flinger. If the flying disc travels through the attainable zone, and the flinger is unable to intercept the flying disc, a demerit is assigned to the flinger. In other words, the defense is rewarded for the pitching process. The flinger is considered to be out if the flinger accumulates a predetermined number of demerits such that the defense can eliminate the flinger through the pitching process. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined number of demerits is three. Therefore, when the flinger accumulates three demerits the out count of the offense is incremented.

The skill levels of a player vary from one player to another. As a result, the flying disc is occasionally tossed into the unattainable zone. Since any toss outside the attainable zone is a fault of the pitcher, the present invention is designed to benefit the flinger on such instances. More specifically, the flinger is assigned a merit with each of the tosses that are tossed into the unattainable zone. When a predetermined number of merits are accumulated, the flinger can proceed to the first diamond 3 such that faults of the pitcher are beneficial to the offense. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined number of merits is four.

The flinging process is initiated if the flinger successfully intercepts the flying disc that is tossed into the attainable zone during the pitching process. Upon gaining possession of the flying disc, the flinger executes a toss of the flying disc towards the playing area 1 or the home run area 2. The toss can be executed according to the preference of the flinger. For instance, a behind the back toss or an arm toss can be executed as preferred in order to toss the flying disc to different distances. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the behind the back toss is required to go beyond a distance of 30 feet. On the other hand, the arm toss is required to go beyond a distance of 45 feet. The fielding process is initiated if the flying disc lands within the playing area 1. During the fielding process, each player of the defense attempts to eliminate the flinger. In order to do so, a fielder of the defense needs to catch the flying disc tossed by the flinger before the flying disc makes contact with the ground. If the fielder is unable to catch the flying disc before hitting the ground, the fielder proceeds to picking up the flying disc off the ground. If one player of the plurality of players on defense catches the flying disc, the flinger is considered out and the out count for the offense is incremented. In contrast, if the toss from the flinger reaches the home run area 2, the score of the offense is incremented. However, it should also be noted that the flying disc needs to be airborne when reaching the home run area 2 and cannot roll into the home run area 2. Additionally, the flying disc needs to reach the home run area 2 untouched by any of the plurality of players on defense.

The offense acquires points through the diamond advancing process. The diamond advancing process is executed if the flying disc is not caught by the fielder and lands within the playing area 1. In this instance, the fielder is any one of the plurality of players on defense. If the flying disc is touched by the fielder, but not caught by the fielder, the flinger will proceed only to the first diamond 3.

As mentioned earlier, the flinger initially advances to the first diamond 3 as the runner if the flying disc is not caught by the defense. However, when the runner intends to advance from the first diamond 3 to the second diamond 4, the second diamond 4 to the third diamond 5, or the third diamond 5 to the home diamond 6, a notification process is executed prior to the diamond advancing process. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fielder in possession of the flying disc makes eye contact with the runner, in order to prompt the runner to execute the diamond advancing process. For instance, if the runner is attempting to advance from the first diamond 3 to the second diamond 4, the runner makes eye contact with the fielder in possession of the flying disc beginning a two second count. Establishing eye contact between the runner and the fielder in possession of the flying disc is the initial step of the notification process. When making eye contact is complete, starting the two second count, the runner can either decide to proceed to the second diamond 4 or remain at the first diamond 3. However, if the runner remains on the first diamond 3 two seconds after eye contact is made between the runner and the fielder in possession of the flying disc, the play is called dead. In such instances, the pitching process is repeated by the team playing defense. The runner decides to advance to the second diamond 4 or remains at the first diamond 3 depending on the decision of the runner. The notification process is also executed when the runner intends to advance from the second diamond 4 to the third diamond 5 Likewise, the notification process is similarly executed when the runner intends to advance from the third diamond 5 to reach the home diamond 6.

Similar to eliminating the flinger through the pitching process, the defense can also eliminate the runner, through the fielding process during the diamond advancing process. In order to eliminate the runner, the fielder with possession of the flying disc makes eye contact with the runner attempting to advance to the second diamond 4 from the first diamond 3. Upon establishing eye contact, the runner has two seconds to decide whether to advance to the second diamond 4 or remain on the first diamond 3. If the runner remains on the first diamond 3 after the two seconds expired, the play is called dead and the pitching process is repeated as discussed earlier. However, if the runner leaves the first diamond 3, the fielder in possession of the flying disc executes a toss of the flying disc towards the runner two seconds after the runner leaves the first diamond 3. Similar to the toss of the pitching process, the toss from the fielder also needs to be in the attainable zone of the runner. In contrast to the attainable zone of the flinger, wherein the attainable zone is in front of the flinger, the attainable zone for the runner is in front of the runner as well as in the back of the runner. As illustrated in FIG. 8, if the toss by the fielder travels through the attainable zone of the runner, and the toss is not caught by the runner, the out count of the offense is incremented. In contrast, if the runner non-athletically catches the flying disc tossed into the attainable zone, the runner advances from the first diamond 3 to the second diamond 4 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The runner catches the flying disc while advancing to the second diamond 4 in a frontwards movement. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the runner is required to catch the toss of the fielder with one hand. If the runner is unable to catch the toss with one hand, the runner may catch the toss with two hands until the runner is skilled to catch the flying disc with one hand. However, the runner is also allowed to kick the flying disc upwards in order to aid in the process of catching the flying disc. A similar procedure is followed when the runner initiates the diamond advancing process from a current diamond to a subsequent diamond. More specifically, the runner advances from the current diamond to the subsequent diamond if the runner non-athletically catches the flying disc tossed into the attainable zone by the fielder. Moreover, the out count of the offense is incremented if the runner fails to catch the flying disc thrown into the attainable zone while advancing to the subsequent diamond. The current diamond and the subsequent diamond are always a sequence of diamonds selected from the group consisting of, the first diamond 3 and the second diamond 4, the second diamond 4 and the third diamond 5, and the third diamond 5 and the home diamond 6.

The diamond advancing process executed by the runner prompts another runner on the subsequent diamond to execute the diamond advancing process as well. In particular, if the runner advances from the current diamond to the subsequent diamond, an on-diamond runner on the subsequent diamond is also forced to execute the diamond advancing process. When the runner advances from the first diamond 3 towards the second diamond 4, the on-diamond player on the second diamond 4 is forced to execute the diamond advancing process towards the third diamond 5. Since the diamond advancing process is executed simultaneously for the first diamond 3, the second diamond 4, and the third diamond 5 only one on-diamond player occupies the first diamond 3, the second diamond 4, or the third diamond 5.

In addition to catching the flying disc within the attainable zone and advancing to the subsequent diamond, the runner can also advance to the subsequent diamond if the toss from the fielder travels through the unattainable zone as illustrated in FIG. 9. In particular, the flying disc travels through the unattainable zone due to an error of the fielder. Therefore, allowing the runner to advance to the subsequent diamond if the toss is in the unattainable zone is important in order to eliminate any unfair advantage the defense can obtain during the fielding process.

The present invention is designed such that the plurality of players on offense and the plurality of players on defense are constantly active. Therefore, if the runner catches the flying disc while advancing from the first diamond 3 to the second diamond 4, the runner exchanges possession of the flying disc with another fielder in close proximity to the runner. In particular, the possession is given back to the other fielder who is one player of the plurality of players on defense. As an example, if the runner catches the flying disc thrown in the attainable zone while advancing from the first diamond 3 to the second diamond 4, the flying disc is handed back to a fielder on defense who is in close proximity to the runner after the flying disc is caught by the runner. More specifically, the runner who occupied the second diamond 4 and is now the on-diamond player prompts the defense to repeat the fielding process by having a fielder receive the flying disc. When the fielder has possession of the flying disc, the fielder repeats the previously executed notification process with the runner who obtained the subsequent diamond as illustrated in FIG. 10. In this instance, the fielder in possession of the flying disc makes eye contact with the runner who is the on-diamond player on the second diamond 4 initiating the two second count. However, when exchanging the flying disc with the fielder who is the closest to the runner, the runner must not hinder the fielder. If the runner obstructs the fielder, it is considered an error of the runner.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is a general illustration of the notification process that takes place between the fielder and the runner in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In particular, when the fielder has possession of the flying disc, the fielder makes eye contact with the runner attempting to advance from the current diamond to the subsequent diamond. When eye contact is established, the two second count is initiated and the runner can either decide to advance to the subsequent diamond or remain at the current diamond. If the runner decides to advance to the subsequent diamond, the runner needs to leave the current diamond before two seconds expires after making eye contact with the fielder. However, if the runner remains at the current diamond after two second expires from making eye contact with the fielder, the play is called dead. Resultantly, the defense is prompted to execute the pitching process to the flinger. If the runner has left the current diamond, the fielder executes the toss towards the attainable zone of the runner two seconds after the runner left the current diamond.

The runner advances to the first diamond 3, the second diamond 4, and the third diamond 5 respectively through the previously mentioned diamond advancing process. Even though the runner advances up to the third diamond 5, the score of the offense remains unchanged. In order to increment the score, the on-diamond player of the offense occupying the third diamond 5 needs to advance to the home diamond 6 from the third diamond 5. In this instance, the current diamond and the subsequent diamond are the third diamond 5 and the home diamond 6 respectively. Therefore, if the on-diamond player successfully advances to the home diamond 6 from the current diamond, the score of the offense is incremented. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in order to reach the home diamond 6 and also increment the score of the offense, the runner needs to gain possession of the flying disc athletically. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the runner gains possession of the flying disc athletically, one point is awarded to the offense. In contrast, if the runner gains possession of the flying disc non-athletically, the offense is awarded half a point.

As discussed earlier, the flying disc can either land in the playing area 1 or the home run area 2 depending on the accuracy of the flinger. If the flying disc lands within the home run area 2, an at least one on-diamond player can advance to the home diamond 6 and increment the score of the offense as shown in FIG. 5. In this instance, the on-diamond player is occupying the first diamond 3, the second diamond 4, or the third diamond 5. When the on-diamond player advances to the home diamond 6, the score of the offense is incremented. Since the flying disc lands within the home run area 2, the fielding process is not executed allowing the on-diamond player to advance to the home-diamond unchallenged.

The flinger decides on receiving the toss from the pitcher based on the difficulty of the toss. For instance, if the toss is faster than expected the flinger can leave the flying disc so that the catcher receives one of the plurality of tosses by the pitcher. If the flinger deliberately leaves one toss of the plurality of tosses to be caught by the catcher, the catcher is the fielder on defense. When the catcher has possession of the flying disc, an on-diamond player, who is either occupying the first diamond 3, the second diamond 4, or the third diamond 5, initiates the diamond advancing process as a runner by attempting to reach the subsequent diamond. The process of stealing a diamond when the catcher is the fielder is illustrated in FIG. 3. When stealing a diamond, the process starts from the first diamond 3, with other runners available on the second diamond 3 and the third diamond 5. For instance, if the on-diamond player is on the first diamond 3, he attempts to advance to second diamond 4 as the runner. Similarly, the on-diamond player on second diamond 4 attempts to advance to the third diamond 5 as the runner. Moreover, the on-diamond player on the third diamond 5 attempts to advance to the home diamond 6 as the runner in order to increment the score of the offense. As previously executed, the defense can attempt to eliminate the runner during the diamond advancing process through the fielding process. In order to do so, the fielder from defense, who is the catcher in this instance, tosses the flying disc to the attainable zone of the runner two seconds after the runner leaves the first diamond 3, the second diamond 4, or the third diamond 5. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the catcher initially attempts to throw the flying disc to the runner attempting to reach the second diamond 4. If the runner is successful in gaining possession of the flying disc, the runner can proceed to occupy the subsequent diamond. However, if the runner is unsuccessful in gaining possession of the flying disc that is thrown into the attainable zone by the catcher, the runner is eliminated. Resultantly, the out count of the offense is incremented. If the toss by the catcher is in the unattainable zone, due to an error of the catcher, such that the runner is unable to gain possession of the flying disc, the runner uninterruptedly advances to the subsequent diamond. As mentioned before, when the diamond advancing process is executed by the runner from the current diamond, the on-diamond player on the subsequent diamond also leaves the subsequent diamond as a runner. Similar to the runner leaving the current diamond, the runner on the subsequent diamond cannot leave the subsequent diamond until the fielder has possession of the flying disc and the fielder and the runner make eye contact with each other. More specifically, the notification process is repeated between the runner attempting to leave the subsequent diamond and the fielder who has possession of the flying disc.

The rules and regulations of the present invention are designed to enhance the athleticism of each of the players on offense and defense. For instance, if a runner performs an athletic maneuver between the current diamond and the subsequent diamond, the runner is allowed to advance further than the predetermined subsequent diamond. More specifically, the runner is permitted to bypass the subsequent diamond onto a following diamond if the runner athletically catches the flying disc thrown in the attainable zone. A behind the back catch, a catch taken in between the legs, or a catch that has been kicked upwards and taken in mid air is considered an athletic catch. The process of advancing to the following diamond is illustrated in FIG. 11. When the runner gains possession of the flying disc athletically, the runner advances from the current diamond to the following diamond. However, the runner is allowed to advance to the following diamond only if the runner is the only player of the plurality of players on offense occupying any of the diamonds. More specifically, if the flying disc is thrown to the runner advancing from the first diamond 3 to the second diamond 4, and the runner catches the flying disc athletically, the runner can advance from the first diamond 3 to the third diamond 5. However, the runner is allowed to advance to the third diamond 5 only if there are no on-diamond players present on the second diamond 4 and the third diamond 5. The current diamond, the subsequent diamond, and the following diamond are selected from the group consisting of the first diamond 3, the second diamond 4, and the third diamond 5. In another instance, the current diamond, the subsequent diamond, and the following diamond, are the second diamond 4, the third diamond 5, and the home diamond 6.

As discussed earlier, the winner is decided from the number of points accumulated during a game session, such that the team who accumulates the most number of points during a game session is considered the winner. In order to do so, the score of each of the two opposing teams is regulated during each of the two game sessions. A referee of the present invention monitors the scoring of each of the two teams. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the referee is positioned behind the pitcher. The referee regulates infractions of each of the two opposing teams during each of the two game sessions to ensure that one team does not obtain any unfair advantage over the other team. The presence of the referee also discourages the plurality of players in the two opposing teams from attempting any unfair advantage. The referee also ensures that the pitcher executes the pitching process only when the flinger is prepared to receive the flying disc. In addition to the referee, the preferred embodiment of the present invention also comprises a first line judge and a second line judge who are positioned at the second diamond 4 and the third diamond 5 respectively. The first line judge and the second line judge assist the referee in making a decision during each of the game sessions.

The winner is decided from the score at the conclusion of the at least one inning. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least three innings are completed prior to deciding the winner. However, in different embodiments of the present invention, a different number of innings can be completed prior to deciding the winner. In particular, the team with the higher score at the conclusion of the at least one inning is determined as the winner. However, in circumstances wherein the score of the two opposing teams is equal, the present invention is continued to a sudden death situation. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the game is intended to be continued to a sudden death situation if the score is tied after seven innings. Moreover, the number of errors of each team is also taken into consideration in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. If the scores of each of the two teams are tied but one team has more errors than the other team, the team with the least number of errors is declared the winner. Therefore, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continues to the sudden death situation if the score and the number of errors of each team are similar. During the sudden death situation, each team provides a flinger. The flinger of the offense is required to catch a plurality of tosses, which is three in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, from the pitcher on defense in an athletic manner. A new score is regulated according to the number of athletic catches the flinger completes. As discussed earlier, a behind the back catch, a catch take in between the legs, or a catch that has been kick up and caught in mid air is considered an athletic catch. When the first game session is completed, the offense and defense switch roles such that the team that played defense is the offense during the second game session. Similar to the first game session, a new flinger attempts to accumulate a maximum number of points by receiving the plurality of tosses athletically. At the conclusion of each of the two game sessions, the team with the highest number of athletic catches is considered the winner.

According to user preference, gloves, game attire, and other comparable accessories can be used when participating in the present invention. In particular, baseball gloves or other comparable gloves are recommended for the flinger and runner. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the game attire is utilized to identify each of the two opposing teams participating in the present invention. Furthermore, the game attire can also be advantageous when utilizing the present invention as a glow in the dark game.

Even though the present invention is described as a physical game, the present invention can also be executed through a computer or similar computer readable medium which can be, but is not limited to, a phone or a tablet. In such instances, the present invention is implemented as a computer game. In utilizing the present invention as a computer game, the user pursues the rules and regulations described above for a physical user. Moreover, when the present invention is played as a computer game, the user can either participate in the game against the computer, or participate against another user utilizing the present invention as a computer game. A plurality of virtual players is used to represent the plurality of players on the two opposing teams. A memory device and a processor of the computer are essential for the present invention to function as a computer game.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc comprises the steps of:

providing a delineated perimeter enclosing a playing area, a home run area, a first diamond, a second diamond, a third diamond, and a home diamond;

providing two opposing teams, wherein each of two opposing teams includes a plurality of players;

providing a flying disc, wherein the flying disc is used as a regulation game piece;

playing at least one inning, wherein each of the at least one inning includes two game sessions;

switching roles of the two opposing teams between offense and defense after each of the two game sessions,

until an out count of the offense reaches a maximum number of outs;

repeating a flinging process and a diamond advancing process by the offense during each of the two game sessions;

defining an attainable zone and an unattainable zone for each of the plurality of players on the offense;

repeating a pitching process and a fielding process by the defense during each of the two game sessions,

until an out count of the offense reaches a maximum number of outs;

regulating a score of each of the two opposing teams during each of the two game sessions; and

regulating infractions of each of the two opposing teams during each of the two game sessions.

2. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 1 further comprises the steps of:

the first diamond, the second diamond, the third diamond, and the home diamond being sequentially arranged in a diamond-shaped configuration within the playing area;

the home run area being adjacently positioned about the playing area; and

the playing area and the home run area being radially extended from the home diamond.

3. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 1 further comprises the steps of:

the attainable zone is a three-dimensional volume about each of the plurality of players on offense, wherein the three-dimensional volume is defined by the arm length for each of the plurality of players on offense; and

the unattainable zone is anywhere outside of the attainable zone for each of the plurality of players.

4. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 1 further comprises the steps of:

providing the defense with a pitcher and a catcher;

providing the offense with a flinger;

initiating the pitching process by giving possession of the flying disc to the pitcher;

executing a plurality of tosses of the flying disc from the pitcher to the catcher;

initiating the flinging process,

if the flinger intercepts one of the plurality of tosses from pitcher;

assigning a demerit to the flinger,

if one of the plurality of tosses travels through the attainable zone of the flinger;

assigning a merit to the flinger,

if one of the plurality of tosses travels outside of the attainable zone of the flinger;

incrementing the out count for the offense,

if the flinger receives a predetermined number of demerits; and

advancing the flinger to the first diamond,

if the flinger receives a predetermined number of merits.

5. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 2 further comprises the steps of:

the pitcher is centrally located in between the first diamond, the second diamond, the third diamond, and the home diamond;

the catcher is located adjacent to the home diamond;

the flinger is located in between the home diamond and the catcher; and

the pitcher, the home diamond, the flinger, and the catcher are collinear with each other.

6. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 2 further comprises the steps of:

the predetermined number of demerits is three; and

the predetermined number of merits is four.

7. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 2 further comprises the steps of:

providing an on-diamond player from the plurality of players on the offense, wherein the on-diamond player is occupying either the first diamond, the second diamond, or the third diamond; and

initiating the diamond advancing process with the on-diamond player as a runner and with the catcher as a fielder,

if one of the plurality of tosses is caught by the catcher.

8. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 1 further comprises the steps of:

providing the offense with a flinger;

initiating the flinging process,

if the flinger gains possession of the flying disc during the pitching process;

executing a toss of the flying disc by the flinger towards the playing area or the home run area;

initiating the fielding process,

if the toss of the flying disc lands within the playing area;

incrementing the out count for the offense,

if the toss of the flying disc is caught by one of the plurality of players on defense; and

incrementing the score of the offense,

if the toss of the flying disc lands within the home run area.

9. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 6 further comprises the steps of:

providing an at least one on-diamond player from the plurality of players on the offense, wherein the on-diamond player is occupying either the first diamond, the second diamond, or the third diamond;

advancing the on-diamond player to the home diamond,

if the toss of the flying disc lands within the home run area; and

additionally incrementing the score of the offense,

if the on-diamond player advances to the home diamond.

10. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 1 further comprises the steps of:

providing the offense with a flinger, wherein a toss of the flying disc by the flinger lands within the playing area;

initiating the fielding process by having a fielder pickup the flying disc off the playing area, wherein the fielder is any one of the plurality of players on defense; and

initiating the diamond advancing process with the flinger as a runner.

11. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 1 further comprises the steps of:

providing an on-diamond player from the plurality of players on the offense;

initiating the fielding process by having a fielder receive the flying disc from one of the plurality of players on offense, wherein the fielder is any one of the plurality of players on defense; and

notifying the on-diamond player to initiate the diamond advancing process as a runner.

12. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fielder notifies the on-diamond player to initiate the diamond advancing process by making eye contact.

13. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 1 further comprises the steps of:

providing a runner as one of the plurality of players on the offense, and a fielder as one of the players on defense;

providing the fielder with possession of the flying disc;

initiating the diamond advancing process as the runner starts to run from a current diamond to a subsequent diamond;

executing a toss for the flying disc from the fielder towards the runner;

incrementing the out count of the offense,

if the toss of the flying disc travels through the attainable zone and if the toss of the flying disc is not caught by the runner;

advancing the runner from the current diamond to the subsequent diamond,

if the toss of the flying disc travels through the attainable zone and if the toss of the flying disc is non-athletically caught by the runner;

advancing the runner from the current diamond to the subsequent diamond,

if the toss of the flying disc travels through the unattainable zone; and

exchanging possession of the flying disc from the runner to another fielder near the runner,

if the runner catches the flying disc while advancing from the current diamond to the subsequent diamond,

wherein the other fielder is one of the plurality of players on defense.

14. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 1, wherein the current diamond and the subsequent diamond are a sequence of diamonds selected from the group consisting of: the first diamond and the second diamond; the second diamond and the third diamond; and the third diamond and the home diamond.

15. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 10 further comprises the steps of:

providing an on-diamond player from the plurality of players on the offense, wherein the on-diamond player is occupying the subsequent diamond; and

initiating the diamond advancing process between the on-diamond player and the other fielder,

if the runner advances from the current diamond to the subsequent diamond.

16. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 10 further comprises the steps of:

wherein the current diamond and the subsequent diamond are the third diamond and the home diamond; and

incrementing the score of the offense,

if the runner advances from the current diamond to the home diamond.

17. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 10 further comprises the steps of:

bypassing the subsequent diamond onto a following diamond,

if the toss of the flying disc travels through the attainable zone and if the toss of the flying disc is athletically caught by the runner; and

advancing the runner from the current diamond to the following diamond,

if the toss of the flying disc travels through the attainable zone and if the toss of the flying disc is athletically caught by the runner.

18. The method of playing a safe haven game between two opposing teams with a flying disc as claimed in claim 1, wherein the current diamond, the subsequent diamond, and the following diamond are a sequence of diamonds selected from the group consisting of: the first diamond, the second diamond, and the third diamond; and the second diamond, the third diamond, and the home diamond.