Overball Rules

Below are the official rules set forth by the International Overball League for the sport of Overball.

Introduction

The purpose of this rule set is to maintain the integrity of the sport, and to make the game fairer, safer and more entertaining. Rules tend to evolve over time. As the game is played and the procedures are tested, kinks become ironed out, the game gets safer, and (hopefully) remains exciting to watch and to play. Because this is the First Edition, there may be some rules or concepts involved here that don’t translate well onto the field. That’s okay. If you notice something that seems problematic, give us feedback so we can improve the rules and procedures that make overball such an amazing sport. Notes Where the word “illegal” appears in this rule book, it is an institutional term pertaining strictly to actions that violate overball playing rules. It is not meant to connote illegality under any public law or the rules or regulations of any other organization.

Section 1: Structure

This section defines terminology and specific details regarding the structuring of various overball units.

Rule 1-1: Leagues

The term “League” is defined as “a grouping of teams into a league for scheduling purposes.” A League consists of a minimum of 4 teams.

Rule 1-2: Associations

Associations are organizations that sponsor and administer one or more teams. They raise money, buy equipment, recruit coaches, secure fields, etc. Each Association should have a member called the Overball Commissioner who oversees the association. Associations are characterized by specific geographical coverage. They often adopt neighborhood, city, county, or state names. If there are no associations, a League is considered intramural.

Rule 1-3: Teams

A team is the universal, basic unit of organization. At minimum, a teams consists of a group of participants organized under the direction of a coaching staff. Each team must consist of a minimum of 10 players and 1 coach, who can also be a player.

Rule 1-4: Divisions

A Division may be formed as a subdivision of a League, such as “Northwest Division” or “Southern Averia Division.”

Rule 1-5: Squad Positions

• Backfield
  • Defender – the person closest to the defended shade.
  • Back – usually a left and a right back will remain forward of the defender to help defend their shade.
  • Roamer – usually a roamer is a non-standard position, and a forward will be replaced to allow for a more defense-heavy formation. The roamer assists and is like a center between the midfield and the backfield.
• Midfield
  • Center – the center is usually the team captain, and acts as the team’s nucleus.
  • Midrider – a left and right midrider flank the center in the midfield.
• Frontfield
  • Forward – a left and right forward will play ahead of the center.
  • Breaker – a left and right breaker play farthest forward.
• Other
  • Trader – Optional like the roamer, a trader is a player who can relieve other players in any position.

Section 2: Players

This section defines terminology and specific details regarding the players.

Rule 2-1: Age Requirements

The minimum age for participation in any regulation game is 18. There is no maximum age limit.

Rule 2-2: Weight Requirements

There are no minimum or maximum weight requirements.

Rule 2-3: Roster Size

• Minimum Roster Size

No less than ten 10 players may form a team. Each team must also have at least 1 coach on staff. The coach may also be listed as a player. If you start a game with 10 players, you may finish the game with no less than 8 players.

• Maximum Roster Size

Not more than 24 players shall be certified onto a team roster. There is no limit to the size of coaching staff, to include medics, assistant coaches, etc.

Rule 2-4: Player Squad Numbers

Each player shall wear a number between 1 and 99. Numbers “0” and “00” are illegal and should not be worn. No duplicate squad numbers are permitted. Numbers are not limited in scope to player positions; any position can wear any number.