Speedball

The Game

Speedball is a fast paced game that combines the elements of soccer, football, basketball and rugby. The play of the game resembles soccer in that players can move anywhere on the field to try to help their team score.

The game originated at the University of Michigan 1921 as part of the men's physical education and intramural classes. It's designer, Elmer Mitchell, wanted to provide an athletic activity that all of his students could participate in regardless of their athletic experience or ability.

Speedball has two facets which can be explained by the "air ball" and the "ground ball".

An air ball is a ball that is caught in the air off of the foot of another player or by chipping the ball up to one's self. Once a player has an air ball he / she may run, throw, pass or try to score. The defense can stop a player running with an air ball by pulling their flag belts. When the belt is pulled off of the ball carrier places the ball on the ground. Possession is awarded to the defensive player who takes an indirect kick from the that spot.

A ground ball is a ball that has fallen to or touched the ground and must be played with a kick. All soccer skills apply to ground balls and should be used to move the ball down the field to score or set up an air ball to a teammate.

Start of Play

A jump ball, like in basketball, is used to begin play at the start of the game. The jump ball is also used to put the ball back into play after it has been "tied up", off-setting penalties, or when the referee cannot determine who gets the ball. After a score the opposing team gets the ball at half field for a kick off, similar to a kick off in soccer.

Scoring

	5 points = kicking the ball with a drop kick through the uprights of the goal posts. Since we do not have goal posts at Wellington we imagine that the posts of the soccer goal extend up to the sky.
	3 points = kicking a soccer goal from a ground ball or a missed field goal.
	1 point = running or throwing the ball over the end line for a touchdown.

Violations

Violations of the rules or a turn over are awarded as an indirect kick off the ground for the the opponent (ground ball). Violations can be illegal use of the hands, pushing, a hand ball or intentionally pulling off the flags of a player not in possession of an air ball.

Unsportsmanlike conduct, delay of game, or dangerous play penalties give the opponent a "free play" where they can run, pass, shoot or kick the ball uncontested.

Outdoor Play

The soccer field is used for outside play. Most soccer rules apply when playing outside on the field. Missed shots at the goal are awarded as "goal kicks", throw in are awarded when the ball goes out of bounds, and corner kicks are awarded when the defense kicks or throws the ball over their own end line.

Indoor Play

Indoor play can take place on a basketball court or in a larger space like the Borror Gym. Special rules for indoor play are:

	All penalty kicks are indirect regardless of the infraction.
	The field goal runs from the top of the blue mats to the ceiling and is bordered by the basketball backboards on either side.
	Players can use the wall to assist in obtaining an air ball
	If the ball touches the ceiling play stops. The team that did not kick the ball into the ceiling is awarded an indirect kick directly under the spot where the ceiling contact was made.

Special Rules for the Goal Keeper

The goalie is the only player allowed in the goal box, or during indoor play on the goalie mat.

The goalie in speedball is allowed to pick up the ball off the ground anywhere in the penalty box. Once the ball is picked up the goalie's flag belts can be pulled in order to stop his advance. The goalie can run out the box and attempt to score. If the goalie leaves the goal box to stop a ball a teammate can take the goalie's spot in the goal box but may not pick the ball up in the box with his / her hands.

Variations of the Game

	When the belt is pulled off of the ball carrier the ball remains in the possession of the offense. The ball carrier places the ball on the ground and takes an indirect kick from that spot.
	The scoring may be adapted to make it easier / harder for teams to score. Making a soccer goal one point and touchdowns 3 points encourages passing and carrying the air ball.