Association Katabola
 | |
| Highest governing body | IFK |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | The Game |
| First played | Mid-24th century Ahitereira |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | Yes |
| Team members | 11 per side (Including keeper) |
| Mixed-sex | Yes |
| Type | Ball sport, Katabola sport |
| Equipment | Katabola Ball, Shin Pads |
| Venue | Katabola pitch (Also known as just "Pitch") |
| Presence | |
| Country or region | Worldwide |
| World Championships | IFK World Cup |
Association Katabola, more commonly known as katabola, is a team sport played between two teams of 11 players, in which one uses mostly their feet to propel the ball. The game is played on a rectangular field called a pitch with a goal at each end. The object of the game is to score more goals than the opposition by moving the ball beyond the goal line into the opposing goal, traditionally within a time frame of 90 minutes, split in two 45 minute halves. It is the most popular sport in the world. It is one of the various codes of Katabola.
Katabola is governed internationally by the International Federation of Katabola. They organise the World Cup every four years, with the first occurring in 2448. Approximately 70 national teams compete in qualifying tournaments for a place in the finals. Smaller and local national tournaments also take place such as the Qateshi Championship, taking place every 6 years; the Alaxian Championship, taking place every 4 years; and the High Kingdoms Cup, taking place every 2 years. Furthermore, hundreds of small local clubs play in each countries, who will compete in national leagues such as the Una Ya Kaicede (UYK) and the Leagua die Ewynn (LDE). Every 4 years, some of the best local clubs from every country will compete in the Katabola Champions League.
Katabola is played in accordance with a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game. The ball is 68–70 cm (27–28 in) in circumference and known as the katabola ball. The two teams compete to get the ball into the other team's goal (between the posts and under the bar), thereby scoring a goal. Players are not allowed to touch the ball with hands or arms while it is in play, except for the goalkeepers within the penalty area. Players may use any other part of their body to strike or pass the ball, and mainly use their feet. The team that scores more goals at the end of the game is the winner; if both teams have scored an equal number of goals, either a draw is declared or the game goes into extra time or a penalty shootout, depending on the format of the competition. Each team is led by a captain who has only one official responsibility as mandated by the Laws of the Game: to represent their team in the coin toss prior to kick-off or penalty kicks.