Bokabola
 | |
| Highest governing body | IFB |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | The Holy Game |
| First played | Mid-24th century Ahitereira |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | Yes |
| Team members | 10 per side (Including 2 Net-Holders) |
| Mixed-sex | Yes |
| Type | Ball sport, Katabola sport |
| Equipment | Bokabola Ball, Shin Pads |
| Venue | Kaşpoveda (Also known as just "Kaşpo" (Square)) |
| Presence | |
| Country or region | Worldwide |
| World Championships | IFB World Cup |
Boka Katabola, more commonly known as bokabola, is a full-contact sport characterized by intense team dynamics and the primary objective of scoring goals on the opposing team's net, in which players may either carry a net or pass to other players as a way to take it to the opponent's net. The game is played on a diamond field called a Kaşpoveda, with circular markings on opposing corners. The object of the game is to score more goals than the opposition by moving the ball into opposing teams net, either through passing, shooting or running into the net with the ball, traditionally within a time frame of 60 minutes, split in two 30 minute halves. It is one of the most popular sports in the world, being mostly predominant in Alaxia. It is one of the various codes of Katabola.
Bokabola is governed internationally by the International Federation of Bokabola. They organise the World Cup every four years, with the first occurring in 2452. Approximately 70 national teams compete in qualifying tournaments for a place in the finals. Club play is popular in every country, who compete in national leagues such as the Boka Una Ya Kaicede (BUYK).
Bokabola is played in accordance with a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game. The ball is 56–71 cm (22–28 in) in circumference and known as the Bokaball, being an oval shape. The two teams compete to get the ball into the other team's net, thereby scoring 5 points. Players may use any part of their body to strike or pass the ball, and mainly use their hands. The team that scores more points 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.
Names[edit | edit source]
Beyond the ahitereiran name it is also known by other terms elsewhere; In West Alaxia and Central Alaxia the game is usually called "Church Katabola".
Gameplay[edit | edit source]
In a Bokabola match, two teams of ten players each face off against each other. Notably, two players on each team serve as Net-Holders, responsible for defending and carrying their team's net. The game is played in two 40 minute halves, each lasting 80 minutes, providing ample opportunity for strategic maneuvers and dramatic plays.
A penalty kick begins at one of the corners of the field, typically the corner at which the team had started their play. The objective being hitting the central circle painted inside the Kaşpoveda field through a kick. Penalty Shootouts are a series of penalty kicks between each team played played until a team wins at a best of five
Key Rules[edit | edit source]
- Passing: Players are allowed to take up to five steps while holding the ball. After these steps, they are obligated to make a pass. Failure to do so within five seconds results in a turnover.
- Possession Time: In cases where a player hasn't taken the allotted steps, they can hold the ball for a maximum of 20 seconds, after which passing becomes mandatory.
- Ball Carrying: A distinctive aspect of Bokabola is the option for a player to be carried by another teammate. This can be used to gain height for attempts to obtain the ball or to execute longer throws with increased elevation. Importantly, if a player carrying the ball is being held by another teammate and that teammate takes a step, it counts as a step for the ball carrier.
- Scoring: Goals are scored when the ball touches the opposing team's net. Each goal is worth 5 points. However, if the net is on the ground, the goal is considered invalid.
- Net-Holders: The Net-Holders play a crucial role in the game by defending their team's net. Failing to hold the net results in a deduction of 3 points for their team.
- Net Infractions: Stealing the net is considered an infraction, as is intentionally folding it. Running into the net is not an infraction if done inadvertently but is penalized if done intentionally.
Penalties[edit | edit source]
- Infractions in Bokabola are subject to penalties. A single infraction results in a Yellow Card.
- Accumulating two infractions leads to a Red Card, resulting in expulsion from the game.