Kaşpobola
 | |
| Highest governing body | WFK |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | The Square Game |
| First played | Mid-24th century Ahitereira |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | Yes |
| Team members | 12 per side |
| Mixed-sex | Yes |
| Type | Ball sport, Katabola sport |
| Equipment | Kaşpobola Ball |
| Venue | Kaşpoveda (Also known as just "Pitch") |
| Presence | |
| Country or region | Worldwide |
| World Championships | WFK World Cup |
Kaşpov Katabola, more commonly known as kaşpobola, is a full-contact sport characterized by intense team dynamics and the primary objective of scoring points on the central circle, played in turns, two teams of 12 players each aim to score points by getting the ball into the opponent's inner circle. The game is played on a diamond field called a Kaşpoveda, with circular markings on opposing corners, and two central circles. A usual game lasts around 90 minutes, divided into 18 segments or plays. 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.
Kaşpobola is governed internationally by the World Federation of Kaşpobola. They organise the World Cup every four years, with the first occurring in 2450. Approximately 70 national teams compete in qualifying tournaments for a place in the finals. Club play is popular in many countries, who compete in national leagues such as the Una ya Kaşpov (UYK).
Gameplay[edit | edit source]
Kaşpobola is a team sport characterized by its structured gameplay and strategic maneuvers. Played in turns, this sport consists of a total of eighteen plays, each lasting five minutes, and offers the potential for additional plays based on team performance.
At the outset of each play, the attacking team has the opportunity to designate a runner who will begin with possession of the ball. The runner may choose to start either from the top corner or the bottom corner of the field. Each team comprises a total of 12 players. Before the play begins, players have the liberty to position themselves strategically on the field. However, a minimum of five players from each team must be located within the outer circle, excluding the inner circle. The remaining seven players, or six in the case of the attacking team, must remain outside the circle. Notably, positioning inside the attacking player's starting corner is prohibited. During the course of play, the attacking player has the freedom to pass the ball to another player, potentially changing the attacking player mid-play.
Players are constrained by specific rules regarding movement. They are not allowed to venture outside or inside the outer circle, except for the player in possession of the ball, who is granted unrestricted movement. If the player with the ball enters the inner circle, this action permits any player in the outer circle to move freely inside as well. In terms of physical contact, players are permitted to push, tackle, and hold opponents as a means to hinder their movement. However, acts of violence such as punching and kicking are strictly prohibited.
The conclusion of a play occurs when one of three events takes place: a goal is scored, the player with the ball falls to the ground (whether due to a tackle or other reasons) or time runs out.
Scoring[edit | edit source]
There are three distinct methods of scoring a goal in Kaşpobola:
- Try or Touchdown: A player successfully carrying the ball through the defense and touching the central post scores 5 points.
- Kick: If a player kicks the ball and it lands within the inner circle, they are awarded 3 points.
- Throw: When a player throws the ball, and it lands inside the inner circle, they earn 2 points.
Additionally, after scoring a goal through a Kick or a Throw, the scoring team gains an extra play.
Infractions[edit | edit source]
Infractions can lead to a change in possession. There are three ways to commit an infraction:
- Leaving the Region: If a player moves outside their designated region, they are in violation of the rules.
- Harsh Violent Acts: Any harsh violent acts, such as punches or kicks directed towards another player, are strictly prohibited.
- Drawing a Play: A team may commit an infraction by failing to score or retain possession of the ball throughout the entire five-minute period.
Winning the Game[edit | edit source]
The team that accumulates the most points emerges victorious in Kaşpobola.