Pals, I'm phonin' this one in today. Super slammed in my primeline, so I don't have time to go too far into the future. So here's a gonzo idea from a conversation I had this week.
I picked up my buddy Sandro to go play a game a of sportsball in some near future. It’s like the sport for anyone. Anyone can play it, anyone can watch it, anyone can bet on it. The rules are broad enough to be understood by all. This sound like my kinda sport.
While leafing through the reference book. I couldn’t help but reread the rules a few times to see if I was really understanding what is meant to be easily understood.
Sportsball Rules and Regulations
The Field
Rectangular in shape
Non-standardized dimensions
Flat grassy surface
Goal nets of uncertain size at each end
Equipment
One vaguely spherical ball will be utilized
Goal posts may be provided
Footwear is recommended but not regulated
Teams
Undefined number of players per team
Player roles on teams are unspecified
Substitutions may occur freely and repeatedly
Game Play
Play starts and ends at the referee's discretion
Players advance the ball of their own volition in various manners
Physical contact is permitted only within ill-defined limits
Goals may be scored by striking the ball through the goal mouth
Scores are monitored but not displayed
Infractions
Rules violations result in sporadic stoppages by the referee
Turnovers of possession may occur for undisclosed reasons
Disciplinary actions are subtle and unexplained
Outcome
Success is nebulous and subjective
The score at the conclusion carries no particular meaning
Results may be briefly noted but soon forgotten
Enjoyment of fuzzy concepts like “ball” and “goal” is encouraged over concrete rules. Adjustments can be made if needed or desired.
Check out Calcio Fiorentina - a sport played in Florence, Italy. Utter madness and pretty close to what this ruleset will get you!
Come on ref! That was a foul!