MURDER BALL!!!!!!

The latest game to hit the pool - Murder Ball, despite the name it is a no contact sport.

To play the game you will need,

At least three people on each team, one in goal and two attacking as well as a referee. Each player needs a mask and a pair of fins.
An inflatable football filled with salt water i.e. does not float in a fresh water pool.
Two baskets each containing a lead weight – which will be used as goals, one to be placed at each end of the pool.
Plenty of energy

Take a look at some underwater shots of the game in play

Playing the game

Each team takes their position at either end of the pool, where their goal (the basket) is placed. The referee drops the ball midpoint between the two teams. The race then begins underwater to reach the ball, where it must be driven to the opposing teams goal and placed inside (the basket) to score a goal!! Of course you have got to get past the other team too. The referee then restarts the game, which is played 10-15 minutes each way. The more players that there are on each team will allow you to rotate players and rest some between games, it also makes underwater movement very challenging, this is a game where tactics definitely make the difference between success and being left gasping for air.

Rules of the game

1. Each team must start each game at their end of the pool.

2. The ball must stay underwater at all times if not the referee restarts the game.

3. A player can only push the ball with one hand whilst attacking the other teams goal.

4. Once within reach of the opposing teams goal, the attacking player can use two hands to place the ball in the goal, this is the only time they can use two hands.

5. The team member whose is protecting the goal can use two hands to prevent the attacking team scoring the goal, but are not permitted to touch/move their own goal.

6. Once a goal is scored the referee restarts the game.

7. A foul is made against a team under the following conditions.

Intentional contact with an opposing team member, this includes removing masks, removing trunks/costumes or holding a person.
Using two hands to push the ball whilst attacking the opposing teams goal.
Taking the ball out of play – out of the water or game zone.
Intentional contact of the goal keeper’s hands with their teams goal or moving the goal.

8. If three fouls are made against a team a point will be awarded to the opposing side.

9. The team with the most goal/points at the end of the games wins (obviously). If the score is tied at the end of time then you can play for a golden goal or award the team with the lowest number of fouls as the winners.

10. The referee’s decision is final!