U.S. patent application number 15/141089 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-18 for elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is George G. Esteves. Invention is credited to George G. Esteves.
Application Number | 20160236051 15/141089 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56620636 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160236051 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Esteves; George G. |
August 18, 2016 |
Elevated Hoop Shaped Goal Apparatus
Abstract
A game of Hoopball and the method thereof is provided as a
competitive team based sport that incorporates elements of various
field sports while emphasizing strategy and sportsmanship. The game
of Hoopball utilizes regulations that govern player participation,
scoring, physical contact, and equipment with an extremely low
probability of serious injury or mid-brain concussions. The current
regulations governing the game of Hoopball includes an elevated
hoop shaped goal apparatus and a game ball as central game pieces.
The object of the game of Hoopball is to coordinate a team of
players to score points by throwing or kicking the game ball
through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus while the
respective goal apparatus is defended by an opposing team. At the
end of the game session the team that scored the most points is
declared the winner.
Inventors: |
Esteves; George G.;
(Snellville, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Esteves; George G. |
Snellville |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56620636 |
Appl. No.: |
15/141089 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13909729 |
Jun 4, 2013 |
|
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|
15141089 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 19/00 20130101;
A63B 67/002 20130101; A63B 63/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 63/08 20060101
A63B063/08 |
Claims
1. An elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus comprises: an elongated
vertical post; a rim; a plurality of connecting members; a net; the
rim being concentrically positioned with the elongated vertical
post; the rim being offset from a distal end of the elongated
vertical post; the rim being radially connected to the distal end
by the plurality of connecting members; the net being
perimetrically connected around the rim; the net being downwardly
extended from the rim; and the plurality of connecting members
being enclosed by the net.
2. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 1,
wherein a proximal end of the elongated vertical post being secured
to a score zone of a playing field.
3. The goal post apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each
connecting members comprise a first end and a second end; the first
end being adjacently positioned with the distal end; and the second
end being adjacently positioned with the rim.
4. The goal post apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: an
obstructed opening; an unobstructed opening; the plurality of
connecting members comprises a first member, at least one
intermediary member, and a second member; the first member, the at
least one intermediary member, and the second member being radially
distributed around a first half of the rim; the first member and
the second member being diametrically opposed to each other; the at
least one intermediary member being positioned in between the first
member and the second member; the obstructed opening being
delineated from the plurality of connecting members to the first
half of the rim; and the unobstructed opening being delineated from
the first member and the second member to a second half of the
rim.
5. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 1,
wherein each connecting member is shaped as a convex member.
6. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 1
comprises: a vertical net-length; a vertical connecting
member-length; the vertical net-length being extended from a fixed
edge of the net to a free edge of the net; the vertical connecting
member-length being extended from a first end of each connecting
member to a second end of each connecting member; and the vertical
net-length being equaled to the vertical connecting
member-length.
7. An elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus comprises: an elongated
vertical post; a rim; a plurality of connecting members; a net; an
obstructed opening; an unobstructed opening; the plurality of
connecting members comprises a first member, at least one
intermediary member, and a second member; the rim being
concentrically positioned with the elongated vertical post; the rim
being offset from a distal end of the elongated vertical post; the
first member, the at least one intermediary member, and the second
member being radially distributed around a first half of the rim;
the first member and the second member being diametrically opposed
to each other; the at least one intermediary member being
positioned in between the first member and the second member; the
obstructed opening being delineated from the plurality of
connecting members to the first half of the rim; the unobstructed
opening being delineated from the first member and the second
member to a second half of the rim; the net being perimetric ally
connected around the rim; the net being downwardly extended from
the rim; and the plurality of connecting members being enclosed by
the net.
8. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 7,
wherein a proximal end of the elongated vertical post being secured
to a score zone of a playing field.
9. The goal post apparatus as claimed in claim 7 comprises: each
connecting members comprise a first end and a second end; the first
end being adjacently positioned with the distal end; and the second
end being adjacently positioned with the rim.
10. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 7,
wherein each connecting member is shaped as a convex member.
11. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 7
comprises: a vertical net-length; a vertical connecting
member-length; the vertical net-length being extended from a fixed
edge of the net to a free edge of the net; the vertical connecting
member-length being extended from a first end of each connecting
member to a second end of each connecting member; and the vertical
net-length being equaled to the vertical connecting
member-length.
12. An elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus comprises: an elongated
vertical post; a rim; a plurality of connecting members; a net; an
obstructed opening; an unobstructed opening; the plurality of
connecting members comprises a first member, at least one
intermediary member, and a second member; the rim being
concentrically positioned with the elongated vertical post; the rim
being offset from a distal end of the elongated vertical post; the
first member, the at least one intermediary member, and the second
member being radially distributed around a first half of the rim;
the first member and the second member being diametrically opposed
to each other; the at least one intermediary member being
positioned in between the first member and the second member; each
connecting member being a convex member; the obstructed opening
being delineated from the plurality of connecting members to the
first half of the rim; the unobstructed opening being delineated
from the first member and the second member to a second half of the
rim; the net being perimetrically connected around the rim; the net
being downwardly extended from the rim; and the plurality of
connecting members being enclosed by the net.
13. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 12,
wherein a proximal end of the elongated vertical post being secured
to a score zone of a playing field.
14. The goal post apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprises: each
connecting members comprise a first end and a second end; the first
end being adjacently positioned with the distal end; and the second
end being adjacently positioned with the rim.
15. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 12
comprises: a vertical net-length; a vertical connecting
member-length; the vertical net-length being extended from a fixed
edge of the net to a free edge of the net; the vertical connecting
member-length being extended from a first end of each connecting
member to a second end of each connecting member; and the vertical
net-length being equaled to the vertical connecting member-length.
Description
[0001] The current application is a continuation-in-part (CIP)
application of the U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No.
13/909,729 filed on Jun. 4, 2013.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an organized team
based athletic sport. More specifically, the present invention is
an elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus that is placed at opposite
ends of a playing field to performance the organized team based
athletic sport.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is well known that most team based sports utilize a ball
and a pair of archways as central game pieces. These team based
sports are typically played with the pair of archways oppositely
positioned on a rectangular field while each team attempts to
direct the ball through the opposing team's archway constituting a
score. The balls utilized in these games are generally
characterized as a rubberized, leather or synthetic circular shaped
32-panel size #1 machine-stitched hoopball, composed of an internal
butyl bladder and a % 100 TPU exterior casing, having a
circumference of approximately 19 in (48 cm) and weighing 225-275
gm, inflated with an air pressure of 0.4-0.5 bar. Players are able
to engage the balls in either a direct manner such as with their
hands, feet, or head, as well as an indirect means such as through
the use of a glove. Typically, the opposing teams play for a
predetermined period of time, with the winning team being able to
score the most goals over the predetermined period of time.
[0004] It is the object of the present invention to provide an
elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus to play a new competitive team
based sport that incorporates a game ball. In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the two teams compete to gain
possession of the game ball in order to throw or kick it through
the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus. Each team is able to have
a maximum of ten players that are able to pass, kick, throw, roll
or simultaneously hold the game ball as they push towards the
opposing team's elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 is another side view of the present invention,
wherein a portion of the net is not illustrated to clearly show the
vertical connecting member-length of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a top view of the playing field displaying the
distribution of the playing area, the pair of oppositely positioned
score zones, and the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the playing field displaying
the distribution of the playing area, the pair of oppositely
positioned score zones, and the present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of
describing selected versions of the present invention and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0012] Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention is an
elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 that allows the game of
Hoopball to be played. The game of Hoopball is a competitive team
based sport that also incorporates a regulation game ball in
addition to the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10. The object
of the game of Hoopball is to coordinate a team of players to score
points by throwing the regulation game ball through the elevated
hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 while the elevated hoop shaped goal
apparatus 10 is defended by an opposing team. At the end of the
game session the team that scored the most points is declared the
winner. The current regulation governing the game of Hoopball
provides two opposing teams, at least two game officials, a
regulation game ball, and a playing field 1. The two opposing teams
each comprise a maximum of ten players. The regulation game ball is
which is characterized as a rubberized, leather, or synthetic
circular shaped 32-panel size #1 machine-stitched hoopball,
composed of an internal butyl bladder and a %100 TPU exterior
casing, having a circumference of approximately 19 in (48 cm) and
weighing 225-275 gm, inflated with an air pressure of 0.4-0.5 bar.
At least two game officials are provided in order to regulate the
game of Hoopball by issuing calls as they are witnessed. Although
the at least two game officials are provided at least one game
official is needed to issue a call during a game session. In
reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the playing field 1 is a bounded
playing area 5 utilized by the two opposing teams in order to play
the game of Hoopball. The delineated perimeter 2 is provided as a
pair of opposing sidelines 3 and a pair of opposing end lines 4
that perpendicularly intersect each other forming a rectangular
playing area 5. The playing area 5 is subdivided into parts
comprising an open play zone 6, a pair of oppositely positioned
score zones 7, and a centrally positioned quarter zone circle 9.
The open play zone 6 is the portion of the playing area 5 that
separates the pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7. The pair
of oppositely positioned score zones 7 are provided as enclosed
regions associated with a particular team. Each of the pair of
oppositely positioned score zones 7 contains the elevated hoop
shaped goal apparatus 10. The method of the game of Hoopball
comprises various regulating steps that control the commencement of
a game session, possession of the regulation game ball, and changes
in possession of the regulation game ball, scoring, physical
contact, infractions, and length of play, timeouts, personal
equipment, and substitutions during the game session.
[0013] The method of playing the game of Hoopball is initiated with
the commencement of the game session. The commencement of the game
session several game sessions is initiated through the assignment
of a scoring zone to the each of the opposing teams. After a score
zone 7 is assigned to each team, a determination has to be made
regarding the initial possession of the regulation game ball. This
determination is made by a coin flip. Through the determination of
initial possession of the regulation game ball, a scoring team and
a defending team are identified and the defending team's score zone
7 is deemed the `in-play score zone 7`. The in-play score zone 7
provides the direction in which regulation game ball is moving
towards but additionally distinguishes the elevated hoop shaped
goal apparatus 10 the scoring team attempts to gain points on. Upon
determining initial possession of the regulation game ball, the at
least two game officials permit players of both teams to take up
their positions within the playing area 5. The at least two game
officials give possession of the regulation game ball to a player
of the scoring team. The at least two game officials move the
player of the scoring team in possession of the regulation game
ball into the quarter zone circle 9. After repositioning of the
player of the scoring team in possession of the regulation game
ball within the quarter zone circle 9, the at least two game
officials permit the player of the scoring team within the quarter
zone circle 9 ten seconds to throw or pass the regulation game ball
to another player of the scoring team without interference from
players of the defending team. The players of the defending team
are initially prohibited from interfering with the players of the
scoring team until the regulation game ball is put in-play. In
order for the regulation game ball to be put in-play one of three
conditions must be met. These three conditions are based on if the
regulation game ball traverses the quarter zone circle 9, if the
player of the scoring team steps outside the marking of the quarter
zone circle 9, or if the player of the scoring team exceeds ten
seconds within the quarter zone circle 9 without throwing or
passing the regulation game ball to another player of the scoring
team. Upon meeting any of the three conditions, the regulation game
ball is considered in-play and the game session is initiated.
[0014] The possession of the regulation game ball in the game of
Hoopball is regulated by the at least two game officials. The at
least two game official ensure that the interaction between the two
opposing teams and the regulation game ball are properly defined in
order to distinguish possession of the regulation game ball when it
is in-play. During the game session, the at least two game
officials permit more at least one player of the scoring team,
wherein the scoring team is considered the team that is in current
possession of the regulation game ball, to engage the regulation
game ball. The at least one player of the scoring team with
possession of the regulation game ball, is permitted to carry,
roll, or kick the regulation game ball in any direction within the
playing area 5. The at least one player of the scoring team with
possession of the regulation game ball, is permitted to transfer
possession of the regulation game ball by throwing, passing,
kicking, or handing the regulation game ball, regardless of the
direction to another player of the scoring team. During the game
session, the at least two game officials permit at least one player
of the defending team, wherein the defending team is considered the
team that is not in current possession of the regulation game ball,
to oppose the at least one player of the scoring team. The at least
one or more players of the defending team are permitted to oppose
the at least one or more players of the scoring team by blocking
the at least one or more players of the scoring team as well as
attempting to gain possession of the regulation game ball. The at
least one or more players of the defending team are permitted to
gain possession of the regulation game ball from the at least one
or more players of the scoring team by attempting to forcibly
remove the regulation game ball from possession of the at least one
or more players of the scoring team. The at least one or more
players of the defending team is permitted to gain possession of
the regulation game ball by intercepting the regulation game ball
while it is being thrown, passed, kicked, or handed to the another
player of the scoring team. During the game session at least one or
more players of the scoring team are able to protect the at least
one or more players of the scoring team in possession of the
regulation game ball by blocking the at least one or more players
of the defending team from forcibly removing or intercepting the
regulation game ball.
[0015] The at least two game officials determine changes in
possession of the regulation game ball during the course of the
game session. During the course of the game session the at least
two game officials may signal a pause in game session in order to
determine the possession of the regulation game ball or award
possession of the regulation game ball as a result of a yellow card
infraction. The at least two game officials allow a player of
either team to spot quarter the regulation game ball back in-play.
Spot quartering is passing the regulation game ball back into play
from a stationary position. During the game session at least one
game official is able to signal a pause in the game session to
determine or award possession of the regulation game ball, if the
player of the scoring team in possession of the regulation game
ball is grounded down or stalled or if at least one game official
determines that a yellow flag infraction was committed by at least
one player of either team. The player of the scoring team, with
possession of the regulation game ball, is considered to be
grounded down or stalled if they are not in movement for a
predetermined amount of time while at least one player of the
defending team attempts to forcefully remove the regulation game
ball. The yellow card infraction is a violation of the rules of the
game of Hoopball that at least two game officials agree merits the
transfer of the regulation game ball to another team. When the
player of the scoring team, in possession of the regulation game
ball, is grounded down or stalled, the regulation game ball can be
engaged by several players of both the defending team and the
scoring team. After signaling a pause in the game session to
determine or awarding possession of the regulation game ball after
being grounded down or stalled, the at least two game officials
permit a player, with possession of the regulation game ball, ten
seconds to throw or pass the regulation game ball in any direction
within the playing area 5, from a spot quarter position, to another
player of their team, without interference from players of an
opposing team, if at least one game official determines that
possession of the regulation game ball was maintained or acquired
by said player's current team before the regulation game ball was
grounded down or stalled. The players of the opposing team are
initially prohibited from interfering with the player in possession
of the regulation game ball until the regulation game ball is put
back in-play. In order for the regulation game ball to be put
in-play one of three conditions must be met. These three conditions
are based on if the player in possession of the regulation game
ball throws or passes the regulation game ball from the spot
quarter position, if the player with possession of the regulation
game ball moves out of the spot quarter position, or if the player
with possession of the regulation game ball exceeds ten seconds to
throw or pass the regulation game ball to another player from the
spot quarter position. Upon meeting any of the three conditions,
the regulation game ball is considered to be back in-play and the
game session is continued.
[0016] The at least two game officials transfer the possession of
the regulation game ball to the defending team after the scoring
team successfully gains at least one point. The scoring team is
able to gain at least one point by throwing the regulation game
ball through the hooped shaped goal of the in-play score zone 7.
After at least one point is gained by the scoring team, the
defending team is given possession of the regulation game ball by
the at least two game officials. The upon gaining possession of the
regulation game ball, a player of the defending team is given
possession of the regulation game ball and positions themselves
within the quarter zone circle 9. The at least two game officials
permit the player of the defending team ten seconds to throw or
pass the regulation game ball to another player of the defending
team without interference from players of the scoring team. The
players of the scoring team are initially prohibited from
interfering with the players of the defending team until the
regulation game ball is put back in-play. In order for the
regulation game ball to be put back in-play one of three conditions
must be met. These three conditions are based on if the regulation
game ball traverses the quarter zone circle 9, if the player of the
defending team steps outside the marking of the quarter zone circle
9, or if the player of the defending team exceeds ten seconds
within the quarter zone circle 9 without throwing or passing the
regulation game ball to another player of the defending team. Upon
meeting any of the three conditions, the regulation game ball is
considered back in-play and the game session is continued.
Furthermore, with the regulation game ball in the possession of the
team formerly designated as the defending team, the designation for
both the defending team and the scoring team are exchanged upon the
continuation of the game session.
[0017] Each team has the ability to gain at least one point with a
maximum of two points per score during the game session. The
determining factor if a score is one point or two points is
dependent on whether the score attempt is taken from within the
in-play score zone 7 or from the open play zone 6. The pair of
oppositely positioned score zones 7 are positioned within the
playing area 5 and are bordered by the open play zone 6 and an end
line of the pair of opposing end lines 4. The border between the
each of the oppositely positioned score zones 7 and the open play
zone 6 forms a marked line that serves as the penalty line 8. The
pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 each comprises the
elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10. The at least two game
officials award one point to the scoring team, if at least one game
official determines a player of the scoring team successfully threw
or kicked the regulation game ball through the elevated hoop shaped
goal apparatus 10 positioned within the `in-play score zone 7` from
a position within the penalty lines 8 of the in-play score zone 7.
The at least two game officials award two point to the scoring
team, if at least one game official determines a player of the
scoring team successfully threw or kicked the regulation game ball
through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 positioned
within the `in-play score zone 7` from a position outside the
penalty lines 8 of the in-play score zone 7.
[0018] Referencing FIG. 1-3, in the current embodiment of the
present invention, the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10
comprises an elongated vertical post 11, a rim 14, a plurality of
connecting members 15, and a net 18. A proximal end 12 of the
elongated vertical post 11 is secured to the score zones 7 so that
a distal end 13 of the elongated vertical post 11 is able to
determine the elevation of the rim. Additionally, the rim 14 is
concentrically positioned with the elongated vertical post 11 and
offset, position away, from the distal end 13. The rim 14 is
preferably a made of metal and comprises a 4' in diameter. The rim
14 is radially connected to the distal end 13 by the plurality of
connecting members 15. More specifically, a first end 16 of each
connecting member 15 is adjacently positioned with the distal end
13 so that the plurality of connecting members 15 can be radially
distributed and connected about the distal end 13. Oppositely, a
second end 17 of each connecting member 15 is adjacently positioned
with the rim 14 thus securing the rim 14 to the distal end 13
through the plurality of connecting members 15. The net 18,
preferably a nylon mesh, is perimetrically connected around the rim
14 and downwardly extended from the rim 14, enclosing the plurality
of connecting members 15.
[0019] Additionally, each connecting member 15 is shaped as a
convex member so that the plurality of connecting members 15 is
able to delineate a parabolic-shaped hole within the rim 14. Due to
the parabolic-shaped hole, the plurality of connecting members 15
provides significantly less reaction force on the game ball. The
present invention further comprises an obstructed opening 23 and an
unobstructed opening 24. The plurality of connecting members 15
comprises a first member 27, at least one intermediary member 29,
and a second member 28. In reference to FIG. 4, the first member
27, the at least one intermediary member 29, and the second member
28 are radially distributed around a first half 25 of the rim 14.
Simultaneously, the first member 27 and the second member 28 are
diametrically opposed to each other further defining the first half
25 of the rim 14 while the at least one intermediary member 29 is
positioned in between the first member 27 and the second member 28.
Therefore, the obstructed opening 23 is delineated from the
plurality of connecting members 15 to the first half 25 of the rim
14, and the unobstructed opening 24 is delineated from the first
member 27 and the second member 28 to a second half 26 of the rim
14. As a result, once the game ball is entered into the present
invention through the rim 14, the game ball can travel through the
unobstructed opening 24. More specifically, if the game ball makes
contact with the plurality of connecting members 15, the game ball
slidably travels along the plurality of connecting members 15 and
travels through the unobstructed opening 24 before exiting below
the net 18. However, if the game ball does not make contact with
the plurality of connecting members 15, the game ball can also
effortlessly travel through the unobstructed opening 24 before
existing below the net 18.
[0020] A vertical net-length 21 of the present invention is equaled
to a vertical connecting member-length 22 of the present invention
in order to make sure that the game ball does not exit through the
plurality of connecting members 15. More specifically, the vertical
net-length 21 extends from a fixed edge 19 of the net 18 to a free
edge 20 of the net 18, where the fixed edge 19 is positioned
adjacent to the rim 14 and the free edge 20 is positioned opposite
of the rim 14. The vertical connecting member-length 22 extends
from the first end 16 of each connecting member 15 to the second
end 17 of each connecting member 15, where the free edge 20 is
positioned below the first end 16 of each connecting member 15.
[0021] The game of Hoopball permits some physical contact
understood as being a result of forcefully removing the regulation
game ball from a player or blocking a forceful removal attempt.
Under the current regulations of the game of Hoopball, players are
permitted to body block, push block with two opened hands, stiff
arm, or pull down the regulation game ball. This is provided as
appropriate physical contact as a consequence of blocking attempts
to forcefully remove the regulation game ball from possession of an
opposing teams' player. Under the current regulations of the game
of Hoopball, players are prohibited from tackling, tripping,
holding, kicking, kneeing, elbowing, head butting, or punching
another player in any manner while blocking or attempting to
forcefully remove the regulation game ball from possession of the
opposing team's player.
[0022] The at least two game officials are provided as a means of
regulating the infractions during a game session. During a game
session, at least one game official is able to signal a pause in
the game session when they witness an infraction committed by
either team. After pausing the game session, the at least one game
official can issue a yellow flag infraction or a red flag
infraction. Under the current regulations governing the game of
Hoopball, the at least one game official issues a yellow flag
infraction, to a player, if the at least one game official
witnesses the player tackling, tripping, holding, kicking, kneeing,
elbowing, head butting, or punching another player in any manner
while blocking or attempting to forcefully remove the regulation
game ball from possession of the opposing team's player. The at
least one game official also issues a yellow flag infraction to a
player they determine was last in possession of the regulation game
ball when crossing the delineated perimeter 2. Under the current
regulations governing the game of Hoopball, the at least one game
official issues a red flag infraction to a player if the at least
one game official determines that a yellow flag infraction
committed by said player was a deliberate attempt to injure another
player, if the at least one game official determines that a yellow
flag infraction caused serious injury to another player, or if the
at least one game official determines that a player has committed
acts of unsportsmanlike conduct, conspicuous rudeness, derogatory
actions, insubordination, and/or cheating during the course of the
game session, may upgrade the infraction to a red flag infraction.
Under the current regulation governing the game of Hoopball, the at
least one game official is able to bench a player for 2 or 5
minutes without substitution during a game session. Under the
current regulation governing the game of Hoopball, the at least one
game official is able to eject a player from the game session if
the at least one game official issues a red flag infraction against
said player for actions perpetrated during the game session deemed
a deliberate attempt to injure another player. The at least one
game official is able to use their judgment to determine if an
action is considered a deliberate attempt to injure another player.
Under the current regulation governing the game of Hoopball, the at
least one game official is able to award a penalty shot to a player
from a position on the edge of the penalty line 8 of the in-play
score zone 7, if the at least one game official determines that a
yellow flag infraction or a red flag infraction was committed
against said player by at least one player of the opposing team.
The determination to award a penalty shot is provided as an
electable action based on the judgment of the at least one game
official. Under the current regulations governing the game of
Hoopball, the at least one game official is able to award
possession of the regulation game ball to a team, if the at least
one game official determines that the regulation game ball was in
possession of the opposing team when crossing the delineated
perimeter 2, or if the at least one game official determines that a
yellow flag infraction or a red flag infraction was committed
against a player of the team by at least one player of an opposing
team. The determination to award possession of the regulation game
ball to a team based on a yellow flag infraction or red flag
infraction is based on the determination and discretion of the at
least one game official. Under the current regulations governing
the game of Hoopball, that at least one game official is permitted
to award at least one point and permit retention of the regulation
game ball by a team, if the at least one game official determines a
goal tending infraction occurred due to interference with the
regulation game ball upon a downward trajectory with the
possibility of going through the elevated hoop shaped goal
apparatus 10.
[0023] The game of Hoopball is provided with a game session that
functions as a timed game session comprising four fifteen-minute
game play quarters. The game session is additionally provided with
a fifteen-minute half-time intermission that occurs at the end of
the second quarter. The fifteen-minute intermission after the
second interval separates the game session into a first half and a
second half, wherein the first half comprises the first interval
and the second interval and the second half comprises the third
interval and the fourth interval. The fifteen-minute intermission
is provided as a temporary reprieve for players of the opposing
teams. In the current regulations of the game of Hoopball, each
team is allowed three discretionary 30 second "Time-Outs" during
each half of the game, but both teams must remain on the field
during time-outs. Time-outs are only being granted to a team when
they are in possession of the Hoopball. The three 30 second time
outs are provided in the first half and the second half of the game
session. During each of the three 30 second time outs, the at least
two game official require both teams to remain on the playing field
1 during until the time out is completed. Each of the three 30
second time outs are provided with the prerequisite that a team
must be in possession of the regulation game ball in order to
request the time out. Furthermore, after the time out expires, the
at least two game officials award possession of the regulation game
ball to the team charged with the time out. This time out system
prevents abuse of the time outs. In the current regulations of the
game of Hoopball, a winning team is determined at the end of the
fourth interval of the game session. The winning team is determined
as being the team that scored the most points during the game
session. In the event that both teams have tied scores, the game
session would extend past the fourth interval for a fifteen-minute
sudden death over time.
[0024] The regulation governing the game of Hoopball encourages
players of both teams to outfit themselves with protective
equipment and uniforms. The protective equipment that can be worn
the players include but are not limited to helmets with a face
guard, shoulder pads, chest protectors, mouth piece, and cleats.
The protective equipment provided to safe guard a player's head,
face, shoulder, chest, and torso. In addition to the recommended
protective gear, players are permitted to incorporate nonessential
accessories such as shin guards, additional padding, safety
glasses, and gloves into their outfit. These non-essential
accessories should be designed to promote safe and healthy
competitive play. Non-essential accessories that are unapproved
equipment or potentially harmful items are expressly prohibited.
Additionally, under the current regulations governing the game of
Hoopball the players of both teams are encouraged wear team
specific identifiers that serve as a means of distinguishing
members of a particular opposing team from the members of another
opposing team.
[0025] The regulations governing the game of Hoopball provides an
unlimited number of player substitutions during the game session. A
player substitution is permissible through the approval of at least
one game official. Teams are required to contact the at least one
game official during a time out, a pause in the game session, and
immediately following a point gain in order to request a player
substitution, failure to do so results in the expulsion of a player
as an unauthorized/illegal player. Players can be ineligible for
substitution due to several factors. The current regulations
governing the game of Hoopball prohibit a team's request for a
player substitution if the selected player had been ejected from
the game session or if the selected player is competing with
prohibited equipment. In a situation that a player substitution was
conducted without the consent of at least on game official, an
infraction is issued to the team.
[0026] The game of Hoopball is provides that each team be
responsible for fielding ten eligible players, wherein the
eligibility of each of the ten players is determined by current
regulations governing the equipment utilized by said player. In the
preferred embodiment each team would be required to wear visible
distinct uniforms that facilitate the identification and
differentiation of individual players as well as teams of players
from each other. The preferred embodiment recommends the adoption
of Hoopball approved equipment and uniforms whenever possible to
ensure consistency and reduce the chances of a player being deemed
ineligible or ejected from a game session. The Hoopball approved
equipment can include but is not limited to helmets with a face
guard, shoulder pads, chest protectors, mouth piece, cleats, etc.
Preferably the players are clothed in uniforms styled with shorts
or pants.
[0027] The regulation game ball is characterized as a rubberized,
leather or synthetic circular shaped 32-panel size #1
machine-stitched hoopball, composed of an internal butyl bladder
and a %100 TPU exterior casing, having a circumference of
approximately 19 in (48 cm) and weighing 225-275 gm, inflated with
an air pressure of 0.4-0.5 bar.
[0028] The playing field 1 can be provided as an outdoor playing
field 1 or an indoor playing field 1 wherein the material of the
playing area 5 can be preferably played on a grass/clay/turf
surface for the outdoor playing field 1 or on artificial or natural
surface for the indoor playing field 1. The playing field 1 is
provided with measurement of 110 yards, 100 meters, in length to 60
yards, 55 meters, in width. The pair of oppositely positioned score
zone 7 would be positioned opposite to each other longitudinally.
Optionally the playing field 1 can include a half field line that
divides the playing area 5. The half field lined would traverse
across the playing field 1 and would be positioned between the pair
of oppositely positioned score zones 7. The quarter zone circle 9
would be a circle ten yards in diameter that would be positioned
centrally on the half field line and would be found equidistant
from each of the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10. The
elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 would be positioned within
each of the score zones 7 and would be centered between the
sidelines positioned 15 yards, 14 meters, from each end-line and 80
yards, 73 meters, apart from one another. The positioning of the
elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 relative to the end lines 4
enables for plays to occur around the goal without obstruction. The
playing field 1 would provide a bench area for each team. The bench
area would be positioned on the same sideline but are separated by
an official's area. The official's area is provided as a designated
area for scorekeepers, record keepers, game clock-timer, but
additionally provides sufficient distance between the bench area of
each team.
[0029] The game of Hoopball can be provided in an alternative game
format to a field based sport, wherein the alternative game format
provides the game of Hoopball as a virtual-holographic, video,
web-based and/or board-games. The playing field, the elevated hoop
shaped goal apparatus 10, and the players are represented according
to the medium in which the game is being played in. The regulations
governing the game of Hoopball could be provided with slight
changes to ensure its adequate translation into the alternative
game format.
[0030] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other
possible modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
claimed.
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