US20230014375A1

US20230014375A1 - Systems, methods and apparatus for ball games

Info

Publication number: US20230014375A1
Application number: US17/786,738
Authority: US
Inventors: Zvi GOLDBERGER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-12-24
Filing date: 2020-12-13
Publication date: 2023-01-19
Also published as: WO2021130588A1; IL293717B1; EP4081317A1; EP4081317A4; CN114901369A; IL293717B2; IL293717A; CN114901369B

Abstract

Systems and methods for a ball game comprising a playing field having a modified soccer goal wherein said goal having a foldable stand placed above its center holding a rigid basket and at least one playing ball wherein said ball is spherical in shape and having extruded ribs, wherein said ball have at least one sensor is embedded in it to allow detection of said ball location in said field.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to systems and methods for a ball game.

2. Description of Related Art

Soccer playing fields have goal posts that are usually anchored to the ground and hence does not allow use of the field for other sports. Playing a variety of games in highly invested existing football stadiums is a huge economic advantage.
Hence, an improved systems and methods as described in this application are still a long felt need.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention a ball game comprising: a playing field having a modified soccer goal wherein said goal having a foldable stand placed above its center holding a rigid basket having: a top opening of roughly 70 cm. in diameter; a ball trap on top of said opening adapted to prevent a ball from bouncing back out; depth that allow holding at least two balls stacked one on top of the other; an electro mechanical erecting system adapted to erect said stand lift and rotate the basket to position it above the center of said goal.
The ball is spherical in shape and having extruded ribs, wherein said ball have at least one sensor is embedded in it to allow detection of said ball location in said field
At least one light post located at each end of the first and third quarter lines, adapted to signal to the players off side situation.
A referee communication system; a control station comprising at least one computing device, wherein said computing device is in data communication with said ball sensor and having a user interface allowing a user to locate the current and past locations of said ball.
It is further within provision of the invention to be wherein said field is a modified soccer field having a visible line marking the half of each half field, further wherein said line is in a different color then the half field marking line.
It is further within provision of the invention to be wherein said basket stand is foldable and is self-contained when in folded position.
It is further within provision of the invention to be wherein at least one sensor is located on a line on said field.
It is further within provision of the invention to be wherein player location sensors are provided.
It is further within provision of the invention to be wherein the prevention mechanism comprises arms 1001 connected to said basket using hinges 1003 and having counterweights 1002 wherein said arms adapted to fold inward when pressured by said ball and allow said ball to enter said basket without the ability to bounce back out. (see FIGS. 4 a, 4 b )
It is further within provision of the invention to be wherein said basket allow said arms to return to their outward extending position and prevent the bounce back of a second ball enter said basket while a first ball is already in said basket.
It is further within provision of the invention to be wherein said basket comprise of two sections (101A and 101B) and further wherein the lower section is adapted to hold one or two said balls.
It is further within provision of the invention to be wherein said lower section having an inclined bottom, in the direction of the playing field leading to its opening and further wherein said opening having a stopping mechanism allowing a user to open said opening and allow said ball to exit said basket.
These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1-10 illustrates components of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a means and method for a ball game.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that such embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Just as each feature recalls the entirety, so may it yield the remainder. And ultimately when the features manifest, so an entirely new feature be recalled. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention.
The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
The term ‘plurality’ refers hereinafter to any positive integer (e.g, 1, 5, or 10).
The invention relates to systems and methods for a new ball game called “Crown Ball”, which is a new way of playing ball on an existing soccer field or similar fields. In order to play the game two additions are required, a “crown” basket above each goal and a line, marked in a different color, crossing the middle of each half field from one touch line to the other. The game's objective is to score by throwing or kicking the ball into the goal or the “crown” basket. There are no restrictions as to the handling of the ball, one can touch the ball with all parts of the body. With this concept in mind, acrobatic moves are introduced, for example, a player can climb on his teammate in order to gain height and catch a high ball or create a better position for scoring. The game can be played in football stadiums as well as in small-scale playgrounds, as in school yards, etc.
Generally speaking, the system and method may allow a ball game comprising: a playing field having a soccer goal.
Above the said goal a basket (crown) may be held by a foldable stand, at its center, aligned with the goal top bar,
The Basket (Crown)
As depicted in some embodiments of the invention, the basket may comprise of two separate sections: (a) The upper section 101A, the “Crown”. (b) The lower section 101B, the “Basket”. The assembly, crown and the basket, is called, in short, the “basket”. The two sections may be removably connected.
The basket upper part 101A may be, as in some embodiments of the invention, made of metal with brass coating in a shape of a crown. The crown diameter may be 70 cm. see FIGS. (4 a and 4 b).
A ball trap system. On top of the opening, adapted to prevent a ball from bouncing back out of the basket.
In an embodiment of the invention, as depicted in FIG. 4 a , the prevention mechanism (trap) may comprise arms or flaps 1001 connected to the basket using hinges 1003 and having counterweights 1002/1005. The arms may be adapted to fold inward when pressured by an incoming ball and may allow the ball to enter the basket without allowing it to bounce back out. In some embodiments, such flaps may be opened to any direction such as to the front or bottom of the basket.
The lower part section 101B may be connected to the upper part section 101A using fastening means 1007. The basket bottom may have an incline 1006 towards the general direction of the playing field and may have a stopping bar 1010 mechanism that may in some embodiments of the invention, make use of hinges 1009 and linkage 1004, pulled by a rope 1008 allowing a user to open the basket and allow the balls to exit the basket towards the general direction of the playing field. (see FIG. 4 a )
The Foldable Stand Holding the Basket
Each crown stand 313, 413 may hold a basket above a goal. The stand may have a foldable structure that is folded into a steel container 311 and 411 located behind each goal (see FIGS. 5 and 9 ). The container may be water-proof in some embodiments of the invention.
In an embodiment of the invention, in order to allow lower profile while folded into the container, the two parts are separated so as the lower part will remain connected to the structure and the upper part placed in a holder 101AH on the other side in the container (see FIG. 5 b )
Raising up the basket (lower part) slightly out of the container allowing the basket (upper part) to be connected, manually by bolts 1007, to the basket (lower part). The structure is then further raised up to the maximum height. Then the upper structure 1017 is turned manually 90 degrees to position the crown above the goal aligned with the goal upper bar (see FIG. 5 b ). There may be a counter weight 1018 to balance the basket's weight for stability.
Field of Play:
Crown ball game may be played on a football (soccer) field. The field surface may be green and rectangular in shape. The two longer sides of the rectangle are called “touch lines”; they consist of sub lines 114, 214, 115 and 215. (see FIG. 2 )
The two shorter sides are called “end lines”, they consist of the following sections:
Outer end line sections 122, 222, 123 and 223: each section extends from the outer corner spots 111, 211 to the inner corner spot 121, 221. (see FIG. 2 )
Inner end line sections 108, 208, 124 and 224: each section extends from the inner spot 121, 221 to the goal side spots.
Goal lines sections 107 and 207: refers to the section between the goal posts.
On the field, two new lines (marked in yellow) are added 113, 213. Each line may be drawn from one touch line to the other, dividing each half field into two equal parts. The whole field is now divided into four equal parts. Each part is called a “quarter field” 105, 205, 106, 206 (see FIGS. 1,2,3 ).
A basket will be placed above the center of each goal 101, 201 (see FIG. 2 ) held by a foldable stand 313, 413 (see FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 5 c and 9).
The basket diameter may be, in some embodiments of the invention, 70 cm. in diameter and its total height, from the ground, may be about 3.25 meters.
This game may also be played in smaller scaled fields (proportioned to the original soccer field). Smaller scaled goals may be used and a suitable ring made of metal or other material may be fitted on top of the goal (to replace the basket). The number of players may be reduced accordingly. Some of the rules and laws may need to be altered accordingly.
The Ball:
In further embodiments of the invention, the ball is spherical in shape and may be made of leather (or another similar material similar), it's circumference may be between 68-70 cm and weights between 380-480 grams (see FIG. 10 ).
The balls surface may have “extruded ribs” to achieve a good grip even when holding the ball with one hand.
Holding the extruded ribbed ball may make it easier for the player to throw the ball to a longer distance with better accuracy.
A strong hold on the ball may make it difficult for the opponent player to snatch it.
The ribbed surface, of the ball, may enable it to bounce better on rough or wet surfaces.
Electronic sensors and transmitters may be fitted in the ball to detect its location.
The game may be played with one or alternatively two balls simultaneously:
In a one-ball game, the ball may be of any color, recommended a light color. In a two-ball game, one ball may be white and the other yellow, as in one embodiment. Electronic sensors and transmitters may be fitted into each ball.
Number of Players:
In an embodiment of the invention, there may be two teams 100, 200 (see FIG. 3 ) with 12 players in each team (the final number of players may be decided following practice on the field). The coach may decide upon the positioning of the players on the field.
During the game, the number of players may not be reduced below 8 in a team.
Start and Restart Procedures of Play:
In a one-ball game, at the beginning a coin may be tossed, by the referee, to determine the team's field side. The team winning the toss chooses its side of the field and the other team kicks off the ball to start the play from the center point 117. After the half time, the teams may switch sides and the other team kicks off. Before kick-off, each team's players may be spread on the three-quarter fields up to the third quarter lines (see FIG. 3 ).
In a two-ball game, the procedure may be the same as in one ball game. The kick-off happens simultaneously by the two teams. Each team player will kick-off from a spot which is at the interception between the halfway line and center circle 118, 119 (see FIG. 2 ).
Duration of the Game:
The actual game may be 80 minutes, divided to 4 quarters lasting 20 minutes each. A 5 minutes interval may follow the first quarter and a 15 minuets interval following the second quarter (half time) and a 5 minuets interval following the third quarter.
The referee may extend the game time due to stops during play.
When a draw occurs at the end of the 80 minuets play, the game may be extended for 30 minutes consisting of two 15 minute sessions with a 5 minute interval in between. The teams may switch sides of play at the beginning of each session.
Should there be a draw at the end of the extended time, each team may have 5 penalty shots: the choice will be given to each player, either to kick from the penalty spot (224, 225) to the goal or throw from the 5 meter line (109, 209) to the crown or throw from the 5 meter line to the goal. The team gaining the most points wins.
In further embodiments of the invention, scoring a crown may awards 3 points, a goal scored by foot or head may award 2 points and a hand throw into the goal may award 1 point.
Further rules and examples of playing maneuvers may comprise off-side in a One-Ball Game:
There are three off-side positions by the attacking players:
An attacking player is prohibited from entering the defending 5 m. box area 103, 203 at any time during the game (see FIG. 7 (1)).
An attacking player is prohibited from crossing, while moving ahead of, any quarter line 113, 116, 213 while in possession of the ball (see FIG. 7 (2)).
An attacking player is prohibited from entering the defending 16 m. box area 104, 204 before the ball has crossed the third quarter line (see FIG. 7 (3)).
When the ball moves backwards from the fourth quarter area 105, 205 (crossing the third quarter line backwards) while an attacking player remains in the 16 m. box area, that player will be given 8 seconds to move out of the 16 m. box area otherwise he will be in an off-side position. The time left for him to remain in the 16 m. box area will be shown on the light post 8 with countdown numbers 830 (seconds) on the yellow background (see FIG. 8 ). If the player stays longer than the time limit the ball will be given to the opponent team for a free kick from the spot where the relevant ball has reached (See FIG. 7 (3)).
Off-Side in a Two-Ball Game:
Reference Diagram: Field Lines and Spots Description (See FIG. 7 ).
All off-side laws, as described above (for a one ball game), are applicable in a two-ball game. The play with the other ball, which is not involved in the off-side, will continue regardless.
Regarding the third off-side rule; when both balls move backwards out of the fourth quarter area, crossing the third quarter line, while an attacking player remain in the 16 m. box area longer than the eight seconds time limit, then off-side occurs. The defending team player will kick the ball from where it has reached, after the whistle by each relevant referee.
For example: a player from team A enters the defending teams 16 m. box area 104 when the green light is on. The ball then happens to cross backwards the third quarter line 113 then the player is given eight seconds to move out of the 16 m. box area 104. If the player does not move out, within the 8 seconds time limit, off-side is declared by the relevant referee. The ball will be given to the opponent team, for a free kick, from the spot where the ball has reached.
Off-Side Light Posts
Four indicating Light Posts, 303, 304, 403 and 404 may be positioned on the field at each side of the first and third quarter lines (see FIG. 9 ).
On each Light Post 800 there are two light boxes 810, 820 one for each ball (see FIG. 8 )
Each box is square in shape and has a screen on each direction. There is a steel mesh to protect the screens 840.
The upper box 810 will be used for a one ball game (any colored ball).
The two boxes will be used in a two ball game. The upper box, with a white frame 801, for the white ball and the lower box, with a yellow frame 802, for the yellow ball (see FIG. 8 ).
Each box, in FIG. 8 , can show any of the three colors; green, yellow or red, with different meanings:
Green Light: when the attacking players are allowed to enter the 16 m. box area without being in an off-side position.
Yellow Light: when a player is signaled that he must move out of the 16 m. box area. That player is given 8 seconds to move out of the defender's 16 m. box are. Numbers will appear on the yellow light background in a countdown from 8 to 0 to show the time (in seconds) left for the attacking player to move out of the 16 m. box area otherwise he will be in an off-side position (see FIG. 8 b ).
Red Light: when any of the three off-side situations occur.
The total height of the Light Post, in some embodiments of the invention, may be 3.6 m.
Main Referee
The main referee assures that the rules and laws of the game are respected and followed throughout the game. The referee has direct communication with his assistants (line men) and desk controller, to help in making the right decision. The main referee's decision is final. If he is in doubt he can stop the play and check the computer screen at the controller's desk on replay.
When services are needed the referee can stop the play and ask for paramedic or security service providers, accordingly, to move into the field.
In a one-ball game there is one main referee 500 (see FIG. 3 ).
In a two-ball game there are two main referees, one for each ball. The referee for the white ball 501W (White Referee) will wear a white shirt and black trousers. The referee for the yellow ball 501Y (Yellow Referee) will wear a yellow shirt and black trousers.
Assistants Referees:
In a one-ball game there are two assistant referees 501, they are called “line-men”. Each line-man is located on half of a touch line. The first line-man is responsible for one whole length of the touch line (identifying when the ball moves out of the touch line) and the half field (detecting off-side, foul and other illegal moves). The other line-man is responsible for the other whole length touch line and the other half field. They are positioned diagonally and opposite each other.
In case the line-man detects a “line fault” (when the entire ball crosses a certain line in fault), he will point his yellow flag horizontally towards the direction the play should continue (towards the faulty team's goal direction).
If a player commits a physical foul, the line-man will point his flag horizontally towards that player.
When the line-man identifies an off-side he will point his flag horizontally towards the spot from where the ball should be kicked off.
The line-man's signal is his suggestion to the main referee. The referee makes the final decision.
In a two-ball game, there are four assistant referees, two of them wear white (white shirt and trousers) 502W (Assistant Referee White) and the other two wear yellow uniform 502Y (Assistant Referee Yellow) matching the color of the ball they are responsible for.
The location of the four line-men will be in the same concept as in the one-ball game, two line-men in charge of the white ball and the other two for the yellow ball located diagonally from each other (see FIG. 3 ).
The concept of playing with two balls simultaneously is like playing two games on the same field at the same time. One game with a white ball and the other with a yellow ball. Each game has its own main referee and two line-men. The players play with both balls on the same field. The scores by each ball are added together for each team.
The Assistant Referee (line-man) Signals:
When the entire ball has crossed any of the touch lines 114+214/115+215 and goes out of the field by a team player, the line-man points the flag horizontally towards the half field of the other team. The ball is returned to the field by the opposite team, with a throw, from the same spot it exited the field, it is called a “throw in”. the opponent players must be at least 3 m. away from the thrower.
When an attacking player kicks the ball out of any end line or above the goal, the line-man will point his flag horizontally to the nearest 5 m. line 109 or 209. The ball is returned to the field by the opposite team with a kick from the 5 m. line, it is called a “5 m. line kick”. The opponent players must be at least 3 m. away from the player kicking the ball.
In a two-ball game, when both balls happen to cross any of the end lines, at the same time by the attacking team, both balls will be returned to the field, one after the other, by the defending team, with a kick from the 5 m. line after the whistle of each relevant main referee. The opponent players must be at least 3 m. away.
When the entire ball has crossed the end line section in the 16 m. box area 108, 124, 208 and 224, or has gone above the goal by a defending player, the line-man will point the flag towards the nearest point of intersection between the end line and the 16 m. line it is called inner corner point, 121/221. The ball will be returned to the field by a kick, by the attacking team, this is called an “inner corner kick”.
When the entire ball has crossed the end line section between the corner point and the point of intersection between the end line and the 16 m. line, 122, 123, 222 and 223 by the defending team, the line-man will point his flag towards the nearest corner point 111 or 211, from where the ball will be kicked by the attacking team. This is called “outer corner kick”. Defending players must be, at least, 3 m. away from the corner point.
In a two-ball game, when both balls cross any of the end line sections at the same time by the defending team, both balls will be returned to the field, by the attacking team, one after the other, in a kick from the relevant corner point. Each ball will return when ordered by the relevant main referee. The first ball to go out will be the first to return to the field. The opponent players must be at least 3 m. away from the corner point.
When an attacking player enters the 5 m. box area 103 or 203 (the first off-side law) (see FIG. 7 (1)), the line-man will point his flag horizontally towards that player, this is called “5 m. box off-side”. The ball will be given to the defending team to kick from the 5 m. line. Opponent player must be at least 3 m. away from the corner point.
When an attacking player crosses forward any of the quarter lines 113, 116 or 213, while the ball is in his possession, he will be in an off-side position called “quarter line off-side” (see FIG. 7 (2)). The line-man will point the flag horizontally towards that player. The ball will be given to the defending team player to kick from that spot, opponent players must be at least 3 m. away.
When an attacking player is in the 16 m. box area while the ball is not in the fourth quarter area, for more than 8 seconds, that player is in an off-side position called “16 m. off-side”. The line man will point his flag horizontally towards that player. The ball will be given to the defending team player to kick from that spot, opponent players must be at least 3 m. away.
When a foal, or any misconduct is committed by a player, the line-man will point the flag horizontally towards that player. The main referee will decide whether to stop the game or let it continue. If he decides to stop, he will whistle and indicate with his hand towards the violating player's goal. To restart the game, the ball will be kicked from that spot by an opposite player; it is called a “free kick”. The violating players must be 3 m. away.
When a crown is scored, the relevant line-man will hold his flag upwards.
When a goal is scored, by foot or head, the line-man, will hold his flag in a 45 degrees angle upwards towards that goal.
When a goal is scored, by hand, the line-man will hold the flag horizontally towards that goal.
When a player holds the ball for more than 5 seconds without either passing it to his team mate, bouncing it to the ground and re-catching, throwing it to the air and re-catching or to score, it is called “miss handling”. The line-man will point the flag horizontally towards that player. The main referee will decide whether to stop the play or to let it continue. If he decides to stop, he will indicate with his hand towards the goal direction of the miss handler team. To restart the game, the ball will be kicked from that spot by the opponent team. The players, of the other team, must be at least 3 m. from the kick off point.
Important note: A line-man signal is his observation; the referee will decide whether to accept it. When the line-man and the referee don't have the same opinion, they will clarify through the internal communication system, if needed they can also involve the desk controller, in a “conference” communication means and will perhaps decide to have a replay on the computer screen for better clarification.
The Desk Controller:
The Desk Controller, in a one ball game, 504 (see FIG. 3 ) may follow the game on his computer screen. He helps the main referee in crucial decisions, such as: identifying fouls especially in the 16 m. box area noticing off side, realizing when a full ball enters the goal, when illegal “tower building” occurs in the 5 m. box area and any other crucial fault.
When the main referee is not sure about his observation, he can communicate and get advice from the desk controller 504. In case he wants to verify, by himself, on the computer screen he will stop the play and go to the controller's desk 503 to analyze himself. In a two ball game the relevant referee will go to his controller's desk. The white referee to desk 503W and the yellow referee to desk 503Y.
The desk controller's other tasks are to record all event, announce information on the loud speaker to the players and the audience if needed. He is in charge of the large TV screens and upon request from the main referee he will replay a specific move. He is in constant communication with the various service providers.
In a one-ball game: the controller's desk is located near the center line about 4 m. away from the touch line. The computer on the desk showing the players, and the ball, location on the field, analyzing any illegal move.
In a two-ball game: there are two controllers' desks, one for the white ball, 503W, and the other for the yellow ball, 503Y (see FIG. 3 ). They are located at opposite sides of the field, near the half way line. Each controller will wear the same color uniform as the ball he is in charge of. The white ball controller 505W will wear white shirt and white trousers and the other controller 505Y will wear yellow.
Methods of Scoring:
Scoring a crown occurs when the whole ball enters the basket awarding 3 points. Scoring a goal occurs when the whole ball crosses the goal line 107/207 into the goal box by foot or head awarding 2 points and scoring goal by hand throw awarding 1 point.
Kick Off after Scoring:
In a one-ball game, after scoring, the absorbing team will kick off to restart play from the center point 117 following the referees whistle. All the players positions will be the same as at the start of the game (see FIG. 3 ).
In a two-ball game, when one ball has scored, the play with that ball will stop and wait for the stoppage of the other ball. The game will resume with the two balls at the same time in the following way:
When one ball scores the play with the other ball will continue until it will stop (by either moving out of the field or any other reason) then the scoring ball will be kicked, by the absorbing team, from the center point and the other ball will resume from where it has stopped.
Resume play after both balls happen to score at the same time They will be kicked off from the two points on the center circle, 118 and 119 (see FIG. 2 ), at the same time, by each team absorbing the score, after the whistle of the relevant referee.
Referee Throw:
When two opponent players wrestle for the ball, the referee of the relevant ball, will whistle to stop the play and in that spot he will throw the ball vertically upwards between two opposing players, all other players must be 3 m. away. The two players may jump to grab the ball or tap it towards their teammate. The play with the other ball does not stop during this process.
No Specific Goal Keeper
A player can touch the ball with all parts of the body; which makes it possible for every defending player to defend the goal. There is no specific goal keeper.
Acrobatic Moves:
Acrobatic moves make it easier to move the ball forward, to improve attacking tactics and achieve a better position to score; these moves also improve defense tactics.
These moves make the game more efficient and spectacular.
A player climbing on his teammate to gain height for catching or throwing a high ball. This move creates a “Tower”.
The following diagrams illustrate various Towers:
The player lifting his teammate is called “Base Player”. The player lifted by the base player is called the “Jumping Player”.
Tower A (FIG. 6 a )
“Base player” with his hands and knees on the ground and a teammate “jumping player” standing on his back.
Tower B (FIG. 6 b )
“Base player” on his folded knees and his teammate “jumping player” on his shoulders.
Tower C (FIG. 6 c )
“Base player” standing and his teammate “jumping player” standing on his shoulders.
Tower D (FIG. 6 d )
“Base player” creates a “step” by interlocking his palms in front of his pelvis, upon which his teammate “jumping player” can step and gain height.
A player can dribble with the ball using acrobatic moves to misguide the opponents and progress the ball.
Note: More acrobatic moves will be developed during practice on the field.
Substitutions:
A player can be substituted upon the request of his team coach and with the referee's approval.
The total number of substitutions, for a team, cannot exceed 5 players during the game.
Once a player is substituted he cannot return to the game.
Detecting Offside Situations:
The game may further make use of the following:
An electronic Field Lines-Crossing Detectors located on all field lines, to alert when the ball or a player crosses any of the lines, illegally.
Ball Sensor and transmitter fitted in the ball and may detect its location and if found moving illegally, the computer will alert the referee.
Player Sensor and Transmitter Device fitted on the player's uniform and shoes, to detect his location and alert when crossing a line illegally (with the ball or without the ball).
Defending the Opponent:
Introducing an element of physical confrontation to make the game more interesting, when a player is allowed to hold an opponent player who is with the ball, by his waist and only from the front side of that player. The hold should not last more than 3 seconds, to obstruct him but not in a violent way. However, using the outstretched arms or legs to obstruct, push, hold, trip or hit is not allowed. It is not allowed to hold a “base player” by his waist.
If the foul occurred in any of the first three quarter areas (of the attacking team field side) the ball will be kicked from that spot by the defending team.
If the foul occurred within the 16 m. box area: the main referee may decide on one of two penalty options: (a) if the foul is not so severe he may decide to award a penalty kick by foot from the penalty spot 224, 225 (see FIG. 1 ) all other players are out of the 5 m. box area, except one defending player will defend the goal. (b) If the foul is severe the main referee will decide to award a “crown throw” from the 5 m. line while all other players (except one player defending the goal) will be out of the 5 m. box area. The throwing player has the option of throwing to the crown or to the goal. The score will be accordingly.
Stepping with the Ball:
A player is prohibited from holding the ball and making more than 3 steps without either passing it to his teammate, throwing to score, bouncing the ball on the ground, tossing it into the air or kicking the ball by foot to advance.
Penalty: The ball is given to the opponent team for a free kick or throw from that spot.
Touching Two Balls:
In a two-ball game it is forbidden for a player to touch the two balls at the same time.
Penalty: The two balls will be given to the opponent team to kick from the same spot, one after the other, following the relevant referee's whistle. Yellow and Red Card:
When a player commits a severe violent fault the main referee may show a yellow card to that player, as a warning.
If a player who received a yellow card commits one more severe fault the referee may show that player a red card and may send him out of the game. Substitution is not allowed.
If four players, of a team, are sent off, that team is disqualified. The opponent team wins the game; it is called “Technical Win”.
Although selected embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, it is to be appreciated that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A ball game comprising:

a playing field having a modified soccer goal wherein said goal having

a foldable stand placed above its center holding a rigid basket having:

a top opening of roughly 70 cm in diameter;

a ball trap on top of said opening adapted to prevent a ball from bouncing back out;

depth that allow holding at least two balls stacked one on top of the other;

a remote controlled flap adapted to hold and release balls trapped within said basket;

an electro mechanical stand erecting system adapted to said stand holding the basket and rotate it to position above said goal at its center aligned with said goal post.

at least one playing ball wherein said ball is spherical in shape and having extruded ribs, to achieve a good grip, wherein said ball have at least one sensor is embedded in it to allow detection of said ball location in said field;

at least one light post located at each end of the first and third quarter lines, adapted to signal;

a referee communication system;

a control station comprising at least one computing device, wherein said computing device is in data communication with said ball sensor and having a user interface allowing a user to locate the current and past locations of said ball.

2. The game of claim 1 wherein the prevention mechanism comprises arms 1001 connected to said basket using hinges 1003 and having counterweights 1002 wherein said arms adapted to fold inward when pressured by said ball and allow said ball to enter said basket without the ability to bounce back out.

3. The game of claim 2 wherein said basket allow said arms to return to their outward extending position and prevent the bounce back of a second ball enter said basket while a first ball is already in said basket.

4. The game of claim 1 wherein said basket comprise of two sections (101A and 101B) and further wherein the lower section is adapted to hold one or two said balls.

5. The game of claim 4 wherein said lower section having an incline in the direction of the playing field leading to its side opening and further wherein said opening having a stopping mechanism allowing a user to open said opening and allow said ball to exit said basket.

6. The game of claim 1 wherein said field is a modified soccer field having a visible line marking the half of each half field, further wherein said line is in a different color then the half field marking line.

7. The game of claim 1 wherein said stand is foldable and is self-contained when in folded position.

8. The game of claim 1 wherein at least one sensor is located on a line on said field.

9. The game of claim 1 wherein player location sensors are provided.