Helga “Cabbage” Ball Rules

Team Composition

1. There shall be 2 “ladies only” teams of 5 to 6 players each.  This includes an optional goalkeeper. 
2. Players must be 18 years or older.
3. One team shall be called “Helgas”.  The other shall be called “Olgas”.  The two teams shall be identified by different colored arm bands. 
4. All players must wear a dress.  Viking garb is encouraged but not required.
5. Players are encouraged to wear do-rags, heavy shoes/ boots, and to carry non-breakable/ non-pointy drinking vessels or bota bags. 
6. Those interested in playing should speak with a member of the Order of the Rose to be considered for sponsorship. 

Officiating/ Team Support

1. Gentlemen may not play Helga Ball as they might get hurt.  They can, however, serve as Officials or Team Support (chocolate bearers, refreshment staff, towel bearers, etc.)
2. There shall be one head Referee authorized to make decisions related to scoring, and rules of the game.  (For this event, the head Referee is Master Rufus Barbarossa.)
3. Rules may be changed or added to at any time if approved by the Referee. 
4. All play shall stop when the Referee calls “HOLD”.
5. The Referee may banish a player to a Penalty box for any reason, and for any length of time. 
6. You must be a member of the Chivalry (or a squire standing in for his Knight) to serve as a goal post. 
7. Those interested in helping with the Officiating or Team Support should contact either Master Rufus Barbarossa (for officiating duties) and Members of the Order of the Rose for Team Support. 

Field Setup

1. The field is square (generally 25 yards by 25 yards).
2. Two goals are located at opposite side of the field.
3. Two members of the Chivalry (or squires) shall serve as stationary goal posts for each goal. 
4. Goal posts shall be positioned at least 3 yards apart.
5. Individuals representing the goal post must remain in their positions for the entirety of the game. 
6. The four (4) corners of the field and a centerline must be marked for play.

Cabbages

1. Up to three (3) heads of cabbage may be used per game.
2. Cabbage should be compact and aged.  (Note:  Cabbage sitting in a frost-free fridge for a couple of weeks help with the aging process.)
3. If a cabbage breaks during play, the play shall continue with the biggest remaining hunk unless/ until the Referee calls “HOLD” and restarts the play with a replacement cabbage.

Objective of the Game/ Scoring Points

1. Points are scored by getting a cabbage through the opposing team’s goalposts.  Each score equals one point.
2. Goalposts shall signal a “score” by raising one arm and yelling either “Helga Ball” or “Olga Ball” to identify the scoring team.  When goalposts disagree about a score, the head Referee shall decide.
3. Play shall continue until fifteen (15) have lapsed (omitting HOLDS), or all three cabbages have been used (whichever comes first).
4. The team with the most points at the end of the play wins the game.

Rules of Play

1. The game starts with a kickoff at center line.
2. A kickoff at the center line shall follow each goal scored.
3. If the cabbage goes out of bounds, or when directed by the head Referee, play will be restarted by rolling the cabbage into play from a sideline.
4. Players may kick or dribble the cabbage with their feet but may not touch the cabbage with their hands or use hands to pick up the cabbage.
5. Players may scoop the cabbage up in a skirt, apron, or do-rag and move the cabbage on the field.
6. Tackling is not allowed. However, “hugs” (individual or group) are allowed.

• So, none of you know much about Rufus and why would my ideas count? These are suggestions to be discussed and your consensus will decide what happens next. I have officiated more Helga ball games than any other Atlantian that I am aware of. I played College Football, State Level select side Rugby where I also refereed for 5 years, and I coached youth soccer for 14 years up to the regional level, and I refereed youth soccer for 13 years, at Red bull, super y, premier and classic level. I believe my experiences as a player, coach, and game Office give me a perspective on how to assist you in safely moving Helga Ball forward. None of this is final, it is a suggested place to start a conversation.
• 1. The Field: Shall be square or longer then wide and agreed before any match starts that day by all teams. Shall be reasonably flat and have no physical endangerments. The corners shall be marked in a manner that does not endanger players.
• 2. The Time: Shall be kept by the Official/marshal working the game alone. Shall be added for injury, in touch, or serious disruptions in play at the Officials/Marshals discretion. Each match will last 15 minutes plus any added time. Ties are broken at the end with a two player, two minute period. And a 1 player 1 minute period after which a tie is declared if the scores are equal.
• 3. The Official: Shall create and retain all match records. Shall administer the rules in a fair and impartial manner. Shall place player safety first at all times. The official shall wear a tabard clearly identifying their position during the match. (I was thinking alternating yellow and black diamonds with a cabbage vert front and back) (If it has been crafted)
• 4. The Players: Shall dress appropriately. Have no hard material in pads worn to protect joints or head, no other padding allowed unless medically required, no cleats, no jewelry, mouthpieces/ personal protection are recommended not required.
• 5. Substituting: Shall remain off the field of play during the match unless involved with the goal posts only. To sub an active player will request a sub from off the field then move toward the incoming sub. While at least 10 meters from active play the active player and sub will touch. At that point they have exchanged rolls and will proceed accordingly.
• 6. Starts and Restarts: Both teams will array themselves on their side of the field at least 1 meter from the cabbage except 1 player from each team. Those players shall be inside arm’s length of each other. The official will place the cabbage between the two players and signal for the start of play.
• 7. Cabbage Coverage: The cabbage shall only be covered by 2/3 of its surface at any time by any one player. During loose rucks or mauls inadvertent coverage greater than this is permissible if fleeting, trivial and not infringing play. During mauls when the player in possession has three points of contact with the ground, they must release the cabbage. If the cabbage is frozen in place in a maul for 15 seconds a restart will be signaled. Players may only enter rucks or mauls from their side.
• 8. Cabbage Movement: The cabbage may be kicked in any direction at any time a kick does not endanger another player. The cabbage may be supported by fabrics but not the hand. While said support is occurring the cabbage may be tossed with fabric movement but not with direct support of a hand behind the fabrics. Players not in possession of the cabbage my knock the cabbage loose from directly behind the fabrics. This action my not propel or knock the cabbage forward, only sideways or backward.
• 9. In Touch: If the cabbage goes in touch a restart will occur 3 meters from the touch line and in line with where it went in touch.
• 10. Foul Play: In the Officials opinion, any action intent on injuring another player will be ruled foul. Examples: Biting, scratching, kicking, hitting, striking, spitting but not limited to these exact actions. The player will be removed from the field and replaced.
• 11. Goal Posts: 2 individuals from each side will be goal posts, they may not be touched by substitute players or spectators. Foul play applies to goal posts.
• 12. Scoring: When a cabbage completely crosses a straight line between to goal posts in the opinion of the official a point will be awarded.