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.