Sproutball!!!

One of our favorite games to play during recreation time is called Sproutball. Like dodgeball, the object of Sproutball is to throw foam balls at your opponents, attempting to hit them without them catching the ball. The balls are smaller than those used in dodgeball. And, instead of being "out" when a ball hits you, you crouch down until the person who hit you gets hit by someone else. Therefore the game gets recycled at all times. Sproutball is a great game for the students to burn off extra energy after spending the morning and early afternoons learning about our natural environment during the field study times. It also offers a safe method of using this energy as we play it on the beach in the soft sand. Here are a few pictures that highlight one of Outdoor School's most entertaining past-times.

The Equipment

The Play: Hit without being hit

Yarrow making participants assume "Sprout Position"The Result: Fun for all!

For those wanting to play this game at home, here are the basic rules of Sproutball:
The game is played in a square area that can be defined by cones, backpacks, or other objects. The size of the play area and the number of balls used in the game depends on the amount of people playing. Te object is to get other people out by hitting them with your ball while avoiding being hit by others. You may hit someone anywhere on the body except the head. You can take only 3 steps with the ball. You may hold the ball for only 5 seconds. You may hold only one sprout ball at a time. The penalty for violation of any of these rules is to drop the ball. Once you are hit, you must assume "Sprout Position", which involves crouching or kneeling. You are prohibited from throwing or catching balls while in Sprout Position, with one exception. You may "Sprout" the ball from and to another player who has either held the ball for 5 seconds or taken 3 steps. The person may say "Sprout me!" and throw the ball to you while you are in Sprout position. Then, they may go where ever they want while you hold the sproutball for them. When they request the ball, you must throw it back to them. You cannot throw it to anyone else. Also, no one else is allowed to interfere or intercept the sprouted ball. The person now has a fresh 3 seconds and 5 steps with which to throw the ball. To reenter the game, another player must hit the person who got you out. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to who has hit you. Once that player assumes Sprout Position, you are allowed to reenter the game and Other infractions that result in a 100 second penalty (to be enforced by assuming the Sprout Position) include: hitting someone in the head with the ball, intentionally getting hit in the head with the ball, and repeat violations of the 3-step, 5-second, or 2+ balls in hand rules. If the game includes a large number of participants, the administrator can yell something like "Jail Break!", and everyone can reenter the game.

Good luck and enjoy Sproutball!