The playing field is 180' x 110', with rounded corners and boards
(walls) like a hockey rink (sans glass). The field is divided into
three
equally proportioned zones, 1 for each team and a neutral zone
in
the center. At each end is a circular "score zone" 12' in
diameter,
the rear edge
of which is 7' from the boards. Each team fields no
more than five players plus a goaltender at one time. There are
four
referees, 2 on the field, and 2 off in elevated seats.
Standard soccer 'no hands' protocol applies, even to goalies.
There are three (soccer-style) balls in play at all times. If any of
the three balls leave the field, play stops. Play is
commenced/resumed by three simultaneous face-offs, held at
equidistant points on an imaginary line drawn across the field,
placed appropriate to conditions of play stoppage.
The following conditions must apply in order for points to be
scored:
1. At least two of the balls must touch each other inside the
defensive team's score zone.
2. The offensive team must be in control of all three balls inside
the opposing team's zone at the time of scoring, although
only
two balls need be inside the score zone.
3. No players (including the goaltender) may be in contact with
the
balls when they touch, and no players except the defensive
goaltender may be inside the score zone.
If one or more of those criteria are not met, no point is scored
and
play is not stopped.
If all three criteria is met when two balls make contact in the
score
zone, 1 point is scored. If all three balls make contact (either
sequentially or simultaneously) without leaving the score zone or
being touched by any player, 3 points are scored.
Secondary rules such as offsides, out-of-bounds, penalty kicks,
etc.
require further tinkering. Since this game was designed by [The
Alterother], one must practically commit pre-meditated murder
to
draw a penalty.
The game lasts 60 minutes, divided into three periods, or until all
players have left the field via ambulance, whichever comes first.
*I would include a sketch of the playing field, but our sattelite
internet is moving like molasses right now. However you picture
it
in your head is probably pretty close. Also, I am currently
accepting
suggestions for a better name than "Triple-Ball," which admittedly
is
pretty bad.