Toeball - rules of the game

Abstract

Toeball is a new sport, similar in many respects to soccer (American) and futbol (International), but with important evolutionary changes that make it something radical and new. In Toeball, the field has new markings, and the goal stands partially blocked off by a “bounce board” around the edges. In Toeball, we have only 10 players on the field at any one time because there is no goalkeeper—nor is there an offside penalty. Shots from the field count for two or three points, and foul shots count for one point, like basketball. Teams must shoot the ball within 40 seconds of when they take possession, or lose possession. Referees are required to make foul calls whenever one player initiates contact against another player, which makes toeball a much gentler game than the game of soccer. When making an in-bounds pass, players can kick the ball in or throw it in. There are no corner kicks. The clock stops on every referee whistle and does not start again until an inbounds player touches the ball. Finally, in toeball, we have four 15-minute quarters, teams can call multiple time outs in each quarter, and teams can make substitutions from the bench with much greater frequency than in the sport of soccer. The combination of a few radical new rules changes, plus the additional of many evolutionary rules changes add up cumulatively to a completely new and original sport worthy of a patent in its own right.

1 . This specification applies to patent application Ser. No. 11/120,276, filed May 3, 2005 by James Michel Lion. 
 The game or sport of toeball is an entirely new sport original in design and concept, made by combining two preexisting sports—namely soccer (or futbol) and basketball. Specifically, toeball takes the general game of soccer, and changes the rules around to more closely resemble the rules of basketball, such as the scoring system of basketball.    Furthermore, the sport of toeball contains several unique and completely original inventions that make it much more than merely a combination of two preexisting sports, and make it capable to stand alone as a new and unique sport within its own right. These innovations include the creation of a new kind of goal, about the size and shape of a soccer goal, but with a “bounce board” around the sides; new markings on the field-of-play; new rules about making in-bounds passes or kicks, and new rules regarding goaltending. Please see also accompanying toeball rules.    The sole inventor of this sport, James Michel Lion, claims sole and undisputed right to commercial exploitation of this sport, worldwide, in any and all venues, including but not limited to amateur athletic competitions and leagues, and/or professional athletic competitions and leagues.    Those who wish to enjoy this sport for fun, and have no intent to commercially exploit this sport or the toeball trademark are not claimed to be covered by this patent application. However, any individual or company that inadvertently profits from the sport of toeball, the patent applicant hereby claims within the purview of this patent application.