Ball game and apparatus

Abstract

For a ball game of the football type, a structured goal having a rigid surface that has a hemispherical outline and includes multiple colored zones for graded scoring purposes is provided, together with a layout for a playing field or pitch that limits player access near the goal by team, and a set of rules. The rigid goal lets the ball bounce back. For scoring purposes the zones may be equipped with individual zone impact-indicating means such as bells, electrical transducers, nearby cameras, or be supported on hinged mounts in order to show an impact by movement. The layout, the rules and the goal structure are intended to provide a faster game with higher score numbers.

1 . Apparatus including a goal structure and a set of rules for a ball game to be played on a playing field having a horizontal field surface, in which the players of each of two competing teams endeavour to collect a higher score than the other team by directing a ball at one of two goals while defending their own goal; wherein the goal structure presents a semicircular player surface toward the playing field; a diameter of the semicircle is placed upon the field surface and an upper edge of the goal is extended upward while physically supported at a selected angle or tilt relative to the field surface, the semicircular player surface comprises a plurality of colored and visually distinctive concentric zones symmetric within the scoring face; each zone having a designated value to be added to the team's score if hit by the ball after an acceptable sequence of play as determined by the set of rules has taken place; said set of rules allocating a higher score to a more central zone of the player surface. 
     
     
         2 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the set of rules is optimised for a game in which a conventional football is kicked at the goal and the selected angle or tilt provides that the upper edge is further from the field than the lower surface. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the selected angle or tilt is an included angle of 70 degrees from the flat surface. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein each goal presents a series of three concentric zones upon the semicircular player surface. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the or each goal is comprised of a rigid wooden playing surface supported in position by a support frame; the playing surface having an inertia in order to cause the ball to be reflected back toward the players after hitting the playing surface. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the set of rules defines a symmetrical playing field having a perimeter with, in plan view, an outline comprised of two semicircles separated by a rectangular middle portion; each of the goals being located beyond a periphery of each semicircle and separated from the playing field by a marked goal zone from which all players are excluded; each goal being surrounded by two part-circular playing field markings centered upon the goal; a closer part-circular marking defining a closest limit for a player from the attacking team and a farther part-circular marking defining a closest position from which a player can claim the higher score from a ball kicked at the goal. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein at least one zone of the playing surface of the or each goal is provided with at least one identifiable ball-impact sensing means selected from a range including: acoustic means, electrical transducer means, optical sensing means including video cameras, and mechanical means permitting temporary physical deflection of the zone upon impact; the means thereby demonstrating which zone has received the ball impact. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein at least one electrical transducer is connected by wire or wireless means to readout means selected from a range including lights within the player surface of the goal, a referee display and a scoreboard. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein dedicated analysis means is connected in between said at least one electrical transducer and the readout means; said dedicated analysis means including digital computing means. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the readout means is configured to display the location of the impact upon a displayed image of the player surface of the or each goal. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  particularly adapted for use by children, wherein the or each goal structure is comprised of a series of semi-circular flexible membranes each delimiting a zone and capable when in use of being supported around at least the perimeter of the semicircle by adherent flexible and distendable pressurisable tubes each or collectively including valved connecting means capable of receiving an outlet from a source of air under pressure. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the set of rules and the goal is optimised for a game in which a conventional hockey ball is directed by control or impact by hockey sticks and the selected angle provides that the upper edge is closer to the field than the lower surface. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the readout means is configured to display the location of the impact upon a displayed image of the player surface of the or each goal.