Spongee polo

Nature of the game

Also known as Pillow Polo or Spolo for short, Spongee polo is a fast game reminiscent of field hockey, in which the sticks look like Q-tips with soft foam heads. A soft ball roughly the size of a large grapefruit is used. Spongee Polo is an underground sport growing in popularity. It has become very popular in Toledo, Ohio and has even been featured on BCSN (Buckeye Cable System Network). The sport is played regularly at Maumee Valley in Toledo, Ohio. MV Sponsored Tournaments are featured on BCSN twice every school year. The colors of the sticks designate the teams -- typically yellow and blue. Spongee Polo is usually played in a basketball gymnasium (school) and not outside, but it can be played anywhere with goals.

Rules of the game

Official rules

Official tournament games consist of two ten minute halves. The clock is continuous except in the case of an injury. If the score is tied at the end of the two halves, the game goes into a two minute sudden death overtime. If no goal is scored, both teams go into a shootout, where each side will alternately be given goal shots from the free throw line. If both (or neither) teams make a shot resulting in a goal, another round will commence. To be declared the winner, a team must make a shot resulting in a goal and the opposing team must fail to do so in the same round.

Scoring

A goal is scored if contact is made between a live ball and the mat. A goal will only be counted if the ball was struck by the stick of any player. If the ball makes contact with the mat after being deflected by the stick or any body part of a defending player, it is considered a goal. If the ball makes contact with the mat after being deflected by any body part of an attacking player it is not considered a goal. Goals can be scored from anywhere on the court. A goalkeeper may not score by throwing the ball into the opposing goal. He or she may score by striking the ball with the stick. Any player on the court is allowed to kick the ball throughout the course of the match, but a player cannot score by kicking the ball into the goal. Scoring is also not permitted from the throw of any penalty.

Other rules

Substitutions May Be made at any time during the game, provided that they do not interfere with the game. If a player touches a ball with his or her hand anywhere on the court, or if the goalie touches the ball with his or her hands outside the three point line, the offense loses possession of the ball. Players may not throw their sticks. Doing so will result in a one minute power play.

While the goalkeeper is in possession of the ball he or she may be harassed, but no contact with the goal keeper may be made. Doing so will result in the removal of the offending player for one minute. If the ball is knocked forcibly out of the goalkeeper's hands it will be considered a dead ball and will be returned to the goalkeeper. Excessive use of force (The definition of which will be determined by the referee) will result in loss of possession. Further punishment may occur at the discretion of the referee which may include ejection from the game. Ultimately, all decisions by the referee are final.

References

- Prediger, Dave Dr. (Maumee Valley Physical Education Instructor) Personal Interview, October 28, 2006

- Official Maumee Valley Spongee Polo Tournament Rules and Regulations