Sprinkle Ball Official Rules Overview Sprinkle Ball is a game between two players promoting cooperation and good sportsmanship. While there is a score and an ultimate winner camaraderie and fellowship should be considered the primary goals. Rules may be amended, changed, or altered at any time (including during play) if both players agree. If players disagree then no rule changes are permitted. Equipment Sprinkle The official Sprinkle ball is the small 7-inch Squishable Ice Cream Sandwich however any soft round ball, stuffed animal, or other item, if agreed upon by both players, can be used as the sprinkle. The sprinkle must be of sufficient softness to be unlikely to cause injury regardless of impact force. Playing Surface Any two beds or similar surfaces can be used. Championship sprinkle ball is generally played on queen sized beds (60 x 80 inches) as configured in most US hotel rooms. However, double, single, or king sized beds can also be used. The only stipulation is that the surface be agreeable to both competitors. (Water beds are not recommended.) Beds should be arranged next to each other with a gap of at least 12 inches between them to form the 'gulley'. Blankets, pillows, or other items on the top of the paying surface are considered to be 'in play' and available for the sprinkle ball player. Rules of Play The game starts with the Drop. Both players will stand on their playing surface while holding one side of the sprinkle suspended over the gulley. One or both players will count down from 3. (If an official referee is available the referee may also conduct the count.) On the count of one both players will release the sprinkle into the gulley and immediately attempt to touch the far side of their playing surface. After the far side has been touched each player will attempt to retrieve the sprinkle from the gulley. The first player to touch the sprinkle gets possession for the first play. The player with posession will then attempt to throw the sprinkle past the other player while also hitting the top of the playing surface. If the sprinkle touches the top of playing surface and gets past the far edge then one point is scored. (An additional point is awarded if the sprinkle passes through the opposing players legs regardless of wether it passes the far edge of the playing surface.) If the sprinkle fails to touch the top of the playing surface then a 'no bed' (NB) is recorded and no points are awarded. A sprinkle that passes over the end of the bed and not the far edge will be awarded no points. If a player is able to catch the sprinkle with one hand before it touches the top of the playing surface or the ground then that player receives one point. If a player is able to catch the sprinkle between both legs then that player receives two points. If the throwing player is able to retrieve the sprinkle after a throw without leaving their own playing surface they may retain possession and throw again. (Example: If the sprinkle bounces off the opposing player and back to the thrower.) If the sprinkle lands in the gulley at any time during play the first player to touch the sprinkle assumes possession. Official play continues for three fifteen minute quarters with a five minute break between quarters or at the players discretion. Penalties If a player puts the sprinkle in their mouth at any time the opposing player is awarded a penalty throw. If a player attempts to physically disrupt the opposing players throw the opposing player is awarded a penalty throw. Penalty throws are attempted from the midpoint of the playing surface. Penalty throwers will count down from 3 before throwing. (If present a referee may also conduct the countdown.) Referee Referees are not required for Sprinkle Ball. If available a referee may choose to keep score as well adjudicate any disagreements between the players. A referee can be overruled if both players agree, if the players disagree then the referee ruling stands.