LIFESTYLE

An innovative game combines getting fit with thinking outside of the box: Simon Fry gave circle rules football a spin.

Since May this year a growing band of Bristolians have been among the few people in the UK taking part in a truly fascinating pastime. Circle rules football originated in 2006 when New York University drama student Greg Manley, who had played soccer, basketball and American football while growing up, set out to devise a new sport for his senior independent project (aka a thesis for actors). When Manley visited Bristol for this year’s Igfest games festival, a Facebook group was formed to spread the word in Venueland.

I go along to Queen Square one Thursday evening (winter games are staged on an ad hoc basis – check Twitter or Facebook), where, as players gather, organiser David Otridge, a former website designer, inflates the 50cm diameter ball. Stakes are hammered into turf to support a single set of goalposts at the centre of a circular pitch, wherein cones designate a smaller, inner ‘key’ area. Goals are scored by the ball passing through the goalposts either right-to-left or left-to-right, depending on the team.

Said teams are distinguished by ribbons, which are worn around players’ foreheads and are brought along by Jess, an illustrator/animator who had them left over from another Igfest game. “Before the ribbons we just tried to remember who was on our teams! I also had pink and green ribbons, but the battle of red and blue is a tale as old as time.”

The sport resembles Gaelic football in that the ball can be handled. Men and women play in the same team and as play progresses it’s clear chaps reared on the beautiful game are comfortable with the ball at their feet while ladies used to netball incline to deft handiwork. Height is a distinct advantage; ‘Big Dave’, routinely first-picked but not playing tonight, can hold the ball aloft beyond the reach of all, to devastating and comical effect.

Bemused passers-by delay their journey home from work to take in proceedings. “That’s the best game in the world,” declares one suit who’s possibly just left Graze. He’s not being entirely serious; he’s not entirely sober.

After watching from the sidelines David invites me to join in and I run on like an enthusiastic football substitute sent up front to nab a late winner. However, once amid the action I’m struck by the game being played in 360 degrees; it’s spatial rather than linear (participants don’t allocate themselves ‘positions’ on the pitch) and the same player can go from defending to scoring in around three seconds, requiring great mental and physical agility. As in rugby, you often have to go backwards to go forwards.

Quickly accustomed to this concept, I position myself in an attacking position, confident a team-mate will pick me out once they’ve regained possession. Sure enough, an inviting ball is lobbed back over the crossbar and I’m on hand – literally – to punch it into the goal in Maradona style.

It’s a slightly euphoric moment; it’s great fun to have immediately got to grips with the game’s intuitive, clever nature and greatly satisfying to see my goal go in. As in chess you have to think several steps ahead to ensure you’re positioned to succeed; unlike chess, teamwork is of the essence and I’m made very welcome by the circle rules inner circle.

Tonight’s other new arrivals pick up the sport instantly. Indeed, passers-by regularly join in. “The most interesting was Nate, an American,” says David. “He came to England from the Philippines to meet a friend in Bristol and visit Stonehenge. After a few minutes getting used to the rules he was soon running the show. He said he was down in Bristol for four days, but he returned for a second and third week! He claimed it was the game keeping him here.”

David is justly enthusiastic. “I truly believe it wouldn't be out of place at the Olympics if it ever gained the popularity needed. Its accessibility is one thing separating it from other sports.” His words ring true, with players of all shapes, sizes and athletic inclinations taking great enjoyment from the evening’s exercise. David, a Spurs fan, is one of several participants who’ve come to circle rules from football. Numerous others with no interest in the sport play an equal part in collective competition.

For all its differences to standard football, however, similarities remain. As Jess collects the ribbons dripping with sweat after the evening’s action, she warns: “I can’t guarantee to bring them next week. Or if I do, remember to wash them…”

The rules

Some quirky regulations keep Bristol’s players on their toes – or not, as the case may be…

1 Rather than a toss, ends are decided by a ‘down-up’, requiring one player from each team going from standing to having both shoulder blades on the floor to standing in the quickest time.

2 If it’s raining, ends are decided by rock-paper-scissors.

3 The ball is returned to play via a double kick, wherein it is kicked with both feet simultaneously.

4 All players may touch the ball with any body part but the ball cannot be held between two points of contact.

FFI: TWITTER: @CIRCLERULESUK

FACEBOOK: CIRCLE RULES FOOTBALL BRISTOL

Copyright Si Fry 2011