Take a group of competitors from all athletic backgrounds, a ball, throw them on a court similar to that of a roller hockey rink (minus the skates) with a goal on each end, let them run loose for a 70 minute time span and what do you get?
In a nutshell, that is RASCBall.
RASCBall 101
RASCBall is a sport founded here in Columbus initially in 2001 by sports enthusiast Mike Crosky (that would be me) and long time friend Rich Gubsch. It is a 6 on 6 competition played between two opposing teams, with 5 Floor Players and 1 Netminder per side. Goals are scored by shots thrown, kicked, spiked, dunked or headed and are scored in increments of 1, 2 or 4 points. Attempts to score goals are setup by various ball movements and blocking techniques. Defense consists of modified basketball rules with physical contact being allowed as long as it consists to the flow of play. Think of a good hard fought street basketball game, in regards to the standard physical play. Tripping, tackling, elbowing and excessive holding is NOT allowed, though hand checking and body checking (think hockey or lacrosse) are permitted, again, only when it pertains to the flow of play. No hitting of a player in the back is allowed, hits are only allowed via the side and front of an athlete’s body.
A full game between two opposing teams consists of two 35 minute halves. The clock is continuous unless outside circumstances warrant a stoppage. RASCBall is played on a full length court similar to a roller hockey rink (minus the skates of course). The action during play stays fierce and constant with free flowing substituting, known as “changing on the fly”(parallel to the substituting methods of hockey). Keeping in mind, the notion that ties are like kissing your sister, RASCBall ensures that all games end with one loser and one victor. If at the end of regulation the two teams are deadlocked, a full length 5 minute (non-sudden death) overtime will take place. If after the 5 minutes has passed the score is still tied, the two teams will battle in a RASCBall shootout to determine the winner.
The name RASCBall is an acronym stating what our sport is about and where it originated. R.A.S.C. stands for “Revolution in Athletic Street Competition”.
Revolution – Relays RASCBall is bringing a revolutionary experience to athletes.
Athletic – Conveys RASCBall entails participants to be skilled and athletic.
Street – RASCBall literally originated in the middle of a street.
Competition – Enforces what RASCBall brings the athlete.
Scoring
- 1-Pointer – Attempted shot via a throw, in front of the bonus line. (Worth 1 Point)
- Dunk – A forceful attempted shot by a player from behind the goal. (Worth 1 Point)
- Bonus Goal – Attempted shot on goal via throw behind the Bonus Line. (Worth 2 Points)
- Boot – Attempted shot on goal via a kick. (Worth 2 Points)
- Bonus Boot – Attempted shot on goal behind the Bonus Line via a kick. (Worth 4 Points)
- Header – A shot attempted on goal by use of the head. (Worth 4 Points)
Bonus Line – The designated marker approximately 42 feet from the goal line in which all shots scored are awarded double the points. (ie: 1-Pointers are now worth 2, Boots are now worth 4)
The Floor & Equipment
- An enclosed area with a surface 180 feet long and 75 feet wide.
- Surrounding the perimeter are boards made of wood and plexi-glass.
- The official ball during play is a size 1 regulation soccer ball.
- Goal Size – 4 feet tall X 6 feet wide
- Goal Crease – 13 feet long X 16 feet wide
- Bonus Line – 42 feet from the goal line
Players & Formations
- 6 players on the floor per team; 12-man rosters
- Standard 3-2 (3 attacking and 2 defensive minded players) formation is used in most cases by teams. Other notable formations include: The 2-1-2 (2 attack and defensive minded players, with one player in the middle to roam free) and the 2-3 (2 offensive minded and 3 defensive minded players).
- Various zone and man to man techniques are used on defense.
Time
- Two 35-minute halves.
- Each team is issued 1 time out per half.
- Two Minute Rules (2MR)- During the final two minutes of each period the clock will stop when a goal is scored, the ball caroms out-of-bounds, a penalty occurs, a team calls timeout, or anytime the referee deems it necessary. Additionally, the netminder can cross the half court line and legally be in his team’s offensive zone.
Positions
- Netminder – Player designated to prevent opposing team from scoring.
- Guards – Defensive minded players for each team, whose primary task is to keep opposing offenders from scoring.
- Split (Left & Right) – Offensive minded players on left and right side of offensive attack, whose primary task is to score goals for his team.
- Anchor – Offensive minded players in the center of offensive attack, whose primary task is to create and score goals for his team.
- Rover – Player roams the middle of the floor for a respective team, has strong offensive and defensive responsibilities.
The Sports of RASCBall
Attributes similar to those of other American sports are used during play in RASCBall. Among them are:
Basketball – With 5 floor players per team RASCBall has many of the same dynamics as basketball. Much of RASCBall’s movement and fundamentals parallel that of basketball, with bounce and behind the back passes, screens and the use of pick and rolls. Defensively, RASCBall mimics many of the same techniques and schemes used on the hardwood, though much more physical contact is allowed during play. Dunks from behind the goal also are permitted.
Football/Rugby – RASCBall commences with a “Jump Off”, which is similar to that of a rugby scrum. All 10 floor players gather at the center circle and battle for the opening possession. Teammates are permitted to block opposing players to open up passing and scoring lanes to create scoring chances (similar to a blocking fullback in football).
Hockey/Lacrosse – With 5 floor players and a netminder, the positional play is similar to hockey and indoor lacrosse. The fast paced, back and forth, up-tempo style of RASCBall’s play is unlimited and free flowing also. Hockey style checking is permitted.
Soccer – Goals can be scored by way of a kick or by header. Many of the offensive runs to goal are also similar to that of soccer.
Team Handball – Athletes run the length of the court. Shots are thrown at the goal.
Check out our highlight video from the 2008 Showcase Game in which various local media outlets attended. Be sure to watch the “High Quality” video by clicking the “HQ” next to the volume button.