User:ThebuddhaofOop

Oop: The Greatest Game Ever

Oop is a game created by Twelve San Diegans during the summer of 2006. Oop is played with a Nuclear Globe inflatable ball (hereafter referred to as the Oop Ball) that is 6 ft in diameter with openings in both ends, and a soccer ball. Oop is played in a pool with anywhere from 6 to twelve players, depending on the size of the pool. Oop is played in a manner similar to basketball. Each team tries to get the soccer ball into the Oop Ball. Oop is played in a series of three games of three points each. 1 point is awarded to the team that places the soccer ball inside the Oop Ball by whatever means necessary. When a player jumps or dives into the Oop Ball while holding the soccer ball it is known as a "Golden Goal". A "Golden Goal" will end the current game. The game is more interesting when each player shows a determination and drive to score and win. While the game is very competitive, the true spirit of Oop is displayed through good will, sportsmanship and comradery.

Rules of Oop

While the game began with very few rules, it has become necessary for more rules to be established as the game has progressed. All rules were instituted with the goal of keeping the game fun, safe and fair. Oop is usually played with an even number of players, but when there is an odd number of players, an Oop (or Ooper, in the vernacular) is used. Essentially the Oop is all-time offense. The Oop is allowed, and encouraged, to move about the pool and call for the ball, but never physically interact with the other players unless otherwise engaged. When passed to, the Oop is only allowed 3 steps once he has gained control of the soccer ball. He is only allowed to shoot the soccer ball, not pass it. The ensuing goal counts for the team that passed the Oop the ball(Golden Goals included). No player in the game is allowed to physically touch the Oop, only to block his shots and manipulate the Oop Ball so that the Oop might miss his shot. The Oop changes once a series of three games is completed. One of the players from the losing team switches places with the Oop for the next series.

Teams

As stated before, Oop is played with anywhere from 6 to 12 players. More players may be accommodated, but it then becomes confusing and some players tend to socialize rather than play. When six players are present, Oop is played three on three, with no Oop participating. When there is no player in the position of Oop, Teams are changed by numbering (1-2, 1-2, 1-2) after each series, unless there is a unanimous request for a rematch of teams. Then one more series is played. If the same team wins both series, the teams are then changed. If a different team wins the second series, then a tie breaking series must be played to determine a winner.

Golden Goal

When a player, including the Oop, jumps or dives into the Oop Ball while holding the soccer ball, it is known as a Golden Goal. There are very few rules pertaining to a Golden Goal. In the beginning, there were no rules at all associated with it. But as time passed, it became clear that some clarification was necessary. In the beginning, as long as most of your body was inside the Oop Ball, it was considered Golden. A player didn't even necessarily have to be holding the soccer ball when he entered the Oop Ball. he could simply jump, let the soccer ball fall into the Oop Ball, and then enter into the Oop ball directly following the soccer ball. That only lasted a little while. The rule was then made that a player had to be holding the soccer ball when he entered into the Oop Ball. This proved to be a solid rule that has withstood the test of time. In the beginning it was accepted that a Golden Goal was awarded to a player when the majority of the players body entered the Oop ball. Here is the situation: When a player attempts a Golden Goal, the Oop Ball inevitably spins around to some degree. Often times when the attempt is is coupled with great momentum, the Oop Ball can spin so much that the players body will spin around with the Oop Ball and a part of his body, usually the player's feet, shins and knees, will hit the water before he has a chance to completely enter the Oop Ball. It was decided early on that when a player attempts a Golden Goal head first, his knees had to enter the Oop Ball before his body hit the water. It was then later changed to the ankles. A players ankles must enter the Oop Ball before he touches the water. This rule has remained in affect since the end of the first season. This is the only rule that applies to the Golden Goal, and it is often scrutinized each and every time a Golden Goal is attempted. Golden Goals are highly coveted and celebrated. When a player scores a Golden Goal, it is often celebrated by both teams. Even though the team that didn't score is somewhat disappointed by the loss, it is evident through film replays that they harbor a solemn joy inside for the greatness of the Golden Goal.

General Rules

Hooking- When a player, in or out of the water, either holds onto the handles of the Oop Ball or "hooks" his arm inside of the       opening as a means to control the positioning of the Oop Ball. Controlling the Oop Ball is allowed, as long as the player does not do so in a manner that disallows the use of the "sacrifice" technique.(see sacrifice)

Starting Rules- When starting the game, if there is no Ooper, One player at random must throw the soccer ball up in the air so that it bounces off of the Oop ball. The soccer ball must hit the Oop ball before touching the water or anything else (including other players). If the person starting the game misses the Oop ball with the soccer ball for whatever reason, it is referred to as a Bianca (see Bianca)and the ball is given to the other team. Whichever player starts the game is not allowed to touch the soccer ball until it has touched another player first. Later in season two it was determined that the starting player had to "lob" the soccer ball instead of throw it directly at the Oop ball. See Lob in strategies and effects

Sacrifice- Also known as Sacrificio, is a tactic developed during season two due to the enormity of the playing pool. When a player on one side of the pool has the soccer ball, but no access to the Oop ball because it is on the other side of the pool, one of his teammates may jump into the water with the purpose of moving the Oop ball closer to the player with the ball. Thus he Sacrifices his chance for a goal and gives it to the player with the soccer ball. There has been some speculation that the invention of Sacrificio has led to a decline in alley-oops. (see Strategies and effects)