General Rules of Yukigassen

Yukigassen is a snowball fight game that originated in Japan. Two teams compete to capture the opponent’s flag, similar to capture the flag games. Yukigassen has grown into an international sport with standardized rules. Here are the basic regulations of Yukigassen.

Gameplay Format

• Yukigassen is played between two teams on a field divided into two zones.
• Each team has a flag located at the back of their territory.
• The objective is to capture the other team’s flag while protecting your own.

Team Composition

• Teams consist of 7 players each.
• Only 5 players per team can be on the field at once.
• Substitutions between the 5 field players and 2 bench players are unlimited.

Equipment

• Players must wear a helmet and gloves for protection.
• Uniforms should identify team affiliation.
• Flags must be visible and securely fastened.
• Snowballs are the only projectile allowed.

Timing

• Matches consist of 3 periods of 5 minutes each.
• The team with the most flag captures after 3 periods wins.
• If tied, a 3 minute overtime period ensues.

Field Layout

• The field is rectangle about 2600 sq ft (25m x 10m).
• Zones are divided by a center line.
• Each zone has a flag and jail in the rear.

Gameplay Rules

• Players can only throw snowballs, no physical contact.
• Defenders can’t cross center line but can throw over it.
• No handing off snowballs to teammates across the line.
• Players hit by snowballs are sent to jail for 10 seconds.

Capturing the Flag

• Players must steal the flag and return to their zone.
• Flag captureers can’t be hit in the opponent’s zone.
• Captured flags must be visible and returned to original position.

Penalties

• Illegal physical contact results in 1 minute penalty.
• Flag tampering is 2 minute penalty.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct is 3 minutes or disqualification.

Victory Conditions

• Most flag captures after 3 periods wins the match.
• If tied, a 3 minute overtime follows and first capture wins.
• Mercy rule: Leading by 5 flags at end of a period is automatic win.

FAQs

How many players are on a team?

Each team has 7 players, with 5 on the field and 2 substitutes.

What equipment do you need to play?

Helmet, gloves, team uniform, and snowballs. Flags must be worn and visible.

How long is a Yukigassen match?

Regulation matches are 3 periods of 5 minutes. Overtime periods are 3 minutes.

Where did Yukigassen originate?

Yukigassen began in Japan in the 1950s and is now played internationally.

What happens if the match is tied at the end?

If tied after 3 periods, a 3 minute overtime period is played. First flag capture in overtime wins.

So in summary, Yukigassen is an exciting snowball fight sport with two teams battling to capture flags. The game has standardized rules on timing, field layout, equipment, gameplay, penalties and victory conditions. It originated in Japan and is now played around the world in cold climates. The teamwork, strategy and snowball fighting skills make Yukigassen a thrilling winter sport!