- Designate one non-player as the referee. The referee is the sole authority during play and is responsible for settling disputes and ensuring fair play.
- The referee begins play only after all players are standing in the gaga ball court and have indicated that they are ready to start the game.
- One player tosses the gaga ball up in the air. Players yell “ga” on the first bounce and “ga” again on the second bounce, and the gaga ball is then in play.
- Players hit the gaga ball with their hands only, and may not carry or throw the ball – it must be punched with open hand or fist.
- Anytime the gaga ball hits a wall, it then can be caught by another player and they begin to punch the ball along the ground.
- Any player, who is touched by the gaga ball, either directly or by a rebound off the wall, is “out” or must step out of the circle.
- If the gaga ball contacts a player or a player’s clothing below the waist, that player is eliminated. If the ball contacts the player above the waist, the player is still in.
- If the ball goes out of the gaga court, the last player to touch the ball is eliminated.
- If a player catches the ball before it bounces, the player who had the last contact with the ball is eliminated.
- Once the player hits the gaga ball, he or she must wait until the ball touches someone else before hitting it again (no double touches).
- If there are only two players remaining, a player may hit the ball up to 3 times in a row. The gaga ball is “rejuvenated” by contact with the wall, and the hit count resets.
- Some gaga games are designed to be team efforts, although the sport is traditionally a one against-all competition. Teaming, or intentional passing of the ball to other players, is allowed only at the discretion of the referee and must be specified in advance of play.
- There are plenty of gaga ball game variations and customizable dimensions for our portable gaga ball pit plans available, and like 4-square, you can certainly make your own house rules!
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