Ditch Ball
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Ditch Ball is an annual co-ed tournament at the University of Manitoba, featuring Faculty of Architecture students.
[edit] The Game
The game is played in February in a man-made snow ditch. Two teams square off against each other, playing five on five. Points are scored by taking a large bean bag through the opposing defense and passing it up to your goalie, who sits on a bridge above the ditch. Both teams fight for the same ball, which is thrown into the ditch similar to a face off in hockey, at the start of each half and after every point scored. There are very few rules. As a result, play is extremely physical. Most players wear full equipment to keep from getting hurt, but every tournament features at least a couple substantial injuries. Only five players are in the ditch at a time, but teams are often at least ten players. At least 2 girls must be in the ditch at a time, for each team..
[edit] The Ditch
The ditch, made entirely of snow, is approximately 10 feet wide, 8 feet high and about 40 feet long. The entire inside of the ditch is watered to glaze it with ice, which reduces traction. Each goalie bridge spans the width of the ditch, with one on either side. Team "benches" are located at each end of the ditch.
[edit] History
The game was founded approximately thirty years ago. The first students who played established a set of ground rules, most of which are still intact today. The founding students returned to the University to watch the tournament in 2007. Most are in their early fifties, established in the Architectural community and dispersed across Canada.
