The Official Rules of Play
How To Play Tampon Ball
Tampon Ball is a simple backyard game with flexible rules, designed so people of all ages and athletic abilities can play together and actually have a good time. We've played games that included both an 80-year-old and a 6-year-old, playing side by side. The rules are intentionally few and simple because that's part of what makes the game so enjoyable.
As Tampon Ball has grown in popularity, we've also seen the need for a more defined rule set for competitive play and tournaments. We're currently developing an official set of rules for players who want a more structured, competitive experience.
Some aspects of the game are still open for discussion. Visit our Rule Discussion blog to share your thoughts and help shape the final version of the official rules.
Absolute Basics
Tampon Ball is a team sport. The objective is to score more goals than the opposing team. Two goals are set up on opposite ends of the field, and each team's job is to get the ball into the opposing team's goal. The ball can be advanced by hitting it with the Tampon (the foam-tipped stick) or by kicking it.
Equipment
Tampons: 30" sticks with a 4" wide foam head.
Ball: 13" diameter vinyl ball.
Goals: Two 4ft x 3ft pop-up goals.
All of these are included in the Ultra Set, along with a carry bag.
Note: The ball type matters and shouldn't be substituted. Vinyl balls are light and unpredictable, which is exactly
what fuels the chaos and fun of this game. Vinyl balls are prone to popping — but
replacements are easy to find. You can order additional balls through our website, or grab a similar one from the ball
bin at a local store like Walmart.
Scoring
A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line.
Goals cannot be scored by kicking the ball. However, if the ball accidentally deflects off a player's foot without a kicking motion, the goal still counts.
Goals also cannot be scored off a player's hand, with one exception: the hand holding the Tampon is considered part of the stick, so a ball that deflects off that hand into the goal is a legal score.
Every other body part is in play and may be used to score.
Fouls
There are only three official fouls: handball, kicked goal, and "Being a ___."
Both handballs and kicked goals result in a free hit. A handball occurs when the ball touches the hand (including the forearm up to the elbow). A kicked goal happens when a player scores a goal by kicking the ball rather than hitting it with the Tampon.
"Being a ___" is a catch-all foul that covers playing too rough, hitting people with the stick, throwing the stick, or obnoxious arguing. The punishment is decided by the group playing. Here are a few tested suggestions: start with a light warning, then escalate to public shaming or suspension from the game. Our top recommendation is a "Being a ___" jar — the offending player has to drop a bill (whatever denomination you choose) into the jar for each offense, with the proceeds going toward post-game snacks and drinks.
Free Hits
Any player on the team awarded the free hit can take it. The ball is placed at the spot of the foul, and the hitting team lines up to take the shot. The ball can't be kicked — it has to be hit with the Tampon. The player taking the free hit isn't allowed to touch the ball again until another player, on either team, has made contact with it.
The opposing team may form a two-player wall about 15 feet in front of the spot of the free hit — unless the foul happened within 20 feet of the fouling team's own goal. In that case, the fouling team is denied a wall and may place a single defender to the side of the goal instead. That defender can only use their Tampon to defend the shot; no other body part is allowed to deflect it.
All players not taking the hit and not part of the defensive wall must stay outside the goal alley — the strip down the middle of the field running goal to goal, extending 5 feet out from each goal on either side, and 5 feet past each goal line.
Goalies
The goals in Tampon Ball are fairly small. We have always had a 'No Goalie Rule' that is generally ignored. Here are three options. Try out the options and let us know which approach you prefer by replying on the "Rule Discussion" Blog.
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Goal Box
The area immediately in front of the goal is off limits to any player. Though easy to understand, this rule requires additional setup and gear. It also might be hard to regulate.
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Reverse Offsides
The furthest back player on the defensive side must stay within 5 feet of the furthest forward offensive player. This rule does not require additional gear but is a little ambiguous and hard to regulate.
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Goalie with no Stick
Allow a goalie, but the goalie is not allowed a stick. The goalie can only use their feet. This rule does not require additional gear. It is easy to understand and regulate.