WHY STANGO PIEDO?
Will this version replace the current official standard version of Stango?
After watching both middle school P.E. classes and a high school varsity boys soccer team play Stango, I consistently noticed that throwing accounted for far more scoring and passing than kicking, which was not what I initially envisioned for Stango. And so, I came up with this version which I’m hoping will results in more of the kind of game I originally imagined.
I’m not saying this version will be “better” (more enjoyable to play or watch), just different. So I’m really looking forward to seeing this version played!
General Stango® Piedo Rules (for teens & adults)
SET-UP
The game begins with the three hoops set at ~120 degrees from one another, and for the remainder of the game they are left to move as they will.
There are three Periods, each 30 minutes long, with 10-minute breaks in-between.
Except for injuries, subs may only enter as Outsiders, and are only allowed at the start of each Period and the Period 3 mid-point.
Since Stango’s guiding principles are good sportspersonship, honesty, comradery, and having fun, the responsibility for fair play and honesty rests with each player. Competition and winning should never come as at the expense of respect for all players, the fans, and the game’s rules and guiding principles. Ideally, the game should therefore be self-refereed where players are responsible for calling their own fouls and resolving any disputes.
To start, the captains meet at the stango to flip a coin (or duke it out: odds/evens, rock/paper/scissors), with the winning team inbounding the ball from anywhere outside the boundary. For the remaining two Periods, teams alternate inbounding to start play.
PLAYING
Players score by getting the ball through the hoops from either direction using any body part. And since play is continuous, both teams are allowed to immediately try and gain possession of the ball after a goal.
There are two positions in Stango: Outsiders and Insiders.
OUTSIDERS
For all Stango versions (other than for Frisbee and Kids Stango):
Outsiders are allowed to roam everywhere outside the 9m Double Point Line including outside the Boundary Line. (Except in Court Stango, where they are not allowed beyond the 9m line.) Should an Outsider touch the ground inside the 9m Double Point Line, they are given a 3-minute suspension beyond the Hedge (or if no Hedge, 2 meters beyond the Boundary Line).
When a ball goes out of bounds, the team touching it last loses possession, and the nearest opponent inbounds from where the ball went out of bounds.
While Outsiders must play by soccer rules, there are three exceptions:
1) They may use any part of their body to score with, including their hands.
2) When an opposing player has the ball in their hands, defenders may block using their hands and arms, and
3) Players may inbound the ball in any way they want, including their hands, but they may not pass to themselves or step over the Boundary Line until the ball is released. The opposing team must give the inbounder a two-meter clearance. Should the inbounder violate one of these rules, the opposing team inbounds the ball.
And here are two important notes regarding the use of hands:
1) Passing via hands / “throwing” isn’t allowed. Once the ball is in a player’s hands, they must take a shot on goal by either “throwing” or drop-kicking. Should they fail to do so, the other team takes possession from that spot, and is given a two-meter clearance before restarting, and
2) Since passing via hands / “throwing” isn’t allowed, should an Outsider’s scoring attempt by “throwing” touch a teammate before passing through the No-Zone, the other team takes possession at the place of touch, and is given a two-meter clearance before restarting.
INSIDERS
Insiders are allowed to roam everywhere, including outside the Boundary Line, but with two caveats:
1) Should an Insider move beyond the 9m Double Point Line, they must play by Outsider rules, with the one exception that they’re allowed to reenter the Inside area, and
2) Insiders are restricted from the No-Zone except for these three reasons:
To kick out a ball. Players may run in to immediately kick a ball out, but may not pick it up, dribble or take possession of the ball for themselves,
To defend an opponent in possession of the ball just outside the No-Zone Line. When doing so, defensive players must stay close to the inside edge of the Line, and
To pass through the No-Zone. When running through, Insiders are not allowed to play defense or touch the ball at all. An Insider running through and interfering with a shot on goal, is goaltending, resulting in an automatic goal, except when the ball is intentionally shot at the Insider.
In no case may Insiders stay within the No-Zone for more than the few seconds necessary to fulfill one of these three objectives. Should they, they are given a 3-minute suspension beyond the Hedge.
Unlike Outsiders, Insiders may only score by kicking, including drop-kicks. However, unlike in the General Rules, Insiders may score through the center hoop.
While Insiders cannot score using their hands, there are two circumstances in which they may use their hands:
ONE: They can pick up the ball or catch a teammate’s pass, but once in their hands they must either pass the ball (by kicking or throwing to Insiders or Outsiders) or attempt scoring by drop-kicking. Should they fail to do so, the opposing team takes possession of the ball on the ground at that place, and are given a two-meter clearance before restarting, and
TWO: Insiders may also attempt catching an opposing player’s pass or shot on goal, but with a consequence should they touch it with their hands or arms but fail to catch it. If it was a shot on goal and the ball fails to go through a hoop, it’s goaltending, and therefore an automatic goal. If it was an attempted pass and the ball falls to the ground before reaching the intended receiver, the offense gets a free unobstructed shot on goal by kicking or drop-kicking from the point of defensive contact. Should there be a legitimate dispute as to whether it was a shot on goal or a pass, it will be considered a shot on goal.
Final note:
All Insiders must become Outsiders during the following Period, including any overtime Periods; and except for injuries, may not be substituted out during either of those two Periods. No one is allowed to be an Insider for more than one Period unless due to injuries or a substitute shortage, in which case Insiders from Period 1 may repeat during Period 3.
SPECIAL OVERALL NOTES
At this time, the number of allowable subs has not been set. As more play time is gained, the number for different versions and ages will be posted.
Each version of Stango has rules specific to that version. MAKE SURE to check them out!
General Rules || Fouls & Violations || Terminology || Field & Court Dimensions
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