SUMMARIES of the 10 BASIC

Cooperative PEACE sports

INTRODUCTION

The preferred balls, called EARTHballs* (really ‘soft’ and water resistant with a whole earth logo – earth, humans, plants, animals, fish, etc., intended to help us focus on appreciating and caring for the Natural World), will all be available, hopefully, in the near future – in the meantime, use similar available ‘soft’ substitutes. Those participating in a particular game are referred to as a family. Subgroups are referred to as pods. Players interchange pods at certain times in all the games. If working with classroom sized groups, split the class into multiple families, and play several games simultaneously. Since the games use smaller fields, you should be able to play multiple games in the space previously needed for one game.

 Remember to always try and focus on giving to, encouraging and complimenting others. Don’t place any expectations on yourself or others. Challenge yourself but be careful not to push yourself to do anything which could endanger yourself or others - there is nothing to prove and there are no errors. Laugh at yourself and with others. Be graceful.  Pay attention to what is going on around you, e.g., the sounds of Nature, the feel of the wind, the movement of the clouds. Intergenerational, coed, and drop-in play is always encouraged. Modify the games as you see fit. Please remember our three mantras:

‘WE are ALL ONE TEAM’  –  ‘PLAYING to PLAY - NOT to WIN’

‘EACH PLAY is the GAME’

Note: We have not included cooperative versions of some of our less popular group sports. Some, like ice and field hockey and lacrosse, for example, require specialized equipment and are too rough, others like water polo and team handball are much to rough. That is not to say they could not be modified and softened.

 (the 3 F's)  'FUN  -  FITNESS  -  FRIENDSHIP'

(1) COOPERATIVE SOFTBALL (3 inch or 5 inch EARTHballs) – Ideally, 10-14 players (a family) divided into 2 groups (pods), with 2 outfielders, 2 infielders and a pitcher (optional mid-fielder and catcher). Use a smaller equilateral triangular field - 1^st, 2^nd and home. Gloves are optional (recommended for the more skilled players using, e.g., a tennis ball or ragball). All players hit each inning, with optional practice hits (simulate a play on each hit), and with tennis racquets suggested for all beginners (more skilled players are also encouraged to use racquets as it is easier to direct the ball and thereby challenge the fielders). There are no strikeouts (hitter chooses pitching speed - 3 strikes = walk). Everyone runs all the bases. A fielding play that would result in an out = stop at that base (there are no outs). Runners advance on all hits, even if the ball is caught in the air (advance only one base). Fielding positions are rotated at the beginning of each inning. There is no such thing as an error (except getting hurt – mandatory ‘time out’). Be careful to run in the base lines and when fielding to call the ball so as to not accidently run into someone else. No sliding or any aggressive behavior. Try batting ambidextrously.

There are some subtle variations in the game if there are fewer than 10 players, e.g.,  4-7 players - like batting practice with each hitter getting lots of hits and running all the bases on the last hit;  8-9 players – three pods (1 hitting and 2 fielding), with the hitting/running pod cycling several times around, then all the pods rotate (and change fielding positions as well). Continue until everyone has played every position.

(2) COOPERATIVE KICKBALL, (8 inch EARTHball) – Same number of players and very much like Cooperative Softball, only kicking a larger ball of course. There is the option of gently hitting base runners below the waist – runners must stay within base lines. Try kicking and throwing ambidextrously.

(3) COOPERATIVE BASKETBALL (8 inch EARTHball) – 4-8 players. Half court game and lower goals are preferred. No contact (keeping score/winning is, of course, no longer an issue), with space given the person with the ball to pass or shoot (within a 5 count). Mostly a passing game (option - three dribbles per possession). After a certain time interval, pod member’s interchange. Great game for working on ambidextrous passing and shooting skills. Playing on natural surfaces (even more of a passing game) with special, shorter, 4 inch flex PVC mounted goals (at various heights) is encouraged wherever possible. Overzealous play results in a self-imposed ‘quiet time’. Try to equally distribute shooting among all players.

(4) COOPERATIVE SOCCER (8 inch EARTHball) – 6-12 players. Goalie optional. Limited running with the ball – instead, the ball is advanced mostly by kicking to a pod mate (no stealing when in the possession of a player, and that person must be given a little room to kick to someone else – must be passed within a 5 count). Frequent pod changes and ambidextrous kicking encouraged.

(5) COOPERATIVE FOOTBALL – (5 inch round EARTHball or 8 inch EARTH football) – 4-8 players. One pod kicks off (or throws off) to the other. Touch, ladderaling OK, no blocking. Offensive pod gets 6 plays (even if a ‘touchdown’ or interception occurs beforehand) with everyone playing the same position, then the other pod goes on offense and everyone rotates positions. No blocking and a delayed rush. One or two running plays permitted per series. Pod changes occur as in the other games after everyone has had a turn at every position. Be very careful not to run into others

(6) COOPERATIVE VOLLEYBALL (8 inch EARTHball) – 4-8 players. Attempt 3 hits per pod, OK to play off a bounce on the ground, the same person can hit twice if necessary, and there is no spiking – try to keep the ball in play (can alternatively be played on a tennis court). Each server gets 3 serves, then rotate positions with the serve going to the other side. After everyone serves, interchange pods. Having a net is not absolutely necessary (just a line on the earth will do).

(7) COOPERATIVE TENNIS - (3 inch or 5 inch EARTHballs) – 2-4 players. Just rally and try to keep the ball in play. Low compression tennis balls and child sized racquets work well. In another version, played in a more traditional fashion, each player gets 6 serves (‘out’ serves played if returned) and the ball is played as long as possible (returned even if ‘out’). Net is optional and the game does not have to be played on a hard surface (emphasis on volleying instead). Playing with two racquets is acceptable for developing ambidextrous skills. Similarly, hit a racquet ball back and forth to each other on a solid surface (beach). Table tennis, badminton, and paddle ball can be played cooperatively as well. Use two paddles/racquets.

(8) COOPERATIVE ULTIMATE FRISBEE (soft Frisbee preferred for beginners) – 6-12 players. Very much like its name sake, only no score keeping and frequent interchange of pod members. Thrower must be given space and must throw within a 5 count. If dropped, defense changes to offense. Similarly, we have created a new game; EARTH BALL (3 inch or 5 inch EARTHballs or 8 inch EARTH football) – 6-12 players. Just like ultimate Frisbee, only we are throwing a round ball or a football instead. Constantly change pod members, and as in all the games, boundary lines are not precise and work on ambidexterity.

(9) COOPERATIVE DODGEBALL - (any EARTHball) – 4-8 players. Having a backstop can be useful. Once players are hit (under control, below the waist) those persons join the throwers. Share throwing. Rotate initial thrower among all players for each re-start.

(10) EARTH POPULATION TAG (3 inch or 5 inch EARTHballs) - up to 24 players. The game begins with one ‘human’ boxed in the middle of a bounded field who hits ‘wild beings’ trying to get safely from one end of the field to the other. Those hit become human throwers, each having a ball to throw at the ‘wild beings’ during the next run (great lesson in human population explosion/species extinction).

A note to the mindful – it seems we are being brainwashed (it’s becoming an obsession) into thinking that sports, and life for that matter, is mostly about competition and trying to be better than others. And that violence and aggression are natural and necessary rites of passage into adulthood. We are being sold a bill of goods – much of what we as children learn comes from TV, video games and the movies – and that is exactly what they are mostly about - selling - getting us to buy into to becoming passive, hero worshipping, beer drinking, violent, mindless consumers. It is time for a PEACEful revolution – we need to gently take back and assert what is rightfully our birthright – the innocent, compassionate, authentic, whole, self-assured, giving, simple, loving, playful child residing deep within all of us. We ALL have an inherent right to be supported and to join in the game. Maybe by just simply 'truly playing' we can transform ourselves and the world in which we live into a more peaceful place for ALL beings who share this beautiful HOME.

OTHER COOPERATIVE GAMES/SPORTS

DODGE-BALL, CROUQUET, POOL, GOLF, HORSESHOES, BOCCE BALL, DARTS, RACING (many forms), BOARD GAMES, etc., etc.

Let’s think of some general ways in which all of the above, and other games, can be rearranged, structurally and/or how we think about them, so that the participants have more fun and there are not losers, with some examples:

First, stop keeping score. For example, in horseshoes, just try to get ringers. In bocce ball, just see how close everyone can get to the pallina (by the way, there are many variations on this game involving various objects in various environments – e.g., Frisbees at the beach, etc., etc.). In darts, try to get bulls-eyes. In golf, just keep hitting the ball till it goes in the hole. Enjoy the good shots, improve on those not hit so well (hit the ball over if you don’t like the way you hit it the first time – improve your lie if you haven’t got a shot). There is no need to play exactly by the rules or keep score.

Second, stop thinking there must be a winner. In a foot race, you are simply going from point a to point b, as fast or as comfortably as you can (do not compare yourselves to each other – it is just nice to have a companion/pacemaker with you at times). In dominoes (e.g., the version of 5’s), just keep playing till you’ve had enough, complimenting each other whenever a multiple of 5 is achieved.

Third, equalize the number of turns, and hits per turn, each player gets. For example, in pool, take turns until there are no balls left on the table. In croquet, keep playing until everyone reaches the final wicket (those getting there earlier, continue back around the course). In dodge ball, alternate turns throwing, each player getting the same number of throws per turn, everyone “in” the entire game.

Fourth, don’t intentionally interfere with another person’s device, e.g., as is sometimes encouraged in the games of horseshoes, bocce ball and croquet, and try to develop your playing skills ambidextrously.

FRISBIE, CATCH, PADDLEBALL, PITCHING/BATTING, etc.

These are games designed to be cooperative by their very nature, and ideally suited to just two players (there can be more, of course). They are also great for developing ones ambidexterity. They can be played most anywhere, and modified accordingly. An interesting variation on the first two is throwing and catching two objects (they can be different) simultaneously, e.g., a soft Frisbee and a soft football, or two Frisbees, or two tennis balls (thrown slowly, underhanded), etc.

In the case of paddleball, I would suggest using a relatively soft, lightweight ball (not a racquet ball) that doesn’t go to far and is easier to control and racquetball racquets work quite nicely.

A pitching/batting suggestion is, using a bucket of tennis balls, and a fence not to far away, taking turns trying to hit home runs. Some sort of backstop is helpful as well. Remember to try using two paddles (one in each hand) when playing paddleball (great game at the beach).

ALONE GAMES

Golf, shooting (or throwing at) baskets, throwing/hitting against a wall, croquet, horseshoes, darts, pool, etc. – playing by yourself is a good opportunity to grow your ambidextrous skills. In golf, for example, if you are right handed, try putting and short, running chip shots left handed (never hurts to have a left handed 7 or 8 iron in your bag anyway). Frisbee golf is also lots of fun and can be played with a bat and ball as well.

“Beach golf”, as I fondly refer to it, is one of my favorite alone games. All you need is a bat and a waterproof ball. Hit left handed walking one way down the beach, right handed on the way back. Create imaginary holes along the way if you want – like a piece of driftwood, or a crab trap washed up on the beach. Just get the ball to travel over the object – you don’t have to hit it. You will be amazed at how many friends you’ll make as others take notice of and interact with your game.

Be creative. Don’t worry about what others think.

SUMMARY - I/WE ARE NOT ALONE

I would like to offer you two ‘play’ scenarios and ask you to carefully consider which ‘game’ you would prefer to ‘play’?

The first game will be a classic game of baseball. You are going to play against others who you may or may not know. There will be fans yelling in the stands, coaches making the decisions, umpires calling the plays (sometimes obviously incorrectly).

You are going to play one position (it may not be the position you prefer), you are going to get three at bats (maybe just two, as there are benched players who at least need to be given the opportunity to bat once), you may be struck out or inadvertently hit in the elbow by a very hard ball moving around 50 miles per hour, and if you make an error, the game may be lost on account of your miscue and you are going to have live with that (whatever that might mean to you).

You may get only two or three balls hit to you in the field, and if you are playing second base, for example, and try to make a put out at 2^nd, you may get run into and/or spiked by an overly aggressive player sliding into the base (remember, the opposition is out to win). At least, the first baseman will throw you a few practice grounders between innings.

The second game is going to be more like practice usually is. No fans (friends, parents, etc. are certainly welcome to watch) and no umpires. You are going to play just with your teammates. There may be a coach (an experienced player who can offer pointers to help develop your skills and add to the challenge of the game), who will be encouraged to play along as well.

There will be a rotation wherein everyone gets 5 good hits (the ball will be thrown at slower speeds so it can be hit and you will not be hit), and everyone plays every position (if there is a position you don’t want to play, you don’t have to). Fielders will make “ghost” plays at 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd base or home (designated before each hit) on each batters first four hits.

On your last hit you will run the bases. You will stop at the base where you would otherwise be safe or out in the traditional game. If ‘out’, you will hold at that base until the 5^th hit of the next batter, and then proceed running the bases as before.

This rotation will be repeated 3 times, meaning everyone gets 15 good at bats, everyone runs the bases 3 times, everyone plays every position three times (12 players x 15 hits/player = 15 fielding opportunities per game). There is no keeping score, no winner or loser. There are no errors and extreme care is going to be taken so that no one will get hurt.

What is your choice? Maybe you could have both. For those who must have the winning/losing experience, maintain the status quo. For those who don’t, but who want to participate in group sports, provide the second game as an alternative. Based on youth sports interest and drop out rates, I would suspect that participation in sports would continue into the teen years and adulthood for the vast majority who have given up.

Please remember this – “playing” a “game” and “competition” are not necessarily synonymous. That is to say, games can be played without keeping score, having winners and losers, without being competitive. And for many, it is a lot more fun.

A Word to the Wise – I have a suggestion – please consider giving up your addiction to watching sports on TV, going to football games, etc. All the hype and violence is having an extremely deleterious effect on you and your children – you are becoming immersed in the values of a culture gone astray. I know from experience this will not be easy. Just try cutting back at first, and get some friends together to play with, instead of watching others.

You know what most of the adults say to me when asked to remember what they liked most about organized sports when growing up? – Practicing, not the “real” games!

Lets take a look at the research findings about what kids like most about sports:

Lots of action/personal involvement

Skill development/challenges

Establishing friendships

And what they least like about sports:

It wasn’t that much fun anymore (why do you suppose?)

Inappropriate coaching

To much pressure and emphasis on winning

What is wrong with us? With all the down sides of competition, how, if it must persist, can we, in good conscience, at least not provide a viable alternative? Who are we kidding here? Things are getting worse – not better.

What we are doing now with sports is putting to much emphasis on performance, like in music, where only a few play and the rest listen (it doesn’t have to be that way).

Instead, we should ALL be players, participants in the grand

 “playful harmony of life” – in games, in music, in everything.

In writing this guide, many sources were drawn upon for insight, inspiration, and ideas. For many of those contributing/thinking seriously about this subject, there seems to be an acceptance that somehow competition is good, necessary, a given. So within a competitive, scoring, win/lose context, they are doing their best to manage other aspects of play and games so that some of the negatives, especially of youth sports (the focus of most of the literature), can be minimized. Their ideas for change/reform within the structure of organized youth sports are laudable and completely necessary, as competitive sports are not going to go away.

As you have already noticed (and I apologize for bringing it up once again), I do not think competition in sports is necessary (albeit, maybe it is for some, some of the time, but certainly not for most) to make our games worthwhile, and in fact, more often than not, it is the competitive element and all that goes along with it, that is actually killing the “spirit of play”, and causing the great decline in sports participation as children enter their teens.

What are needed, then, are alternative, non-competitive, organized, youth and adult sports programs that fulfill the needs of the vast majority of children and adults who want to play, just for the fun of it.