sportot

Sportot is a fictional team sport devised for this article to illustrate how a new sport might be structured. It blends elements of field hockey, handball, and basketball and is played on a rectangular court. The objective is for teams to score by getting a ball into the opposing goal, while preventing the other team from doing the same.

Rules and play: The game is contested by two teams of six players each, including a goalkeeper. A match consists of two 20-minute halves with a short halftime. Play begins with a center draw, and the sport emphasizes passing, movement, and controlled shooting. Fouls lead to free plays or turnovers, and teams may substitute players on the fly within designated limits.

Equipment and field: A standard Sportot ball is a soft, composite sphere roughly the size of a handball. Goals resemble small nets placed at each end of the court. The playing surface features markings such as a center line, a goal zone, and a penalty area to guide positioning and restarts.

Scoring and strategy: Each goal counts as one point. Teams use fast breaks, set plays, and defensive schemes to create scoring opportunities while protecting their own goal. Substitutions are rolling, and there are rules governing time spent in certain zones to balance offense and defense.

Governance and competitions: The Sportot International Federation (SIF) administers the rules, rankings, and equipment standards, and sanctions national leagues as well as international events. The sport hosts a World Championship on a biennial cadence with regional tournaments contributing to qualification.

History and reception: Sportot originated in a university setting in the early 2010s and has since attracted a niche international following. Growth has been centered in Europe and North America, with ongoing efforts to expand youth participation and club infrastructure.