Overview: Passing around an imaginary football
Logistics:
Ideal for ages 12 to 22.
Best played with 8 to 15 students.
No equipment needed.
Time: Takes 5 to 20 minutes.
How to Play:
Select one of the students to be the Grand Master. He or she will not be playing the game but observing). The Grand Master will appoint one person to start the game. The students stand in a circle facing each other. The game play begins by each player tossing their imaginary hats into the ring. There are four ways to pass the football.
The simplest one is the fwap. To correctly accomplish a fwap, a student must either tap the right leg with the right hand or the left leg with the left hand. The imaginary ball moves to the student on the left or right depending on direction of the fwap. There is also a double fwap, tapping the leg twice, meaning the imaginary ball moves two students to the left or right from the student doing the fwapping. There shall be no cross-fwapping (tapping the right leg with the left hand or vice versa). There shall also be no triple-fwapping or higher.
The second manner of passing the ball is the zoom. To accomplish a zoom, a student must place his or her nose up against the right wrist, pointing with their right elbow at the intended receiver of the ball.
There are two ways in which the ball can be returned. The first is the shrug (simply lifting both shoulders up and down once.). The second is the schmotus. In this the most complex of silent football moves: A student must grab his or her left bicep with the right hand, and with the left hand smack the forehead. The ball may not be returned more than twice. In other words, on the third return of a ball, it has to go to another student.
Above all, students must be silent in “Silent Football.” No student is allowed to speak, smile or show teeth during the game. However, permission to speak may be granted by the Game Master. If anyone wishes to address the Game Master, the student must raise a hand and speak covering the mouth with the other hand, saying, “Mr. Game Master, Sir?” The Game Master will acknowledge the person, and the player may address the Game Master regarding a question or the breaking of a rule by a fellow player. One point is given for each infraction (violating any rule).
The Game Master may not call anyone out for breaking a rule; only other students can. If a student is convicted by popular vote of breaking a rule, a point will be given. When any player receives three points, that player must stand in the middle of the circle and sing “I’m a Little Teapot” complete with motions.
Example: Susie starts laughing during the game play, showing her teeth. Billy sees her, raises his hand, and says, “Mr. Game Master, Sir?” The Game Master says, “Yes, Billy?” Billy says, “Susie just laughed.” The Game Master calls for a vote, and if there are other witnesses, Susie is given one point. This whole conversation took place with Billy and the Game Master covering their teeth with their hands.
