One player from each team is chosen for captain and stands in the center, the two captains being side by side and moving around each other within a small circle drawn on the floor, as becomes necessary for the shifting direction of the play. The other players of each team are numbered consecutively, and take their places alternately around the square, the two Numbers One standing opposite each other. A referee is also desirable who should start the game, announce score, and award points to the opposing team when fouls are made. The referee may act as scorer, or, if there be a separate scorer, announce the points for scoring. The referee should also pick up any dead (dropped) ball and toss it to the captain of the team.
START.—The game starts, on a signal from the referee, with the captains standing back to back in the center, each facing the Number One player of his team. At the signal each captain tosses his ball to his Number One, who at once tosses it back to him; the captain then tosses it to the next player of his team standing on Number One's right, and he tosses it back. The play is thus continued around the entire square until the captain tosses it again to his Number One, which is called getting the ball "home." The two balls are thus being played around in the same direction, following each other; and one of the main features of the game is to have a ball "overtake" that of its opponents. In the next inning or round the balls may follow in the opposite direction (to the left).
RULES AND POINTS OF PLAY.—Players may lunge or "fall out" when tossing or catching, if one foot be left without the boundary.
Players may stoop or jump to catch a low or high ball, but may not advance beyond the boundary.
One or both hands may be used in tossing or catching.
A dropped ball is returned to play by the referee, who tosses it to the captain.
If a captain drops a ball or bag three times, he changes places with Number One player of his team; this captain, failing three times, changes with Number Two, and so on.
Every ball dropped scores for the opponents, as stated under "Score."
An opponent may interfere, but with one hand only.