Fig. 626.
The baskets are called the goals; usually they are hammock nets of cord, sometimes metal chain links; they are always suspended from metal rings eighteen inches in diameter (inside). The back part of the metal ring is fastened to an iron bar which extends six inches from the pole or wall to which it is attached (Fig. 615). The
Ball
is round and hollow, composed of two layers, an inside rubber bladder and an outside cover of leather. The rubber is tightly inflated and the cover so laced that it cannot be caught or held by the lacing. The ball measures from thirty to thirty-two inches in circumference and weighs from eighteen to twenty ounces (Fig. 616).
The usual
Set of Players
is ten, making five on each side, though the game is occasionally played with more. The set sometimes numbers as many as twenty members, ten on each side; but such teams are rare, and generally undesirable. Large teams crowd the field to such a degree that very little skill is required to reach the goal, and action to a great extent is rendered almost impossible.
Each side chooses its own
Captain
who must be one of the five girls constituting the side. There are always two captains in a game, and they should be selected with care, as much depends upon their proper qualifications for holding the office. In addition to other duties, the captains toss for the choice of goals, are active players in the game, represent their respective sides, and are entitled to call the attention of the officials to any violation of the rules which they may think has occurred; it is their further duty to furnish the scorer with lists of their sides, giving the positions of the players. The captain appoints the forwards, guards, and centre.