Matanage rules

1. Tournament Format

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1.1 Matanage shall be played as a team-based elimination game between two opposing sides.
1.2 Matches are played with a fixed duration of fifteen (15) minutes.
1.3 The team that eliminates all opponents before time expires wins immediately.
1.4 If no team is fully eliminated by the end of regulation, the team with the greater number of players remaining on the field shall be declared the winner.
1.5 In the event of a tie in remaining players, the match shall be declared a draw.

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2. Team Composition

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2.1 Each team may have a maximum of ten (10) players on the field.
2.2 A minimum of five (5) players per team is required to start match.
2.3 Each team must include at least one (1) female player on the field.

2.4 Teams with fewer players will receive extra lives to maintain fair and competitive gameplay.
2.5 No player substitutions are allowed during a match. Only eliminated players may re-enter upon revival.
2.6 Teams operate without captains; all players share equal authority and responsibility.

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3. Match Duration

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3.1 Each match lasts fifteen (15) continuous minutes.
3.2 The clock runs uninterrupted unless stopped due to injury or by referee discretion.
3.3 There are no halftime breaks; however, short pauses may be granted between rounds by mutual agreement.

 

4. VICTORY CONDITIONS

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4.1 A team wins by eliminating all opposing players.
4.2 If the match reaches full time, the team with more active players remaining is the winner.
4.3 If both teams have an equal number of active players at full time, the match ends in a draw.

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5. THROWING RULES

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5.1 The ball must be thrown while facing the opposing team, using a between-the-legs, two-handed motion.
5.2 The thrower must maintain both feet flat on the ground throughout the throw.
5.3 A throw is considered legal if it passes within the outstretched arm’s reach of any standing opposing player.
5.4 If the legality of a throw is disputed, the player may repeat the throw in the most similar manner possible, subject to referee approval.
5.5 Players may not step into the opposing team’s zone at any time during the throw.

5.6 ‘Faking’ or intentionally pretending to throw is illegal. This type of action forces the opponent to move when it’s not permitted.
 

6. CATCHING AND REVIVAL

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6.1 A player who catches a thrown ball with both hands and arms crossed in front of their body shall immediately revive all eliminated teammates.
6.2 Crossed-arm catches must be clean, uninterrupted, and performed with full control.
6.3 Revived players must return to the field by entering from their team’s designated starting line.
6.4 Regular two-handed catches without crossed arms prevent elimination but do not trigger revivals.
6.5 One-handed catches or traps against the body are invalid and do not count.

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7. MOVEMENT AND POSITIONING 

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7.1 Players may move forward toward the center once the opposing team has thrown the ball in their direction.
7.2 If no player on the advancing team successfully catches the incoming throw, all teammates who moved forward, as well as the player who threw the ball, are eliminated.
7.3 Players must remain on their own side of the field and are not allowed to cross into the opposing team's half at any time during play.
7.4 Eliminated players must immediately exit the field and wait in the revival area.

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8. BOUNDARIES AND FIELD RULES

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8.1 The field must be clearly marked with boundary lines and a center line.
8.2 Players who fully step outside the field with both feet are immediately eliminated.
8.3 Balls thrown or deflected outside the field of play are considered dead balls and result in a turnover.

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9. CONDUCT AND INFRACTIONS

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9.1 All players must demonstrate respectful behavior and uphold sportsmanship.
9.2 Reckless actions, head-targeting, false revival claims, or unsporting behavior may result in warning or removal.
9.3 Disputes with referee decisions must be addressed calmly and respectfully during a stoppage.

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10. OFFICIATING

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10.1 One (1) referee or official shall supervise each match and enforce all rules.
10.2 The referee has full authority to make final decisions on throws, catches, eliminations, and revivals.
10.3 In case of unclear situations, the referee may authorize a repeat throw or issue a neutral restart.