The players are divided into two parties of equal numbers and lots should be drawn to decide which side shall have the eastern goal, and all of that side must wear red head-bands; the other side must wear yellow head-bands to show that theirs is the western goal.

An Umpire must be chosen, to whom belongs the duty of tossing the ball when necessary; to keep the score, and to settle any disputes.

To make a point the ball must be tossed so as to hang on the crossbar of the wicket.  An agreement must be made as to how many points shall constitute the game.

THE GAME

The players stand in two rows about fifteen to twenty feet apart, one color on one side, the other color opposite.  The Umpire takes a place between the two lines and as near as possible to the middle of the rows.  When all are in readiness the double-ball is tossed by the Umpire straight up into the air, and all those whose places are near the middle of the rows watch the descent of the “ball” and try to catch on their sticks the connecting cord of the double-ball.  If one succeeds, she tries to send it down the line toward the goal of her side; those of the opposite side try to prevent success to this movement and to send the “ball” in the other direction.  The “ball” should not be allowed to touch the ground from the time it is tossed until it is lodged on the wicket.  The side that lets the “ball” fall to the ground loses a count, and the side that keeps the “ball” up until it reaches the goal scores two points, equal to four counts.

HOOP AND JAVELIN

INTRODUCTORY NOTE.—­This game was widely known and played among the various tribes dwelling within the territory now occupied by the United States.  In its passage from one tribe to another the game became modified into several types, but the fundamental character was not changed, so that all these types are, in a sense, a unit.  The game is very old upon this land; the articles used in playing it have been found in ancient graves, in the cliff dwellings of the Southwest and in various ruins scattered over the country.

Among the Pueblo tribes the articles used in types of this game appear among the paraphernalia on altars prepared for certain ceremonies.  From a study of these ceremonies in connection with the myths of the people it seems probable that the hoop used in this game represents the shield of the War God.  When the hoop has a netting that fills the center and covers the edges, the netting simulates the magic web of the Spider Woman, a person that frequently figures in the myths and stories of different tribes.  Her web generally serves as a protection furnished by her in a conflict.