The rules
What is stoolball?
The game of stoolball, over 500 years old, is the forerunner of cricket. It's played with similar equipment on any grass area with a 90 yard diameter boundary.
How to play
The spirit of stoolball
Stoolball is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its rules but also within the spirit of the game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself.
Rules for stoolball
The rules for stoolball are easy to learn: similar to but simpler than the laws of cricket. These are the updated rules for 2006-2008. You should read about the spirit of stoolball too.
Umpires' guide
This guide helps everyone from beginners to experienced umpires understand the rules in the same way. You should read the rules for stoolball too.
Scorers' guide
Have this guide handy when you score a stoolball match, and you'll always know what to do when something unusual happens.
Mini-stoolball
Mini-stoolball introduces children to stoolball. Children have difficulty using full-size equipment. Mini-stoolball is for children up 15 years old.
Indoor stoolball
Stoolball is played all year round, moving indoors for the winter. With its softer ball, indoor stoolball is particularly good for children.
Equipment and training
Stoolball coaching DVD
The National Stoolball Association's coaching DVD explains how to bowl spin, how to bat effectively, how to improve your fielding, and suggests practices for your class or team. It's an excellent way to improve your stoolball.
Diagram of a stoolball wicket
Ever forget how far apart the wickets are supposed to go when you're setting out the stoolball pitch? You can now print out a high quality diagram of all the measurements on a stoolball pitch, including the size of the wickets, the position of the bowling creases and the distance between the two wickets.
DVD - Let's Play Stoolball
This DVD, with accompanying booklet, allows anyone new to stoolball see how to play. The film explains the rules and promotes the atmosphere and friendliness which runs through the game.
How much does stoolball cost?
If you want to play stoolball you can play for your local team and use their equipment, often for less than a pound a game. If you want to buy your own equipment, you can buy it direct from the National Stoolball Association.
