Richieball

Richieball 13 will be held on Saturday, August 14th. 

The Head Richieball Council held a meeting on June 30th and would like to share the following information:

Suspensions:

Chris Sigl- 763 day suspension levied for leaving the tournament while in progress and not returning.  Chris will be eligible for reinstatement prior to Richieball XVI. 

Scott Hejna- 3 game regular season suspension for lude behavior.  Scott’s partner will be playing solo for the first three games of the regular season.  Scott’s partner will only receive one toss per round.  Scott will be on probation through Richieball XVI. 

Announcements:

The Richieball 13 field will be expanding to include 4 additional teams.  In total, there will be 68 participating teams.  Unlike in years past, not all teams will be eligible for the double elimination playoff tournament.  The bottom four teams in each conference will take place in a single elimination “play-in” game that will determine which teams make the playoffs.  After the “play-in” games are finished we will have a traditional 64 team double elimination tournament to determine the Richieball 13 champions. 

These are the most frequently asked questions (and answers) that the head council has received:

Is there a Pre-Richieball gathering this year?

We will be having the pre-party at The Stag’s Head (8933 S. Archer, Willow Springs, 60480).  The bar/restaurant the same location we had the Pre-Party for Richieballs X and XII.  The party will be informal and start around 7:00 pm on Friday, August 13th. 

Can I practice for Richieball?

Absolutely not.  If you do you will be hunted down and suspended for life.

Are there any available spots in the tournament?

Each of the 68 spots is accounted for.  The best way to become a participant in future tournaments is by coming to this year’s Richieball and speaking with all of the members of the Council independently.

Where is Richieball this year?

Richieball 13 is at the same place as last year, White Eagle Woods located in Lyons, IL.  The White Eagle Picnic Grove is located 2 blocks West of Harlem off 40th street.  There is a Marshall’s and a Cardinal Fitness at the small intersection of 40th and Harlem, so keep your eyes open and don’t miss the turn.

How many teams are participating in this year’s tournament?

There will be 68 teams (136 participants) competing in the year’s double elimination tournament.

I am playing in Richieball, what time should I get there?

All teams should be at the grove at 10:30 ready to play.  Any team that is missing at the start of the tournament will be ejected from the tournament and a replacement team will be inserted in their place.  Once a team starts together, they must continue the entire tournament as a team.  There are absolutely no substitutions once a team has started its first game.  Changing players throughout the day will result in suspension.  The Richieball Head Council encourages teams to come earlier than 10:30 to hang out and get an understanding of how the game is set up and how the scheduling works.  It is imperative that every team understands how the schedule works so that we can complete the tournament in a timely manner (before nightfall).  At least one member of your team should be well aware where and when your next match up is.  If a team needs to be tracked down or can not be found, they will forfeit that game.  The most critical thing a team can do on the day of Richieball (besides from showing up) is being aware of when and on what alley your next match up is taking place.

Are my friends and family welcome to the event?

Yes, friends and family are welcome at Richieball, although there are a couple of things to take into consideration:  We have a limited supply of beer, food, and water so don’t bring the entire neighborhood; Anyone consuming alcohol must be at least 21 years of age.  This consequences of providing alcohol to a minor are severe (as everyone is well aware) and we do not want anyone put in a precarious situation.  So once again, anyone consuming alcohol must be at least 21 years old.

What does my team’s $60 go towards?

Each teams entry fee is used to pay for the many permits needed to secure the picnic grove, the food, beer, ice, tent rental, water, and the rest is donated at the end of the day to the our charity (along with the proceeds of t-shirt sales and the 50-50 raffle).  Remember, one of the things that makes Richieball unique is that the players pay and the fans come for free.

What should I bring to Richieball?

All sales of the raffle tickets and merchandise benefit the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, so please bring a few extra bucks to spend.  Other than that, prepare as if you were heading out for a picnic or BBQ (bug-spray, lawn chair, snacks, etc).