Rules

The rules for snowball throwing, as established by the International Federation of Snowball Throwing, are as follows:

Rule 1: Have fun and make friends. Yes, we all know snowball throwing can turn into a heated competition, but at the end of the day it offers a way to connect with friends and make new ones.
Rule 2: All snowballs must be hand-packed after the start of competition. Stockpiling snowballs in advance is a method used by guerrilla-style snowball gangs. The IFST advocates civilized, regulated snowball throwing.
Rule 3: Competition begins at a date, time and location agreed upon by the competitors in advance. We do not regulate how this agreement is reached, nor do we regulate how far in advance the agreement is made. Also, there is not a regulated playing field for snowball throwing. Snow knows no boundaries and neither do snowball throwers.
Rule 4: Teams do not have to have equal numbers of players, but the teams must be predetermined and agreed upon by all participants. Team competitions require a minimum of two teams; however, there is not a minimum number of players for each team. If you are overly confident in your snowball throwing abilities, you could agree to take on an entire neighborhood. That’s cool with us. The maximum number of participating teams is capped at a number the participants deem ‘reasonable.’ The IFST suggests 10 teams as a maximum.
Rule 5: Competition ends when an individual or entire team runs out of snowballs, declares defeat or runs home to their mommies, whichever happens first. The remaining team is declared victorious. In a multi-team competition, competition continues until only one dominant team remains.
Rule 6: No ice. Use of ice is considered inappropriate. To that point, no weapons of any kind are allowed.
Rule 7: No yellow snow.
Rule 8: If a preassigned judge spots a player crying in competitive snowball throwing, that player is automatically disqualified. There is no crying in snowball throwing.
Rule 9: Parental agreement is required for any participant under the age of 18 in official IFST competitions. If your opponent agrees to an unofficial competition, yet they do not appear old enough to legally make their own decisions, participate at your own risk. No one wants to be accused of knocking down a 12-year-old with a snowball.
Rule 10: Any celebration not resulting in physical injury to the defeated teams or individuals is permitted. Injury to egos is acceptable.
Rule 11: Give it your all. During the long, cold days of winter, what better way to get off the couch and get moving than putting effort into fielding a team, packing snowballs and putting your back into a good round of snowball throwing.

Rules will be edited or added as the IFST deems necessary. In addition to the rules above, safe play is encouraged. Just remember – think before your throw. Now get outside and start practicing. The snow waits for no one!