Emerging Physical Activity Gains Popularity, Offers Enjoyment
Introducing Jugger: A Unique Team Sport Combining Combat and Strategy
In the small town of Demmin, a new sport is making waves among both the young and old. Jugger, inspired by the 1989 post-apocalyptic movie The Blood of Heroes, is a dynamic team sport that blends physical combat with foam weapons and strategic ball handling.
Gameplay
Each team in Jugger consists of five players: one runner carrying the ball, called the jugg, and four Queshers (fighters) who use foam weapons to block opponents and create opportunities for the runner to score. The objective is to carry the jugg to the opponent's goal area, known as the Mal, and place it down to score points for one's team.
Physical contact with foam-padded weapons is allowed to tag opponents, temporarily incapacitating them for a few seconds. The game is played on a rectangular field, usually around 40 by 20 meters, with goals at each end. Matches consist of sets with timed rounds (for example, 7 minutes) with points scored by successful "puts" of the jugg in the opposing goal.
Equipment
The key equipment in Jugger includes the jugg, foam weapons, and protective gear. The jugg is a dog skull-shaped ball, usually a cloth or foam representation. Foam weapons vary by type (e.g., longswords, chains, or "pads") and size. Protective gear is minimal but may include gloves, knee pads, and sometimes helmets.
Weapons are designed for safe combat, allowing players to strike opponents without injury. The pompfen, or "weapons" like balls on chains, various sticks, and shields, used by the pompfer (the four players who protect the runner) are made of plastic to ensure a low risk of injury.
Safety
Safety is a top priority in Jugger. Strict rules govern combat, requiring weapons to be adequately padded to prevent injury. Strikes must be controlled and usually target the torso or arms; hits to the head or neck are off-limits. Players who are hit must drop to a knee or sit, avoiding further involvement until their penalty time passes.
The sport encourages sportsmanship and respect for safety standards, minimizing risk. Protective gear recommendations vary, but many players use knee pads and gloves to reduce abrasions and bruises.
Jugger balances physical intensity with safety through foam weapon combat and standardized rules that promote fair play and injury prevention. It is growing internationally, often played in open fields or indoor arenas.
In Germany, Jugger has been gaining popularity since its introduction in 1997. The sport is played in an internationally staffed Bundesliga since 2004, and enthusiasts like Roland Gorsleben are working to spread the word and introduce the sport to new players.
Recent initiatives in Loitz have seen children taking up Jugger, with Roland Gorsleben providing the necessary equipment for them to try the sport. The children have shown enthusiasm for the game, with Emil expressing enjoyment in Jugger, particularly the double pompfe. Despite initial concerns about pain, the children's hits did not result in bruises, surprising supervisor Wibke Seifarth.
Pia found the game less painful than expected, stating that opponent's hits did not hurt. Lara, on the other hand, jokingly asked if they were playing knights due to the equipment. Despite its combat-like nature, Jugger is designed with safety in mind, ensuring that players can enjoy the game without fear of injury.
[1] Jugger.org [3] Jugger-bundesliga.de
Jugger's unique blend of combat and strategy extends beyond the sports field, inspiring a fresh outdoor-living and home-and-garden lifestyle for many enthusiasts, who decorate their spaces with Jugger-themed garden sculptures and unique home accents.
Embracing Jugger as a sport doesn't just mean participating in games; it also includes a passion for an active lifestyle that values sports, teamwork, and safety, fostering a positive lifestyle overall.
