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by The Republic of San Montagna. . 15 reads.

Paeda del pajès (San Montagnan Sport)

Paeda del pajès (also known in its short form Paeda) is a traditional San Montagnan sport comparable to both football and rugby. The Sport originated in the 17th century following the arrival of Venetian colonists in San Montagna. It is based of early forms of games similar to Football and rugby which were popular in Venice, such as Calcio Fiorentino. The Venetian name means "Sport of the homeland" which signifies the sport's Venetian origins. Recently, San Montagnan have concluded that Paeda del pajès and its Venetian ancestors were most likely descendants of the Roman game of harpatsum. The sport is most popular in the provinces of Nuovo-Venezia, Ravenna and Giulia.

History


The first verified written mention of Paeda was in the writings of a Venetian Merchant in 1734, however the earliest form of Paeda was believed to have been played only a few years after the arrival of colonists in 1624. The first organised game was played in 1743 when the Bishop of Sabazio organised a game to celebrate Easter. This first game soon became an annual event which continues to this day. In the early 20th the sport was played as an act of defiance during the Occupation of San Montagna by Athara Magarat following the ban of several traditional San Montagnan gatherings and events by the empire.

While the sport is the only one native to San Montagna, it is not its most popular as it peaked in popularity during the 18th century but was soon overtaken by other imported sports such as Football. Still, the Annual Amateur Paeda tournament held in Sabazio is one the most spectated sport events in the country and continues to draw massive crowds since its inception in the late 19th century.

Rules


There are approximately 15 different official sizes for a Paeda field the smallest being 90m by 40m and the largest being 140m by 70m. However in official events the San Montagnan Paeda Association uses a 120m by 60m field. Official events are held on Grass fields, but regional events are held mainly in the town Piazzas with a field covered in sand. (The different sizes of every San Montagnan towns Piazzas is what created the necessity for the various different sizes of the playing field). A colored line down the middle of the field into two identical squares, goal nets are positioned on each end, in front of each net is a 1m by 2m area delimited with coloured lines, this is the goalkeepers area. Official events have the field surrounded by a wall while recreational games often do not.

Matches are 60 minutes long and are divided into two 30 minute halves. Each team may field 21 players. the teams are made up of one portar (goalkeeper), 10 indrio (Defenders) and 10 soldà (Forwards). Each team can have an additional substitutes. There is no limit on the number of substitution a team can make, however they cannot be substituted for injured or expelled players.

The one referee and 4 linesmen are tasked with officiating the game and ensuring the game is run smoothly.

The game begins when the ball is launched into the play by a linesmen, there are no rules dictating where the ball should be thrown into play, but it is customary to launch it towards the middle of the field. During the game, each team attempts to score in the opposing teams net by either throwing, kicking or spiking the ball. Players can transport the ball by any means necessary as there are no rules on how the ball is too be transported. During the game, each position has a specific role to play. Goalkeepers must attempt to prevent the ball from going in by catching, punching or palming the ball and are the only players on the field allowed to access the goalkeepers area in front of the net. Defenders are tasked to prevent the ball from approaching the net and to then get the ball to a Soldà as only the latter are capable of crossing the middle line. Forwards are tasked with scoring on the opposite net and are also expected to help defend their teams net as well.

While this strategy does not gain the team any points, players are commonly involved in fights with opposing players with the goal of either occupying or injuring the latter as the sports rules against fighting are basically non-existent, save for some regulations which call for expulsion to players who headbutt, sucker punch, choke or hit opposing players with low blows among others. As winning fights often leads to openings and chances to score, several players are recruited to teams based on their fighting prowess and it is not common for these players to not come into contact with the ball for the entire game.

If the ball exits the field, the linesmen is tasked with throwing the ball back into play, the same is true following a goal. If a player is expelled, the ball is given to the opposing goaltender and is then either kicked or thrown into the play.

Precision is important as each missed shot awards the opposing team a half-point. After 60 minutes the game ends, if a team has more points than the other team, they awarded the victory. If there is a tie, both teams compete in an endless extra time which only ends after a team scores and wins the game. Following the end of a game it is customary for the losing team to award a prize to the victors, this can vary from cash to livestock, although in the last 50 years a paid dinner has been a popular option.

Domestic Competitions


Paeda players are not paid because the sport has no professional competitions as only amateur competitions, although the San Montagnan Paeda Association has recently began paying for players health related expenses caused by the sport. There are several amateur competitions around the country, although the most recognized is the Annual Amateur Tournament which hosts 16 teams from around the country in a 1-game knockout format. The Teams which participate in the Annual Tournament are usually winners of regional tournaments, however exceptions are sometimes made if a winning team is unable to attend. The victorious team wins the prestigious Bartolomeo trophy.

The Republic of San Montagna

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