Balloon Wars
Tom Jenkins, Bas Raijmakers, Milan Pucha, Andy Huntington, Sunae Kim
Royal College of Art, November 2003
Brief
We want you to come up with new sports, which we will all play on Monday morning in the park (weather permitting).
Intro
Tactics, skill, strategy, rules, teamwork, and competition are qualities found in both games and sports. Balloon Wars turns a child’s party decoration into an attacking physical competition that sits squarely as a new sport that is both simple and compelling. The first annual international Balloon Wars championship was held in Hyde Park, London, on the 3rd November 2003.
The Rules
1 - Each balloon must be inflated to the regulation size (250mm diameter) for equal surface pressure and pop-ability.
2 - Competitors are given 5 stainless steel pins to mount onto their balloon with adhesive tape. They may place the pins in whatever configuration they choose.
3 - Each balloon is equipped with a standard 1.5m plastic party ribbon. Competitors must hold the end of the ribbon throughout matches. Any attempt to hold the ribbon higher up to gain more control of the balloon will result in immediate disqualification.
4 - Safety is paramount: suitable eye protection must be worn at all times whilst competing in balloon wars.
5 - Each round of balloon wars (excluding the final) will take place with 3 competitors. Play is confined to a marked circular field of battle, 4m in diameter. Stepping outside of this area during competition will result in immediate disqualification.
6 – WARNING, participating in balloon wars can result is serious injury. Organisers cannot be held responsible for any spiking, skewering or scratching that may occur.