Street Football Rules of the Old Days: Through the Lens of Himbacracy Philosophy

 

Street Football Rules of the Old Days: Through the Lens of Himbacracy Philosophy

By Uerimanga Tjijombo (The Himbacracy Philosopher)

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1. No Referee

   • Himbacracy Viewpoint: The absence of a referee symbolises a pure and egalitarian system where the game thrives on mutual understanding and collective decision-making. In the spirit of Himbacracy, this rule celebrates self-governance and accountability, emphasising the wisdom of the community over hierarchical oversight.

2. The Game Ends Either When Players Are Tired or at the Maghrib Call to Prayer

   • Himbacracy Viewpoint: Time, in this context, is fluid and tied to natural rhythms and communal practices. The acknowledgment of Maghrib reflects a balance between recreation and spirituality, underscoring the Himbacratic belief in harmony between individual joy and collective cultural duties.

3. The Score is 23-22

   • Himbacracy Viewpoint: Scores in street football often transcend mere numbers. A game where the score is 23-22 is a poetic nod to persistence, creativity, and an unspoken agreement to play until satisfaction. It mirrors the Himbacratic ethos: what truly matters is not perfection but the experience of the journey.

4. A Penalty is Given if a Player Swears on God

   • Himbacracy Viewpoint: This rule reflects moral grounding within the game, tying ethics and respect to accountability. In Himbacracy, this mirrors the principle that actions must align with values, and boundaries rooted in shared beliefs create a respectful and inclusive space.

5. The Chubby Person Becomes the Goalkeeper

   • Himbacracy Viewpoint: This practice is a playful yet pragmatic approach to resourcefulness. The chubby individual is not marginalised but embraced in a role that suits their strengths, reinforcing Himbacracy’s call for recognising diverse abilities and integrating them into collective success.

6. If the Ball Owner Gets Angry, He Takes the Ball, and the Game is Over

   • Himbacracy Viewpoint: This highlights the subtle power dynamics in informal systems. The ball owner represents authority, and their mood determines the game’s fate. This rule underscores the Himbacratic principle of negotiation and diplomacy to maintain harmony in shared endeavors.

7. The Foul is Counted if Everyone Agrees

   • Himbacracy Viewpoint: Consensus is the cornerstone of this rule, embodying the Himbacratic philosophy of participatory governance. It emphasises that fairness is not imposed but emerges from shared agreement, fostering respect and trust among participants.

8. The Wall is a Good Player and Can Be on Your Team Anytime

   • Himbacracy Viewpoint: The wall is a silent ally, embodying adaptability and resourcefulness. In Himbacracy, it symbolises the unseen forces and supportive structures within a community that can be tapped into when needed, enhancing the collective effort.

9. An Extra Player is Allowed if the Teams Are Not Equal

   • Himbacracy Viewpoint: Equity over equality shines here. Himbacracy cherishes dynamic adjustments to ensure balance, reflecting that fairness doesn’t mean identical treatment but accommodating differences to level the playing field.

10. Goalkeepers Can Be Changed During a Penalty Kick

• Himbacracy Viewpoint: Flexibility and strategic shifts align with this rule. It symbolises adaptability and the Himbacratic value of rethinking roles in moments of high stakes, ensuring the collective’s benefit takes precedence over rigid norms.

11. If the Ball Goes Over the Crossbar, the Game Pauses for Half an Hour to Discuss Whether It’s a Goal or Not

• Himbacracy Viewpoint: Debate and discourse are integral to community decision-making. This mirrors the Himbacratic belief in the value of dialogue, even if it’s lengthy, as long as it leads to consensus and a shared understanding.

12. The Ball Owner Plays for the Stronger Team

• Himbacracy Viewpoint: Power dynamics are at play, and this rule acknowledges the natural hierarchy introduced by ownership. Himbacracy would argue for the negotiation of fairness here, urging the stronger team to utilise their advantage for inclusivity rather than domination.

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Final Thoughts

Street football, as seen through the philosophy of Himbacracy, is a microcosm of community life. It celebrates diversity, adaptability, consensus, and the balance between individual roles and collective goals. These cherished rules are not just about football they’re a reminder of the values that sustain humanity and create unforgettable memories.

Greetings to everyone who lived these beautiful moments!