What is Jugger?
Jugger is a fast-paced team sport that is gaining popularity worldwide.
Two teams of five players compete to score points by placing the game ball (Jugg) in the opposing team´s goal area (Mal). Only the "Runner" is allowed to carry the Jugg and attempt to score . The other four players use padded weapons, called "Pompfen", to tag opponents, protect their Runner, and block the other team from scoring. When a player gets hit by a Pompfe, they must kneel and are temporarily out of play.
The weapons
Even though only the Runner can score, it´s the "Pompfers" who ultimately decide the game by tagging and pinning their opponents.
When a player is hit by a Pompfe, they recive a penalty time of 5 audible signals (called "Stones"). The official German Jugger rulebook defines the permitted dimensions and safety regulations for each type of Pompfe.
There are five differnt types: (from left to right) the Q-Tip, the Staff, the Long sword, the Dual short swords, the Short sword with Shield, and the Chain.
Q-Tip
The Q-Tip is the only Pompfe with two striking surfaces, allowing for versatile attacks, feints, and even a double pin. With a reach of 1.40m, it matches the range of a longsword but is less maneuverable.
reach
mobility
blocking ability
pinning strenght
Staff
The Staff has a reach of 1.10m and offers the highest stability and strength, with good leverage, blocking ability, and agility.
reach
mobility
blocking ability
pinning strenght
Long sword
The Long sword is very mobile and has a reach of 1.40m, but it lacks a bit in stability and blocking ability.
reach
mobility
blocking ability
pinning strenght
Dual short swords
The Dual short swords are the least common, as they have the shortest reach at 0.85m and therefore aren´t as effective for blocking. However, they offer high mobility and the ability to perform a double pin.
reach
mobility
blocking ability
pinning strenght
Short sword with Shield
The Short sword with Shield is one of the most offensive and mobile Pompfen, with the strongest block. Despite its short reach of only 0.85m, it is often used to counter the Chain.
reach
mobility
blocking ability
pinning strenght
Chain
The Chain is the only Pompfe that is limited to one per team. When hit by a Chain, a player recieves a penalty time of 8 Stones. It is the most offensive Pompfe and has the longest reach at 3.20m. However, it cannot be used for blocking or pinning.
reach
mobility
blocking ability
pinning strenght
The playing field
The field
Jugger is played on an octagonal field with a total length of 40 meters and a width of 20 meters. Players enter and exit the field via the 10-meter-long baseline.
20m
5m
5m
10m
30m
5m
5m
40m
The Jugg
The Jugg is the cylindrical game ball placed in the center of the field at the start of each round. It is approximately 30cm long with a diameter of 12cm.
In the past Juggs often resembled dog skulls, but modern designs are simpler and more professional.
The Mals
The Mals serve as placement areas for the Jugg and are positioned 2 meters away from the center of each baseline. To score and end the play, a team must place the Jugg into the opposing Mal.
The Mal referees
The two Mal referees monitor the area around the Mals and determine valid and invalid scores.
The main role of all referees is to enforce the rules, ensure smooth gameplay, and maintain player safety.
Each Jugger match is officiated by at least four referees.
The Mals
The Mals serve as placement areas for the Jugg and are positioned 2 meters away from the center of each baseline. To score and end the play, a team must place the Jugg into the opposing Mal.
The Mal referees
The two Mal referees monitor the area around the Mals and determine valid and invalid scores.
The main role of all referees is to enforce the rules, ensure smooth gameplay, and maintain player safety.
Each Jugger match is officiated by at least four referees.
The head and assistant referee
The head referee and assistant referee oversee the game from the field center.
The main role of all referees is to enforce the rules, ensure smooth gameplay, and maintain player safety.
Each Jugger match is officiated by at least four referees.
The head and assistant referee
The head referee and assistant referee oversee the game from the field center.
The main role of all referees is to enforce the rules, ensure smooth gameplay, and maintain player safety.
Each Jugger match is officiated by at least four referees.
The "Drum"
The drum is a loudspeaker that signals the penalty time, referred to as stones, using an accustic beat. Originally, a hand drum was used, which is how the name came about.
The Game
The basic elements
Game start
Before the game begins, a countdown is given in sync with the drumbeat. After the final stone, the word "Jugger" is called. On this zero stone, players may enter the field, and the game begins.
Tagging
When a player gets hit by a Pompfe, they must kneel for a designated penalty time. If two players hit each other simultaneously, both must kneel - this is called a "double".
Invalid hit zones include the hands (exept for chain players and runners), head, and neck.
In case of disagreement between players, a referee makes the final decision.
Kneeling
When kneeling, one knee must be on the ground, and one hand must be placed on the back. The Pompfe must be set down. The penalty time is counted visibly using the hand on the back.
If a player is hit by a Pompfe or steps out of bounds, the penalty lasts 5 stones. If hit by a chain, it lasts 8 stones.
The penalty time can be extended through a pin.
Pinning
A player can pin a kneeling opponent by touching them with their Pompfe. This extends the kneeling player´s penalty time. Once the pin is released, the player may stand up again on the next stone.
Scoring
The runner does not carry a Pompfe and is the only player allowed to pick up the Jugg and score points. A point is scored when the Jugg is placed into the opposing Mal. Scoring a point ends the current play.
The History
The 1998 post-apocalypic film "The Salute of the Jugger" (originally "The Blood of Heroes") served as the inspiration for the sport. Initially, player re-inacted the film´s gladiator-style fights, but over time, Jugger evolved into a more competetive and tactical sport.
Although Jugger was established in Germany, the sport has since spread to over 30 countries, where teams compete annually in national and international tournaments.
Timeline overview
In January 1990, the movie „The Salute of the Jugger“ was released in German cinemas.
The first documented Jugger match was played as part of a live-action-role-playing game in 1993 in Heidelberg.
​
In 1995 the first official Jugger tournament took place in Hamburg.
​
The German Championship was first held in 1998 in Berlin and has been hosted annually in differnt cities ever since.
In 2003 the German Jugger League was established.
The firstz teams outside Germany were formed in 2005, marking the beginning of Jugger´s international expansion.
The first international tournament was held in Hamburg, 2007.
In 2013 the International Jugger Council (IJC) was founded.
The first official World Club Championship in 2021 took place in Berlin, with 69 participating teams.
In early 2024 we opened the Hintermann Shop as the first online store for professional Jugger equipment.
The German Jugger Federation was founded October 5, 2024.