| Although it hasn't taken off as quickly as other | | | | points. |
| extreme sports, finger jousting is on the rise in | | | | There are some moves which, if performed |
| Dallas, Houston and elsewhere in Texas. Individuals | | | | during a match, result in a penalty. The |
| can often be found finger jousting in living rooms | | | | punishment for a penalty usually changes, |
| and open air malls throughout the state and | | | | depending on the type of scoring method the |
| around the country. | | | | opponents have agreed upon. Here's a list of |
| Finger jousting begins when two participants clasp | | | | penalties in finger jousting: |
| their right hands together, with the index finger | | | | • Using a left arm, or either leg, as an |
| extended. The object of the joust is to attempt | | | | offensive weapon. |
| to poke the other individual anywhere but the | | | | • Letting go of your opponent's hand. |
| right arm. Individuals may move in any direction | | | | • Curb stomping, smoke tagging, whipping, |
| as long as their hands remain clamped together, | | | | or generally beating your opponent after you win |
| and they may not use their left arms or either of | | | | a round. |
| their legs in an offensive fashion. Players can vary | | | | • Biting. |
| the scoring, but players usually play to a set | | | | • Any action that compromises your own |
| score. | | | | or your opponent's integrity, including, but not |
| The length of a finger jousting match can range | | | | limited to, intentionally aiming for your opponent's |
| from a few seconds for beginners to a few | | | | groin. |
| hours for two evenly matched, well-trained | | | | The origin of finger jousting is hazy. Some |
| opponents. Players begin by showing a sign of | | | | historians believe the sport was founded by the |
| respect, which can include a handshake, bow, or | | | | ancient Israelites, who referred to it as finger |
| hug, then they interlock their right hands. When | | | | spearing. There are references to finger spearing |
| both index fingers are extended, the match | | | | contained in the Book of Phalanges, an apocryphal |
| officially begins. A player then tries to poke the | | | | manuscript that was excluded in the Bible at the |
| opponent with his or her own index finger before | | | | Council of Nicaea, held during the late 10th |
| the opponent can do the same. Different | | | | century. Most finger jousting historians, however, |
| offensive and defensive moves can be | | | | agree that finger jousting developed its modern |
| performed to gain an advantage during the match. | | | | form during the 1970s. The biggest event in the |
| Matches are played for a desired prize, usually | | | | modern history of finger jousting was the World |
| honor and/or spoils. The preset prize is awarded | | | | Finger Jousting Federation's founding on August 1, |
| to the victor following his or her victory. | | | | 2005. |
| Each round of a finger jousting match ends after | | | | Rules found in the World Finger Jousting |
| one minute. The round may also end when a point | | | | Federation's Code of Conduct: |
| is scored or a foul is committed. After each | | | | • “Respect -- Always honor the |
| round, there's short break, usually thirty seconds. | | | | outcome of a match. Without personal integrity, |
| There are several variations for scoring: | | | | the WFJF would cease to exist. Respect also |
| • Quick Play Rules -- One point is scored | | | | includes not intentionally aiming for the groin. |
| each time a player pokes his or her opponent. | | | | • Decorum -- Do not use profane or lewd |
| This format is usually played to an odd number of | | | | speech before, during, or after the match. |
| points (best of three, best of five, etc.). In this | | | | Remember every time a member jousts, he/she |
| format, a player receives a warning for one foul; | | | | is acting as an ambassador of the WFJF. |
| two fouls result in a subtraction of one point, and | | | | • Non-disturbance -- Avoid disquieting |
| three fouls result in disqualification. | | | | surrounding bystanders and inanimate objects |
| • Point Play Rules -- Point play rules are | | | | while leisure jousting. Do not engage in finger |
| similar to quick play rules, except that different | | | | jousting matches at inappropriate settings or |
| parts of the body are worth a different amount | | | | during inappropriate times. |
| of points. The left arm and legs are worth one | | | | • Manicure -- Taking care of your fingernails |
| point, the chest and central body are worth two, | | | | is a sign of respect for your opponent and shows |
| and the head is worth three. Point Play Matches | | | | an interest in maintaining a healthy body. |
| are usually determined by the winner attaining six | | | | |