MÉTA

Méta is a traditional Hungarian ballgame, played by two groups of 10-15 children. The equipment is rather simple: you need a bat, approximately 65-75 cm long, 60-65mm wide and 20-25mm thick and a ball (like a tennis ball).

Méta is similar to the castle-wars of the Middle Ages.

Originally the youth of urban schools played it. Later it

became popular in the countryside as well. It is a beloved part of Hungarian

urban folklore.

The origin of Méta stretches back centuries, and there is no trace of an original version.

During its long history several versions were played, all closely related to cricket and baseball.

Métafield

Two teams of 10-15 children.

One team is the batter, the other is the catcher.

Roles change at halftime.

The batter stands on the batter point, with bat in his hand. Facing him stands the pitcher,

who throws the ball for him.

Rules of the Game

The batter hits the ball as far as he can.

After that he can run around the métafield and touch all of the castles with his hand, and arrive back to the métaline, to his team.

If he misses the ball, hecan ask for two more.

At the same time the catcher tries to return the ball to the pitcher, who puts it on the métaline and shouts „STOP”!

If there is a runner who isn’t in a castle at this time, he must go to the prison.

After the hit, the next batter stands on the métaline and so on … until the halftime ends or the batters are used up.

The batter team scores one point for each runner who arrives back to the métaline.

Penalties: the opponent of the penalized team scores the point .

Scoring

If the game is, for example, 40 minutes long, it is divided into two 20 minute long halftimes.

If the teams change roles before the end of halftime, the remaining time should be halved between them.

Timing

In every unsettled question, the umpire rules.

For crossing the métaline the penalty is one point off.

For deliberate breaking of the rules, the penalty is two points off, or sending off.

Judging

Méta became a very popular ballgame among pupils.

They often play it in PE classes or in freetime.

Méta at Schools

Let’s try it!