Donkey Basketball: Sport of the Country
No animals were harmed in the making of this story.
Donkey Basketball, one of the most elite sports of an FFA Chapter, along with corn hole, horseshoes, and tractor pulls. To play a game like this requires an immense amount of skill, and even more patience. Seriously, the donkeys can be ridiculously stubborn.
Now, before everyone has a little panic attack, the donkeys are treated like pets. Players are required to sign a liability from stating that they are not to pull on the donkey’s tails or ears, kick the donkey, or hit it. IF you do any of these things, you will be kicked out of the game and somebody else will replace you. Donkeys are only on the court for a maximum of 40 minutes before the game is over.
Naturally, PETA has a problem with these games, saying that they are repeatedly hit and kicked by inexperienced riders and that the lights and noise can be very stressful on the animal. However, I can personally verify that these animals are treated as humanely as any other farm animal we raise. We treat them like pets, and if there is any sign that the animal is getting stressed, we quickly act and remove the animal from the court. We would bring it to a little outdoor pen for it to graze and have a handler from the company soothe it. PETA likes to over-exaggerate on what we all do, especially when it comes to the FFA Organization. Animals are raised ethically and no animal faces any form of abuse. If we see any form of abuse, we act immediately to stop it.
The liability form mentioned above also protects the companies that supply the donkeys and equipment as well as the school. Obviously there is a possibility that you will get hurt, either by falling off the donkey or the donkey throwing you off. These companies do not want to be held accountable for any accidents. Players are also required to wear helmets, in case the do fall or get bucked off.
Now for the rules. The game is played on a regulation basketball court and is very simple: five players on each team, four of them on donkeys and 1 in the center. The center will tip the ball or go retrieve it if it goes out and throw it back into play. The center is not allowed to leave the center circle of the court, required to leave at least one foot in the center at all times, as well as not being able to shoot. The riders play defense, passing the ball between each other. A rider is not allowed to get off the donkey for more than three seconds, and is required to keep at least one hand on the reins at all times, except when passing or shooting. You cannot dribble on a donkey (it is really difficult), so there are no travelling penalties. The game is divided into 8 minute quarters for two teams and adjusted if there are more. Donkeys are not on the court any more than 40 minutes. Players must weigh less than 200 pounds, as any more could hurt the donkey.
Personally, I have run four of these games. They are excellent fundraisers and it brings FFA members and community members together for a fun night of competition. Add in donkey rides for the little kids, food, drinks, and a free throw competition, and a small high school like mine can raise around a thousand dollars in one night.
