last visited base or first base (depending on the local rules) and the catching team scores a point. If a batter is unsuccessful at batting after the three attempts allowed, they move to the first base and will run when the next batter bats a valid hit. There are no restrictions on the number of players at each base. If all players on the batting team fail to reach the fourth base (and thus rejoin the queue) and no batsmen remain in the queue, the inner team is caught out ("utebrända"), and depending on local rules extra points may be awarded to the opposing team in return for the safe passage of the players to the queue. Alternatively, the inner team gets to switch sides, as batting is often more lucrative for scoring points. Each team get to play as both sides, usually one or two times, and sides are shifted at predetermined time intervals. Scoring system Score and time is kept by a score keeper, who also has the final say in whether inner team players are caught out at the end of a batting round. Generic scoring system (Due to the lack of a professional organisation governing brännboll, many local varieties exist): Home run (Frivarv/Helrunda) – 6 points for batting team Player passing fourth base (Varvning) – 1 point for batting team Team Caught out (Utbränd) – 5 points for catching team Caught out (Bränd) – 1 point for catching team Fly ball (catch the ball before it hits the ground) (Lyra) – 1 points for catching team In some varieties, catching the ball with one hand only (Enhandslyra) may yield more points Penalty system Generic penalty system (Several varieties exist) First time – warning. Second time – 5 penalty points. Third time – 10 penalty points. Fourth time – disqualification, the opponent wins. Popularity and variations While not being an organized sport with teams, a league and clearly defined rules, it is appreciated by children of all ages during school or after, and friends after work play for fun. Since 1974 an annual Students World Championship tournament has been held in the northern city of Umeå, whereby some standardized rules are followed. The world championship is called Brännbollscupen, which is followed by the festival Brännbollsyran. Brännboll is enjoyed by elementary schoolchildren in the American Upper Midwest (particularly Minnesota), due to the area's large Scandinavian influence. A similar