around 40 players chosen at random using a pack of playing cards, i.e. red or black team. The "ball" is a heavy pyramid-shaped leather sack stuffed with straw which becomes extremely heavy when wet and difficult to handle. Goals are designated by painting a single tree red at either end of the pitch and a goal is scored by touching the opponents' tree with the ball by whichever means possible. There is no referee or timekeeper and although there are few rules, good sportsmanship is encouraged. The game ends by mutual consent once a side is deemed too far ahead on goals to be caught; games usually lasting 2–3 hours. On 11 February 2017, 16 players met for a revival of the soule and played during 4 periods of 15 minutes, in the village of Saint-Césaire-de-Gauzignan. Although the beginning seemed messy, the players quickly understood the rules and the game went well. Variations – 'Choule [with a] stick'. Five players with substitutes able to enter constantly. The ball was made of string or packing and rag surrounded of leather, approximately 10 cm in diameter with a weak rebound. Personnel included a field referee and two goal referees. – played with large teams, and very rough like rugby. The ball could be played with hands or feet. , or – An early version of cricket, played with bats and wickets. No records of it exist except in early engravings. See also Knattleikr, a Viking ball game which may be the origin of la soule/choule. Caid, an early Irish ball game similar to la soule/choule. Episkyros, an Ancient Greek ball game Trigon, a Roman ball game Medieval football in Europe. Royal Shrovetide Football, heraldic similarity - three cockerels. History of physical training and fitness References Further reading Jeux de balle en Picardie. Les frontières de l'invisible, a French book on the subject by Marie Cegarra. External links History of football, including information on choule History of the game with photographs Short history Normandy country games fédération des jeux et sports Normands (choule...) Ball games Traditional football Sport in Normandy Sport in Brittany Sport in Cornwall Sport in Hauts-de-France Sports originating in France