Summary of AwanaGames/Sparks-a-Rama Rules

"The first official games competition was held in Chicago in 1955 - for boys only. About 120 boys, representing four churches, participated. In 1956, the girls insisted on a meet of their own. AwanaGames meets are now held around the world. This unique Awana ministry to young people - and their parents - has grown tremendously, and potential for future growth is practically unlimited." From the Awana Official Rules and Regulations, 2002.

This document explains the basics of an AwanaGames or Sparks-a-Rama event including basic rules, team building suggestions, and game tips. To find out when an AwanaGames/Sparks-a-Rama event occurs in your area, please refer to the Event Calendar.

CLUBBER QUALIFICATIONS:

ELIGIBILITY:
Teams registering must be from an Awana church that has an active registration with Awana Clubs International.

ENTRANCE TICKETS:
Tickets are available prior to the event through the teams coach or at the door on the day of the event. Ticket sales cover the cost of awards, administration and any associated rentals. Tickets cost $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children with the following exceptions:
  1. All children under 3 years old
  2. All team members participating in that days event
  3. All Awana clubbers in their current uniform (no Trek clubbers wearing Sparky vests, please!) - this does not apply to leaders in uniform
  4. All coaches (limited to two per team - Sparks, AwanaGames, Trek 24-7, and Journey 24-7)
  5. All pre-approved Circle Directors and Line Judges

GAME CIRCLE:
All game circles will be official size unless otherwise announced. Events run on smaller game circles will not be timed for AwanaGames records.

GAME RULES:
Use the latest edition of the Official Rules & Regulations for your event (Sparks-a-Rama, T&T AwanaGames, Trek AwanaGames, Journey 24-7 AwanaGames) with the latest Rule Book Clarification, NOT the AWANA game books. (Note: if there is a disagreement between these web pages and the Official Rule Book and Clarification, the Rule Book and Clarification always supercede)

INCOMPLETE TEAMS:
Churches that are unable to gather enough qualified clubbers to make a team or lose members are welcome to team up with other churches with Awana in their area to create a joint team.

LINE JUDGES/HELPERS:
Every team must provide a Line Judge who has been certified by test, and has kept current on being retested (now also requires a Line Judge Fee). One other helper (scorekeeper, a number hanger, etc.), in uniform, is also required from each team.

Line Judge Qualifications:

MEMORY VERSES:
Certain Bible verses are recited by everyone on the game floor: clubbers, coaches, Line Judges, Circle Directors, Scorekeepers, etc. at the start of the Event. Below is a list of the verses that will be recited.

AWANAGAMES RECORDS:
Since many of the games have changed, new speed records will be recorded from each event. The older AwanaGames speed records is still available for AwanaGames (Boys and Girls), Trek AwanaGames, and Journey 24-7 AwanaGames.

PERMISSION SLIPS/ROSTERS:
Coach must have in their possession a permission slip signed by the parent of each player stating "Emergency treatment may be given if necessary" (Even if the parents are in the stands or on the Awana Game Circle). Please refer to the AwanaGames Resources page for sample permission slips in Microsoft Word format. Churches must supply insurance protection to cover their team in the event of injuries at this event. The Circle Director (or appointed Line Judge) will check with each coach to make sure coaches have valid permission slips and a completed Team Roster (available on the AwanaGames Resources page) before allowing specific team members to participate.

TEAM BUILDING & GAME TIPS:
Tips for creating an AwanaGames or Sparks-a-Rama team, as well as tips for the individual Sparks-a-Rama games and AwanaGames are also available.

TEAM SIZE:

WHAT TO WEAR:
Everyone on the gym floor must wear gym shoes/sneakers/athletic shoes! Coaches should wear either their full Awana uniform (lady's blouses buttoned, men in ties - new casual uniforms accepted) or the team's uniform shirt. All clothing should be respectable and reflect Christian standards. No shorts allowed for anyone participating in the Third-Sixth Grade, Trek, or Journey 24-7 AwanaGames (i.e. players, coaches, helpers, workers, Line Judges, score keepers). Line Judges will be given the proper shirt to wear when they check in with the officials. Line Judges should wear dark slacks, not blue jeans or sweat pants.

For more information and resources, please check out our AwanaGames/Sparks-a-Rama Resources page.

REMEMBER: LEARNING GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND RETAINING A GOOD CHRISTIAN WITNESS ARE IMPORTANT, WINNING IS NOT!