Meatball Rules

Bartolini’s American Meatball Eating Championship Meatball Rules

Its simple, whoever eats the most damn meatballs, wins! There will be a qualifying five-minute round. Depending on total number of contestants on the day of the competition the top two to four finishers in each round will go on to the championship speed round. The Speed round will last for 2 minutes, with the sum of both rounds determining the Champion.

Picnic Style rules will be in effect. Food Warriors will not be allowed to dunk their tasty balls in water or other liquid(s) they might be drinking. Food Warriors will not be allowed to mutilate, tear apart, mash or smash or otherwise massacre the legendary Bartolini Meatball. Also, all Food Warriors will be required to eat one Meatball before proceeding on to the next. Food Warriors wishing to kiss their balls will be permitted to do so.

Beside a Food Warriors passion for Meatballs, they may bring any liquid they wish to use to aid them in the consumption of Bartolini’s exquisite balls.

Any “Unhappy Returns” or “Urges Contrary to Swallowing” during the contest will result in immediate disqualification.

The two minute “no-return rule” is in effect which means Food Warriors must not have any “Unhappy Returns” or “Urges Contrary to Swallowing” for two minutes after the contest is over (Including EAT OFFS). What the Food Warriors do with their balls two minutes after the contest is their business.

30-second Chipmunk Rule at end of time limit will be in effect. This means that any meatball in a contestant’s mouth after 30 seconds will result in a three-ball penalty. In the Event of a Tie a 2 minute “EAT OFF” will be conducted for any ties from 1st thru 3rd Place.

The decision of the Judges is final. Creative participation is encouraged but good sportsmanship is always required.