diff --git a/minigame_manager.lua b/minigame_manager.lua
index 48928df..e95d8e4 100644
--- a/minigame_manager.lua
+++ b/minigame_manager.lua
@@ -63,6 +63,31 @@ arena_lib.on_time_tick('sumo', function(arena)
     
 end)
 
+minetest.register_on_player_hpchange(function(player, hp_change)
+    local pl_name = player:get_player_name()
+    if arena_lib.is_player_in_arena(pl_name, 'sumo') then
+        local arena = arena_lib.get_arena_by_player(pl_name)
+        local hp = player:get_hp()
+        if arena.in_celebration then --protect winners from damage
+            return 0
+        end
+        if hp + hp_change <= 0 then --dont ever kill players, but if a damage *would* kill them, then eliminate them, and set their health back to normal
+            arena_lib.HUD_hide('hotbar', p_name)
+            arena_lib.remove_player_from_arena(pl_name, 1)
+            player:set_hp(20)
+            return 0
+        else
+            return hp_change --if it would not kill players then apply damage as normal
+        end
+
+
+    else
+        return hp_change
+    end
+
+
+end, true)
+
 
 --if the game times out
 arena_lib.on_timeout('sumo', function(arena)