Assignment 5

Underwater Hockey

In 1956 there were a few divers that wanted to keep their

condition up during winter. They thought of an unique alternative, namely underwater hockey.
This sport was quickly very popular in countries like England, The Netherlands, South-Africa and France.

Even now this sport is played often.

As the name says, this variant of hockey will be played underwater. The puck weighs about 1.3 kilo and
will sink to the bottom of the pool. The players have a simple goal, they need to get the puck in the goal
of the opponent. The team that has the most points at the end of the game, wins the match.

Each team has 6 players and 4 switches. Both teams wear another colour so that you can recognise them
easily in the water.

Switching may be done unlimited.

The game will be accompanied by 2 referees. At a professional level, there also will be a third referee.

The equipment you need

1. Snorkel and mouthguard

A snorkel enables players to watch the progress of the game without having to lift their head from
the water to breathe.

2. Hat with ear guards

Safety gear includes ear protection, usually in the form of a water polo cap.

3. Mask

Improves water visibility

4. Fins
Fins allow the player to swim faster through the water

5. Stick

The stick is quite short. According to the rules not more than 350 mm including the handle. You push
the puck with it.

6. Puck

You need the puck to get it into the goal

7. Glove

With a glove, you have more grib on the stick.

Famous players:
Alan Blake: he created the underwater hockey in 1954 and was a great player.

Kendall Banks: this American player was born in 1958. In 2006 he participated to his 14th world
tournament.

Taylor Benson: this player has given his name to a sport feint: the Benson.

Thomas Grossin: he was world champion in 2008 and won 3 times the European tournament:
once with the French team and twice with his club.

Marie Peigné: she was twice European champion and third at the world championship in 2006.