An introduction to the Game

Ice - Skater - roller - street.

Skater Hockey is ice hockey on inline roller skates (or quads). It shares much of the equipment, rules and excitement of the game played on ice, except it can be played in sports halls arenas and any where with a smooth playing surface. This makes it much more accessible than ice hockey, and able to accommodate a broad range of skill levels. Because of this, skater hockey currently has more members and teams in the UK than Ice Hockey. Ice hockey is played with a Puck and Skater hockey is more usually played with a ball. Opinions are divided on whether puck or ball is best, but most skater hockey is played with a ball as this is faster and more controllable.

Roller hockey is an older game, more usually played on quad skates, is non-contact and has a greater resemblance to field hockey than ice hockey. The stick is a double faced field hockey stick and no body armour is worn. Roller hockey is controlled by the National Roller Hockey association and should not be (but often is) confused with Skater hockey. Unfortunately, in the USA Roller Hockey is the more usual term for our sport and so the confusion continues.

Street hockey is a form of urban hockey that developed out of kids with skates wanting to play a team game. Many Skater Hockey clubs have developed from parents wanting a safer way for their street hockey playing kids to enjoy the game.

Oxford Blues organise street hockey events around Oxford. These take place in specialy built multi-purpose foorball/basketball/hockey courts in various sites around Oxford. Long gone are the days when the sport was played in the street , or indeed the local supermarket carpark!

Skater Hockey

Skater hockey pits two teams of 5 players (four players and a goalie) against each other in a highly energetic contest. The game is played so fast that 2 or more sets of teams - lines (18 players maximum) are available to ‘change-up’ for tired players at any time during the game. Players are re-cycled every few minutes. With a game lasting 40 minutes with 20 minutes each way.

Full contact is allowed when trying to gain/retain possession of the ball, but only for the purpose of getting possession of the ball. Elbowing, tripping or dangerous play may result in a two minute stretch in the penalty box (Sin Bin) leaving the team short of a player (or two).

The team manager plays his team like a hand of cards, trying to match the other team’s strengths and weaknesses, while giving his players much needed rests between bursts of play. Players may be changed on the fly, or at the next break in the game - a penalty or goal. No more than 5 players are allowed on the rink at any one time.

Because of the speed of players, balls and sticks, full body armour and protection is essential to prevent injury.

The goal is small with a large highly padded goal keeper. The goalie padding has evolved to assist the goalie as well as provide protection. The amount of target space around the goalie is very small, and players must shoot fast and accurate to get the ball into the net. The goalie’s padding gives him many blind spots, and makes him relatively immobile. Only 1 in 10 shots at goal may succeed, but many goals are made off re-bounds when the goalie is unsighted.

Players in defence will attempt to block passage and passes from the opponent in possession. Often forcing the attacking player to the barrier, forcing a poor pass, or taking possession themselves. The defence will attempt to keep play in the opponents half and create opportunities for the forwards.

Those in attack will be looking for space and openings in the opponents defence, and looking for opportunities to defeat the goalie. This may be shots on goal and picking up rebounds, blinding the goalie by screening his line of sight, or selling the goalie a dummy, and off balancing him.

As a result of the rules, some odd tactics come into play some times.

Hand Ball: The players are allowed to handle high balls to bring it back into play/possession, but not to push it forwards. Sticks above shoulder height result in a penalty. Curiously, if the hand is holding the stick, then the hand is considered part of the stick, and so punching the ball while holding the stick is technically legal.

Delayed call of penalty: If a penalty occurs while the awarded team is in possession, then the penalty is delayed until the team loose possession. In this situation, a quick manager may attempt to substitute the goalie with an outfield player to give his team an attacking advantage. Usually, by the time the goalie is substituted, possession is lost and the penalty then gets taken.

Time wasting: If a team has a player in the sin bin or a has narrow score advantage towards the end of the game, then delaying tactics may come in. A particularly unpopular tactic is to take the ball to the corner of the pitch and hold it there between the skates. 

All players must wear protective equipment to limit personal injury. This includes:

Helmets with visors or cages: Cage must not allow a blade or shaft of a stick through it. Chin straps must not be more than two inches from the chin and must be secure. Glasses must have plastic lenses and frames. Glasses must be strapped to the back of the head.
Neck guards: Prevents sticks cutting the exposed neck.
Padded shorts: Must have good kidney and spine protection
Elbow pads: Must protect the joint and the lower arm and be able to be secured in position.
Padded gloves: Protect the hand and wrist.
Groin protection: All players must wear one - girls included.
Leg Guards: Must be a one piece to cover knee and shin. Must be covered by long pants or socks.
Shirt: Team shirts must be the same colour and design with player number on sleeves and back. Numbers are 1-99. Shirt must cover body armour and elbow pads. Contact team manager for team shirt/number supplies.
Stick must be to approved standard and not badly worn or have a rough edge. Sticks must have a manufactured butt end - preferably of a rounded design for ease of handling.
Skates can be quad or in line. No missing wheels, no protruding screws or any thing that would damage a hall floor or injure a player. Sharp grinding plates are not permitted. Stoppers must be a light colour (stoppers in skater hockey...!?)

Visors, neck guard and body armour are optional for senior players.

These must be manufactured to the regulated standards of Ice/Skater hockey. See the RULES document above.

No watches, chains, earrings, rings or any jewellery to be worn. If body piercing cannot be removed, then it must be adequately taped over. Players must not chew gum or sweets during matches.

Other useful equipment:

Water bottle: Players should have their own water bottle, clearly marked with their name. It is not advisable to share water bottles as this may spread infections. Big bicycle types that can be squirted through a visor are good.
Kit bag: Big and battered. Long straps to go over you shoulder. Good strong zip.
Socks: Anti-blister socks can help when breaking in new boots. Or wear two pairs of thin socks.
Skate tightener: A metal hook and handle that helps get the skates really tight.
Packing tape: Great for securing knee pads and socks. velcro straps are a re-cycle able alternative. (Remember to dispose of old tape in the changing room bin!)
Spare laces:
Allen keys: Use two to keep skate wheels tight.
Screwdriver: For keeping the helmet screws tight.
Plastic carrier bag:For all the smelly wet stuff.
Ball: Regulation ball for real practice. Light ball for practice against other people's walls and a soft ball for indoors.
Training shirt: Tough ice hockey shirt - leave the team shirt for games.

Equipment is expensive. The easy way to buy ( and the most expensive) is via specialist sports shops and ice rinks. These allow you to try on equipment and take advice. See LINKS for websites.

A risky way to buy and save money is to import from the USA via the internet. You do have to know what you want and what size you want. Beware hidden transport charges and import duties. See LINKS for websites.

The cheapest way is second hand - see the FOR SALE page for some bargains. Some equipment may be advertised at the Oxford ice rink. Try a WANTED entry in the FOR SALE page. Put the word around at training meetings. Look out for second hand sales at tournaments.

A realy good way of picking up bargains is via the www.EBAY.co.uk website. Some great deals are available there, but be carefull.

 See the Buyers Guide for more advice.