Indoor hockey series

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33250, 13 June 1973, Page 18

Indoor hockey series

Indoor hockey, a game which had its foundation in Europe a few years ago and has since grown into a major sport overseas, will be introduced to Christchurch when the Trans Tours competition begins tomorrow evening. A sub-committee, comprising Drs G. S. Maister and R. Bailey and Messrs A. J. Patterson and T. Thomas has organised the tournament, which will be run in two sections of six teams over six weeks. After four weeks of section play, there will be playoffs with finals and grading matches on the last night. Dr Maister played the sport in England and said that the major European competitions attract as many spectators as outdoor matches. Its popularity has resulted in recognition by the International Hockey Fed-

eration and the drawing up of a special set of rules. A European Cup competition has been started, and the major hockey countries

place much importance on it. The main variations from field hockey are the size of

the playing area, the number of players, and the application of some of the rules—there are no offsides, for instance. Teams consist of six players, with a maximum of six substitutes, and the usual line-up comprises a goal-keeper, three defenders and two forwards. The field can be between 36 and 44 metres in length and 18 to 22 metres in width, and the goal is three metres wide and two metres high. A striking circle with a radius of nine metres is used. Penalty-strokes are taken from seven metres. Penaltycorners are awarded, but there are no long-corners. The ball may not be raised more than six inches above the ground unless being propelled towards the goal, and only pushes and flicks —no hits—are permitted. The game is very fast and high scoring, making it enjoyable for spectators and players. The game is speeded up by the placing of boards along the sides of the playing area, and the players can use them for rebounding passes. There are no “outs”, unless the ball passes over the boards.