History of Bandy sport, Rules, Equipment, and News

Bandy is a team sport played on ice, similar to ice hockey. Here are the rules of Bandy:

1. Players: Each team consists of 11 players, including one goalkeeper and ten outfield players. Substitutions can be made throughout the game.
2. Field and Equipment: The game is played on an ice rink, typically larger than a standard ice hockey rink. The goals are also larger, measuring 3.5 meters in height and 7.0 meters in width. Players use a bandy stick, which is curved at the end, and a ball made of rubber or plastic.
3. Objective: The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team. The team with the most goals at the end of the designated time wins the match.
4. Duration: A standard bandy match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break. However, the duration can vary depending on the level of play and competition.
5. Offside: Bandy has an offside rule similar to soccer. A player is considered offside if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than the ball and the second-last defender at the moment the ball is passed to them.
6. Penalties: Fouls and rule violations can result in penalties. Common penalties in bandy include free strokes (similar to free kicks in soccer) for minor offenses and penalty shots for more serious infractions.
7. Face-offs: Face-offs occur at the beginning of each half, after a goal is scored, and when play is stopped for various reasons. Two players from each team face each other, and the referee drops the ball between their sticks to start the play.
8. Icing: The icing rule, similar to ice hockey, prohibits players from shooting or passing the ball from behind their own center line to the opponent’s goal line without it being touched by another player.
9. Goalkeeping: The goalkeeper’s role is to defend the team’s goal and prevent the opposing team from scoring. They can use their hands and body to stop shots and make saves.
10. Fair Play: Bandy promotes fair play and sportsmanship. Unsportsmanlike conduct, such as excessive physical contact, dangerous play, or verbal abuse, can result in penalties or player ejections.

It’s important to note that there may be additional rules and regulations specific to different leagues, tournaments, or regions. The above rules provide a general overview of the game of bandy.

Here’s a short list of equipment used in Bandy:

1. Bandy Stick: Players use a bandy stick, also known as a bandy bat, to handle and strike the ball. The bandy stick has a curved end, allowing players to scoop and control the ball on the ice.
2. Bandy Ball: The ball used in bandy is typically made of rubber or plastic. It is designed to slide smoothly on the ice and is durable enough to withstand the fast-paced gameplay.
3. Ice Skates: Players wear ice skates to glide and maneuver on the ice surface. Bandy-specific ice skates may have additional ankle support and blade characteristics suitable for the sport.
4. Protective Gear: Bandy players wear various protective gear to ensure safety during the game. This may include a helmet, face cage, mouthguard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, and shin guards.
5. Goalkeeper Equipment: The goalkeeper requires additional protective equipment, including a helmet with a full-face cage, throat guard, chest protector, padded pants, leg pads, and a glove or blocker to make saves.
6. Team Jerseys: Players wear team jerseys to distinguish themselves on the ice. Jerseys typically display the player’s number and team logo for identification.
7. Goalposts and Nets: Bandy matches are played using goalposts and nets similar to those in ice hockey. The goalposts are set at each end of the rink, and the nets are attached to them.
8. Referee Equipment: Referees wear specific attire to officiate bandy matches. This may include a striped jersey, whistle, penalty cards, and a referee’s stick for signaling various infractions.
9. Ice Rink: The playing surface for bandy is an ice rink specifically designed for the sport. The rink dimensions are larger than a standard ice hockey rink, accommodating the size and speed of the game.

This is a basic list of the equipment commonly used in bandy.