Underwater rugby
| Underwater rugby | |
|---|---|
 Underwater rugby |
|
| Type: | three-dimensional ball sport |
| Origin: | Germany |
| Creation time: | 1964 |
| List of sports | |
Underwater rugby is a team sport that is unique in that both the ball and the players move in three dimensions. The aim of the game is to get the ball filled with salt water into the opponent's basket under water. Fins, diving masks and snorkels are used as equipment.
The international abbreviation is UWR , in Scandinavian countries UVR is also common. The sport has its origin in German diving clubs. International championships have been held regularly by the diving association CMAS since the 1970s .
Basics
Leeway
The play area is under water and is delimited on three sides by pool walls . On one long side it is bordered by a line to the Einwechselgasse. The water surface and the pool floor form the other two natural boundaries. This results in a three-dimensional scope. According to international regulations , this cuboid can be 12–22 m long, 8–12 m wide and 3.5 to 5 m deep. As a rule, diving pools meet these requirements, so that in the diving pool in the deep area you can play over the long side.
Gates
The basket-shaped goals made of metal with a diameter of 39-40 cm stand in the middle of each broad side of the play area on the pool floor on the wall. The ball cannot be passed between the wall and the goal. A goal is considered scored as soon as the ball is completely below the edge of the goal.
Change area
Parallel to the long side of the play area is the three meter wide substitute alley, through which substitute players can change into the game. The exchange area, which is outside the pool behind each broadside, is used by substituting players on the way to the exchange bench.
Cue ball
The rubber ball, about the size of a handball, is filled with saturated saline solution and, due to its higher density than fresh water , sinks at a rate of 1 to 1.25 m / s. For women and U15 players, the ball circumference is 2 cm smaller so that it can still be guided with one hand. Furthermore, the ball has a weight of 3.5 kg.
Basic rules
As a physical contact sport, the rules of underwater rugby are designed for injury prevention and fairness. It is not allowed to attack or move someone who is not in possession of the ball, unless the ball is being controlled. In addition, players are not allowed to hold on to the baskets and the ball must always be held under the surface of the water in the play area. Great importance is attached to fairness, so unsportsmanlike conduct, excessively hard play or aggressive actions such as deliberate hitting or kicking are severely punished.
Playing time
An underwater rugby game is played in two halves, each with 15 minutes of effective playing time, with the time being stopped whenever the game is interrupted. Each team can request a one-minute time-out per half. If a game decision has to be made in tournament mode, the game time is extended by 5 minutes in sudden death after a break ; if there is no further result, a decision is made by throwing a penalty.
team
equipment
Each team plays with either white or blue / dark equipment due to the poor visibility of colors underwater. This includes swimwear, a cap with sewn-in earmuffs, wristbands and ABC equipment consisting of a snorkel , flippers and a diving mask . Clear rules apply to minimize the risk of injury. Masks and fins must not have sharp edges or holes.
Compared to normal ABC equipment, the following specializations have proven to be advantageous:
- Diving mask: Small-volume, tight-fitting masks are preferred. This reduces the likelihood of losing the mask in batches. In addition, the silicone mask straps are replaced by nylon straps (backpack straps). As a result, the mask sits very unyieldingly and is also difficult to remove.
- Snorkel: Players often shorten the snorkel to a length that ends just above the head. The main advantage of this is that the snorkel fits tightly to the head and is less likely to get stuck and thus lost.
- Fins: Short and quite hard fins are preferred (see also fin swimming ) in order to achieve a very good power transfer with high maneuverability. This improves sprints, but this is at the expense of the effort required and therefore the overall stimulation.
Number of players
A team consists of a maximum of 15 players: six players and alternate players, plus up to three reserve players. As soon as a player gets out of the water into the exchange area, a change player may change from the exchange bank via the Wechselgasse into the play area. The changes are made on the fly, without interrupting the game. Usually each of the players has a change partner who takes on the same role underwater.
Division of roles
According to the rules, every player has the same rights, but three basic roles have developed in international underwater rugby. Each of these roles is played by two players in the water in turn. The two players and their alternate partners therefore constantly observe each other and their position in the water, and many teams develop their own hand signals for better communication. Since the roles vary widely depending on tactics, the course of the game and possession of the ball, they must not be confused with game positions.
Top defender
The last player, also known as the goalkeeper, lid or deckhand , must be the first to defend his own goal after losing the ball and lies with his back on the edge of the hoop. He defends against direct basket attacks from above and light attacks from the side. A close change between the two top goal defenders at your own basket during an opposing attack makes sense in order to keep the basket closed for several dives. If he wins the ball, he remains defensive as the rearmost player, while the partner goes on the offensive.
Sub-goal defender
The main task of the lower goal defender , also known as a recumbent, dachshund or defender , is to protect the upper goal defender from attacks on the pelvic floor. He lies with his back to the basket, aligned in the direction of the opposing ball carrier. The sub-goal defenders also have to change closely in tight situations; On the offensive, it is common for one of the defenders to attack and the second to protect.
striker
On the defensive, they mainly do fore-checking and attack the ball leaders. You need to prevent advanced attack patterns and can temporarily take on the role of defender at top or bottom. On the defensive as well as on the offensive, they have the most freedom.
Game and ball posture
Underwater rugby requires high endurance , strength and good apnea training . But tactical feeling, agility and speed are also necessary, as correct positioning is crucial for a good passing game . In order to find your way in approximately the "free space" of the three dimensions, a good overview is also essential, because an attack can also come from above or below in underwater rugby. Players typically only spend one to three minutes in the water before switching with their exchange partner. Depending on the game situation, they dive into the water for 15 to 45 seconds, after which they can intervene again in the game with as few drafts of air as possible on the surface. A diving breathing rhythm is necessary in order not to waste valuable playing time on oxygen recuperation.
Any player in possession of the ball may be attacked and may attack himself. This includes holding on to arms and legs, scrambling for the ball or pushing a defender away. It is forbidden to hold on to the basket as well as any dangerous game, such as attacks on equipment, punches and choking, these will be punished by the underwater referees.
Underwater rugby is a defensive sport, i. H. Games between equal teams usually end with a few goals, often 1-0. This is mainly due to the fact that the goal area is quite small and easier to defend. In addition, the defending team can always bring in "fresh" players directly from the exchange bench near the goal, while the attackers have to swim back to their own side of the pool with each change. Especially with large playing fields, it can take a good 30 seconds for the change to take place and the “fresh” attacker to intervene again in the game.
Kickoff
Before the whistle, six players each have to touch the pool wall above their basket, after the horn signal they swim towards the ball in the middle of the pool. After a goal, the losing team receives the ball, the players start from the same position as at the whistle.
Fin swimming
The movement takes place under water purely through the flap of the fin. The fins are made of rubber, carbon or glass fiber and their special shape guarantees high maneuverability. In order to increase the speed during sprints, the single strike is predominantly used. Both fins are hit at the same time, the whole body moves in a wave-like movement, while with the stereo hit the wave can only be turned from the hip and the amplitude at the fin tip is therefore lower.
With the fin swimming underwater rugby gets a very dynamic component, as the game speed is increased considerably.
Ball hold
To ward off enemy attacks, the ball is held tightly between the chest and elbow with one hand. The other hand remains free for swimming movements and defense against opposing players. A more open stance in one hand is useful for being more agile in fitting, swimming faster, and completing faster goals; however, the risk of losing the ball is higher.
Passing game
Similar to the shot put , the ball is pushed away. Depending on the effort and speed, the ball can be passed precisely over a distance of several meters. Due to the water resistance, targeted passes can only be given up to two meters. The special feature of the three-dimensional play area, however, makes many pass variants possible, which require a very good overview and spatial imagination of the players. Since there is little communication under water, players have to be well attuned to one another in order to make the right moves.
Gate closure
Due to the position of the lower and upper goal defenders, a throw into the open basket - as in other ball sports - is the exception; it only takes place after a quick counterattack in which the defense was surprised, or after a grueling long attack, after the defense literally runs out of breath. In order to build up enough strength to get the defense off the basket, there are simply four possibilities: Push away from the floor with your arms; push away from the floor with your knees; After the first contact with the defender, build up strength with flippers or use your own accelerated body mass.
Completion under the basket ring edge
In this most frequently used variant, the ball must first be brought under the basket with the player, but the defender must first be passed over - for example by placing a block. If the attacker is in position, he can push himself away from the pelvic floor in order to lift the top-back from the basket and at the same time place the ball in the basket. The use of knees, shoulders, forearms or elbows are possible for the lever between the floor and the opponent. The simplest attack is the upper goal defender's lower back; it offers the largest target area. A special variant of the lower goal closure is the Märla (Swedish: bracket) from Sweden, in which the upper goal defender is levered out on both sides.
Fouls and penalties
In underwater rugby, three referees ensure that the game is played correctly. One of the referees acts as the game leader above water, while two underwater referees usually follow the game with diving equipment in the water. Decisions are communicated via an electronic horn system and hand signals.
Foul play includes, among other things, unsportsmanlike conduct, hard play, substitution errors, holding the opponent without the ball, outs and holding on to the basket or the edge of the pool. The three arbitrators can impose different sanctions; In order not to interrupt the flow of the game unnecessarily, the advantage rule for the team carrying the ball can also be used. The penalties include the warning, the free throw, the time penalty, the penalty kick and the exclusion (suspension) of a player. If there is an accumulation of rule violations, one type within a team - e.g. B. “Hold without the ball” - a team warning can be issued.
Warnings
Warnings are usually issued in connection with free throws. If there is a warning against a player or even against the entire team (team warning), a time penalty will be imposed for the next similar rule violation. This happens regardless of the severity of the violation. If, for example, there is a warning for “stopping without the ball”, this leads directly to a time penalty if the player stops again, although this violation is usually punished with a free throw. In the case of a team warning, it is also irrelevant whether the player has already committed the foul once. The warning regulation thus serves to maintain the flow of the game, since otherwise a team could disturb the flow of the game of the opposing team by permanent minor violations by free throws.
Free throw
The free throw is taken from the surface of the water through a pass. A free throw is given at the level of the offending foul (only in the opposing half of the game), but at least at the center line. The game continues after execution. The executing player must lead the ball to the surface of the water and thus signals readiness to take the free throw. After honking the horn, the executing player has 3 seconds to pass the ball. He must not leave his position. If the player still does not pass after these 3 s, the free throw is awarded to the opposing team. The performer may not be attacked or disturbed until the pass. This is ensured by a protected free-throw zone of two meters around the player, within which no opponent is allowed to stay until the free-throw has been taken. If an opponent is in this zone, “he may only intervene in the game when he is outside the free-throw zone again. It does not matter whether the start signal has already been given and the ball has already been played. “As a rule, however, the free throw is not honked at all as long as opposing players are within the 2 meter zone. In order to have a safe play station, as a common tactic, a teammate positions himself directly behind the executor within the 2 meter zone. If the performer does not find a suitable pass station within 5 seconds after honking, because the opponent successfully covers all teammates, the performer still has the option of handing over the ball directly to the teammate behind his back.
Time penalty
If a time penalty is imposed on a player, he must remain in the penalty box for two minutes. The respective team then only has five players in the water, the opposing team receives a free throw. Similar to the power play phase known from ice hockey , the time penalty ends earlier if a goal was scored by a team in excess. In terms of a playing time of 2 times 15 minutes, exposing a player for 2 minutes is a significant disadvantage.
Match penalty
In the case of particularly serious and unsportsmanlike fouls, a player can be suspended for the entire game or the entire tournament. As in the case of a regular time penalty, the team itself must initially play undernumbered. After the time penalty or conceded goal has expired, the position may be filled again. The player with the match penalty must then leave the play area.
Penalty throw
A penalty throw is awarded if a rule violation leads to the prevention of a goal . The penalty throw is a 1-on-1 situation; there are only one defender and one attacker in the play area. The attacker starts from the middle of the field, while the defender starts near the edge of the pool over his own goal. After the referee honks the horn, the attacker has 45 seconds to score a goal. If the attacker does not succeed or if the defender can gain control of the ball and bring the ball over the surface of the water, the penalty throw is deemed to have been successfully saved.
If the defender commits a foul, the penalty throw - after taking the advantage regulation into account - is canceled, the defender is given a time penalty and the penalty throw is repeated. It is permissible for the attacker to be swapped, since, depending on the intensity of the attack, he may already be exhausted.
If the attacker commits a foul during the penalty throw, it is stopped immediately and the penalty throw is counted as successfully defended.
A special feature of the penalty throw is that the defender is only allowed to stay in the goal area - 2 meters around the goal (except for breathing on the surface of the water). Leaving this area counts as a defender foul. The main purpose of this regulation is to ensure that the penalty throw is not defended simply by holding the attacker on the surface of the water or otherwise keeping the attacker away from the goal.
The difficulty with a penalty throw for the defender is that surfacing to take a breath is allowed, but practically impossible, since the defender could then dive down and score the goal defenseless. Therefore, the defender must be able to hold his breath for up to 45 seconds, sometimes under considerable physical strain. The attacker, on the other hand, can cancel the attack at any time and emerge to gather new strength and air. Therefore, the penalty throw represents a significant disadvantage for the defending team and is in the majority also successfully converted into a goal by the attacker.
Penalty shooting
If a decisive game, i.e. a game that cannot be ended in a draw, has a winner neither after regular time nor after sudden death extra time, a penalty shootout is played. Penalty throws are taken alternately between the teams until one team has generated an advantage. Depending on the tournament rules, either an advantage is already assessed; d. That is, a team has successfully converted a penalty throw to a goal and successfully blocked the opposing penalty throw, or 3 penalty throws per team are executed; if a winner is then determined, the game is over, otherwise a new series of 3 penalty throws each is carried out. This variant is intended to reduce the chance of chance. A team did not lose immediately after a 0: 1 disadvantage, but can defend a penalty throw within the remaining penalty throws and thus equalize it again. If only one advantage counts as a victory condition, a saved penalty must be compensated directly with a saved penalty.
A special feature of penalty shooting is the selection of attackers: each shooter may only take one shot, unless the penalty throw is repeated due to a defender foul. Only when all the players on a team have executed and a decision has still not been reached does the penalty shoot-out start again from the beginning. However, this situation occurs extremely rarely. The defender, however, may hold a penalty throw as often as he likes. This rule is used to bring about a decision, since a team usually does not consist entirely of very good penalty shooters and thus the attackers become weaker the longer the penalty shoot-out takes.
Horn signals
All three referees can use the horn , the signal of which is clearly audible underwater. A long tone indicates the start or continuation of the game, for example after a goal has been scored or a free throw. Two long tones indicate a goal has been scored, several short tones mean that the game has been interrupted, for example because of a foul or at half-time.
Referee ball and team ball
If the game has been interrupted without the referee being able to make a clear free throw decision, the ball is thrown randomly along the center line into the field of play by the referee (surface referee) with the horn. This throw-in is known as a referee's ball.
If, on the other hand, the ball was clearly in possession of a team, a referee ball would be inappropriate. In such a situation, a team ball is played. This is similar to the free throw, but with the main difference that the opposing team is not allowed to swim into the half of the playing team as long as the initial pass has not been played.
However, these events are rare and usually occur in the event of technical interruptions or unclear situations, e.g. B. The ball was lifted in a crowd above the surface of the water, but the referees could not clearly see which player caused this.
history
Underwater rugby was introduced in the 1960s as a game of playing with a ball filled with salt water. In this initial phase, a net was stretched underwater, making it a kind of underwater volleyball. In 1964 the DLRG Mülheim an der Ruhr and the DUC Duisburg played the first game with changed rules, based on those of rugby . This match can be considered the first ever underwater rugby game.
The first championship was held in Mülheim in 1966, with eight players per team at the time. In 1971 the first German Underwater Rugby Championship (FRG and Berlin-West) was held, which at that time had no official character; the first official championship followed a year later. Another year later, in 1973, underwater rugby was introduced internationally .
In the course of the official recognition of underwater rugby and underwater hockey as competitive sports by the CMAS , the first official European championship was held in Malmö, Sweden, in 1978 , the first underwater rugby world championship was held in 1980 in the "birthplace" of Mülheim.
popularity
Starting from its country of origin Germany , the sport quickly found acceptance in the other German-speaking countries of Austria and Switzerland. The sport was adopted early on in Scandinavia, the Czech Republic and Italy and therefore has a long tradition. There is now a championship in over 15 countries and the sport is actively practiced in thirty countries. In addition to Turkey, South Africa, Colombia and Venezuela, the sport has established itself in the USA, Canada, China, Singapore, Australia, France and Great Britain since the 2000s.
Women's and men's teams from 20 different nations took part in the world championship , which takes place every four years . In addition to the European championship , an international cup of league winners, the Champions Cup, takes place every year . A European league, the “European Underwater Rugby League”, has existed since 2012, in which Europe's top teams meet three times a year. In order to make the sport more friendly for spectators and thus more popular, the Euroleague games are streamed live in high quality over the Internet.
literature
- Reinhard Schottmüller: Unterwasserrugby , self-published, 2002
- Henrik Stewenius: Underwater Rugby: Swedish Tactics , 2008, 39 pages, 4 photos
See also
- Underwater Rugby Champions Cup
- Underwater rugby in Germany
- Association of German Scuba Divers
- Flippers in diving
Web links
- World map with clubs that play underwater rugby
- Competitive sports department (underwater rugby) of the Association of German Sports Divers (VDST)
- Underwater rugby in Austria
- International regulations
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b CMAS Underwater Rugby Commission: Underwater Rugby CMAS Rules Version 2015/01 . S. 8 ( cmas.org ).
- ↑ a b c Henrik Stewenius: Underwater Rugby Swedish Tactics . Translated into German by Norbert Marwan and Wolfgang Brühan. Ed .: Torpedo Dresden. 2nd edition 2012. Dresden 2008, p. 5 ( torpedo-dresden.de [PDF]).
- ↑ Henrik Stewenius: underwater rugby Swedish tactics . Translated into German by Norbert Marwan and Wolfgang Brühan. Ed .: Torpedo Dresden. 2nd edition 2012. Dresden 2008, p. 11 ( torpedo-dresden.de [PDF]).
- ↑ Henrik Stewenius: underwater rugby Swedish tactics . Translated into German by Norbert Marwan and Wolfgang Brühan. Ed .: Torpedo Dresden. 2nd edition 2012. Dresden 2008, p. 6 ( torpedo-dresden.de [PDF]).
- ↑ Henrik Stewenius: underwater rugby Swedish tactics . Translated into German by Norbert Marwan and Wolfgang Brühan. Ed .: Torpedo Dresden. 2nd edition 2012. Dresden 2008, p. 38 ( torpedo-dresden.de [PDF]).
- ↑ Davrell Tien: Tip from the Pros: Goal scoring Made Simple. In: www.facebook.com. September 19, 2016, accessed January 11, 2017 .
- ↑ a b c d International Underwater Rugby Regulations. (PDF) German version. Basis CMAS Under Water Rugby Rules, October 2015. Verband deutscher Sporttaucher eV, September 1, 2016, p. 31 , accessed on January 11, 2017 .
- ^ History of underwater rugby in Austria accessed on December 18, 2015
- ↑ According to a survey of 314 players , the 2015 Annual Underwater Rugby Survey accessed December 18, 2015
- ↑ Official website of the EUWRL