Bandy the sport: What is it, how is it played, and what equipment is used?

Bandy is one of the most popular winter games, usually played outdoors on ice sheets. It is similar to ice hockey in several ways, with only slight differences. Bandy is almost exclusively existent in the Scandinavian countries, the Baltic countries, and Mongolia. The game has gained global attention because of its uniqueness and competitive nature.

Like many other games, bandy has rules and format that guide players and teams. It also has specific equipment used by participants. This article explains more about the winter game, its origin, the countries where it is widespread, and the most outstanding player in its history.

What is bandy the sport?

It is a team sport played on an ice rink involving two teams of skaters. Its history dates back to the 18th century in Russia before developing as a winter sport in the Fenland of East Anglia. Authorities published the game's rules in 1882, nine years before establishing the National Bandy Association in England.

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How is bandy played?

Bandy is played on ice, using a round ball. It involves two teams of eleven players competing to get the ball into the opponent's goal using sticks. The game, like soccer, has two halves of 45 minutes each. The team that has scored more goals wins the match. It could also end in a draw if both teams scored equal goals.

Where is bandy played?

The sport is played on an ice surface the size of a soccer field during winter. It is common in the Soviet Union, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Its popularity has also spread in The United States, Europe, North America, and Asia.

Bandy is the national sport for which country?

Bandy is a national sport in Russia. It is also the most popular game in the country, played in colder areas. Millions of Russians play the sport at different levels, from schools and colleges to established teams in several leagues. The top-tier competition in the country is the Russian Bandy Super League, which has existed for nearly three decades.

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Bandy sport rules

The primary rule of the sport is that players (apart from the goalkeeper) may not intentionally touch the ball with their hands or arms during play. They are only allowed to control the ball using the stick. Here are some other rules of the popular winter game.

• A match consists of two teams with 11 players each and a maximum of 15, including four substitutions in a game.
• Home teams should wear their official uniform during game time. If both teams have similar colours, the away side should redress.
• Each team must have a captain during a game. If the skipper got sent off, one of the teammates should wear the armband.
• All players and referees should wear skates during a game.
• Players should only go through the boards placed near their benches during substitutions. Violating the rules results in a five-minute punishment to the team.
• If teams draw in matches that require a winner, the game heads to extra time of two halves of 15-minute periods. The winner could head to 12-meter shots (penalty kicks) if there is no winner during the two periods.
• A goalie is forbidden to handle a teammate's back pass. They can only stop it with skates or bodies and kick with their feet.

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• Players cannot use their heads, hands, or arms to control the ball. If a player breaches the rule, the opponent gets penalised.
• Kicking the opponent, stumbling, pushing, or hitting them are prohibited.
• Preventing an opponent who does not have the ball from moving is also prohibited and punishable with a free stroke (free kick).
• Referees can issue different sanctions to players or teams. They include a verbal warning, yellow card (warning), white card (five minutes send off), blue card (10 minutes send off), and sending off till the end of the match.

Bandy sport equipment

The equipment athletes use or wear during games includes bandy sticks, balls, uniforms, shoes, and helmets. They play crucial roles during a match, as discussed below.

Bandy stick

It is a wooden stick used to hit the ball. It must not contain sharp parts or metals to avoid causing injuries to players.

Bandy ball

According to the Federation of International Bandy regulations, balls are made of rubber, measuring 62.4 mm - 63.8 mm in diameter. They must be the same size and colour.

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Clothing

Players wear form-fitting jerseys made of elastic fabrics and pants with lighter paddings. They must also wear a protective cup.

Bandy skates

They consist of a boot and a blade attached with screws to the boot's sole. The skates help players move across a sheet of ice while playing.

Helmet

Unlike soccer players, bandy athletes wear a helmet with face guard, ear protection and chin straps to protect them from injuries.

Gloves

The players also wear padded gloves to avoid injuries caused by hitting from the sticks. The gloves also protect them against low temperatures.

Mouth and elbow guards

Padded elbow guards protect the elbow from injuries during a fall or a strike. A mouth guard covers teeth and gums to protect a player's teeth, jaw, lips, and gums from injuries.

How is bandy different from ice hockey?

The two sports are similar in many ways. They are both played on ice using a hockey stick but have different features, as highlighted here.

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• Bandy players use a ball, whereas ice hockey participants use a puck.
• In bandy, both teams have eleven players each, whereas in ice hockey, both teams have six players each.
• The bandy rink/ice field is larger than that of ice hockey.
• Bandy is played in two halves of 45 minutes each, whereas ice hockey involves three intervals of 20 minutes each.

Is bandy an Olympic sport?

Bandy is not an official Olympic game. It was a demonstration sport at the 1952 Olympic Games in Oslo, Norway, featuring only Sweden, Finland, and Norway, where Sweden won the tournament. The International Olympic Committee rejected the 2014 bid to include the sport in the Olympics.

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Sweden hosted the 2023 FIB World Championships between March and April, winning their 13th title after defeating Finland 3-1 in the final. The Bandy World Championships began in 1957, with the Soviet Union clinching the inaugural title. The sport also was incorporated into the Asian Indoor Games in 2007 and the Asian Winter Games in 2009.

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Who is the GOAT of bandy?

Legendary Russian athlete Sergei Lomanov is arguably the greatest bandy player ever. Sergei scored 183 goals for the Soviet Union team he represented during the 1980s and 90s. Lomanov was born in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, and played as a forward during his career. His son, Sergei Lomanov Jr., also ranks among the best in the sport.

Bandy may have gained traction globally. Still, many regions like Africa, South America, and Australia have yet to embrace it. Bandy sports fans still hope the sport features in the Olympics someday.

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