Underwater Rugby
It is exactly what it says... Rugby, but played under water!!
Strange, yes, difficult, no!
Underwater-Rugby is a ballgame played in a swimming pool, which is called the ''field''.
Each team consists of 11 players. The goal is to put a ball into a round metal-basket on the bottom at the opposing team's end of the "field". Yes, the ball does sink!
One of the things that makes this sport unique, is the 3D-aspect. The tactics become more complex when introducing more freedom of movement.
Players are equipped with divers mask, snorkel, fins and water-polo hoods with ear-protection. UW-Rugby is a contact sport, but the rules and the environment (water) prevent severe injuries. The occasional bruise, scratch or hurting fingers, are the only usual "side-effect" of this game.
You don't have to be a super-human or a pearl-diver, all it requires is good use of your muscles and a relaxed attitude towards being under water As a team it requires extra organizing and special tactics.
When playing Underwater Rugby, you must NOT:
- Attack an opponents mask, snorkel, hood or fins
- Pull at an opponents bathing-trunks/-suit
- Pull or push an opponent downwards in order to surface quickly
- Deliberately hit or kick an opponent
- Hold an opponent without him/her having possession of the ball
- Hold an opponent in a manner which might cause strangulation
- Hold on to - or move the bucket with hands or feet
