ISBHF News – January

 

We at the ISBHF hope that everyone has had a good start to 2021 and is staying safe!

In this brand new regular monthly series, we will be bringing you news from the ISBHF – this time for the month of January!

Message from ISBHF President

At the beginning of the year, ISBHF President George Gortsos has delivered a message to the ball hockey community. In a short video interview, he evaluated 2020, how he missed the best ISBHF Junior and Masters athletes competing at our regular summer events, and how the ISBHF had adjusted in a challenging year. George ended on a positive note, giving hope that we will soon meet at the rinks!

The full video is available here:

Rules and Regulations Update

The ISBHF Technical Committee was very active in 2020, updating outdated rules and regulations, so that the ISBHF is ready for the events of the future. A new Rulebook – 2021 Version has been finalised and distributed to all ISBHF Members. But what are the biggest changes in the 2021 Rulebook?

Line changes are no longer permitted after flooring in Men's, Women's, U-20 Men's and U-18 Men's categories

A new penalty type Late Hit has been introduced to protect the safety of players

When a goal has been scored into a displaced net, and the displacement did not adversely affect the entry of the ball, the goal will be awarded

Changes of face-off procedures

and more.

2021 Events

And most importantly, 2021 events. The ISBHF Board of Directors held a meeting on Friday, January 15th, to discuss the situation regarding our three main events:

Men's & Women's World Masters Championships, in Czech Republic, June 16-20U-20 & U-18 World Junior Championships, in Switzerland, June 22-27U-16 Boys & U-20 Girls World Junior Championships, in Slovakia, July 1-4

Ball hockey fans can expect the decisions on these three events to be made soon, no later than mid-March.

Stay with us, stay safe and stay healthy. We hope to see you at the rinks, soon!