That’s right, you read it right; there is in fact such thing as underwater hockey, better known as Octopush!
This is an unusual water sport that many people have been in the dark about, so we’re to fill you in about everything you didn’t know and also explain the rules, just in case you wanted to try it out for yourself!
What is Octopush?
Octopush is a game of underwater hockey, a no-contact sport that was first played in 1954 in Britain. This has now become a globally played sport that takes place in a swimming pool.
To add a little bit of history, the game was invented by the Royal Navy in effort to keep their drivers fit and also improve their ability to work underwater.
The rules are more or less the same as the standard hockey match, however, it poses much more difficult due to the water resistance, requiring much more demanding physical exercise.
It’s now played across the world and is particularly popular in New Zealand. Where football and baseball are popular in American high schools, Octopush is New Zealand’s equivalent.
Rules of the Game
So, you’re probably wondering how you play. The rules are as follows…
The aim of the game is pretty much that of any other hockey game. The players must move the hockey puck through the water and into the opponent’s goal and those with the most scores in the allocated game time are the winning team.
The game is played totally underwater in pools between 2 and 4 metres deep and all players must remain in the water until the round is finished. Because of this, all players require the following equipment:
- Mask and snorkel
- Fins
- Underwater polo hat that represents the player’s team colour and unique player number
- A small stick in opposing colours that are clearly visible underwater – this tends to be around the size of a cooking spatula
- A soft and protective glove that is different to the colours of the stick and that worn by the referee
The puck is placed in the middle of the pool and players remain touching the wall on their side of the pool. The start of the game is then signalled by the referee raising their hand and a buzzer is sounded.
Players can swim anywhere in the playing area, trying to move the puck into the opposing goal. Once a team member scores a goal, all players return to their side of the pool for the next round.
Foul Play
Other than a goal being scored, other instances of players having to return to their starting points are down to foul play or penalty shots.
If foul play has stopped a goal being scored within 3 metres of the goal, the referee can reward a penalty to the opposing team.
Things to Avoid When Playing
False Starts
All players start against the wall at their side of the pool. Pushing off too early before the buzzer starts results in a false start and the players involved may receive a penalty point.
Dangerous Play
Any dangerous play seen by the referee including any dangerous actions towards another player’s body will result in consequences like a penalty point or the player being removed from the match.
To find out more about how to play this game, the type of equipment required and any other information about the game, visit The British Octopush Association. To browse our underwater bags and equipment, shop online here.