Equipment

This discussion has an associated proposal. View Proposal Details here.

Comments about this discussion:

Started 14 Mar 19:04

In the previous rulebook, we had a discussion about the equipment (https://iuf-rulebook-2022.committees.unicycling-software.com/discussions/38). The aim was to align the rules more closely with how the game is played in practice while ensuring consistency and accessibility for organizers and players.

I would like to reopen this discussion with potentially implementing what we agreed upon in the previous rulebook. Here is a short summary.

Key Discussion Points & Agreements

Sticks: There was consensus on removing floorball sticks from the allowed equipment. Ice hockey sticks will become the standard, as floorball sticks provide limited advantages and are already being phased out in Denmark (only place where they were used). This change would help standardize play and ensure consistency across teams.
Goals: The rules could be updated to explicitly permit both common ice hockey goal sizes (180×120 cm and 182.88×121.92 cm). This provides flexibility for tournament organizers while maintaining a standardized goal size at major events.
Equipment Section: To improve clarity, all equipment-related rules could be grouped into a dedicated section. This would make it easier for clubs and event organizers to reference the correct specifications when purchasing or preparing gear.

While these points were agreed upon in the previous rulebook discussions, they have not yet been officially implemented. Before proceeding, we need broader consensus within the current rulebook committee. Please share your thoughts so we can determine the best path forward.

Comment 15 Mar 05:49

I don't think we have a Danish team member on this group now, and the Danish team in the USA did not include Magnus. I have sent a message to Sofus the captain of that team to see whether they would likely continue to play if floorball sticks were not allowed. It was previously said that they had somewhat started using ice hockey sticks, but I would want to confirm that prior to changing the rule.

Grouping equipment rules does mean moving the goal/tennis ball rules from the "event organiser" section at the end of the book to the "Competitor Rules" at the start of the book where "Unicycles" and "Sticks" are. Or moving unicycles and sticks to the end.

I think we likely have to keep unicycles and sticks at the front of the book as they are most relevant to players who are unlikely to go searching through the book. However the goals and ball currently being with event organiser rules at the back of the book works better as individual players don't care about these rules.

I think we may struggle to combine these rules in one section as I think the "Rider" and "Event organiser" sections work better for how most will use the rulebook.

Comment 15 Mar 07:53

Thanks, it would be great if you could clarify what the Danish team is using.

Looking at the rulebook, I think it could make sense to group 14B.1 to 14B.3 (including 14B.6 Safety) into a new section 14B.1 Equipment with dedicated subsections.

I agree that it doesn't make sense to combine the event organiser section with the rider section.

Comment 15 Mar 08:33

That would work. Goals would remain in the event organiser section.

14B.1 Equipment

14B.1.1 Unicycles
Only regular unicycles may be used. The maximum outer diameter of the wheel is
640 mm (24+ Class). In addition, the unicycles must not have sharp or protruding parts
anywhere that might cause injuries. This refers especially to quick-release levers and
bolts. The pedals must be plastic or rubber.

14B.1.2 Rider Identification
All players of a team must wear shirts of the same color. The color must be clearly
different from the opponent's color. At tournaments and other large events each team
should have two different colored sets of shirts.

14B.1.3 Sticks
All sticks legal for playing ice-hockey or floorball (apart from those for the goalkeeper)
can be used. Cracked or splintered sticks must be taped or repaired before play. An
upper end made of rubber is recommended.

14B.1.4 Safety
Attention must be drawn to the safety of the players and spectators. Thus, the rules
must be obeyed strictly and all equipment must be in good condition.
All items that protrude from the body that may cause injury (for example watches,
necklaces, earrings) must be removed. In instances where this is impossible, the items
must be covered sufficiently to remove likelihood of injury. Shoes must be worn and
shoelaces must be short or tucked in. The following optional clothing is suggested: knee
pads, gloves, helmets, safety glasses and dental protection.

Comment 19 Mar 08:52

To be fair, we should use nearly the same equipement.

All sticks legal for playing ice-hockey ~~or floorbal~~l (apart from those for the goalkeeper)
can be used. (Using floorball stick the Danish can allow to play with in Denmark)

Only regular unicycles of the 20 Class may be used. T~~he maximum outer diameter of the wheel is~~
~~640 mm (24+ Class).~~

Dimentions of goals should go in a seperate discussion.

Comment 19 Mar 09:08

You want to disallow 24" unicycles? I strongly disagree with this, we cant force those few remaining players that use 24" wheels to change their rides. I don't see that thats necessary and it would be extremely frustrating for those players, i would assume that many of those players might even stop playing then, i bet it would lead to quite some outrage.

We could however change the rules in the way where its recommended to use 20", or maybe even only allow 24 for those who already use them, but not for new players. I however didn't come across a new player that started with a 24", i think its just really not a thing to worry about.

When it comes to the sticks i have a similar opinion. Let the Danes play with the floorball sticks, but let them phase out everywhere else.

Comment 19 Mar 09:40

Furthermore i think we should definietly still allow smaller wheels for kids to allow for a lower entry barrier.

Comment 19 Mar 15:25

I'm against including any recommendations in the rulebook (and I may also start other discussions to remove those we still have). They are useless as they can't be enforced and make the rules only longer and more complicated.

I'm strongly against changing the rules of the unicycles that may be used.

Comment 21 Mar 08:46

I am still waiting to hear back from the Danes.

I am biased as I ride a 24 inch, but I don't understand why specifically we would disallow 24's. If the issue is seen as safety then we should outlaw bad riders, not 24 inch riders. Riding a 24 inch is no more dangerous than riding a 20 inch, you just have more bad riders using them because they think they are "faster".

If we outlaw 24's it removes their use in goals which I think is an exciting aspect of goalkeeping. Watching a good keeper on a 24 is very exicting and impressive.

We also remove 90% of french riders from playing hockey as they are set for basketball which I think would be sad.

I don't like floorball sticks in hockey but if outlawing them would stop the Danes from playing I would not be willing to remove it. I would still prefer the Danes were playing.

I have sent a follow up message to the Danes

Comment 22 Mar 02:50

Ok the Danes said that generally they would be unlikely to play if floorball sticks are banned. Most don't have hockey sticks, most don't feel comfortable with them and most would probably prefer to not play than to to spend time learning with a hockey stick.

I feel it doesn't really benefit anyone to ban floorball sticks. As much as I think play with a hockey stick is much better to watch, I think the only people negatively impacted by floorball sticks is the person using one. If the alternative was to have them never take part I don't think it's worth banning them.

Comment 22 Mar 05:50

Thanks for checking! In that case I would leave the rules as is.

From the discussion of the last rulebook, there is now the goal and dedicated equipment section left.

Regarding the goals: I'm not sure if a change is needed there. At last UNICONs, there were larger problems even getting any goals that had that approximate size.

I suggest here to move on with a proposal about the dedicated equipment section (as put together further above) and suggest to do the other discussions (if desired) to separate discussions. If there are no objections, I will create such a proposal within the next few days.

Comment 22 Mar 06:07

I am happy with that

Comment 24 Mar 10:00

There is no need to restrict the unicycle size to only 20''. The maximum size of 24'' is sufficiant.

Comment 26 Mar 05:07

14D.3.2 Goals. If we change "The inside dimensions of goal openings are 1.20 m high and 1.80 m wide" to "The inside dimensions of goal openings should be close to 1.20 m high and 1.80 m wide" this would give more freedom to the host to buy what kind of goal are just easy available.