GBHI 3 Peaks

Where did Inline Hockey come from?

Contrary to popular opinion, it was not imported from the USA! It is difficult to pinpoint exactly how it all began, but a form of the sport was well established in Great Britain before the Second World War. Then, it really was on the street with far less sophisticated equipment than we see today.

The game fell slowly into decline after the war, but was given a new lease of life when the urethane wheel was developed in Boulder, California. Although this was invented for skateboards it was found to give a faster and better ride to roller skates. It took ten years for the wheel to become widespread enough to bring about a boom in roller-skating, which reached these shores in the late 1970s. Skaters were soon filling the parks and car parks, and some of the more enthusiastic amongst them started bringing along ice hockey sticks to knock a ball around and eventually started to sort themselves into teams. By the summer of 1981 there were numerous teams around in London, a few around Warrington, but no organisation. That autumn, the London Street Hockey Association was formed and in January 1983 the first London Championship was held. This proved a huge success, creating some enthusiasm for the sport, and as a result leagues were developed. Since that time, hundreds of teams have formed around the country and many more people are aware of Inline Hockey.

What is Inline Hockey?

Inline Hockey is a fast action, physically demanding sport, similar to Ice Hockey but played on roller or inline skates. It therefore requires a considerable amount of protective equipment to ensure minimisation of potential injury. Boys, girls, men and women of all ages play it. Players register with GB Hockey Inline to obtain personal and public liability insurance. Clubs register with their Regional Association so that they can participate in locally run leagues. GBHI also run National Conference Leagues in all age groups, in which the best players in an R.A. are selected to play for their Conference team.

The number of players that may be registered as a team squad for any league match or competition is 18 (16 outfield and 2 goalkeepers). The maximum number of players allowed on the rink at any one time is 5 and unlimited substitutions are allowed. All players and Managers must be registered with GB Hockey Inline. Every team must also have a qualified, licensed Inline Hockey Coach.

What is GB Hockey Inline?

It is the National Governing Body for Inline Hockey played to IIHF rules. GBHI exists to promote, encourage and foster the development of Inline Hockey for both sexes and for all age levels. GBHI is responsible for coordinating the activities of the Regional Associations, and has responsibility through the National Membership Services Manager for player registrations and insurance.

In 1998 Flintshire County Council converted the old Deeside Ice Rink into a purpose-built Inline Hockey rink, with Sportscourt flooring. The Deeside Arena has become GBHI’s National Centre of Excellence, and our Head Office was established in the same building in October 1998. Since that time, enquiries have come in from all over Great Britain, and the association has seen enormous growth. GBHI (Northern) run their leagues and Conference teams out of the Deeside Arena. GBHI (Midlands) are based at the Derby Storm Arena. GBHI (Southern) play out of the Lord Roberts Centre at Bisley Arena. GBHI (Wales) is our latest region, having joined in 2001.

The enormous growth of the sport at grass roots level has created unprecedented demand for training time and scheduled games throughout the country. To support this growth, Coach Training Courses and Officials/Referees Courses are organised regularly in all areas. In recent years, the greatest area of new demand has come from players under the age of 14. To encourage these young people to participate in and keep them off the streets, GBHI encourages its entire clubs to adopt the Skills Award Scheme and to participate in regular league matches and Open Tournaments.

What equipment is needed?

Please refer to the Rule Book. Even though Inline Hockey is a contact sport, it is a non-checking version and injury is thankfully rare. However, rules stipulate that every player must wear a minimum amount of protective kit for safety reasons.

What age ranges are there?

For the 2002-2003 season the age groupings are as follows:
10 or under = Born 1992 or later
12 or under = Born 1990 or later
14 or under = Born 1988 or later
16 or under = Born 1986 or later
18 or under = Born 1984 or later
20 or under = Born 1982 or later
SENIORS = Born before 1981

What are the goals like and what is the dimension of rink?

The goal cage must be made of wood or metal of strong enough construction to withstand impact from players but not fixed to the ground. Ideally rinks are a minimum of 40 metres x 20. The Deeside Arena is 56 metres x 25, and the Derby Storm Arena is 42 x 21. More details and pitch markings to be found in the rule book.

What Match Officials are needed for Inline Hockey?

For all matches there must be 2 referees, an off-pitch timekeeper and scorer who keeps a record of all penalties, goals scored etc. GB Hockey Inline game record sheets are used. Team players names and numbers are listed, and their Membership cards are handed to the Timebox. A copy of each game sheet is given to Team Managers after the match.

How do I become a member of GB Hockey Inline?

GBHI membership is open to everyone, regardless of race, sex, age or ability. Membership Forms are available from the GBHI Membership Services Manager, Val Crisford who can be e-mailed at val@gbinline.com, postal address P.O. Box 82, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2QU.Once registered with GBHI you will have insurance cover to enable you to participate in organised training sessions, league competitions and tournaments.

Coach Training Courses

These are administered on behalf of GB Hockey Inline by Inline Hockey Coach Training Services and are specifically designed to meet the needs of Inline Hockey Sports Coaches. Courses are held regularly all over Great Britain. More details and application forms can be downloaded from www.ihcts.co.uk.

Skills Award Scheme

This is a structured grass roots development scheme designed by IHA and used by GBHI for the benefit of its clubs and members. It develops players through a graded badge and certificate system accompanied by an individual Record of Achievement booklets for all participants. This system, developed in Great Britain, is now listed by the IIHF as a valuable resource for the sport internationally. More information on the scheme from the website www.ihsas.co.uk

General Enquiries

All general enquiries should be sent to GB Hockey Inline, Head Office, The Arena, Deeside Leisure Centre, Chester Road West, Queensferry, Flintshire, North Wales, CH5 1SA.
e-mail: headoffice@gbinline.com

The International events in Edmonton

World Inline Cup – Edmonton, Alberta Canada July 8 – 13, 2003

Hosted by Canadian Inline Hockey Association and Northern Stars Rollerhockey Hockey Association

Divisions 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, 20U, Senior, Womens (13+)

The organizing committee is excited to bring the championships to the TriLeisure Center, a world-class facility www.trileisure.com The TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre is a dynamic space, full of energy and activity. It is a place where people of all ages can come to compete, learn, exercise, relax, meet and celebrate life