[jason taylor]

Sail Hockey

Nobody is sure of the origin of this sort. Nor are the rules universalized. But it has a rough similarity whereever it is played.

It is a water sport played in an estuary or a lake fed by a river of at least moderate size. There are two teams each with up to three Goalsmiter Boats, up to five blocker boats and up to three transit boats. The size of the crew is unimportant by itself: it is measured by the boats size and the manager's estimate of the crew's skill, etc.

Blocker boats and goalsmitters are given a different type of paddle. The first is for paddling the ball or thrusting at opposing crewmembers or parrying same (which is why safety gear is always worn). The second type of paddle is more sophisticated. It carries a net at the end similar to a lacrosse stick for grasping and throwing balls. It will hold a ball for several seconds before an embedded electronic device opens the net. Only Goalsmiters can actually score goals: blockers can run interference or join in defense. This sometimes includes deliberate ramming which is another reason for safety equipment.

Each boat can take on any of the three roles, as long as the minimum is not exceeded. A change in role is signaled by a change in the flag on the mast.

Each boat is powered by sail alone: grav moters or chemical engines are removed at the start. However modern communications both between boats and with shore are allowed as is the limited use of drones.

Balls are released into the stream at intervals and are declared "in play" when the enter the playing area. Each ball has a tracker installed inside it. In some rules being tangled up in brush renders a ball out of play but in others it is the responsibility of the players to seek out the ball.

The game is concluded by counting the number of goals at the end of one day though some go on two days.

Transit boats are one of the most unique elements. They are used to replace boats of other types. They can also bring supplies such as snacks or water, or replacement crew, equipment, and of course, new paddles. They are not allowed to otherwise interfere with the game and to do so loses a point for their team.

Estuarian matches are often favored over lake matches by students of the sport. The need to add tides to calculation is felt to add an element to an already sophisticated sport.