If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either a hockey player or a lover of the beautiful game. For those who don’t know, hockey is a team sport played on ice. Teams of five on five compete against each other using sticks to maneuver a ball around the ice.
While you may know what hockey is, it’s not always easy to know what exactly is a sport and what isn’t. Is street hockey a sport?
As the name implies, street hockey is played on the streets rather than on an ice rink. It can vary from informal games between friends to organized tournaments where professionals play for large cash prizes.
In most places, street hockey is considered to be a sport, but how does the law define it? If you’re a street hockey player, are you obligated to register with the authorities? Let’s examine the legalities surrounding this exciting sport.
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Is Street Hockey A Sport?
Most places consider street hockey to be a sport because it’s played on the streets rather than on an ice rink. According to the law, “Sport” means “An activity engaged in for fun and/or enjoyment, including but not limited to: (1) running, (2) skateboarding, (3) tennis, (4) hockey, (5) baseball, (6) football, (7) volleyball, and (8) golf.” In order to be classified as a sport, an activity must fall broadly within the definition in the previous sentence. In layman’s terms, this simply means that hockey should be considered a sport because it’s played on the streets rather than on an ice rink. It has been specifically noted that “[i]f a sport is played on the street or alley, it is considered to be a game or activity that is played on foot.”
As noted above, street hockey can vary from informal games between friends to organized tournaments where professionals play for large cash prizes. This is why most places consider it a sport rather than a game. In the United States, the only place where it’s not considered a sport is North Dakota. There, “Sport” simply means “golf” or “bowling.” If you’re from North Dakota and you want to play in an organized tournament, you’ll need to register with the state authorities as a “Professional Golfer” or “Professional Bowler.”
Do I Need To Register As A Sport?
You don’t need to register with the authorities as a sport if you play in an organized tournament. However, in most places, you’ll need to register as a sport if you play in an unorganize street hockey tournament or league. Why? Registration ensures that you’re a “square” in the tournament (more on this later).
There are exceptions to this rule. If you’re an amateur (non-professional) hockey player and you play in an unorganized tournament or league, you don’t need to register as a sport. You also don’t need to register if you play in a sanctioned tournament or league, even if it’s not organized by the authorities. In the case of amateur players, the officials will contact you if they need to verify your eligibility before the tournament starts.
Amateur hockey players should also be aware that in some places, organized hockey is considered a sport, while unorganized hockey is not. This can create legal complications if you’re playing in an unorganized tournament and you receive a summons from the police to appear in court. (You may want to register as a non-citizen or an illegal immigrant in case you don’t want to play in an unorganized hockey tournament).
What If I Don’t Regsit As A Sport?
If you don’t want to register as a sport, you have two options. You can either play in an unorganized tournament or league, or you can play in a sanctioned tournament or league. (You don’t need to register in any case if you play in a golf or bowling league in North Dakota).
In most places, you’ll need a hockey mask to play street hockey. These masks are necessary to diminish the effect that your loud noises (i.e. whoopsies!) will have on other people. It’s also polite to wear a helmet while playing hockey. This is especially important if you play on a public street or in an alley. For more safety and legal reasons, you should also wear protective gear (i.e. chest protector, elbow pads, and groin protector) while playing.
What are square balls?
If you play in an unorganized tournament or league, you’ll need to use something to mark your position during the game. This is usually done by throwing a ball (called a “square ball”) toward a net placed somewhere behind the goal line. If you catch the square ball, you’ve won the puck or mark. (In most places, you’ll need to complete one round of 5 on 5 puck play before you can score).
If you don’t want to use a ball, you can also use a Frisbee or some other similar item. Just make sure that whatever you use, is able to be captured easily by the opposition (i.e. another player).
What Is My Punishment If I Break The Rules?
If you break the rules while playing in an unorganized tournament or league, your punishment will be determined by two things: the severity of the infraction and your ability to pay for the infraction. In the case of a minor infraction, you may be given a warning or a verbal reprimand. If you break a major rule (i.e. throwing a ball or disc at another player), you’ll receive a minor or major penalty as noted above. If you don’t have enough money to pay the financial obligations imposed by the rules you’ve broken, you’ll have to do community service to compensate for your actions.
In most places, you’ll need to be at least 15 years old to play in an unorganized hockey tournament or league. Some places, like Texas, require players to be at least 18 years old. You’ll also need to have a registered vehicle to drive to your games. In most places, you’re not allowed to enter if you have any bodily fluids on you. This includes urine, vomit, and blood. (You can get these fluids on you if you’re ill or have had a recent surgery).
If you want to organize a hockey tournament or league in your community, there are several websites that can help you find like-minded individuals. Once you’ve found a group of people who share your passion for the game, you can use this website to help you plan your events.
Organized hockey is a fairly new concept. The first organized tournament was held in Canada in 1884. Since then, it’s become an integral part of Canadian culture (with a major impact in the United States). If you’re interested in playing in an organized tournament, contact your local hockey league or go to one of the many online registries where you can find like minded individuals who share your passion for the game.