aving just taken part as one of the goalkeepers for Team South Africa in the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championship in Nurnberg and Amberg, Germany, I can tell you I was amazed at the playing rules used at the championship.

A new rule

Being a long-time ice hockey player and official, it was quite a task to adapt to the "new" offsides rule used in inline hockey. And being a goalkeeper, you often depend on the officials to help you out on the odd break away

Basically, in the inline version of our wonderful game there is no blue line, just the center red line. Attacking players can enter the zone ahead of the puck carrier, and even make themselves at home in front of the net. Once the puck carrier has entered the attacking zone, he may then pass the puck to anyone else in the end. That makes for some quick passing and shooting, especially as you only play four on four anyway.

Continued...