Underwater hockey is a team sport played on the bottom of a swimming pool, by two teams of 6 players a team, each wearing snorkeling gear (ie: mask, fins, snorkel). It is a breath holding sport and players rotate on and off the bottom. The object of the game is to put a lead-filled puck into the opposing team's goal. The goals are located at opposite ends of the pool on the bottom. The puck is manuvered by a short wooden stick held in one hand. The puck is slid along the bottom and can be passed to a team member by means of a flick of the wrist which can lift the puck and carry it considerable distances.
Underwater hockey is a non-contact sport, penalties are assesed by referees for fouls such as grasping, holding or pushing an opponent. It is played around the world, by men, women and children of ages 8 and up. World Championships are held every 2 years, and have been in effect since 1980.
