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Bandy ball

The bandy ball is a small, hard spherical object used in the winter team sport of bandy, where players use curved sticks to propel it across an ice rink into the opponent's goal. It consists of a cork core covered by rubber or a rubber-like plastic material, designed for durability, visibility, and controlled bounce on ice. Standard bandy balls have a diameter of 63 mm ± 2 mm and weigh 60 to 65 grams when unused. They must be an easily visible color, typically orange, cerise (pink), or dark blue, to ensure playability in varying light conditions. When dropped from 1.5 meters onto firm ice, the ball must bounce regularly between 15 cm and 30 cm high. These specifications are regulated by the Federation of International Bandy (FIB) to maintain consistency in international competitions. Originally, was played with wooden puck-like objects or irregular balls, but standardized rubber-covered cork balls were introduced around 1904–1905 to improve speed and handling. Major manufacturers include Kosa, CCM, and , producing balls compliant with FIB rules for and recreational use. A smaller variant is used in , played indoors on reduced-size rinks.

Overview

Definition and purpose

The is a spherical object consisting of a core encased in a hard rubber cover, used exclusively in the sports of and . It serves as the primary equipment for , where two teams of 11 players each, including a , compete on a large to score by striking the ball with curved sticks and propelling it across the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. The purpose of the bandy ball is to enable fast-paced, continuous play on , facilitating long passes, precise shots, and dynamic maneuvers akin to but adapted for skating. Its design, weighing approximately 60-65 grams when unused, ensures controlled bounces on firm —typically 15-30 when dropped from 1.5 meters—to maintain momentum without excessive unpredictability during high-speed action. Approved balls must conform to standards set by the (FIB) Technical Committee, including an easily visible color such as , pink, or dark red, to enhance visibility in official matches. Due to the potential for damage from impacts with sticks, skates, or the ice surface, match organizers are required to provide a minimum of 20 balls per game, with reserves managed by officials for quick replacement.

Comparison to similar equipment

The bandy ball is fundamentally distinct from the ice hockey puck in both shape and function. While the puck is a flat, disc-shaped object made of vulcanized rubber, designed to slide smoothly across the ice surface with minimal bouncing, the bandy ball is spherical, featuring a cork core encased in natural or . This , with a of 63 (±2 ) and weight of 60-65 g, enables it to roll and be propelled in ways that support bandy's fluid, continuous play on a larger rink. In comparison to the field hockey ball, the bandy ball is smaller and lighter, measuring 63 mm ± 2 mm (61–65 mm) in diameter versus the field hockey ball's 71.3-74.8 mm, and weighing 60-65 g compared to 156-163 g for the field hockey version. The bandy ball's smoother, harder rubber surface is optimized for reduced friction on ice, facilitating rapid movement across the rink, whereas the field hockey ball's dimpled exterior and greater mass suit the higher resistance of grass or turf surfaces. Unlike the perforated plastic ball used in (also known as unihockey), which has a 72 mm diameter, weighs 20-23 g, and includes 26 holes to limit and enhance on indoor hard floors, the bandy ball is without perforations for greater and predictability on ice. This rubber design withstands high-impact strikes from bandy sticks, supporting the sport's emphasis on speed and passing in an outdoor or large indoor environment.

Physical specifications

Dimensions and weight

The bandy ball, as regulated by the (FIB), must have a of 63 ± 2 in any direction to ensure uniformity and fairness in competitions. This allows for precise while accommodating minor variations that do not affect play. In practice, international standard balls are typically produced at 62.4 in , providing optimal handling on surfaces. A regional variant used in Russian bandy measures 63.8 mm in diameter, slightly larger to suit preferences in domestic leagues while still complying with broader tolerances. The weight of an unused bandy ball ranges from 60 to 65 grams, striking a balance that promotes maneuverability for skilled stick handling and sufficient stability to withstand high-speed impacts on frozen rinks. These specifications, enforced by FIB rules, maintain consistency across matches and prevent advantages from equipment discrepancies.

Color and performance standards

The bandy ball is required to be produced in an easily visible color to distinguish it clearly against the white surface during play. Approved colors include bright , cerise (a vivid pinkish-red), and dark red, with and cerise being the most common for optimal . Historically, bandy balls were originally red, but the color evolved to these brighter options to enhance for players and officials. Performance standards for the bandy ball emphasize consistent and predictable behavior on . According to the (FIB) playing rules, when dropped from a of 1.5 meters onto firm , the ball must exhibit a regular bounce of at least 15 cm but no more than 30 cm at the point of impact; this test ensures reliable rolling and rebound characteristics essential for fair and controlled . The ball's construction from approved materials further guarantees it maintains its spherical integrity and performance under repeated use, as verified by the FIB Technical Committee prior to matches. These color and performance criteria are strictly applied in professional competitions, including the Russian Bandy Super League, where referees inspect balls before and during games to confirm compliance.

Construction

Materials and core

The bandy ball's core consists of a solid center, which forms the internal responsible for the ball's overall and . This material choice provides slight , ensuring the ball maintains structural integrity without excessive hardness that could affect handling or safety during high-speed play on . Cork's inherent properties contribute to the ball's suitability for , including low for —allowing it to float if lost in during outdoor matches—and effective shock absorption to withstand impacts from sticks and without fracturing. These attributes differentiate cork from fully synthetic alternatives, promoting consistent performance in cold environments down to typical bandy conditions around -15°C, where the remains stable without cracking. This internal setup supports the ball's role in ice-compatible play by balancing rigidity and flexibility for optimal bounce and control as per international standards.

Outer layer and design

The outer layer of the bandy ball consists of a hard rubber or , which provides durability, weather resistance, and optimal grip when struck by bandy sticks. This coating is applied through seamless spherical molding to ensure a smooth, aerodynamic surface that minimizes air resistance during play. The rubber layer undergoes , a process that imparts elasticity, enabling the ball to deform slightly upon with sticks or the while quickly returning to its original shape—distinguishing it from the rigid construction of pucks. Official balls incorporating this outer layer must receive approval from the (FIB) to meet performance standards.

History

Origins and early forms

The bandy ball emerged in the context of the sport's development in during the mid-19th century, as bandy formalized from informal folk games such as , which were played on frozen ponds and fields in rural areas like . These precursor games, popular among villagers and documented as early as the , relied on ad-hoc equipment, including improvised balls fashioned from available materials to suit the rough, outdoor conditions. Bandy's roots trace back to late 18th-century stick-and-ball activities in , evolving into a more structured winter pursuit by the and , particularly in regions like and where natural ice surfaces were abundant. Early balls were rudimentary spheres, often made from , bungs, or rags wrapped in , reflecting the sport's origins in unstructured play rather than manufactured precision. These objects, sometimes resembling balls in construction, were typically heavier and less uniform than later versions, contributing to variable on uneven surfaces. Historical accounts describe a transition from such natural or salvaged items to more consistent forms, similar in size to a , though leading to challenges in and during matches. A pivotal moment came in 1891 with the formation of the National Bandy Association in , which established the sport's first codified rules, including basic specifications for the to promote fairness and consistency. Authored primarily by Charles Goodman Tebbutt of the Bury Fen Bandy Club, these rules marked the shift from improvised equipment to standardized indiarubber balls, while retaining elements like the approximate size from earlier practices. This standardization, agreed upon in July 1891, laid the groundwork for bandy's growth beyond local folk traditions.

Evolution and standardization

In the early , bandy balls in , particularly in and , saw significant advancements with the introduction of rubber coverings over the traditional core, improving grip and performance on surfaces. This innovation addressed the limitations of earlier wooden or cork-only designs, allowing for more consistent play in colder conditions and leading to lighter balls in the early 20th century. The formation of the Fédération Internationale de (FIB) in 1955 marked a pivotal step toward global standardization, with the organization establishing formal rules for equipment to ensure uniformity across competitions. In its early rules during the , the FIB specified a diameter aligning with modern standards of 62-64 mm, comparable to a that suited the sport's large ice fields and fast-paced gameplay. This codification facilitated fair play in international events, including the inaugural World Championships in 1957, where consistent equipment standards helped elevate the sport's competitive integrity. Further evolution later in the involved a shift in ball color from the original to or cerise, primarily to enhance visibility during games, especially in low-light or snowy conditions. This change, driven by practical concerns in outdoor play, reduced potential mishaps and improved spectator experience as the sport gained broader attention. A key development was the adoption of a slightly larger variant measuring 63.8 mm in , tailored for the expansive fields common in Soviet leagues and later influencing international tolerances to accommodate regional variations. As of the 2023-2024 FIB rules, the bandy ball must have a of 62-64 mm and weigh 58-63 , with a cork core surrounded by rubber or , maintaining the standards established in prior decades.

Manufacturing

Production process

The bandy ball consists of a cork core encased in rubber or rubber-like to provide and durability on . Balls are manufactured to meet (FIB) standards, including a of 63 mm ± 2 mm and weight of 60-65 when unused. Finished balls undergo quality testing to verify adherence to FIB standards, including a from 1.5 m onto firm to ensure regular bounce between 15 cm and 30 cm, and checks for dimensions and . Only balls passing these tests receive FIB certification for official use.

Major manufacturers and variations

Several prominent manufacturers produce balls, catering to both competitive and recreational needs in the sport. Jofa, a brand now integrated with CCM, is renowned for its premium orange balls used in high-level events such as World Championships, emphasizing and on . Kosa, based in , specializes in bandy equipment including the larger "Russian ball" variant measuring 63.8 mm in , which meets international standards and is widely used in domestic leagues. International brands like and CCM offer synthetic balls suitable for youth and training, featuring vibrant colors such as cerise or pink for better tracking during play. These manufacturers ensure compliance with (FIB) guidelines, focusing on rubber construction for optimal bounce and grip. Bandy balls exhibit variations tailored to different contexts, with official FIB-approved models adhering to specifications of 63 mm ± 2 mm , 60–65 g , and colors like , dark , or cerise for , typically priced around $8–10 each. Practice balls, often softer with reduced bounce to minimize risk during training, cost about $5 and are produced in similar materials but without full . For indoor or variants, played on smaller fields, the same ball specifications apply as standard . These differences allow adaptation between professional matches, where official balls ensure consistency, and amateur sessions emphasizing accessibility.

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