The following rules changes are under consideration for the International Oarball Union. A rule being under consideration does not guarantee that it will be implemented.
Explanation: Overview of what rule would be changed.
Rationale: Why this rule might be considered.
Possible externalities: Effects on the game, positive or negative, which could occur as a result of the rule change but which were not the intention of the rule change.
Alternative proposals: Similar rules being discussed for consideration
Feedback from the general public is welcome. Is there a rule you would like to see implemented? Any externalities that are not being considered? Contact the International Oarball Union at internationaloarballunion@gmail.com
APPROVED: 10 player active roster
Explanation: Increase the size of the active roster from 9 players to 10 players.
Rationale: With an extra player, teams will be able to operate 2 back pairs. With a substitute on the bench, fullbacks will have more energy and incentive to be more active in play.
Possible externalities: An additional player on the active roster further disadvantages clubs which struggle to field a full roster. With more players playing and training at fullback, the standard of play at that position will rise.
Alternative proposals: None
2-Point goal
Explanation: If a goal is scored, and the shooter took the shot from a point on the field further away from the goal from all opposing defenders on the field, that goal is worth 2 points.
Rationale: Giving the offense an incentive to shoot from far away and encouraging the defense not to collapse in front of goal can provide for a more entertaining and varied on-field product.
Possible externalities: The addition of a 2-point goal would allow teams to come back from deficits more easily, but also allow dominant teams to stretch their leads further. Determining the relative distance to goal of every player could add additional undue workload for the referee. Tracking 2-point goals would add additional workload for the scorekeeper.
Alternative proposals: 2-point line (goals scored from behind line painted on field are worth 2 points); 2-point ball (teams may petition one time per game to use a differently colored ball, scoring with that ball is worth 2 points, if that ball goes out of bounds or scores it is replaced with the normal ball)
5-Second Face-off clock
Explanation: Once a player on either team has lined up for the face-off, the opposing team has 5 seconds to line a player up, or else the referee will start play.
Rationale: A consistent rule which will allow teams to strategically manipulate the clock, and which will generally lead to the ball being in play for more time and faster matches.
Possible externalities: Players may be more tired as a result of this rule, lowering quality of on-field product and increasing risk of injury. May increase points of conflict after end of play, resulting in more altercations and fouls. May encourage teams to take short free hits to win free possessions.
Alternative proposals: 10-second Re-start clock (time between stoppage, free hit, and face-off is not to exceed 10 seconds, any team which fails to line up or take hit quickly enough commits delay of game foul)
Allow metal handles
Explanation: Allow paddle-sticks to be made of aluminum or titanium, or alloys made primarily of aluminum, titanium, scandium, or chromium. Metal handles must be hollow with no sharp edges. They must conform to all other regulations, and may be fastened to the paddle with a screw, glue, mechanical leverage, or some combination therein.
Rationale: Metal handles can offer a significant improvement to the performance and durability of sticks.
Possible externalities: Costs of sticks may increase to unacceptable levels, reducing the accessibility of the sport. Players with more expensive sticks may have competitive advantage over those with cheaper sticks, reducing accessibility of the sport.
Alternative proposals: None
Add secondary “penalty line”
Explanation: In addition to the neutral zone lines, add more horizontal or diagonal field markings to move players father away from the central square in the event of a penalty shot.
Rationale: Added spacing would give a shooter more time to shoot, increasing the rate of goals scored from penalty shots
Possible externalities: None
Alternative proposals: Expand neutral zone, central channel, and goal crease
Require mouth guards for under-18 players
Explanation: Players under the age of 18 must wear a protective gum shield to be allowed on the field.
Rationale: Mouth guards can reduce chance of traumatic brain injury and minor cosmetic dental injury, and players under the age of 18 are not in a position to make an informed risk/reward analysis.
Possible externalities: Would increase cost to participate in oarball, reducing its accessibility. Potential false sense of security with players unduly risking their safety because of an over-estimation of the protection provided.
Alternative proposals: Require mouth guards for under-16 players; Require mouth guards for under-21 players
Require shin pads
Explanation: Players are required to wear protective shin padding.
Rationale: Shins are at greatest risk of being injured due to interactions with sticks and cleats.
Possible externalities: Reduced injury risk to high-risk shins. Increase in cost to play the sport, reducing accessibility.
Alternative proposals: None
Reduce size of goals for under-8 players
Explanation: Players under the age of 8 use a goal which is 9 feet wide by 3 feet high rather than the standard 12 feet wide and 4 feet high.
Rationale: Younger players are smaller, and playing on a proportionally sized goal can make the game fit them better, making it more enjoyable and preventing them from developing bad habits.
Possible externalities: More natural development of shot stopping and shooting skills. Balance of youth oarball games shifted towards lower-scoring contests. Possibly unacceptable increase in cost to play the sport.
Alternative proposals: None