Our Sport
Inline Hockey is played by teams of five, 4 players and a goalkeeper, at all levels. All teams can be mixed teams, as there are no gender restrictions. Inline hockey gives all the advantages of ice hockey, without the contact associated with ice hockey, and the expense of providing ice facilities.
Almost anyone can play In-Line Hockey. New players are always welcome, regardless of your level of experience. Tuition is included for new players.
We have graded competitions for both Juniors (5 to 15 years), up to Division One Level. Boys and Girls, men and women are all welcome to play. Anyone can be part of a team and play at a level that best suits their skill level.
The rules of play are quite specific regarding personal safety. All players are required to wear appropriate equipment, including helmets, gloves, shin/knee pads, etc. Equipment can be provided for beginners, although players usually need to have their own skates. Genital protectors ('box') is required for all male players.
The rules, and our insurance, states that all players under 21 are required to wear wire face cages or Perspex visors on their helmets. All players are encouraged to also wear a internal mouth guard for protection of their teeth.
This also applies to social hockey players.
For more information and game times try our Quick Facts page. Or, contact Garry Gavin on 0407 886 750.
History of the Sport in Australia
At the time in-line skates were being introduced into Australia, retailers and wholesalers were looking for something other than recreational skating to boost sales. In 1990 a retailer in Melbourne organized the first game of in-line hockey, encouraging customers, who had purchased in-line skates to join in. This game was organized as a promotion for "Team Roller Blade" a visiting team of ramp skaters from America. A few younger spectators thought it looked "cool". With the guidance, encouragement and support of the older players, games between two teams, (all ramp skaters) were started at a roller skating rink in one of the suburbs (Nunawading). The rules were very basic. Uniforms were T shirts and shorts and without protective gear. A few months later these 18 children became bored playing against each other. One of the fathers went out recruiting. He stopped every child he saw wearing in-line skates and asked them to play hockey. The older players began recruiting a few friends and in the first year the league started with four senior teams and four junior teams. The Victorian In-Line Hockey Association (VILHA) was born, the first rule book was produced and the sport was off and running.
The Bauer Distributor in Australia donated helmets, jerseys and some equipment. A "Bauer" demonstration team comprising ten children visited shopping centres, roller skating rinks, fairs and shows each weekend promoting the sport. Now several years later, with more facilities being introduced, the sport continues to thrive. VILHA produced a magazine called "Snapshot" which was sent to retailers around the country. In New South Wales and Queensland retailers contacted VILHA. The rule book was sent, ideas exchanged and eventually the New South Wales and Queensland Leagues were formed. Since then the other States have gradually come on board. Megan Leslie, the VILHA President set up the Australian In-Line Hockey Association Inc. (AILHA) as the governing body of the sport in Australia. This body now ensures that the rules and regulations are the same in each State. State and National Championships are held each year and the sport has gone from strength to strength. Mrs. Leslie was appointed to the first International Ice Hockey Federation In-Line Hockey Committee. Since that time Australia has sent many teams to compete internationally in all age groups. In the first junior world tournament held in 1998 Australia won a bronze medal. As Dave Easter from Canadian In-Line Hockey says "It has been an incredible adventure to be part of a brand new sport. The growing pains will continue, but make no mistake about it - this is not a fad. This sport is here to stay".
In 2008 AILHA amalgamated with Skate Australia.
