Brighton Home Rules Discussion

There is too much ambiguity in the game we play now. I have done certain things that I thought were inside the rules to find that they were not. That's my bad and I'm cool with learning from it and playing better next time. However, I think we should start playing to a standard ruleset (maybe with some tweaks as Jono suggested which will match our style of play and the conditions).

There is also a massive ambiguity on contact rules, as Danny said chicken winging is just plain dangerous and anything that is seen as putting someone at risk of crashing etc is definitely a no. However, where do the rules stand on contact around blocking, chasing down balls etc. I think its in this area that we need to pay more attention as this is where most of disagreements are when we are on court and 'dont be a dick' just doesnt over it any more.

I think the theme of this conversation is heading towards safety. We are all playing faster, better and more competitively and as such we are becoming increasingly concious of the inherent dangers of the game. So the mallet and bike safety rules are a must as well as an agreement on the levels and nature of contact within the game.

I dont agree on any level that being more concious of the rules takes the fun away, if we play within the rules we play better and fairer and hone the skills we need to play in this way and as a result become more competitive for tourneys etc. Otherwise we are just a bunch of lunatics on bikes with sticks.

I also think that we should be reffing the games, not in a strict NS kinda way but someone out of the game to give final say on any issues that arise. With that comes the need for all players to accept reffing decisions as well and respect that we are all just trying to play better and not get agro on court.