Bandy Sport Rules and Equipment Guide
If you’re new to bandy, the sport looks deceptively simple: two teams on ice, one ball, wooden sticks. But the ruleset that governs the game is precise and designed to keep play fast and physical without descending into chaos.
The Field and Match Structure
Bandy is played on a rectangular ice rink, typically 100 to 110 meters long and 60 to 65 meters wide. The field resembles a soccer pitch more than a hockey rink, which matters for how the game flows. Each team fields 11 players: a goalkeeper, four defensemen, four forwards, and two midfielders. Matches run for two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute intermission.
Play starts at center field with a face-off. The ball must be kept in motion and passed between teammates. Unlike hockey, offside is enforced strictly, and there’s no checking or body contact allowed. This keeps the emphasis on stick handling, positioning, and strategy rather than physical intimidation.
The Ball and Sticks
The bandy ball is smaller and lighter than you’d expect. It weighs between 400 and 500 grams, roughly the size of a tennis ball but slightly heavier. Players use a stick with a curved, flat blade at the end to strike the ball. The blade curves in one direction only, which takes adjustment if you’re coming from hockey or other stick sports.
Scoring and Fouls
A goal is worth one point and must cross the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. The goalkeeper stands in front of a goal area marked by lines on the ice.
Common fouls include:
- Raising the stick above shoulder height
- Blocking the ball with your body
- Throwing the stick or ball
- Playing the ball with your hands
- Intentional contact or interference
Minor fouls result in a free strike from the spot where the violation occurred. Serious infractions draw penalties or ejection. For coverage of how these rules play out in competitive settings across Asia, check our tournament updates and match reports.