UWH What is Underwater Hockey? Underwater Hockey is a 3 dimensional team sport. It is played below the surface of the water in a swimming pool by two teams of 10 players, 6 in the water and 4 substitutes. Each player is wearing basic underwater equipment, i.e. fins, mask, cap with ear protection and snorkel. The object of the game is to push or pass a weighted puck along the bottom of the pool by using an underwater hockey stick, into the opposing teams goal. A Sport Less Ordinary The duration of the game is 30 minutes divided into two periods of 15 minutes, with a 3 minute break at half time, where the teams change ends. 2 in Water Referees and one out of water Referee control the match. The game first appeared in the late 1950's and was invented by the British Navy to help train their Navy Divers. At present many national and international tournaments are carried out up to World Championships for men-, women-, Masters and youth teams. Who plays and who is the best? The World Championships generally has about 40 countries wanting to compete. These are paired down to play in the main tournament of 16 teams. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France and Holland are generally considered to be the top teams in the world. New Zealand won the elite Men's and Holland won the elite Women's in the world championships for the first time in 2004. These teams train everyday of the week during the run up to major championships and their countries sports association are willing to support these athletes with significant resources to accomplish their goals. Rules of UWH here (english) Basic equipment diving goggles, fins, snorkel hockeystick cap glove