Bandy Field; Key Elements | Perfect Dimensions | Difference Between Bandy and Ice Hockey

A bandy field is an ice rink used for the winter sport of bandy. The game is similar to ice hockey and football in its rink measurements. The game’s objective is to shoot goals into the goalpost of the opponent team.  

Looking back, Bandy, invented in 1813 in Huntingdonshire, England, saw its first official match there. In 1902, Sweden established the first professional bandy league. The game is the national sport of the Swedish people. Bandy is also played in the USA and is widely played in Minnesota. The USA Bandy is the national governing body, established in 1981, and also a member of the Federation of International Bandy (FIB). 

This post will give you helpful information regarding bandy field dimensions and measurements.

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Bandy Field
Bandy Field Layout

Bandy Field Specification

FIB is the international governing body of bandy that officially supervises all the bandy rules worldwide. 

The size of a Bandy field measures between 4,050 to 7,150 square meters. The field measures 45 to 65 meters wide and 90 to 110 meters long. The bandy area is similar to a standard football pitch size but larger than the size of the hockey rink.

For international play, the field must meet a minimum size requirement of 100 meters in length and 60 meters in width. A 15 cm (6 inches) high border is placed within the playing area along the sidelines. This border, often called a “wand” or “wall,” is a barrier to prevent the ball from leaving the icy surface. Remember, this border isn’t attached to the ice. It terminates 1 to 3 meters away from each of the corners.

Bandy Field
Bandy Field – Measurements

Key Elements That Make Up The Bandy Field

Goal Cage

A goal cage is placed at each shortline; you’ll find a goal cage. It measures 3.5 meters in width and 2.1 meters in height. The goal cage can be constructed from various materials, such as wood, aluminum, or steel, and it features a net to stop the ball when it crosses the goal line.

Penalty Area

A penalty area placed directly in front of the goal cage is a half-circular penalty area with a 17-meter radius. Within this area, you’ll find a crucial spot, the penalty spot, 12 meters in front of the goal. Two free-stroke spots are along the penalty area line, each surrounded by a 5-meter circle.

Centre Spot and Centre Line

The Bandy field is marked by a center spot, denoting the field’s midpoint. A circle with a 5-meter radius is centered around it. This area holds strategic importance during gameplay. A center line is drawn through the center spot, parallel to the shortlines.

Bandy Field
Bandy Field

Corners

Each corner of the field measures a quarter-circle with a 1-meter radius. A dotted line is painted parallel to the shortline, maintaining a distance of 5 meters from it. The dotted line can be replaced with a half-meter-long line, starting at the edge of the penalty area and extending towards the sideline, again maintaining a distance of five meters from the shortline.

Sidelines and Borders in Bandy

  • As per Section 1.2 of the Bandy Rules, a 15 cm (6 inches) high border is mandated along the sidelines. This border, a board, vant, Sarg, wand, or wall, serves a fundamental purpose – to keep the ball from exiting the ice.
  • The border should extend 1 to 3 meters (3 ft 3 in – 9 ft 10 in) away from the corners of the field. To ensure safety, the top of the border should have soft protection. This precaution prevents players from getting injured when coming into contact with it, especially at high speeds.

Border Maintenance

  • During play, if the border becomes frozen to the ice, it can pose a hazard to the players. In such cases, the referee can decide whether to start or continue the game without the border.
  • Similarly, if strong winds relocate the border during a match, the game can also be started or continued without it.

Red-Painted Border Sections

  • The border is divided into sections, each 4 meters (13 ft) long, according to Section 1.2 of the Rules.
  • Section 1.3 of the Rules defines where players must and must not enter or leave the field. Four border sections are specifically painted red on both the front and back sides.
  • These red-painted sections are strategically placed at the middle of the side-line on one side of the field, in front of the players’ benches. All player exchanges between both teams must occur over these red-painted border pieces, covering about 16 meters.

Bandy Field Dimensions

Bandy Field
Bandy Field
Bandy Field Measurements
Field Size (Regulation Range)4,050–7,150 square meters (43,600–77,000 sq ft)
Field Size (International Play)100m by 60 m(330 ft by 200 ft)
Length45–65m (148–213 ft)
Width90–110m (300–360 ft)
Sidelines and Borders15 cm (6 in) high border along the sidelines
Border Sections4m (13 ft) long
Center Spot5m (16 ft) radius circle
Corners1m (3 ft 3 in) radius quarter-circles
Dotted Line (Alternative)0.5m (1 ft 8 in) long, 5m (16 ft) from the shortline
Goal Cage Dimensions3.5m (11 ft) wide, 2.1m (6 ft 11 in) high
Penalty Area Radius17m (56 feet)
Penalty Spot Distance from Goal12m (39 feet)
Free-Stroke Spot Radius5m (16 feet)

Difference Between Bandy vs Ice Hockey

  • Bandy is played with a ball, whereas ice hockey uses a puck.
  • The bandy rink is larger than the ice hockey rink.
  • Bandy’s goalposts are also larger compared to those in ice hockey. In ice hockey, goalkeepers sit to defend the net, helped by smaller goalposts.
  • In a bandy sport, each team consists of eleven players. In contrast, ice hockey teams consist of six players on each side. 
  • Bandy matches are divided into two halves, each consisting of 45 minutes. This ice hockey game is divided into three periods; each period consists of 20 minutes. 

FAQs

Bandy is a national sport in Sweden.

In bandy, each team consists of 11 players, including a goalkeeper. 

Bandy in the United States is mainly played in Minnesota. It’s the second-largest winter sport globally in terms of licensed athletes. Bandy is a team sport on ice with skates, a ball, and curved sticks.

Bandy is a winter sport that involves hitting a ball with a stick.

Conclusion

Bandy, a winter sport with official field dimensions governed by the International Bandy Federation (FIB), is played on a 4,050 to 7,150 square meter field (100m x 60m for international matches). Understanding the specifications and dimensions of the bandy field provides valuable insights into this dynamic winter sport. Understanding the regulation’s dimensions in a bandy field is vital for this exciting winter sport.

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