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Roller Hockey
One of the more popular sports in Latin areas of the world is Roller Hockey, also known as international style ball hockey, hardball hockey, as well as other names for this team sport. During the Olympics hosted by Spain in 1992 the sport was an official demonstration sport. Many championships for the sport have been organized, and were all primarily dominated by Countries of Latin origin, dating as far back as the 1940s. Portugal is leading the ranks with fifteen world titles to their name, closely followed by Spain with only one title less. Italy and Argentina each hold 4 titles, which close the ranks. Western countries often compete internationally, but in general are no match for the ranked leaders. The sport was known as hardball hockey in the US, but the name was changed to rink hockey in 2008 by the USOC.
The object of the game is to shoot a ball in to the goal of the other team. Teams consist of five players, and the ball may only be touched by a hockey stick. Each game lasts 50 minutes, divided into two 25 minute rounds. Each round, the teams can request one time out, which lasts one minute.
A requirement for every roller hockey team is to have 6 players at a minimum, as one backup player is mandatory for goalkeeping, and they can have a maximum amount of 10 backup players.
Due to the speed which the sport is played at, it is difficult to broadcast it for television. Currently this is being solved by building rinks with colored pavement that will make the ball easier to be seen on television.
There are lots of roller hockey clubs throughout Europe and FC Barcelona holds the most trophies, being the winner of 17 cups in Europe. Other well known teams are The Portuguese FC Porto, The Spanish Igualada HC, and the Italian Bassano Hockey 54, to name only a few of the many professional roller hockey teams in Europe.
Just like in other countries of Latin origin, roller hockey is very popular in Spain where the game is played by professionals. The national team of Spain has won the world championships no less than fourteen times, come 2nd twelve times and 3rd seven times. They have also won several European championships, come 2nd fifteen times and 3rd five times. Overall the roller hockey teams of Spain have won 39 European cups and not been placed only five times.
Arguably the most important roller hockey team of Spain is FC Barcelona, which established themselves in the game back in 1942. Due to problems at that time, the team was only active for one season and it would take until 1948 when they truly started competing and their games became part of history. The team holds the most trophies and is referred to as the most important roller hockey team of Europe. The team is based in Barcelona, Catalonia and competes in the OK Liga. Some of their famous roller hockey players are: Ramon Benito, Joaquim Paüls, Gaby Cairo and José Luis Páez, to name just a few.
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