By Eddie Fabrizio
Quick, think of something to do on a Monday and Wednesday night. It may be hanging out with friends, working on homework, or participating in on-campus activities, there are many things to do to pass the time on campus. But what if I told you there is an activity on campus that is both fun to play and to watch? That activity is Intramural Broomball and we have a league on campus for it.
Broomball gives the opportunity for back and forth action, but without the need to be overly competitive to win a division title. But although matches can be exciting to watch, the fan turnout is very low. There are some matches I went to where I was the only fan there, but there are many reasons why a person should participate in Broomball, whether it be as an athlete or as a fan.
Two fans is considered a “raucous” crowd
It is easy to wonder “what is and how you play Broomball”. Think of Broomball as Ice Hockey but the players wear sneakers instead of skates.
The rules for the game are simple, there are 5 players on each side, equipped with a helmet and modified hockey stick. It is played on the width of an ice rink, there are two 15 minute halves with a 5 minute break between the halves. There are several rules that would cause a stop of play including the ball going out of bounce, the ball getting stuck behind the net, if a player were to get into the goalie zone, and if a player was to lift their stick off the ice.
Another rule is that people can use any part of their body except for their hands, so don’t be surprised when people pass with their feet in a match. The team at the end of the game that scored the most goals will win the match. A normal gameday will see three matches on the docket starting at 9:00 PM and ending around 11:15 PM.
If you want to join as an athlete, you can still be part of the league. The only thing is that you would join as a free agent and hope that a team would pick you up. The deadline to start a team has been passed for as of now, the season is almost halfway done. Playing Broomball can give you a chance to play with your peers and opens up an opportunity to make new friends.
Playing in the league also gives people exercise in the cold, snowy winter months when it is difficult to get out and get moving. I asked a few Broomball players, and they do agree that the game is fun to play. That is according to Carmine Carlucci and Jack Lee, both juniors and part of the Rink Rascals, one of the teams in the Broomball league this semester.
“It is fun for sure, I mean we are new to it but we are going to figure it out and we will be a good squad.” said Carlucci.
“Yeah, Broomball is fun,” said Lee. I mean it is a sport I never heard of before playing it but it’s a lot of fun,”
For those who don’t want to be part athletically, spectators are welcome. Students also participate in intramurals as officials. The intramural sports office said they have about 30 students working as officials this semester.
Although the positions of the officials are filled, you can always participate as a spectator. It is free to attend and fans can cheer on their roommates, floormates, classmates, and anyone on campus. Sure, it is not the same as cheering on other Red Dragon sports, it gives a sense of community to know you are cheering on people that you know.
For information on how to join or to see a schedule, go to the Intramural Sports page on the Cortland website, click the register now button, create an IMLeagues account using your Cortland email and go to the SUNY Cortland tab on the website.
So next time you want something to do, pop down to the ice center and catch a Broomball game.
You would love the action.