Rules proposals which were rejected this season but which are tabled for next season:
1. Reduction of goal size to 3mx0.9m in line with water polo and a reduced size ball
2. Elimination of the channel lines and the east-west two line pass rule
3. No hands rule for defenders inside their goal crease

Why was the field changed? Increasing the size of the central areas reduces stoppages and adds more flow to the game, particularly in transition, while still encouraging teamwork and making the center of the field more valuable than the outside.

Why was the penalty shot changed? Stats showed that the penalty shot was not a credible scoring opportunity- a measly 8% of penalty shots resulted in goals last season in senior play. Several reworks were introduced to make the play not just easier to score on, but also more interesting to watch

Why was goal hanging changed? First, to reduce the workload on referees. Trying to keep track of multiple players' 3 second counts while also looking for fouls and watching for violations was extremely difficult for officials. The new rule is simpler both for officials and players.

Now for a breakdown of the new rules and why they were chosen.

Rule changes have been finalized for the 2026 season. The following were adopted:
1. Goal hanging was completely re-worked. There is no more 3-second count and players can't be penalized for goal hanging, but offensive players can be offside while a team goal hangs.

The IOU rules committee is undergoing talks of rules changes for the 2026 season. On the agenda:
1. Increasing offense, particularly by increasing the value of goal crease situations and penalty shots
2. Lessening the workload on officials with the goal hanging rule
3. Maximizing accessability

Want to become a better oarballer? The documents section of oarball.org now has training guides for both forwards and backs to train at home even if you have no one to play with or no fitness equipment

As the summer months heat up, be sure to stay safe! Make sure you know the signs of heat illness, drink plenty of water, and take frequent breaks

Rule clarification: the “roll and flick” move is legal- so long as the foot makes continuous contact with the ball, the play is still only considered to be one touch of the ball and does not violate the two touch rule

STV [3 May 25] -- After England banned trans soccer players following Supreme Court ruling, Scotland FA follows suit, banning the ONE player--a fifth tier for Edinburgh Univ. @rikiwilchins.bsky.social

When I was a kid I was banned from playing any type of football. Every single door was closed (the same way it is now closed to every trans girl). As a non-binary adult I find myself again without anywhere to play. How hard is it to make sport inclusive?

The IOU is saddened and disappointed by the decisions of the English and Scottish Football associations. Discrimination has no place in sport, and we hope to see a conscious effort at inclusivity going forward.

Want to get into playing oarball? Contact the IOU and we can help you find local clubs, organize a pick-up game, or start your own club!

haikus are good ways
to explain oarball to you
let us become friends

Hello Bluesky! Oarball is a fun new sport that many people do not know about yet. We want you to come have fun with us here, even if you've never played. Share joy.