Roke
History
The invention of Roke dates back to the late 4th century at Roke School. The sport originated from a group of students who used ladles from the school kitchen to play. They invented a game that involved dribbling a ball on the ground or scooping it into the ladle to throw.
Roke's popularity initially spread by word of mouth among the student community. Its appeal quickly escalated, capturing the interest of numerous other public schools. The enthusiasm for Roke led schools to establish teams, culminating in the forming of a formal body. In 403, the Roke Association was established, unifying various versions of the game with a national standardised rulebook and officially recognising Roke as a competitive sport.
Subsequent centuries saw Roke expand beyond its academic roots. The game has become an international sensation and is now a professional sport, with players ranking among the highest-paid individuals in their respective countries. Although Roke is still traditionally associated with its birthplace at Roke School, its primary stage has shifted to the professional arena. The sport has a global following, highlighting its importance as both a cultural and athletic phenomenon.
Execution
- Goalkeepers are confined to their goal areas, tasked with defending against incoming shots.
- Defenders and Attackers must remain within their designated quarters and are prohibited from entering the goal areas
- Tackling is regulated to instances where one player is in possession of the ball, ensuring challenges are direct and possession-based
- Players are allowed to dribble or scoop and throw the ball forwards but are restricted to passing it backwards to teammates
- Midfielders, unlike other players, have the freedom to roam between all four quarters but are confined to the centre attack circle
- Touching the Ball is forbidden. If scooped up with a rokeclub, the player must throw it within three seconds without moving, although they remain open to being tackled
- Penalties are issued for mistackles, unauthorised area entry, running while holding the ball, illegal passes, or hand contact with the ball
- Each team is allowed three substitutions per game, requiring strategic management of player resources
- Matches are 90 minutes long, divided by a 30-minute halftime
- Player Eligibility emphasises local representation, requiring players to be from the area or to have resided there for over a year.
- Failure to thank the referee post-match can lead to disqualification or suspension, underscoring respect within the sport.
Components and tools
The rokeclub
Rokeclubs are 1 metre in length and have a handle diameter of 3 cm. Made from carbon fibre, these clubs are designed to be durable and perform well. The defining feature is the ladle-like bowl at the base, measuring 10 cm in diameter and 5 cm deep. This bowl facilitates various actions such as hitting, scooping, throwing, and catching the ball during gameplay. Traditionally, rokeclubs were made from carved ash, but while the material has evolved, the design has remained the same.
The Rokeball
Rokeballs are constructed with a core of lead encased in cork for balanced weight and resilience. This core is further enveloped in toughened leather, ensuring durability and consistent performance during play. The ball's exterior is typically dyed yellow, making it easily visible against various backgrounds and surfaces.
Playing Field
The roke pitch is a 33-metre square divided into quarters with additional demarcations for strategic gameplay. Each corner hosts a goal, marked by concentric circles indicating defence and attack divisions. Scoring is achieved by hitting the ball against one of the two boards at the back of each corner goal.
Kit and protective gear
Players are kitted out in form-fitting jerseys and shorts tailored from lightweight technical fabrics that allow for ease of movement and minimise injury risk during physical tackles. Each club has different colours to distinguish themselves. The goalkeeper's kit is always different to the rest of the team facilitating quick identification on the field. Corporations and guilds who sponsor the teams have their logos prominently displayed on the jerseys, signifying partnerships and financial backing.
Gum shields protect teeth and gums from impact, while shin pads shield the lower legs from potential injuries during gameplay. Rokeboots, designed with studs for better traction on the field, also offer foot and ankle support. Optional equipment includes headgear for added protection against head injuries and gauntlets, which protect the hands and wrists.
Participants
Players
Roke teams are composed of twelve players, each with defined roles and restrictions on movement:
- Two goalkeepers are assigned per team, with one stationed within the goal circle of their quarter for the duration of the game.
- Four defenders are split across the quarters, with two per quarter tasked with protecting their goal area without leaving their assigned section.
- Four attackers are distributed into the opposing quarters, facing the same movement limitations as the defenders.
- Two midfielders per team have free roam of each quarter as long as they stay within the central attack ring.
Other participants
- Referees: Two referees manage the game, enforcing rules and ensuring fair play. They are active on the field and positioned to oversee all actions.
- Coaches: Each team has a coach who strategizes and directs players from the sidelines, making tactical decisions throughout the match.
- Medical Staff: Teams of medics are on standby to provide immediate care for injuries, stationed at the sidelines for quick response.
- Substitutes: Each team has a bench of substitute players, ready to enter the game as needed due to injury or tactical changes.
- Ground Staff: A crew of ground staff is responsible for maintaining the pitch, ensuring it's in optimal condition for play and handling any issues that arise during the game.
- Security: Security personnel are present to maintain order and safety for all attendees.
- Linesmen: Alongside the referees, linesmen assist by monitoring the boundaries of the play area and helping to call any infractions related to the ball crossing these lines.
Observance
Roke stadiums in Favont are large, functional, and designed with visibility in mind, ensuring all attendees have a clear view of the 33m square pitch. These structures, equipped with essential amenities, cater to the sport's popularity, accommodating thousands of fans. The atmosphere is intense, marked by the collective focus of spectators who range from die-hard fans to locals who follow the sport as a cultural staple.
The season runs from September to March, avoiding the summer's peak temperatures for player comfort and better spectator turnout. During this period, roke dominates Favont’s social and cultural landscape. Matches are broadcasted in public spaces and discussed widely, making keeping up with scores part of daily life. This period sees the community bond over shared support or rivalry, making roke more than just a game; it's a pivotal part of Favont's identity, where the sport transcends the pitch to become a cornerstone of local culture and social interaction.
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