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Motoball
Motoball
from Wikipedia
Motoball in Germany

Motoball (also known as motorcycle polo) is a team motorsport similar to association football, with the main differences being that all players (except goalkeepers) are riding motorcycles, and the ball is much bigger.[1] Motorcycle polo first began as an officially organized sport in the mid-1920s.[2]

Rules and regulations

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Motoball is played in a 5v5 format. There are four players on motorcycles, and one on their feet as the goalkeeper. The matches are split up into four 20-minute periods. There is only one spot on the field the motorcycles are not allowed to go, which is the semicircle in front of the goal. The game is played with a ball nearly 40 centimetres (16 in) in diameter. The playing field is 100 metres (110 yd) long, and at the start each team is waiting at the back line[3] Shin guards and helmets are used for protection against collisions initiated by the riders.[4] The riders use special prepared GasGas two-stroke 250 cc motorcycles for the game. At the sides of the bike, special frames are mounted, so riders can pinch the ball between their bike and their leg.

Commission of French Motoball

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Pascale Reschko Jacquot has been president of the French Motoball Commission since 2012. In the latest FIM Europe Management Council, which was held in Fiumicino, Italy, she was appointed as president of the FIM Europe Motoball Commission. It was the first time in FIM Europe history that a woman was elected president of a European Commission.[5] The commission of French Motoball is in charge of setting rule changes and hiring referees to officiate the games.[citation needed]

European Championship

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See: European Motoball Championship Results

Medals (1986-2024)

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RankNationGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1 Russia246030
2 Germany6121028
3 France371525
4 Belarus17614
5 Lithuania0112
 Ukraine0112
7 Netherlands0011
Totals (7 entries)343434102

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Motoball, also known as motorcycle polo, is a dynamic team sport that fuses association football with motorcycle racing, contested by two teams of five players each on a rectangular field resembling a soccer pitch, where outfield players ride 250cc motorcycles to propel a leather ball into the opponent's goal using their feet, while the goalkeeper may dismount to handle the ball manually. The objective is to score by fully crossing the goal line between posts measuring 7.32 meters wide and 2.44 meters high, with matches divided into four 20-minute periods separated by 10-minute breaks. Invented in in 1930, motoball quickly gained traction as an organized discipline, evolving from early demonstrations in the that combined and football elements on bikes, and spreading across Europe post-World War II, particularly in countries like and , where it attracted large crowds and developed strong national leagues. As of 2025, boasts the largest number of practitioners and competitive teams, while remains a historical powerhouse, hosting elite divisions and fostering innovations such as electric since 2015. Governed internationally by FIM Europe, the European arm of the , motoball emphasizes safety with mandatory helmets, gloves, boots, and bike specifications limiting engines to 250cc and noise to 98 dBA, ensuring a balance between speed—reaching up to 65 km/h—and skillful ball control in a contact-heavy yet regulated environment. The sport's European Championships, held annually, highlight its competitive structure, drawing teams from several European nations and underscoring motoball's niche but enduring appeal as a high-adrenaline spectacle.

History

Origins in the 1920s and 1930s

Motoball emerged as a hybrid sport combining elements of and motorcycle polo, with its earliest informal matches taking place in in 1923. The first recorded game occurred on , March 30, 1923, at the Richmond Meet organized by the Motorcycle Club, where players used standard motorcycles on a football field to kick a toward goals. This event, conceived by rider Freddie Dixon, featured basic rules that emphasized maneuvering bikes while propelling the , and it quickly gained attention for its novelty and excitement. By 1924, the sport had spread within , with matches typically involving six players per team in two 15-minute halves separated by a five-minute break, all played on unmodified production motorcycles to keep the game accessible. The sport's formal organization began in in 1932, under the oversight of the French Motorcycling Federation (Fédération Française de Motocyclisme, or FFM), which established the first official ruleset and supported the creation of dedicated clubs. On July 10, 1932, the inaugural competitive match in took place at Stade Elisabeth in , pitting the Moto-ball Club de against the Moto-ball Club de as part of the . This event utilized ten standard motorcycles without modifications, a weighing up to 1 kg equipped with a protective guide to avoid engine damage, and a employing a klaxon-assisted for clarity amid the . Early French rules built on the English model but adapted for larger fields, focusing on physical endurance and precise bike control, and the match drew significant crowds, helping to popularize motoball through demonstration events in the 1930s. Clubs such as those in , Saint-Étienne, and formed during this period, solidifying the sport's structure. By the mid-1930s, motoball had seen early adoption in and other European countries, with players relying on unmodified standard motorcycles to maintain the sport's grassroots appeal. A notable milestone was the first international match on January 1, 1930, between and at London's , which showcased the game's growing cross-border interest and featured competitive play under evolving rules that extended halves to 25 minutes by that time. These demonstrations and club formations in laid the groundwork for motoball's distinct identity as a high-speed, team-based discipline.

Post-War Development and Spread

Following , motoball experienced a significant revival in , where the sport had been disrupted by the conflict. The Fédération Française de Motocyclisme reorganized competitions, leading to the establishment of the Championnat de France de Motoball – Division Nationale, which featured a single elite category until 1947. The first post-war champions included the MBC Houlgatais in 1946 and MB Racer Carpentras in 1947, marking the resumption of structured national play with teams from regions like and . Major matches during this period drew substantial crowds, with attendance reaching up to 20,000 spectators, surpassing some contemporary football games in popularity. The sport's internationalization accelerated in the 1950s and , particularly in under Soviet influence. Motoball spread to the USSR through state-sponsored programs that promoted team formation across cities, resulting in over 30 Ukrainian teams by the . In , clubs like Podillia in , founded in 1966, rose to prominence, competing in the Soviet by 1982 and achieving notable success in the 1970s. Russia and other Soviet republics adopted the sport similarly, with government support providing wages and infrastructure, fostering high-level competition during the 1950s to 1970s. Rule evolutions in the and focused on and safety to accommodate growing participation. Engine capacities were limited to 250cc to ensure parity and control speeds, while field dimensions were set between 85-110 meters in length and 45-75 meters in width. Additional safety measures included reinforced protective gear for riders and adjustments to , such as enlarging the to 45 cm in for better visibility and handling on motorcycles. These changes helped sustain the sport's appeal amid expanding international play. Motoball reached its peak popularity in the and , with in through dedicated clubs and increased sponsorship. Teams like those in , , and competed in a more formalized league structure, while the sport's European footprint grew via international friendlies between French, Soviet, and other national squads. This era saw sustained high attendance and cultural integration, particularly in and the , before a gradual decline in the late 20th century.

Gameplay

Field Specifications and Equipment

The playing field for motoball matches follows dimensions similar to those of , with a minimum length of 85 meters and maximum of 110 meters, and a minimum width of 45 meters and maximum of 75 meters. The field is marked with white lines at least 12 centimeters wide, including goal lines, touch lines, a halfway line at least 24 centimeters wide, and a center circle with a radius of 18.30 meters. Surfaces can include natural grass, dirt, , or , provided they meet safety standards such as rigid handrails at least 2 meters from the touch lines and 5 meters from the goal lines, along with protective barriers like tire stacks behind the goals. Goalposts are positioned at each end of the field and measure 7.32 meters in width and 2.44 meters in height, constructed from strong white cylindrical posts with a of 10 to 12 centimeters, fitted with nets securely fixed to the ground. Motoball motorcycles, used by outfield players, adhere to specific technical regulations to ensure safety and playability. Engines are limited to a maximum capacity of 250 cubic centimeters for senior classes, operable as two-stroke or four-stroke, with electric bikes also permitted; junior classes restrict to 85 cc two-stroke or 150 cc four-stroke. The overall length must not exceed 2.2 meters, with a minimum weight of 70 kilograms and maximum of 120 kilograms (excluding fuel or battery), and handlebar width limited to 70 centimeters. Braking systems include a front operated by a handlebar and a rear controlled by two pedals—one on the right and one on the left—to facilitate leg-based ball play. Tires on the rear must be or speedway types with low-profile treads for enhanced traction, while front tires are optional and freely chosen; cast wheels are prohibited. Seat height is adjustable between a minimum of 750 millimeters and maximum of 900 millimeters to suit the rider, and suspension travel is restricted to 80-100 millimeters front and 30-50 millimeters rear. Each team may utilize a maximum of 10 motorcycles during a . Players wear protective equipment mandated for safety, including FMN-approved helmets compliant with FIM standards, knee-length boots to shield the legs, or equivalent material trousers (), and or similar gloves. All outfield players don uniforms of the same color (excluding white), with shirts numbered in at least 15-centimeter-high and 19-centimeter-wide figures. The , who does not use a , wears a standard kit while adhering to the same protective standards, and is permitted to use hands within the . The ball is a robust consisting of a rubber encased in or equivalent durable material, designed to withstand impacts from motorcycles and boots. It has a between 119 centimeters minimum and 126 centimeters maximum, with a weight ranging from 900 grams minimum to 1,200 grams maximum—significantly larger and heavier than a standard to suit the physicality of play. Each team must provide at least four balls, including one white for night matches.

Core Rules and Match Format

A motoball match consists of two teams, each fielding five active players: four outfield riders on motorcycles and one operating on foot within the offside area. Each team may register up to ten players and ten motorcycles in total, allowing for substitutions throughout the without a specified numerical limit per half, though only one substitute may enter at a time via the center line while the engine is off. The match is structured into four 20-minute periods, separated by 10-minute breaks, with teams changing ends between the second and third periods; this format totals 80 minutes of playing time. In championship or cup competitions, a tied score at the end of regulation time leads to two additional 10-minute periods of extra time, separated by a 5-minute break, if stipulated in the event's supplementary regulations. The referee may extend periods to compensate for stoppages, ensuring fair play. Scoring occurs when the ball fully crosses the goal line between the posts, which measure 7.32 wide and 2.44 high; the ball may be propelled by a player's foot (via kicking or pushing), head, body, or any part of the , such as the , but carrying or jamming the ball against the bike is prohibited. Outfield players are forbidden from using their hands or arms at any time, while the may do so only within the offside area, a semi-circle of 5.75 radius extending from the goal line. Goals can be scored directly from free kicks, which are taken from 9.15 away by opponents. Physical contact is strictly regulated to promote , permitting only shoulder-to-shoulder challenges on the side of the ; actions such as barring an opponent's path, rough play, or striking with fists or feet result in fouls. Fouls are penalized with colored cards—green for minor infractions (2-minute suspension), yellow for moderate ones (5-minute suspension), yellow/red for combined penalties (5-minute plus ejection), and red for severe violations (ejection and suspension from the next match)—along with free kicks or penalty shots from 11 meters for serious offenses like deliberate dangerous play. Offside rules, adapted from , restrict outfield players from entering the opponent's offside area except during active play; violations lead to free kicks, while intentional entries in certain zones incur penalty shots. All matches fall under the jurisdiction of FIM Europe, which mandates safety measures including protective railings at least 2 meters from touchlines and 5 meters from goal lines on fields measuring 85-110 meters long by 45-75 meters wide. The official rulebook emphasizes equipment compliance, such as mandatory helmets, leather gloves, and knee-length boots for players, alongside specifications like a maximum 250cc for seniors and noise limits of 98 dBA.

Player Positions and Strategies

In Motoball, each team fields five players during active play: four outfield riders and one . The outfield riders are responsible for advancing and controlling the across the field, using their feet, legs, or the wheels and frame of their motorcycles to dribble, pass, and shoot, while prohibited from using their hands or arms except to protect their . The operates on foot within the designated offside area—a semi-circular penalty zone with a 5.75-meter —and is the only player permitted to handle the with their hands, focusing on blocking shots and quickly returning the to play within 10 seconds to avoid penalties. Tactical strategies in Motoball revolve around leveraging the motorcycles' speed and maneuverability for dynamic progression, with teams emphasizing coordinated passes and positioning to exploit spaces on the field. Riders must maintain a minimum 1.5-meter from teammates when the is between them to prevent faults, promoting fluid team movement and quick transitions between attack and defense. The advantage rule allows referees to let play continue if a minor infringement does not immediately disadvantage the fouled team, encouraging aggressive yet calculated plays that prioritize possession and momentum from bike speed. Essential skills for riders include superior balance to execute kicks while maintaining control of the at speeds up to 60 km/h, precise dexterity for and passing the ball without hands, and tactical intelligence to anticipate opponents' movements during high-speed duels. Defensive tactics often involve using the bike's body to block or intercept the ball without , while offensive plays rely on sudden acceleration bursts for breakaways. Goalkeepers, in turn, require and positioning awareness to cover the goal line effectively within their restricted zone. Over time, Motoball tactics have evolved from the sport's early emphasis on individual athleticism and bold solo advances in the to more structured team-oriented approaches in contemporary play, incorporating refined passing sequences and zonal coverage to counter the physical demands of motorcycle-based action. This shift aligns with rule changes, such as the mandate for goalkeepers to defend on foot rather than motorcycles, which enhanced defensive specialization and overall game flow.

Governing Bodies

International Oversight

The acts as the supreme international governing body for motoball, placing the sport within its discipline, where the Track Racing Commission (CCP) addresses all related rules, championships, events, and safety protocols. This oversight ensures standardized international practices across FIM-affiliated competitions, including the maintenance of accident statistics and time-keeping standards specific to motoball. FIM Europe, formerly known as the Union Européenne de Motocyclisme (UEM) until its rebranding in 2010, holds primary responsibility for continental governance, organizing European championships, enforcing unified rules, and liaising with 49 national federations to promote the sport's development. Through its dedicated Motoball Commission, FIM Europe coordinates event calendars, publishes annual rules (such as the 2025 edition), and manages entry processes for international participation. Recent efforts under FIM Europe include exploring sustainable innovations, building on earlier trials for electric motoball prototypes discussed in 2015 to adapt the sport to modern environmental standards. Current leadership of FIM Europe's Motoball Commission is provided by Chairwoman Reschko Jacquot, who has been involved in FIM Europe Management Council activities since 2012 and assumed the commission presidency in 2015, marking the first time a woman held this role. The Management Council, as the executive arm of FIM Europe, has overseen motoball since 2012 by approving budgets, calendars, and strategic initiatives through regular congresses and commission meetings. This structure ensures coordinated decision-making, with the council integrating motoball into broader European policies.

National Federations and Commissions

The French Motoball Commission, established in 1932 under the auspices of the French Motorcycling Federation (FFM), serves as the primary governing body for the sport within , where it originated and remains most prominent. As part of the FFM's structure, the commission coordinates national activities, including the organization of domestic competitions and player development programs. Since 2012, Reschko Jacquot has led the commission as its president, overseeing initiatives that align with broader FFM objectives such as safety enhancements and sport expansion. The commission manages operations across 18 regional leagues, supporting numerous dedicated motoball clubs and contributing to the FFM's overall base of over 100,000 members across all disciplines. Beyond France, several other national federations administer Motoball, with notable examples in Germany, Russia, and Ukraine, all emerging or formalizing in the post-1950s era amid the sport's eastward expansion after World War II. In Germany, the Deutscher Motor Sport Verband (DMV) governs Motoball activities, handling certification for riders, equipment standards, and youth training programs that feed into national and European competitions. The Russian Motorcycle Federation, founded in 1954, integrates Motoball into its portfolio, emphasizing domestic leagues and junior development to sustain the sport's strong presence, where it boasts one of the largest participant bases in Europe. Similarly, Ukraine's Motoball activities fall under the Federation of Motocycling of Ukraine, with regional bodies like the Kamianets-Podilskyi federation established in the late 20th century to promote local clubs and youth initiatives. These national federations play a crucial role in the sport's growth by providing funding for training facilities, enforcing safety standards such as mandatory protective gear and track maintenance, and ensuring alignment with Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) regulations for international eligibility. In France, the FFM's 2024 initiative exemplifies this developmental focus, introducing electric motorcycles into national Motoball play through a partnership with Electric Motion, aiming to modernize the sport while reducing environmental impact and attracting younger participants. This effort builds on earlier pilots and coordinates with FIM Europe to explore broader adoption.

Competitions

Domestic Leagues

The French Elite League, known as the Championnat de France Élite 1, serves as the premier domestic competition for motoball in and has operated as the top tier since 1947, evolving from the earlier Division Nationale format. Organized annually by the Fédération Française de Motocyclisme, the league typically features 8 to 10 teams competing in a regular season of 14 matches each, consisting of home and away fixtures against all opponents. Following the regular season, the top teams advance to playoffs to determine the national champion, while a system connects Élite 1 with the second-tier Élite 2 division, allowing the best performers from the lower league to ascend and the bottom Élite 1 teams to descend. In , the Motoball , established in the 1950s under the Deutscher Motor Sport Bund, represents the highest national level and divides its competition into northern and southern groups with 6 to 8 teams total across both, focusing on regional rivalries before culminating in a national playoff for the Deutsche Motoball-Meisterschaft. The structure emphasizes balanced play within groups, with the top two teams from each advancing to determine the champion through knockout matches. Ukraine's , active since 1982, maintains a competitive national circuit influenced by its Soviet-era roots, where teams like those from have participated continuously, typically involving several clubs in a season-long round-robin format leading to a title decider. Similarly, Russia's continues the tradition of Soviet dominance in motoball, with historical regional powerhouses forming the core of the league in a structured championship that highlights endurance and tactical play across multiple rounds. Domestic motoball also encompasses amateur and youth divisions to foster talent, including under-18 leagues and regional cups organized by national federations, which provide pathways for young players to develop skills before entering professional ranks. Seasons generally run from to October, aligning with favorable weather for outdoor play, though club budgets and player professionalism vary significantly by country—ranging from semi-professional setups in with structured funding to more amateur-oriented operations in eastern European leagues reliant on local sponsorships.

European Championships

The European Motoball Championships were first organized in 1986 by FIM (then known as the Union Européenne de Moto), marking the transition from earlier national cups to a structured continental competition. The event has been held annually since , encompassing separate senior and junior categories to promote development across age groups. Up to seven national teams from can participate, though editions typically feature 4 to 6 teams nominated by their national federations. The tournament format includes a preliminary round-robin stage where teams accumulate points (3 for a win, 1 for a draw) to determine seeding, followed by semi-finals (1st vs. 4th and 2nd vs. 3rd) and a final match between the semi-final winners, with the losers contesting third place. All matches occur at a single venue over 4 to 7 days, usually in or August, on a or asphalt field measuring 90-100 meters long and 45-55 meters wide. Senior matches consist of four 20-minute periods in the knockouts (15-minute periods in preliminaries), while junior matches use four 15-minute periods throughout, with extra time or penalty shootouts resolving ties. National teams qualify through nomination by their federations, often reflecting top performers from domestic leagues, with the host nation guaranteed entry to encourage bidding and organization. Recent editions have rotated hosting duties across ; the 2024 championships were held in Houlgate, , following the cancellation of the 2020–2023 senior events, while the 2025 event was held in Budel, . Since 2015, European Championships have incorporated trials of electric motorcycles, presented initially at the in , , as part of efforts to modernize the sport and reduce environmental impact, with ongoing demonstrations through 2024.

Notable Achievements and Records

The European Motoball Championship, contested since 1986, has seen emerge as the dominant force, claiming 20 gold medals through consistent performances in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. has secured 7 titles, often challenging Russian supremacy in the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s, while has won 4 golds, with victories spaced across the decades. Predecessor nations like the and the (CIS) contributed 4 additional titles in the late 1980s and early 1990s. claimed a single gold in 2004, marking a rare breakthrough for Eastern European teams beyond .
YearGoldSilverBronze
1986Soviet UnionWest GermanyFrance
1987West GermanySoviet UnionFrance
1988Soviet UnionWest GermanyFrance
1989Soviet UnionWest GermanyFrance
1990West GermanySoviet UnionFrance
1991CISFranceGermany
1992RussiaFranceGermany
1993FranceRussiaGermany
1994RussiaGermanyLithuania
1995RussiaBelarusFrance
1996RussiaLithuaniaGermany
1997RussiaFranceGermany
1998RussiaBelarusGermany
1999FranceGermanyBelarus
2000GermanyRussiaFrance
2001RussiaBelarusUkraine
2002RussiaUkraineGermany
2003RussiaFranceBelarus
2004BelarusRussiaFrance
2005GermanyRussiaFrance
2006RussiaFranceBelarus
2007RussiaBelarusGermany
2008RussiaBelarusFrance
2009RussiaBelarusFrance
2010RussiaBelarusFrance
2011RussiaGermanyBelarus
2012RussiaGermanyFrance
2013GermanyRussiaBelarus
2014Cancelled--
2015GermanyRussiaFrance
2016RussiaGermanyBelarus
2017RussiaFranceGermany
2018RussiaFranceGermany
2019RussiaGermanyFrance
2020–2023Cancelled--
2024FranceGermanyNetherlands
2025GermanyFranceNetherlands
Key milestones include the inaugural 1986 edition won by the and West Germany's breakthrough as the first non-Soviet champion in 1987, ending early Eastern dominance. The junior category was established around 2000 to develop young talent, running parallel to the senior event. In 2024, accomplished a historic double by capturing both the senior and junior titles on home soil in Houlgate, demonstrating renewed national strength after several cancellations due to global events. In 2025, accomplished a historic double by capturing both the senior and junior titles in Budel, . The European Motoball Champions Cup, a premier club competition revived under FIM Europe in the 2020s, has featured intense rivalries between top French and German teams, with Puma Kuppenheim of claiming the 2023 title after defeating Suma Troyes 6-0 in the final. Historically, French clubs like MBC de Camaret and SUMA have amassed numerous victories since the competition's origins in the mid-20th century, underscoring France's club-level prowess.

References

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