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Roll ball
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Roll ball
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Roll ball is a game played between two teams and is a unique combination of roller skates, basketball, handball, and throwball.[1] It is played on "roller shoes" with each team consisting of twelve players, six on the field and six in reserve. The main objective of the game is to score maximum goals within a stipulated time. The main feature of roll ball is that the ball is held in one or both hands, when passing to the other players, with the ball repeatedly bounced on the ground.

Key Information

History

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The game was invented by Raju Dabhade of Pune, India, while he was the sports teacher at MES Bal Shikshan Mandir, an English medium school. Dabhade is also secretary of the International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF).[2]

Rules and equipment

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The roll-ball can be used by more than one player in the game. It is not an individual equipment.

Ball used Weight Circumference Age group
Mini roll ball 340 gram to 400 gram 54 cm to 56 cm Sub-junior girls, junior girls, senior girls
Normal roll ball 425 gram to 475 gram 58 cm to 60 cm Junior boys, senior boys

Inline roller skates or quad skates are needed, plus a helmet, knee pads, and other forms of protective guards.

Playing court

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The court size can vary from 28 to 40 metres (92 to 131 ft) in length and 15 to 20 metres (49 to 66 ft) in width. The court includes a center-line dividing offensive and defensive areas. The penalty line is drawn 4.5 m or 3.5 m away from the goal. Free Throw line or Goalkeeper's line or D arena is 3.5 m to 2.5 m away from the goal. The playing court is marked by 5 cm boundary line. All other lines are marked by red or white color. The court is any hard surface. A 3-meter line is drawn as a safety margin outside the boundary line. The goal is 2.25 meters wide by 2.00 meters height.

Roll Ball World Cup

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Main article: Roll Ball World Cup

2011 World Cup

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Main article: 2011 Roll Ball World Cup

Inauguration

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The 1st Roll Ball World Cup was inaugurated by the Mayor of Pune, Mohansingh Rajpal. The opening ceremony started with lighting of the lamp representing Indian culture. A dance was performance by the dancer Parimal Phadke and his group set the tone of the Opening Ceremony. Following it was a performance by Milind Date accompanied by Devdatta Phadke. Next, there were two more performances by the Sphinx Adonis group and a group dance related to India. The opening ceremony ended with a demonstration match of Roll Ball. The competition was held from 17 to 22 April 2011.

2011 Roll Ball World Cup results
Position (men's only) Country[3]
1 Denmark
2 India

2013 World Cup

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The 2nd Roll Ball World Cup was held from 3 to 6 October 2013, at MOI International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya. The event was organized by Kenya Roll Ball Federation, Africa Roll Ball Federation and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Kenya under the aegis of International Roll Ball Federation. This event was organized in both Men's and Women's categories. The championship was declared open by Gordon Olouch, a Commissioner of Sports from Kenya.[citation needed]

2015 World Cup

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Preparations

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The preparations for this World Cup began almost a year ahead with the logo for the championship being launched on 11 October 2015. The inauguration was held at the banquet hall of Hotel Marriot, S. B. Road, Pune.[citation needed]

Opening ceremony

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The 3rd Roll Ball World Cup was inaugurated by the Mayor of Pune, Dattatray Dhankawde. This was followed by a march of all the participants from different countries. Ganesh Vandana was performed by dancers of Surabhee Cultural Academy, the classical dancers of Sanskriti Kala Manch, and the students of Bal Shikshan Mandir School, Mahesh Vidyalaya, Ryan International School, followed by a demonstration of yoga. The dance performances were followed by singing performance of the students of Blind School Pune.

Teams

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The opening ceremony ended with the first league match in the women's category. An important tradition of the IRBF began that year with the slogan "Women's match in respect to Woman Power". This was a gesture by the IRBF to give importance to women empowerment. Out of the 32 confirmed teams, 26 countries participated in this championship which were Argentina, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, China, Denmark, Egypt, England, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Latvia, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Zambia. Six countries could not participate due to technical problems.

The League matches started on 15 December and were played until 20 December.[4] The women's semifinal and men's quarterfinal matches were played on Saturday, 19 December. The Prize distribution of the Women's event was done by Swarn Singh Chhabda, a Secretary Sports Authority of India.

The men's semifinal matches were played on Sunday, 20 December. Shri Anil Shirole, MP Pune City, distributed prizes, accompanied by Penninah Kabenge, President of the International Roll Ball Federation.[citation needed]

Final remarks

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Another important gesture by the IRBF was the social aspect brought to the championship by giving an opportunity for blind children to perform during the opening ceremony. A "Wheelchair Roll Ball" match was demonstrated by the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Center of the Indian Army. The BBC aired the cup on various global stations.[citation needed]

2015 Roll Ball World Cup results
Position Women Men
1 Kenya India
2 India Iran
3 Iran Latvia

2017 World Cup

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Main article: 2017 Roll Ball World Cup

Preparations and selection process

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The 4th Roll Ball World Cup was held at Dhaka Bangladesh from 17 to 23 February 2017. Both the Indian Men and Women's teams participated in this World Cup. The preparations for this world cup began almost three months back with the selection process of the Indian team. Senior players who participated in the Roll Ball National Championship were invited for the selection trials. In total 68 male and 28 female participants joined the selection process. The selection process included anthropomorphic measurements and 8 different physical fitness and skill tests. Out the participants, 20 players each were selected for the training for 10 days which was organized at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune. The final Indian teams were selected from this camp.

Inauguration

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The 4th Roll Ball World Cup was inaugurated by AHM Mustafa Kamal, the Minister of Planning Govt. of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, among many notable names.

Around 590 players, 100 officials, and 200 scout cadets from a total of 39 countries situated across Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania and South America took part in the Roll Ball World Cup 2017. The World Cup matches were played at three different venues - Shaikh Russel Roll Ball Stadium, Hand Ball Stadium and Mirpur Indoor Stadium. The opening and closing ceremonies were held at the Sheikh Russel Roller Skating Complex at Paltan Maidan Dhaka Bangladesh.

Teams

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The men's team were India, Ivory Coast, England, Sierra Leone, Oman, Iran, Argentina, Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania, Latvia, Pakistan, Guinea, Indonesia, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Fiji, Hong Kong, Nepal, Benin, France, Thailand, China, Kenya, Denmark, Sri Lanka, Senegal, Philippines, Belarus, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Zambia, Chinese Taipei, Netherlands, and Vietnam.

The women's team were Kenya, England, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Slovenia, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Iran, Pakistan, China, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Zambia, Argentina, Denmark, Turkey, Latvia, Uruguay, Benin, Uganda, Senegal, and Chinese Taipei.

The Prize distribution of the Men's and Women world cup was done by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina in the presence of Abdul Hamid, a President Peoples Republic of Bangladesh Dhaka, and Mustafa Kamal, a Minister of Planning Govt. of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, among many others. In the 4th Roll Ball World Cup all 113 matches were broadcast live.

Results

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2017 Roll Ball World Cup results
Position Men Women
1 India India
2 Iran Iran
3 Kenya Kenya

The Stadium

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The Shaikh Russel Stadium was built in 75 day's record time with solar panels on top of the roof by the Bangladesh government specially for Roll Ball World Cup. All World Cup venues and accommodation area were given free Wi-Fi network along with high security.

2019 World Cup

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Inauguration

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The inauguration function was held on 15 November 2019 at ICF Indoor Stadium. V.V.Moorthy, ME, MBA, Member of State Advisory Committee, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department was the Chief Guest.

Teams

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In this World Cup, 28 countries participated. The men's team countries were Bangladesh, Belarus, Canada, France, Guinea, Ivory Coast (Ivoirian), Kenya, Latvia, Nepal, New Zealand, Poland, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Uganda, England, Oman, Saudi Arabia, India, the Netherlands, Egypt, China, Vietnam, Senegal, Argentina, Uruguay, and Iran.

The women's team countries were Bangladesh, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Latvia, Male, Nepal, Poland, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Uganda, England, India, the Netherlands, Egypt, China, Senegal, and Iran.

Results

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2019 Roll Ball World Cup results
Position Men Women
1 India Kenya
2 Kenya India
3 Bangladesh Egypt

2025 Youth World Cup at Nairobi/Kenya

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2025 Youth World Cup logo pin

The first Junior Roll Ball World Cup was held in Nairobi, Kenya between June 22 and 29, 2025. It was organized by International Roll Ball Federation, Kenya Roll Ball Federation and key stakeholders of the sport.

The inaugural junior championship tournament brought together players aged 17 and below with matches that were organized at the Kasarani and Ulinzi Sports Complex indoor arenas.[5]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Roll ball

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Roll ball is a fast-paced that blends elements of , , , and , in which two teams of six players each compete on to score goals by throwing or rolling a into the opponent's net while adhering to rules emphasizing speed, balance, and precise passing. Invented on February 2, 2003, in , , , by physical education instructor Raju Dabhade, roll ball was designed to promote , , and among youth, drawing inspiration from existing to create an accessible indoor or outdoor game on a rectangular court measuring 40 by 20 meters. The sport quickly expanded within through school and university programs, leading to the formation of the Roll Ball of India in 2005, and internationally via demonstrations starting in 2006, reaching more than 50 countries across five continents as of 2024 under the oversight of the International Roll Ball (IRBF), which organizes and promotes global standards, including upcoming events like the 7th Roll Ball in and the 1st Junior Roll Ball in in 2025. Gameplay occurs in two 25-minute halves with a 10-minute for senior games, where players must bounce the ball continuously while skating—similar to in —and pass it within three seconds of stopping, prohibiting running with the ball in hand to maintain fairness and flow. Each team fields six active players from a roster of 12, including a who uses hands to block shots, and all participants wear mandatory protective equipment such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, along with inline or quad roller skates for mobility on a smooth surface. Violations like double or holding the ball too long result in turnovers, and the game culminates in the team with the most goals declared the winner, fostering a balance of offensive strategy and defensive positioning. Roll ball's emphasis on inclusivity has seen it adopted in educational settings worldwide, with recent highlights including its showcase at SportAccord 2024 in Birmingham, .

Overview

Description of the sport

Roll ball is a fast-paced that combines with ball-handling skills akin to , originating in . Played on a flat, hard-surfaced rectangular court, it involves two teams of 12 players each—six active on the court, including one , and six reserves—who compete to score goals by throwing or passing a into the opponent's net while continuously skating. The distinctive feature of roll ball is the requirement to hold the in one or both hands during passes and to bounce it repeatedly on the ground while in motion, prohibiting the use of feet for propulsion or kicking the . This setup demands exceptional balance, speed, accuracy, and coordination among players, making it a test of both individual athleticism and collective strategy. The objective is to outscore the opposing team by driving the ball across the line, with each successful counting as one point. Games are structured in two halves of varying lengths depending on age categories—for seniors, 25 minutes per half with a 10-minute break—emphasizing non-stop action on inline to ensure fluid movement. Players advance by skating and the ball, passing it forward or backward without time limits on possession but adhering to rules against holding the ball stationary for more than three seconds or entering restricted areas like the goalkeeper's "D" zone during attacks. Physical contact is limited to incidental touches, with fouls resulting in penalties that can shift momentum, such as free throws from designated lines. At its core, roll ball promotes inclusivity across age groups, from (under 10) to seniors, with adjusted sizes ranging from 25x12 meters for younger players to 40x20 meters for adults, and equipment scaled accordingly, including a size 7 (570-650 grams) for seniors. The sport's emphasis on hand control and skating fosters skills transferable to daily life, while its rules ensure through mandatory protective gear like helmets and pads. International competitions highlight its growing appeal, underscoring roll ball's role in promoting and teamwork in a thrilling, accessible format.

Objective and basic principles

The objective of roll ball is to score the maximum number of within a stipulated time by or the ball into the opponent's goalpost using only the hands, while all players skate on . Each counts as one point, and the team with the higher score at the end of regulation time wins; in the event of a tie, two 5-minute extra time periods are played, followed by a sudden-death "grand " where the first team to score prevails. Basic principles revolve around continuous skating movement combined with hand control of the , akin to a fusion of and passing but adapted for . Players advance the by it on the ground while skating and must pass or shoot within three seconds of stopping a dribble. The may be held in one or both hands at all times, and physical contact is prohibited; violations result in free passes or shots from the violation spot. Goalkeepers are confined to the defensive area (D-zone) and can use any part of the body to block shots, but field players cannot deliberately use their body to obstruct the . A unique principle is the emphasis on speed, balance, and precision due to skating, requiring players to maintain control during rapid direction changes and evasive maneuvers (based on Fifth Edition rules, June 2020, with no major changes as of ). Teamwork is central, as effective play depends on coordinated passes across the court to create shooting opportunities, with no foot use allowed for propelling or controlling the ball. The game promotes non-contact play, fostering skill-based competition over physicality, and for seniors is typically played in two 25-minute halves with a 10-minute break.

History

Invention and origins

Roll Ball was invented in Pune, Maharashtra, , on February 2, 2003, by Raju Dabhade, a teacher at Balshikshan Mandir English School in and a former national champion. Dabhade, who had been delivering newspapers on during his youth, drew inspiration from his passion for skating and sought to create a dynamic that integrated elements of with ball-handling games. The concept emerged during a skating lesson when an errant disrupted the session, prompting Dabhade to experiment with combining skating speed and precision with basketball-style dribbling and passing. Early development involved collaboration with basketball coach Pramod Patwardhan and initial trials with a small group of 6-7 children, who practiced a while on , initially using traditional quad skates before transitioning to for better control. These experiments, which began around 2000, evolved into a structured game blending aspects of , , hockey, and , emphasizing balance, speed, accuracy, and teamwork. Dabhade self-funded the promotion of the sport through school demonstrations and international outreach, selling ancestral land to support trips abroad, which helped establish its rules and gain initial recognition. The International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF), the sport's governing body, was founded in the same year in Pune to standardize rules and organize competitions, marking Roll Ball as an indigenous "Make in India" innovation of the 21st century. The first international match occurred in 2005 between India and Pakistan, laying the groundwork for global expansion from its origins in a single Indian classroom to a sport played across multiple continents.

Development in India

Roll ball was invented in Pune, Maharashtra, by Raju Dabhade, a physical training teacher at MES Bal Shikshan Mandir English Medium School, in 2003. The idea emerged from an incident during a roller-skating session when a stray basketball disrupted the activity, inspiring Dabhade to combine elements of skating with basketball, handball, and throwball to create a fast-paced team sport. Dabhade conceived the idea in 2002 and refined the rules over the following year, leading to the first demonstration match on February 2, 2003, which gained recognition from the Sports Authority of India. The Roll Ball Federation of India (RBFI) was established in 2005 to formalize and promote the domestically, with Dabhade playing a central role in its organization. Initially introduced in schools and colleges to encourage youth participation and , roll ball quickly spread from to other parts of and beyond, fostering and agility among players. By 2011, the sport had matured enough to host its inaugural in , marking a milestone in its national development and attracting international attention while solidifying its roots in . Growth accelerated through state-level associations, with RBFI affiliating 28 units across the country by the mid-2010s, enabling organized national championships in age groups such as under-11, under-14, under-17, and seniors. Participation surged, reaching approximately 3.5 lakh players in India by 2022, supported by initiatives like cash awards in states such as Rajasthan and integration into school sports programs. India's national teams achieved success in international events, including World Cup victories in 2015 (hosted in Pune, India) and 2017, which further boosted domestic enthusiasm and infrastructure development. Efforts continue to include roll ball in major national frameworks, such as the School Games Federation of India and potential Asian Games participation.

International growth and recognition

Roll Ball's international expansion began shortly after its in , , in 2003, with the sport first presented globally in 2003, leading to the establishment of the International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF) that same year. Initially focused on neighboring countries through demonstration matches and workshops in , , , , and between 2003 and 2004, the sport experienced rapid growth, particularly between 2008 and 2015, spreading to over 50 countries across five continents. By 2024, Roll Ball had reached more than 60 countries, with 54 officially registered member nations under the IRBF, headquartered in , showing strong adoption in (e.g., , ), (e.g., , ), (e.g., ), the (e.g., ), and (e.g., ). The sport's global profile was elevated through major competitions, starting with the inaugural Roll Ball in 2011 in , which drew teams from 16 countries, and subsequent biennial events up to 2019. Participation grew significantly, reaching 27 countries at the 2019 in , , with India winning the men's title and the women's, and 24 countries at the 2023 edition in , , with winning both titles. Other milestones include the first Asian Championships in 2010 and a for the largest Roll Ball lesson in 2018, involving 309 participants in , . Recent introductions, such as in the in 2024—making it the only Southeast Asian nation recognized by the IRBF—and planned expansions in the , including the 7th in in 2025, underscore ongoing momentum. Efforts for broader recognition have included IRBF's participation in international forums like the SportAccord Conventions since 2012 (e.g., , ) and the 2024 event in Birmingham, , where it exhibited as an emerging sport. The IRBF continues to pursue SportAccord membership to secure formal validation, enhanced resources, and integration into global multi-sport events, while national federations like Kenya's have boosted visibility through live-streamed competitions and alignment with international standards. In , Roll Ball has gained domestic legitimacy through inclusion in the School Games Federation, All India Universities, and the 37th National Games in 2023, further supporting its international aspirations.

Rules and equipment

Court and playing area

The playing court in roll ball is a rectangular, flat, hard surface free from obstructions, designed to facilitate fast-paced movement on . For junior and senior categories, the court measures a maximum of 40 meters in length by 20 meters in width, with a minimum of 35 meters by 15 meters. Mini and sub-junior games use smaller courts, with maximum dimensions of 28 meters by 15 meters and minimum of 25 meters by 12 meters. The surface can be made of , , synthetic mat, , or even , and must be anti-glare to ensure visibility for players and officials. A safety margin of at least 3 meters surrounds the court on all sides to prevent injuries from collisions with boundaries or obstacles. All court lines are 5 centimeters wide and marked in white or red for clarity. The two longer boundaries are side lines, along which throw-ins occur if the crosses them. The shorter boundaries are lines, each featuring a centered goalpost. A center line divides the court into two equal halves, incorporating a circle with a 2-meter radius (1 meter for /sub-junior) at its midpoint for restarts. The free throw line, also known as the goalkeeper's or D-area line, restricts attacking players from entering the defensive zone near the . Additionally, a penalty throw line is positioned 4.5 meters from the center of the goalpost (3.5 meters for /sub-junior) and extends 1 meter in length. A substitution zone line runs parallel to the center line, 2 meters away, marking 50 centimeters inside and outside the court for player changes. Goalposts are placed at the center of each goal line and consist of a yellow metal frame with a nylon net. For junior and senior play, the posts stand 2 meters high and 2.25 meters wide, extending 1.5 meters in depth, with poles of 3-inch diameter. Mini and sub-junior goals are slightly smaller at 1.75 meters high and 2 meters wide, also 1.5 meters deep. These dimensions ensure goals are accessible yet challenging, aligning with the sport's emphasis on precise passing and shooting while on skates.

Equipment requirements

Roll Ball requires specific equipment to ensure safety and fair play, as outlined in official rules. Players must use inline without stoppers, which allow for smooth movement across the . These skates are mandatory for all participants, including goalkeepers, to facilitate the sport's fast-paced action involving rolling and ball handling. Protective gear is compulsory to minimize injury risks during high-speed play. All players wear , knee pads, shin guards, chest guards, supporters, and abdominal guards. Goalkeepers have additional requirements, including a with a for enhanced face protection and a reinforced chest guard. provisions must also be available at all matches. Uniforms consist of numbered jerseys (1-15) with 6-inch numbers on the back and 3-inch numbers on shorts, along with team logos (up to 2 inches in diameter), championship logos (up to 2 inches), sponsor logos (main: up to 9x2 inches; co-sponsor: up to 2x1 inches), and team names (up to 9x2 inches). These specifications promote team identification and uniformity. The playing ball varies by age category to suit different skill levels and physical capabilities:
CategoryBall SizeWeight (g)Circumference (cm)
Senior/Junior7570-65075-78
Sub Junior/Mini5450-50060-70
Goalposts are standardized for safety and consistency, with dimensions adjusted for age groups:
CategoryHeight (m)Width (m)Depth (m)Pole Diameter (inches)Net Material
Mini/Sub Junior1.7521.53Yellow nylon
Junior/Senior22.251.53Yellow nylon
Additional court equipment includes a game clock, a displaying names, scores, and fouls, and official score sheets for match recording. Referees inspect all equipment before games to ensure compliance and prevent hazards.

Team composition and substitutions

A standard Roll Ball consists of twelve players, including six active players on the and six substitutes, along with one coach and one assistant coach or team manager. The six players on the court include one and five outfield players, who can assume roles such as forwards, defenders, or centers depending on the tactical setup. A minimum of four players is required for a to commence play, and late arrivals may join until the end of the first half, after which no additional players can be added. Substitutions in Roll Ball are unlimited throughout the match, allowing teams to rotate players strategically to maintain energy and adapt to game dynamics. To execute a substitution, the player leaving the must first exit completely through the designated substitution zone, located 2 meters from the center line and extending 50 centimeters inside and outside the court boundary; only then may the substitute enter from the same zone. Violations of this procedure, such as entering outside the zone or improper timing, result in a personal foul, awarding the opposing team a from the sideline. Goalkeeper substitutions follow a specialized process to ensure safety and continuity, requiring prior notification to the coach and occurring specifically between the goalpost and the D-line. The , who must remain within the D-area during play and wears a distinct with full sleeves and protective padding, can be replaced by any substitute and may later play as an outfield player if needed, provided the substitution rules are adhered to.

Core gameplay rules

Roll Ball is a played on , where the primary objective is to score the maximum number of by propelling a into the opponent's using the hands, while preventing the opposing from doing the same. Each consists of 12 players: six active on the (including one ) and six reserves, with a minimum of four players required to begin a match. Players must wear matching uniforms in contrasting colors to the opponents, and all must use approved . The duration of a match varies by age category to accommodate different levels of play. For senior players (above 17 years), the game consists of two 25-minute halves separated by a 10-minute . Junior matches (under 17) last two 15-minute halves with a 5-minute break, sub-junior (under 14) games are two 10-minute halves with 2 minutes , and mini (under 11) contests feature two 7-minute halves with a 2-minute interval. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, extra time consisting of two 5-minute halves with no or timeouts is played. If still tied, sudden-death (grand goal) periods continue until a is scored. The game commences with a coin toss conducted by the referee, allowing the winning captain to choose either the goal end or possession of the ball. The team with possession then initiates play with a pass-back from the center line, and all opposing players must remain behind the center until the ball is released. Throughout the match, players advance by skating on their roller skates, and the ball must be dribbled—bounced repeatedly on the ground—while in possession, either held in one hand or both. Passes, throws, or rolls to teammates are permitted in any direction, including backward, but a player cannot hold the ball stationary for more than three seconds without dribbling or passing. The goalkeeper may use any part of the body to defend within their designated area but cannot venture beyond it while in possession. A is awarded when the entire crosses the opponent's line between the posts and crossbar, regardless of which body part last touched it, and counts as one point. Following a , play restarts from the corner arc nearest the scored , with the non-scoring team in possession. Throw-ins are taken from behind the sideline when the ball goes , and the player must face the with both skates on or behind the line. Free passes or penalty shots may be awarded for violations, taken from specific marks. Key prohibitions ensure fair and safe play: players must not or deliberately strike the ball with the foot, enter the opponent's "" (defending) area during an attack, travel by skating more than three seconds without , or make physical contact such as pushing, holding, blocking, or tripping opponents. Body contact with the ball is also banned, and running on the skate stoppers is not allowed. Violations are classified as technical or personal fouls; technical fouls result in a free pass to the opponents, while personal fouls accumulate per player—three in a match lead to disqualification. may incur yellow cards (warnings) or red cards (ejections), with teams penalized by playing if necessary. Referees enforce these rules, and substitutions occur dynamically through a designated area without stopping play.

Governing bodies

International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF)

The International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF) serves as the apex international for roll ball, a invented in , , in the early . Established in in , , by Raju Dabhade, the federation is headquartered there and oversees the sport's global standardization, regulation, and development. IRBF's primary objectives include promoting roll ball worldwide to foster balance, speed, accuracy, and among participants, particularly children and . It seeks to expand the sport's reach across all countries, encouraging international cooperation and engagement through organized events and training programs. The operates under an executive structure with Dabhade as a foundational figure, focusing on through affiliated national bodies. It has grown to include over 60 member countries across five continents, with approximately 30 officially registered under local governments and affiliated with IRBF, demonstrating significant adoption in regions like and . IRBF organizes major international competitions, including six editions of the Roll Ball (held in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2023), continental championships, and the Federation Cup. It also participates in global forums like the SportAccord World Sports Convention to enhance visibility and collaboration, contributing to the sport's expansion to more than 60 countries.

National federations and associations

National federations and associations serve as the primary governing bodies for Roll Ball in their respective countries, responsible for promoting the sport, organizing domestic competitions, conducting training programs, and selecting national teams for international events under the oversight of the International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF). These organizations typically affiliate with the IRBF to ensure adherence to global standards and facilitate participation in world championships. As of recent records, the IRBF recognizes members from over 50 countries across five continents, with national bodies playing a crucial role in development and talent identification. In , where Roll Ball originated, the Roll Ball Federation of India (RBFI) acts as the apex national body, overseeing the sport nationwide since its inception and affiliating 27 state and associations to manage regional leagues and championships. The RBFI is officially recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, , enabling it to integrate Roll Ball into school and national fitness programs. Other Asian members include the Roll Ball Federation, which focuses on youth development in challenging environments, contributing to the continent's strong representation in international tournaments. Africa hosts a robust network of national federations, with 14 IRBF-affiliated bodies driving the sport's rapid growth on the continent. The Kenya Roll Ball Federation (KRBF), established as the leading organization in East Africa, organizes annual national championships and collaborates with the Africa Roll Ball Federation to host regional events, including the 2023 Africa Roll Ball Championship. Similarly, federations in Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania emphasize community-based programs to expand participation, particularly among youth, and have produced competitive teams at world cups. These bodies also partner with local governments to incorporate Roll Ball into sports curricula for physical education. In the Americas, national associations are expanding the sport's footprint beyond its Asian roots, with 10 IRBF members including the Roll Ball Association and the Brazilian Roll Ball Federation, which prioritize inclusive training camps and urban leagues to attract diverse athletes. The Roll Ball Federation, for instance, focuses on integrating Roll Ball with existing communities to boost accessibility. Europe's representation includes the Poland Roll Ball Association, which has hosted certification courses for officials and promotes the sport through university leagues, while emerging bodies like RollBall in the organize introductory tournaments and seek broader affiliations to grow domestic competitions.

Major competitions

Roll Ball World Cup

The Roll Ball World Cup is the flagship international tournament in roll ball, organized biennially by the International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF) for senior national teams in both men's and women's categories. Established to promote the sport globally, it has grown from 16 participating nations in its debut to over 30 in later editions, highlighting roll ball's expansion in regions like , , and . The event typically spans five to seven days, featuring group stages followed by knockout rounds, with matches emphasizing speed, agility, and strategic passing on . The inaugural Roll Ball World Cup took place from April 16 to 23, 2011, in , , with claiming the men's title after defeating host nation in the final. Women's competition was introduced in the second edition, held October 3 to 6, 2013, in , , where swept both titles. Subsequent tournaments have seen dominance by and , with the former securing multiple men's victories and the latter excelling in women's events. The 2023 edition in marked a shift, as dethroned to win both categories, defeating 5-4 in the men's final and in the women's. This victory underscored 's rising prowess, built on strong domestic development and tactical discipline.
EditionYearHost City, CountryDatesMen's Winner (Score in Final)Women's Winner (Score in Final)
1st2011, Apr 16–23 (def. )Not held
2nd2013, Oct 3–6 (def. ) (def. )
3rd2015, Dec 15–20 (6–4 def. ) (def. )
4th2017Dhaka, BangladeshFeb 17–23 (def. ) (def. )
5th2019, Nov 15–20 (def. ) (def. )
6th2023, Apr 21–27 (5–4 def. ) (def. )
The tournament format involves teams divided into groups for round-robin play, with top performers advancing to semifinals and a final match. Each game lasts 4x10 minutes, with unlimited substitutions to maintain high intensity. Notable moments include India's in men's from 2013 to 2019, driven by players like those from and , and Kenya's 2023 double triumph, which boosted the sport's visibility in . The seventh edition is scheduled for December 14 to 18, 2025, in , , at Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club, marking the first time the event will be hosted in the . This hosting aims to further internationalize roll ball, with expectations of increased participation from Arab nations and beyond. Past winners receive gold medals and the IRBF World Cup trophy, while the event also serves as a qualifier for other IRBF-sanctioned competitions.

Youth and Junior World Cups

The Youth and Junior World Cups in roll ball represent the premier international competitions for players under the age of 18, organized by the International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF) to promote the sport among emerging talents. These events emphasize skill development, teamwork, and in a competitive global setting, aligning with roll ball's core principles of balance, speed, accuracy, and collaboration. While senior World Cups have been held since , youth-level international tournaments emerged later to nurture the next generation of athletes. The inaugural Junior Roll Ball World Cup, designated for under-17 players, took place from June 23 to 27, 2025, in , , marking the first such global youth competition in the sport's history. Hosted at the , the tournament featured separate boys' and girls' divisions, drawing teams from across and to foster international exchange and competitive growth. This event built on national junior championships, such as India's 16th Junior National Roll Ball Championship in 2024, by providing a platform for young athletes to compete at the highest youth level. In the boys' category, six nations participated: , , , , , and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). dominated the tournament, securing the championship with a 5-1 victory over host nation in the final, while claimed the bronze medal after defeating 5-1. The girls' division was more compact, with three teams—India, , and —competing; emerged victorious with a 5-0 against in the final, highlighting the team's superior strategy and execution. These results underscored India's strong youth development programs in roll ball, as both squads remained unbeaten throughout the event. The 2025 Junior served as a milestone for roll ball's global expansion at the level, attracting attention from sports federations and encouraging broader participation in future editions. Organizers emphasized the tournament's role in identifying future stars and promoting equity through parallel boys' and girls' competitions. As of November 2025, no separate for other age brackets (e.g., under-15 or under-19) has been established internationally, with the IRBF focusing on building on this inaugural success for subsequent youth events.

Regional and other tournaments

In addition to major international events, Roll Ball features regional tournaments organized under the auspices of the International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF), primarily through continental championships that promote the sport across , , and . These competitions serve as qualifiers for world-level events and foster , typically involving national teams in men's, women's, and sometimes youth categories. The IRBF has conducted Asian, African, and European championships since the sport's early international expansion in the . The Asian Roll Ball Championship, the most established regional event, has been held biennially since its inception, with the 4th edition taking place from December 16–20, 2024, at Stadium in , , . Hosted by the Roll Ball Federation of , it featured teams from multiple Asian nations, including , , the , and others, culminating in securing both the men's and women's titles, defeating in the women's final. This tournament highlights the sport's strong foothold in , drawing over a dozen teams and serving as a pathway to the Roll Ball World Cup. In , the African Roll Ball Championship acts as the premier continental event, coordinated by the IRBF's African affiliates, with preliminary qualifiers like the Eastern Africa Roll Ball Championship held periodically to build competitive depth. The Eastern Africa edition, for instance, past editions such as the 2019 event held in , involving teams from and neighboring countries to determine regional representatives for the broader African . Kenya's national teams have actively participated, leveraging events like the National Roll Ball League—which in 2024 involved over 45 teams and 3,500 players across 35 counties—to prepare for these regionals. The European Roll Ball Championship, though less frequent due to the sport's nascent presence on the continent, has been organized by the IRBF to include emerging national federations from countries like and the . Past editions have featured limited participation but emphasize skill development, with events like the 2024 Sport Accord exhibition in Birmingham, , showcasing demonstration matches to expand the sport's footprint. These tournaments typically involve 4–8 teams and focus on both senior and junior divisions. Other notable tournaments include invitational and national-level events that complement regionals, such as the Oman Roll Ball Tournament held from September 11–13, 2025, at Bausher Sports Complex, which drew 108 players from five nations including , , and for mixed-gender competitions. In , annual national championships like the 22nd Senior National Roll Ball Championship in October 2025 at , , organized by the Roll Ball of India, feature state teams and underscore domestic growth with over 20 participating units. Similarly, Kenya's ongoing National Roll Ball League integrates league play with tournament formats to engage grassroots athletes. The IRBF Cup, such as the 4th edition in May 2024, serves as an inter-federation event promoting global unity beyond strict regional boundaries.

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