The Equavolley, Ecuavolley, ecuaból, criollo or simply boly volleyball is a variation of the traditional volleyball invented in Ecuador. It is practiced throughout the country and among the Ecuadorian community throughout the world, mainly in Colombia, the United States and Europe.
The origin of the game is unknown because there are records of its practice before the arrival of the Europeans. Historians suggest that it had an independent beginning and, after the cultural exchange, the locals converged some elements of the game with those already existing.
Initially, the ecuavolley began to be practiced in neighborhoods and peripheral towns of the capital, Quito. However, as time went by, the game became popular throughout the country.
At present, although there are general regulations in each game, it is possible to adapt certain rules according to what is convenient for each team, which gives it a certain flexibility status.
History
It is not clear about the origin of this sport, although it is believed that the first steps were taken in the Ecuadorian highlands during the 19th century, when the ancestral peoples already practiced a modality similar to the current one.
During the time, the game was popular in humble areas of Quito and the Cuenca - cities that are considered pioneers in boly. Its spread throughout the territory was due to constant migrations and military settlements.
In the middle of the 20th century, leagues and teams from different neighborhoods of the capital were formed, giving it impetus and recognition among the population. To give order regarding the practice, the Federation of Neighborhood and Parish Sports Leagues of the Quito Canton was founded in 1957.
Two years later, the first boly championship was organized and during the 1960s and 1970s, extremely popular events were held.
At the end of the 80s and thanks to the growth of the leagues, the Law of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation, was enacted in order to include the Federation to the National Sports Council of Ecuador.
Nowadays
In the 90s, a total of 8000 teams belonging to more than 200 neighborhood leagues were registered, only located in the capital. Thanks to this, the sport became serious when organizing higher level competitions.
By the end of the decade, the rules and fundamentals of the game were updated to later become one of the most popular sports in the country, behind soccer.
Sports chronology
Below is a series of sequences of events related to the emergence and establishment of boley as a sport:
- 1943: the sport officially begins in the neighborhoods of Quito.
- 1944-1957: the first neighborhood leagues are formed.
- 1957: the Federation of Neighborhood and Parish Sports Leagues of the Quito Canton is founded. That same year the first Champions and Vice Champions tournament was inaugurated.
- Organization of the first championship of Boly Champions.
- 1960-1970: organization of basketball, soccer, swimming and boleyball championships (the latter in order to promote sport in the country).
- 1971: foundation of the National Federation of Neighborhood Sports Leagues for Novices of Ecuador (Fedenaligas).
- 1980-1990: growth of the neighborhood leagues and federations as representative entities of the neighborhoods.
- 1989: promulgation of the Law of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation for the incorporation of Fedenaligas to the National Sports Council.
Basics of Equator Volley
- The court is divided into two squares of 9 × 9 meters each, separated by a 5cm rope or line.
- There are three players on each side: the setter, the server and the flyer. Although they have specific responsibilities, they can alternate roles as long as the ball does not fall to the ground.
- The ball can be returned in three hits but not by the same player.
- Everyone can attack from any position.
- There is the "ball down" style, which consists of hitting the ball with a slap to propel the ball to fall. His strength can be equated to that of a free kick in soccer.
- Bare hands, fists, or forearms may be used.
- They are played in intervals of 10, 12 or 15 points, depending on what each team agrees.
- Victory is awarded by having two points of advantage over the opposing team.
- A # 5 ball is used (like the one used in soccer), but any compact or similar type works.
- The recording of points is done by the referee.
There are two types of plays:
- Placed Play: the setter covers half the court, and the other part is covered by the server and the flyer.
- Inside Play: the setter moves across the net from side to side, the server stands back and the flyer covers the part unprotected by the setter.
Rules
The boly has a series of general rules. However, depending on the players, the type of tournament and what is agreed between the teams, it is possible to add or customize other rules.
- Each team must be made up of three players: setter (forward), flyer (stands at the back) and server (support).
- The flyer, as a team defender, is not allowed to be captain, he cannot serve, block or complement any attack. Also, you should not place your fingers in front of the attack line.
- The net is placed 2.85 m high and has a width of 60 cm.
- The field must have the same dimensions: 18 m long and 9 m wide.
- You can hold the ball in your hand for less than a second.
- You cannot touch the net with your hand.
- You cannot step on or cross the line that is below the net.
- The ball is not kicked.
- The ball can be hit (volleyed) from any position, as long as the player stands behind the service line.
- It is not valid to beat with both hands.
- The game is structured in two sets of 15 points (it can vary as stated above). If there is a tie, he can go to a set to define the match.
- It can be held on the ball each time it is received, as long as the action does not last more than one second.
Field measurements
The court will be 18 meters long and 9 meters wide. It will be divided into two parts of 9 meters each. The separation will be marked with a line or stripe 5 cm wide, which will determine the area allowed for the game.
The net is placed on two posts at a height of 2.80 - 2.85 high (from the top edge to the ground). This, however, can change according to the requirements of the players.
References
- History of Ecuavoley. (sf). In About Spanish. Retrieved: March 8, 2018. In About Español de aboutspanol.com.
- Ecua-volley. (sf). On Wikipedia. Retrieved: March 8, 2018. In Wikipedia at en.wikipedia.org.
- Ecuavolley: what is it? (sf). In Your Ecuavoley Alborada. Retrieved: March 8, 2018. En Tu Ecuavoley Alborada de tuecuavoley.com.
- Ecuavolley. (sf). In EcuRed. Retrieved: March 8, 2018. In EcuRed of ecured.cu.
- Ecuavolley. (sf). On Wikipedia. Retrieved: March 8, 2018. In Wikipedia at es.wikipedia.org.
- Meneses, Ricardo. (sf). Encuavolley: a sport between bets. In Twenty Worlds. Retrieved: March 8, 2018. In Twenty Worlds of twentyundos.com.