The Game of Respect: A Message from the Hungarian Tchoukball Federation on World Fair Play Day ( 19. May )

Sport is much more than winning and losing. It is one of the most important arenas for building character, forging communities, and learning mutual respect. On World Fair Play Day, the Hungarian Tchoukball Federation proudly stands by the ideology that is present not only on this special day but in every single second of our sport.

When the world celebrates fair play, respect for opponents, and adherence to the rules, for us tchoukball players, it is also a kind of "birthday." It is rare to find a sport built specifically on the physical and philosophical foundations of Fair Play and non-violence.

A Sport born for peace and health

Tchoukball was created in the 1970s by a Swiss sports physician, Dr. Hermann Brandt. As a practicing doctor, he faced daily the severe injuries caused by traditional, physical-contact team sports. His goal was to create a game that preserved the dynamics, speed, and excitement of team sports while eliminating aggression and minimizing the risk of injury.

Dr. Brandt's famous quote remains the motto of our association and our sport today:

"The objective of all physical activities is not to make champions, but rather to contribute to building a more harmonious society."

How does Fair Play prevail on the Tchoukball court?

The rules of tchoukball inherently guarantee sportsmanship. For us, Fair Play is not just a desired behavior, but a fundamental condition of the game:

• No physical contact: Players cannot touch each other; there are no tackles, pushes, or body-to-body combat.

• No pass interference: The opponent cannot intercept passes in the air and cannot prevent the attacking team from playing the ball. Defense focuses exclusively on catching the ball rebounding from the net.

• Pure focus: Since aggressive ball recovery is forbidden, players must concentrate on their own team's strategy, perfect positioning, and teamwork.

• Shared playing equipment: Both teams can attack both rebound frames (placed at the two ends of the court), which requires constant, intelligent adaptation from everyone.

Fair Play in Everyday Life

The mission of the Hungarian Tchoukball Federation is to bring this unique, respect-based culture to as many youths and adults as possible. In a world where the "win at all costs" mentality often dominates, tchoukball offers a refreshing alternative. It teaches players that the opponent is not an enemy, but an indispensable partner in the game, without whom the match could not take place.

On World Fair Play Day, we encourage everyone—whether an elite athlete, a recreational adult, or a child just getting acquainted with sports—to carry the spirit of fair play both on and off the court.

Let's celebrate respect, teamwork, and the pure joy of sport together! Try tchoukball and experience for yourself what it is like when Fair Play dictates the rules of the game.

- Hungarian Tchoukball Federation Communications Office -