Changes to the game for 2020
 |
| For almost 100 years each game has started with the Hutunkeitto - a literal tussle between the teams for control of the bat Photograph from Vimpeli website (c) Vimpelin Veto 2019 |
The Pesäpalloliito has released the detailed guidance on how games shall be arranged and played during the current Coronavirus pandemic (until further notice). For someone with a legal mins such as me it is fascinating to read such guidance that talks in great detail on how to ensure safety... but I know that this kind of detail for most people is just tedious; instead I have decided to write about the key changes and explain what the impact is.
The Hutunkeitto
Pesapällo is full of unique and curious rules and traditions, perhaps none more so than the hutunkeitto which determines which team chooses to bat first in the first jakso. Unlike baseball, where the visiting team alway bats first (some say as a courtesy), or in cricket, where the captains meet for a coin toss, pesäpallo has had a very different way of determining this issue. The captains meet with a game umpire and a bat is tossed by the home team captain and caught by the umpire. The captains then take it in turns to grip the bat with one hand towards the end of the bat in a symbolic wrestle for control. The last captain to have a firm grip of the bat handle is declared the winner and determines whether to bat first or put the opposing team into bat first.
This ritual is so symbolic and important to the sport that its depiction forms the basis for the Pesäpalloliito logo. However in an age of social distancing and sanitisation, this practice brings with it a never before contemplated health risk. For 2020 therefore the Pesäpalloliito have determined that a coin toss should replace the hutunkeitto.
If you have never seen this, I have included a link to a YouTube video that shows it clearly. It is an incredible spectacle and is reminiscent of medieval knights selecting opponents to duel with on the battlefield before the main battle started. Both teams line up along the foul lines in solidarity as their captains literally go head to head for control of the bat. The tension builds and the prospect of a coin toss simply cannot replicate this; the hutunkeitto is the perfect warm-up act for the game ahead.
Whilst I can see the need to protect health, which of course is a priority here, I do hope that the hutunkeitto returns in the future. The toss of a coin is a fairly balanced way of determining randomly who will decide who bats first; however there is skill in the hutunkeitto, so it depends what you are looking for in the sport. If people want a random determination as to who has the control, keep the coin toss - it is time tested and serves cricket very well indeed; however if you like the spectacle of the hutunkeitto and the buildup to the game, then let’s hope it comes back when it is safe to do so.
Personal space
One of the other key changes is how players and other personnel have to be mindful of others’ personal space. Game officials have protection via mandatory rules; however players have a more realistic expectation to keep at a distance where possible. No handshakes will take place and if a player hits a kunniajuoksu (home run) their team mates cannot rush to 3rd base to congratulate them. The guidelines do not have a direct impact on how the game is likely to be played.
Sanitisation
Game balls must be cleaned and kept in sterile environments prior to the game. Players are expected to refrain from spitting and must wash their hands regularly during and before the game. The guidelines do not have a direct impact on how the game is likely to be played.
Conclusions
Whilst most of the guidelines are self explanatory, some guidelines, such as how players travel and sit next to one another on coaches and in dressing rooms, shows how much thought has had to go into planning. Whilst it is a shame (in my opinion) that we will lose the hutunkeitto for 2020, all of the guidelines are sensible and the best realistic options in order to ensure safety for all those involved and allow the season to go ahead.
From a personal note, I want to express my gratitude to all those who have worked to try and get the Superpesis season (and indeed all pesäpallo games) up and running for 2020. The level of thought and care that has gone into organising the sport in order to balance competing and very different needs has been highly impressive. I am sure that as the season gets underway there will be a need to review the guidelines and developments in the spread of the Coronavirus will mean that plans will need to change; however the way in which the Pesäpalloliito, game umpires, the clubs and players themselves have looked for solutions has been inspiring. Thank you!
Comments
Post a Comment