An experimental new sport ...
AI generated footage
Description:
Ironcross is played with a solid rubber lacrosse ball fully covered in cloth hockey tape for grip. Goals are scored by throwing the ball past the goalie into the other team's net. Players carry the ball by hand and can run with it and pass it around to their teammates freely. The only constraint is that players wear football flags, and must give up the ball if flagged.
Value Proposition:
Gameplay: the same simple free-flowing gameplay as hockey, soccer, and lacrosse.
The ball: the dense rubber ball makes for a game that prioritizes high-velocity shots. Hockey tape cuts down on the slickness of the rubber, allowing for better accuracy on passes and more rip on shots.
No restrictions on movement: unlike soccer, basketball, or handball, being able to run without dribbling means the pace of the game is dictated by player sprinting speed and passing efficiency.
Competitive but accessible: flag-based turnovers means that the game relies on agility and juking rather than raw power. Ironcross is a contact sport, but there is no hitting or tackling.
Athleticism over skill: no need to master stickhandling, cradling, or skating. If you can throw a baseball, you can play ironcross.
Vision:
Establish ironcross as a recognized sport played at recreational and competitive levels across Canada.
Mission:
Establish a recreational beta-league in Ottawa.
Purpose:
Play games as a proof of concept.
Refine the rules.
Record real-life footage to showcase the game to a wider audience.
Serve as the basis for a more permanent recreational league in Ottawa.
Ensure Ottawa remains ironcross's founding city.
Proposed Beta-league Format:
The proposed beta-league consists of four games, with approximately 22 players. Two of these players are goalies, and two are team captains.
The first two games make up the trial round. In these games, players are randomly assigned to teams. This gives the players a chance to learn the game, and captains a chance to get to know the other players. After the trial round, the captains draft their teams to create balanced teams.
The third game is a round robin. This gives the two newly-created teams a chance to practice together as teams.
The fourth game is the championship game. Teams remain the same as in the round-robin, but the winner of this game becomes the first-ever championship team.
Current Status:
Right now, ironcross is a conceptual sport. It’s still a one-man effort, and I’m looking for players, volunteers, and a business partnership to turn the concept into reality.
One practice session has been held so far. Aside from myself, there was a single participant, but it was enough to convince me that the sport is worth developing.
Why Join:
You can be a founding player of a brand-new sport! Meanwhile, you’ll challenge your athletic abilities, help build a community, and have fun in the process.
If you're interested in playing or volunteering, click "Join". By doing so, you're not committing to anything, only expressing interest. And while the game is still in its beta phase, participation is likely to be free of charge.
Links:
© 2026 Patrick Richard