First, throw the rule book out the window.

Now, if you got 'em, throw your skates out the window. But throw them out a window to the back yard - you'll probably want to keep them.

Street hockey or ball hockey or road hockey is all pretty much the same thing: it's a way to have fun with your pals and swing lumber at the same time.

What you need: hockey sticks, friends, nets, shoes, ball, and a place to play. You can play on the street, a parking lot, or even a homemade rink in Belize , Central America . More on that later.

The cool thing about the game is that it does not rely on weather - you can play in the summer or winter - from -20, as our pals do in Winnipeg , Manitoba , Canada - or +30 as they do in Belize . You don't even need a Zamboni. But if you had two, you could race them!

So how do you play? Simple!!

Get a ton of friends together - the more the better, but you should have 6 people per team. You don't have to - remember, you threw the rule book away at the top of this page - but the more the merrier. So let's say six per team - plus spares.

Three people are offence - they get to run a lot. Two are defense - they get to hit a lot. And one plays in goal. They get to duck a lot.

I f you have a dozen people on your bench, that helps, because you can rotate through people as you play, and you'll be less tired and able to play longer. Plus you can sip a beer while cheering on your team!

Remember: this is not a boys game. Womenfolk are equal in this sport - so you can play and go on a date at the same time.

Equipment is fairly straightforward. No matter how hard you play you will need a hockey stick, a ball, and hopefully a couple of nets. No need for skates, but the goalies may want pads. Players too, especially if you're going to be roughing it up. I f you're just having a fun easy game - then you don't need much. Clothes are a good idea if it's below zero.

Back to rules. there are a few, simple ones, and they are directly related to the ice version of the game. I f you don't know them - ask someone on you team. They'll know.

But rule #1 is to have fun. mix it up with your buddies.

If you're playing on the street and a car approaches, you must yell "GAME OFF!" and everyone will clear the street to allow the car to pass. Then yell " GAME ON !" when the car has passed so that play continues. For this reason, the use of freeways is discouraged.

Real life playing, can take place anywhere. I n Winnipeg , Donovan Bergman and his friends play outside when ever the temperature is above 20 below! After playing for a few minutes, your body will warm up - and instead of being inside on the couch watching "Everybody Love Raymond" repeats, you can be outside feeling alive.

When I was in the Central American nation of Belize last fall, I happened across a group of Mennonite farmers playing hockey outside. They had crafted an official sized rink and had formed a small league. Despite bats, moths, and high temperatures - they had a blast playing hockey in the tropics.

Go grab some sticks, and hit the pavement!! GAME ON!!!

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