If you are going to speak about other cultures, at least have the decency of getting your facts stright: Maya =/= P'urhépecha, nor any of these cultures are interchangeable with other Mesoamerican/Prehispanic cultures (like the Aztec/Mexica). Just so you understand this better:
Ok. Having said that, let’s move on to the “fire hockey” game itself.
The game is called Uárhukua Ch'anakua, meaning “stick competition”, although the name can change depending on the region were it’s practiced.
The ball, or zapandukua, is made of wood, stone, or rubber wrapped with cotton fabric that is left soaking on petroleum for a few days before the game, when it’s ignited.
The sticks, or uárhukua, are also made of wood. Their size and weight varies depending on the player preferences.
Originally there was no time limit, so one match could last for days. Nowadays they last about half an hour (or until the first score is made).
Each team has five players and at least three reserves. Substitutions are unlimited but have to be notified to the judges so they can decide when it’s pertinent to make the change without interrupting the game.
It is a game of honor. If a player gets penalized or expelled, it not only means dishonor for them, it means dishonor for their team.
It is kind of a Big Deal, with actual tournaments taking place on the P’urhépecha region and other places like México City.
The Uárhukua is usually played at night because the fiery ball symbolizes the sun moving through the sky. You can imagine just how impressive it looks to have a literal ball of fire bouncing across the field.
So now that you understand fire hockey a little bit better, you can go make your Avatar Hockey AU in peace, I would actually like to see how it turns out :)
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