Objective of the Game

Where the One-Hand Reach is a 'mind game,' the Knuckle Hop is a 'pain game.' It is characteristic of many Inuit traditional games in that it tests the ath­lete's capacity to endure pain as much as his physical abilities or technical skills. Other games belonging to the group of 'pain games' are the Ear Lift, the Mouth Pull, and the Finger Pull-the pain increases rather than physical limita­tions may get the better of the athlete and cause him to end the attempt.

The competitor positions himself face-down on the floor. The elbows are flexed to an angle of about 90 degrees and placed against the sides of the body. The wrists are extended and locked, the hands clenched into fists. Legs and hips are extended so that the body forms a straight line. The ankles are flexed to about 90 degrees and locked. When the athlete raises his body into the starting position, he is supported only on his toes and the knuckles of the clenched fists.

In this position, he propels himself off the floor and hops forward-hands and feet have to break contact with the floor simultaneously. He lands on both hands and feet simultaneously and immediately executes the next hop. The attempt ends when the athlete touches the floor with any part of his body other than the toes and knuckles, or when the back drops below the plane of the elbows.

This is a distance competition. The athlete who covers the greatest distance wins the round, and it often enough happens that a competitor will walk away from the course with scratched, bruised and bleeding knuckles.

Equipment

1. A tape measure is used to measure the distance covered by each competitor.
2. It may also be sufficient to simply use masking tape to mark the distance cov­ered by the first participant in a competition. The other athletes will then sim­ply try to hop past that line. If one succeeds, the tape will be moved to the point where he broke off his attempt.
3. Masking tape or something similar to mark the course or track that the com­petitors have to follow. The markings for basketball or volleyball courts found on a gym floor can be used to lay out a course for the Knuckle Hop. (It can also be used for the Airplane.)
4. A nylon rope to mark off the playing area. Only competitors and judges should be inside the playing area.
5. First-aid equipment to treat bruises, cuts, and superficial bleeding should be kept on hand.
6. Cleaning equipment such as a broom and a mop.

Playing Area

The Knuckle Hop is a traditional indoor game. It requires a sizeable playing area that allows for a course layout avoiding sharp turns. The best competitors at the Arctic Winter Games cover distances of 60 m (180 ft) and more, and the size of the playing area should accommodate a course of appropriate length.

Teams and Competitors

At the Arctic Winter Games, the Knuckle Hop is played only by athletes in the group 'men/open.'

Safety Considerations

The risk of injury in the Knuckle Hop is relatively low. First aid equipment for the treatment of minor cuts and bruises should be kept on hand. A thorough check of the course surface must be carried out before the start of the competition. It is ultimately the competitor's own responsibil­ity to make sure that the course surface is clean.

Beginners are advised to tape their wrists for support, and knuckles to prevent abrasions.