Montreux has been the stage for multiple roller-Hockey Tournament since 1921, sometimes called the Easter Tournament, other times European Championship and even the 2nd world Championship, between 1939 and 1948.
From 1949, Montreux Tournament has been called “Nations Cup” and is always held at Easter time.
This Tournament was officially recognised by FIRS -Federation Internationale de Roller Skating- and by CIRH –Comité International de Rink Hockey-, its rules in accordance with FIRS International Rules.
Nowadays, the Nations Cup is an International Tournament, with participation of teams from the five continents and is included in the Annual World Calendar. It is held in Montreux, under the direction of the Montreux Hockey Club.
The organisation will stage the event yearly and it will be held between national teams and champion teams from other countries, invited by Montreux Hockey Club.
The choice of teams will be made by the latter and it will be according to its decision bearing in mind that the team that has won the previous Tournament must be invited, as long as it is European.
The trophy was an offer to Hockey Club made by Mr Juan Samaranch-Torello and Mr. Isidro Oliveras de la Riva in 1982.
Each time the Tournament is held, the winning team will have its name engraved on the trophy. This will be kept by the Organising Club up to the moment when it is definitely won. For this to happen, a team must win three times over or five times alternately.
This Tournament will be played in accordance with the International regulations and according to the names of the participating teams:
- By elimination
- By points
- By points with two games
In case of a draw in points, it will be necessary to refer to Article 82 of the Rules of the Game (CIRH Official Regulations) first consulting paragraph b) and then paragraph a), for the final classifications.
Montreux will decide how each Nations Cup will be held, and subsequently information will be sent to the participants, together with the inscription / registration letter.
Administrative rules
The “Nations Cup” will be held once every two odd years, during Easter period.
The Organisation is responsible for the invitation of eight teams (minimum required) and the elaboration of the Games Calendar, with the approval of the CIRH Executive committee.
The executive technical aspects of the Tournament are the responsibility of the Organisers, under the supervision of CIRH.
C.I.A. –Commission Internationale des Arbitres- is responsible for the nomination of the Referees for all the game of the Tournament..
All complaints and protests related to incidents occurred during the games will be appreciated and judged by the CIRH / CIA members present and in accordance with the International Regulations.
Financial organisation
Montreux Hockey Club organiser of the Tournament must pay to CIRH a fee of 500 SFR (five hundred Swiss Francs) thirty days before the Tournament.
The organiser is responsible for accommodation and meals at a Hotel –minimum three stars- for the following participants: 8 teams with fifteen persons each, 6 international foreign referees and 2 Swiss International referees and 3 members of CIRH , from Thursday, dinner time, up to Tuesday at breakfast.
Likewise, the organisers are responsible for the travelling costs of the 6 foreign international referees (only Europeans) as well as a means of transportation of the participants indicated in point 6.2.
A participant who after accepting the invitation withdraws from the competition 60 days before its realization are obliged to pay the organisation the amount of 2.000 (two thousand) Swiss Francs as a fine and indemnity.
The participating team and the CIRH members are responsible for their travelling costs up to the location of the competition and back.
The TV transmission rights will revert in favour of the organisation but with the written authorisation given by CIRH.
All maters not mentioned in the present Rules will be of the responsibility of the Organising Club, based on CIRH Official Rules. The “Nations Cup” is officially recognised by CIRH who decided that Montreux Hockey Club may invite the federation it wishes, national teams and the team which won the previous edition.
