[Latest] Best Broomball: Rules, Dimensions, How To Play

Broomball

Broomball is a fun and exciting winter sport that shares similarities with ice hockey and floor hockey. It is played on an ice rink with two teams of six players each. Players wear special rubber-soled shoes and use broom-like sticks to hit a hard rubber ball into the opposing team’s goal. There are no skates, so players wear sneakers or ice cleats. 

Some more details about broomball:

• The game is played on an ice hockey rink, but the ice is not as smooth as it would be for hockey. This makes it easier for players to control the ball with their brooms.
• Players wear sneakers or ice cleats instead of skates. This is because the game is not as fast-paced as hockey, and there is no need for the extra grip that skates provide.
• The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team. Goals are scored by shooting the ball into the opponent’s net.
• It is a non-contact sport, so there are no body checks. However, there is some physical contact, such as when players collide while trying to control the ball.

Broomball Rules

Equipment:

• Players must wear helmets.
• Players wear rubber-soled shoes or sneakers (no ice skates allowed).
• Players may also wear protective gear such as knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves.
• The ball is made of hard rubber and is about 6 inches in diameter. It is slightly larger than a softball 
• The sticks are made of wood or plastic and have a broom-like head. The head is usually made of rubber or plastic.
• Goalies wear extra padding and use a special goalie stick. 

Gameplay:

• The game is played on an ice rink with two teams of six players each.
• The players use the broomball sticks to control the ball and score goals by hitting the ball into the opposing team’s goal.
• Players cannot body-check or trip each other. They may use their bodies to block opponents but cannot physically collide with them.
• The ball must be kept below waist height.
• Players cannot swing their sticks above their heads.
• Players cannot slide on the ice.
• Tripping, slashing, and other forms of dangerous play are also prohibited and may result in penalties.

Penalties:

• Penalties are called for tripping, hooking, slashing, and high sticking.
• The penalized player must sit out for two minutes.
• A penalty shot may be awarded to the opposing team if a penalty is committed in the scoring area.

Winning:

• The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
• If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, overtime may be played.
• Overtime is played with three players per team.
• The first team to score a goal wins the game.

Game Duration:

• A standard broomball game is divided into two halves 20 minutes each. The clock stops for injuries and timeouts.

Starting Play:

• The game begins with a face-off at the center of the ice.
• The referee drops the ball, and players from both teams try to gain possession.

Offsides:

• This game has offside rules. Players cannot enter the offensive zone before the ball does.

Goalies:

• Goalies are the only players allowed to use their hands to play the ball.
• They must stay in their designated crease area in front of the net.
• Goalies have special privileges when it comes to handling the ball.

Substitutions:

• Teams can make substitutions during stoppages in play.
• Players must enter and exit the ice at the designated substitution area.

Tie Games:

• In the event of a tie, some leagues and tournaments may use overtime or shootout rules to determine a winner.

Dimensions of Broomball

The dimensions playing surface are similar to those of an ice hockey rink, but there can be some variation depending on the specific venue and league regulations. Here are dimensions 

Ice Rink Size: A standard broomball rink is about the same size as a hockey rink, which is approximately 200 feet (60 meters) long and 85 feet (26 meters) wide.

Goal Crease: At each end of the rink, there is a goal crease in front of the net. This crease is usually a semicircular area with a radius of about 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) from the center of the goal.

Goal Size: The goals in broomball are 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide and 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. These measurements are fairly consistent across different leagues and tournaments.

Blue Lines: Similar to ice hockey, there are two blue lines on the rink that divide it into three zones: the offensive zone, the neutral zone, and the defensive zone. These lines are usually located about one-third and two-thirds of the way from one end of the rink to the other.

Face-Off Circles: At the center of the rink, there is a face-off circle where the game begins and restarts after stoppages. The circle has a radius of about 15 feet (4.6 meters).

Substitution Areas: On the player benches, there are designated substitution areas where players can enter and exit the ice. These areas are usually marked with a blue line or another clear boundary.

These are standard dimensions, there can be some variation in rink sizes and markings depending on the specific location and league rules. Players should always check with their league or tournament organizers for any variations in dimensions and regulations.

History of Broomball

The exact origins of this game are unknown, but it is thought to have originated in Canada in the early 1900s. Some believe that it was invented by street car workers who played with a soccer ball and actual brooms. The earliest documented games took place in Perdue, Saskatchewan, on March 5, 1909.

Broomball quickly spread to other parts of Canada and the United States. In the 1960s, the first organized leagues were formed. The first international tournament was held in 1972.

Today, this game is played in over 40 countries around the world. It is a popular recreational activity and is also played at the college, university, and professional levels.

Some of the key events in the history of broomball:

• 1909: The first known recorded games take place in Perdue, Saskatchewan.
• 1960s: The first organized leagues were formed in Canada and the United States.
• 1972: The first international tournament is held.
• 1982: The International Federation of Broomball Associations (IFBA) is founded.
• 1990: This game is included in the World Winter Games.
• 2000: The first World Broomball Championships are held.

Tips to Play Broomball

Wear the Right Gear: Safety is paramount in this game. Make sure you wear the required protective gear, including a helmet, shin guards, gloves, and warm clothing. Non-slip rubber-soled shoes or sneakers are essential for good traction on the ice.

Master the Basics: Familiarize yourself with the fundamental skills, such as stickhandling, passing, and shooting. Practice controlling the ball with your stick, and work on your passing accuracy.

Teamwork is Key: It is a team sport, so communication and teamwork are crucial. Coordinate with your teammates, call for passes, and work together on offense and defense.

Positioning: Understanding your position on the ice is vital. Forwards should focus on attacking and scoring goals, while defensemen need to protect their own net and clear the ball from danger.

Stay on Your Feet: Unlike ice hockey, body checking is not allowed in this game. Avoid unnecessary collisions with opponents to prevent injuries and penalties. Instead, use your body to shield the ball or block opponents.

Goalie Tips: If you’re playing goalie, practice your agility and reaction time. Be ready to use your hands to block shots, but remember to stay within your designated crease area.

Ball Control: This game can be tricky to control on the ice, especially when it’s cold and hard. Keep the ball close to your body to maintain better control, and practice dribbling to keep opponents guessing.

Defensive Strategy: When defending, focus on blocking passing lanes and staying between the ball carrier and your net. Try to force turnovers and clear the ball safely out of your zone.

Offensive Strategy: On offense, work on cycling the ball around the opponent’s zone to create scoring opportunities. Pass and move to find open spaces, and be ready to take shots when the chance arises.

Stay Balanced: Ice can be slippery, so work on your balance and agility. Keep your center of gravity low and be prepared to change direction quickly.

Respect the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the league or tournament you’re playing in. Understanding the rules will help you avoid penalties and play a fair game.

Shoot the ball at the goal when you have a clear shot.

Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for other players. 

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your skills and have a great time on the ice with your teammates and friends. Whether you’re playing for fun or in a competitive league

Governing Body

The International Federation of Broomball Associations (IFBA) founded in 1998, is the world governing body of broomball. It is based in Canada 

The IFBA is overall responsible for promoting the sport globally, organizing Championships, and developing and maintaining the sport’s official rulebook.

There are over 50 member associations in 20 countries. These members organize leagues and tournaments in their respective countries.

The IFBA also offers a variety of services to its member associations, such as coaching and officiating education, referee certification, and equipment standards.

The IFBA’s World Broomball Championship is the premier international event. It is held every two years and features teams from around the world. The United States has won the most championships, with 11 titles.

The IFBA is committed to promoting this sport of broomball and providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the game.

International events of broomball

IFBA World Broomball Championships: This is the sport’s premier international event. The championships are held every two years and feature teams from around the world. The United States has won the most championships, with 11 titles.

Broomball Americas Championships: This is a continental tournament for teams from North and South America. The championships are held every four years.

Broomball European Championships: This is a continental tournament for teams from Europe. The championships are held every four years.

Broomball World Junior Championships: This is a tournament for teams of players under the age of 20. The championships are held every two years.

Broomball Masters Championships: This is a tournament for teams of players over the age of 35. The championships are held every two years.

In addition to these major international events, there are also a number of smaller tournaments and leagues held around the world. The IFBA website has a list of upcoming events.

Final Words

Broomball is a fun and exciting sport that is similar to hockey but is played with broomsticks instead of ice hockey sticks. It is a great way to get exercise and have fun, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. If you are looking for a new sport to try, I encourage you to give broomball a shot!

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