Floor hockey
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Floor hockey is a family of indoor hockey games, usually in the style of ice hockey, that are
played on flat floor surfaces, such as a basketball court.[1] As in other hockey codes, players on
each team attempt to shoot a ball or puck into a goal using sticks, usually with a curved end.[2]
Floor hockey games differ from street hockey in that the games are more structured, and from
roller hockey in that players typically wear shoes rather than skates.[citation needed] Because players
do not need to be able to skate, floor hockey is sometimes used for training children to play ice
hockey.[3]
Contents
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1 History
2 Equipment
3 Variations
4 Typical rules
5 References
[edit] History
Floor hockey codes are derived from ice hockey, which was invented by British soldiers
stationed in Canada in the mid-1800s.[4]
A version of ringette was introduced as a sport in the Winter Special Olympics in 1970. It is
currently the only team sport played in the Winter Special Olympics.[5]
The Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA) was formed in 1991 to provide more formal
leagues of ball-based floor hockey.[6] The CBHA runs leagues for men, women, and juniors, and
organizes National Championships for each division.[7]
In 2003, the National Intermural-Recreational Sports Association Hockey Committee released a
baseline set of rules for intramural floor hockey for college campuses across the United States.
[edit] Equipment
Floor hockey equipment differs between each code. Some codes use an indoor puck, while others
use a lightweight plastic ball, or a heavier ball. Some codes require standard ice hockey, field
hockey or bandy sticks, while others use lightweight plastic. The types of checking and
protective equipment allowed also vary.
[edit] Variations
One variation, especially popular in Europe, is floorball. Floorball uses a lightweight plastic ball
and sticks made of plastic and carbon fibre. Limited checking is permitted.
Another variation, cosom hockey, uses plastic sticks and pucks, while ringette uses circular
pucks and sticks with no blade.
Power hockey is a floor hockey game similar to floorball that has been designed for players
confined to electric wheelchairs.
[edit] Typical rules
Although floor hockey is made up of several different codes, there are some basic rules which
are typically followed regardless of code.
Games start with a face-off, where a player from each team have an equal chance to gain
possession. The face-off is also used to resume play after goals, and to start each period.[8]
A goal is scored when the entire puck or ball crosses the plane of the goal line, unless it is
intentionally kicked in by the attacking team.
The team with the most goals at the end of the game is declared the winner. If the game is tied,
the games usually proceed into overtime in order to determine a winner. Overtime rules vary, but
typically include extra time and/or penalty shootout.
Penalties for illegal actions are enforced. A player committing a major infraction is required to
sit out of the game for two minutes, resulting a power play, but a minor infraction may result in a
free hit. Penalties are typically given for the following actions:
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Tripping – Using the body or stick to intentionally cause a player to fall
Hooking – Using the curved end of the stick to impede a player’s forward progress by
pulling him or her back
Slashing – Using the stick to hit an opposing player's body or stick
Interference – Using the body to move a player from his current position on the floor or
preventing him from playing the ball or puck
High Sticking – Allowing the curved end of the stick to come above your waist
Cross Checking – Using the stick to push an opponent down
Checking from behind – Hitting a player from behind
Due to the limited padding worn by players, body checking is typically disallowed in floor
hockey games,[1] although shoulder-to-shoulder checking is allowed.
Rules and Regulations for Jayfro Indoor Floor Hockey
INDOOR FLOOR HOCKEY STUDY GUIDE
Introduction
Indoor floor hockey is an extremely popular sport as it can be used to great advantage during
intramural activities as well as an “in-between season” sport. Although it appeals to all ages, it is
especially suited to the younger boys and girls, since it does not require the beginning
coordination necessary for other major sports. One can learn to be a fairly good player and can
be a contributing member of the team while learning.
Because of the unique Safe-T-Puk, the game is made more interesting in allowing the players to
flip or lift the puck/ball on passes and shots at the goal. The game can be kept safe by teaching
the players to carry the stick low and not allowing the stick to go higher than the waist on the
follow-through. Also, a player may not “check” an opponent into the “boards,” or, in other
words, he cannot bump another player into the wall.
Playing Area
An entire gymnasium with the wall and bleachers as boundaries may be used. This can
approximate a regular ice hockey area and does not slow down the game by the necessity of
bringing in the puck/ball for
a face-off too frequently. Modified areas can be used such as basement rooms, multi-purpose
rooms, auditorium rooms and class rooms.
Players
Each team consists of six players: Two forwards, two defense men, one center and one goalie.
Four to six substitutes are allowed to bring the team rosters up to ten or twelve players.
Substitutes may enter the game when time has been stopped through the time-keeper or the
referee.
Special Note
“Mass Hockey” with classes or groups may be played by adding more substitutes and changing
them a little more often so that more participants may enter the game.
Rules of the Game
In general, regular hockey rules are followed with certain modifications. The game should be
run for three periods with a rest period of approximately three minutes between periods. It is
suggested that the seniors and older groups play eight minute periods and that the younger
participants play five to seven minute periods.
The game is started with a face-off by the referee who puts the puck/ball into play by tossing it
into the center circle of the gym floor, where the two centers then try to pass the puck/ball to a
teammate. The forwards must be at least six feet from the center on the face-off. Begin each
period with a face-off and have the teams change goals.
After a score, play is restarted with a pass from the center circle by a member of the team scored
against. The puck/ball may be advanced using the stick alone. It is not legal to kick or throw the
puck/ball. However, the puck/ball can be stopped with the feet, or may be blocked with the hand
if in the air.
The goal keeper may stop the puck/ball in any position, but cannot throw it except to clear the
goal. He may go in any direction to stop the shot or rush.
For a score, the puck/ball must pass into the goal or net. One point is scored for each goal. The
point does not count if the player crosses the crease line in front of the goalie. This crease line is
an area 4’ x 8’, directly in front of the goal (see illustration). This line protects the goalie from
the onrushing players. A goal attempt which is illegally blocked results in a penalty shot and, if
missed, the puck/ball is in play.
Note: The goalie crease line can be marked off with special colored tape or adhesive tape, if
desired.
Goal
4’
Crease Line
8’
Penalties
Players penalized for any of the following infractions must spend the specified time in a penalty
box. If a team has two of its players in the penalty box, the next penalty will be delayed until
one man returns to the game. When a penalty is awarded, the opponents receive a free pass on
the spot.
A.
Minor Penalties – one minute
1. Delaying the game.
2. High stick (for safety, this rule will be rigidly enforced. Any time a player carries or
lifts a stick above the waist, a penalty will be called. When a player is not in control
of puck/ball, the stick must be carried at knee level.)
3. Standing, stepping into, or moving through the defensive goal crease at any time.
4. Hooking or holding stick of another player.
5. Interference, preventing player from reaching puck/ball.
6. Charging, running into, roughing, elbowing, pushing or tripping.
7. Deliberate displacement of cage.
B.
Major Penalties – two minutes
1. Pushing or charging an opponent into side or end wall or goal cages, or attempting to
do so.
2. Attempting to injure opposing player. (Offender may also be disqualified at referee’s
judgment.)
3. Slashing opponent or opponent’s stick with stick from overhead or high position.
C.
Misconduct – four minutes
1. Disputing referee’s decisions or showing disrespect for an official.
2. Using profane language.
Important Notes
A.
Depending on individual needs, the above rules are flexible to the point where they can
be adapted or
interpreted in a different manner to suit the situation.
B.
Indoor Floor Hockey Units are so designed that girls’ field hockey lead-up games can be
played to an
advantage. Actual field hockey rules for girls may be adapted very easily using field
hockey sticks
indoors. We suggest that the sticks be covered with socks made into sleeves or some
other material
to protect the gym floors.
C.
It is suggested that a baseball glove be used by the goalies to give them a greater
advantage in terms
of “saves” during active play in their position.
D.
May we remind you that the knee guards used for the goalies are for psychological
effects only to
make the game appear more realistic.
E.
It is suggested that the goalie wear a mask/goggles during the course of play.
Intramural Floor Hockey Rules
General Information
1. No varsity ice hockey intercollegiate players are eligible to participate. If they dressed for one
intercollegiate game - ineligible
2. A team may only have one 5th year varsity per team. This is an intercollegiate player who has
participated 4 years within the intercollegiate program and is still a student.
3. A floor captain must be designated for each team. They alone may discuss problems with the
officials. Remember, "zero tolerance" for harassing officials. Clear up any problems prior to the
start of each game particularly questions concerning eligibility of players.
4. ID-Roster checks may be conducted at anytime.
5. Players may use their own sticks or check out sticks with ID card. If personal sticks are used,
officials will check curve. If curve excessive, the stick will be declared illegal.
6. Goalies are required to wear helmet with facemask. Goalie can use baseball mitt, a hockey glove
on other hand, NO BLOCKERS and small shin guards. No other goalie pads will be allowed.
7. Gloves and shin guards are strongly suggested for other players.
Rules
1. 5 players on floor plus goalie.
2. Game begins with face off at centerline and resume there after each goal.
3. Face off is called when ball is out of play, thrown or caught by any player other than goalie.
Official will drop ball during face off.
4. Ball may be stopped by hand, but not held, passed or advanced by hand.
5. Two 12-minute running time halves will be played with no time outs allowed.
6. Ties will stand
7. Goal is scored when player hits, sweeps or pushes the ball into the net directly off stick or it is
deflected off one of their teammates or defensive player into net.
8. A player may advance ball with their feet, but MAY NOT kick it directly into net to score. If a
player kicks ball, ball defects off defensive player into net - goal counts.
9. A ball CANNOT be thrown into the goal to score.
10. When a goalie catches or stops the ball, they must be given room to release it to one of their
players by hand or stick. If a goalie falls onto a ball and is unable to release it, face is called to
the front of the goal.
Penalties with 1-minute first offense and two minutes for repeat violations
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HIGH STICKING: anytime the stick is raised above normal shoulder height.
SLASHING: intentional or unintentional hitting with stick.
INTERFERENCE AND CHARGING: anytime opposing player pushes a player out of position.
ELBOWING: using one's elbow to hit an opponent
CROSS CHECKING: use of stick to push opponent out of the way
TRIPPING AND HOOKING: use of stick to trip or hold back an opponent from playing the ball
Penalties of Unsportsman conduct
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Immediate removal from game and/or game suspensions for player and five minute penalty.
Repeated violation of above, unnecessary roughness, unwillingness to play within the spirit of
intramurals or deliberate intention to hurt someone.
Fighting: automatic permanent suspension of player.