The Game

A game consists of two (2) 22-minute running clock halves and a 2-minute half time played on a sheet of ice. A 6’x8’ goal is positioned at both ends of the ice with a semi-circle crease (the same one used for hockey). Each team is allowed one time-out per game during regulation that is 30 seconds in length.

Teams

Each team has 5 runners and 1 goalie on the ice to start the game. The positions are similar to that of hockey with 2 wingers, a center, and 2 defensemen. Teams are typically composed of 12 to 15 players.

Substitutions can happen at any time so long as player(s) leaving the ice surface are within 5 feet of the bench and are out of the play before the change is made. Goalies may only switch positions during a stoppage of play, but a goalie may be ‘pulled’ for an extra attacker at any time.

Scoring

A goal is awarded when the ball enters the goal from the front, passing between the goal posts and completely crossing the goal line. Players can use their feet to pass and move the ball, however, the ball cannot be intentionally directed into the goal by an offensive player’s foot or other body part. Any ball illegally directed into the crease will result in an automatic whistle. If the ball strikes an attacking player’s foot/body prior to entering the goal and there is no distinctive kicking motion, the goal is awarded.

Zones / Offsides

Broomball uses the “floating blue line” concept. Once the play crosses the blue line and is onsides, the red (center ice) line becomes the designated offsides line. The blue line disappears as the offsides line and the offensive zone is enlarged.

The ball must completely clear the blue line before any attacking player can completely enter the offensive zone. As long as a player has one foot on or behind the blue line, that player is not offsides. If an offensive player enters the offensive zone before the ball, play is stopped and offsides will be called and the faceoff will be at the blue line dots.

Once the ball has entered the offensive zone onsides, all players may go freely in front of the blue line. The zone then backs up to the center redline. The attacking team is onsides until the ball completely crosses the red line. The attacking team then has to retreat to the blue line and wait for the ball to again cross and return to being onsides.

Zones / Offsides

SERVING A PENALTY: A player must serve a penalty in the penalty box and not the team bench. All minor penalties in the Omaha league are 3 minutes (instead of 2) due to the use of a running clock. When the penalty has expired, the player may return to the ice to join the play or go to their bench for a substitution.

HIGH STICKING: The act of contacting an opponent above his/her normal shoulder level with one’s broom OR the act of contacting (or attempting to play) the ball with the broom above the player’s standing shoulder height.

A goaltender may play the ball while in the crease with a high stick provided that the play is not ruled dangerous or that the goaltender does not contact another player. If contact occurs or dangerous play is deemed by the official, a minor or major penalty shall be assessed.

INTERFERENCE: A player who interferes or impedes with the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the ball, or who intentionally knocks a broom out of an opponent’s hand or prevents a player who dropped their broom or another piece of equipment from retrieving possession of it shall be assessed a minor penalty.

TRIPPING: A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on any player who shall place their broom, foot, arm, hand, elbow, or leg extended in such a manner to cause their opponent to trip or fall from the front, side or behind. Any player that leaves their feet and contacts an opponent and causes them to fall shall be assessed a minor penalty. A player who causes injury to an opponent by means of leg tripping (extending the leg) shall be assessed a major penalty plus a game misconduct. A player shall be assessed a minor penalty for tripping if they leave their feet, dive, or recklessly swing their broom and cause the ball carrier to trip or fall. A major plus a game misconduct shall be assessed if the act causes injury. (NOTE: Contacting the ball first does not negate this rule.)

CHECKING: Checking is not allowed in broomball. A player that makes direct body contact on an opponent in the open ice or into the boards shall be assessed a minor or major penalty. If incidental contact occurs while players are attempting to play the ball, the incidental contact is not considered a check.

SLASHING: When a player attempts or forcefully swings their stick (comes down on top of the stick of another player) at another player, a minor or major penalty will be assessed. A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who slashes a goaltender who has covered the ball while in their crease.

CREASE VIOLATIONS: All defending players are allowed to be in the goal crease before the ball and may make a save during regulation time regardless of the position of the goaltender. No defensive player shall cover the ball in the crease other than the goaltender. A crease violation shall be called on any attacking player who breaks the plane of the goal crease with their body or broom before the ball enters the crease.

HAND PASSING: Players may pass the ball with a stick or their feet, but not with their hands except behind their defensive blue line by batting it to a teammate. A legal hand pass must begin and end behind the defending blue line. The ball may be stopped and controlled by the hand, but may not be carried or held to the body of the player. No players, other than the goalie freezing the ball, may pick up the ball.

ICING: Icing is in effect when both teams are at full strength on the ice. Icing shall be called on the defensive team if from behind their defensive blue line they shoot, pass, kick or bat the ball beyond the goal line extended of the opposing team. Icing shall be called immediately when the ball crosses the goal line. If a goalie attempts to/makes a play, icing is waived off.

Icing shall be nullified and play shall continue if: a player of the team icing the ball touches, deflects, or tips the ball before it crosses the goal line; the opposing team, in the opinion of the official, was capable of playing the ball before it crossed the goal line, the ball is played by the goaltender or the goaltender makes a move to attempt to play the ball; the ball enters the goal and scores; or the offending team is able to reach the ball before it crosses the goal line.