- General
- Broomball is a sport similar to Ice Hockey with a few diffrences. Broomball is played on an ice rink in special, squishy rubber soled, shoes instead of skates. There are 6 players from each team on the ice at all times, except during penalities or overtime play. A Goal tender, 2 defenders, and 3 forwards.
The object is to score more goals than the other team. A small rubber ball, about 5 inches in diameter, is used. To controll the ball you used a broom shaped stick. The game has two 20 minute halves. There are two referee's to control the match.
- Who can play
- Anyone can play broomball. Since broomball shoes are worn, there is no need to be able skate. Teams and leagues are available in a variety of ways. Women's, Men's, and Coed. There are highly competitive leagues, social leagues, and everywhere in between. Broomball is for anyone, begginer to expert, young or old.
- Is it like Ice Hockey?
- The team play and most of the rules are similar, but much of broomball different. Such as the speed, degree of contact, skills, etc.
- Rules
- The USBA (United States Broomball Association) Rulebook describes many of the technical aspects of the game. Some of the rules are different from one country to the next. One of those is the offsides rule. In Most countries offsides is the center red line. In the U.S. the blue line is offsides. The high stick rule and equipment requirments are just two more of the rules that differ between countries.
- Where it is played
- Broomball is currently played in Australia, Canada, USA, Japan, Italy, Finland, Russia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Taiwan, Germany, England, France, Hong Kong. See your local ice rink they may already be playing it.
- Moscow Style Broomball
- The Moscow style of broomball is currently played in Finland and Russia. Instead of the standard stick used in more traditional broomball, the Moscow style uses a shortened stick, with a field hockey style hook at one end and made from bound rafia. The game is played on either half of a hockey rink or a tennis court. (iced over of course) Rules are similar, but kicking the ball is not allowed, nor are you able to touch the ball at any time with your hand. They run their own championships.