Rules of the Game

Below are pictures that will help you understand what is, and is NOT allowed in the game.
The game is played much like hockey rules with some notable exceptions:

See Pictures Below

1) NO Body Contact.

2) A Plastic Ball is used instead of a puck. The ball is apx size of a tennis ball, but doesn't bounce much (but still hurts when hit! So pads are recommended).

3) Less Stoppage of Play. There is a net that surrounds the court. If the ball does leave the court (or if a whistle stops play) then the ball is put in play behind the net with defensive players waiting behind the penalty zone.

4) The Penalty zone is marked off by tape. It is apx 20 x 20 ft square area in front of the Goal. The Goalie can not cover the ball iOUTSIDE this zone. He can drag it into the zone and then cover it. If he covers it up OUTSIDE this zone it results in a stoppage of play and other team gets the ball with a free shot from the "Dot."

5) Face offs only come at the beginning of period and after goals. There may be a face off also if the official is unable to tell who hit the ball out of play last. Unlike Hockey, the only face off that requires all players from one team to be behind the ball is the center face off. All other faceoffs allow players to be anywhere on the court at the time of the faceoff.

6) Penalties & Infractions: An Infraction results in a stoppage of play and the other team gets the ball at the spot of the infraction. For example if a ball is hit out of bounds, or there is a high sticking, etc. the other team gets the ball at that spot. Penalties are more serious than Infractions. Roller hockey uses a "card" system similar to Soccer. Yellow Card = Warning. Blue Card = Player sits on the bench and the team is short handed for 2 minutes. However, like hockey, the player comes back on the floor if the other team scores during that 2 minutes. A Red Card = 5 minute major penalty where the team is short handed as the player sits on the bench. Even if the other team scores during that 5 minutes, the player does not return and the team remains short handed for the full 5 minutes.
Note: An official can give any color card depending on the nature of the penalty. For example if a player does something malicious or dangerous to the safety of other players, they might get a Blue or even a Red card without even getting a Yellow Card warning. Certain malicious activity such as punching or fighting can result in ejection from the game and even expulsion from the league.

7) Time Keeping: We play two 20 minute periods. During each period, the clock remains running during infractions, penalties, out of bounds and goalie cover-ups unless there is an injury or a longer stoppage of play called by the official. The clock is also stopped in the last minute of play in each period.

8) Time Outs: Each team has one time out per game.

Most other play is like hockey. See below for examples of infractions and/or penalties

Click pictures below to Enlarge

Body Checking This is a non contact sport. No body contact of any kind is allowed when playing. Body contact will result in an infraction (at the discretion of the official).	Checking Mid-court Body Checking is not allowed whether the player has the ball or not.	Deflecting In A shot must go off an offensive stick to result in a score (or off a defensive player). There is no goal as a result of the ball going in the net if the ball came off any part of the offensive player's body, or skate last before entering the net. The offensive player's stick must be the last thing to touch the ball. However after leaving the offensive player's stick, the ball can go off of a defensive player or goalie on the way into the net.
Free Shot on Dot After an infraction, the offensive team will get the ball. If the team is on offense, they will get a free hit on the dot. Defensive players must give 15 feet, or wait inside the penalty area in an attempt to block the shot.	Shouldering & Elbowing Another form of illegal body contact that will result in an infraction.	Goalie Cover Goalie can cover ball inside of penalty area, or inside crease. The goalie can NOT cover the ball outside of the penalty zone. Doing so will give the other team a free shot. All defensive players must be outside crease (note foot on line). Defensive player are not allowed to "dig" for the ball when the goalie covers and whistle is blown.
Hand Drop Players can catch, or "bat down" the ball but it must immediately be dropped to the floor. The player that caught or batted the ball must be the first to handle the ball or it will be considered a hand pass.	Hand Pass When catching or using hand to hit the ball, you cannot direct the ball to a teammate. You cannot direct the ball by throwing it ahead even if you are the first to touch the ball. The ball must be dropped down to the playing surface immediately.	High Sticking When a player's stick goes above shoulder whether or not you make contact with ball, the whistle is blown and the other team would get the ball.
Holding the Stick You cannot hold another player's stick with your hand. You are allowed to block their stick with your hand, but not "grab" or hold it at any time.	Holding You can't grab or hold onto another player at any time.	Hooking You cannot use your stick to "hook" any part of another player's body at any time. You cannot "hook" the stick of another player. Players are allowed to lift the stick of another player, but it must occur under the lower hand of the other player without coming in contact with the other player's lower hand.
In the Crease Offensive players cannot stand in the crease. Offensive player can only enter the crease after the ball has been shot and is inside the crease in an attempt to score. Offensive players are not to "travel through" the crease when the ball is not on the net. After the ball is covered up by the goalie the whistle is blown. The offensive players must leave the penalty area and the defensive team gets the ball behind the net.	Lifting the Stick A player can lift another player's stick as long as it occurs below the bottom hand of the other player, and the stick does not go above the shoulder. The blade of the stick must be up during this lift.	Trash Talking Offensive gestures, swearing, or any abusive language will result in a penalty and may even result in player being ejected.
Playing on the ground In order to play the ball, players must be on BOTH skates. However a defender may drop to the ground to block a shot, but must rise to his skates to play it.	Proper Dress Each player must have a uniform with a number. A "pull-over" will be provided if needed. Skates (inline or quad), Helmet and hockey sticks are required. Although Mouth guard, gloves and shin covers are recommended, you will be permitted to play without them. Shorts or long pants are acceptable.	Pushing the Net If an offensive player pushes the net, play is stopped. If a player moves the net more than 6 inches during a shot it would result in a penalty or free shot. Moving the cage when there is not a shot will also result in a free shot. This is at discretion of Official.
Pushing All body contact (during play or not) may result in a penalty.	Stick Between Legs At no time do we allow a stick between the legs of another player.	Slashing You may attack the ball, but when a player attempts to swing the stick at a player in a "malicious" or "dangerous" manner, this will result in a slashing penalty. This may even result in a card at the discretion of the officials.
Crashing The Wall You must stop before crashing into walls. Players must move at a speed safe enough to not crash into other players or the walls. Players must be in control of their speed at all times.	Throwing Sticks If a player throws their stick, it will result in a 2 minute penalty (Blue Card) or even a Red card if it is done in a malicious or unsafe manner. This is at discretion of Official. Unintentional "dropping" of a stick happens, but "throwing" the stick is illegal.	Tripping Any time a player causes another player to fall is tripping, whether it be a stick or other part of player/s body. Tripping will result in a Yellow Card, or worse depending on severity.