Floor Hockey - Typical Rules

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.

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:

• 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, although shoulder-to-shoulder checking is allowed.