Broomball is one of the most accessible ice sports around — no skating experience required, no skates needed. Players wear athletic shoes on the ice and use a rubber ball and broom-shaped stick instead of a puck and hockey stick. It’s fast, fun, and easy to pick up whether you’re a seasoned athlete or stepping onto the ice for the first time.
Check the rink schedule for current Broomball session times. Helmet and athletic shoes are required at all times.
Basic Rules
Game Format
Games consist of two 18-minute stop-time halves. Goals are 6 by 8 feet — larger than standard hockey nets.
Teams
Each team fields a goalie, three forwards, and two defensemen — the same lineup as hockey. One captain and two alternates may be designated per team prior to game time; only these players may address an official, and must be identified by a C or A on their jersey.
Offsides
USA Broomball uses a floating blue line. Once an attacking player crosses the blue line into the offensive zone, the red line becomes the offsides marker. The ball must fully clear the blue line before any attacking player enters the zone.
Icing
Icing is called automatically when a defending player shoots or deflects the ball from behind their own blue line across the opposing goal line.
Checking
No checking is permitted at any Palouse Ice Rink Broomball session. Checking is only allowed in Class A men’s division play under USA Broomball rules.
High Broom
A high broom is called when the ball contacts a player’s stick above shoulder level. This results in a minor penalty; if an injury occurs, a major penalty is assessed.
Penalties
| Minor | Major | Misconduct |
|---|---|---|
| 2 minutes | 5 minutes | 10 minutes |
Refer to the official USA Broomball rulebook for a full list of penalty actions. Players may not verbally or physically abuse an official at any time.
Questions?
Call us at 208-882-7188 or email manager@palouseicerink.com.
