Roller Hockey Rules: How To Play Roller Hockey

 1. Equipment

• All players must wear a helmet, mouthguard, shin guards, elbow pads, and gloves.
• Players may also wear a chest protector, pants, and a jersey.
• All equipment must be in good condition and must fit properly.
  
  
  

2. The Playing Field

• The playing field is a rectangular surface with dimensions of 200 feet by 85 feet.
• The field is divided into two halves by a center line.
• There is a goal at each end of the field.
• The goals are 6 feet wide and 4 feet high.
• The playing surface must be smooth and free of debris.

3. The Players

• There are five players on each team.
• The players are allowed to use their sticks to hit the ball, but they are not allowed to use their hands or feet.
• Players are not allowed to check or trip each other.
• Players are not allowed to interfere with the goalkeeper.

4. The Officials

• There are three officials in a roller hockey game: a referee, a linesman, and a timekeeper.
• The referee is in charge of the game and has the final say on all matters.
• The linesman assists the referee by calling offsides and icing.
• The timekeeper keeps track of the time and makes sure that the game is played according to the rules.

5. The Game Play

• The game is played in three periods of 20 minutes each.
• The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
• If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, there is a five-minute overtime period.
• If the score is still tied after overtime, the game is decided by a shootout.

6. The Penalties

• Players can be penalized for a variety of infractions, including:
  • Tripping
  • Holding
  • Interference
  • Slashing
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct
• Penalties can result in a free shot for the opposing team, a minor penalty, a major penalty, or a game misconduct.
• A free shot is a shot that is taken by the opposing team without any interference from the defending team.
• A minor penalty results in a two-minute suspension for the offending player.
• A major penalty results in a five-minute suspension for the offending player.
• A game misconduct results in the offending player being ejected from the game.

7. The Restart of Play

• Play is restarted after a stoppage of play in a variety of ways, including:
  • A face-off
  • A drop ball
  • A free shot
• A face-off is when the referee drops the ball between two players from opposing teams.
• A drop ball is when the referee drops the ball between two players from the same team.
• A free shot is when the opposing team takes a shot at the goal without any interference from the defending team.

8. The End of the Game

• The game ends when the timekeeper signals the end of the third period.
• The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
• If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, there is a five-minute overtime period.
• If the score is still tied after overtime, the game is decided by a shootout.