Floorball Rules to get started

Using your stick

Stick interference

Players cannot lift, slash, hold or otherwise impede an opposing player’s stick. This is an infraction that results in a free shot for the other team.

High stick

Players cannot make contact with the ball using their stick above average knee level. Players cannot raise their sticks above waist level at any time, including on the backswing or follow-through of a shot. This is an infraction that results in a free shot for the other team.

Stick between another player’s legs

Not allowed. This is an infraction that results in a free shot for the other team.

Using your body

Hands

Players cannot use their hands to play or touch the ball, with the exception of the goalie within the goal crease (the marked box on the floor in front of the goal, where the goalkeeper plays). This is an infraction that results in a free shot for the other team.

Feet

Players can use their feet once to either pass to another player or kick the ball onto their own stick.

Head

Players cannot play the ball with their head. This is an infraction that results in a free shot for the other team.

Jumping

Players cannot jump to play the ball. One foot must be on the ground when touching the ball. This is an infraction that results in a free shot for the other team.

Playing from the ground

Players cannot go down on a knee to make plays or block shots; only goalies may play from their knees. This is an infraction that results in a free shot for the other team.

Contact and penalties

Body contact

Only incidental shoulder contact (like soccer) is allowed. Tackling is not allowed. Players cannot hold opposing players, or their jerseys, or interfere with their movement. Minor infraction results in a free hit. Major infraction, such as a dangerous play, or repeated infractions result in a 2-minute penalty.

Infraction in a scoring position

Playing without a goalkeeper this results in a penalty shootout from the midpoint of the court in an open goal. Playing with a goalkeeper the penalty taker must move the ball forward or sideways, but not backwards, before making the final shot.

Free shots and the crease

Most infractions result in a free shot for the other team. Where the consequence is different, it is stated in the rule.

Illegal distance

Defensive players (or their sticks) cannot be within 7 feet (2 meters) of the ball on a free shot.

Crease violation, if playing with a goalkeeper

Defensive players (or their sticks) cannot be inside the goalie crease (the inner crease). Defensive player playing the ball in the crease (penalty shot), defensive players not touching the ball or offensive players in the crease (free shot).