basketball  rules

Game time

• Three x 18 minute game periods, with a few minutes break between.

Court boundaries

• The court will be approximately 25m x 14m. This may vary depending on the venue. 

Team size

• Recommended size: 7 -10 
• Each team plays with 4 players on the court. You must have at least 1 female on the court at all times. 
• 4 v 4, no goalkeeper

Substitutions

•  During game play, substitutes can be made at any point in the game. The game remains continuous and does not stop to allow substitutions.

• Too many players on court results in a penalty.

• Unlimited substitution of players is permitted. 

• Substitutes can join in as long as they have created a Halftime account and signed the latest waiver. 

• Please consider our ____ policy

No goalkeeper

• Teams play without a designated goalkeeper in front of the ____ x ____ net

• Players must remain on their feet when defending. Sliding, diving, or laying down to block a shot is prohibited.

• Players cannot deliberately use hands, arms, or body to block shots inside the goal area.

Scoring

• A goal is awarded when the ball goes into the net. 

• The ball must be played with a stick to count as a goal.

• After a goal, play restarts from centre.

• A goal scored by a female wins the team 2 points. A goal scored by any other gender wins the team 1 point

• The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

Starting the game

• The ball starts stationary in the center, with players standing in their own half, facing opponents’ side.

• After each goal, play is re-started with a face-off at the center

Out of play

In the event that the ball goes out of bounds, the team that did not hit it out will take possession of the ball. The opposing team must give that player 5 feet and 3 seconds to play the ball. Once the player moves the ball, the opposing team may defend them. If 3 seconds elapsed without the player moving the ball, the opposing team may defend them.  

Equipment

• Floorball sticks and balls will be provided. 

• Players can choose to use their own approved floorball stick (no sharp or damaged blades).

• Players may wear protective eyewear or shin pads if they wish. These are optional and not mandatory. They will not be supplied by Halftime. 

Stick safety & ball handling

• No high-sticking

  • Sticks cannot be raised above waist level at any time

  • Sticks cannot make contact with the ball above average knee level

• No jumping to play the ball

• Ball must not be played with the hands or head

• One controlled kick is typically allowed (no consecutive kicking)

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

Infractions

• A free-hit is awarded to the non-offending team after minor infractions, acting as a direct restart from the spot of the foul

• Common Free-Hit Infractions:

  • Ball leaves the rink

  • Touching the ball with hands or head.

  • Intentionally passing with the foot (only one touch allowed).

  • Lifting, hacking, or pinning an opponent's stick.

  • Pushing, blocking, or checking an opponent.

  • Playing the ball above knee level or bringing the stick above waist level.

• If the foul occurs closer than 3.5m to the goal, the ball is moved out to a spot 3.5m from the goal.

• The ball must be stationary when hit. 

• A "clear hit" is required, not a tap-and-run, not dragged.

• Opponents must be at least 3 meters away from the ball in all directions. 

• The ball must be played within 3 seconds.

•  A goal can be scored directly from a free hit.

• Timed penalties can be awarded for more serious infractions. The penalized team plays with fewer players on the court for the duration of the penalty.

Non-contact

• Floorball is a non-checking sport.

• High-sticking, slashing, body contact and slap shots are strictly forbidden. Each player is responsible for their own stick, and must be able to contact it.  

• A player cannot engage with an opposition player, or their stick, unless they have the ball.

• There is no intentional body contact allowed. This includes pushing into the back of a player, or backing into a player, even if they have possession of the ball.  

• Not allowed:

• Body checking

• Charging

• Holding or obstructing an opponent

• Playing the stick aggressively