Game time

• Three x 18 minute game periods, with 2-minute breaks between.

Team size

• Minimum team size: 8 players
• 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

Equipment

• IFF-certified floorball sticks and balls will be provided 

• Players may wear approved protective eyewear or shin pads if they wish. These will not be supplied by Halftime. 

Court boundaries

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

No goalkeeper

• Teams play without a designated goalkeeper in front of the mini goalpost (60 x 90 cm)

• 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.

• 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.

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. 

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.  

Non-contact

• Floorball is a non-checking sport.

• 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 / body contact

  • Charging

  • Holding or obstructing an opponent

  • Playing the stick aggressively

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 slap shots / slashing

• 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

• How a free-hit is played:

  • 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.

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

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

• 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.

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