FLOOR HOCKEY

HISTORY Tom Harter, director of Civic Recreation in Battle Creek, Michigan, introduced the new game of floor hockey modified from the original game of ice hockey. Ice hockey began in Canada in the mid 1800’s. By 1900, it became the national sport of Canada. Since then, it has become more popular in many other countries, especially Russia, Sweden, and the United States. It is a fast paced game, and the only game allowing player substitutions during play. Typically, hockey games are divided into 3-20 minute periods with 2 intermissions between them. The object is to score points by hitting the puck into the goal or net. Floor hockey is a modification of ice hockey with differences in rules and modifications and of course, no use of ice or skates. Balls can be used in replacement for pucks. Use of a ball makes stick handling easier and increases the pace of the game.

STRATEGY Never pass in front of your own goal on defense. Be responsible for covering your area or person. (Make sure everyone is being guarded.) Move the puck using stick handling to evade defenders rather that just clearing the puck away. If no one is defending you, stick handle and possess the puck or ball towards the opponent’s goal until you become guarded. Keep moving to create passing lanes and open shots. Always look to pass before shooting. Dribble to create space.

GOAL A goal is scored when the ball completely passes over the goal line between the posts. A goal shall not count if a player deliberately directs the ball into the goal with anything other than a stick (i.e. kicking or throwing the ball). A shot deflected off a teammate may score as long as the teammate does not intentionally direct the ball into the goal with something other than a stick. A shot deflected off a defender into the goal shall count as a score. If a goalie with the ball is pushed across the goal line, NO SCORE. A goal will not score if the stick blade of the shooter goes above the waist on the wind-up or follow through or if the ball is deflected into the goal with a stick held above the waist. An automatic goal will be awarded if a defensive player throws a stick, trips, holds, or otherwise uses the stick in an illegal manner to prevent a player from scoring on an open net or on a clear breakaway.

RULES ABSOLUTELY NO CHECKING OR BODY CONTACT THE STICK MUST ALWAYS BE CARRIED BELOW THE WAIST PLAY THE PUCK OR BALL, NOT THE OPPONENT DO NOT THROW YOUR STICKS NO HIGH STICKS PLAY IS CONTINUOUS.  (Players should be constantly moving)

RULES & REGULATIONS Each team consists of 6 players – center, right wing, left wing, right defense, left defense and a goalie. Play starts with a face-off at the center circle and after each goal is scored. You can not kick the puck in the goal. No player is allowed in the crease except the goalkeeper.

GOALIE When catching the puck, room must be given for the goalie to throw or pass the puck to a teammate.  Puck must not pass mid-court line. Goalie must stay standing at all times to avoid getting hit with the puck. Player who is allowed to stop the puck with hands, feet, or stick. This player attempts to block all shots on the goal and works with the defenders to prevent the other team from scoring.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT Keep your eye on the puck. Pass to a teammate if they are in better position. Passing is faster than dribbling or handling the puck. When passing to a teammate, be sure to pass just ahead of them. Follow all shots on goal and use a deflected puck to shoot again. Wrist action is very important in floor hockey. Always play in a safe manner & use good stick and body control. Defense players should never attempt to "clear" a puck in front of their goal. Defensive players should "clear" the puck out to the side.

Infractions/Penalties/Fouls 1.     Interference and Charging 2.     Elbowing 3.     Cross Checking and Slashing 4.     High Sticking 5.     Tripping/Hooking 6.     Blocking with the body 7.     Deliberately leaving feet to block puck 8.     Holding, laying, or placing foot on puck to delay game