The Other Hockey Game

 While the history of broomball is rather vague, a few main facts have been widely reported. Broomball as we know it was first played in Canada in the early 1900's by street car workers using a small soccer ball and corn brooms. The sport evolved and was brought down to the United States. The first games were reportedly played in Minnesota, the birthplace of USA Broomball, beginning in the 1930's. Leagues, however did not blossom until the 1960's, when teams like Duffy's flourished. Duffy's, a team from Minneapolis, was the championship team of Minnesota's first state tournament, held in 1966.

 Sticks  Commercially produced broomball sticks are required for tournament play. They range in price from $20-$100. If you're a beginner, the $20 stick will be all you need. Sticks (a.k.a. brooms) have either wood or aluminum shafts. Each variation has its weakness. Wood shafts tend to break or splinter after awhile, while aluminum shafts can bend during a tough game.  Balls  There are two variations of the broomball. The outdoor ball looks very similar to a small soccer ball. These retail for about $25 and are manufactured by Baden and Acacia. The indoor ball is made of a hard orange rubber and retails for $ D-Gel manufactures the indoor ball for USA Broomball tournaments.  Shoes  Shoes are strongly recommended and required for USA Broomball play. They give a player more traction than standard tennis shoes. There are two variations of the broomball shoe. The indoor shoe has a patterned sole, while the outdoor shoe has divots to collect snow from the ice.  Helmet  Commercially produced hockey helmets with chin straps are required for all tournament play at USA Broomball events. A face shield or cage is also recommended.  Pads  Shin, knee and elbow pads are recommended, but not at all required.  Gloves  Gloves can protect a player from those nasty knicks and slashes from an opponent. It is recommended that even indoor players use gloves.

 Basic Broomball Rules  Game Basics: A game consists of 2 halves. Goals are 6 by 8 feet instead of the standard hockey nets. A game consists of two, 18 minute stop time halves.  Teams: Each team has a goalie, three forwards and two defensemen (same line up as hockey). A captain and two alternates are allowed per team and must be designated prior to game time. Only these players may speak to an official. The designation must be marked by a C or an A on the jersey.  On Sides: USA Broomball uses the "floating blue line" concept. That is, once an attacking player has crossed the blue line in the offensive zone, the red line now becomes the designated off sides line. Essentially, the blue line disappears as the off sides marker. The ball must completely clear the blue line before the player's shoes and no other attacking player can be in the zone before the ball in order for the attacking team to be considered "on sides."  Icing: Icing occurs when any player of a defending team shoots or intentionally deflects the ball from behind their defending zone blue line and across the goal line of the opposing team. Icing is ruled automatically.  Checking: Only Class A men's division games allow checking.  High Broom: At all levels of USA Broomball play, a high broom is called when the ball makes contact with the player's stick above shoulder level. A minor penalty is called, unless an injury occurs as a result of the high broom, which is a major penalty.  Penalties: Please refer to the official USA Broomball rule book for specific actions resulting in minor, major or game misconduct penalties. Penalties are marked as such: Minor Major Misconduct 2 minutes 5 minutes 10 minutes  Conduct: At no time may a player verbally or physically abuse an official.

 Step1  Arrange the six people per team on an ice rink. There will be five people playing on the ice and one goalie per team. Each team starts off on the side of their own net in order to defend it, and then shoots for the far net.  Step2  Wear appropriate clothing and gear. You'll need a helmet, team jersey and clean tennis shoes. Dirt on your shoes can ruin the ice. Leave your spikes at home. They are not allowed on the ice. Each team should wear similarly colored shirts to designate their team for the referee.  Step3  Play 15 to 20 minutes per half with a five-minute halftime. The referee can act as time keeper. Determine how long the half will be before you begin.  Step4  Use your stick or broom properly. The broom is used to shoot and pass the regulation ball. The broom should remain below the waist. Hold on to the broom. Throwing your broom is not only against the rules, but dangerous.  Step5  Shoot for the opponents net and score. The team with the most goals wins the game.

 Broomball can be played on indoor or outdoor rinks.  Goals are 6 by 8 feet instead of the standard hockey goals.

 There over 45 states in the US that have leagues.  It is also extremely popular in Canada, they even have their own Federation.

 Good hand eye coordination  Ability to change direction  Good conditioning  Ability to be physical

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