University of Chicago

Revised: Winter 2022

ABOUT BROOMBALL

• Broomball is a winter sport very similar to hockey in its basic rules and formation.
• The game is played on an OUTDOOR hockey rink with two teams competing against each other.
• Players wear sneakers or boots instead of skates.
• The object of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team.
• Players use a stick (wood shaft with molded broom shape head) to move a six-inch diameter ball across the ice.
• Broomball at the University of Chicago is a coed sport.

PLAYERS & SUBSTITUTIONS

• A team consists of eight (8) players on the ice at a time.
  • Coed = At least four (4) female-identifying players on the ice (when playing with 8 players)
• A team may start and play with as few as six (6) players.
  • Coed = At least three (3) female-identifying players on the ice (when playing with 6 or 7 players)
• Substitutions are unlimited and may be made on the fly or during a stoppage.
  • The player subbing out must be fully off the ice BEFORE the replacement enters the game.
• For goalkeeper substitutions, the referee must be properly informed, and the change must be made during a stoppage in play.

ROSTER SUBMISSION

• Team managers/captains are responsible for inputting their rosters on IMLeagues. 
• Players must be listed on the online/printed roster to play.
• All players will check in with the IM Official or Supervisor prior to game time.
• Roster additions are unlimited and can be made throughout the regular season. 
• Rosters will lock at the conclusion of the regular season. 
• Only players on the official online roster on IMLeagues will be permitted to compete in the playoffs.

GENERAL RULES

• Games will consist of two 15-minute periods with a running clock.
  • Due to extenuating circumstances, officials may need to adjust the length of the game.
  • A short halftime will be provided for teams to come inside and warmup.  Teams switch sides after halftime.
• Teams must be on the ice by game time.
  • This means arriving early to put on protective equipment and check-in.
  • A 5-minute grace period will be given if needed.  After 5 minutes, a forfeit will be awarded.
    • As long as a team has the required minimum number of players, the game begins on time.
    • Teams that forfeit are subject to being removed from the league.
• No timeouts.  Only the official may stop the clock for extenuating circumstances.
• All goals are worth 1 point.
• If the score is tied at the end of regulation (regular season or playoffs), a shoot-out will take place (see Shoot-Out Section).

EQUIPMENT

• An official broomball will be provided and used for all games.  The ball is bright orange and six inches in diameter.
• Each player will be provided with an official broomball stick.
• All players are REQUIRED to wear protective helmets provided by the Intramural Office.  Helmets must have a full shield or cage that covers the players entire face.
  • Players are asked to inspect their helmet before and after use to ensure it is in good condition and will function appropriately.  Ensure all straps and fasteners are attached.
  • Players may choose to bring and wear their own helmet however it must be approved by the IM Director or Broomball Supervisor.
• Goalie Equipment (chest protector, leg pads, & glove) will be available for both teams. 
  • Goalie equipment (more than the helmet) is optional.
  • Goalies may use a stick but it is not required.
  • Goalies may bring their own glove.
  • No other personal equipment may be used.
• Sneakers or rubber soled boots are recommended for all participants.
  • Players may use their own broomball shoes.
• Warm clothing and layers are highly recommended.

BEGINNING THE GAME

• Play begins with a faceoff at center ice to begin each half and after a goal is scored.
• One player from each team will take the face off.  All other players must be at least 5 feet away in their defensive zone.
• The official will drop the ball in the center.  Once it hits the ground, players may attempt to retain the ball using their stick.

GOALIES

• Goalie Equipment (see Equipment section)
• Goalies are restricted to their goal area – the crease and the area directly surrounding it, including behind the net.
  • A goalie may not play the ball beyond the center line.
• The CREASE is the area roughly 2 feet in front of the net and 2 feet on either side of each post.
  • Only the goalie may occupy the crease.
  • Defenders may not be in the crease to defend against shots.
  • Offensive players may not score a goal with their body in the crease – the goal will be disallowed.
• GOALIES MUST PLAY ON THEIR FEET!
  • A goalie may only drop to their knees in the act of making a save.
• Goalies may play the ball with their feet or hands when they are in the crease.
  • Subject to same rules as all other players anywhere outside of the crease.
• All attempts at hitting the ball must stop once the goalie has it in their possession.
• Goalies may throw the ball underhand or sidearm ONLY to distribute it.
  • The ball may not pass over center ice on the fly.
• If a goalie is to be put on offense, the referee must be notified of a "pulled goalie" during a stoppage in play. 
  • Once this has been declared and confirmed, the goalie loses all goalie privileges and may move about the ice freely.
  • In order to regain goalie privileges, the team must again wait for a stoppage in play and inform the referee.

PENALTIES

• In general, we want to allow teams to play and for the game to move along smoothly.  Most minor violations will result in a whistle stopping play, an explanation of the call, and a free restart in for the other team from the spot of the violation.
  • Continued violations by the same team/player will result in penalties and could include ejection.
  • All restarts (including when a ball goes out of play) are DIRECT and can be a pass or a shot at goal.
    • The opposing team may not be within 5 yards of the spot of the restart.
• NO SLIDING/DIVING: Players may not leave their feet intentionally for any reason.
  • Falling is however part of broomball and it will be up to the referee's discretion as to if it was intentional.
  • Playing the ball when you are on the ground is not allowed.
• HIGH STICKS:  Brooms may not be raised higher than the players waist, including during the back-swing and follow-through.
• KICKED BALL: Players may not kick the ball for any reason.
  • Stopping/blocking a moving ball with your feet is permitted however.
• OFFSIDES will only be called in the most egregious situations (i.e. flagrant cherry picking)
• Players must always be in control of their bodies and movement and must avoid excessive contact with other players. 
  • The following is not allowed and may result in a penalty (length depending on the severity of infraction): checking, charging, slashing, holding, tripping, elbowing, spearing, obstruction; unnecessary roughness, unsportsmanlike conduct, delay of game.
  • Anyone deemed a risk to their own or others' safety will be asked to leave the ice if the problem persists.
• ABSOLUTELY NO CHECKING: Anyone checking will be removed from the ice for the duration of the game.  Depending on intent and severity, the referee may award a penalty where the offender's team has to play down for a specified amount of time (5-10 minutes).
• Any player ejected from a game will serve a minimum 1 game suspension and must meet with the Director of Intramurals before they are allowed to play again.  Ejected players may be prohibited from playing in other IM sports as well. 

PENALTY SHOTS

• The following will result in a penalty shot:
  • A defensive player (non-goalie) stopping a scoring opportunity by being in the crease.
  • A defensive player interferes with an offensive player who has an obvious breakaway, causing them to lose control.
  • Any violation that denies a goal scoring opportunity.
• Penalty shots will be taken approximately 8-10 feet in front of the goal with all other players (except goalie) behind the shooter.
  • If a penalty shot is missed or saved it is a dead ball and the goalie will retain possession.
• Shooters will shoot on the referee's whistle. 
• A shoot-out or penalty shot may only be contacted once by the shooter.
• Brooms still may not be raised higher than the waist. 

SHOOT-OUT

• If the game is tied at the end of regulation, a penalty shot shoot-out will take place.
• 4 players from each team will attempt a penalty shot from the designated spot.
  • Shooters will consist of at least 2 female-identifying players and alternate gender when applicable.
  • Shoot-out participants are limited to only those on the ice at the end of regulation.
  • No player in the penalty box at the end of regulation may participate in the shoot-out.
• If still tied after 4 shooters, the procedure will continue in sudden death fashion until there is a winner.
  • Teams must continue to have at least a 1-1 ratio of female-identifying shooters to male-identifying shooters and alternate genders when applicable.
  • No person of the same gender may shoot a second time until every other eligible shooter of the same gender has shot.
• Goalies may take shoot-out shots.  
• See Penalty Shots Section for additional information. 

ADDITIONAL

• Alcohol and smoking are prohibited at the ice rink.
• Anyone found to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs before, during, or immediately after a contest will be removed and subject to further disciplinary action. 
• Treat the ice rink and surrounding area with respect.  Throw all trash away and leave everything as you found it.
• Equipment should be neatly returned to the designated area after each game.
• Playing with a broken stick is not allowed and the player must inform the referee right away.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

• Keep in mind that you have registered for an outdoor sport played in the middle of winter in Chicago!
  • We play through cold and snow.
• Assume games are on as scheduled unless your team is notified.  Games may need to be cancelled for heavy snow, rain, frigid/warm temperatures, slushy ice and other inclement weather.
• The decision to cancel games will be made by the IM Office in consultation with the ice rink manager.
  • Typically, these decisions cannot be made until much closer to game time. 
  • We will provide as much notice as possible.
  • If games are cancelled, team captains will be notified and asked to communicate with their team members.
• Unfortunately, cancelled games will not be made-up unless they occur in the playoffs.     

TIEBREAKERS

For playoff advancement and seeding, the following tiebreakers will be used as applicable:

1. Winning Percentage
2. Head-to-Head
3. Goals Against (Average per Game)
4. Record vs. Common Opponents
5. Record vs. Other Playoff Teams
6. Coin Flip