Inline Hockey
Hockey news, calendar of events, competitions, rules etc.
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Welcome to rollersports.org
What is this site about?
This is the official site of the International Federation of Roller Sports. This section is dedicated to Inline Hockey. This is only a presentation page. In order to have more information and news about inline hockey go to FIRS home page. Click the button below to enter FIRS's (Federation Internationale de Roller Sports) official Site.
Click to enter FIRS' Official Site
What is Inline Hockey?
Inline hockey is a variation of roller hockey very similar to ice hockey, from which it is derived. The game is played by two teams, consisting of four skaters and one goalie, on a dry rink divided into two halves by a center line, with one net at each end of the rink. The game is played in two 20-minute periods, or similar. For rink dimensions and an overview of the rules of the game, see Hockey Inline Rules (official rules) section. Generally speaking, only competitive level inline hockey is strictly bound by governing body's rules. Recreational hockey leagues may make modifications to certain aspects of the rules to suit local requirements (size of rink, length of periods and penalties). Inline hockey has similarities to Roller hockey (Quad), but differs in the type of skate used and game rules.
Many persons encountering inline hockey for the first time may already be familiar with ice hockey. Beyond the physical differences between ice skates and inline roller skates, the chief differences between inline and ice hockey are:
- inline hockey is generally played as a non-checking sport (contact is allowed, but only when aiming to play the puck), and so is played in a slightly different spirit to ice hockey. Players tend to have more time on the puck, and the game is often more free flowing.
- inline hockey has no offsides in the USA (this varies from country to country)
- icing is not called (rink-long passes are allowed) (again, this varies from country to country)
- no neutral zone
- is usually played with 4 players (instead of 5 for ice) and a goalie from each team on the surface at any one time. The game is played with a plastic puck (lighter than an ice-hockey puck) or with a ball. The ball may be hollow or be filled with a liquid.
Rules of the game vary by sanctioning body. Briefly, each team is made up of a goalie, a defense man, and three forwards - a center and a right and left wing. Each side attempts to shoot the puck or ball into the opposing team's net. Play is stopped for goals, penalties, time out (usually limited to one per team per game), or the ball/puck going out of play.
Face offs occur at the start or resumption of play according to where the stoppage occurred or whether a period is starting or a goal has been scored (the only times when the center face off is used). Protective equipment includes a HECC- or CSA-approved hockey helmet, typically with a full face mask, hockey gloves, elbow pads, and shin guards. Other protective equipment includes a jock or a jill, inline hockey hip pads, and hockey shoulder pads. All players should refer to local rules for a complete list of equipment.
Outdoor playing surfaces vary from plain asphalt for street hockey to sealed concrete surfaces. Street hockey is almost always played with a ball, as the ability to control a puck is directly linked to the smoothness of the playing surface. Indoor inline hockey is played on any suitable non-slip surface. Dedicated inline facilities use Sport Court or similar surface, which allows maximum traction to inline hockey wheels whilst providing a smooth, unbroken gliding surface for the puck. The playing area may be surrounded by full boards similar to ice hockey with glass or fencing to a height of around 2m, half boards (approximately knee height), or for street hockey matches the playing surface may be simply marked out with cones. (From Wikipedia.org)
How can I get more information about Inline Hockey?
If you need more information about Inline Hockey or about the world of roller sports go to FIRS (Federation Internationale de Roller Sports) home page and you will get all information you need. Including rules, international committees, championships, tournaments, stages, trainings, regulations, competitions, contests and whatever you need to know about Inline Hockey.