Roller Hockey

Roller Hockey Rules

• Each team consists of at least 5 players where 4 perform as the skaters, and one should be designated as a goalkeeper. The players' roaster limit is restricted to 7 players, including a goalie. 
• A team is only allowed to participate with a minimum of two skaters and one goalkeeper; else they are not allowed to play the matches.
• All the participants have to follow the safety rules and should wear a helmet with a full face mask along with the hockey gloves and shin guards. All the players have to play with the roller skates and hockey sticks.
• The goalies have the choice either to wear roller blades or shoes. The referees can also wear skates or regular shoes. 
• The participants are allowed to enter the goal crease once the ball crosses the crease area. A goal is not valid if it is made while the skaters were interfering with the goalkeeper.
• The goalkeepers are entirely prohibited from leaving their crease area so that they can freeze the puck and bring it back.
• The game has 2 rounds of 25 minutes. Some other formats include three rounds each of 8 minutes. The match can be paused only when there is an injury, penalty shots or time outs. There are 2 minutes break in between the matches.
• In case of a tie, the winner is decided by a final sudden death shoot out. 
• If the playing puck goes in the net from the defensive side of the court, then the shot isn't counted. 
• If the defending team shoots the ball out of the boundary or gets a penalty, then the attacking team has the priority to hit the ball.
• A team loses possession if it intentionally stalls the ball out after scoring a successful goal. 
• If a player sticks the ball from a height above their shoulder or hand to pass it to other teammates, then they have to change the possession. The skater with possession has the chance to choose whether to pass the ball or handle it by the stick without passing it further. 
• The game officially begins with the referee's whistle. To stop the game, the referee blows a whistle. The game is resumed by their verbal command of "Game on".