(Floorball for dummies)

Floorball (or innebandy as it is called in Norwegian) is a cross between ice-hockey and Hockey. Each game is played by two teams, with a maximum of twenty players pr. side (normally 12). Each team has 6 players in the rink at the time. One goal-keeper and 5 field players. To play the game the field players use a light-weight stick. The goalie wears sneakers, a face-mask and padded clothing for protection. It is illegal for the field players to wear protective clothing, as floorball is supposed to be a non-contact sport. As a consequence, the field players wear sneakers, shorts and a shirt. The teams change players continuously during the game because of its speed and intensity, therefor the large number of players on each side.

The games are played on an indoor-rink (without ice), witch is 40 x 20 metres (approx. 133 x 66 feet). The side-board which goes around the rink is half a metre high (approx. 20 inches). The goals are 1,15 metres high and 1,6 metres wide. They are placed 3,5 metres from the side-board, as the game can be played behind the goal, just like in ice-hockey. The mach is lead by two referees, and is divided in three twenty-minute periods.

There are strict rules in floorball, no rough tackles, tripping, slashing, and high sticks (max.: straight out from your hip). Consequently there are few injuries in this sport. Violations can result in penalty shots awarded the opponent or for more sever violations a player can be sent of for 2 minutes or more (5 min, 10 min or the hole match).

The floorball stick (or kølle as it is called in Norwegian) is made by synthetic material for instance kevlar. The shaft has a maximum length of 0,95 metres and maximum weight of 0,35kg. The blade has a maximum length of 0,35m and can not be bent more than 0,03 metres.

The ball is hollow and made of plastic. It is 7,2 cm in diameter and weighs 23 grams. The ball has 26 holes each 1 cm in diameter.