What is Broomball?

Broomball is a winter sport played in ice arenas and community parks throughout the country. It is a game very similar to hockey in its formation and rules, but also incorporates some soccer strategies. The game is played on a hockey rink with two teams consisting of six players on each side (a goalie, two defensemen and three forwards). Similar to hockey and soccer, the object of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team. A player uses a stick (a shaft with a molded broom-shaped head) to maneuver a six-inch diameter ball up and down the ice. Instead of skates, players wear spongy-soled shoes to gain traction when running on the slippery surface.

Let's dispel the myths!
Since broomball is still a growing sport, there are many misconceptions about it.

Myth #1: Broomball is played on grass.
Fact: Broomball is played on ice. Specifically, a hockey rink.

Myth #2: Players sweep a stone across the ice and try to knock other stones out of a circle.
Fact: No, that's curling. Broomball is very similar to hockey. We share many of the same rules as hockey, but instead of a puck, we use a ball and instead of skates, we use shoes.

Myth #3: You use real brooms
Fact: Historically, players did use real brooms. We have however, evolved into a legitimate sport with its own equipment. The "broom" of today uses a molded head.  For those of you who want more of the history, players would dip a corn broom in water, freeze it, then tape the broom solid.

Myth #4: Broomball shoes have suction cups on them.
Fact: The part of the shoes that many people refer to when speaking of the suction cups are really holes designed to collect snow when playing outdoors. Today, there are two types of shoes. The outdoor variety has these holes. The indoor variety has a patterned design without holes. In both cases the part of the shoe that increases traction over regular shoes is the spongy sole.

More About Broomball:

• Getting Started
• Equipment
• Rules
• History