Open Broomball

Get your feet wet playing some open broomball sessions. Just be sure to pick a venue that has your safety in mind.  Broomball shoes, while not a "must have," are required for USA Broomball tournaments for a reason - they are designed to run on ice. The same holds true for helmets - be sure to wear one! Also keep in mind that "safety in numbers" may hold true in some situations, but not when you're playing open broomball. Too many people on the ice means too many brooms swinging at the same time.  Keep in mind that USA Broomball rules are 6 on 6. Not because the forefathers loved hockey so much, but rather, it's a safer way to play.

The administrators of USA Broomball have heard it all (or at least we think we have), so if you have any questions before you start, use the Contact Us form to get in touch with us. 

Forming a Team

Forming a team is easy! Find 8-15 people who want to play broomball. No experience necessary! If you want to get on a team contact a league in your area to get on their draft list. 

Where to Practice

Most of the best players today have the luxury of living in an area where there are plenty of parks with outdoor ice rinks or frozen ponds. Players can go and work on shooting and other skills on their own for free. If you are not fortunate enough to have outdoor ice, consider checking with your local arena to see if there are open broomball opportunities or any leagues you can join. If not, get a group of friends together or a corporate team building exercise, rent ice and just play for fun. Take the initiative and form an open broomball time or league at your local arena. Advertise it on our Find a League or Message Board.

Where to Compete

Use our Find a League section to locate a league in your area or contact your city’s park and recreation director. Even if there isn’t a league in your area, you can start your own pick-up games at a local arena or outdoor park. Leagues around the country have been started this way.

Improving Your Game

Watch other players! The best place to watch upper level broomball is at the National Championships. Class A and B teams travel to play in this tournament and 90% of those teams hail from Minnesota. Teams such as Inferno and former powerhouses, USA Blue and Minnesota Red, have upset teams from Canada to win international tournaments. These teams, and their players, compete in indoor leagues six to nine months out of the year at Augsburg College and Schwan Super Rink. 

If you can't make it to a National Championship, find the highest level of game played in your area. Keep in mind that this could be a college in your area.  Don't be afraid to enter a tournament.  These are listed on the Future Tournaments page and you will find tournaments held in Ohio, Washington, DC, New York, Nebraska and Nevada.  

How to Budget for the Season

You’ll need to determine your team’s budget. Whether you’re renting ice for pick-up games or joining a league, determine how much that will cost over the season.

• Leagues fees can range from $250 to $2,000 depending upon location and if it’s outdoor or indoor. Ice rental for pick-up games or team practice can range from $100 to $350 per hour, depending upon your team’s geographic location.
• Don’t forget to add in tournament fees and travel expenses, if that’s your team’s aspiration. Tournament fees normally range from $120 to $350. In some cases, due to ice rental fees, tournaments can cost up to $800.
• Keep in mind that USA Broomball requires numbered jerseys at tournaments. Rule 1, section 12 of the USA Broomball rule book states that numbers must be 4 inches high and cannot be taped on, nor can there be duplicate numbers on the ice. Some teams pride themselves on team apparel, so uniforms consisting of jerseys, pants, bags, sweatshirts and hats could all be part of your budget.
• Don’t forget about those incidentals. For example, a first aid kit is always handy. You never know when you might get slashed with a stick or fall on the ice in an awkward fashion. Also, make sure your team has plenty of broomballs on hand. You’ll need game balls for both league and tournament play, as well as for practice.

Raising Money

One way to offset costs is to do some fundraising and sponsorship solicitation. Get your most assertive player out to ask your friendly, neighborhood bar or restaurant if they would be willing to sponsor your team, provided you frequent their establishment after games and tournaments. Remember, some bars are willing to sponsor teams that actually go to the bar after the game. You’re more apt to get sponsorship dollars throughout the year and for the next season if the manager knows your team fulfilling its end of the deal. Fundraising, whether it is through raffles, online fundraising sites, bake sales, other sports tournaments (e.g. golf or softball), team novelties or working fundraisers (e.g. concession sales or yellow book deliveries) can all add up to money to offset costs to your players.