Basic Rules

Referees have the right to penalise players who commit infractions during the game by assessing time penalties similar to those used in ice hockey. These time penalties are:

Minor - two minutes
Major - five minutes
Misconduct - ten minutes
Game Misconduct - expulsion from remainder of game
Match - expulsion from remainder of game and automatic suspension from competition play

The time punishment imposed for an offence depends on the infraction committed. For Game Misconduct and Match penalties, the offending player may be replaced by a team mate after two and five minutes respectively, therefore not disadvantaging their team for the remainder of the game, like a red card in football.

Common Infractions

High Broom / High Broom on the ball

When a player hits an opponent (high broom) or the ball (high broom on the ball) above their normal (that is, standing) shoulder level.

Obstructive Fall

Also known as sliding, obstructive fall is when a player leaves their feet and knocks an opponent to the ground.

Roughing

Roughing is when a player uses excessive roughness in contact with a player, depending on the type of game (contact or non-contact) being played.

Interference

Interference involves a player preventing an opponent who is not in possession of the ball from making a play for it.

Slashing

Slashing may be called when a player hits their broom into an opponent's broom or legs with the intention of stopping their progress.

Offside

Offside occurs when a player precedes the ball into their opponent's territory. In international and most national competitions, offside at the centre red line is used. In the United States, an offside rule known as floating blue line is used, vaguely similar to the one used in ice hockey.