Equipment

There is a variety of equipment used in broomball, both for the game itself and its players.

General Gameplay Equipment

Broom

The broom is the stick used by broomball players. Traditionally it would be a normal household broom, with the bristles frozen or dipped in rubber to harden them. Today's brooms are manufactured with a specialised rubber triangular head attached to a wooden or aluminium shaft.

Minimum length - measures from ground level to the player's wrist, with their arms relaxed to their sides
Maximum length - 1.35 metres (54 inches)
Minimum weight - none
Maximum weight - 32 ounces

Ball

A broomball is spherical and, depending on the conditions and needs, is made of rubber or leather, and is either orange or blue in colour. Generally, balls for indoor conditions are made of a soft orange rubber, while balls for outdoor and more extreme cold conditions are made of a harder blue leather.

Circumference - between 44 and 48 centimetres
Weight - between 225 and 275 ounces

Goal Cage

There are two goal cages in use, one at each end, into which the teams attempt to score goals. They have no set design material or colour, although commonly are made of steel and are red in colour. Netting is tied to the poles to prevent the ball passing through the back of the goal.

In international competition and most countries around the world, goal cages 1.5 metres by 2.1 metres (5 feet by 7 feet) are used. In the United States, larger goal cages of 1.7 metres by 2.35 metres (6 feet by 8 feet) are used.

Basic Player Equipment

Shoes

At any competitive level, specialised broomball shoes are used. They have a specially-designed soft rubber sole to provide improved traction on the ice. Many modern brands are now manufactured with other in-built features such as improved toe and ankle support and waterproofing.

Helmet

It is a requirement for every player to wear a helmet for protection. Players may optionally have a wire, metal or plastic cage attached to the front to protect their face. In some competitions, including many juvenile ones, the use of face cages is mandatory.

Padding

Shoulder and chest pads are optional protective equipment for players. They must conform to the natural shape of the body. Breast plates are optional wear for female players.

Guards

Guards are usually worn on the elbows, knees and shins to protect players from direct blows from the broom. They are usually made of a hard plastic or form and must be held in place underneath the player's uniform.

Gloves

Gloves are commonly used to protect a player's hands. They commonly have additional foam backing to improve this protection.

Cups

Many male players wear a cup (or jockstrap) to protect their pelvis area. It is sometimes colloquially known as a box.

Goaltender Equipment

Goaltenders generally wear a full face cage, in addition to thick padding on the legs, thighs, chest and shoulders, all worn to protect the goaltender from injury while performing their role. Goaltenders are permitted to use a blocker, a specially-designed rectangular attachment to their glove used to block shots, similar to those used by their ice hockey counterparts.