Inline roller hockey rinks vary in size, but international guidelines commonly call for a rink roughly 40 to 60 meters long and 20 to 30 meters wide, about 130 to 200 feet by 65 to 100 feet, often with a length about twice the width. Many rinks are a little smaller than a standard North American ice rink, which is 200 by 85 feet, and local facilities range widely. Rinks have rounded corners, dasher boards around the perimeter, a center line, goal lines, goal creases and faceoff spots. Inline hockey goals are typically about 6 feet wide and 4 feet high, the same as ice hockey goals. Surfaces include interlocking sport court tiles, sealed concrete and wood. Because specifications differ between governing bodies and leagues, always check the relevant rulebook for exact measurements.
Rulebook note: Rink dimensions and markings are set by each governing body or league, such as World Skate internationally, national federations and local leagues, and many facilities are converted or multipurpose spaces. Rink hockey on quad skates uses its own specifications. Check the current rulebook for exact requirements.
Typical inline rink specifications
| Feature | Typical measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | About 40 to 60 m (roughly 130 to 200 ft) |
| Width | About 20 to 30 m (roughly 65 to 100 ft) |
| Proportion | Length often about twice the width |
| Goal | About 6 ft wide and 4 ft high (1.83 m by 1.22 m) |
| Corners | Rounded |
| Boards | Surround the rink, often with protective glass or netting above |
| Surface | Sport court tiles, sealed concrete or wood |
| Markings | Center line, goal lines, creases, faceoff spots |
How roller rinks compare with ice rinks
A standard NHL ice rink measures 200 feet by 85 feet, while international ice rinks are wider, around 60 meters by 30 meters. Inline hockey rinks are often similar in size or somewhat smaller, and many are converted ice rinks or tennis and basketball courts. Because inline hockey uses four skaters per side instead of five, even a slightly smaller rink can feel open and fast. One key difference is that most inline rinks do not have blue lines, since many leagues do not use offside. They typically have only a center line dividing the rink into two halves.
Rink markings
Center line: Divides the rink in half and marks the center faceoff spot. In leagues that use a modified offside, it may also be relevant for offside or clearing rules.
Goal lines: Run across the rink at each end, in front of the back boards, marking where the goal sits. The whole puck must cross this line between the posts for a goal.
Goal crease: The marked area in front of each goal, often semicircular or rectangular with rounded corners. Rules usually protect the goalie within this area.
Faceoff spots: Marked dots at center and in each end where faceoffs occur. The number and placement vary by rulebook.
Benches and penalty boxes: Located along one side of the rink, often with separate areas for each team and for penalized players.
Playing surfaces
Sport court: Interlocking plastic tiles are the most common surface for dedicated inline rinks. They provide consistent grip, allow some drainage outdoors and are gentler on falls than concrete.
Sealed concrete: Smooth, coated concrete is durable and common at outdoor rinks. It can be faster but is harder on wheels and harder on the body in a fall.
Wood: Some indoor facilities, especially traditional roller rinks, use wooden floors. Wood can be fast and smooth but may be slippery with some wheels.
Asphalt: Casual outdoor games are sometimes played on asphalt, which is rough and wears wheels quickly.
How rink size affects play
The size of a rink shapes how the game is played. On a larger rink, there is more space to skate, so speed, conditioning and long passes become more important, and defenders have more ground to cover. On a smaller rink, play is tighter, with more battles along the boards, quicker shots and less time to make decisions. Teams that regularly play on one size may need to adjust tactics when traveling to tournaments. Goalies also notice differences, since the angles of shots from the corners change with rink width. Practicing on the same size and surface as your games can help players adapt more quickly.
Boards, glass and netting
Dasher boards surround the rink to keep the puck in play and protect spectators. Their height and construction vary by facility; many converted ice rinks keep their original boards, while dedicated inline rinks may use lighter systems. Above the boards, protective glass or netting is commonly installed behind the goals and sometimes along the sides. Rounded corners help the puck travel smoothly around the boards and reduce the risk of players colliding with sharp angles. Doors to benches and penalty boxes should close flush with the boards to avoid catching skates or sticks.
Matching wheels to the surface
Surface type strongly affects wheel choice. Wheel hardness is measured on the durometer A scale. Softer wheels, roughly in the 74A to 78A range, grip well on slick indoor surfaces such as sport court and wood. Harder wheels, around 80A and above, last longer and roll faster on rough outdoor concrete or asphalt. Many players carry different sets for indoor and outdoor play. Using the wrong wheels can lead to poor grip and increased risk of falls, or to wheels that wear out quickly.
Rink hockey dimensions
Rink hockey on quad skates uses its own specifications. International rink hockey rinks are commonly around 40 meters by 20 meters, within a permitted range, with a length to width ratio of about 2 to 1. The goals are smaller than inline hockey goals, and the rink includes specific markings such as a penalty area and shooting spots. Players and organizers should consult World Skate or national federation rules for exact measurements.
How to set up or evaluate a rink
- Check the governing body’s rulebook for required dimensions and markings.
- Measure the available space, including room for benches and safe runoff.
- Choose a surface suited to indoor or outdoor use and your budget.
- Install boards and protective netting or glass behind the goals.
- Paint or tape markings accurately, including creases and faceoff spots.
- Inspect regularly for cracks, loose tiles, debris and damaged boards.
Safety considerations
Rink safety matters as much as size. Boards should be secure and free of sharp edges, and gaps between tiles or cracks in concrete should be repaired promptly. Outdoor rinks should be swept of debris and checked for moisture, which can make surfaces slippery. Protective netting behind the goals helps keep pucks from striking spectators. Lighting should be adequate for evening play.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming all rinks are the same size as an ice rink.
- Using the wrong wheel hardness for the surface.
- Ignoring damaged tiles or cracks in concrete.
- Setting up without protective netting behind the goals.
- Confusing inline and rink hockey specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Is a roller hockey rink the same size as an ice rink?
Often similar or a little smaller, and inline rinks usually lack blue lines.
How big is an inline hockey goal?
Typically about 6 feet wide and 4 feet high, the same as an ice hockey goal.
What surface is best for roller hockey?
Sport court tiles are common for dedicated rinks because they offer consistent grip, but sealed concrete and wood are also used.
