Inline roller hockey follows rules similar to ice hockey but is typically played four on four plus goalies, with fewer stoppages. The object is to score more goals than the opponent by shooting a puck or ball into the net. Many leagues do not use offside or icing, or use modified versions, and body checking is usually prohibited, especially in youth and recreational play. Games are commonly split into two halves or three periods, with lengths that vary by league. Penalties such as tripping, hooking, slashing and high-sticking send players to the penalty box, creating power plays. Players must wear protective equipment, often including a helmet with a full face cage. Because rules differ significantly between organizations, always check your league’s current rulebook.
Rulebook note: Roller hockey rules vary between governing bodies and leagues, including World Skate internationally, national federations, youth organizations and independent adult leagues. This guide describes common rules for inline hockey; rink hockey on quad skates has its own separate rulebook. Always confirm details with the current rulebook and officials for your competition.
Key rules at a glance
| Element | Common rule |
|---|---|
| Players | 4 skaters and 1 goalie per side |
| Game length | Often two halves or three periods; length varies by league |
| Offside | Not used in many leagues; some use a center-line version |
| Icing | Often not called, or modified |
| Checking | Usually prohibited |
| Penalties | Minors and majors similar to ice hockey |
| Faceoffs | Start each period and restart play after stoppages |
| Equipment | Helmet, often with full cage, plus gloves, shin guards and elbow pads |
The objective and basic play
Each team tries to move the puck up the rink using skating, passing and stick handling, then shoot it into the opponent’s net. The goalie defends the net and may use their body, pads, glove and stick to stop shots. A goal counts when the entire puck crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar, as long as it was not deliberately kicked or directed in with a high stick, depending on the rulebook. The team with more goals at the end of regulation wins; ties may be decided by overtime or a shootout.
Players and substitutions
Most inline hockey is played with four skaters and one goalie per team on the surface at a time, compared with five skaters in ice hockey. The extra space makes the game fast and open, rewarding skating ability and puck control. Teams usually carry several extra players and change lines on the fly during play or during stoppages. Some leagues limit roster sizes or require minimum numbers to start a game, and a team may pull its goalie for an extra skater late in a game.
Game length and timing
Game formats vary widely. Recreational adult leagues often use two halves with running time, where the clock keeps going during most stoppages, while competitive and tournament games may use stop time, where the clock stops whenever play stops. Youth games are typically shorter. Timeouts, intermission lengths and overtime formats are all set by the league. Overtime is frequently played with fewer skaters, such as three on three, and a shootout may follow if the game remains tied.
Offside and icing
Unlike ice hockey, many inline hockey leagues do not use offside or icing, which keeps play flowing and reduces stoppages. Some organizations use a modified center-line offside or a rule against shooting the puck the length of the rink in certain situations. Where these rules exist, the details differ, so players should learn their specific league’s version before playing.
Checking and contact
Body checking is usually prohibited in inline hockey, particularly in youth and recreational leagues, because the hard surface and wheels make falls and collisions riskier. Incidental contact while playing the puck is generally allowed, but deliberate hits, boarding and checking from behind are penalized. Some elite adult competitions may permit limited contact, but most players will encounter a non-checking game.
Penalties
Penalties in inline hockey are similar to ice hockey. Common minor penalties include tripping, hooking, holding, interference, slashing, cross-checking, high-sticking and delay of game. Minor penalties usually last two minutes, although some leagues use different lengths. More serious or dangerous infractions draw major penalties, misconducts or game ejections. When a player is penalized, their team plays shorthanded, giving the opponent a power play. Some leagues end a minor penalty early if the team with the advantage scores.
Faceoffs and restarts
Play begins with a faceoff at center at the start of each period and after each goal. After other stoppages, faceoffs take place at designated spots on the rink, often near where play stopped or in the zone where an infraction occurred. Players taking the faceoff must line up correctly, and officials may remove a player from the circle for encroaching or moving early.
Equipment rules
Leagues require protective equipment for safety. Skaters commonly wear a helmet, often with a full face cage or shield for youth players, gloves, elbow pads, shin guards and a protective cup or jill. Many players also wear padded girdles or pants. Goalies wear leg pads, a chest protector, a mask, a catching glove and a blocker. Inline skates must be in good condition, and some leagues regulate stick blades and puck types. Check your league’s specific requirements before your first game.
Goalie rules
Goalies have special protections and restrictions. Most rulebooks protect the goalie within the crease, so an attacking player who interferes with the goalie there may have a goal disallowed or receive a penalty. Goalies may freeze the puck to stop play but can be penalized for delaying the game if they do so unnecessarily. Many leagues restrict where goalies can play the puck and penalize goalies who leave the crease to join a fight or who deliberately knock the net off its moorings. Because roller surfaces are faster and the puck can bounce unpredictably, goalies also need to be mindful of their positioning and equipment fit.
Rink hockey rules in brief
Rink hockey, played on quad skates with a ball, follows a different rulebook. Teams usually have four outfield players and a goalkeeper, and the sticks are shorter with a curved blade. Rink hockey has distinctive rules, such as restrictions on raising the stick and the ball, time limits on attacking possession in some competitions, and direct free hits and penalties for certain fouls. Players moving from inline to rink hockey, or vice versa, should study the relevant rulebook closely, since many habits from one version are penalized in the other.
How to learn the rules
- Download your league’s rulebook and read the sections on play, penalties and equipment.
- Ask your coach or captain about local variations such as offside and game length.
- Watch games in your league to see how rules are applied.
- Talk to officials before or after games if something is unclear.
- Learn the referee signals for common penalties.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming ice hockey rules apply without checking.
- Playing without required equipment.
- Making illegal contact in a non-checking league.
- Ignoring stick height rules and high-sticking.
- Arguing with officials instead of asking the captain to speak for the team.
Frequently asked questions
How many players are on the rink in inline hockey?
Usually four skaters plus a goalie per team.
Is there offside in inline hockey?
Many leagues do not use offside, but some use a modified version. Check your league’s rulebook.
Is checking allowed in roller hockey?
It is usually prohibited, especially in youth and recreational leagues, though rules vary.
