Floorball Penalties, Expulsions and Goals: Rules Explained

Summary

This document explains the main rules of floorball that govern penalties, expulsions and goals. It covers when a penalty shot is awarded and how it is taken, the different types of sanctions (bench penalties, 2-minute and 5-minute expulsions, delayed penalties, and final expulsions), and what counts as a properly scored goal. Students will learn the conditions under which each sanction applies and how play restarts afterward.

Key points

A penalty shot is awarded when a defending player commits an infraction that stops a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
During a penalty shot, the ball starts at the center point, the goalkeeper stays on the goal line, and the shooter may play the ball unlimited times as long as it keeps moving forward.
A 2-minute expulsion ends early if the opposing team scores and the penalized team has fewer players on the field.
A 5-minute expulsion does not end when the opponent scores, and a goalkeeper cannot receive it; a bench player serves it instead.
A delayed penalty lets the non-offending team keep attacking until the opponent regains the ball or play stops.
A final expulsion, given for unregistered players or fights, means the player or coach must leave the game immediately.
A goal counts only if the ball fully crosses the goal line from the front of the goal after a legal stick play.

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Floorball Penalties, Expulsions, and Goals

Penalty Shot

A penalty shot is awarded due to an infringement. Play restarts with the ball placed at the central point. All players, except the player taking the penalty and the goalkeeper, must remain in the substitution zone until the play is complete. The goalkeeper must be on the goal line when the penalty shot is taken. The player taking the penalty is positioned on the center line and can play the ball an unlimited number of times, but the ball must continuously move forward.

Situations Leading to a Penalty Shot

A penalty shot is awarded when, in a clear goal-scoring opportunity, a player from the defending team commits an infraction to prevent the attack from progressing.

Fines and Expulsions

Player misconduct during a game can result in various sanctions, depending on the intent or severity of the infraction. The penalized player must sit on the penalty bench for the duration of the sanction.

Bench Penalty

When a player commits a foul and receives a bench penalty, they cannot be replaced by another player for the duration of their suspension.

Expulsion of 2 Minutes

If the opposing team scores during a 2-minute penalty, the penalty ends, provided the penalized team has fewer players on the field than the opposing team. If the goalkeeper receives a 2-minute penalty, the team captain selects a field player to serve the penalty.

Delayed Penalty

A delayed penalty allows the non-offending team to continue their attack until the opposing team regains possession of the ball or play is stopped.

Actions Resulting in a 2-Minute Expulsion

Hitting, blocking, or kicking an opponent's stick with the intention to gain an advantage or without the possibility of reaching the ball.
Attempting to play the ball above knee level with any part of the stick or foot, thereby gaining an advantage.

Expulsion of 5 Minutes

If the opposing team scores during a 5-minute expulsion, the penalty does not end. A goalkeeper cannot be penalized with a 5-minute expulsion; instead, a player on the bench must serve the penalty.

Actions Resulting in a 5-Minute Expulsion

A field player, in control of the ball or attempting to regain it, hits an opponent violently with their stick.
A player uses their stick to hook an opponent.

Final Expulsion

A player or team coach receiving a final expulsion must immediately go to the locker room and cannot participate further in the game.

Actions Resulting in a Permanent Expulsion

When a player is not registered on the match report.
When a player is involved in a fight.

The Goal

A goal is awarded if it is properly scored and confirmed. Play restarts with a neutral serve from the center. A goal is considered properly scored if the ball completely crosses the goal line from the front of the goal after being played legally by the stick of a player.

FAQ

When is a penalty shot awarded in floorball?

A penalty shot is awarded when a defending player commits an infraction during a clear goal-scoring opportunity to stop the attack from progressing.

Can a goalkeeper receive a 5-minute expulsion?

No. A goalkeeper cannot be penalized with a 5-minute expulsion; a player on the bench must serve the penalty instead.

What happens if the opposing team scores during a 2-minute penalty?

The penalty ends, provided the penalized team has fewer players on the field than the opposing team.

When is a goal properly scored in floorball?

A goal is properly scored if the ball completely crosses the goal line from the front of the goal after being legally played by a player's stick.