ABOUT FLOORBALL
Discover the world’s fastest-growing indoor sport and learn about BC Floorball’s mission to grow the game across British Columbia. Partnering with the Vancouver Canucks and the Canucks for Kids fund, over 1000 schools will receive equipment donations this year.
WHAT IS FLOORBALL?
Floorball is a fast-paced, exciting indoor team sport that combines elements of hockey, soccer, and basketball. Played with lightweight composite sticks and a plastic ball with holes, it’s designed to be accessible, safe, and incredibly fun.
The sport originated in Sweden in the late 1960s and has since grown into one of the world’s most popular indoor sports, played in 80 countries with over 350,000 registered players and millions more playing recreationally. Floorball has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee since 2011 and featured at the World Games since 2017.
Games are played 5-on-5 (plus goalies) on a 40m x 20m court surrounded by boards. The objective is simple: score more goals than your opponent!
FLOORBALL VS FLOOR HOCKEY
While they may look similar at first glance, floorball and floor hockey are distinctly different sports with their own rules, equipment, and governing bodies.
Equipment: Floorball uses specialized carbon fiber or fiberglass sticks with curved blades and a unique hollow plastic ball. Floor hockey typically uses wooden or plastic sticks with flat blades and a puck or ball.
Rules: Floorball has internationally standardized rules governed by the IFF, while floor hockey rules vary widely. Floorball emphasizes skill and speed with no body checking allowed.
Recognition: Floorball is an IOC-recognized sport with world championships and professional leagues. It’s the pathway to international competition.
FLOORBALL VS FLOOR HOCKEY
Floorball
- 5 players + 1 goalie per team on court
- IFF-approved sticks with curved blades
- Hollow plastic ball (26g, 72mm diameter)
- 40m x 20m court with rounded corners
- 3 x 20 minute periods
- No body checking allowed
- Stick must stay below waist height
- Internationally standardized rules (IFF)
- Olympic-pathway recognized sport
Floor Hockey
- Team sizes vary (4-6 players)
- Various heavy stick types allowed
- Plastic Puck or various ball types
- Court/gym size varies
- Game length varies
- Rules vary by league/school
- Equipment required rules vary
- No international governing body
- Recreational sport primarily
KEY FLOORBALL RULES
5 vs 5
Five field players plus one goalkeeper per team. Unlimited substitutions during play. Can also be played with four on four or three on three.
No Contact
Body checking is not allowed. Non contact Safe hockey.
Stick Below Waist
The stick must stay below knee height when playing the ball. Sticks must always stay below the waist.
No Hands Allowed
Players cannot handle the ball or stop it with their hands. Feet/Kick is allowed.
Crease Rule
Field players cannot enter the goalkeeper’s crease area.
3 x 20 Minutes
Games consist of three 20-minute periods with running time.
Penalties
2-minute penalties for infractions. Serious fouls result in 5-minute or match penalties.
Free Hits
Awarded for minor infractions. Ball must be stationary, defenders 3m away.
ABOUT BC FLOORBALL
Floorball Canada is the national governing body for floorball in Canada and a member of the International Floorball Federation since 2001. They oversee national standards for rules and officiating, host coaching and referee certification clinics, and organize provincial and national tournaments. BC Floorball is a proud member federation, working together to grow the sport across the country.
Our Mission: To promote, develop, and govern the sport of floorball throughout British Columbia, creating opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to participate and excel.
Our Vision: To make floorball a mainstream sport in BC, with active clubs, leagues, and programs in every community and school across the province.
We support clubs, organize provincial competitions, develop coaching and officiating programs, and represent BC at national and international levels.
OUR TEAM
Steve Cooke
Leading BC Floorball’s strategic direction and provincial growth initiatives.
Greg Beaudin
Overseeing league operations and development across the province.
Mark Burgin
Managing relationships with BC Hockey and minor hockey growth.
Board Member
Handling communications and administrative operations.
OUR PARTNERS
Floorball Canada is the national governing body for floorball in Canada and a member of the International Floorball Federation since 2001. They oversee national standards for rules and officiating, host coaching and referee certification clinics, and organize provincial and national tournaments. BC Floorball is a proud member federation, working together to grow the sport across the country.
The Vancouver Canucks and Canucks for Kids Fund are proud partners in growing the sport of floorball across British Columbia through the Jr. Canucks Floor Hockey Program and Jr. Canucks NHL STREET initiatives. These programs bring the excitement of floorball into schools and communities throughout the province, introducing young athletes to a fast, fun, and accessible sport while building essential physical literacy skills. Together with BC Floorball, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for children of all abilities to get active and experience the joy of team sport
Sport for Life champions the belief that every child deserves access to meaningful movement experiences that build confidence, develop fundamental skills, and foster a lifelong love of activity. The Jr. Canucks Floor Hockey Program brings this vision to life in schools and communities across British Columbia—introducing young people to the fast-paced, inclusive sport of floorball while developing the physical literacy foundations that support healthy, active lives.