Broomball is a recreational and competitive winter ball sport played on ice or snow. Depending on the climate and location, it is played either indoors or outdoors. Broomball combines elements of hockey and soccer, played on ice but without skates.
Its origins are murky, but it is widely believed to have originated in Canada in the early 20th century. The sport likely evolved from informal games played on frozen ponds and lakes, where participants used makeshift brooms and a ball. By the 1930s, broomball had gained enough popularity to warrant organized leagues and formalized rules.
The sport spread to the United States, particularly in the northern states like Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, where the cold climate provided ideal conditions for ice sports. Over time, broomball found its way to other countries, including Australia, Japan, and various European nations.
The primary governing body for broomball is the International Federation of Broomball Associations (IFBA), established in 1998. The IFBA oversees international competitions, sets standardized rules, and promotes the sport globally. In addition to the IFBA, many countries have their own national broomball associations, such as Broomball Canada and USA Broomball, which manage domestic leagues and tournaments.
Broomball is most popular in Canada and the United States, where it is often played recreationally and competitively. In Canada, the sport is particularly prevalent in Ontario and Quebec. In the United States, Minnesota is considered the heartland of broomball, with several leagues and a strong community of players.
In the United States, the sport is played in several educational institutions, including Boston University, Carleton College, the University of Chicago, Iowa State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Miami University, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, the University of Notre Dame, Princeton University, Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Texas at Austin, and Yale University.
Outside North America, broomball has a growing presence in Australia, Japan, Sweden, and Switzerland. A variant of the game is played in Russia.
Broomball is played on an ice rink, similar in size to a hockey rink. Each team consists of six players: a goaltender and five outfield players. The objective is to score points by hitting a small ball into the opposing team's net using specially designed brooms.
Players wear shoes with rubber soles for traction on the ice, helmets, and protective gear. The brooms are typically made of wood or aluminum with a rubber or plastic head.
The game consists of two halves, usually 18-20 minutes each. Players are not allowed to use their hands to touch the ball, except for the goaltender within the crease.
Goals are scored by hitting the ball into the opponent's net. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
Teams often use a combination of passing and dribbling to advance the ball. Quick, accurate passes can break through defensive lines, while dribbling can create scoring opportunities.
Effective defense relies on positioning and communication. Players must cover their assigned areas and work together to block shots and intercept passes.
The goaltender plays a crucial role, using quick reflexes and strategic positioning to stop shots. Goaltenders often crouch low to cover more of the net and use their brooms to deflect the ball.
Broomball's unique use of elements of soccer and hockey, combined with its accessibility, make it a distinctive sport. Unlike ice hockey, broomball does not require expensive skates, making it accessible to a broader audience. Its emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and skill over physical contact also sets it apart. Local leagues and tournaments often have a friendly, inclusive atmosphere, encouraging participation by people of all ages and skill levels.
Topics related to the sport are appropriate resources for this category.
Recommended Resources
Incorporated in 2004 after several years of unofficially operating under varied names, Broomball Australia is the national governing body for the ice sport of Broomball in Australia. A member of the International Federation of Broomball Associations, the organization sanctions the Australian National Broomball Championships, which determines Australia's national Broomball champions. An introduction to the sport, tournaments, and other resources is provided on the site.
https://broomball.au/
Formerly the Canadian Broomball Federation, Broomball Canada is the official governing body of broomball in Canada. The organization provides leadership by promoting and developing the sport, and coordinating programs and services designed to meet the needs of the broomball community. Broomball Canada has four main competitive categories: U12 (Pee Wee), U14 (Bantam), U16 (Midget), U20 (Juvenile), Elite (Juvenile and Senior), and Intermediate. Programs, events, and associations are introduced.
https://broomball.ca/
Omaha Broomball is a co-recreational league that welcomes anyone who wants to play. Games typically take place on Sundays at 5:00 and 6:00 pm at Grover Ice Rink in Omaha, Nebraska. The league is composed of league veterans, Broomball enthusiasts, and people brand new to the sport. Its website includes a description of the sport and the league, including schedules, registration information, an online contact form and registration form, and a gallery of photographs.
https://omahabroomball.com/
Rules of Sport: Broomball Rules
The website covers many of the frequently asked questions about various sports, most specifically the rules of several different sports, including Broomball. The site defines the game, including the objectives, players, and equipment involved, the scoring, and what constitutes winning the game, after which the rules are listed, beginning with the first play, face offs, the movement of the ball, goal scoring, acceptable uses of a broom, referees, and determining a winner.
https://www.rulesofsport.com/sports/broomball.html
Saskatchewan Broomball Association
The SBA is a Provincial Sport Organization dedicated to promoting and developing the sport of broomball at all skill levels. Broomball is a fast-paced team sport that combines elements of hockey and soccer, played on ice, but without skates. The SBA organizes events, tournaments and leagues, and provides resources like coaching, officiating, and equipment programs. Membership information, contacts, awards, events, a photo gallery, and an online store are featured.
https://www.saskbroomball.ca/
Senior Canada Broomball Championships
Schedules for the Canadian Senior and Mixed Broomball National Championships are noted on the website, available in English and French, along with details of the event, such as teams, schedules, locations, host hotels, sponsors, and the banquet. An email address and an online contact form is provided. Other resources include links to other online Canadian Broomball resources, such as sponsoring organizations, and information about the sport in the host region.
https://www.broomballnationals.ca/
United States Broomball Association
The USBA is the governing body for broomball in the United States. The organization provides resources such as rulebooks, membership options, and information on where to play the sport. They also organize leagues and tournaments across the country. Association bylaws and goals, membership information, its advisory council, board of directors, affiliate organizations, sponsors and sponsorships, and an overview of the game are provided on the organization's website.
https://usbabroomball.org/
Yukon Broomball is a community sport in the Yukon region, in the far northwest of Canada, with an association that organizes leagues, tournaments, and events. The Yukon Broomball Association (YBA) oversees activities, including mixed co-educational games, and annual tournaments like the Bob Park's Broomball Opening Tournament. They also celebrate milestones. New and returning player registration, teams, rules, standings, contacts, sponsors, rentals, and weather rules are set.
http://yukonbroomball.net/
