Roller hockey is a game derived from and very similar to ice hockey, but using inline skates instead of ice skates.

International rules

Roller hockey is played in a rectangular rink. The length is twice the width. The length can vary between 34 and 44 metres, standard length is 40 metres. The goals are 1.05 m high by 1.7 m wide.

The ball is 230 mm and weighs 155 g.

Roller hockey is played by two teams. A team can consist of up to 12 people but only 5 are allowed on the rink at any time with one being the goalie. There may be one or two referees. Players can be given a penalty of 2 or 5 minutes. There must always be at least a goalkeeper plus one other player for each team after play has started.

The game is two periods of 15, 20 or 25 minutes. If the score is a draw at the end of second period and a winner is required, the game will be extended by 10 minutes. If the score is still a draw after extra time, each team will be allowed to take penalty shots.

• International rules of the game - roller hockey

US rules

The rink must be as near as possible to 200 by 100 ft (61 by 30 m). The minimum size is 165 by 65 ft (50 by 20 m). The rink can be wood, cement, ashphalt or plastic surface. The layout is similar to ice hockey, with two goals centered 12 feet (3.7 m) from the far ends of each court, four faceoff circles 12 feet (3.7 m) in diameter, and one red center line, 12 inches (305 mm) wide. The goals are 4 feet (1.2 m) high by 6 feet (1.8 m) wide.

The puck used is plastic 3 inches (76 mm) diameter and weighs between 3.5 and 6.5 ounces (99 and 184 g).

There must be two referees and sometimes two referees plus a linesman. Players may be sent to a penalty box for minor penalties (2 minutes), major penalties (5 minutes), and for misconduct (10 minutes). In that situation, the team that is penalized must play shorthanded and a power play exists for the other team. However, there must always be at least three players on the penalized team.

The game is four quarters of twelve minutes' duration. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, there is a shootout.

A goal is scored when a player shoots the puck into the net.

• The official rules of USA roller sports

Players

At the club level, roller hockey is played in Europe, North America, Argentina, and Australia.

Professional Leagues

Roller Hockey International was a professional North American league, which played from 1993 to 1999.

Major League Roller Hockey AAA is a semi-professional men's league in North America, with 16 teams in 2002, with an affiliated women's league, W-MLRH, which plays in summer.

Professional Inline Hockey Association is a professional men's league with teams mainly from the Philadelphia area, and surrounding states. www.proinlinehockey.com

RHI history website

• http://rhistats.tripod.com

See also:

• road hockey