Is body checking allowed in inline hockey?
I · Intermediate · Penalties · 5 of 5Inline hockey is not a body-checking game: running at or checking an opponent can be penalised as charging, interference or roughing. Boarding, checking from behind, tripping, hooking and holding draw penalties from a minor up to a major and game misconduct. Three stick fouls in one game bring an ejection, and fighting a major and game misconduct.
How it works
- Body checking: may be penalised at the referee's discretion.
- Charging and boarding: minor, or major and game misconduct by severity.
- From behind: checking from behind is penalised anywhere on the floor.
- Charging the goalkeeper in the crease: a major, or a major and game misconduct.
- Stick fouls: slashing, high sticking, cross-checking, butt-ending, spearing.
- Three stick fouls in a game: a game ejection.
- Fighting: a landed closed-fist punch; the starter gets a major and game misconduct.
- Retaliating: at least a minor.
The glossary has the body contact fouls, the stick penalties, the fighting (inline hockey), the game ejection, the major penalty (inline hockey) and the misconduct penalty.
Tricky cases
Two players shove each other after the whistle. Is it fighting?
No. Pushing and grappling are penalised, but fighting means a landed punch.
A goalkeeper outside the crease is bumped. Fair game?
No. Any unnecessary contact with a goalkeeper is penalised.
Does a double minor for high sticking count as two stick fouls?
No. It counts as one.
Rolling a puck carrier along the boards. Boarding?
Not if the carrier is trying to squeeze through a gap; it is if they do not have the puck.
Why the rule exists
Without full checking the game rewards skating and puck skill. Heavy penalties for hits from behind and fights protect players.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper in the crease | Charging is a major | 6.4.12B |
| Stick fouls | Three mean ejection | 6.1.7C |
| Fighting | Major and game misconduct | 6.4.19B |
From the rule book
World Skate, Rulebook Inline Hockey 2027, rules 6.1.7, 6.4.12, 6.4.13, 6.4.19, 6.4.24 and 6.4.26. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Skate Inline Hockey Rulebook 2027.