How long is a penalty in inline hockey?
B · Beginner · Penalties · 4 of 4A minor penalty sends the player to the penalty box for 90 seconds of playing time, and a major for four minutes, with no replacement, so the team plays a player short. A goalkeeper does not go to the box; a teammate serves the time. A bench minor, for a team offence, is served by a player the coach names.
How it works
- Minor: 90 seconds, no substitute.
- Bench minor: 90 seconds, served by a player the coach names.
- Major: four minutes, no substitute.
- Major and game misconduct: the player leaves the game; a teammate serves four minutes.
- Goalkeeper's penalty: served by a skater who was on the floor.
- Playing time: penalties run only while the clock runs.
- Third minor to one player: an extra ten-minute misconduct.
- Further penalty after that: a game ejection.
The glossary has the minor penalty (inline hockey), the major penalty (inline hockey), the misconduct penalty, the game ejection, the short-handed and power play and the goalkeeper (inline hockey).
Tricky cases
A goalkeeper trips an opponent. Who goes to the box?
A skater who was on the floor, chosen by the coach through the captain.
Does a minor penalty end when the other team scores?
Yes, for the first minor causing the team to be short; a major does not end.
A player gets a minor and a major together. Which is served first?
The major, unless the delayed-penalty rule applies.
Do bench minors count towards a player's three minors?
No. A bench minor is not counted.
Why the rule exists
Time in the box costs the team, not only the player. Escalating penalties stop a player fouling again and again.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | 90 seconds | 6.1.2 |
| Major | 4 minutes | 6.1.3 |
| Inline compared with ice hockey | Shorter minors | C |
From the rule book
World Skate, Rulebook Inline Hockey 2027, rules 6.1.1 to 6.1.3, 6.1.7 and 6.2.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Skate Inline Hockey Rulebook 2027.