What happens in a tied inline hockey game?
B · Beginner · The game · 3 of 4A tied game goes to five minutes of sudden-death overtime after a three-minute break, ten minutes in play-offs. In group games it is three skaters and a goalkeeper a side. If no one scores, three shooters a side take alternate penalty shots; if still level, one each until a game-winning goal.
How it works
- Break: three minutes; no change of ends.
- Overtime: five minutes, ten in play-offs, sudden death.
- Group games: three skaters and a goalkeeper a side.
- Penalties: carry into overtime.
- No timeouts in overtime.
- Shootout: three shooters each, alternately.
- Still tied: one shooter each, any player, until one wins it.
- Order: decided by a coin toss.
The glossary has the overtime (inline hockey), the shootout (inline hockey), the penalty shot (inline hockey), the short-handed and power play, the points (inline hockey) and the game time (inline hockey).
Tricky cases
A team ends regulation time with a player in the box. How does overtime start?
Three against two; with two in the box, four against two.
Can the same player shoot twice in the shootout?
Not in the first three; after that any player may shoot.
Does each goalkeeper defend their own goal in the shootout?
Yes. A common goal is not used.
How many points does an overtime win earn?
Two, and the loser gets one.
Why the rule exists
Three-on-three opens the rink and makes an overtime goal likely. The shootout settles the game when overtime does not.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Group games | 3 v 3 overtime | 1.3 |
| Play-offs | 10 minutes overtime | 1.3 |
| Shootout round 4 on | Any player, team order reversed | 1.3 |
From the rule book
World Skate, Rulebook Inline Hockey 2027, rules 1.3, 5.5.2 and 10.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Skate Inline Hockey Rulebook 2027.