What happens when a rink hockey player gets a blue card?
I · Intermediate · Fouls and cards · 5 of 7A blue card to a player on the rink leaves their team a player short for two minutes, a red card for four. The team plays with four rink players, or three and a goalkeeper. A second card starts another period when the first ends, and the suspended player stays on the bench throughout.
How it works
- Blue card: two minutes short.
- Red card: four minutes short.
- On the rink: four rink players, or three and a goalkeeper.
- Starts: when play restarts.
- Ends: when the time runs out.
- Second card: another period, starting when the first ends.
- Suspended player: stays on the bench for the whole time.
- Notice: the auxiliary referee tells the delegate when time is up.
The glossary has the playing in inferiority, the blue card, the red card (rink hockey), the team (rink hockey), the minimum number of players and the extra time (rink hockey).
Tricky cases
Does a goal end the short-handed period?
No. The period ends only when its time runs out.
Is a red-carded player replaced after four minutes?
The team returns to full strength, but the expelled player does not come back.
Can a team end up with only three on the rink?
If injuries or cards leave only three, the referees end the match.
A player's suspension has not ended at full time. Can they play extra time?
Only once the rest of their suspension has been served.
Why the rule exists
Putting the team, not only the player, at a disadvantage makes foul play cost the side. Fixed times make the penalty the same whatever the score.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Blue card | 2 minutes | Art 31.2 |
| Red card | 4 minutes | Art 31.3 |
| Second card | Second period after the first | Art 31.8 |
From the rule book
World Skate, Rink Hockey Rulebook 2027, Rules of the Game, Articles 11, 24, 25, 31 and 32.2 with Clarification 9. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Skate Rink Hockey Rulebook 2027.