How is a goal scored in rink hockey?
B · Beginner · The game · 2 of 4The ball may be played with the stick, or with the skates and legs below the waist, but not lifted above 1.50 m except by a goalkeeper in the area. A goal counts when the whole ball crosses the line between the posts, but not off an attacker's skate or body, nor straight from an indirect free hit or centre pass.
How it works
- Allowed: stick, skates and legs below the waist.
- Restarts: taken with the flat of the stick.
- Stick edge: only to shoot inside the opponents' penalty area.
- Height limit: 1.50 m, except a goalkeeper in their area.
- Goal: the whole ball over the goal line, under the bar.
- Counts: shots from anywhere, own goals, a faceoff that goes straight in.
- Does not count: deflections off an attacker's skates or body, straight from an indirect free hit or centre pass.
- After a goal: the team that conceded restarts from the centre.
The glossary has the playing the ball, the goal (rink hockey), the centre pass, the faceoff, the indirect free hit and the goalkeeper (rink hockey).
Tricky cases
A defender's clearance lifts the ball above 1.50 m in their own area. Penalty?
No. It is an indirect free hit from an upper corner of the area.
The centre pass goes straight into the goal. Valid?
No. Play restarts with an indirect free hit from a lower corner of the area.
A shot hits the barrier, flies above 1.50 m and drops in off the goalkeeper's back. Goal?
Yes. That is listed as a valid goal.
A goal goes in as the period ends. Does it count?
Yes. It is given, and the period ends with no centre pass.
Why the rule exists
Keeping the ball low and the stick flat makes play safe in a small space. Goals off the stick reward shooting skill over scrambles.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper in the area | May play the ball above 1.50 m | Art 6.3 |
| Inside the opponents' area | Stick edge allowed to shoot | Art 6.2 |
| Ball hits the roof | Faceoff at the centre | Art 6.6c |
From the rule book
World Skate, Rink Hockey Rulebook 2027, Rules of the Game, Articles 5 to 7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Skate Rink Hockey Rulebook 2027.