Broomball is played on an ice rink, contrary to a myth that it is played on grass.
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Similar to hockey and soccer, broomball is a game in which two teams compete to get a ball into a goal guarded by the opposing team's goalkeeper. The players use broom-like sticks to control the ball. Learn the basic definition of interference and details on specific situations to understand the rules relating to this particular infraction in broomball.
Basic Definition
The basic definition of interference in broomball is when a player uses his stick or body to prevent an opposing player from making any legal play. This includes when a player is making a run for a loose ball or attempting to defend against an attacking player. The rule basically implies some form of obstruction, and also requires that the offending player made a movement to put himself in the obstructive position. If a player is standing still and an opposing player accidentally collides with him, this does not constitute interference on the part of the motionless player. The ordinary punishment for interference is a one-minute penalty.
Loose Ball
Interference can take place when the ball is loose and ready to be picked up by anybody. If a player prevents an opponent from reaching a loose ball before actively touching the ball himself, this constitutes interference. Award a penalty shot if a goalkeeper goes for the player and not the ball in a breakaway, loose ball situation. If the goalkeeper goes for the ball but fouls the player, a standard one-minute penalty should be awarded. Any contact with the ball prior to contact with the player during a potential interference situation means that interference is not a correct call.
Screening Defenders
Call interference on any player who prevents a defending player from attempting to take the ball from the player who currently has it. If one player has possession of the ball and one of his teammates purposefully obstructs another player who is attempting to make a play on the ball, this is also interference. Screening of this type is only interference if the position has no strategic advantage other than to prevent the defender from getting to the ball.
Off the Ball Screening
Give a one-minute penalty for screening if a player is preventing an opposing player who does not have the ball from moving into a strategic position where he may gain control of the ball. If a player makes a pass, and then moves down the rink into a place for a return pass, no opposing player should obstruct them from getting to that position. Any obstruction of an off-the-ball player who is aiming to move into a strategic position is classed as interference.
References
About the Author
Lee Johnson has written for various publications and websites since 2005. His articles have appeared in "Sandman" magazine, the "Crewe Chronicle" and on the website Beyond Hollywood. He is primarily a music journalist but has written on many subjects. Johnson has a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from Manchester Metropolitan University.
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