How Does Unified Floorball work?
A Unified Floorball team consists of the following:
A Special Olympics athlete is an athlete with an intellectual disability; typically, someone who is interested in sport participation, is competitive, and enjoys playing on a team.
A Unified Partner athlete is an athlete without an intellectual disability; typically, someone who is interested in sport participation, is competitive, and enjoys playing on a team.
Floorball is a sport that is played indoors on hardwood floors or sport tile surfaces. Similar to hockey, teams of 10-15 players (a 3 athletes to 2 partners ratio is recommended) will play against another team with the intention to outscore the opposing team. Games can be played using half of a gymnasium or a rental facility if the level of play needs to be changed or depending on the accessibility for all players.
What are some things I need to keep in mind when playing Unified Floorball?
What are some general rules in Unified Floorball?
In Unified Floorball, all players must refrain from lifting or raising the floorball sticks above waist height at all times especially when passing or striking the ball.
Given that this sport requires more movement than other Unified sports, games can last anywhere from 5-15 minutes.
Lifting the ball on a goal is allowed as long as the stick does not pass the waist height of the player.
For goaltending, anyone can become the goaltender. Players are allowed to switch between shifts but must ensure that the goaltender does not have a stick. Goaltenders are only allowed to block and defend using their body and hands.
All teams must take shifts. There is no exact time limit as it can differ between games and tournaments. Having equal playing time is essential for a successful Unified Floorball team.
Penalties are subject to the judgement of the facilitator. Remember, we want everyone to have fun!
More Rules:
For more specific rules, be sure to check out the link below: https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/hockey-programs/schools/floorball/what-is-floorball