Broomball is a Michigan Tech tradition that has been played on campus since the 1950s.
Broomball is a game where participants use taped brooms to hit a ball around a small ice rink, trying to score goals. Each team is allowed a maximum of 6 players on the ice at once, including their goalie. The goalie is the only player on the ice that can interact with the ball without using a broom.
Equipment required to play broomball, according to the rule book, is a broom, a helmet, appropriate attire, and closed toe non-spiked shoes. All equipment needs to be provided by the player with one exception – helmets. Helmets can be checked out at the trailer near the broomball courts with some form of ID.
Other equipment can be worn to further protect the player. For a full description, please visit the rulebook found on IRHC’s broomball website. The broom has very specific requirements that need to be followed; brooms are checked before every game.
Before the game starts there are a couple things that the team needs to complete. The first is checking in with the referee with an ID, players are not permitted on the ice until this step is completed. Helmets need to be secured while a player is on the ice. Next, teams meet with a ref on the ice for an equipment check of brooms and footwear. A captains’ meeting will also take place before the beginning of the game.
The game is played in two 15-minute halves with a one-minute half-time. Teams switch sides and benches after the first half. Substitutions for players can be made at any time during active play. Substitutions do not stop the game. Goals are made when the ball passes the goal opening, a medium-sized opening on each side of the rink.
During broomball season, there is free hot chocolate served from a window in the broomball trailer.
For more information about broomball and related events, please visit the IRHC broomball website at broomball.mtu.edu.
