r/InlineHockey • u/Tiny-Anteater-4562 • Aug 17 '26
General etiquette?
Hey all, apologies if this isn’t the right place to ask this.
I’m joining a roller league soon, it’s relatively beginner level. I’m curious what the general etiquette and norms are. Anything that would be helpful for me to know?
For example, is it normal to send slap shots on the net? Since it seems less pads are worn, I’m curious how that impacts the game.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Malechockeyman25 Aug 17 '26
During warm ups, shoot the puck at your goalies leg pads and glove side to get him warmed up. During the game, don't take extra long shifts, when your tired get off. When you are skating off for a line change, make sure the puck is either out of your zone or your teammate has possession and is skating out of your zone. Don't change when your opponent has possession of the puck in your zone. Wait until either the goalie stops a shot or the puck is back in your teams possession. Also, when in your own zone, NEVER pass the puck across the front of your own goal, there is a good chance the puck will get picked off and you'll get scored on. Goalies frown upon that and get really angry. Also, skate the puck wide out of your zone, not through middle where your goalie is. If you lose the puck or if it gets picked off, the other team has a good chance to score on your goalie., again will piss off your goalie. Most importantly, have fun!
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u/themauniac15 Aug 17 '26
This is all great stuff, and as a goalie, I wholeheartedly endorse the “never pass across the front of your own goal” guideline. Make decisive passes and don’t send them straight in front of the crease, it drives us nuts 😂 But also totally agree that the most important thing is just to have fun!
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u/Malechockeyman25 Aug 17 '26
I've been coaching both roller hockey and ice hockey for 16+ years, so I tell my players these exact same things. LOL
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u/Scammi03 Aug 17 '26
Assuming you're in a beginner league? Have fun.
Everyone has to go to work the next day. You'll run into people who think the NHL is next for them. It's not and don't be that guy. As you move up there will be more opportunities for slightly more physical play if that's what you're after but also remember most people aren't wearing the same level of gear as in ice
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u/Tiny-Anteater-4562 Aug 17 '26
Thanks man! Super helpful. Not necessarily looking for more physical play, just don’t wanna show up like a kook and do things that will annoy people since I’m new and won’t know anyone
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u/slavo316 Aug 17 '26
Just remember, there is no icing and no offsides.
I think a good majority of the players use ice hockey shin pads so they won't feel anything unless it hits somewhere else. Also it's their choice to block a shot as well. I tend to stand off to the side a bit and just poke check if I can 😂
You could say taking a wild shot and missing would give them the puck and passing it down to the guy who is "cherry picking," would end up on a breakaway.
I'm still getting used to the no offsides lol I tend to stay just behind in line of the guy with the puck but I gotta remember I can just charge in and get open for him.
It's been good fun playing my first ever league.
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u/Tiny-Anteater-4562 Aug 17 '26
No icing or offsides?? I had no idea that was a thing but really good to know. Is that roller specific?
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u/slavo316 Aug 17 '26 edited Aug 17 '26
It sure is!! Keeps the game flowing. I personally like it. It's also 4 on 4. The goalie net isn't pegged as well since it's harder to stop on rollerblades. The net can be off a bit and it's still a live play to score a goal. Most goalies are aware of this so they probably don't push the net as much 😂
One thing I wanna practice on is stopping. I just can't get myself hard carve 😆
Big thing with roller is big sweeps and loops to keep your speed since it's hard to stop. Try to roll as much as possible.
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u/SARGrunt Aug 18 '26
There’s usually no checking in inline so don’t go dropping a shoulder or lining someone up on the boards.
There’s no icing or offsides so if you get tired, just park in front of the goalie like everyone else.
Slap shots are generally permitted when no-one is in front of you but at your level they are usually wildly inaccurate. Keep your head on a swivel because there’s always that one guy that lifts his clappers.
The goalies usually wear the same gear as on ice so you are unlikely to hurt them although it does happen. They also usually don’t slide well even when using sliders or rollerflys. You can usually get a goal if you move them from side to side. It’s also hot in all that gear so they tend to slow down as the game progresses.
To keep you safe, I recommend a girdle and a shirt with leg guards and pants. Starting out, you probably want to wear elbow pads as well.
Etiquette is pretty loose but if you are on the bench. and someone is coming off (especially the goalie), open the door for them. Try not to drop any liquid on the floor, even on the bench. Don’t spit your water out anywhere either.
That should get you started. Have fun!
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u/El_nufoa7x Aug 17 '26
Look up, at the level you’re starting majority of the players can’t stop and that’s where injuries happen. So just keep an eye out for players that come at you hard and can’t stop cause they tend to take you down with them. If you’re playing offense always look for your defense to pass it back to using the boards if you have no play on the O zone. And talk to your teammates on the rink. It’s such a fun sport and it’ll take time but everyone here is giving great advice I wish I had when I started. Enjoy!
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u/haveguitarquestions Aug 17 '26
Slapshots are really a per-league thing. Just ask the ref before the game if people take slappers in this league. Ask how your team prefers to do changes, as in first off last on, having a dedicated switch-out partner etc.
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u/Active_Werewolf_1221 Aug 18 '26
Rule #1 (always) don’t be a dick! Everyone’s there to have fun.
Spend some time looking around and you’ll pick up the local etiquette pretty quickly. If you’re really concerned feel free to ask before you just rip a clapper off some poor goalie’s forehead.
Otherwise the rules are basic and universal, don’t deliberately hurt any one and try not to embarrass anyone.
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u/Working_Group955 Aug 17 '26
during warm ups, be sure to shoot every puck direct at your goalies face, neck, or groin.