A helmet for broomball is a protective helmet worn by players of the ice game broomball, to guard the head against falls on the ice and collisions with other players. Broomball is played on an ice rink, but instead of skates, players wear special rubber-soled shoes, and instead of a stick they use a broom to hit a ball into the goal. The ice is slippery, the play is fast, and falls are common, so a helmet is a key part of the kit.
Broomball looks a little like ice hockey from the stands, but the game feels quite different to play. Without skates, players run and slide on the ice, which means sudden stops and sharp turns often end in a tumble. The ball is small and hard, the brooms are swung low, and players chase the play in close quarters. A good helmet protects against the most common risks in the game: a fall onto hard ice and a knock from another player.
What is broomball?
Broomball is a team ice sport played on a hockey-sized rink, with two teams trying to score goals by hitting a ball into the other team’s net using a broom. Players wear shoes with soft rubber soles instead of skates, which gives grip on the ice but still allows sliding. The game is played in periods, much like ice hockey, and it is popular in North America and in parts of Europe as a winter team sport.
The broom used in the game has a short handle and a flat, triangular head, and players use it to pass, shoot, and control the ball along the ice. Goalkeepers defend the net, often without a broom, using their hands and body to block shots. Because players run on ice rather than skate, the game has its own rhythm: quick bursts of running, sudden stops, and plenty of sliding, which is all part of the fun.
Who wears a helmet in broomball?
Most broomball players wear a helmet, and in organised leagues and tournaments it is usually part of the required kit. Every player on the ice is at risk of falling, and the goalkeeper faces shots at close range, so helmets are worn right across the team. Youth and junior leagues in particular ask all players to wear helmets, and many adult leagues do the same.
Helmets are worn because the ice is hard and falls are frequent. A player who slips while chasing the ball can hit the back or side of the head on the ice, and a collision with another player can cause a knock too. A helmet also gives some protection from a raised broom or a fast-moving ball. If your league or rink asks you to wear one, wear it for every game and every practice, not just for matches.
What does a broomball helmet look like?
A broomball helmet is usually an ice hockey style helmet, with a hard outer shell and foam padding inside. It covers the top, sides, and back of the head, and it often has a chin strap that fastens securely under the chin. Some players wear a helmet with a face cage or a clear visor, which adds protection for the face against the ball, a broom, or another player’s elbow.
The shell is made of tough plastic, and the inside has foam padding that cushions the head and helps the helmet fit snugly. Vents in the shell let air through and help keep the player cool during a fast game. Many helmets are adjustable, with a fit system at the back or sides, so one helmet can be tuned to the wearer’s head. Team colours and stickers are common, but the important features are a sound shell, good padding, and a secure strap.
How should a broomball helmet fit?
A broomball helmet should fit snugly all round, without pressing painfully on the forehead or temples. It should sit level on the head, low enough at the front to protect the forehead, and it should not tip forward over the eyes or slide back when you run. The chin strap should be snug enough that you can fit only a finger or two between the strap and your chin, and the helmet should stay put when you shake your head gently.
Fit is best checked in the shop, wearing any headgear you will use under the helmet in a game. Try the helmet on, walk and turn quickly, and bend down as if chasing the ball, to see if it stays in place. A helmet that is too loose can shift in a fall and protect less well, while one that is too tight will give you a headache before the first period ends. If you wear a face cage or visor, check that it sits correctly and does not press on your face.
How do you look after a broomball helmet?
After a game, wipe the shell with a damp cloth to remove ice and dirt, and let the inside dry naturally, away from direct heat. Do not leave the helmet in a hot car or next to a radiator, as heat can damage the shell and the padding. Check the helmet after every game for cracks, dents, or loose parts, and check the chin strap, buckle, and any face cage fixings for wear.
Replace the helmet if it has taken a hard knock in a fall or a collision, if the shell is cracked, or if the padding has flattened so much that the fit has become loose. In general terms, a helmet that has protected you in a hard impact should not be relied on again. Some helmets include a system designed to reduce rotational forces in a fall, such as MIPS, and it is worth asking about when you choose a helmet for the ice.
Do beginners need a broomball helmet?
Yes, beginners need a broomball helmet more than anyone, because they are the most likely to fall. Running on ice in rubber-soled shoes takes practice, and new players slip often while they learn to stop, turn, and change direction. A helmet gives a beginner confidence to chase the ball and learn the game without worrying about every tumble.
Most rinks and leagues that run beginner sessions provide helmets or ask players to bring their own, so check before your first game. Make sure the helmet fits well and is in good condition, and ask the coach to check the fit if you are unsure. A helmet that fits properly and is worn for every session is one of the simplest ways to enjoy broomball safely from the very first game.
Can I use an ice hockey helmet for broomball?
Yes, in general terms an ice hockey helmet is the usual choice for broomball, as it is made for falls on ice. Check with your league first, as they may have guidance on which helmets and face protection are suitable.
Do goalkeepers wear helmets in broomball?
Yes, goalkeepers wear helmets, and often with a face cage or mask, as they face shots at close range and can fall while diving to block the ball. The goalkeeper’s helmet is just as important as any outfield player’s.
When should a broomball helmet be replaced?
Replace it after a hard fall or collision, if the shell is cracked or dented, if the padding has worn thin, or if it no longer fits snugly. Check the maker’s guidance for your helmet as well.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
