Broomball for a Youth Group, Troop or Office: What to Expect

Broomball is hockey for people who do not skate. The rink describes it as an extremely fun way to play ice hockey in your tennis shoes, and that is accurate. Nobody needs hockey experience, nobody needs to own skates, and a group that has never been on ice together can have a loud, laughing hour in the first ten minutes. This guide is for the person who has to organize the evening: a troop leader, a youth pastor, a team captain or the coworker who got voted into planning the office outing.

What does broomball cost?

Broomball at Ontario Ice Skating Center is $275.00 per hour, with full payment at booking. The price is for the ice, not per person, which makes the math friendly for a big group. Split among 30 players, an hour works out to about $9.17 each. A group of 15 would pay a little over $18 each. Decide who is collecting money and how before you book, because the rink takes the full amount up front.

How many people can play?

A team can have up to 15 people, and the ice holds a maximum of 30 players at one time. Two full teams of 15 is the largest game. For smaller groups, you can play with fewer people on each side. The rink provides the balls, the brooms and the goalie nets, so you bring bodies and sneakers.

What should everyone wear on their feet?

Tennis shoes, as the rink says. Pick clean athletic shoes with a rubber sole and good tread, and leave the sandals, boots and worn-smooth fashion sneakers at home. Footwork is the whole game on ice in sneakers. Take short, flat-footed steps, keep your knees bent and your weight low, and avoid long strides. Turn gradually instead of pivoting hard. Everyone slides a bit, and the players who stay upright are the ones who move like they are walking on a frozen pond.

Dress in layers you can move in, since a game that looks gentle burns more energy than you expect. Gloves help when someone ends up on the ice. Beyond that, ask the rink when you book if there is any other gear you should plan for. Rules belong to the rink, so get the answer from them rather than from a blog.

When can you book, and how?

Broomball is played in the evenings, Monday through Saturday, by appointment. There is no Sunday broomball. The listed start times are late in the evening, around 10 pm on most nights, so this suits a group that wants an after-work or after-dinner activity more than an early-evening one. Because the schedule can change, call 909-986-0793 or text 909-935-9023 to confirm available dates and times before you tell the group anything.

Book with a few backup dates in mind. Having two or three options when you call makes the conversation quick, and it keeps your group from losing momentum while people reply to the group chat.

What is the rule about adults and proof of age?

A legal adult with proof of age must be in the building at all times. For a youth group this is the part to plan around. Name the adult ahead of time, remind them to bring identification and make sure they will stay for the whole booking. If you are organizing for a troop or a church group, your adult leaders can often cover this, but check that at least one will be there from start to finish.

Who is broomball good for?

• Scout troops and youth groups that want a night out that is not a movie.
• Church and school groups, especially for a fundraiser or end-of-year celebration.
• Office teams that want a real activity instead of another dinner.
• Families and friends planning a big birthday for a group that does not skate.
• Hockey players who want a goofy off-night game.

The rink also lists fundraisers for churches, schools and non-profit organizations, and discounted group rentals for special occasions. If your group is raising money, mention that when you call so you can talk through what is possible.

A Google reviewer wrote that the staff took good care of his troop for broomball and thanked the rink for its hospitality on behalf of Chino Troop 309. For a leader responsible for a dozen kids, that kind of line carries weight. Hospitality shows up in small things: a clear answer on the phone, a calm start and a group that leaves smiling.

A last bit of planning advice. Talk through the game before you arrive, so people know it is a short game with goalie nets, brooms and a ball. Tell your group to laugh at their own falls, because they will have several. Then call 909-986-0793, pick your date and book the hour.