Minnesota Swarm

 The Basics

• The game is split up into 4-15 minute quarters and a 15-minute overtime (first goal wins).
• 5 “runners” play at a time along with a very well-padded goalie. 
• Most contact is legal (including hits against the boards), although there are many penalties (minor-2 minutes and major-5 minutes).
• Slashing and cross-checking are legal although should be confined to the arms.  The refs use their judgment here.
• An average game has ~25 goals total and close to 100 shots on net.
• While the game is played in a hockey rink, it is more similar to basketball, with: 
  • A 30 second shot clock.  A shot has to hit the goalie, the cage or score in 30 seconds.  If not, it’s a turnover.
  • An 8 second timeline clock (players must bring the ball over midfield in 8 seconds)
  • An over-and-back violation (If a shot misses the net, hits the boards and flies over the center line, that’s an over and back violation)

Stoppage of Play

• There are many whistles during play, most are simply loose ball violations or technical violations which result in a turnover: Illegal screens, loose ball push, 30 second violation, illegal pick, etc.
• Minor penalties are 2:00 in the penalty box and, similar to hockey, the player is released after a goal is scored by the opposing team: Delay of game, elbowing, holding, slashing, illegal cross check, tripping
• Major penalties are 5:00 in the penalty box and the player is released when the team on the power play scores 2 goals.  The player penalized has to stay in the box for the full 5 minutes, but the offending team is back at full strength after two goals are scored. When a second major penalty is imposed on the same player in a game, an automatic game misconduct penalty is imposed: Fighting, flagrant stick and checking violations (at referee’s discretion.)
• 5 on 3’s are common if one team has two men in the box.  Each penalty is releasable as noted above.
• If a team that is two men down gets another penalty, the other team is awarded a penalty shot.
• Crease Violation: Only the goalie can be inside the crease during play. If an offensive player’s foot is in the crease or on the line when a shot is taken, the shot is disallowed.  If there is a goal, it too is disallowed.

Updated September 2009

The Minnesota Swarm is committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all fans attending home games and post game parties. The following behaviors are prohibited:

• Unruly, disruptive, or illegal behavior.
• Behavior that negatively impacts the enjoyment of the game by other fans, including fans of the opposing team.
• Intoxication or other signs of alcohol impairment that results in irresponsible behavior.
• Foul or abusive language and obscene gestures.
• Interference with the progress of the game, including throwing objects onto the turf.
• Failing to follow instructions of arena personnel.
• Inappropriate treatment of players or staff at post game activities in the arena or at outside venues.

Swarm fans are responsible for their conduct as well as the conduct of their guests or persons occupying their seats. Arena staff will intervene if any of the above behaviors are observed or reported by other fans. Those who violate this code of conduct are subject to ejection without refund and potential loss of ticket privileges for future games.

Thank you for your consideration.