Floorball enthusiasts and players have been asking questions about a new goalkeeper glove, the “BatGrip,” recently released by equipment manufacturer Blindsave. The glove, which features a distinctive fabric connecting the index finger and thumb – similar to designs seen in ice hockey – has raised concerns about whether it complies with the official IFF rules.
The International Floorball Federation (IFF) has now clarified the situation, stating that the BatGrip glove is not eligible for use in organised match play.
The BatGrip glove can be viewed here: https://www.blindsave.com/collections/floorball-goalie-gloves/products/bat-grip-gloves
Understanding the Rules
The debate centres on specific rules governing goalkeepers’ equipment. The current IFF Rules of the Game (valid until June 30, 2026) state under rule 403.3:
- “The goalkeeper may use any kind of protective equipment, but this shall not include parts intended to cover the goal. Helmet and thin gloves are allowed. All forms of adhesives or friction checking substances are prohibited. No objects must be kept on or in the goal cage. The goalkeeper may not use any kind of protective equipment which covers more than the body of the goalkeeper, for example shoulder pads.”
Updates to the Rules
From July 1, 2026, updated rules will come into effect, further refining these guidelines. The relevant part of rule 403.3 will read:
- “The goalkeeper may use any kind of protective equipment which is in accordance with the IFF Material Regulations, but this shall not include parts intended to cover the goal. Helmet and thin gloves are allowed. The goalkeeper’s protective equipment shall be shaped to the body and not cover more than the body of the goalkeeper. This includes using oversized clothes, shoulder pads which increases the shoulder line in any direction, using double protective equipment etc. For trousers, any zippers, pockets, straps, velcros etc. shall be closed and tightened. All forms of adhesives or friction checking substances such as silicon lubricant are prohibited. No objects must be kept on or in the goal cage.”
IFF’s Verdict
The IFF Rules Committee has considered the BatGrip glove in light of these regulations. Two key aspects of the current rules were examined:
- Protective Purpose: The rule allows for “protective equipment,” implying its primary function should be to safeguard the goalkeeper. The fabric between the index finger and thumb on the BatGrip glove, according to the committee, serves no protective purpose.
- Covering the Goal: The rules clearly prohibit equipment that is “intended to cover the goal” or “covers more than the body of the goalkeeper.” The additional material on the BatGrip is seen as potentially increasing the area used to block shots, thereby extending beyond the natural shape of the body.
The updated rules from July 2026 strengthen this by stating equipment must be “shaped to the body and not cover more than the body of the goalkeeper.” The BatGrip, with its distinctive design, is considered not to meet this requirement.
Therefore, based on the current and upcoming rules and the IFF Rules Committee’s expert statement, IFF ExCo decided that the Blindsave BatGrip goalkeeper glove is not compliant with the Rules of the Game and cannot be used in official floorball matches.
As gloves are considered general protective equipment (such as braces or sleeves), they do not need to be specifically certified for floorball. However, we always encourage producers to confirm whether their products comply with floorball rules and can be used in official floorball games. Regarding specific questions on whether this equipment can be used during practice sessions: the IFF rules and material regulations cover all official floorball games across all federations, but practice sessions are not covered by these regulations.