Rulebook

Number of players on a team

Each team must have a minimum of 6 players plus a goalie. There is no maximum however we discourage having more than 10 players because there won’t be enough playing time for each player.

Number of players on the court

Games are played 4 on 4 plus a goalie.

Player substitutions can be made on the fly. 

Teams can “pull the goalie” at any time i.e play without a goalie, add a 5th player.

Length of games

Each game consists of 2 periods of 15 minutes, with a 3 min halftime.

Running time except for the last 2 min of the game which is “stop time” unless the score margin is more than 5 goals.

Each team can call one time-out per game. Goalies can call time-outs at any time in case of dehydratation, cramping or feeling uneasy.

Stoppage of play & face-offs

Each period starts with a faceoff. 

After a goal or when the goalie freezes the ball, there is no faceoff. Instead :

• Defence starts with ball behind goal line
• Offense must wait behind the center line
• Play starts when the defence touches the ball

Every game ends with a handshake at the center of the court

Penalties

All penalties result in a penalty shot. All penalties are at the referee’s discretion.

The following infractions are considered penalties

• Tripping
• Slashing
• Body checking
• Cross-checking
• Pushing or roughing
• Holding an opponent’s stick or an opponent
• High sticking that makes contact with a player
• Throwing your stick, reckless stick swinging
• Unsportsmanlike conduct
• Intentional delay of game
• Any player involved in a fight will be ejected from the tournament

After discussing with many players, we have reduced penalties. Here are some changes from previous years :

• Diving to block a shot or a pass is now permitted. However, if you run over the opposing player in the process, a tripping penalty will be called.
• A handpass in the defensive zone is allowed while a handpass in the offensive zone will result in a change of possession.
• On “dead ball” situations (out of bounds, after a goal), no player can be in the goalie’s crease until the other team starts the play by touching the ball. If so, this will result in a change of possession

Distinction for slashing :

• Players can lift a player’s stick to steal the ball and can poke at the ball to disrupt the play. However a slash that makes contact with anything but the ball (an opponent’s stick, hands or feet) is a penalty.

Distinctions for high sticking :

• We have changed high sticking rules. Simply put, you are responsible for making sure you do not hit another player with your stick and this includes a follow through on your slap shots or wrist shots even if the opponents gets low. If you make contact, you will be assessed a major penalty  
• No contact with the ball or a player :  permitted (ex : switching your hold when making a deke, waiting for a wind-up)
• Contact with the ball : not a penalty but a change in possession (ex : touching the ball with your stick over your shoulders)
• Contact with a player but no injury : penalty shot AND the player must be replaced by another teammate for the next 4 min
• Contact with a player which results in any injury : penalty shot, the player must be replaced by another teammate for the next 4 mins AND the team must play shorthanded (4v3) for 4 minutes or until a goal is scored

If the ball goes out of play (on the stage, in stands or contact with roof)

If ball last touched by offence   

• Defence starts with ball behind goal line
• Offense must wait behind the center line
• Play starts when the defence touches the ball

If ball last touched by defence

• Offense starts with ball at the center line
• Defense must wait behind the ¾ suicide line
• Play starts when the offense touches the ball

If it’s not clear which team touched the ball last, a face-off will take place

Time wasting

• Time wasting is not allowed.
• Any effort to slow down the game by stepping on the ball or not returning to the boundary positions or other can result in a penalty for delay of game.
• There is a “5 second rule” that applies to all “dead ball” situations.
  • On “dead ball” situations (out of bounds, after a goal), players have 5 seconds to start the play, otherwise there is a change in possession. This is particularly important at the end of games.
  • Players do not need to start until the other team respects the boundary limits (ex : until they get back to the center line). They can wait as long as necessary and the 5 seconds will not start until the other team is in place. However, they can start at any time if they feel they have an advantage by starting before the other team is set.

Being ready for the scheduled game time

Teams must be ready to play at the scheduled game time. If a team is not ready to start, including if they are missing their goalie, they are given a 5 min grace period. They can then choose to start shorthanded or are penalized as follows :

• 5 min late : 1 goal awarded to other team
• 10 min late : 2 goals awarded to other team
• 15 min late : 3 goals awarded to other team
• 20 min late : forfeit by score of 5-0 but an unofficial game can be played

The purpose of this rule : to not penalize the other team that is ready to play

Tied games

In round robin games, if the score is tied, there will be a shootout to determine the winner. The winning team will be awarded 2 points and the losing team will be awarded 1 point in the standings.

In elimination games, if the score is tied, there will be a 15 minute overtime. Sudden death format so the first goal wins. It will be two OT periods of 7 ½ minutes. Teams will change sides before the first OT period and also before the second OT period. If the game is still tied after 15 minutes, a shootout will determine the winner.

Shootout rules

• If the goalie touches the ball, the play is dead. There are no rebounds
• The team that scored the first goal during the game gets to decide whether they go first or second.
• 3 round shootout. If the score is tied after 3 rounds, then we proceed round by round until one team wins. Every player must attempt a try until the same player can attempt a second try. Goalies cannot attempt shots.

Equipment 

• Sticks – all sticks must have a plastic blade; we provide sticks
• Eyewear – is optional; we provide them for those interested
• Gloves & shin pads – are strongly suggested but not mandatory
• Shirts – teams must be color coordinated

Tie-breaker policy

To determine the standings after the round robin portion:

1. Most Points
2. Head to Head Record
3. Number of wins
4. Strength of schedule
5. Best goal differential
6. Most goals scored
7. Fewest goals allowed
8. Coin flip