ADULTH LEAGUE
Rules of Ball Hockey for Adult Leagues
Most of the Rules of Ball Hockey mirror those of ice hockey, or what you are already familar with - this is not meant to be a comprehensive list. However, there are a number of special rules that you should be aware of if you have never played Ball Hockey before.
Periods
HPBHL games are two (2) 24 min stop-time periods. If you have not played Ball Hockey and think that is a short period of time to play, you will quickly find out that unlike Ice Hockey, where you can "coast" though some of your movement, Ball Hockey is a game for those who can keep their legs moving. 48 minutes is a lot of running.
Offsides & "Floating Blue Line"
Ball Hockey mirrors international hockey in that there is no 2 line pass. However, the largerst difference between Ball Hockey and most forms of Ice Hockey is the "Floating Blue Line" that regulates offides in the offensive zones. Once a player has moved the ball over the blue line into the attacking zone, the attacking zone increases to include the entire opponent's half of the rink. See the illustration on the right.
High Sticking & Stick Infractions
Ball Hockey has very stringent rules concerning penalties involving the use of the hockey stick. For this reason, "High sticking" the ball (contacting the ball above the normal height of the shoulders with the stick) is a 2 minute penalty. Hence, it's best to rid yourself of the habit of chasing a ball in the air with your stick (Street Hockey players - beware!)
Ball Hockey also enforces a double-minor for any slashing or cross-checking penalty. High sticking involving injuries will result in a 5-minute major and a game misconduct, and review from a league official.
As the league continues to grow, exciting times are ahead for the sport of ball hockey and we thank you all for your participation. High Park Ball Hockey League is dedicated to the players and teams.
Have a safe and enjoyable season!
Statistic and Playoffs
Standings
Team standings and individual statistics will be updated and posted weekly. Statistics will be recorded and maintained by each Division Convenor. The statistics are recorded by player’s number, therefore it is the responsibility of the Team Representative to keep your Division Convenor informed of any possible changes.
Point System
- WIN : 2 Points
- TIE : 1 Point
- LOSS : 0 Points
Playoff Overtime
Teams play one (1) ten (5) minute running time period, sudden death to determine the winner of the game. If there is no winner after the overtime period then a shoot‐out will decide the winner (see Shoot Out).
There will not be a shoot‐out in the final game of league championships. There will be no overtime in the first game of a two game total points series. Overtime in the second game will occur only of the teams are tied in points after regulation time of the second game.
Shoot out
Teams choose five (5) players for the shootout. Each player is entitled to one (1) breakaway opportunity. The team that has the most goals after the 5 selected shooters wins the game. If there is a tie in goals once again, the shoot out rounds will continue with one shooter per team until the tie is broken. Players may not shoot a second time until all players on one team or the other have participated.
Playoff Qualifying Tie-Breaker Order
In the event that two (2) teams are tied in points upon closure of the regular season the following format will be applied to determine qualifying and seeding for the playoffs:
- Personal record between the teams
- Total wins
- Team with higher plus (+) rating
- Team with fewest combined team penalty minutes
HPBH League Rules and Procedures
Teams and Equipment
Registration
You may register a team or register as an individual and be placed on a team.
If representing a team you act on behalf of the team. You are responsible for the collection of all funds, i.e. registration and fines; as well as the organization of your team within the HPBHL rules and regulations. As a representative of your team and the HPBHL, you are encouraged to lead by example and understand the bylaws of the HPBHL. You act as the communication link between the HPBHL executive and the players you represent.
If you register as an individual player you will be placed on a team where positions may be available. The HPBHL executive will monitor the ‘Individual’ team to make sure that you and your teammates are comfortable and understanding of the rules and regulations. A team representative will be chosen by your team or by the league.
Returning Teams
What constitutes a team being considered a ‘returning’ team is a team containing six (6) or more players from the previous year. The ‘returning’ team is subject to applicable fines, or suspension carry‐overs.
Rosters
A team may have a minimum of twelve (12) and a maximum of sixteen (16) signed players. The TEAM REGISTRATION FORM must be handed to a league official before the first regular season game. There will be a designated team Addition/Deletion form for players to be added after the first game. If a player is deleted from your roster, then your team roster is reduced in size.
Game Day Rosters
The roster on the official game sheet will be the official roster used by the Timekeeper. By using this form, the Timekeeper is made aware of players participating in that particular game as well as bench staff and/or suspended players. A player arriving late must be on the team roster AND report to the timekeeper prior to playing in that game.
Roster Confirmation
Team rosters will be frozen (set) as of Game 6 of the regular season. All additions and deletions must be completed by the Game 6 deadline.
Playoff Qualification
A player must participate in three (3) regular season games in order to qualify for playoff participation. It is very important that the team representatives check all game sheets immediately after game play to make sure that there is a match between your records and the leagues. If there is an error (i.e. player participated and wasn’t checked off on the game sheet) and it is not reported to the league office within 24 hours then the error proceeds unchanged. The League Executive will monitor player participation.
Players Uniform
A team must have six (6) players in uniform by scheduled game time. If at the scheduled game time, a team does not have six (6) players in uniform then the team loses by default. It is the discretion of the official to grant a five (5) minute grace period before calling a game default. A defaulted game results in a 5 – 0 loss (see fines and suspensions).
If there are 6 players in uniform and no goalie dressed then a runner assumes the goalies position but may not cover up the ball in the goal crease or a penalty will be assessed. Teams are allowed to borrow goalies provided the borrowed goalie is signed in the HPBHL You may borrow goalies in the playoffs.
Goaltenders in Uniform
It is required that teams have a goaltender dressed for each game. A back‐up goaltender dressed and ready for play is allowed. If a team decides to ‘pull’ their goaltender and does not have a back‐up goaltender ready then they are allowed only one (1) minute before the game continues. A runner must assume the goaltender position. If a goaltender is injured and has to be replaced then a team is allowed ten (10) minutes before the game commences.
Back-up Goaltenders
Teams may use a roster spot to sign an alternate goaltender. This goaltender must be clearly indicated as being the ‘back‐up’ goaltender for the team on their TEAM REGISTRATION FORM. The ‘back‐up’ goaltender may participate for their team in the playoffs without having to play the minimum three (3) regular season games. In the playoffs the alternate goaltender may not play a position other than goaltender unless they have played the minimum of three (3) regular season games. A ‘back‐up’ goaltender can only play for one (1) team per league.
Team Uniforms and Equipment
All players participating on a team must wear exactly the same coloured jersey. All team jerseys must be numbered from 0 – 99. Two (2) players may not wear the same number. Fraction additions or subtractions are not permitted. Numbers MUST be legible, no tape or other forms of temporary numbers are permitted. Teams must have ALL of their players in matching jerseys by the third (3rd) week or fifth (5th) game (whichever comes first). Goaltenders are allowed to wear jerseys of a different colour. Only running pants or shorts are permitted for bottom wear. They do not have to match in colour.
Mandatory Equipment
The following equipment is mandatory in order to participate in game play:
- CSA approved ice hockey helmet (chin straps must be properly fastened at all times)
- Ice hockey gloves or approved ball hockey gloves
- Matching jerseys
- Running shoes
- Hockey sticks manufactured for ice hockey use
- Goaltenders:
- CSA approved goal mask or helmet assembly (no “cats‐eye” grilles allowed)
- Full legal goaltender equipment (no street hockey equipment allowed)
- Running shoes or boots that offer more instep and toe protection allowe
Optional or Recommended Equipment
The following equipment is not mandatory but recommended highly by HPBHL
- Shin pads
- Knee pads
- Protective cup ‘jock’
- Soft elbow pads
- Mouth guard
Team Captains and Alternates
Each team must have a captain (does not have to be the Team Representative). A maximum of two (2) assistants are allowed. Captains and alternates must be clearly identified on the team’s roster. If there is a change or absence the Timekeeper must be notified before the game. If a team chooses not to identify their captains and alternates on their sweaters, then they must indicate their captains and alternates before each game to the timekeeper.
Only a team captain or assistant on the playing surface may enquire about rules being called in their team’s game with the officials. If a player other than the teams’ captain or assistant questions an official they may be assessed a penalty.
Divisonal Alignment
If possible, at the conclusion of six (6) regular season games the league may move teams into a different division in order keep the level of play balanced. This is not mandatory and is the sole discretion of the league executives
Equalization of teams (recreational divisions)
The Recreational division is made up of individual signees and teams that are of beginner skill level. If a team (See returning teams – Section 2) signs up to compete in the Recreational division and are “dominating” the competition, after 5 games, the league executive reserves the right to equalize teams to ensure more fair competition.
Defaulted Games
If a team fails to show up for their game, the game is recorded as a 5‐0 loss in favour of the opposing team. A fine of two‐hundred ($200) is applied to the defaulting team and the Team Representative will be suspended for one (1) game. A second default by a team accrues a fine of three-hundred ($300) and the Team Representative will be suspended for two (2) games.
A third default by a team is an automatic expulsion from the league.
Accumulative Penalties
Per Game - A player will be ejected from a game if they receive 3 minor penalties or more during the course of the game.
Game Ejection - A player can be given a ‘Game Ejection’ in lieu of a misconduct penalty. Two (2) minutes will be recorded against the player given a ‘game ejection’. If a player is ejected from a game they must immediately go to their respective change room. Failure to comply with this rule results in an additional game suspension and possible default for their respective team.
Per Season: Adoption of ‘Safe-Play’ Rules (2003): If a player accumulates thirty (30) minutes in penalties (same season) that player will be suspended for one (1) game (playoffs included) and assessed a fine of $20 dollars. The $20 fine MUST be paid PRIOR to participating in the next game. If a player accumulates forty (40) minutes in penalties (same season) that player is suspended for three (3) games (playoffs included) and assessed a fine of $30 dollars. The $30 fine MUST be paid PRIOR to participating in the next game. If a player accumulates fifty (50) minutes in penalties (same season) they are suspended for the balance of the season (playoffs included).
Disorderly Conduct
- a) If a team is ordered AWAY from the rink by a league official they must do so immediately or a team fine of fifty ($50) will be assessed.
- b) Any team involved in questionable conduct on arena property (including parking lot) will be suspended from further league play for the balance of the season.
Fines
It is the responsibility of the Team Representative to check the game sheet after each game to monitor fines and suspensions that may be applicable. (A final ruling on major incidents under review by the HPBHL Executive must be acknowledged and appropriate remedies taken before said player or team may compete in next scheduled game.) In most cases, all applicable fines and or suspensions will be marked on the game sheet, however it is still the responsibility of the Team Representative to know the HPBHL bylaws and to adhere to its’ fines and suspensions in the event it is not marked down on the game sheet correctly.
Assignments
There will be two (2) referees and a Timekeeper assigned to each game. In most cases a senior official will be present. The League Executive may be approached by a Team Representative regarding most league related issues, however if the issue relates to a judgement made by a game referee then those issues should be discussed only with the Division Convenor.
Alcohol and Smoking
Home / Visitors Benches
Teams are to start the game on the respective benches indicated on the season schedule. (If not marked on the season schedule clearly then the team listed on the left side of the opponent’s team on the schedule is considered the visiting team).
The goaltender will switch ends at the end of the period. It is recommended that runners start on the opposite end of the playing surface from their benches to make it easier to ‘pull’ the goaltender if needed during the final period.
Game Start Times
The warm up clock shall indicate three (3) minutes. At approximately one (1) minute. The Referee will blow their whistle to warn teams to get ready.
Shaking Hands
Although not enforced, in an act of sportsmanship teams are encouraged to shake hands with their opponents prior to the game or at game’s end as determined by the league.
Timeouts
Each team is allowed two (2) timeouts per game. Timeouts are generally thirty (30) seconds in duration.
Awarded Goals
In the event that a team already has their goaltender pulled in favour of an extra attacker and then creates a foul on their opponent during a clear scoring attempt, then a goal will be awarded to the defending team.
Unique Situation
In the event that a unique situation arises and it is not covered in the HPBHL bylaws, the League Executive or Convenor will make the best decision as they see fit.
Team Registration Fees
Team registration fees are due in full prior to the first game. There is a $50 team fine if the team registration fee is not paid in full on or before the first game. An added fine of $50 will be assessed per game for the next two (2) games if the full registration fee is not paid. If the team registration fee is still not paid in full prior to the start of the fourth (4th) game then the team is banned from further play. Any fees the team may have paid the league up until then will not be returned to them. If this team decides to compete in future competition their balance must still be paid in order to participate.
Appeals
All decisions regarding an appeal must be ratified before a player/team can compete in their next scheduled game. A mid‐season Team Representative meeting will be scheduled if time permits. All team payments must be paid in full by the final meeting scheduled. It is up to the League Executive to inform Team Representatives when the final meeting will take place. Teams that are not fully paid on that final meeting date may be subject to expulsion from the league or fined fifty ($50) dollars per week up to the start of the first regular season game.
If in the opinion of the League Executive, a player or team acts beyond the appropriate conduct necessary to the HPBHL rules and regulations, the player or team will be released from participating in the HPBHL and may only return subject to review.
If an appeal is to be made, it must be accompanied by a non‐refundable payment of twenty‐five ($75) dollars. The appeal fee ($75) may not be placed towards the fine in question. There are no appeals permitted for fighting majors.
Fines & Suspension Schedule
- Misconduct 10 minutes - No Fine
- Two majors in one game - additional 1 game suspension $25
- Two misconducts in one game - 1 game suspension $25
- Game misconduct 10 minutes - 1 game suspension $25
- Gross misconduct 10 minutes - 2 game suspension $40
- Match penalty 5 minutes - 5 game suspension; 20 minutes recorded $50
- Fighting major 5 minutes 5 game suspension; 20 minutes recorded $50
- Fighting instigator or aggressor 5 + 2 minutes - 7 game suspension; 25 minutes recorded $50
- Self‐defence fighting when aggressor assessed - 5 minutes Game ejection No Fine
- Third‐Man‐In - 10 + 2 minutes 1 game suspension $25
- 1st player off the bench - 6 minutes 5 game suspension; 20 minutes recorded $50
- 1st player off opposing bench - 6 minutes 2 game suspension; 15 minutes recorded $25
- Fighting off the playing surface - 10 minutes 7 game suspension; 25 minutes recorded $100
- Verbal abuse of official - 5 minutes 5 game suspension; 20 minutes recorded $50
- Striking/attempt to strike official - 5 minutes Life suspension $100
- 2 Match penalties, or 3 Game Misc., or 3 Gross Misc. - 1 year suspension No Additional Fine
- Use of an ineligible player -Game Loss; Possible suspension $50
- Failure to proceed to dressing room- Possible 1game suspension $50
- Unsportsmanlike conduct for racial comments -
- 10 minutes Gross Misconduct (2 game suspension); 20 minutes recorded $40
- Failure to return a league trophy - Possible suspension of team $150
- Team default - $200 / Second default $300