ACT Broomball Association - Rulebook

The Rink shall include an ice surface (see dimensions below), team benches (2), penalty benches (2), dressing rooms (4 preferred for tournament play), signal and timing devices, official's dressing room, proper lighting, complete restroom/toilet facilities, and a first aid room. An area for spectators is expected especially for tournament play.

Broomball is played on an ice surface or rink. The surface must be smooth and free from snow and ice particles. (Outside rinks because of varying weather conditions may not be in optimum condition, but upon agreement of the team captains, shall be deemed acceptable.) The ice surface must be uniformly resurfaced as needed to maintain optimum ice conditions. A period should be allowed for the ice to set up after resurfacing before any traffic is allowed on the ice.

The dimensions of the rink shall be, as nearly as possible, 60m long and 26m wide. The corners shall be rounded in an arc of a radius of 8.5m. The surface shall be enclosed by a wall or fence known as the boards which should extend not less than 1m and not more than 1.2m above the ice surface. The boards may be constructed of wood, plastic, or any other material approved by the Association. The boards shall be constructed so that the surface facing the rink shall be smooth and free of any object that could cause injury to players or officials. It is recommended that the doors for access to the ice surface open inward away from the playing surface. It is recommended that the boards be white in colour. It is recommended that a net of at least 8.5m in height be placed behind each end of the rink to keep errant shots within the confines of the rink. It is also suggested that this netting be constructed so that the ball will hit the netting and fall back into the rink, remaining in play. It is recommended that all wire, glass, or other protective screens or materials used to hold them in place, be mounted on the side of the boards away from the playing surface.

Standard size for nets will be 1.5m by 2.1m however it is acknowledged that nets which vary, if agreed upon by team captains, will be accepted where already in use. The goalposts, crossbars, and framework of the net shall be painted entirely in red. The nets shall be set at least 3m from the end boards on the centre of the goal line. This line is a 5cm wide red line which is runs from one side to the other side of each end of the rink and continues vertically up the sideboards.

NOTE: Where the length of the playing surface exceed 60m, it is recommended that the goal line be placed 5m from the end boards.

In front of each goal there shall be a semi-circle with a radius of 1.8m measured from the mid-point between the goalposts on the goal line. It is recommended that this line be marked with a 5cm red line and that the remainder of the goalcrease be painted blue. This area shall be called the goalcrease. It is understood that this crease is a plane and extends to the height of the top of the net.

The rink shall provide seating for each team. This bench area shall be able to accommodate at least 20 people and shall be situated adjacent the ice surface as near centre ice as possible, yet still maintaining a substantial distance between each team. Both team benches must be uniform in accommodations. Only players in uniform and a maximum of three (3) additional persons in charge may be on the team bench during the game. The home team will have the option of choosing its bench. The home team will defend the goal on the opposite side of their team bench to start the game.

Each rink shall provide seats or a bench (benches) called the Penalty Bench (or penalty box) for the use of the penalised players. There will be two (2) separate benches separated by the penalty timekeeper's and score keeper's area. It is preferred that this area be on the opposite side of the ice surface from the players benches (if possible) or as far away from them as possible.

A semi-circular red line shall be painted on the ice at a radius of approximately 3m from a point situated immediately in front of the minor official's bench. This area shall be known as the OFFICIAL'S CREASE. Players and team officials are not allowed to cross through this area and must stay out.

a) Each rink shall provide a buzzer or other suitable sound device to be used by the game timekeeper.

b) Each rink should be provided with an electric clock, allowing the spectators, players, and game officials to be informed of game time throughout the game. The timekeeper should also have a stopwatch or similar device in the event of failure by the electric clock.

c) Whenever possible, an electric buzzer (or similar device) and synchronised system with a light should be installed to insure that the officials clearly hear and see the end of period signals. The beginning of the sound signal shall mark the absolute conclusion of play. It is optional to have goal lights (to be run by minor officials) to indicate goals scored. (See Article 25).

The rink shall provide suitable dressing rooms with sanitary toilets and showers for the teams use as well as a comparable room for use by the on-ice officials.

a) A first aid room shall be available at all times to and should be equipped to handle minor injuries. A first aid kit should be kept in the room and should be fully stocked with the accepted necessary items. If at all possible, each team should have a person able to handle any minor first aid assistance.

b) The Ice Arena shall have an emergency telephone number list which is easily accessible to the Broomball Directors and should include the local fire department, police department, ambulance service, and hospital (in addition to the standard 000 number.)

a) The broom shall consist of a wooden or aluminium handle with a maximum circumference of 10cm that is commercially produced for Broomball and/or recognised by the ACTBA.

b) The length (distance from the tip of the broom to the end of the handle) shall not exceed 1.35m.

c) The head of the broom shall measure between 18 & 22cm in height, measured from the handle to the bottom of the broom.

d) The head of the broom shall measure between 10 & 15cm in width.

e) The base of the broom shall have a minimum width of 6.5cm.

f) The head of the broom shall be of moulded rubber compound and may not be wound in tape.

g) The minimum broom length shall be determined by measuring from the ice surface to the player's wrist as he/she stands with arms resting at his/her sides.

h) Maximum weight of a broom shall be 900grams.

i) Broom handles may be taped (provided that no plastic or elastic tape is used) up to 15cm from the top of the handle.

j) Referees may remove any broom they consider dangerous.

The ball shall be spherical, composed of a supple rubber envelope or similar matter. The ball shall be of a uniform colour (orange, blue, or black) with a circumference of between 44 & 48cm. It shall weigh between 225 & 275g. Any frozen, punctured, or deformed ball shall immediately be replaced.

a) Broomball shoes shall be designed for the players' safety. They shall be worn by all players, coaches, technical personnel, and trainers (unless otherwise stipulated in local house rules). No one shall walk on the ice without Broomball shoes (except as indicated). Non Broomball shoes should only be worn as commercially manufactured and supplied. No chemical or physical alterations should be made.

b) Official Broomball pants are not required unless specified. However, it is requested for all players on the same team to wear pants of the same colour.

c) Team jerseys are required of all players and must be of the same colour. All players shall have securely attached to the back of their jersey a legible whole number between 0 or 00 & 99. This number must be at least 18cm in height.

NOTE: It is the intent that protective equipment has but one purpose, which is to protect a player, not to give that player an advantage.

a) All protective equipment (unless otherwise approved by the officials) except for the gloves and helmet shall be worn and held in place underneath the uniform.

b) Helmets are required in all divisions. Recommended equipment includes Broomball shoes, elbow pads, shin guards, and knee pads. Helmets may have approved wire or plastic face guards. It is recommended that in all junior divisions, faces masks be required equipment.

c) Ice Hockey gloves, chest pads for men, lightweight shoulder pads, and breast protectors for women are permitted. Any body padding must be of soft nature with no hard covering (except protective cup).

d) Tape must be underneath the uniform unless allowed by the referees.

a) The goalkeeper may wear one glove with protective padding (a "blocker") that is either added to the back of the glove or is already a part of the glove. Measurements must conform to standard ice hockey equipment. Baseball mitts are not permitted.

b) An approved helmet with an attached full face protector is required and is to be worn at all times.

c) All shoulder pads and other body protectors shall take on the form of the body and must be worn underneath the jersey. No equipment may be made of metal.

d) Leg guards are permitted but must be worn underneath the pants. Standard ice/field hockey goalie leg pads are prohibited.

e) All other protective gear as required of other players is also required of the goalkeeper.

a) Each team may designate 1 captain and not more than 2 assistant captains. The captain shall wear a letter "C" on the front of their jersey or on an armband, while the assistant captains shall wear an "A." The letter shall be at least 7.5cm in height and shall be of a contrasting colour to the jersey. Without this identification, appropriate privileges shall not be given.

b) The captain and assistants are the designated representatives of the team. Only on-ice players have the right to act as captains or assistants. It is recommended that one of these persons be on the ice at all times. If more than one is on the ice, only one may speak with the officials and then only in a professional manner during a stoppage in play.

c) When a captain or assistant is penalised during the game, they lose all rights and privileges while that penalty is being served.

d) No goalkeeper, coach, manager, or trainer has the right to act as captain or assistant.

a) The coach's function is to oversee the smooth operation of the team before, during, and after the game.

b) Before the start of the game, the coach shall supply the official scorer with the names and numbers of all players present as well as the names and numbers of the captain, assistant(s) and goalkeeper. This list shall also have the names of any official team representative and shall be signed by the coach.

c) Should the team receive a bench penalty, the coach will indicate to the officials which player (who was on the ice at the time of the infraction) will serve the penalty.

d) The coach shall do their best to keep full control of all team members and shall dissuade players from resorting to violence or illegal tactics.

A team may designate one person as trainer who is officially responsible for their players in all matters pertaining to treatment of injuries (if a non-player is not present, the coach/captain may indicate a player to take that responsibility.) Players must report to the trainer any injury incurred and they should ensure the injury is reported on the game sheet.

NOTE: to act as a referee, a person must be recognised by the ACT Broomball Association (ACTBA) as one of

its officials.

a) The game is administered by 2 major and one or more minor officials. Major officials are designated as Referees, with one designated as the "Head" Referee who will have final say in any disputed matter. The minor officials are designated as the scorer, timekeepers, and goal judges.

b) The Referee is an independent contractor employed by the ACTBA, any of its local Associations or Clubs, or any league/ice arena who shall hire said referee. They are representing the appropriate Association during the game. It is their duty to enforce all Association rules and regulations. As they receive money for their work, referees are not considered a volunteer and shall be accountable for their actions.

c) The Referee(s) shall have sole authority and control of the game. Their decisions will be final and no appeal will be allowed based on the judgment of said referee. The Referees may change a decision of any minor official, provided the change precedes the resumption of play following the rendering of the original decision. The Referees shall enforce all rules and shall rule on situations not specifically covered by written rule. The Referees may increase any penalty, especially for deliberate or repeated abuse of the rules. The Referees may replace any minor official who interferes with the progress of the game. The Referees have jurisdiction over the game from the time of their entry onto the ice surface until the teams have left the ice surface. They are not required to confer with bench personnel during the game or its intermissions, but may do so to seek clarification or assistance.

d) The referee shall verify installations and equipment prior to the start of games. They shall deny access to the playing area to any player who does not conform with the uniform and equipment rules.

e) It is the job of the Referees to act fairly and impartially in all dealings and to always penalise a player, who following an illegal action, has placed an opponent at an unfair disadvantage. Penalties shall be applied as stipulated elsewhere in this rule book. The Referee shall also see to it that the game progresses as smoothly and quickly as possible.

f) Officials shall not enter into lengthy discussions with team representatives or players before, during, or immediately after a game unless circumstances require such discussions. Salutary greetings as long as they are kept brief and professional will be allowed.

g) Referees shall wear black officials pants, a black helmet, a long sleeve black and white striped official's shirt with the appropriate cresting and/or identification as per local or national association requirements and Broomball shoes. The Referees shall also carry a fingergrip whistle. Where available, referee game cards shall be carried and completed after any scores or infractions.

h) The referees shall wear a red or international orange wrist band on one arm so as to be able to indicate delayed penalties as opposed to other infractions such as icing, offsides, etc.

i) The referees shall indicate to the official scorer the infractions incurred and the penalties imposed as well as goals and assists scored. Immediately after the game, the referees shall obtain the game report from the scorer, verify it, allocate votes for Most Valuable Players, confirm that the Duty team was present, sign it, and return it to the scorer.

If at the last minute because of sickness or accident, an assigned official is unable to finish a game, the other official has the power to name a replacement if they feel it is in the best interests of that game or they may finish officiating the game alone. If for some reason the assigned official(s) are unable to present themselves at the game site, the managers or coaches of the teams involved shall agree on the choice of substitute officials. Otherwise, the team officials shall name a player from each team to act as referees. If the regularly assigned officials arrive during the course of the game, they shall immediately replace the temporary officials.

When an incident occurs before, during, or after a game, an official, officer or employee, as the case may be, shall submit an official report to the league, association or other group as is appropriate.

a) Any player or team representative who in words, actions, or gestures attempts to intimidate an official, coach, or other player shall be suspended indefinitely with their case to be brought before the Disciplinary Committee in authority.

b) Any player or team representative who spits on or at, molests, shoves, or hits an official or support person and/or interferes with the official's work shall be suspended indefinitely with their case to be brought before the Disciplinary Committee in authority.

c) Any player or team representative who threatens, or gestures disgracefully at an ACTBA or local association employee or officer shall be suspended indefinitely by the association involved until their case is brought before their ruling authority.

Any player, coach, or team representative judged by the officials to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be sent off the ice or bench to the dressing room or lobby areas and will be prohibited from re-entering the playing area for the duration of the game in progress. No tests shall be required to determine level of influence, as the decision is based solely on the officials' judgement whether the person in question is a risk to themselves or others.

a) SCORER: The scorer is under the authority of the referees. Tasks include producing an official game report with all appropriate statistical information including goals and penalties. Prior to the beginning of the game, the scorer will obtain from each team their complete lineup for the game in hand as well as being notified as to the captains, assistants, and goalkeepers. If a loudspeaker system is in use, the scorer (or an appointee) shall announce all goals and penalties along with all pertinent information. At the end of the game, the scorer shall sign the official game report, have each referee sign, and give it to the proper authority.

b) TIME KEEPER: The game time keeper is under the authority of the referees. Tasks include operating the timing devices and keeping the officials informed as to start time for each period as well as any overtime periods. In case of disagreement concerning the time, the matter shall be referred to the referees for adjustment and their decision shall be final.

c) PENALTY TIME KEEPER: The penalty time keeper is under the authority of the referees. Tasks include recording time remaining on any penalties and indicating to a penalised player, upon request, the amount of time remaining on said penalty. If a player leaves the penalty box before the penalty has expired, the penalty time keeper shall take note of the occurrence and notify the referees at the next stoppage in play. In the case of fighting, the penalty time keeper shall have the power to take note of the players numbers and to aid the referees in imposing related penalties. They must especially watch for players leaving the bench during a fight and for players getting involved in a fight after the original 2 players became involved in the altercation.

d) GOAL JUDGES (optional): The goal judges shall have the task of determining if the ball completely crosses the red goal line to penetrate the goal. If this is the case, they shall turn on the red goal light. It is not the goal judges task to determine the validity of a goal, but only to signal that the ball has completely crossed the goal line, independently of the manner and circumstances. It is the sole responsibility of the referees to determine if a goal is valid or not. Use of Goal Judges must be trialed in regular season matches before being used in finals.

e) DUTY TEAMS: During regular season games, teams are required to perform duty functions as officials for other games as indicated in the draw. These functions may be made up of: referee/s, scorer, time keeper, penalty time keeper or ball retriever. 1 bonus point in the standings will be awarded when 3 or more of these functions are performed by, or arranged by the duty team. No bonus point and no penalty will be awarded when only 2 of these functions are performed by, or arranged by the duty team. No bonus point and a possible 1 point penalty may be assessed (to be referred to the ACTBA Committee for a decision) when only 1 of these functions are performed by, or arranged by the duty team. No bonus point and a 1 point penalty will be assessed when none of these functions are performed by, or arranged by the duty team. Referees not registered with the duty team can not be claimed to have been arranged by the duty team. Names and signatures of these officials MUST appear on the official game sheet to be eligible for the bonus point and to avoid possible penalties.

a) The game shall be made up of at least two (2) and not more than three (3) equal periods. This does not include overtime, which may be added to the end of the game as indicated. A break of one minute will be allowed between periods. Overtime shall only be played during a finals series or playoff competition, to decide a game tied at the end of regular time. In overtime, teams play 4 against 4 without goalkeepers and with equal representation from both sexes. The minimum number of players on the ice in overtime is 3 for each side.

b) The game shall start at the scheduled time, except in the case of a preceding game running late. In such a case, the game will begin after a four minute warm-up period.

c) Upon completion of their game, players must leave the ice immediately to allow players in the next match warm-up time. Only players, officials and other sanctioned persons involved in the game in progress shall be allowed onto the playing surface during the warm up, game whilst in progress, and the interval between periods.

d) Where a player sustains an obvious injury, the referee should stop play immediately. The referee may call time out during normal play for equipment verifications and decision clarification by Captains or Assistants. In finals matches only, the last 5 minutes of the match shall be played as stop time.

e) The referee may abandon the game or call result pending if compliance to rules is found to be unsatisfied. This shall be done by submitting a match report on the game sheet for a decision by the ACTBA Committee. If the game is abandoned after play has commenced, goals and assists scored by the non-offending team only, shall count towards season statistics. A forfeit, for any other reason than not enough players to start the game (see Article 28 a), shall only be decided by the ACTBA Committee and shall be recorded as a 5 - 0 scoreline to the non-offending team.

Prior to the official start of a game, names may be added or deleted to or from the official roster (up to 18 players per team), but once the game has begun, changes to the roster may only be made by Officials.

a) If a team does not have the required number of players to complete its full initial lineup (6 players), they may still begin play providing they can field a minimum of 4 players (for mixed play see Article 29). If they are still unable to field a team, there will be a five minute waiting period at which time the opposing team will be awarded 1 goal per full minute of elapsed time (up to 5 goals) and the game will begin as soon as the minimum number of players appear on the ice. If, after the five minute "grace" period, the team is still unable to begin play, the game will go into the records as a 5-0 forfeit and any applicable fines shall be levied by the association.

b) A team must have a minimum of 4 (four) players and a maximum of 18 (eighteen) players to complete a legal roster.

c) If following injuries, penalties, or other occurrences, a team no longer has the required number of players available, that team shall forfeit the game even if they are ahead at that point. The score will be entered as 5-0 (if they are losing by more than 5 goals the score shall stand as is). Any time a team forfeits and that forfeit would advance the team into a playoff round, then that team will not be allowed to advance and the team with the next best record (including applicable tie-breakers) will advance. If a team with the required number of players available 'walks off' and refuses to complete a game, that team shall forfeit the game even if they are ahead at that point. The score will be entered as 5-0 (if they are losing by more than 5 goals the score shall stand as is) and they will be fined half of the game fee of their opponents. If a game gets abandoned, all statistics shall be counted except for the forfeiting team.

CONTACT: Teams considered to be contenders in national or international play. Available in Men's Checking and Women's Checking.

MIXED: In mixed play, the on-ice team lineup of players shall consist of a maximum of: 4 players of one sex plus 2 of the other sex, or 3 of each sex; and minimums of either, 2 of each sex, or, 3 of one sex plus 1 of the other sex, penalties not withstanding (ie. both sexes MUST be represented to commence a game). No intentional contact shall be permitted.

NON-CONTACT: Teams who play Broomball strictly for recreation (available in all divisions including junior no checking.)

JUNIOR: For players under 18 years of age. Full face helmets are compulsory and no contact shall be permitted.

a) The team scoring the greater number of goals during the game shall be declared the winner and shall be awarded two points in the standings or in case of finals shall advance according to the draw for winning finalists.

b) When overtime is not played and if the game ends in a tie, each team shall be awarded one point in the standings.

c) Losing teams shall not be awarded any points in the standings.

a) If, at the end of regulation time, the score is tied, the teams shall change ends and the overtime period shall begin with a centre ice face-off.

b) In overtime, the teams shall play four on four without goalkeepers (in mixed play, equal numbers of men and women shall begin play, penalties not withstanding). The minimum number of players on the ice is three per team during this period. If a team incurs a second penalty during overtime, the 2nd penalty will not begin until the first penalty has expired and the 1st penalised player whose penalty has expired cannot re-enter the game until there is a stoppage of play or the 2nd penalty has expired.

c) The first overtime period shall consist of a five minute stop time period, and total number of goals scored will determine the winner. If the score remains tied, there will be a one minute intermission with a second overtime period. However, this will be a sudden death period, with the first goal winning the game.

d) No player is allowed to make contact with the ball while in the goalkeeper's crease, unless the ball precedes the player into the crease.

e) If simultaneous minor or major penalties are issued, the players shall both take their places on their respective penalty benches but shall be replaced on the ice by other players (allowing four on four play to continue). The penalised players may not return to the ice or their team bench until their penalties have expired and there has been an official stoppage in play.

f) For a goal to be scored in overtime, the ball must have crossed the centre red line before it is shot into the net. A player can not score from their defensive side of the centre red line in any manner at any time during the overtime period. However, a defensive player can score a goal against their own team even if no opposition player is in their attacking half of the ice.

g) If one of the teams refuses to play the required overtime period(s), the other team shall be declared the winner and the score will show an additional 3 goals for the winning team.

h) In round robin tournament play (if overtime is being played), the goal difference in overtime will be counted as one goal for tie-breaking purposes.

Any team may lodge a protest disputing a game result to the ACTBA. Any notice of protest must be given to an official, by the captain or assistant captain, within 24 hours of the end of the game. At this time, that official must record on the back of the score sheet the incidents leading to the protest (time, rule etc.) and expand on the details of the report, to assist any Protest Committee in making a decision. The appropriate League or ACTBA representative must then send a copy of the protest to the opposing team within 24 hours of the protest and to any other parties as league/Association structure determines. A copy must also be sent to the ACTBA office. A deposit of $20 must accompany the protest. In the case of ACTBA sanctioned tournaments or championships which are being run by the ACTBA, the official protest and deposit must be made within 60 minutes to the Director of said event. The deposit shall be returned only in the event of the protest being accepted and the original decision being overturned. The protest must be signed by an official team representative and the referees. The referees officiating a game under protest must present a report of said incident to the Tournament Director or ACTBA Vice President - Administration within 60 minutes (or a reasonable amount of time depending upon the day and time of the game in question) of the end of the game. The protest committee's decision shall be final and without appeal. A protest can not be filed on the judgment of an official, however the judgment of an official can not deny a team's rights.

FORMALITIES: If the protest is rejected, the final result of the game will stand, the $20 deposit shall be forfeited and all measures related to the protest committees decision become final. In the case of a valid protest, the reimbursement of the $20 deposit shall be made immediately following the decision.

Purpose: To break the equality as soon as possible based on the highest criteria of competition. If a tie still exists in the standings after having two points for a win and one point for a tie, the following procedures shall be taken to break the tie. If more than one team is tied, the procedure will revert back to tie breaker 1 for the remaining teams after the first team has been declared the winner of the tie breaker.

Tie breaker 1: The team with the greater goal differential (plus/minus) considering the teams involved in the tie breaking, only.

Tie breaker 2: The team with the greater goal differential considering all teams in the division.

Tie breaker 3: The team with the most goals scored considering the teams involved in the tie breaker, only.

Tie breaker 4: The team with the most goals scored considering all teams in the division.

Tie breaker 5: The team with the fewest goals allowed considering the teams involved in the tie breaker, only.

Tie breaker 6: The team with the fewest goals allowed considering all teams in the division.

Tie breaker 7: Teams still tied will play a 5 minute period with regular rules and then a 5 minute overtime period if needed followed by a sudden death overtime period if still needed.

A goal shall be legal in the following cases and only when the ball has completely crossed the goal line prior to any whistle or official stoppage in play (including end of period buzzers):

a) When an attacking player directs or deflects the ball into the goal with the broom.

b) If the ball deflects (but is not directed) into the goal after hitting any part of the body including shoes of an attacking player.

c) If the ball is lodged in the goal in any manner by a member of the defensive team.

d) If the ball penetrates the goal while an attacking player is in the goalkeeper's crease as a result of being dragged or pinned there by a defensive player.

A goal shall be refused in the following cases:

e) The ball is hit, thrown or directed deliberately into the goal by an attacking player by any means other than the broom.

f) If the ball is hit by an attacking player with his broom higher than normal shoulder level (point of contact, not origination of the swing).

g) When an attacking player or any part of said player except the broom penetrates the goalkeeper's crease prior to the ball.

h) If the attacking player directs the ball with foot, hand, or any other body part and the ball bounces into the goal off a defending player.

i) If the ball bounces into the goal off of an official.

j) If the goal was scored in a manner not foreseen in the rules such as scoring after the buzzer or due to an illegal act.

An assist is the action of legally directing the ball to a teammate who then scores a goal. An assist shall be awarded to the player(s) who help the scorer score.

a) No more than two assists shall be awarded per goal.

b) Goals and assists shall each count as one point in scoring tabulations

a) Player substitution during stoppages of play are allowed but must not delay the resumption of play. Any change of players must be initiated before the officials are in position to conduct the face-off. All substitutions must be made at a running pace.

b) Player substitutions during play (on the fly) are permitted at any time. The player coming off the ice must have one hand on the boards before the player coming onto the ice, steps on the ice. If, however, while a change is being made and the number of players going onto the ice is greater than the number of players leaving the ice, there shall be no penalty if the players resume their seats on the bench without having interfered with the game in progress.

c) A player in the penalty box may be replaced upon expiration of the penalty. The player must go to the team bench first via the ice surface and then may be replaced by another player (note: a player at the end of a penalty does not have to be substituted).

d) Goalkeeper substitutions must be made during a stoppage in play (unless a player without goalkeeper privileges is sent into the game) by notifying the on ice officials. No warm up shots will be allowed unless the change in goalkeepers was made due to injury. In substituting an additional attacker for the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper must first leave the ice at the team bench and then be replaced by the attacking player. Following a goalkeeper switch, the replaced goalkeeper may become a player and vice versa.

a) The goalkeeper has special privileges while inside or in contact with the crease. When outside of this area, the goalkeeper is considered as any other player and loses these special privileges.

b) The goalkeeper:

1. May, in stopping the ball, catch, trap, cover, kick or bat the ball with their feet, hands, or broom in any direction. In clearing the ball, the goalkeeper may pick it up, carry it out of the crease, or throw it towards the nearest end of the rink. In doing these acts, the goalkeeper may not hold the ball for more than three seconds;

2. May not deliberately hide the ball in their equipment or clothing;

3. May not deliberately throw or bat the ball towards the opponent's end of the rink (except while in the action of making a save);

4. May not deliberately throw or bat the ball out of the rink;

5. May not interfere with an opponent who is not playing the ball;

6. May not deliberately displace the goal to disrupt play;

7. May not use the broom (whether contact is made or not) to intimidate or harass an opponent;

c) The goalkeeper may use special equipment inherent to said function as allowed by the rules of the game.

d) A goalkeeper shall not be sent to the penalty bench except for a game disqualification, game misconduct, and a match penalty. A minor, major, or misconduct penalty shall be served by a player already on the ice at the time of the infraction selected by the offending team's coach or captain.

e) Only the goalkeeper, in contact with the crease, may freeze or cover the ball, and that, only if opposing players are in the immediate vicinity.

f) If the ball lodges on or behind in the net, it is considered to have been frozen by the goalkeeper regardless of what caused it to be there.

a) A legal pass is one made with the foot or broom. A pass made with one's hand, intercepted and controlled by the opponent is also allowed. A goalkeeper may pass with a hand provided they're in contact with the crease and the pass is made laterally or behind the goal.

b) Anytime the ball is batted with the hand or kicked with the foot by the attacking team and goes into the goal crease, there shall be an immediate stoppage of play and a face off in the appropriate location.

a) The ball shall be put into play by a face-off. The two players participating in the face-off shall DIRECTLY face adverse territory, with one foot either side of an imaginary line passing through the centre of the face-off spot and squared in relation to the red centre line. They must leave between themselves, and particularly between their shoulders, a distance of approximately one broom length. They must be completely on-side, with no part of their body projecting above an imaginary extension of the face off spot. The players may not contact each other before the ball is dropped. The player's brooms shall be in contact with the ice outside of the face-off spot and centred so as not to interfere with the dropping of the ball. When dropped, the ball must first touch the ice before the players may play it. Players must take their respective positions immediately when directed by the official. Players may not strike at or make a motion to interfere with the dropping of the ball prior to the drop.

b) The ball may be played in any direction after the official drops it, but never with any upward motion.

c) On face-offs without a circle, no players other than those facing off shall be permitted within approximately 4.5 metres of the face-off spot. On face-offs with a circle, no players other than those facing off shall be allowed inside the circle.

Following a stoppage in play, a face-off will take place based upon the location of the ball at the time of the cause of the stoppage in play. Under normal circumstances, the face-off will go back one zone for the offending team from that location (unless otherwise indicated in this Rulebook).

a) Following a goal, and at the start of every period, the face-off will take place at centre ice.

b) If a stoppage of play occurs as the result of the simultaneous action of two players, the face-off will occur at the closest face-off spot in the zone where the stoppage occurred.

c) After a stoppage for offside, the face-off will take place at the spot nearest the attacking team's defensive blue line.

d) In overtime, if a goal is scored by an attacking player from inside their defending half of ice, the face-off shall take place in the zone where the shot originated.

e) When a stoppage of play occurs for any reason not covered in the rules, the face-off shall take place at the face-off spot nearest to the location where the stoppage of play occurred.

f) In the event of a referee's inadvertent whistle or referee's mistake, the face-off will take place in the zone of the team who had control of the ball at the time of the inadvertent or incorrect whistle. In the event of an inadvertent whistle based on an icing call, the ensuing face-off shall take place at centre ice (see Art. 72).

A player is offside when both shoes on the ice are completely over the outer edge of the Red Centre line (offensive blue line for Floating Blue Line Offside) at the instant the ball completely crosses the outer edge of that line. Upon legal entry into the offensive zone, the attacking team need only keep the ball in it's half (from centre red line to offensive goal ) of the playing area to maintain its onside positioning. Should the ball return behind the centre red line, then onsides must be re-established again at the centre red line (offensive blue line for Floating Blue Line Offside). The on-side zone is considered lost when a face-off occurs outside the red centre line and must be re-established after that face-off. The position of the shoes and not that of the broom will determine if a player precedes the ball into the offensive territory. A player is not offside as long as one shoe touches the outer edge of the nominated line.

a) Offside is automatically whistled when a team mate of the guilty player enters into the offensive territory with the ball before the offending player regains an onside position or when a team mate of the guilty player takes possession of the ball in the offensive territory before all offending team members clear the zone simultaneously.

b) A delayed offside will occur during any of the following:

1. When a member of the team in possession of the ball precedes the latter into the offensive territory and the ball is clearly intercepted by a player of the opposing team, and then carried or passed back over the centre red line, the delayed offside is cancelled and play continues.

2. In the case of a delayed offside, if the player who is in possession of the ball causes a stoppage of play due to any other rule infringement, it is this latter infraction that dictates where the resulting face-off shall be.

3. If on a delayed offside, the offending team immediately clears the offensive zone, the delayed offside will be cancelled and play will continue. The attacking zone must be completely clear of all attacking players for the off-sides to be nullified while the ball is still in that attacking zone.

4. If on a delayed offside, the ball is shot by an attacking player and enters the goal crease or goal, play shall stop immediately (no goal).

c) If, in the official's opinion, a player of the offside team committed the offside intentionally either by shooting the ball into the offensive zone while a team mate is in said zone or by not attempting to clear the offensive zone, the face-off shall occur in the offending team's defensive zone.

Icing is the act of any player of either team, which is equal or superior in numerical strength to the opposing team, shooting, deflecting, kicking, or batting (intentionally or unintentionally) the ball from behind the centre red line to beyond their attacking zone goal line. Should this occur, the whistle is delayed and not blown until a non-goaltending player of the non-offending team first touches the ball. When Icing is called, the resulting face-off is conducted at the closest end-zone face-off spot to where the ball was touched to initiate the Icing.

NOTE: If a team begins, and continues, the game short handed, ie. 4 or 5 players, and has their maximum allowed number of players on the ice, penalties not withstanding, they shall be considered to have 6 players on the ice for the purposes of this rule.

Icing shall be waived off with play continuing if:

a) Icing results directly from a face-off.

b) A player from the offending team touches the ball first or if the ball is touched before it crosses the goal line;

c) The ball touches the goalkeeper or their equipment, including touching the line or penetrating the goalkeepers crease.

d) The ball goes into the goal (in which case the goal is counted and play is stopped).

e) The goalkeeper is outside the crease at the moment the ball crosses the centre red line or the goalkeeper leaves the crease after the ball has crossed the centre red line.

f) A player from the non-offending team did not make a reasonable effort, in the referee's opinion, to reach the ball before it crossed the goal line or if a player from either team could have reached the ball before it crossed the goal line.

g) If the team icing the ball is shorthanded due to a penalty.

NOTE: If the goalkeeper has been replaced by an additional attacking player, points c & e are not taken into account.

If for any reason whatsoever, the ball is hidden or frozen beneath a player or players, the official closest to the play will blow the whistle for a stoppage in play.

a) A player who has dropped their broom may participate without a broom until the next stoppage in play, until they recover their broom, or may get another broom directly from the bench during play or from a teammate already on the ice.

b) Another player may not intentionally direct the broom nearer to or away from the player who dropped it.

a) Any handing over of a broom must be made from one hand to another.

b) A player may not at any time participate in play while in possession of more than one broom. This includes brooms held in a hand, kicked with the foot, or other similar description.

a) If a team refuses to play the ball when there is a delayed stoppage of play or penalty signalled by the official, play shall be stopped.

b) A player who leaves the ball in front of them for more than 3 seconds without playing it shall be considered to be refusing to play the ball and the official shall stop play immediately (delay of game penalty may be issued.)

The player who is in possession of the ball in their defensive zone must constantly move the ball towards the opponents end except if prevented from doing so by an opponent. Voluntarily bringing the ball back into the defensive zone with the intent of killing time and barricading (the formation of a barricade in front of the goal by the defensive team) are also forbidden.

When the ball leaves the ice surface or touches any object that is not part of the playing surface, the referee shall call an automatic stoppage. The last player to touch the ball will be considered the offending player in determining the face-off location. If the ball hits any part of the goal and leaves the ice surface, it is considered to have been hit by the goalkeeper, and the ensuing face-off shall remain in that zone.

At any moment during play, if a ball other than the official game ball appears on the ice surface, the game shall not be stopped unless that second ball interferes with the ongoing play. If the second ball is not interfering with the play, play shall not be stopped until the normal completion of that play.

Play shall not be stopped if the ball touches an official anywhere on the ice surface, except if this causes it to bounce directly into the goal.

Any ball intentionally hit or directed by the hand, foot, high broom, or body into the goal crease by a player of the attacking team shall result in an automatic stoppage in play.

a) In games, where body contact is allowed, it is permitted for players converging on the ball to make contact when one of the players is in possession of the ball. Contact is also allowed after the ball has been passed/kicked/released to another player, providing the contact takes place in the general vicinity of the ball's former location and is within the rules.

b) In games where checking is not allowed, incidental contact will be allowed when one player is in possession of the ball. After the ball has been passed/kicked/released to another player, the onus is on both players to avoid any contact. If the referee considers insufficient attempt was made to avoid contact, an Interference infringement may be called on either or both players.

a) Except for the goalkeeper in their crease attempting to make a save, it is forbidden to touch or hit the ball with one's broom higher than normal shoulder level. If the infraction occurred as a result of a reflex action in open space (ie with no danger to other persons) this action will result in an automatic stoppage in play if the ball is recovered by the offending player or a team mate of the offending player.

b) If in the opinion of the official, high broom contact is dangerous, a penalty will be assessed. As with all penalties, if the non-offending team has an advantage after the infraction, the penalty may be delayed until the advantage is lost or a goal is scored by the non offending team. The goalkeeper is not allowed to use their broom to intimidate or harass an opponent.

c) Any player (including goalkeepers outside of their crease) making contact with the ball with their broom above head height at normal stance and considered by the official to be anything other than a reflex action, shall be assessed a delay of game penalty (delayed penalty).

a) If a player is injured in such a manner that they can not continue or return to the bench, play shall be stopped when their team gains possession of the ball. If the injured player's team is in possession of the ball at the time of injury, play shall be stopped immediately unless their team is in immediate scoring position, in which case the official shall allow play to continue. If it is the referee's opinion that the injury is serious, the play shall be immediately stopped, regardless of which team has possession of the ball.

b) If a penalised player is injured, they shall be allowed to go directly to the dressing room and another player who was on the ice at the time of the penalty shall serve the injured player's penalty. If that penalised player returns to the team bench before expiration of said penalty, they may not take part in the game until the penalty has expired. However, that player must return to the penalty bench (if feasible) at the earliest stoppage in play.

c) If an injured player (other than the goalkeeper) is the reason for a stoppage in play, that player must be replaced by another player prior to the upcoming face-off.

d) If a goalkeeper is injured, they are allowed 2 minutes to continue or shall be replaced by another goalkeeper.

e) If a goalkeeper is replaced due to injury, a 1 minute warm-up shall be allowed for the new goalkeeper.

a) The purpose of issuing a penalty is to give the offended team an opportunity equivalent to the one it lost due to the infraction that was committed; to oblige both teams to play within the rules of the game; and to eliminate from the playing area any individual who refuses to comply with the rules.

b) A penalty is defined as banishment from the ice for a given period of time. Penalties are to be measured in actual playing time with more serious rule infractions requiring longer penalties. The elapsed time of the penalty is measured from the moment of the face-off taking place following the penalty being issued.

c) It is important that particular attention be given to infractions occurring after a whistle has been blown and play stopped.

d) In the case of simple infractions, the guilty or designated player shall go immediately to the penalty box (except the goalkeeper as noted elsewhere in this rule book). In the case of game disqualifying penalties, the player(s) shall go immediately to their dressing room and may not return to the team bench for the remainder of the game.

e) No goalkeeper shall be sent to the penalty box for minor, major, or misconduct penalties, but these penalties shall be served by a team mate on the ice at the time the penalty was issued.

f) A team penalty arises when an unidentified player or team representative commits the infraction. The penalty will be served by a player who was on the ice at the time of the infraction.

g) In the case of a penalty to an injured player, goalkeeper, or the bench, the team representative via the captain or assistant captains will immediately designate a player who was on the ice at the time of the infraction, to serve the penalty. If this player is not selected at once, the officials may choose a player who was on the ice at the time of the infraction, to serve said penalty.

h) A delayed penalty is in effect when a rule infraction occurs by a team not in possession of the ball. The penalty is not assessed until the guilty team controls the ball. (NOTE: a ball deflecting off a player or goalkeeper is not considered control; however, an official save made by a goalkeeper is considered control.)

a) A minor penalty requires that the guilty player leave the ice and his team play shorthanded during two minutes of play.

b) When a team plays with a numerical disadvantage caused by one or more minor penalties, and the opponents score one or more goals, the penalties shall immediately end in a successive and chronological manner, beginning with the penalty that first created the numerical disadvantage.

A minor team penalty requires that the penalised team play shorthanded by one player during two minutes of play. The penalty will end if the shorthanded team is scored on during the two minutes. The penalty shall be served by a player who was on the ice at the time of the infraction. Double minor penalties may be issued based on severity of incident.

a) Minor penalties issued simultaneously to both teams do not cause numerical inequalities. However, the penalised players are not replaced on the ice and neither penalty is cancelled if either team scores.

b) If a player is issued 3 minor penalties during the same sequence of play, the third penalty becomes a major penalty with the major penalty being served first. The player will be issued a total of 9 minutes in penalties.

c) If coincidental minor penalties are issued during regulation time and the game continues into overtime, the teams will start the overtime period four on four. The penalised players will return to the ice surface following a stoppage in play after their penalties have expired.

a) A major penalty requires that the guilty player leave the ice and his team play shorthanded for five minutes of stop time. The penalised player must serve the entire penalty, regardless of how many goals are scored by the non-offending team.

b) If a player receives a major and a minor in the same sequence of play, the major penalty shall be served first. An exception shall be made when player from team "A" receives a major at the same time a player from team "B" receives a major and minor penalty. The minor penalty of player "B" is served first (by another player from that team who was on the ice at the same time) giving player "A's team a one man advantage for two minutes. Upon completion of the minor penalty, the player serving the minor penalty will return to the ice, leaving the original players in the penalty boxes for their five minute penalties. The penalised players are then eligible to return to play on the first stoppage of play following expiration of their major penalties.

c) If a player receives two major penalties in the same game, an additional game disqualification will be issued to that player. A substitute player (who was on the ice at the time the second major penalty was issued) will serve the second major penalty for the originally penalised player.

A major team penalty requires that the penalised team play shorthanded during five minutes of stop time, whether a goal is scored or not. The penalty shall be served by a player who was on the ice at the time of the infraction.

When major penalties are awarded at the same time to the same number of players on each team, all players shall take their places in their respective penalty boxes and remain there until the first stoppage of play after the penalties have expired. These players shall be replaced on the ice for the duration of the penalty.

a) A misconduct penalty requires the guilty player to leave the ice for ten minutes of game time. In addition, the penalised team will receive an additional two minute minor penalty to be served by a player on the ice at the time of the misconduct penalty. The minor penalty will be served first at which time the ten minute misconduct will begin. The penalised player may not return to the players bench until the first stoppage in play after the misconduct penalty has expired.

b) A misconduct penalty issued to a goalkeeper requires that two players who were on the ice at the time of the penalty take their places in the penalty box. One of the substitutes will serve the minor penalty with the other serving the misconduct.

c) A misconduct penalty issued in the last five minutes of a game shall automatically become a game misconduct.

d) In the case of any game disqualification, game misconduct or match penalty being issued, the officials shall submit a written report to the appropriate authority.

When a player is issued a second misconduct penalty in a game, the second penalty automatically becomes a game misconduct. In such a case, the officials shall submit a written report to the proper authority.

A game disqualification penalty expels a player from the remainder of the current game, regardless of when the penalty was issued during said game. There is no automatic minor penalty associated with a game disqualification. The score sheet shall reflect a ten minute penalty. In such a case, the officials shall submit a written report to the proper authority and the disqualified player shall automatically serve a one game suspension.

A game misconduct penalty results in the guilty player being expelled from the remainder of the current game. The player is also suspended from their next game, regardless of when the game misconduct penalty was issued. The score sheet shall reflect a ten minute penalty. In such a case, the officials shall submit a written report to the proper authority.

a) A match penalty involves the expulsion of the guilty player or representative for the rest of the game. It also results in an automatic three game suspension (excluding the current game).

b) Whatever sanction the disciplinary committee may choose to issue, the penalised player may not resume activity after the suspension until they have obtained proper authorisation from the disciplinary committee. Additional sanctions can include extra suspension, probation, or a combination of both.

c) The score sheet shall reflect a ten minute penalty.

d) The game officials shall submit a written report to the proper authority.

e) A match penalty shall also incur a major team penalty.

When the defensive team's goalkeeper has been removed from the ice or is not in front of his goal, and is unable to block a direct shot at their goal, and an attacking player is in the clear with the ball in his opponents territory, with no defensive player between himself and his opponents goal, a goal shall be awarded if:

a) this player is hampered by an opponent having illegally entered onto the ice;

b) the ball carrier is hindered from behind, thus preventing him from having a clear shot at the open goal;

c) a defensive player throws his broom or any other object, even if it does not reach the ball carrier.

Also, if a high shot has been directed towards the goal and a player (or goalkeeper outside of their crease) intentionally touches or hits the ball above their normal head height with their broom, a goal shall be awarded if, in the opinion of the official, no other defensive player could have made a legal save. The official does NOT have to be certain that the ball was going to go into the goal before the offence was committed.

The referee may, when specified by the appropriate regulation, award a game to the non-guilty team. A written report shall be submitted to the proper authority. The VP Technical can review decision or player appeal within 48 hours. A Judiciary must be held ASAP.

a) The clock remains stopped for the penalty shot. If the infraction calls for a penalty shot, no other minor penalty will be issued. If the player due the penalty shot is unable to do so due to injury, a teammate who was on the ice at the time of the infraction shall be designated to take the penalty shot. If the goalkeeper of the penalised team was not on the ice at the time of the infraction, and the infraction does not call for a goal to be awarded by decision, they will be allowed to return to the ice to face the penalty shot. Only the goalkeeper of record at the time of the infraction will be allowed to face the penalty shot. The player entitled to the penalty shot shall nominate their choice of penalty shot to the referee immediately between options b) and c) described below.

b) The referee shall place the ball on the centre ice face-off spot and on his instruction, the player plays the ball from there in an attempt to score on the goalkeeper. The ball must be kept in a forward motion towards the opponent's goal line, and once the ball is shot, the play shall be considered complete. A goal can not be scored on a rebound. The goalkeeper must remain in the crease until after the ball has crossed the adjacent blue line. If this rule is violated, the player is entitled to retry if a goal is not scored.

c) The referee shall place the ball 7.5 metres from the opponents goal line, directly in front of the goal. The player shoots the ball from this point at the goals. The goalkeeper may not come out of the goal crease.

d) All other players on the ice must be on the opposite side of the red centre line and cannot interfere either physically or verbally with the attempt.

e) If a goal is scored during the penalty shot, any previous penalties are not cancelled and remain in effect.

f) The face off after an unsuccessful penalty shot will take place in the defensive zone of the penalised team.

a) When a player is issued a penalty and their team is in control of the ball, the official shall whistle immediately and impose the penalty.

b) When a player incurs a penalty while the ball is not in their team's possession, the official shall signal a delay penalty by raising their arm with the armband on it. The official shall whistle as soon as the offending team controls the ball.

c) In the event the same player should commit other infractions in the same sequence of play, whether before or after the whistle, they shall serve all the applicable penalties consecutively.

d) If during a delayed penalty call, a player from the other team incurs a penalty, the official shall immediately blow the whistle and issue all applicable penalties.

e) If during a delayed penalty call, a second or third player from the same team is to be issued a penalty, the official shall not blow the whistle until the offending team controls the ball. At that time all penalties shall be assessed.

f) When a delayed penalty is signalled and the non-offending team scores a goal before a stoppage, the goal will count and the initial minor penalty will not be imposed. All other penalties shall be imposed as usual.

g) If a delayed penalty is signalled and the non-offending team scores into its own goal, the goal shall stand and the penalty will be applied. If during this time, the offending player's team scores a goal, it will be nullified and the penalty will then be assessed.

h) If a team is playing shorthanded due to a minor penalty and the official signals a delayed penalty to the same team, any goal scored by the non-offending team will stand and the penalty which first resulted in the shorthanded situation will expire.

i) If a penalty can not be served due to lack of players, a penalty shot shall be awarded.

a) An official may modify their decision as long as the face-off following that decision has not yet taken place.

b) The face-off will take place in the neutral zone where play was occurring at the time of the error.

NOTE: In the case of conflict between recorded time and a player's penalty time, it is the responsibility of the penalised player to ensure that the release time is correct. If a player stays in the penalty box too long and a goal is scored, neither the goal nor the game can be protested.

Any change of players on the ice that does not respect the correct procedures. The player leaving the ice must be close enough to have one hand on the boards before the replacement player can enter the ice surface.

Any player delaying the game to adjust, modify, or change their equipment. A player must leave the ice to do any of the above, goalkeeper excluded, who may request an official's time out during a stoppage in play to make any adjustments.

Any player or person who interferes with the ball while not on the ice, or, if during a player substitution, the player leaving the ice intentionally touches the ball.

In overtime, it is forbidden for a player in their defensive zone to stop the ball while in contact with the goalkeeper's crease unless the ball precedes the player into the crease or the player receives a pass from a teammate while in the crease.

a) Any player who deliberately freezes, lifts, carries or closes their hand over the ball.

b) If, during over time, the ball is frozen by the defence in the goalkeeper's crease.

c) The goalkeeper may not freeze the ball while in their crease for more than 3 seconds unless an opponent is in the vicinity.

A goalkeeper may not participate in the play beyond the central red line. The foot or equipment may not touch the red line unless if they are going directly to their team bench for a replacement.

Any player or team who at any time deliberately delays the game in any manner. This includes:

a) After being warned by the officials, player substitutions are not made on the run.

b) A team deliberately delays the game by consecutively icing the ball a third time without any attempt at making forward progress with the ball.

c) A player deliberately delays the game by sending, hitting, or throwing the ball outside the playing surface.

d) If a player, even the goalkeeper, intentionally dislodges the net from its normal position. (NOTE: If the goalkeeper intentionally dislodges the net while the opposing team is on a breakaway, a Penalty Shot will be awarded.)

e) Any captain or assistant captain who leaves the team bench to talk with an official and then returns to the bench, or any non-captain or non-assistant captain who attempts to act as a captain or assistant captain.

f) If the goalkeeper throws or intentionally lets the ball drop onto the net or intentionally hits the ball out of play to cause a stoppage in play.

g) Any team that continues to refuse to progress with the ball, that persists in using the back zone or that continues to barricade in front of its net.

h) Any player (including goalkeepers outside of their crease) making contact with the ball with their broom above head height at normal stance and considered by the official to be anything other than a reflex action.

a) Any team that, after being warned by the official, refuses to start or continue play, leaves the ice, or will not present itself on the ice.

b) If a team is absent at the time a game is scheduled to begin, the officials shall set the game clock at five minutes and allow it to run for that period of time. If the team shows up to play within that five minute period of time, the opposing team shall be awarded 1 goal for every minute the team is late (up to a 5 goal maximum). If the team fails to show up at all, the game will be entered as a 5-0 win in the standings for the team that was present.

Any player(s) who after being warned by the officials hits the boards with the broom or any other object, whether or not the official is able to identify the guilty party.

a) Except in the case of an injured player, any player or person in charge who deliberately leaves the team bench to go on the ice when it is forbidden to do so or any player, deliberately or not, who leaves the penalty bench before the end of their penalties, or who has not received authorisation to leave.

SANCTION: Minor Penalty or Minor Team Penalty.....NOTE: Any goal scored by the guilty player's team shall be disallowed while any goal scored by the non-guilty team shall be allowed. All penalties issued during that time shall be valid.

b) If a penalised player leaves the penalty bench voluntarily or by error before the end of the penalty, whether during play or not.

SANCTION: Minor Penalty.....NOTE: Any goal scored by the guilty player's team shall be disallowed with any goal scored by the non-guilty team shall count. Any penalty issued during that time shall be valid.

c) If a player returns to the ice due to a mistake of the penalty time keeper.

SANCTION: Player will finish serving the penalty. Any goal scored by their team shall be disallowed while a goal scored by the non-offending team will count. Any penalty issued during that time shall be valid.

d) If a penalised and injured player returns to the team bench before the penalty has expired and participates in play before the penalty has ended.

e) During the game, the person in charge (coach) shall not go beyond the limits of the area occupied by the team bench, including the door used by that team.

f) Any team representative or trainer who goes on the ice after the game has begun, without the permission of the referee.

g) Any player from either team who leaves the team bench either during a fight or who becomes involved in a fight.

a) During a stoppage in play, the official shall verify equipment worn by any player if so requested by the captain or assistant captain of either team. The official shall immediately inspect the suspected violation. Only one measurement (verification) per team per stoppage in play shall be allowed. If the equipment proves to be legal, a penalty shall be issued to the team requesting the verification. If the equipment proves to be illegal, the guilty team shall be penalised. (NOTE: Any illegal equipment shall be removed and legalised without delay after the guilty player has left the ice.)

b) If measuring has been requested immediately following a goal and the equipment (broom) proves to be illegal.

c) If a player who is determined to have illegal equipment, other than a broom, is on the ice at the time of a goal or scores a goal, the goal shall be valid.

d) If a player refuses to have a piece of equipment measured.

All pieces of equipment that do not conform with stipulated rules and are used or worn by a player on the ice. SPECIFIC ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT: All pieces that do not conform to the rules, any broken broom, any broom wrapped in metal wire or to which has been added any other metal or wooden piece, any broom with the head wrapped in tape to disguise a broken broom head, any protective equipment worn or attached outside the uniform (unless specifically approved in advance by the officials), any unsecured protective helmet after a warning has been given by the official, the use of more than one identical number by players on the same team.

All pieces of equipment used by a player on the ice while their use is forbidden by the rules. SPECIFIC FORBIDDEN EQUIPMENT: Shoes bearing spikes or studs or chemically modified to give a traction advantage, padded hockey pants (or similar), pieces of leather added to the exterior of the jersey or pant for added protection, any protective helmet with a cage or mask as deemed unsafe by the officials, any glove with a basket, baseball or goalie style trapper.

Any player who participates in play in possession of a broken broom or piece thereof.

SANCTION: Minor Penalty.....NOTE: A player with a broken broom must immediately drop all pieces of the broken broom onto the ice and may not throw said pieces over the boards or onto the team or penalty bench area.

Any player in possession of more than one broom while on the ice.

Any player or players who act illegally during a face off including executing a face-off in an upward motion and a player whose actions lead to physical contact during said face-off.

SANCTION: Minor Penalty.....NOTE: The officials have the privilege to remove any player from the face off circle.

Any captain or assistant captain who requests a rule interpretation while in the penalty box.

Any coach who fails in his/her duty to maintain order on his/her team.

A lack of ethics towards either the opponent, spectator, or officials.

a) If a player or person in charge uses abusive language towards whomever it may be during a game.

b) If the official is unable to identify the person guilty of said language in definition 1.

c) If a player or person in charge already guilty of said unsportsmanlike conduct persists in such behaviour or seeks to provoke an opponent into incurring a penalty through the use of threats, abusive language or provocative gestures.

d) If a player or person in charge makes use of gross gestures or takes part in a fist fight outside of the ice surface.

e) If a player on the ice takes part in a fist fight with a player not on the ice surface.

f) If a player or person in charge deliberately spits on or at an opponent, person in charge or spectator.

g) No tobacco products or alcoholic beverages are allowed on the team or penalty benches.

h) Any player, coach or team representative who participates while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

i) If a player intentionally moves the ball away from the official.

j) Any player or team representative who by words or gestures argues a decision or shows contempt towards the officials.

k) If the official is unable to identify the person or persons guilty of said behaviour.

l) If the infraction is committed before or after the game.

a) If a player or team representative throws an object onto or off of the ice during a stoppage in play.

b) If a player on the ice throws a broom or part of a broom or any other object in the direction of a player in possession of the ball.

c) If a player throws a broom to a teammate who has dropped or broken a broom.

d) If a player on the ice throws a broom in the direction of a player in possession of the ball on a breakaway with no one between that player and the goalkeeper.

e) If a player or representative throws any object at an opposing team member, spectator, or official.

The action of interfering with the advance of an opponent who is not in possession of the ball unless that player has just gotten rid of the ball; the action of removing the broom from the hands of an opponent (including the act of deliberately kicking at the broom); the action of stopping an opponent who has dropped his/her broom from recovering the broom; making contact with the goalie while the goalie is in their goal crease unless the ball entered the crease first; generally not giving an opponent the chance to make a play for a ball (taking away that player's opportunity to do so).

a) The act of holding an opponent with one's hand, broom, or otherwise.

b) Holding a player or that player's broom while said player is in the attacking zone and is deprived from having an open shot on goal on the goalkeeper.

a) Any player who places a knee, broom, foot, arm, hand, elbow or other item in such a manner as to cause the opponent to fall to the ice.

b) If a trip occurs in the guilty player's defensive or defensive neutral zone and deprives the attacking player from having an open shot on the goalkeeper.

c) If a player injures an opponent as a result of a trip.

d) If a player leaves their feet (whether or not that player reaches the ball) and trips an opponent.

SANCTION: Minor Penalty (NOTE: If in the act of taking away the ball from an opponent, the opponent is tripped in the follow-through with the broom, no penalty will be called).

a) Any deliberate fall of a player on the ice whether to reach the ball or not while following an opponent, causing the opponent to fall.

b) Any player who submarines another player (putting the knee to the ice, bending very low etc.)

c) If an obstructive tripping causes an injury.

d) If in the opinion of the official the obstructive trip was with intent to injure.

a) The act of stopping or trying to stop the advance of an opponent by hooking the opponent with one's broom or body.

b) If the infraction is committed against the ball carrier who is deprived of having an open shot on goal on the goalkeeper.

c) If the act of hooking results in an injury to the fouled player.

a) The act of hitting or attempting to hit an opponent or an opponent's broom with one's own broom, held in one or both hands and with the intent of hampering that player's progress.

b) If the slash is made with excessive force or is made against the goalkeeper in the reserved zone.

c) If a slashing results in an injury to one's opponent.

d) If in the official's opinion there was deliberate attempt to injure an opponent.

a) The action of hitting an opponent with one's knee or elbow.

b) If the gesture is made violently and/or the opponent is injured.

c) If in the official's opinion, there was deliberate attempt to injure an opponent.

a) The action of hurling or throwing oneself upon your opponent, or assailing your opponent (NOTE: There is NO number of steps required to incur a charging penalty.)

b) If this infraction takes place in the goalies reserved zone against the goalkeeper.

c) If a player charges an opponent from the rear.

d) If the infraction results in an injury to the opponent.

e) If the infraction is committed against an opponent in the attacking zone and that player is deprived of having an open shot on the goalkeeper.

f) If in the opinion of the official there was deliberate attempt to injure the opponent.

a) There is to be no hitting or checking from behind while the opponent is unaware of the assailant's position and there is to be no excessive force.

b) If the infraction occurs and deprives the player from having a breakaway with an open shot on the goalkeeper.

c) If the action results in an injury to the opponent.

d) If in the opinion of the official there was deliberate intent to injure the opponent.

a) The act of making contact with an opponent with one's broom holding it with both hands apart on the handle or together on the handle with force.

b) If the infraction is done violently, occurs above the opponent's normal shoulder height, injures an opponent, or cross checks a goalkeeper inside the reserved zone.

c) If in the opinion of the official there was deliberate attempt to injure the opponent.

a) The act of checking or hitting an opponent above shoulder level with one's broom.

b) The act of swinging one's broom above one's own shoulder level in a dangerous manner with an opponent in close proximity.

c) If the infraction causes injury to the opponent.

d) If in the opinion of the official there was deliberate attempt to injure the opponent.

a) The action of maintaining body contact when checking an opponent into the boards and pinning that player to the boards in finishing off the check or checking a player with excessive force when that player is stationary against the boards.

b) If the infraction is done in a violent manner and/or the player is injured.

c) If in the opinion of the official there was deliberate attempt to injure the opponent.

Any player who whirls their broom in the direction of an opponent without hitting that player or through words or gestures attempts to intimidate that opponent.

a) Any player who in making contact with an opponent uses brutality, excessive force, pushes that player away violently, or uses excessive physical aggressiveness on that opponent.

b) If a player uses excessive roughness and/or checks an opponent with the hand or shoulder above that opponent's shoulders.

c) If a player injures an opponent as a result of the roughing

d) If a player grabs an opponent's helmet or face mask in any manner

GENERAL DEFINITION: The act of two players throwing punches and at least one of the players making contact with those punches.

a) If it is determined that there is an obvious instigator in the fight, an additional minor penalty will be given to that player.

b) If a player is an instigator or receives a fighting penalty more than once in a game, then an additional game misconduct will be given.

c) When a player enters into an existing fight even if in the role of attempted peacemaker, then an additional game misconduct will be given to the guilty player

d) When a goalkeeper leaves the crease, does not go to the bench but in the direction of an existing fight, the goalkeeper will be given a game misconduct penalty.

e) Any other players who come onto the ice once a fight has begun, whether or not they become involved in the fight will be given game disqualification penalties.

f) Any player who while fighting kicks an opponent, headbutts, pulls hair, bites or scratches that opponent will be given a match penalty.

When two or more players on the same team fight with each other whether on or off the ice.

SANCTION: Game Disqualification

The act of hitting an opponent with an end of the broom.

Any player who tries to injure or deliberately injures an opponent, representative, official, or spectator in any way whatsoever; Any player using any part of their equipment as a weapon; Any player who grips an opponent's mask, helmet, or chin strap using it as an advantage to inflict punishment.

a) Any player who after being warned by the official refuses to comply with the official's directive(s).

b) When a player after being issued a penalty refuses to go to the penalty bench and/or continues to go to the penalty bench.

c) If a player enters into and remains in the official's crease.

Any player or person who before, during, or after a game tries to intimidate an official, whether on or off the ice, through words, gestures or threats or who spits, molests, jostles the official or interferes with the official's work.

At the discretion of the referee(s), any player issued a penalty may receive additional penalty time based on the severity of the said offence; ie.: a minor penalty can be changed to a double minor or major penalty, a double minor penalty can be changed to a major penalty etc.

Any decision or rules inadvertently or unintentionally not covered in this Rulebook will be made by the on-ice officials in the game so in play. Such decisions shall be final.