Sport and Social Club
Floor Hockey League Rules
Updated – August 2007
SSC LEAGUE RULES
GENERAL PLAYING GUIDELINES
LAYOUT OF
THE GAME
Before the Game: Teams meet and all players shake
hands before the game
At the Half: Team captains meet with one another
to discuss the game. Any issues should be brought up respectfully
End of the Game: All players shake hands and team
captains meet up to discuss any issues with the game
THE EQUIPMENT
- EACH PLAYER MUST BRING A WHITE
AND DARK SHIRT TO EACH GAME. THERE IS NO EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE.
Teams will then decide at the gym who is wearing white and who
is wearing dark.
- The facilities provide the nets.
The SSC provides sticks, balls, goalie masks and goalie sticks.
All equipment provided at the facilities MUST BE returned to their
appropriate locations so that the teams playing after you can
find it.
- Protective Gear: Players can opt to wear
protective gear, this includes: shin pads (soccer shin pads
only, not ice hockey), workman gloves, mouth guards and/or eyewear.
We do not make the equipment mandatory because past history has
shown players who wear protective gear tend to play more aggressively
than those who don't. Hockey and ball hockey gloves are not allowed.
LEGAL AND
ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT
Goalies:
- Legal – glove, blocker, mask,
chest protector, cup, hockey pants, goalie stick with wooden shaft/plastic
blade, shin pads, or any style of goal pad (leather or synthetic)
as long as they conform to the new size restrictions. Pads may
not be taller than 34 inches or wider (at there widest point)
than 11.5 inches.
- Goalies with non-conforming
pads will not be allowed to play in the game. The SSC will have
1 set of conforming pads at each facility for use. A team whose
goalie shows up with non-conforming pads will have their Sportsmanship
Rating for the game automatically start at '0' rather than +1.
- Goalie Sticks: All goalie sticks
must be the two piece floor hockey variety (wood shaft, plastic
paddle and blade).
- Illegal – wooden blade on stick,
goalies pads with extra “butterfly add-on”
Players:
- Legal: Only DOM brand sticks
are allowed to be used in SSC Floor Hockey Leagues. These are
fiberglass or plastic shaft (must be hollow) style sticks and
have a plastic blade. The DOM Elite or DOM Street Thunder can
be purchased at all Sport Swap Locations. The DOM Vision
Sticks are NOT Allowed.
- Illegal:
Any sticks that are not DOM brand sticks.
Any blade that is not plastic
Any style Hockey, Floor Hockey, or Lacrosse Players glove.
Sticks may have extensions but the player must be able to prove that
the stick is hollow (e.g. a hole in
the shaft, removable insert, hole in
the extension).
Team jerseys:
Teams may also pick their own unique color to wear in the games
(NOT black or white) - in this case, teams still must bring another
colored shirt, incase both teams show up with the same color jersey.
Ball in Play:
All areas (wall, ceiling) are 'live'. The only exceptions
are if a ball is dumped into an area that is not considered part
of the playing floor (the stage at HCA, the player boxes at NGPCA,
etc). Icing and off-sides are not in effect.
Face-Offs: The ball must hit the floor before a player can play the ball on a face-off.
The Bench:
Please keep your body and stick out of the playing area. Please
store your bags, coats, etc. safely out of the way.
Changing
On The Fly:
If changing on the fly, players must tag (or slap) hands with the
player they are switching off with.
Crease Area:
The crease area will be confirmed by the GC with the captains prior to the start of the game. A standard crease size
is the width of the goals and 4’ deep. A player may
not stand in the crease. If a player is standing in the crease, the goalie may NOT contact the player; it is the GC’s job to tell that player to
move.
- Players may put their stick
in the crease but cannot contact the goalie.
- Once the goalie has covered
the ball, the play is dead.
- Players may run through the
crease but not contact the goalie.
Goalie Possession:
If a goalie gains possession, they can:
- Use their stick and pass the
ball immediately. The ball is considered live at this point.
- Pick up the ball and drop it
over their net to their own player; his/her team now has 3 seconds
to put the ball in play. The opposing team may shadow the
movement of the player with the ball but MUST NOT cross the goal
line in pursuit of the ball until a 3 count has been given.
Kicking the Ball: A player cannot score by kicking the ball into the net.
Net out of
Position:
If the net is moved during a play, the GC will decide whether to
stop play and fix the net (applicable if there is potential for
a goal to be scored) OR fix the net while the play continues (if
the play has moved down court).
Pulling the
goalie for an extra player is not permitted.
The Role of Players
All players
participating in SSC co-ed leagues are expected to play with respect
and a "fun first" attitude. In floor hockey, there is
an emphasis on the players to know the rules and manage their own
actions on the floor.
- Respect your opponent and the
GC
- Remember that everyone is here
to have fun. Hockey can be an intense and physical sport however,
the SSC floor hockey leagues must be a fun, non-threatening environment.
- Promote fun and safety throughout
the game: yell "Corner!" when 2 players are running
into the corner; yell "Goalie's ball" to prevent hacking
at his hand; talk to your players who are not following the rules
- Conduct a good half-time meeting:
talk to your team about your opponent; share these thoughts with
the GC and opponents Team Captain; listen carefully to the feedback
about your team; relay this message to your players and ensure
that these changes are happening throughout the second half.
- At any time the GC or your opponent
may request your name or a name of someone on your team to record
on the game report sheet. Providing a false name to the
GC is a serious offense and will result in suspension from the
SSC.
- Provide constructive feedback
to the SSC as needed, regarding gym conditions, unsportsmanlike
play, or helpful comments for the GC. This can be done via email
or on the scores tab on the website.
Infractions
If a player
commits an infraction, the player or his teammates are EXPECTED
to call it. You can call an infraction by apologizing to your opponent
and stepping back from the play. If you have illegally taken the
ball because of an infraction, give the ball back to them and resume
play.
If the GC notices
the same Infractions being repeated by a team or player, he/she
is obligated to issue penalties (minor, major, game misconduct).
- Minor – team calls own infraction
= offending player spends 2 minutes off, team is not shorthanded.
- Major – GC has to call infraction
= offending player spends 2 minutes off, team is shorthanded
- Game Misconduct – 2 offenses
in one game or a single violation of the zero tolerance policy
= player is removed from the game and must leave the premises
Moving Picks:
Are not allowed. A player cannot set up a “pick and roll” for their
team-mates
- Stop and Go: This is when a
player will run towards and into an opponents running path with
the intention to quickly stop and draw contact. This is dangerous
and not allowed in the SSC.
- Players making “Picks” are endangering
themselves and their opponents. Any player caught making an intentional
pick will be ejected from the game and/or suspended from the league.
Gloved Pass:
You cannot pass the ball to your teammate by directing
the ball to them with your hands. You may catch the ball, but you must drop the ball to the floor immediately. Goalies
are also restricted from throwing the ball to a teammate.
Ball in the
Corner:
When two players are chasing the ball into the corner, the leading
player must be given possession of the ball with the opponent standing
at least a stick length away. The opposing player must not
approach for 3 seconds and must count out “1, 2, 3” once the player
has gained control of the ball.
Using the Body to Advance:
A player cannot advance towards their opponent's goal
by using their backside or
bum as a shield.
This includes protecting the ball with your back.
Sliding: Players cannot slide to block a
shot, but they can go down to one knee. If any contact is made
with an opponent, it is a penalty.
Reaching
Around:
A player cannot reach around another player with their stick
Going Over
The Top:
A player cannot impede an opponent's progress by hooking or slashing
over top of their stick
Lifting The
Stick: A player is permitted one chance to 'lift' their opponents stick while they are receiving a pass or in possession
of the ball; repeated attempts is an infraction.
Goalies: Are permitted to sweep their sticks
around the side of the net unless it interferes with an individual’s
motion or play. Aggressive sweeping will be called a slash.
- Goal Crease - Goalies must keep
one foot in the crease at all times.
- DO NOT HACK at the goalie while
they are trying to gain possession of the ball.
Too many
players:
If a player comes onto the floor before tagging the hand of their
replacement, an infraction should be called.
Delay of
Game:
Any player who purposely shoots the ball out of bounds or deliberately
falls on a ball to stop play has committed an infraction.
PENALTIES
- Penalties are more serious than
Infractions. When a penalty occurs, the play MUST STOP and the
player MUST serve time off.
- If a player commits a Penalty,
the player or his teammates are EXPECTED to call it. However,
if the player or his/her team does not call it, the GC can be
expected to make the call.
- If the GC notices the same Penalty
being repeated by multiple players on a team, he/she has the discretion
to rectify the situation as appropriate (e.g. Stop game and talk
to team OR calling a major the next incident).
- If a team calls a penalty against
them and a goal is then scored on the same play, the goal will stand and the player
will serve the penalty (ie. You can't
stop a goal by taking a penalty).
| Penalty |
Description |
Outcome |
| High Sticking |
The
stick goes above the waist. This encompasses shooting, waving
for a pass, running
down the floor, going around an opponent or after a goal.
Lifting The Stick - If you lift an opponent's stick, and
your stick does not go above your waist, but the opponent's
stick does, there is no penalty to either player. If
you lift an opponent’s stick, and your stick goes above
your waist, you MUST call yourself on a high stick.
Players must show control of their stick at all times.
Goalies – Goalies will not be penalized while making
a save, but the same rules apply while playing the ball
with their stick. |
Any
player committing 2 high sticks in the same game will be issued a game misconduct.
On the first high stick if the team calls the penalty it
is a MINOR - 2 minutes, not short handed.
If the GC has to call the first high stick, it is a MAJOR
penalty, shorthanded.
A second high stick is a MAJOR
regardless of if it was called or not and the player will
be ejected from the game. |
| Reckless play |
Incidental
Body contact (unintentional)
EG. Bumping another player while
running
Slashing (unintentional)
Tripping (unintentional) |
A
2-minute MINOR with the team NOT short-handed.
A second offence by the same player will result in a major
A third is a game
misconduct. |
| Unsportsmanlike Play |
Making
contact with an opponent, where it appears to be intentional
or overly aggressive.
Verbally abusing your own team, your opponents, swearing
after a play, or throwing equipment to show displeasure
at a play.
Players may not swear at their teammates or hit their sticks
against the wall or net if scored upon.
Also includes disrespecting the GC. |
A
2-minute MAJOR and the team IS short-handed.
A second offence by the same player will result in a game misconduct and a major to
the team. |
| Threatening behavior |
Physical
- purposely checking another player or pushing or punching
Verbal - swearing at, or threatening another player |
Game
misconduct and further suspension. Please review
Sportsmanship Table.
Any player making threats or using physical force on another
player will be removed from the league. |
PENALTIES AND PLAYERS ON THE FLOOR
- If a female player receives
a minor penalty, she will serve it in the box, unless the team
will become short-handed - in this case, a male will serve the
penalty.
- If a female or male player receives
a major penalty, they will always serve it in the box and the team is short handed. No team
can play 2 players short due to penalties: If a team is already
short players (e.g. A team is playing with 1 female, 2 males and
a goalie), and the female receives a penalty (minor
or major), an extra male player can serve the penalty, so that the team is not reduced to a goalie
plus 2 players on the floor.
- If a female player receives
a game misconduct, she will always serve the misconduct - even
if the team has to play short-handed for the rest of the game.
- If a team is assessed a second
major before the first one has expired it will begin when the
first penalty is completed. The player must sit off until
his/her penalty commences. The team does not play two men
short.
- If one player from each team
is serving a major penalty and a goal is scored, both players
remain in the penalty box and serve the duration. The player only
comes out if a Power Play goal has been scored.
- If a goalie gets a major, a
player on the floor at the time will serve the penalty. If a goalie
is ejected from the game, he/she will leave the gym and play must
resume without a time-out to warm-up or equip a new goalie.
SPORTSMANSHIP
| ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY |
| Games
Coordinators are required by the SSC to ask players to leave
the gym if they are involved
with any of the following acts:
• Challenging
the GC by Questioning Calls or their ability to call a good
game.
• Swearing
directly at another player or the GC
• Intentionally
pushing, shoving or making physical contact with another player
or the
GC
• Making
comments to instigate an altercation with another player or
the GC
Any player
disrespecting the GC will be suspended. Players, please control
your actions by showing others respect. |
Challenging
the Games Coordinator:
- The GC's monitor the games with
the objective of making them safe and fun. They are not trained
referees - they are sports enthusiasts who are familiar with the
SSC Floor Hockey Rulebook.
ALL PLAYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS BY PLAYING WITH
FAIRNESS AND CALLING THEMSELVES ON THEIR OWN FOULS.
PLAYERS MUST TREAT EACH OTHER AND THE GC WITH RESPECT. The GCs
will step-in when they feel players are not following these guidelines.
The GC's are instructed not to try to justify their decisions
to any player and players are asked NOT to question the GCs judgment.
- If a player is ejected from
a game due to unsportsmanlike play, they must leave the gym immediately.
If they are suspended by the SSC for additional games, they may
not watch the game from inside the gym.
If you see any
unsportsmanlike behavior from a team-mate the following will occur:
- Remove your team-mate for 5
minutes
- If behavior hasn’t improved
after the 5 minutes, remove from game
- GC is obligated to step in and
handle the situation accordingly
We ask that
you refer to the GC by their first name - do not call them "ref".
Calling them “ref” could result in a loss of spirit points.
Reading the Rules and Understanding Sportsmanship
The CSSC will
hold in person meetings for hockey players prior to the season.
Each team must send 2 players from their team to this meeting.
If your team does not send two players, you will default your first
game 10-0 and receive 0 sportsmanship points. You will not be charged
the default fee if your team shows up. A friendly game will be
played. Players can represent more than one team at the meeting.
Sportsmanship
Ratings and Standings
Rating Sportsmanship:
Each team will be given 3 sportsmanship ratings per game, one rating
from the opponent and two ratings from the GC. The best rating you
can receive per game is +3, the worst is –3. The rating judges
Spirit of the Game as well as Accountability for calling your own
Infractions and Penalties. The GC will rate each of these areas
as separate scores while the opponent will rate them together.
The ratings work as follows:
“Accountability”
Rating:
This rating is based solely on how you felt your opponent took
responsibility for calling their own fouls. A team that does well
on Accountability either: committed few or no fouls so it was not
an issue, or committed several fouls and made a genuine attempt
to call most of them.
“Spirit of
the Game” Rating:
This rating is based solely on how Fun your opponent was. A high
rating would be for a team that appeared to put winning second and
fun first, encouraged themselves or their opponent in a positive
way.
Rating |
Explanation |
| (+1) |
The
team was a lot of fun and made a genuine attempt to call their
fouls. |
| (0) |
This
team was OK. There are two scenarios: (1) they were average
in both Fun and Accountability; (2) They were strong in one
area but weak in the other area. |
| (-1) |
This
team was not fun (too intense or aggressive) and generally
did not follow the rules and call their own infractions/penalties. |
The Sportsmanship
Ratings that you receive from the GC and your opponent will affect
your ratings and status in the league:
- In any game, should you receive
a -1 rating from BOTH the GC and your opponent, your team will
automatically lose 1 point in the standings.
- If the above happens a second
time, you will lose another point in the standings AND automatically
default/forfeit your next game. Your team will not be allowed
to play and we will find a replacement team for your opponent.
- If it happens a third time,
your team will be ejected from the league. There are no refunds
for teams who are ejected from the league.
At any time
the SSC may penalize or suspend a team or player for unsporting
actions regardless of the ratings given by your opponents or the
GC.
The Sportsmanship
Rating systems affect on the League Standings:
- REC Divisions: Sportsmanship
ratings will be combined with the game result for total points
in the standings. The sportsmanship ratings you receive from the
GC and your opponent will be added to the points your team was
awarded for the win, tie or loss.
Team 1 Wins the Game = 2 Points
Full Spirit from their opponents and GC
= 3 points
Total = 5 points
Team 2 Loses the Game = 0 Points
Full Spirit from their opponents and
GC = 3 points
Total = 3 Points
Team 3 Wins the Game = 2 Points
GC and Opponents award a 0, -1, and
-1 = -2 Points
Team will further lose another point
for receiving two -1’s
Total = -1 Points
- ALL Other Divisions: A team's
ranking in the standings is determined first by the number of
games you have won, tied or lost. A team gets 2 points for a win,
1 for a tie and 0 for a loss. Tiebreakers will be determined by
sportsmanship ratings then point’s differential. For full sportsmanship
policy, click
here
Lady Bing
Sportsmanship Award:
Each season one team will be presented with the Lady Bing Sportsmanship
Award. This will be a team who was nominated for EXCEPTIONAL sportsmanship
by their peers. The team will be given a few fun things for being
such a great team to play! Would you like to nominate a team? Click here.
Reporting
Sportsmanship Concerns:
- If during the game you have
an unresolved concern with the other team, address the issue respectfully
with the GC
- If at the end of the game you
are required to make known any unresolved issues or concerns regarding
the game with the opponent’s captain and the GC. At this time
you must give the other team a spirit rating for the game.
- If rate your opponent a ‘-1’,
you are required to submit a formal complaint online by 5
PM the
day. Click
here. If you choose not to submit a report, the rating will
be changed to a ‘0’.
The following
is an outline of how the SSC handles complaints:
The captain
of the team who was issued the complaint will receive feedback from
the SSC based on comments from the GC and/or the opponent. This
will be kept on file to compare any future complaints against the
same team or player. At the SSC's sole
discretion, the player or team may receive a warning, suspension,
or removal from the league.
Teams who have
been issued a complaint are always welcome to provide their own
feedback on the game in relation to the GC or their opponent.
Game Times
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior
to the scheduled game time.
- Total floor time is 60 minutes.
The clock starts at the scheduled game time and teams should warm-up
for no more than 5 minutes. Your game must end exactly when the
next one is scheduled to begin, regardless of what time your game
actually started.
- Games consist of two 25-minute
periods, with a 5 minute intermission.
- In regular season games, ties
are allowed - no overtime or shoot-outs.
- The clock does not stop for
any reason as each game must end on time.
Playoffs
- All teams will qualify for 2
playoff games, held in weeks 8 and 9.
- Only the top 4 teams will play
for league champs
In playoffs,
tied games will be broken as follows:
- A shoot-out: 3 players
from each team get to take a penalty shot. One of 3 shooters from
each team needs to be female. After three shots each, the team
with the most goals wins. If the score remains tied, each
team alternates shooters until the tie is broken per pair of shooters.
Teams are accountable
for their actions in playoffs and are expected to maintain a high
level of sportsmanship.
- If a team receives two -1 ratings
in a playoff game they automatically lose the game
- If a team receives one -1 rating,
the game will be reviewed by the league. The club will make a
decision based on this review.
- If both teams receive two -1
rating’s in a playoff game they automatically lose the game and
do not continue to play in the finals.
GAMES COORDINATORS
Games Coordinators
(GCs) are SSC employees, they are not trained referees. They
are there to encourage sportsmanlike play and to help to keep the
games running smoothly. If players are not calling their
own fouls the GC reserves the right to step in and call these fouls.
If no GC is
present at the game, players must keep time and score during the
game. Captains should confirm the score often during a game,
after each goal, at half time and at the end of the game.
Any discrepancies must be dealt with at the game so that the captains
report the same score to the SSC the following day by noon. This can be done by phone 244-7529 or by email at
scores@calgarysportsclub.com.
Teams also report their sportsmanship for their opponent at this
time.
What the
GC Does:
Game facilitator:
- Pre-Game Intros – the GC will
call in both captains for introductions, define the goalie crease,
and provide facility or league updates and other special notes.
- Managing the Time – the GC will
start the clock at the scheduled start time and manage the time
for the remainder of the game.
- Keeping Score – the GC will
keep track of the score. Please confirm the final score with the
GC before leaving the gym.
- Between Games – the GC will
act as a ‘mediator’ for the captains between the games for any
discussions regarding play or sportsmanship. The GC will
also provide feedback to both teams at this time.
- Disputed Goals – If there is
a disagreement as to whether a 'goal' has been scored, a decision
must be made quickly. A player from the team who was 'scored'
against should confirm whether any of his/her teammates saw the
ball go in the net. The GC will
decide if the teams cannot agree.
Help make the game Fun and Safe:
- Call penalties when needed.
- Eject players who are a threat
to the fun or safety of their opponents - the GC is obligated
by the SSC to step in and assign a game misconduct if warranted
by a player's actions. A GC cannot allow a player to continue
who is jeopardizing the safety of other players.
- Provide constructive and positive
feedback to the players throughout the game.
Game Reports to the SSC:
- At the conclusion of each game,
the GC completes the Game Report. This includes: the scores, sportsmanship
ratings, notes on significant penalties,
recommendations on suspensions or contacting teams about their
play.
- A major focus of their report
and the ratings they give each team is based on how well the team
adjusted their style of play in the second half, after hearing
the feedback at half-time.
What the GC does NOT do:
The GC is not
a trained referee. Therefore, they will not "referee"
the game - the players are expected to respect to their opponents,
the GC and play by the rules of their sport. A team may be docked
spirit points if they continually call the GC “ref”.
WAIVER
All players
and subs must sign a waiver before playing in our leagues; this
can be filled out online Click Here.
Captains are responsible to ensure that this is done. The waiver
covers liability and sportsmanship. Refunds are generally not issued
for players who sustain an injury and are unable to continue play
in the league.
ROSTERS
- Complete and accurate team rosters
must be submitted for each team. You can have as many players
on your roster as you want to. The SSC recommends between
9-12 players.
- A team can have a maximum of
five players on the floor, one being the goalie. Two players
must be female; a female goalie does not count towards the two
female players.
- Minimum of FOUR players needed
to start and continue a game. One must be female.
Zero females will be recorded as an automatic default but the
SSC recommends still playing for fun!
- If both captains AGREE to waive
the minimum player requirements, they may do so but it must be
decided BEFORE the game starts with the GC. IF IT IS AGREED
THE GAMES WILL COUNT, THEY COUNT!
- If a teams goalie is injured
during the game then there will be a short (2 minute) timeout
to replace the goalie with either another player or another goalie
if there is one present waiting for the next game.
Subs:
The SSC feels
that defaults should be prevented whenever possible.
- A team may bring in subs that
are not listed on the roster. Subs at any time must not have,
or play at, a higher skill level than the player(s) they are replacing.
- You may only borrow players
from the previous games to prevent your team from defaulting.
You can not add players from a previous game if it increases the
number of players on the roster beyond a minimum roster.
- Teams may bring in subs for
playoff games but these players must have played during the regular
season with the team. If your team is having difficulties meeting
the minimum player requirements, please contact the office.
- A sub-list can be requested
from the office. If you recruit a sub, it is your responsibility
to ensure they are ready to play (know the rules and have submitted
a waiver).
Defaults:
- All teams are to be ready to
play at the time listed on the schedule
- At game time any teams not meeting
the minimum player requirements will default the game.
- A default is 10-0 with the winning
team getting +3 and the losing team getting -3 for spirit. The
losing team is charged a default fee.
- A $50 default fee will be charged
after each default. Teams must pay the fee before being allowed
to play their next games. If a team defaults on a second night,
their status in the league will be under review. The team
defaulted against will receive a SSC Gift Certificate in the amount
of $50 that can be used as the team sees fit. (Put it towards
jerseys, next seasons league fees, etc.)