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).

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.

• For example:

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.)