EXPECTATIONS 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.
- All players participating in
SSC leagues are expected to play with respect for everyone
at the gym and with a “fun first” attitude. Hockey can be
an intense and physical sport however, the SSC floor hockey
leagues must be a fun, non-threatening environment.
- All players are expected to know
the rules and manage their actions on the floor.
- Players are required to call
themselves if they commit violations or penalties. Not calling
yourself can be considered poor sportsmanship.
- Players should promote fun and
safety throughout the game by: yelling “corner" to
their own player when running into the corner; yelling "Goalie's
ball" to prevent hacking at their hand; talking to
their players who are not following the rules.
- Promote fun and safety throughout
the game. Let the GC know if you are enjoying an opponent,
congratulate your opponent on fun and fair play throughout
the game.
- Players that are concerned about
a player on the opposing team are required to talk to their
team captain so he/she can address the issue with the GC
at the appropriate time.
- Players are expected to act in
a respectful manner if approached by a GC or an opposing
team captain regarding their style of play and to make any
requested changes.
- Players should be mindful of
how hard they shoot the ball, especially if an opponent
is directly in front of them.
- At any time the GC 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.
- Teams are expected to cheer for
their opponents at the end of a game. It is also encouraged
to give an additional cheer for the GC and thank them for
GC-ing the game.
- Players can provide constructive
feedback to the SSC as needed, regarding gym conditions,
unsportsmanlike play, or helpful comments.
GAME TIMES
- Player should arrive 15 minutes
prior to the scheduled game time.
- Players should only enter the
gym at the appropriate time (when play is in the other end
or play is stopped).
- The 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. Each 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.
GAME PLAY EXPECTATIONS
- Before the game, the captains
will meet with the GC to introduce themselves, discuss gym
specific restrictions and rules or sportsmanship issues
that need to be emphasized.
- Team Captains are to communicate
their expectations to both the GC and their opponent. At
the end of the pre-game meeting Team Captains are required
to communicate all information with their players.
- At h al ftime, the team captains meet
with one another and the GC to discuss any issues that arose
in the first h al
f. It is the responsibility of
each captain to communicate these issues to their teammates
before resuming play.
- At the end of the game, all players
shake hands and team captains meet up to discuss any issues
with the game.
GENERAL PLAYING GUIDELINES
- Ball in Play: All areas (wall, ceiling) are generally considered to
be 'live'. Further clarifications:
·
If a ball
is dumped over the boards and into an area that is not considered
part of the playing floor (e.g. the player bench area) then
the whistle is blown and there will be a face-off.
·
At gyms
that have curtains or benches on the floor area, if the ball
gets caught up in these areas, the first player to arrive
should dig the ball out and play will resume without a whistle.
The player who retrieved the ball will get 3 seconds to gain
control and opponents should stand at least one stick length
away.
·
Icing and
off-sides are not in effect.
- 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. Teams should yell ‘corner’ to their
own player, if this does not happen the GC will call it.
Further clarifications:
- If there is a race towards the corner, whoever is
leading within five feet of the corner must be given
possession of the ball; the pursuer must stop and give
a stick’s length space.
- If a player carries the ball into the corner, the
3 second rule does not apply but all other non-contact
rules apply (e.g. no body contact).
- If the ball moves into the corner from close proximity
(less than 20 feet), the 3 second rule does not apply;
the 3 second rule is set-up to avoid collisions when
two players are running at fast speeds into the corner.
-
- Face-Offs: The ball must hit the
floor before a player can play
the
ball on a face-off. Face-offs
occur after: a goal, a penalty or the ball leaving the playing
floor. In most cases, face-offs are done at centre.
- Shooting: All styles of shots are allowed, including ‘slap shots’
provided that the players stick does not go above the waist
in delivery and/or follow-through.
- The Bench: Players should keep their body and stick out of the
playing area. Bags, coats and other items should be
stowed safely out of the way.
- Changing On the Fly: The player that is being replaced must be at
the bench area before a substitute can replace them on the
floor.
- Pulling the Goalie: Pulling the goalie for an extra player is not
permitted.
- Crease Area:
·
The crease
area will be confirmed by the GC with the captains prior to the start of the game.
·
A player cannot remain stationary in the opposing team’s
crease. If a goalie thinks that a player is interfering with
them, they are prohibited from making contact with the player.
If a goal is scored and the GC deems that an offensive player
was interfering with the goalie, the goal will be disallowed.
· Players
should try to avoid running through the crease and must never
make contact with the goalie.
·
Players
are permitted to score while in the crease.
·
Defensive
players are permitted to block shots with their body while
they are in their own crease.
·
Once the
goalie has covered the ball, the play is dead. In this case,
the GC will yell ‘goalie’s ball’ and play will resume as soon
as the goalie releases the ball.
- 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
player 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. If the goalie tosses the ball
to the corner or around the side of the net, it is considered
‘live’ and the 3 second rule does not apply.
·
Note: a
goalie may smother the ball as long as they have at least
one foot in the crease.
- 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 the court). The goalie may readjust their own
net.
- Kicking the Ball: A player cannot score by kicking the ball into
the net.
VIOLATIONS
Violations
in SSC Floor Hockey are plays that may or may not be intentional,
but typically represent unsportsmanlike play and should be
avoided. They do not result in a penalty or short-handed play
unless they are repeated by the same player or team.
·
If a player
commits a violation, the player or their teammates are expected
to call it.
·
Players
can call a violation by apologizing to their opponent and
stepping back from the play. If a player has illegally taken
the ball because of a violation, they should give the ball
back to them and resume play.
·
A GC can
call a violation by blowing the whistle and stopping the play
or by verbally warning the player and allowing the play to
continue.
·
If the GC
notices the same violation being repeated by a team or player,
he/she is obligated to issue penalties (minor,
major, game misconduct). For example, if a player repeats
a violation, it may become a minor
penalty.
SSC List of Violations
-
Hand Pass : Players cannot pass the
ball to their teammate by directing
the ball to the
m with their hands. Players
can catch the ball, but they must drop the
ball to the
floor immediately. Goalies
are also restricted from throwing the
ball to a teammate. GCs must
blow the whistle and do a face-off after any hand pass.
- 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 stopping at least a stick length
away. If one player does not stop, the GC will blow the
whistle and re-start the play with the person who reached
the corner first getting possession.
- Shielding the Ball: A player cannot stickhandle with the ball while
their back is to their opponent. If a player turns their
back to their opponent and has possession of the ball, they
must turn and face the play within 3 seconds. In either
violation, the GC will yell ‘turn around’ and if the player
does not, play will be stopped with a whistle.
- Sliding: Players cannot slide at any time; this includes cutting
off an opposing player or trying to block a shot. Blocking
shots is permitted if the defensive player is stationary;
this includes kneeling.
- Reaching Around: A player cannot reach around another player
with their stick when pursuing an opponent who has the ball
and is moving. Note: if a player is stationary with their
back to the play, the opposing player is allowed to attempt
to gain the ball by going around the player with their stick
(this does not apply to The Ball in the Corner rule – in
that instance, the defender must always give 3 seconds before
challenging their opponent) but if they slash or trip their
opponent they will receive a penalty.
- Going Over The Top: A player cannot impede an opponent's progress
by hooking or slashing over top of their stick while they
are carrying the ball or expecting to receive a pass.
- Lifting The Stick: A player can lift the
ir opponent’s stick only one
time while the y are receiving a pass or in possession of the
ball. An aggressive lift
that results in contact with the opponent’s hands or violently
lifts their stick will result in a penalty to the defensive
player.
- 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.
·
Goalies
must keep at least one foot in the crease at all times.
·
Players
cannot hack at the goalie while they are trying to gain possession
of the ball.
·
Goalies
are not penalized if their stick goes above their waist while
making a save. If they are shooting, passing or batting the
ball out of the air, they are subject to the same high-sticking
rules as all players.
- Too many players: If a player comes onto the floor several steps
before their teammate reaches the bench the GC will stop
the play.
- Delay of Game: Any player who purposely shoots the ball out of bounds
or deliberately falls on a ball.
.
PENALTIES
Penalties
in SSC Floor Hockey are plays that may or may not be intentional,
but they are dangerous and are considered to be serious offenses.
When a penalty occurs, the play must stop and the player must
serve time off.
·
Penalties
can be deemed minor,
major or game misconducts.
·
Minor penalties result in the player sitting
off for two minutes and the team is not shorthanded.
·
Major penalties result in the player sitting
off for two minutes and the team plays shorthanded.
·
Game misconducts result in the team being shorthanded
for two minutes, the offending player is ejected from the
gymnasium and the player will be subject to a possible further suspension.
·
If a player
commits a penalty, the player or his/her teammates are expected
to call it. If the player or his/her team does not call it,
the GC will stop play and enforce the penalty.
·
On all penalties,
after the GC stops the play they should announce to the players
why the play was stopped and who got the penalty.
·
If the same
penalty is being repeated by the same player(s), the GC has
the discretion to rectify the situation as appropriate (e.g.
stopping the game and talking to the team or calling a major
in the next incident).
·
If a team
calls a penalty against themselves and a goal is the n scored on the play, the goal will stand and the player will
serve the penalty (i.e. you can't stop a goal by taking a penalty).
·
In recent
years, the SSC has become aware of smaller players being aggressive
because they think that they are exempt from the rules. All
players must abide by the same guidelines.
Penalty - Illegal Equipment
Players
are required to honour the SSC equipment guidelines. These
are outlined in section 10 above. Players caught bringing
illegal equipment into the gym will be asked to remove the
items and replace them with SSC authorized equipment.
- Illegal equipment includes:
·
Goalie leg
pads: maximum size is 34 inches tall by 11.5 inches wide.
Each GC has access to a measuring device. If a goalie is wearing
oversized leg pads, the GC will ask them to remove the pads
and put on the set provided by the Club. The game will not
be delayed while the goalie changes.
·
Illegal
sticks: Section 10 clarifies which sticks are allowed at each
facility. Any player caught using an illegal stick will be
asked to remove the stick from the gym and replace it with
a legal stick.
·
Player gloves:
players are not permitted to wear ice hockey, ball hockey
or lacrosse gloves.
Penalty - Reckless Play
Reckless play results in a minor penalty and is the result of a player being overly careless
or aggressive in a non-threatening manner.
- A player’s first offense will result in a 2 minute minor penalty.
- A second offense by the same player will result in a major penalty.
- A third offense will result in a game misconduct.
- The following are examples of reckless play:
·
Incidental
Body contact: This can occur when a player makes contact with
an opponent accidentally. For example, if a player is running
too fast or with their head down and brushes another player.
·
Tripping:
Unintentional tripping occurs when a defender is pursuing
a ball carrier and their stick accidentally results in the
player falling.
·
Slashing:
If a player lightly slashes an opponent with their stick while
pursuing the ball and it is evident that it was an accident.
- In each of the three reckless play examples above, the GC has the
discretion to call a major
penalty or a game
misconduct if they deem it was not an accident and/or
the offending player does not acknowledge their action.
Penalty - High Sticking
A
high stick occurs when a player’s stick goes above their waist
- this action is dangerous and strictly prohibited especially because
SSC players do not wear protective head gear. A high stick
can happen when a player is shooting the ball, deflecting
the ball, waving for a pass or going around an opponent.
- Calling high sticks is difficult for the GC as can they happen quickly
and sometimes from a distance. A GC may allow for a ‘gray
zone’ that includes from the waist to the bottom of the
rib cage. Anything above that level will be called.
- Goalies will not be penalized for a high stick while making a save.
If
they are shooting, passing or batting the ball out of the
air, they are subject to the same high-sticking rules as
all players.
- On a player’s first high stick, if the team calls the penalty it is
a minor
– the player serves 2 minutes but the team is not short
handed. If the GC has to call the first high stick, it is
a major penalty and the team will be shorthanded.
- A second high stick by a player is a major regardless of whether or not their team called the penalty.
The offending player will be ejected from the game. The
ejected player is allowed to remain in the gym as long as
their high sticks were unintentional and they do not argue
the call with the GC.
- Lifting The Stick –
·
If a player
lifts an opponent's stick, and the player’s stick does not
go above their waist, but the opponent's stick does, there
is no penalty to either player.
·
If a player
lifts an opponent’s stick, and the player’s stick goes above
their waist, this is a high sticking penalty to the player
who lifted the stick. The opponent would not be subject to
a penalty.
- The following actions may not result in an automatic high sticking
penalty, but if the player repeats the action, it will lead
to a major penalty.
·
Running
down the floor: If a player is running down the floor and
is not directly involved in the play and their stick is slightly
above their waist. The GC should yell a warning to the player
to lower their stick.
·
Celebrating
after a goal: If a player raises their stick accidentally
in celebration, they will receive a warning from the GC. This
is strongly discouraged.
Penalty - Unsportsmanlike Play
Unsportsmanlike
play is not tolerated in the SSC Floor Hockey leagues and
encompasses playing in an overly aggressive or intense manner,
or showing a lack of respect to anyone at a game. The following
items may cause a team to lose sportsmanship points from their
opponent or the GC, and will result in a major penalty.
- A player’s first offense will result in a 2 minute major penalty.
- A second offense by the same player will result in a game misconduct.
- Unsportsmanlike play includes:
·
Showing
displeasure at a play by: throwing equipment in a non-threatening
manner, slamming a stick or swearing out loud if it is not
directed at another person.
·
Players
attempting to make calls during a game: this can include players
on the bench or floor trying to make calls against their opponent
or petitioning the GC to make calls.
·
Contacting
an opponent in a non-threatening manner where it appears to
be intentional: for example, two players gaining position
on the ball and one player pushes against their opponent with
their back, hip or shoulder – it is clear that they are not
trying to hurt their opponent but they are physically moving
them away from the ball. Any use of the hands or more aggressive
action will result in a game misconduct.
·
A defensive
player using their hand to smother a ball that is on the ground
and in their own crease. There are no penalty shots in SSC
Floor Hockey leagues.
Penalty - Threatening behaviour
towards an opponent
Threatening
behaviour is a serious offense in the SSC Floor Hockey leagues
and will result in a game misconduct and
automatic further suspension upon review by the Club.
- A player’s first offense will result in a game misconduct.
- Threatening behaviour towards an opponent includes:
·
Aggressive
reaction to a play: throwing equipment in a threatening manner
or verbally responding in a way that is inappropriate and
compromises a fun and safe playing environment.
·
Verbally
threatening an opponent: this includes swearing or yelling
directly at an opponent or verbally challenging them to a
confrontation.
·
Physically
threatening an opponent:
Slashing,
tripping, pushing or checking an opponent with a clear intent
to injure or start an altercation.
Being
involved in a physical altercation that includes pushing,
punching, slapping, wrestling or any other physical misconduct.
Penalty - Disrespecting a GC
The SSC GCs are valuable assets to the sports programs and without them,
there would be no Floor Hockey leagues. As with all other
SSC participants, GCs should be treated with respect. Players
may disagree with the way a GC is calling their game, but
must refrain from challenging a GC during the game.
- A player’s first offense will result in a minor or major penalty or
a game misconduct
depending on the severity of the actions. An automatic review
will be done by the Club and further action may be taken.
- Disrespecting the GC includes:
·
Challenging
calls: any player that disagrees with a call and tries to
make the GC change their call. Once a GC has made a call,
the play will resume with no further discussion.
·
Players
on the sidelines discussing the GC in a negative manner.
·
Players
questioning the integrity of the GC: all GCs are trained in
the same manner and do not favour one team over another.
·
Swearing
at a GC: this will result in an automatic game misconduct.
·
Physically
threatening or confronting a GC: this will result in a game
misconduct and automatic further suspension upon review
by the Club.
·
Ignoring
a GC as they are giving feedback or having a discussion: these
conversations can happen before, after or during a game.
PENALTIES AND PLAYERS ON THE FLOOR
·
Any time
a player receives a minor
or major penalty, they must stay off for
the full 2 minutes, even if a power play goal is scored.
·
When a power
play goal is scored, the team that was penalized can bring
on a replacement player but it cannot be the player who is
serving the penalty.
·
The exception
to this is if the team would be short players if the player
serving the penalty does not return to the floor.
·
If a team
has only two female players at the game and one of them receives
a minor penalty, she will not serve the
penalty because the team would be shorthanded, a male will
serve the penalty for her.
·
Anytime
a female or male player receives a major
penalty, the
y will serve it on the bench and
the team will be short handed. The one
exception to this is if the team only has one female playing;
if she gets a penalty a male player would serve it for her.
·
No team
will be forced to play 2 players short due to minor or major penalties.
Any penalties that would result in the team playing two players
short will be served one after another.
·
If a player
receives a game misconduct,
they will always serve the misconduct - even if the team has
to play shorthanded for the rest of the game. This applies
even if the team is forced to play more than one player short.
·
If a team
only has the minimum amount of players to field a full team
on the floor and one of their players receives a minor
penalty, that player will serve the penalty and the team will
play shorthanded.
·
If a goalie
gets a major penalty,
a player on the floor at the time will serve the penalty.
If a goalie receives a game misconduct, he/she will leave the
gym and play must resume without a time-out to warm-up or
equip a new goalie.
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