West Hillhurst Co-ed Floor Hockey League

Rules and regulations 

ABOUT THE LEAGUE

The West Hillhurst Floor Hockey League is an adult, recreational co-ed league. First things first – if you are familiar with NHL rules, good for you. But our rules are quite different. We are 100 per cent intolerant to unsportsmanlike or rough play. This is not ice hockey and it’s not ball hockey. This is floor hockey. The Stanley Cup is not presented to the winners of any of our games. This is a fun, recreational league, and all team captains are responsible for ensuring ALL their players know and follow the rules.  

If you bring a person out to play, ensure that they know the rules. Don’t just say, “Hey, come out and play floor hockey.” If you bring out a substitute player to play in the game, the captain is TOTALLY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring that this player knows, reads, understands and follows the rules of the game. If you bring out a new player and notice that they are not following the rules, or are not playing in a sportsmanship manner, then pull them off the floor. Don't let things get out of hand. 

Registering in the West Hillhurst Co-ed Floor Hockey League means agreeing to and accepting this set of rules, which are customized for playing in a smaller space with players of all different skill levels. So, no matter how knowlegable you think you are, these rules require your attention.  

Sportsmanship ratings

After each game, team captains are required to submit a sportsmanship rating for their opponent. Please report these sportsmanship ratings to the referee immediately following the game. The referee will also give each team a sportsmanship rating.  The ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. If a team was absolutely outstanding in their sportsmanship behaviour, they would be rated a 5. If a team was fun to play against and there were no unsportsmanlike incidents, then they deserve a 4. If, however, a team was too rough, or did not follow the rules, then they deserve a lower rating.   

Please ensure that only the team captain of each team approaches the referee with the rating at the end of the game. We do not need a whole team surrounding the ref to debate what rating to give. The captain can certainly quickly consult with their team prior to giving the rating, but please don't bring a posse with you when it's time to talk to the ref. 

If your team gives another team a sportsmanship rating of less than 3, you must submit a statement as to why the rating was given. This statement should be e-mailed to Bev within two days of the game. Any team that averages less than 3.5 will be up for review by the League Disciplinary Board. 

League standings

League standings, along with sportsmanship ratings, will be posted once a week on the West Hillhurst website at www.westhillhurst.com. Click on the floor hockey link on the left-hand side of the page.

1. LEAGUE OVERVIEW

i) Facility

All games will be played at the West Hillhurst gym, which is located at the back of the building. West Hillhurst is located at 1940 6 Ave. N.W. 

ii) Defaults

·         A default occurs if a team does not have 4 players, including a ‘goalie’ and at least one female at the start of the game – which is defined as 5 minutes after the start time on the schedule.

·         If both teams meet the minimum player requirements, the game will be played and must start on time - teams are not permitted to delay the game to wait for more players. If the minimum is not met at the start of the game, it will be a default and a scrimmage game may be played for fun. The team that defaults will receive a 1 for a Sportsmanship rating, and the other team will be awarded a 7 – 0 win.

·         Also, if a team has less than two women, they can play short-handed the whole game with one woman and two men on the floor, and not forfeit.

·         Please note: If your regular goalie is missing, someone must play goal if the game is to be played. So have someone ready for net for the start of the game.

·         Teams forfeiting more than one game will be suspended and will not receive a refund on league funds.

iii) Playing the Game

Each team will have a goalie plus 4 players on the floor, with a minimum of 2 women on the floor at all times (not including the goalie.) Teams may pull their goalie for an extra player, but this extra player must be a woman. No slapshots are allowed. Also, we have a mercy rule. If a team gains a lead of 8 goals in a game, the score will freeze (for reporting) and the two teams may continue to play for fun with no tracking of goals.  

iv) Game times

Total floor time for each game is 60 minutes, including warm-up. Teams will be allowed a 5-minute warm-up. After that, the referee will blow the whistle and teams must be ready to play. This will be strictly enforced. If you need a long warm-up, then come early and warm up in the hallway.  

v) Tied games

Regular season games that are tied after regulation time will simply end with each team receiving one point. If a playoff game is tied, teams will go to a shoot-out. Each team will then pick four players to participate in the shootout – two men and two women.  If the playoff game is still tied after this round, then another round alternating men and women will continue until there is a winner. Any other intangibles will be at the referee’s discretion.  

vi) Ball in Play

All areas (walls, ceiling) are 'live' except for when the ball is dumped into one of the boarded corners. Face-offs occur if the ball is out of play (nearest circle), after a goal (centre ice), or after an infraction/stoppage in play. There is no icing or offsides. 

vii) Crease rule

Offensive players may NOT stand in the crease area blocking the goalie’s view or movement. 

viii) Equipment

·         Players must use sticks with plastic superblades. These superblades are available at Canadian Tire for about $2. Also, you may use floor hockey sticks purchased from Team Skyline Sports for $20, or the Bauer/Koho sticks with the plastic blade glued to the shaft. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule. If a player is using an illegal stick, they will be subject to at least a one-game suspension. As captains, please ensure that your players not only know the rule, but follow it.

·         Players must wear non-marking running shoes. Shin guards and hockey gloves are allowed, however any greater amount of equipment is NOT RECOMMENDED. The reason for this is that the people wearing the most equipment tend to be the most reckless with body contact and careless with their sticks and shots. SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY.

·         Goalies can use gloves, blockers, mask, chest protector, cup, hockey pants, goalie's stick (can be wood) and regular ice hockey leg pads. All goalies must have at least a facemask, leg pads, and a blocker and glove.  

2. LEAGUE RULES

We have divided the rules into two categories: Infractions and Penalties. Infractions will result in a whistle and a face-off in the offending team’s zone. Players who take a penalty will sit out for three minutes while their team plays short-handed. Game and League misconducts may also be assessed at the discretion of the referee and the West Hillhurst Floor Hockey League Disciplinary Board. 

It is the absolute responsibility of all players, and particularly the team captains, to ensure that the games are played with the primary purpose of having fun. The WHFHL will not tolerate play that is deemed rough or unsportsmanlike. 

i) Minor Infractions

High sticking

Your stick cannot go above your knees when taking a shot. Your stick cannot go above your waist whether to knock down the ball, wave for a pass, or as a forward runs past a defender. (If your stick contacts another player, you will receive a three-minute penalty. See penalties.) 

No slapshots

Slapshots are not allowed. Your stick may not go above your knees when taking a shot. 

Goalies

Goalies must have one foot inside the crease at all times. The goalie may glove the ball and then toss the ball behind the net or pass the ball ahead using their stick. The goalie cannot toss the ball forward. 

Gloved Pass

Players cannot pass to a teammate by pushing or directing the ball toward them with their hands. Players cannot score by gloving the ball into the net. Players cannot carry the ball as they are moving. They can catch the ball, but it must dropped immediately.  

Ball in the corner

Players must let the first player in the corner gain possession of the ball and allow them one to two feet of breathing room to make a play. NO SCREAMING OR YELLING in an attempt to scare an opponent going into the corner. The opposing player may not make contact with any part of their body at any time.  

Using the body to advance the ball

A player with the ball cannot advance towards their opponent's goal using their backside as a shield, especially when trying to move out of the corner towards the goal. 

Lifting the stick

Defensive players are permitted to lift their opponent's stick when anticipating a pass - using moderate force. However, when pursuing a moving player you may not hook them over-top of their stick and may not repeatedly hack upward trying to lift their stick.  

Goalie gaining possession of the ball

Players cannot hack at the goalie's hand while they are trying to glove the ball. If the goalie drops the ball behind the net, the opposing team must give the other team three seconds to make a play from behind the net.  

ii) Penalties

More than one Infraction

A player repeating an Infraction in the same game.  

High Sticking

A player will receive an automatic three-minute penalty if they lift their stick above their shoulders – even if they do not make contact with another player. 

Inconsiderate play

Slashing, hooking, interfering, checking or tripping, throwing or slamming a stick, high sticking another player. No body checking, no chopping, no shin-slapping, no vengeful shots made purely to induce injury. Go after the ball, not the opponent's stick. If you feel your temper getting the best of you, take yourself out of the game before someone else does it for you. 

Body contact

This is absolutely not tolerated. Players cannot touch other players under any circumstances, including along the boards or in the corners. We take this very seriously and consistent offenders will be kicked out of our league. (Pushing, picks, etc, are not allowed.) You should not touch any other player with your body or your stick at any time on purpose, and you should do your best to avoid unnecessary contact with your body and your stick 

Sliding

Under no circumstances are players allowed to slide in an attempt to reach the ball, block a shot, or in an attempt to steal the ball from another player. Simply don’t slide or you will get a penalty. No player (with the exception of the goalie) can slide or dive to block a shot. In other words, players must remain on their feet at all times. If in a stationary position, a defender’s knee cannot touch the ground. Nobody needs their knees blown out or a busted ankle because someone slid into them. Please stay on your feet.  

Aggressive or threatening behaviour

This includes verbally threatening another player or the referee, or obvious or excessive roughness directed at a particular player. If your captain or somebody officiating a game asks you to modify your behaviour, it's your responsibility to be respectful of their requests. Under no circumstances may you verbally assault a ref or argue with his or her decision. Players who disrespect officials will find their time on the floor cut unceremoniously short. 

Too many people on the floor

If a team is playing with more than four runners, and their goalie is still in net, they will receive a penalty. 

Goalie interference

In all cases in which an attacking player initiates contact with a goalkeeper, whether or not the goalkeeper is inside or outside the goal crease, and whether or not a goal is scored, the offensive player will be reprimanded. In summary: Don’t touch the goalie. 

iii) Playoff Tie Breakers

After the regular season, the league begins playoffs. Teams are placed into either ‘A,’ ‘B’ or ‘C’ divisions based on their regular season point total. If a team is tied in the standings, the first tie breaker is Sportsmanship rating. The team with the higher Sportsmanship rating will move up. The second tie breaker is the team’s goal for/against differential.

iv) Game Misconducts

At the discretion of the referee, any player may be ejected for repeatedly breaking any of the league rules. Also, any player involved in a physical fight with another player will be immediately ejected from the game, and will be suspended from this league forever. Any player who receives a game misconduct will be placed on probation. The Disciplinary Board of the West Hillhurst Floor Hockey League will meet to determine if a suspension or dismissal from the league is appropriate.

v) League Misconducts

A player will receive an automatic lifetime suspension if they are the first player to instigate a fight by throwing the first punch.

At the discretion of West Hillhurst Floor Hockey League Disciplinary Board, a player or team may be ejected from the league for excessively unsportsmanlike behaviour. A refund will not be issued. New teams and players will be watched specifically to ensure they are following all league rules.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

These rules were created after many seasons of games, discussions, and occasional disagreements. If you don't like them, and have a desire for playing a structureless, injury-heavy, Cro-magnon-man hockey game, please abort the registration process right now. Playing in the WHFL is a great way to make new friends, get some exercise, and have some fun, but if you enter with a bad attitude, it's also a great way to make about 150 enemies. So remember – KEEP IT FUN.