Game Format & Play

The game consists of 2 halves and a halftime.   The halves are 20 minutes running-time each.  Halftime lasts for 3 minutes.  

The game begins with 5 players per side on the court.  At least one of these 5 players must be women.  Each team has players in the following positions:
    •    1 goaltender
    •    2 defenders
    •    1 left wing
    •    1 right wing

In the instance that a team does not have a full roster of 5 players (with at least one women), the team will play with what they have, as long as it’s no fewer than 4 players and as long as the gender ratio is 3-1.  For example, if a team has 4 players on hand: 3 men and 1 woman, they can play with 4 players: 3 men, 1 woman.

Play begins when the ball is dropped between the centers representing the teams in the ‘faceoff’.  Players MUST allow the ball to hit the floor before attempting to win the faceoff and take control of the ball.

The ball must cross the centerline into the offensive zone before any players on the attacking team can cross the centerline into the offensive zone.  If a player enters the offensive zone in advance of the ball, the player will be called OFF SIDES and play will stop.  Players will also be called OFF SIDES if they do not cross back over into their defensive zones when the ball is cleared into their defensive zone.

You MUST stay upright.  No falling.  No sliding.  No diving.  No advancing the ball w/ your broom if you are down unless you are wearing a facemask helmet.  This is for everyone's safety.
Advancing the ball with your feet is legal.

You may STOP the ball with your hands, but no player may advance the ball with his/her hands (other than the goaltender).

When a goaltender captures the ball and returns it to play he/she may not throw it airborne past the centerline.  It must hit the ground first (the side wall is not enough, it must hit the ground).  If the ball does not hit the ground before crossing the centerline, play will be stopped and a face off will be held in the offending team’s defensive zone.

Scores will be capped with an 8-0 differential.  Play will continue, but no team will be awarded more than 8 more points than their opponent in the official scores / standings.

Goalie Zone

Goaltenders may use their hands to stop/pick up the ball only within the crease.  The crease is represented by the rectangle of lines inside of which the net is placed.  Goalies may not travel outside of the crease and use their hands to stop/pick up the ball – whether to the side of the net or behind the net.   Goalies may come out of the crease and play the ball like a defender, but they lose the privilege of using their hands to stop a ball until they return to the crease.
Any team who breaks this rule will penalized with a penalty shot being awarded to the opposing team.  The penalty shot will be one player vs goalie and the play will start at the mid line and end when one shot is taken or the offensive player loses control of the ball before taking a shot.

Penalties

This is a strictly NON-CONTACT sport.  No checking.  No sliding.  No elbowing. No tripping.

Any player called for a contact offense will be given a 2-minute minor penalty unless an injury occurs as result of the contact, in which case a 5-minute major penalty will be assessed.  If the injurious contact appears to be deliberate, a misconduct penalty will be levied.

High broom will be called at waist level.  A minor penalty will be called, unless an injury occurs as a result of the high broom, in which case it will be considered a major penalty.  If it is found to be deliberate you will be given a misconduct penalty.

At no time may a player verbally or physically abuse an official.  It’s natural to disagree with calls from time to time, but taking it personally is unproductive and ineffective.  Any player harassing a Referee will be given a 5-minute major penalty.  If the player continues to be verbally or physically abusive, a misconduct penalty will be assessed and the offending player will be promptly ejected from the gym and will receive a one-week suspension, which may, at the discretion of officials, include the games on the following week.

Penalty shots will be awarded in two instances:
    •    Incorrect subbing of goalies.
    •    Goalie using hands in play outside of the goalie crease.

Minor - 2 minutes

Major - 5 minutes

Misconduct - Out for game!  Potential to be out for following game or longer.

Substitutes/Changing Lines

Teams may switch field players and lines on the fly.  All replacement players must enter from the bench.

There are 3 ways to change goalies:
    •    During a stoppage in play.
    •    At halftime
    •    A player comes into the game from the bench to take the place of the goaltender.  The goalie subs out and goes to the bench.  You may not sub an on-court player for the goalie on the fly.

Any team who breaks this rule will be penalized with a penalty shot being awarded to the opposing team.  The penalty shot will be one player vs goalie and the play will start at the mid line and end when one shot is taken or the offensive player loses control of the ball before taking a shot.

This is a social league meant for fun. Remember, it’s hard to make friends with people you’ve checked or hurt.