NYC Social Sports Club Rules

• Remember, this is a social league! Keep a relaxed attitude, meet some new people, and have a good time!
• There should be equal co-ed playing time.
• Referees will be judging your Sportsmanship, so be gracious whether you’re winning or losing.
• You always need your Team T-Shirts! They are our only way of identifying you!
• Our Referees are not professionals. They are people just like you, so please treat them with respect.
• Any aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or expulsion from our leagues, please be respectful!
• Please be on time! We recommend showing up at least 15 minutes early to avoid any problems and the chance of forfeiting.

Substitutions

If a team is short the required number of players in a regular Season game, the team may invite players from other teams in their division to Substitute in for their game. Substitutions from outside the division are allowed; for more info and to register as a Substitute, CLICK HERE. Substitutions during the playoffs are not permitted.

Substitute players must check in with the Game Coordinator onsite to receive a league issued pinnie to wear in the Game.  Substitute players must leave a form of identification with the Game Coordinator in exchange for the participation pinnie. The ID will be returned to the player when the pinnie is turned in after the Game.

Game Format & Play

The game consists of 2 halves and a halftime. The halves are 18 minutes running-time each. Halftime lasts for 1 to 2 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 center
• 1 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. If a player does attempt to win the face-off before the ball hits the floor, the face-off will be re-done. If a player violates this rule a second time on the same face-off, another player from his or her team who is currently on the floor will take the face-off in his or her place.

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.

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 goal 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 must use a stick at all times and keep it in their hand. Goalies may use their hands to stop/pick up the ball only within the crease. The crease is represented by the lines taped to the gym floor. 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 cover, trap, or pick up the ball.

Any team who breaks this rule will be penalized with a minor penalty. Goaltender minor penalties shall be served by a team member on the floor at the time of the penalty.

Scoring

For a goal to be scored, the ball must completely cross the goal line. If the offensive player is in the crease before the ball, the goal will be disallowed. If the ball is contacted with a stick above the waist by an offensive player before it crosses the goal line, the goal will be disallowed. If the ball is directed into the goal by any part of an offensive player, the goal will be disallowed.

Penalties

A “minor penalty” shall result in the offending player to serve two minutes during which no Substitute shall be allowed. Goaltender minor penalties shall be served by a team member on the floor at the time of the penalty. If the non-offending team scores a goal while a penalty is being served, the penalty terminates. If there are multiple penalties being served, the penalty with the least time remaining terminates. Goals scored on penalty shots will not terminate minor penalties.

Any minor penalty that results in injury will be automatically upgraded to a 5-minute major penalty if it results in injury. No major penalty shall terminate on a goal scored. If a second major penalty is assessed to any player, the penalty is upgraded to a game misconduct. If there appears to be a deliberate attempt to injure, the penalty will be upgraded to a game misconduct. A game misconduct involves the offending player being promptly ejected from the gym and receiving a one-week suspension, which may, at the discretion of officials, include the games on the following week. The offending team shall play a player short the remainder of the game.

No team shall be reduced to fewer than three players including the goaltender. If two players are penalized at the same time for the same team and a third player is penalized, they shall proceed directly to the penalty box and their penalty will not begin until one of the two previous penalties has expired.

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.

Charging – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who runs or jumps into or charges an opponent. Charging shall be defined as taking more than three steps before contact occurs.

Pushing – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who pushes an opponent by extending one or both arms.

Cross-checking – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who uses the shaft of the stick between the two hands to forcefully check an opponent.

Spearing & butt-ending – A major penalty shall be assessed to any player who jabs an opponent using the butt-end or head of his or her stick.

Delay of Game – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who illegally covers, holds, or catches the ball with his or her hands. A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately displaces the goal cage. If, in either of these situations, a reasonable scoring opportunity exists, a penalty shot will be awarded in addition to the minor penalty. A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player causing a delay in a face-off after being warned by the official.

Elbowing & Kneeing – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who uses their elbow or knee to disrupt an opponent in any way.

Fighting – A game misconduct shall be assessed to any player who engages in fisticuffs. An additional minor penalty for instigating shall be assessed to whoever started the fight, to be served as a bench minor.

Use of hands – Any player may use their hands to block or stop the ball anywhere on the floor, as long as the ball is next contacted by that player's stick or by an opposing player. In a player's own defensive end, the ball may also be batted or deflected to a teammate using the hands (a “hand pass”). If a hand pass is started or completed in the offensive end, the ball will be blown dead and a face-off will occur in the offending team's defensive end.

High stick – – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who raises their stick above the waist. Players may not wind up to take shots. The only exception to this rule is the goaltender while in the crease, who may use their stick to stop the ball at any height.

Holding – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who holds any part of an opponent or an opponent's stick.

Hooking – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who, by way of angling their stick, impedes or attempts to impede the progress of an opponent.

Interference – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who interferes with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the ball, or who intentionally knocks a stick out of an opponent's hand. Any player physically making contact with the goaltender while in the crease shall be assessed a minor penalty unless the ball is in the crease first and the player is attempting to play the ball. Players may guard or shadow another player, but cannot deny any player the right to move into an open space on the ice. No player shall create a “pick” to afford a teammate protection from a defender at any time. Either of these situations will result in a minor penalty.

Kicking – A major penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately kicks an opponent.

Slashing – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately winds up and strikes an opponent, or an opponent's stick, with their stick.

Throwing the stick – If a defensive player deliberately throws their stick toward the ball, the Captain of the offensive team will be given the option for a penalty shot or a minor penalty assessed to the offending player.

Tripping – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who places their stick or foot in such a manner to cause an opponent to trip or fall.

Sliding – In floor Broomball, the ball must always be played while standing. However if a player is wearing a helmet with a facemask you are allowed to play the ball from the ground. Players wearing helmets with facemasks are not allowed to slide tackle or dive into an opponent. A minor penalty will be assessed to any player who slides or dives into an opponent. If, while in their defensive zone, a player other than the goaltender plays the ball from the floor or slides or dives in an attempt to stop the ball, a penalty shot will be awarded. If, while in their offensive zone, a player plays the ball from the floor or slides or dives in an attempt to stop the ball, the ball will be blown dead and there will be a face-off in the offending team's defensive zone.

Body-checking – A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who body-checks an opponent with their hips or shoulders.

Too Many players - A bench minor penalty shall be assessed to any team who puts more than 5 players on the floor during game play. The offending team must choose a player who was on the floor at the time of the penalty to serve the two minute minor.

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

Substitutes/Changing Lines

Teams may switch field players and lines on the fly. All replacement players must enter from the bench. If a team has more than 5 players on the floor at any given time, a bench minor penalty for too many players will be given to the offending team.

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 Substitutes out and goes to the bench. You may not Substitute 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.

EQUIPMENT

Footwear

Clean sneakers are the only acceptable footwear for ice Broomball. No spiked footwear is allowed. The Referee on duty will review any questionable footwear and his/her decision is final. Metal cleats, sandals, and open-toed shoes are strictly prohibited. If there are any questions concerning footwear, contact NYC Social prior to the game.

Brooms and Balls

Official Broomballs and Broomball sticks will be provided.

Jewelry

All jewelry must be removed. This includes, but is not limited to: necklaces, earrings, newly pierced earrings, facial piercings, rings, bracelets, and watches. Individuals will not be allowed to tape over any jewelry item. If you cannot remove the item then you cannot play.

Goalie Equipment

Goalies may not use softball mitts, special gloves other than hockey gloves, and my not wear excessive padding as per the Referee’s discretion. All standard goalie equipment allowed by USA Broomball is permissible except blockers. No goalie may where a "mitt" designed to catch a ball.

OVERTIME

Regular Season

There is no overtime in the regular Season - ties are possible.

Post-Season

If a playoff game is tied at the end of regulation, each team will take four (4) penalty shots. Anyone is eligible to participate in the penalty shots, but no player may shoot twice. At least one (1) female player must shoot out of the 4. The first Team to shoot will be decided by a toss of the coin.

Format for the Penalty Shot

The ball shall be placed in the center of the rink. At the Referee's whistle the shooter shall begin toward the goal, keeping in motion until the ball is shot. Only one shot is allowed and the goalie cannot leave the crease. If the goalie leaves the crease at any time during the penalty shot, the shot will be whistled dead and the shooter will receive another try. If the goalie leaves the crease a second time, during the overtime period, an automatic goal will be awarded to the shooting team.

The penalty shot ends when:

• A goal is scored,
• The goalie gains possession or deflects the attempt,
• The offensive player loses control of the ball, or
• Ten seconds elapse.

Other Penalty Shot Notes:

• In overtime, each team must use the same goalie that finished the game.
• During the penalty shots, all other players must be out of the offensive zone, either on the bench or against the boards.
• If the game is tied at the end of the 4 penalty shots for each team, sudden death penalty shots will begin.
• Each team will receive at least one shot in the sudden death period, which will continue until a winner is determined.
• Teams must alternate male – female in sudden death.
• Members of one sex will shoot again to maintain the alternating order if there are not an equal number of males and females present.
• A player cannot shoot again until everyone on his or her team has shot.

Team T-Shirts

Each player on an official team roster will receive a league-issued Team T-Shirt at the start of the Season. The shirt must be worn and visible during each and every game of the Season. Players who forget their Team T-Shirt will cause their team a 0.5 point deduction (each) from that week's Sportsmanship Rating. Players who forget their Team T-Shirt or wear an illegally altered shirt (see below) to the game will be made to wear a pinnie in order to participate in the game.

Players must leave a form of identification with the Game Coordinator to receive the participation pinnie.  The ID will be returned to the player when the pinnie is turned in after the Game.

Team T-Shirts are also used by staff at the sponsor bar to determine whether a player is eligible to receive league discounts.

While shirt customization is allowed, teams/players must abide by the following rules when personalizing shirts:

• No company names or logos
• No offensive language
• No design that obscures or alters the NYC Social Sports Club logo

Names, nicknames, numbers, and team logos are all welcome additions to the Team T-Shirts. Please also feel free to bedazzle, tie-dye, or apply patches to them, if you are so inclined.

If a player's shirt no longer fits into the guidelines above, the player will be charged $10 and issued a replacement shirt.

Alcohol, Controlled Substance, and Safety Policy

Individuals (players, fans, or friends of players) will, at the discretion of NYC Social Sports Club, be ejected immediately if any of the following are true:

• found bringing alcohol, weapons, or controlled substances to any venue or sponsor bar in use by NYC Social Sports Club
• suspected of excessive pre-game alcohol consumption
• suspected of abusing a controlled substance
• deemed unruly or a danger to themselves or others at any time

Anyone who is ejected from one of our venues or sponsor bars will be required to petition the Club for reinstatement before participating in or attending any subsequent NYC Social Sports Club event. Team(s) associated with the offending player, friend, or fan will lose 2 Sportsmanship points from its Sportsmanship Rating.

These policies are in place for the safety, enjoyment, and continued camaraderie of all players, the sponsoring venues, sponsor bars, and the entire Club.

Sportsmanship Score

A Sportsmanship score (SP) is given to every team after every game, and is factored into overall league ranking. Teams (and their fans) begin with a ‘5.0’ and are deducted for policy infractions, poor attitudes, low attendance, or absence as described below.

Any team receiving a score below 3.5 must email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to explain their actions and receive official approval prior to participating in future Club games, leagues, or hosted events.

• 5.0 – Exemplary Conduct - Always cooperative with Gamestaff and other players. Rule interpretation and call discussions always polite. Captain has full control of players & fans.
• 4.5 – Good, Not Great - Minor taunting, running up the score, excessive celebration, or other actions which diminish overall fun.
• 4.0 – Passable Conduct - Team complains about Gamestaff decisions and/or shows minor dissent.
• 3.5 – Needs Improvement, Without Penalty - Team frequently complains or is unpleasant, but no penalties are assessed. Teams alerting the office by 3pm the day of a forfeit (Friday for weekend games) will receive a ‘3.5’.
• 3.0 – Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty - Team verbally argues or is disrespectful. Captain helps control team. Teams not providing timely notice prior to 'low-show' forfeits receive a ‘3.0’.
• 2.5 – Two Penalties, No Ejection - No more than two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Captain attempts to help. Teams not providing timely notice prior to no-show forfeits receive a ‘2.5’.
• 2.0 – Single Ejection - Team has multiple unsportsmanlike penalties and/or player gets ejected.
• 1.5 – Single Ejection (Involving Captain) - Captain is ejected or is part of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
• 1.0 – Multiple Ejections - Captain has no control of team and/or is unwilling to work with staff. Team receives a forfeit loss.
• 0.5 – Multiple Ejections (Involving Captain) - Captain has no control of self or team. Team receives a forfeit loss.
• 0.0 – Game Discontinued - Physical confrontation, multiple ejections, or poor behavior resulting in discontinuation of game.

Note: players must wear appropriate colored, league-issued Team T-Shirts during games. Half a point (.5) will be deducted from a team’s Sportsmanship Rating for each missing shirt.

Ejected Participants

Any ejected individual must get approval by NYC Social Sports Club prior to attending or participating in future Club games, leagues, or hosted events, including Post-Game Parties. Attempted participation without approval is subject to further penalties. Rulings may include, but are not limited to, probation, game/league suspension, or permanent expulsion.

MOST IMPORTANTLY!

THIS IS A SOCIAL LEAGUE: Have fun and make new friends. The game may or may not go your way, but the beer is still cold and cheap afterwards!