Ball Hockey Regulations

The Intramural sport convener may modify these rules at their discretion. The Intramural sport convener and officials have the discretion to rule on any matter not covered by these rules.

A. HOUSE RULES

In general, our rules are governed by the Canadian Ball Hockey Association. Please see our house rules below for exceptions.

I. Matches consist of two 20 minute halves (as long as time permits) with a running clock, except during the last three minutes of a two-goal or less (difference) game during which it will be stop time. There are no time-outs and no overtime during the regular season.
II. “Behind the net” ruling: In attempt to maintain the flow of the game, when the goalie smothers the ball a defensive player must play the ball from behind their own net without any pressure from opposing players. There will be a five second restriction on passing the ball, and the player must stay behind the goal-crease red line to play the ball forward. Opposing players must provide a stick length from the line to the team in possession. If the defending team does not successfully complete the pass out (i.e. time expires or they shoot the ball out of bounds) the other team will then have five seconds to pass the ball out from behind the defending team's goal.
III. In the last 3 minutes of the game and/or if a penalty is being served, a face-off will be conducted in the defending zone any time a goalie smothers the ball.
IV. In an attempt maintain the flow of the game, if the net is dislodged slightly, the official will use his or her discretion whether to stop play or let it continue. If the official decides to allow play to continue, a goal is ruled when the ball completely crosses the goal line where the net was originally positioned.
V. There is no icing or offside.
VI. The play is whistled dead for any ball leaving the playing surface. The face-off held is at the point where the ball was last touched. It is the team who last touched the ball’s responsibility to retrieve the ball immediately. If no attempt is made by this team after the official has requested retrieval, a three minute minor delay-of-game penalty will be assessed, which the captain will serve.
VII. There are no offsetting penalties. If each team receives a penalty in the same stoppage, both teams will play short-handed.
VIII. There are delayed penalties.
IX. All minor penalties are three minutes in length, majors are seven minutes in length, for which the player receives an extra game misconduct and is subject to further sanctions. The following minors will be called on top of those specified by the CBHA:|
a) High sticking – touching the ball above one’s shoulders.
b) Gloving – closing the hand over the ball and using it to an advantage.
c) Unsportsmanlike Conduct – acts like intentionally slashing.
d) Stepping on the ball – If any player steps on the ball to intentionally kill time, they will be asked to remove their foot from the ball. Failure to do so will result in a delay of game penalty.
X. A player who accumulates at least 7 minutes in penalties will be ejected for the remainder of the game.
XI. A penalty shot will be awarded to the opposing team when a delay of game is incurred within last three (3) minutes of play.

B. EQUIPMENT & UNIFORMS

• All players must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet with full facial protection, as well as approved hockey gloves.
• Plastic blades are not allowed.
• Taped hockey sticks are not permitted indoors.
• Goaltenders must wear a full set of goaltender’s equipment.
• It is important that all players bring both a white and dark shirt with them to all games. Generally the Home Team will be expected to wear white and the Away Team will be expected to wear dark. Any team that has a set of matching jerseys will be given priority to wear them regardless of if they are the Home Team or Away Team. If both teams present have jerseys of a similar colour then it is the home team that will be given preference and the away team will be expected to change. No gray or red shirts.

C. OVERTIME PROCEDURES

• There is no overtime process for regular season games.
• In the result of a tie in the playoffs, teams will play a five-minute sudden-victory overtime period. In the event that the game is still tied it will move to a shoot-out format. Three players from each team will alternate taking shots. In the event that it is still tied after the three shooters from each team then it will move to a sudden victory shoot-out.
• Players serving a penalty when time expires at the end of overtime will not be permitted to participate in the shoot-out.

D. PLAYOFFS

• Format will be determined by the Intramural sport convener based on weather conditions and gym/rink availability.
• Each team is allotted one 45-second time-out per game in playoffs.

Outdoor Ball Hockey

• Games will continue to be played during all weather conditions except: if thunder is heard, games will be suspended for 15 minutes. If no thunder or lightning are seen or heard in the 15 minutes, games will continue. If thunder and lightning persist, games will be cancelled and rescheduled, if possible. If lightning is seen, games will be immediately cancelled and rescheduled, if possible.
• Field conditions will be monitored by Intramural staff who may suspend games at any time if they believe the field is unplayable.
• When in doubt, players should expect the game to be played and arrive at the field on time. If games get/are to be cancelled the sport convener will send out a message to those affected as soon as the decision to cancel has been made.

Indoor Ball Hockey

• Intramural staff has full authority to suspend/cancel games if they believe the playing conditions are unsafe. Games will be rescheduled, if possible.
• In the event of a problem with lights or leakages, captains will be notified and games will be rescheduled, if possible.
• When in doubt, players should expect the game to be played and arrive at the indoor facility on time. If games get/are to be cancelled the sport convener will send out a message to those affected as soon as the decision to cancel has been made.

I. Cancelled Games (due to weather, space conflicts etc.) will be rescheduled whenever possible to ensure you get the Intramural experience you paid for, however facility availability is limited, and games may not always be able to be rescheduled.
II. Team Requests for a Reschedule - Unfortunately, once our schedules are released online we only make changes due to facility closure, etc.
III. If you need to reschedule a game, email your opponent to gain their permission to a possible rescheduling. Only if the opponent agrees to a change of game time can you email your Intramural sport convener at least 48 hours prior to the game with your request (and proof of opponent’s agreement). Requests will be accommodated when possible, but are not guaranteed. If you wish to swap game times with another game in your division, you must contact the captains of all teams involved in the game swap. The swap can only occur if all parties agree. This must be completed at least 48 hours prior to the originally scheduled game. Proof of all agreements must be sent to the Sport Convener before the game time swap can be executed.
IV. Forfeit the game: If you give at least 48 hours’ notice to your sport specific convener that your team won't be playing and that the game is a ‘forfeit’. You will lose the game, but not your Performance Bond.