Street Hockey
Rulebook

 
Street Hockey
Cheat Sheet

Etiquette & Spirit of the Game

  • All players participating in ESSC leagues are expected to play with respect for everyone at the gym and with a “fun first” attitude. Street Hockey can be an intense and physical sport however, all ESSC leagues must remain a fun, non-threatening environment.
  • Players are required to call their own Violations and promote fun and safety throughout the game. All players are expected to act in a respectful manner and attempt to fix behaviour as indicated by the GC.
  • Only the team captains should communicate issues with the GC.
  • 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 GCing the game.

Format

  • Players should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled game time.
  • 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 the game actually started.
  • Games consist of two 25 minute periods, with a 5 minute intermission.
  • In regular season games, ties are allowed - there will be no overtime or shoot-outs.
  • The clock does not stop for any reason as each game must end on time.

General Playing Guidelines

Game Play Expectations: 

  • Before, at the half-time and after the game, captains will meet with the GC to communicate all important information.
  • 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 (boards, glass or mesh) are generally considered to be 'live'.
    • 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), possession will be given to the team that did not shoot the ball out of bounds. This team will receive the ball at the point where it went out of play. The player will get 3 seconds to gain control and opponents should stand at least one stick length away.
    • Icing and offsides are not in effect.
  • 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, penalty or the ball leaving the playing floor. In most cases, face-offs are done at center.
  • 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.
  • 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 to 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 second 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.
    • 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 or intentionally directing it into the net with their foot. If a ball deflects off a player’s body inadvertently, and a goal is scored – the goal will count.

Violations

Violations 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 the opposing team 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.

List of Violations:

  • Hand Pass: Players cannot pass the ball to their teammate by directing the ball to them 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.
  • Shielding the Ball: There are two types of shielding in SSC floor hockey leagues:
    • When a player stick-handles or advances with the ball while their back is to their opponent. This is never allowed.
    • When player is stationary, has possession of the ball and has their back to their opponent. This is allowed, but for no more than 3 seconds, the defender is allowed to count out 3 seconds. After 3 seconds, the player must turn and face the play.
    • If a player violates either of the two shielding rules, 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. 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 their opponent’s stick only one time while they 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.
    • Must keep at least one foot in the crease at all times.
    • 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.
    • Players cannot hack at the goalie while they are trying to gain possession of the ball.
  • 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 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 are categorized as 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 facility 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 no one from the team calls 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 then 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.

Illegal Equipment

Players are required to honour the SSC equipment guidelines. These are outlined in the "Facilities and Equipment" tab under "League Details" section. Players caught bringing illegal equipment to the game will be asked to remove the item(s) and replace them with SSC authorized equipment. Illegal equipment includes:

  • Goalie leg pads: maximum size is 34" tall by 11.5" 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: Any player caught using an illegal stick will be asked to remove the stick from the playing area and replace it with a legal stick.

Reckless Play

This 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 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.

High Sticking

This 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 shorthanded. 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 at the rink 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. However, if it is deemed as a malicious lift and the opponent’s stick goes well above his/her waist, it will be considered a “dangerous play” and the player who lifted the stick will be penalized for high sticking.
  • 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.

Unsportsmanlike Play

This 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 (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 are attempting to gain 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.

Threatening behavior towards an opponent

  • A player’s first offense will result in a game misconduct and automatic further suspension upon review by the Club.
  • 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.

Disrespecting a GC

GCs are valuable assets to the sports programs and without them there would be no Basketball leagues. As with all other ESSC 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 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:

  • Players disagreeing with a call and trying to make the GC change the 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, they will serve it on the bench and the team will be shorthanded. 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 facility and play must resume without a time-out to warm-up or equip a new goalie.