Southern Wisconsin Inline Roller Hockey League OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Southern Wisconsin Inline Roller Hockey League Official Playing Rules

Preface

Teams: 4 players on playing surface plus 1 goalkeeper or 5 players and no goalkeeper.

Roster: Maximum of 15 players and 2 goalkeepers, minimum of 6 skaters and 1 goalie.

Mandatory equipment: Ages 18 and under: inline skates, HECC approved helmet, HECC approved full facemask, colored non clear internal mouth guard, elbow pads, gloves designed for hockey, Knee and shin protection designed for hockey.

Ages 18+: same except no facial protection or internal mouth guard required however highly recommended.

Penalties: Team cannot be reduced to less then 2 players and a goalkeeper or 3 players and no goalkeeper or game ends in a forfeit for offending team.

Game Misconduct Penalties: Player or coach is suspended for the balance of that game and the next scheduled game for that league. If a player plays in multiple leagues player may not play until suspension is served in proper league. Three game misconduct’s within a one year period will result in a six month suspension from the league.

Game Ejection: Player who accumulates 4 penalties in a single game will be suspended for the balance of that game.

Referees: Standard 2 man system using SWIRHL rulebook, a modification of the Narch Rule book.

Goalies- Have the option of wearing shoes or skate. If a goalie chooses to wear shoes they may not leave the crease. At least one body part must remain in the crease at all times. Goalie on Shoes may only be replaced during a stoppage of play.

Body-contact: Body checking is NOT ALLOWED. Body contact is allowed as long as a LEGITIMATE attempt is made to play the puck before initiating contact with the player. All rulings on body contact is at the referee’s discretion.

Face-offs: Take place at face-off dots only.

Fighting: Fighting will not be tolerated. Major plus a game misconduct plus 2 game suspension. Dropping gloves in attempt to fight will result in a 1 game suspension, and if continued may result is removal from the league.

Hand pass to teammate: Permitted in defensive zone only.

Icing and off sides: No such rule.

Length of game: 2 halves, 12-25 minutes in duration (running or stop time). If running time is played, stoppage of play in the last 2 minutes when the score is within 2 goals.

Tied game: A 5 minute sudden death overtime will be played, if no team scores, game ends in a tie. In the playoffs, sudden death overtime will consist of regulation time.

Time out: Each team is permitted 1 one minute time out per game. Time outs may only be taken during a stoppage of play.

Suspensions: Suspensions will be served the immediate week(s) following the incident. If a player is registered in two leagues they may not play in the second league until the suspension for the first one has been served.

Tobacco: Legal use must be done outside of the building. Chewing tobacco is not permitted inside the building.

Alcohol and other drugs: Are not permitted on the premises. Any player or spectator who is found to be under the influence of such substances shall be ejected from that game.

Table of Contents

SECTION I - THE RINK ...................................................................... 5

RULE 101 - RINK..........................................................................................................5

RULE 102 - GOAL POSTS AND NETS.........................................................................5

RULE 103 - GOAL CREASE.........................................................................................5

RULE 104 - FACE-OFF SPOTS.....................................................................................5

RULE 105 - PLAYER BENCHES ..................................................................................5

RULE 106 - PENALTY BENCH....................................................................................6

RULE 107 - REFEREE’S CREASE................................................................................6

SECTION II - TEAMS.......................................................................... 6

RULE 201 - COMPOSITION OF TEAM........................................................................6

RULE 202 - TEAM CAPTAIN.......................................................................................7

RULE 203 - UNIFORMED PLAYERS...........................................................................7

RULE 205 - CHANGE OF PLAYERS............................................................................8

RULE 206 - INJURED PLAYERS .................................................................................8

SECTION III- EQUIPMENT .............................................................. 9

RULE 301 - STICKS .................................................................................................... 9

RULE 302 - SKATES................................................................................................... 10

RULE 303 - GOALTENDER EQUIPMENT................................................................. 10

RULE 304 - PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT................................................................... 11

RULE 305 - DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT................................................................... 11

RULE 306 - PUCK ....................................................................................................... 11

RULE 307 - UNIFORMS.............................................................................................. 11

SECTION IV - PENALTIES............................................................... 12

RULE 401 - PENALTIES............................................................................................. 12

RULE 402 - MINOR PENALTIES ............................................................................... 12

RULE 403 - MAJOR PENALTIES............................................................................... 14

RULE 404 - MISCONDUCT PENALTIES................................................................... 14

RULE 405 - MATCH PENALTIES .............................................................................. 15

RULE 406 - PENALTY SHOT..................................................................................... 16

RULE 407 - GOALTENDER PENALTIES .................................................................. 18

RULE 408 - DELAYED PENALTIES.......................................................................... 18

RULE 409 - CALLING OF PENALTIES ..................................................................... 19

RULE 410 - SUPPLEMENTARY DISCIPLINE........................................................... 20

SECTION V - OFFICIALS ................................................................. 20

RULE 501 - APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS ............................................................ 20

RULE 502 - REFEREE................................................................................................. 20

RULE 503 - ASSISTANT OFFICIAL........................................................................... 21

RULE 505 - PENALTY TIMEKEEPER....................................................................... 22

RULE 506 - OFFICIAL SCORER ................................................................................ 22

RULE 507 - GAME TIMEKEEPER ............................................................................. 22

SECTION VI - PLAYING RULES ..................................................... 23

RULE 601 - ABUSE OF OFFICIALS AND OTHER MISCONDUCT ......................... 23

RULE 602 - ADJUSTMENT TO CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT ............................. 24

RULE 603 - ATTEMPT TO INJURE............................................................................ 24

RULE 604 - BODY CHECKING.................................................................................. 24

RULE 605 - BOARDING............................................................................................. 25

RULE 606 - BROKEN STICK...................................................................................... 25

RULE 607 - BUTT-ENDING........................................................................................ 26

RULE 608 - CHARGING............................................................................................. 26

RULE 609 - CROSS CHECKING................................................................................. 27

RULE 610 - DELAYING THE GAME......................................................................... 27

RULE 611 - DELIBERATE INJURY OF OPPONENTS .............................................. 28

RULE 612 - ELBOWING............................................................................................. 28

RULE 613 - FACE-OFFS ............................................................................................. 28

RULE 614 - FALLING ON PUCK ............................................................................... 30

RULE 615 – FIGHTING AND ROUGHING................................................................ 30

RULE 616 - GOALS AND ASSISTS............................................................................ 31

RULE 617 - HANDLING PUCK WITH HANDS......................................................... 33

RULE 618 - HEAD-BUTTING..................................................................................... 34

RULE 619 - HIGH STICKS.......................................................................................... 34

RULE 620 - HOLDING AN OPPONENT .................................................................... 35

RULE 621 - HOLDING AN OPPONENT’S STICK..................................................... 35

RULE 622 - HOOKING................................................................................................ 35

RULE 623 - ILLEGAL PUCK HANDLING................................................................. 35

RULE 624 - INTERFERENCE..................................................................................... 35

RULE 625 - INTERFERENCE BY SPECTATORS...................................................... 37

RULE 626 - KICKING PLAYER ................................................................................. 37

RULE 627 - KICKING THE PUCK.............................................................................. 37

RULE 628 - KNEEING ................................................................................................ 37

RULE 629 - LEAVING PLAYER OR PENALTY BENCH.......................................... 38

RULE 631 - PUCK MUST BE KEPT IN MOTION...................................................... 39

RULE 632 - PUCK OUT OF BOUNDS OR UNPLAYABLE....................................... 40

RULE 633 - PUCK OUT OF SIGHT AND ILLEGAL PUCK....................................... 40

RULE 634 - REFUSING TO START PLAY AND FORFEITURE............................... 41

RULE 635 - SLASHING............................................................................................... 42

RULE 636 - SPEARING............................................................................................... 42

RULE 637 - START OF GAME AND PERIODS......................................................... 43

RULE 638 - THROWING STICK................................................................................. 43

RULE 639 - TIED GAMES .......................................................................................... 43

RULE 640 - TIME OF GAME...................................................................................... 44

RULE 641 - TIME OUTS ............................................................................................. 44

RULE 642 - TRIPPING................................................................................................ 44

SECTION I - THE RINK

RULE 101 - RINK

(a) Roller hockey shall be played on a plastic tiled, wooden, or cement floor, which

shall be in good condition.

(b) The rink shall be marked according to the diagram included with these rules,

taking into consideration the dimensions indicated herein.

to 210 feet in length. It is recommended that the corners be uniformly rounded in the arc

of a circle with a radius in proportion to the length and width of the playing surface.

RULE 102 - GOAL POSTS AND NETS

(a) The goals will consist of NHL style nets. They may be metal or PVC pipe

frames, with the pipes a minimum diameter of 2". They must be covered with netting

strong enough to withstand any shot. Goals should be 6' wide and 4' tall, alternative sizes are acceptable for house league play. The goal posts should be painted red. Optionally, the upright posts and front cross bar should always be red but all other exterior surfaces can be white. The goal shall be centered on the goal line and shall be fixed in such a manner to stay stationary during the progress of the game. Play shall be stopped when the goal has been displaced by a significant degree, at the referee’s discretion, and the attacking gains possession of the puck. If the defending team gains possession the goalie or referee shall place the goal back in its normal position.

RULE 103 - GOAL CREASE

(a) In front of each goal, a Goal Crease area shall be marked by a red or black line 2

inches wide, extending 12 feet across the goal line and 6 feet at the peak of the radius of the crease.

be marked completely across the width of the rink.

RULE 104 - FACE-OFF SPOTS

(a) One 12” face-off spot shall be at the exact center of the floor. Players not taking the face off shall not line up within 15 feet of the faceoff dot. The game will be started with a face-off from this spot, as well as the beginning of the second half, after each goal is scored, and before sudden death overtime (if applicable).

(b) In both end zones along an imaginary line face-off circles with a radius of 12 inches will be drawn on the floor in red or black. A 15-foot radius, 2-inch wide circle, should be drawn around the face off spots in red or black paint or tape.

RULE 105 - PLAYER BENCHES

(a) Each rink should have seats or a bench for the use of each team, to be known as

the player benches. Each player bench shall accommodate at least 10 persons and shall be placed immediately alongside the playing surface in the neutral area as near as

possible to the center of the rink. All doors that open to the rink surface shall swing away from the playing surface.

(b) Only players in uniform, the Manager, Coach and Trainer shall be permitted to

occupy the player benches. A total of no more than three (3) non-players may be on the

player bench at any time.

bench unless a game official allows otherwise. Violation of this rule may result in the

assessment of a Bench Minor Penalty.

(d) Teams will maintain the same bench for the entire game.

(e) Since games are comprised of two periods, each team must start the game

defending the goal, which is at the opposite end of the rink from their player bench.

Teams will switch ends at halftime, allowing them to defend the goal at the same end of

the rink as their player bench for the second period. Teams will not switch ends for overtime periods.

RULE 106 - PENALTY BENCH

(a) Each rink will have seats or benches to be used for the seating of penalized

players, Game Timekeeper and Official Scorer. The penalty bench should be located a

substantial distance from the players’ bench. The recommended location for the penalty

benches is at the opposite side of the rink from the players’ bench.

RULE 107 - REFEREE’S CREASE

(a) A line in the shape of a semi-circle and with a 10 foot radius, 2 inches wide, shall

be marked on the floor in red or blue paint or tape directly in front of the Timekeeper’s

seat. This area shall be known as the “Referee’s Crease”.

SECTION II - TEAMS

RULE 201 - COMPOSITION OF TEAM

(a) A roller hockey team will consist of at least 6 and no more than 15 players. No player, except for goalies, shall be permitted to be listed on two different teams in the same league.

(b) Teams must start a game with four skaters and a goaltender or five skaters on the floor if at full Strength. If at the end of warm up time a team cannot place five skaters on the rink an additional five minutes shall put up. If at the end of that five minute time a

team still cannot provide the correct amount of skaters a minor penalty shall be assessed. When another player becomes ready for that team, they may not enter the

game until the full penalty has been served. If a stoppage of play occurs during the penalty a player must be sent to the penalty box. If no stoppage of play occurs, team cannot be at even strength until the 1^st stoppage of play following the penalty expiring.

(c) If a team does not have enough players from their roster to start a game they may add a substitute player. The substitute player must be of EQUAL OR LESSER ability at the discretion of both team captains and the league official. Teams may add players for that game until they have five skaters and a goalie or six skaters and no goalie listed for that game. If a listed player from that team becomes available during the game, the substitute player must retire from the game immediately.

RULE 202 - TEAM CAPTAIN

(a) One Captain shall be appointed by each team, and that player alone shall have the

privilege of discussing with the Referees any question relating to interpretation of rules

which may arise during the progress of a game.

(b) Alternate Captains (not more than two) shall be accorded the privileges of the

Captain.

name of the Captain of the team, also the identity of the players who will serve as

Alternate Captains when the Captain is off the floor.

(d) No goalkeeper or playing Coach shall be entitled to exercise the privileges of

Captain or Alternate Captain on the floor.

(e) Only the Captain or Alternate Captain on the floor at the time of the stoppage of

play (but not both) shall have the privilege of discussing with the Referees any point

relating to the interpretation of rules. Any Captain, Alternate Captain or player who

comes off the bench and makes any protest or intervention with the Referees for any

purpose may be assessed a misconduct penalty. A complaint about a penalty is NOT a matter “relating to the interpretation of the rules”, and a minor penalty shall be imposed against any Captain or other player making such a complaint.

RULE 203 - UNIFORMED PLAYERS

(a) At the beginning of each game, the Manager, Coach, or Captain of each

team shall list on the official game roster, the players, with goaltender(s) identified who

shall be eligible to play in the game.

(c) Each team shall be allowed one goaltender on the floor at one time. The goaltender has the option of wearing shoes or skates. If they choose to wear shoes they may not leave the goal crease, at least one body part must remain in the crease at all times.

Violation of this rule will result in a stoppage of play once any scoring opportunities are

complete and a face off at the nearest defensive dot. Persistent violation of this rule will result in a delay of game penalty. The goaltender wearing skates may be removed and another "player" substituted, goalies wearing shoes may only be substituted during a stoppage of play. Such substitute shall not be permitted the privilege of the goaltender.

(d) Any substitute goaltender entering the game for any reason shall not be permitted

a warm up.

RULE 205 - CHANGE OF PLAYERS

(a) Players may be changed at any time from the player benches, provided that the

player or players leaving the floor shall always be within 5 feet of the bench before

substitutions may come on the floor. For any violation of this rule, a Bench Minor Penalty shall be imposed.

NOTE 1: If, in the course of making a substitution, either the player entering or leaving the game deliberately plays the puck or makes any physical contact with an opposing player while the retiring player is actually on the floor, then the infraction of “too many players on the floor” will be called. If, in the course of a substitution, the puck accidentally strikes either player, the play will not be stopped and no penalty will be

called.

NOTE 2: When a goaltender leaves his/her goal area for the purpose of a

player change, and the substitution is made prematurely, the violation when called will be either a face off at center or a face off in the defensive zone, depending upon where the offending team touches the puck, and no penalty will be called.

(d) During a stoppage of play, especially during running time, player changes must be

made immediately after the whistle, stopping play. The referee may issue a warning to a team deliberately delaying the game. Any subsequent delay after this will result in a bench minor penalty.

RULE 206 - INJURED PLAYERS

(a) When a player, other than a goaltender, is injured or compelled to leave the floor

during a game, he/she must leave the game and play must continue immediately.

(b) If a goaltender sustains an injury or becomes ill, they must be ready to resume

play immediately or be replaced by a substitute goaltender or skater, and NO additional time shall be allowed by the Referees for the purpose of enabling the injured or ill goaltender to resume their position. No warm-up shall be given to the replacement goaltender.

goaltenders and shall be entitled to the same privileges. When a substitution for the

regular goaltender has been made, such regular goaltender shall not resume his/her

position until the first stoppage of play thereafter.

(d) If an injured player receives a minor penalty, the penalized team shall place a

substitute player on the penalty bench before the penalty expires and no other

replacement for the penalized player shall be permitted to enter the game except from the penalty bench. For violation of this rule a Bench Minor Penalty shall be imposed. The penalized player who has been replaced on the penalty bench shall not be eligible to play until his/her penalty has expired.

(e) When a player is injured so that they cannot continue play or go to their bench,

the play shall not be stopped until the injured player's team has secured possession of the puck. If the player's team is in possession of the puck at the time of injury, play shall be stopped immediately, unless their team is in a scoring position. The clock will stop during such injury.

(f) A player other than the goaltender whose injury appears serious enough to

warrant a stoppage of play may not participate further in the game until the completion of the ensuing face-off.

(g) If a player is obviously bleeding, play shall be stopped immediately and the

injured player shall be ruled off the playing surface. The player will not be permitted to

return to play until the bleeding has been stopped and the wound covered. If any blood is present on the uniform of any player, such player must leave the floor and not return until the blood is removed from uniform, or the uniform is changed.

NOTE 1: In a case where it is obvious that a player has sustained a serious injury the Referees may stop the play immediately regardless of who is in possession of the puck.

SECTION III- EQUIPMENT

RULE 301 - STICKS

(a) Sticks shall be made of wood or other approved material and must not have any

projections extending from the stick. Tape may be wrapped around the blade of the stick. However, Black tape on the stick blade is prohibited.

(b) No stick shall exceed 63 inches in length from the heel to the end of the shaft and

no more than 12 1/2 inches from the heel to the end of the blade. The curvature of the

blade of the stick shall not be restricted. The blade of the floor players' stick must be a

minimum of 2 inches and may not exceed 3 inches in width at any point.

point except at the heel where it must not exceed 4 1/2 inches in width, nor shall the

goaltender's stick exceed 15 1/2 inches in length from the heel to the end of the blade. The widened portion of the goaltender's stick extending up the shaft of the blade shall not extend more than 26 inches from the heel and shall not exceed 5 inches in width.

(d) A minor penalty shall be assessed any player, including the goaltender, for using a

stick which does not conform to the provisions of this rule.

RULE 302 - SKATES

(a) No projections on skates other than those designed by the manufacturer are

permitted.

(b) All axle openings must contain an axle and a wheel at the start of each game. (Ex: A four-wheel frame must contain four axles and four wheels.) If a player loses a wheel during a game they may finish the game without replacing the wheel but must have it replaced before the start of the next game.

(d) The use of speed skates or any skate so designed that it may cause injury is

prohibited.

(e) The use of quad skates is allowed, but not recommended.

RULE 303 - GOALTENDER EQUIPMENT

(a) With the exception of skates and sticks, all equipment worn by the goaltender

must be constructed solely for the protection of the head or body, and must not include

any garment or contrivance, which would give the goaltender any undue assistance in

tending goal.

(b) The goaltender’s blocker glove shall not exceed 8 inches in width or 16 inches in

length at any point.

(c) The maximum length of a goaltender’s catching glove shall not exceed 17 inches. The cuff shall not exceed 9 inches in width. Any bar or attachment between the cuff and

the thumb shall only extend in a straight line. Any other pocket or pouch added to the

glove by a manufacturer or otherwise is not acceptable and makes the glove illegal.

(d) Abdominal aprons extending down the thighs or the outside of the pants are

prohibited.

(e) The goaltender's leg pads may not exceed 12 inches in width, and may not be

altered in any way.

(f) It is mandatory for all goaltenders to wear a HECC or CSA approved helmet designed for hockey with helmet strap properly fastened and a HECC or CSA approved full-face mask designed for hockey. All goaltenders must wear chest protection. Throat protection is highly recommended.

(g) Violation of the goaltender equipment rule will result in a minor penalty and removal of the goaltender from the game until the equipment in question is adjusted to meet the correct specifications.

RULE 304 - PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

(a) Each participant is personally responsible to wear protective equipment for all

games and warm-ups. Recommended equipment for all players is: internal mouth guard, hip pads, padded long hockey pants, chest protection, and throat protection.

Mandatory equipment for players under 18 years of age is: HECC or CSA approved helmet with chin strap properly fastened, HECC or CSA approved full face mask fastened properly to the helmet, elbow pads, hockey gloves, hockey shin pads, protective cup or pelvic protector. Mandatory equipment for players 18 years of age and older is: Helmet designed for ice hockey with helmet strap properly fastened, elbow pads, hockey gloves, hockey shin pads, protective cup or pelvic protector.

(b) All protective equipment except gloves, head gear or goaltender leg pads, must be

entirely under the uniform. After one warning by the Referees, a minor penalty shall be

imposed on the offending player for violation of this rule.

(e) A glove from which all or part of the palm has been worn out or cut to permit the

use of bare fingers shall be considered illegal equipment, and if any player wears such a glove in play a minor penalty shall be imposed on them.

(f) Violation of the protective equipment rule will result in a minor penalty and removal of the player from the game until the equipment in question is adjusted to meet the correct specifications.

RULE 305 - DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT

(a) The use of pads or protectors made of metal or any other material likely to cause

injury to a player is prohibited. The wearing of casts or splints made of hard or unyielding materials is prohibited, even if padded.

(b) All elbow pads, which do not have a soft protective covering of sponge rubber or

a similar material at least 1/2 inch thick, shall be considered dangerous equipment.

RULE 306 - PUCK

(a) The official puck used for all games is the IDS Pro Shot Puck.

RULE 307 - UNIFORMS

(b) All players participating in SWIRHL games must be uniformed and have matching

jerseys with long sleeves, Fast Forward jersey’s will be grandfathered in. Full-length hockey pants or sweat pants must be worn. Short pants are not allowed.

jerseys. All numbers assigned must be whole numbers only between 0 and 99 (no

fractions, decimals etc.). No two members of the same team will be assigned or

permitted to wear the same number.

(d) It will be the responsibility of the visiting team to change its jerseys if the colors

of the competing teams conflict. The decision in this matter shall be left to the Referees in charge of the game. The league official, however, may request that a team change jerseys at any time to avoid conflict.

(e) Each player’s jersey must match or be similar in color.

SECTION IV - PENALTIES

RULE 401 - PENALTIES

(a) Penalties shall be divided into the following classes:

1. Minor Penalties

2. Bench Minor Penalties

3. Major Penalties

4. Misconduct Penalties

5. Match Penalties

6. Penalty Shot

(b) When play is not actually in progress and any player commits an offense, the

same penalty shall apply as though play were actually in progress.

(c) The minimum number of players a team may have on the floor due to penalties is 3: (2 skaters and 1 goaltender, or 3 skaters).

RULE 402 - MINOR PENALTIES

(a) Minor penalties shall be 2 minutes in length.

(b) For a Minor Penalty assessed to any player other than a goaltender, such player

shall be ruled off the floor for 2 minutes, during which time no substitute shall be

permitted. The player may leave the penalty bench upon expiration of their penalty or

upon the scoring of a goal by the opposing team. If a Minor Penalty is assessed to a

goaltender, a player on that team that was on the floor at the time of the infraction must

serve the penalty.

that team for two minutes. Any player on the team may be designated to serve the

penalty by the Coach or playing Captain and such player shall take their place on the

penalty bench promptly and serve the penalty as if it was a minor penalty imposed upon

them.

(d) If while a team is short-handed by one or more minor or bench minor penalties,

the opposing team scores a goal, the first of such penalties shall automatically terminate.

NOTE 1: "Short-handed" means that the team must be below the numerical strength of its opponents on the floor at the time the goal is scored. The minor or bench minor penalty which terminates automatically is the first non-coincidental minor penalty assessed. Thus, coincident minor penalties to both teams do NOT cause either side to be "short-handed”. Although each team is playing short, they are at equal strength.

If a goal is scored on a penalty shot against a team that is already shorthanded

because of one or more minor or bench minor penalties, such penalties shall not

automatically terminate and no penalized player shall be permitted to return to the

surface.

(e) If the referee signals an additional minor penalty(s) against a team that is already

shorthanded because of one or more minor or bench minor penalties, and a goal is scored by the non-offending team before the whistle is blown, the goal shall be allowed, the delayed penalty(s) shall be assessed and the first non-coincidental minor penalty already being served shall terminate.

(f) When a player receives a major penalty and a minor penalty at the same time, the

major penalty shall be served first by the penalized player. All coinciding penalties shall be served first.

(g) When coincidental penalties are imposed upon players of each team, the penalized players shall take their places in the penalty bench and such players shall not leave the bench until the full time of their penalties has expired. Substitution shall not be permitted

NOTE 1: If teams are at full strength and coinciding penalties are assessed, teams will skate 3 on 3 for the full two minutes and penalized players shall return to the surface at the expiration of their penalties, the same goes if teams are playing 3 on 3 and coinciding penalties are assessed teams will skate 2 on 2 for the full two minutes.

(h) When either team is short handed by two players and coincidental penalties are

imposed upon players of each team, the penalized players shall take their places in the

penalty bench and such players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage

of play following the expiration of their respective penalties. Immediate substitution

shall be made for players so penalized and their penalties will not start until the 1^st penalties expire.

(h) A team may not be deprived of a man advantage situation in a game due to any

minor penalties already being served. If such a scenario arises, the players serving any

minors with the most time remaining will be substituted for, and such players shall not

leave the penalty box until the first whistle after their penalties expire.

RULE 403 - MAJOR PENALTIES

(a) Major penalties shall be 5 minutes in length.

(b) For a major penalty, the offender, except the goaltender, shall be ruled off the

floor for 5 minutes, during which time no substitute shall be permitted.

imposed upon a player of each team, the penalized players shall take their places on the penalty bench and such players shall not leave the penalty bench until the full time has been served of their respective penalties. Immediate substitution not shall be made for the players so penalized and their penalties shall not be taken into account for the purpose of the delayed penalty.

(d) When coincidental penalties of unequal duration, including a major penalty, are

1. A player on the team of the penalized player shall serve the penalties, which

created the disparity in total penalty time between the players penalized, first in the

normal way.

2. Account shall be taken of the penalties, which create the disparity in the total

penalty time awarded to the players affected for the purpose of the delayed penalty.

RULE 404 - MISCONDUCT PENALTIES

(a) "Misconduct Penalties" to all players except the goaltender, involve removal from

the game for a period of ten minutes each. A substitute player is permitted to

immediately replace a player serving a misconduct penalty. A player whose misconduct

penalty has expired shall remain in the penalty box until the next stoppage of play. A

misconduct penalty assessed to a goaltender must be served by a player on the

goaltender’s team that was on the floor at the time of the infraction. The SWIRHL director shall review any misconduct penalty incurred at the end of a game, and at that time may choose to shorten or lengthen any suspension.

(b) When a player receives a minor penalty and a misconduct penalty at the same

time, the penalized team shall immediately put a substitute player on the bench and he

shall serve the minor penalty without charge.

the game. Such player will also be subject to further sanctions by SWIRHL if they deem it necessary.

(d) A "Game Misconduct Penalty" involves the suspension of a player for a minimum

of the balance of the game and the next game. The suspended player shall be reported to the SWIRHL Director who shall have full power to impose such further penalties as they may deem fitting.

(e) When a player receives a major penalty and a misconduct, major penalty and a

game ejection, or major penalty and a game misconduct penalty at the same time, the

penalized team shall place a substitute player on the penalty bench to serve the major

penalty, and no replacement for the penalized player shall be permitted to enter the game except from the penalty bench. Any violation of this provision shall be treated as an illegal substitution under Rule 205 (a), calling for a bench minor penalty.

NOTE 1: For all Game Ejection and Game Misconduct penalties regardless

of when imposed, a total of 10 minutes shall be charged in the records against the

offending player.

(f) A player or Team Official who is assessed a game misconduct penalty, may not

be near the team bench, or in any way attempt to direct the play of the team. Any player

assessed a game misconduct penalty may be barred from the rink if the Referees or Director deems it necessary.

(g) A Gross Misconduct penalty involves the suspension of a player or Team Official

for the balance of the game, but another player is permitted to replace a player so

removed.

(h) The Referees are required to report all gross misconduct penalties and the surrounding circumstances to the SWIRHL Director immediately following the last game of the night. SWIRHL shall have full power to impose further sanctions. A player who has been assessed a gross misconduct penalty shall be suspended from participating in any games until the case has been dealt with by SWIRHL.

NOTE 1: For all Gross Misconduct penalties regardless of when imposed, a

total of 10 minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.

RULE 405 - MATCH PENALTIES

(a) A Match penalty involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game

and the offending player shall be ordered to the dressing room immediately. The

penalized team shall immediately place a non-penalized player, other than a goaltender,

on the penalty bench to serve the five-minute time portion of the penalty and such player may not be changed.

(b) The Referees are required to report all match penalties and the surrounding circumstances to the SWIRHL Director immediately following the last game of the night. SWIRHL shall have full power to impose further penalties. A player who has been assessed a match penalty shall be suspended from participating in any additional

games until the case has been dealt with by SWIRHL

any way attempt to direct the play of the team.

NOTE 1: For all Match Penalties, regardless of when assessed, a total of 10

minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.

(d) When coincident match penalties have been assessed or when any combination of

coincident major and match penalties have been assessed to a player or players of both

teams, rules 403 (c & d) covering major penalties shall be applicable with respect to

player substitutions.

RULE 406 - PENALTY SHOT

(a) Any infraction of the rules which calls for a "Penalty Shot" shall be taken as

follows:

The Referees will name the player designated by him/her or selected by the team entitled to take the shot (as appropriate) and shall then place the puck on the center face-off spot. The player taking the shot will, on the whistle of the Referee, play the puck from there and shall attempt to score on the goaltender. The goaltender must stay in the crease until the player touches the puck. The player taking the shot must keep the puck in motion towards the opponent's goal line and once it is shot the play shall be considered complete. No goal can be scored on a rebound of any kind and any time the puck crosses the goal line the shot shall be considered complete.

(b) The goaltender may attempt to stop the shot in any manner except by throwing

his/her stick or any other object or by committing a foul, in which case a goal shall be

awarded.

NOTE 1: See Rule 639 (a).

into the game), under Rule 639 (a), (throwing stick), under Rule 643 (c), (fouling from

behind), or Rule 610 (e), (deliberately displacing the goal post during the course of a

breakaway), the Referees shall designate the player who has been fouled as the player

who takes the penalty shot.

(d) In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded under Rule 614 (c), (falling on the

puck in the crease), Rule 610 (e), (deliberately displacing the goal post), or Rule 617 (e), (picking up the puck from the crease area), the penalty shot shall be taken by a

player selected of the non-offending team from the players on the floor at the time when the foul was committed. Such selection shall be reported to the Referees and cannot be changed. If by reason of injury the player designated by the Referees to take the penalty shot is unable to do so within a reasonable time, a player selected by the Captain of the non-offending team from the players on the floor when the foul was committed may take the shot. Such selection shall be reported to the Referees and cannot be changed.

(e) Should the player in respect to whom a penalty shot has been awarded himself

commit a foul in connection with the same play or circumstances, either before or after

the penalty has been awarded, be designated to take the shot, he/she shall first be

permitted to do so before being sent to the penalty bench to serve the penalty, unless the penalty is a game ejection, game misconduct, gross misconduct, or a match penalty, in which case the shot shall be taken by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction, to be selected by the Captain or Coach of the non-offending team.

(f) If at the time a penalty shot is awarded and the goaltender of the penalized team

has been removed from the floor to substitute another player, the goaltender shall be

permitted to return to the floor before the penalty shot is taken.

(g) If a goal is scored from a penalty shot, the puck shall be faced at center floor in

the usual way. If a goal is not scored the puck shall be faced at either of the end face-off

spots in the zone in which the penalty shot has been tried.

(h) Should a goal be scored from a penalty shot, a further penalty to the offending

player shall not be applied unless the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to incur a major or match penalty, in which case the penalty prescribed, for the particular offense, shall be imposed.

(i) If the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as would

normally incur a minor penalty, then regardless of whether the penalty shot results in a

goal or not, no further minor penalty shall be served.

(j) If the foul upon which the penalty shot is based occurs during actual playing time,

the penalty shot shall be awarded and taken immediately in the usual manner

notwithstanding any delay occasioned by a slow whistle by the Referee to permit the play to be completed which delay results in the expiration of the regular playing time in any period.

(k) All players, except the player taking penalty shot, must go to the player bench.

(l) If an opposing player other than the goaltender interferes with a player taking a

penalty shot, a goal will be automatically awarded whether or not a goal was made.

(m) The time required for the taking of a penalty shot will not be included in the

regular playing time of any stopped time game or overtime.

RULE 407 - GOALTENDER PENALTIES

(a) A goaltender shall not be sent to the penalty bench for an offense which incurs a

minor, major, or misconduct penalty, but instead the penalty shall be served by a player

to be designated by the Coach or Captain of the offending team through the playing

Captain that was on the floor at the time of the infraction, and such substitute shall not be changed.

(b) Should a goaltender incur a game misconduct penalty, his/her place then will be

taken by a member of his/her own team, or by a regular substitute goaltender who is

available and such player will be allowed the goaltender's full equipment.

member of his/her own team, or by a substitute goaltender who is available, and such

player will be allowed the goaltender's equipment. No time period shall be allowed for

this change. However, any additional penalties as specifically called for by the individual

rules covering match penalties, will apply, and the offending team shall be penalized

accordingly.

NOTE 1: All penalties imposed on a goaltender regardless of who serves the

penalty or any substitution, shall be charged in the records against the goaltender.

(d) If a goaltender participates in the play in any manner when he/she is beyond the

center floor line (or where a line would divide the floor into two equal halves), a minor

penalty shall be imposed on him/her.

RULE 408 - DELAYED PENALTIES

(a) If a third player of any team shall be penalized while two players of the same

team are serving penalties, the penalty time of the third player shall not commence until

the penalty time of one of the two players already penalized shall have elapsed.

Nevertheless, the third player penalized must, at once, proceed to the penalty bench but

may be replaced by a substitute until such time as the penalty time of the penalized player shall commence.

(b) When any team has three players serving penalties at the same time and due to the

delayed penalty rule, a substitute for the third offender is on the floor, the first of the

three penalized players on the penalty bench may not return to the floor until play has been stopped. When play has been stopped, the player whose full penalty has expired

may return to the play.

the Captain or Coach of that team will designate to the Referees which of such players

will return to the floor first, and the Referees will instruct the Penalty Timekeeper

accordingly.

(d) When a major and a minor penalty are imposed at the same time on players of the

same team, the Penalty Timekeeper will record the minor as being the first of such

penalties.

NOTE 1: This also applies to the case where the penalties are imposed on

different players of the same team.

RULE 409 - CALLING OF PENALTIES

(a) Should an infraction of the rules which would call for any penalty is committed

by a player of the side in possession of the puck, the Referee shall immediately blow

his/her whistle and assess the penalties to the appropriate players. The resulting face-off shall be made at nearest face-off dot as not to disadvantage the non-offending team.

(b) Should an infraction of the rules which calls for a minor, major, or match penalty

be committed by a player of the team not in possession of the puck, the Referees shall

signify the calling of a delayed penalty by raising his/her arm. The Referee will blow

his/her whistle once the offending team gains possession and the penalty will be assessed to the offending player. Should the infraction call for a misconduct, game misconduct, or gross misconduct penalty, the Referee shall not raise his/her arm, but shall wait until the offending team gains possession before stopping play.

the non-offending team, the minor penalty shall not be imposed, but major and match

penalties shall be imposed in the normal manner regardless of whether a goal is scored or not.

NOTE 1: The puck must have come into the possession and control of an

opposing player or has been "frozen". This does not mean a rebound off the goaltender,

the goal or any accidental contact with the body or equipment of an opposing player.

NOTE 2: If after the Referee has signaled a penalty but before the whistle

has been blown, the puck shall enter the goal of the non-offending team as the direct

result of the action of a player of that team, the goal shall be allowed and the penalty

assessed in the normal matter. The goal shall not count if the puck deflects off a player

on the offending team or if a member of the offending team slashes the stick of their

opponent who then scores on their own goal. The goal can only be allowed as a direct action of the team shooting the puck into their own net.

NOTE 3: If when a team is "short-handed" by reason of one or more minor

or bench minor penalties the Referee signals a further minor penalty against the "shorthanded" team and a goal is scored by the non-offending side before the whistle is

blown then the delayed penalty shall be served and the first of the minor penalties already being served shall automatically terminate.

(d) Should the same offending player commit other fouls on the same play either

before or after the Referees has blown his/her whistle, the offending player shall serve

such penalties consecutively.

(e) When using a running game clock or a stop game clock, the penalty time will

always be the same as the game clock time. In the situation of a running game clock the

penalty time will start when the Official drops the puck to restart the game and continue

to coincide with the game clock from that point on.

RULE 410 - SUPPLEMENTARY DISCIPLINE

(a) In addition to the suspensions assessed under these rules, SWIRHL may, at the

conclusion of the game, at their discretion, investigate any incident that occurs in

connection with any game and may assess additional suspensions for any offense

committed before, during or after any game by a player or Team Official, whether or not

such offense has been penalized by the Referees.

(b) Suspensions assessed during league play must be served the following week(s). If the length of the suspension carries beyond that session, SWIRHL shall be the sole authority in determining the eligibility of the individual(s).

(c) Should a player receive a game misconduct or suspension and is playing in two divisions, that player must serve their suspension in the division it was acquired in before they are eligible for play in any other division. Suspensions include open hockey as well. A suspended play may only skate with and against players from their own team.

SECTION V - OFFICIALS

RULE 501 - APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS

(a) All Referees will be appointed by the offices of SWIRHL. There should be two

Referees on the floor at all times, unless circumstances only allow one.

RULE 502 - REFEREE

(a) The Referees are the official representatives of SWIRHL. They shall be in full

control of players on and off the floor.

(b) The Referees shall see that the teams are called to the floor at the appointed time

for the commencement of each game, and at the start of each regulation and overtime

period. The Referees shall remain on the floor at the conclusion of each period, and any

overtime, until the players have proceeded to their benches or dressing room.

so by the Manager, Coach or Captain of either team.

(d) The Referees shall assess all penalties as prescribed by the rules for the

infractions thereof.

(e) The Referees shall have the final decision on all goals, disputed or not. The

Referees may consult with the Goal Judge, if one is present, before giving his/her final

decision.

(f) Before starting the game, the Referees shall see that the appointed Game

Timekeeper, Penalty Timekeeper, Official Scorer, and Goal Judges are in their respective places.

(g) The Referees shall announce to the Official Scorer the duration of the penalties

and the rule infractions involved, and also to whom the goals and assists are to be

credited.

(h) After each game, the Referees shall check and sign the official game report and

return it to the Official Scorer.

(i) If a Referee cannot appear for any game, the Director shall appoint a Referee.

(j) If the regularly scheduled appointed Officials appear during the progress of the

game they may replace the temporary Officials at the next break in the game.

(k) All Referees shall be dressed in a black and white striped shirt.

(l) Referees are required to report on the official game report all game misconduct,

gross misconduct and match penalties immediately following the last game of the night.

RULE 503 - GOAL JUDGES

(a) The use of Goal Judges is optional in all SWIRHL games.

(b) There shall be one Goal Judge behind each goal. They shall not be members of

either competing team nor shall they be replaced during the progress of the game, unless the Referees feel that he/she is biased in some way, in which case, he/she will be replaced immediately.

duration of the game and shall not change ends at any time after the game begins. Their jurisdiction is limited to that game only.

(d) In the event of a goal being claimed, the Goal Judge of that goal shall decide

whether or not the puck has passed between the goal posts and entirely over the goal

line. His/her decision will simply be goal or no goal.

NOTE 1: Refer to Rule 502 (e).

(e) The use of Goal Judges and their positioning will be at the discretion of the Director.

RULE 505 - PENALTY TIMEKEEPER

(a) The Penalty Timekeeper shall keep the time served by each penalized player

during the game and upon request inform the penalized player of the unfinished time of

his/her penalty.

(b) If a player leaves the penalty bench before his/her time has expired the Penalty

Timekeeper shall note the time and signal the Referees who will stop the play as soon as possible.

have announced the number of each penalized player the nature of the offense and the

penalty assessed.

RULE 506 - OFFICIAL SCORER

(a) The Official Scorer shall enter into the official game report a correct record of the

goals scored, who scored, and to whom credit is given for assists, if any. He/she shall

also keep a correct record of all penalties assessed; stating the numbers of the penalized players, the duration of each penalty, the infraction, and the time the penalty was assessed.

(b) At the completion of each game the Official Scorer shall sign the official game

report him/herself and have the Referees sign it. He/she shall then forward the game

report to the offices of SWIRHL.

RULE 507 - GAME TIMEKEEPER

(a) The Game Timekeeper shall record the time of the starting and finishing of each

game, and all actual playing time during the game.

(b) The Game Timekeeper shall signal the Referees for the commencement of the

game, the start of the second period, and for each overtime period.

fail to operate, the Game Timekeeper shall, by means of a whistle, signal the end of

each period, each overtime period, and the end of the game.

(d) The Game Timekeeper will record all times in minutes and seconds.

SECTION VI - PLAYING RULES

RULE 601 - ABUSE OF OFFICIALS AND OTHER MISCONDUCT

(a) Any player who challenges or disputes the ruling of an Official, uses abusive

language towards an Official, attempts to incite an opponent or create a disturbance

during the game shall be assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the

player persists in such conduct, a misconduct penalty shall be assessed and any further

persistence by the same player shall result in the assessment of a game misconduct

penalty. Referees are advised to use each penalty leading up to a Game Misconduct, but have the authority to issue Misconduct before issuing a Minor and/or a Game Misconduct before issuing Misconduct. In the case of a Coach or other Team Official, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed first and if such conduct continues, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed.

(b) Any player who shoots the puck after the whistle shall be assessed a minor

penalty, if in the opinion of the Referees the player had sufficient time after the whistle to refrain from taking the shot.

assessed a Minor or Bench Minor penalty:

1. After being penalized, does not proceed directly to the penalty bench or

dressing room when ordered to do so by the Referees. Equipment shall be delivered to

the penalty bench or dressing room by a teammate.

2. Throws anything onto the playing surface from the players’ or penalty bench.

3. Interferes with any Game Official, (non-physically) in the performance of their duties.

4. When an altercation occurs, if not involved, does not proceed immediately to

the players’ bench, or, in the event that the altercation takes place at the players’ bench,

does not proceed to his/her team’s defensive zone.

(d) If any player or Team Official does any of the following, the player shall be

assessed a Misconduct penalty or Game Misconduct Penalty for:

1. Uses obscene, profane or abusive language to any person before, during or after

a game or persists in disputing or shows disrespect for the ruling of an official.

2. During a stoppage of play, intentionally shoots or throws the puck out of the

reach of an Official who is retrieving it.

3. Enters and remains in the Referees’ Crease, when asked to leave, except for the

purpose of skating to the penalty bench.

4. Touches or holds any Game Official with the hand or stick.

5. Intentionally bangs the boards, protective glass or goal with a stick at any time.

6. Shows disrespect to an Official by means of language or gestures.

(f) If any player or Team Official does any of the following, a Gross Misconduct penalty shall be assessed:

1. Deliberately inflicts or attempts to inflict physical harm to a Game Official or a Team Official in any manner.

2. Behaves in any manner, which is critically detrimental to the conduct of the game including, but not limited to, spitting at an opponent, Game Official or Team Official.

3. Uses obscene gestures or racial slurs anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game.

RULE 602 - ADJUSTMENT TO CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

(a) Play shall not be stopped, nor the game delayed by reason of adjustment of

clothing, equipment, skates or sticks. For an infringement of this rule, a minor penalty

shall be given.

(b) The responsibility of maintaining clothing and equipment in proper condition

shall be upon the player. If adjustments are required, the player shall retire from the floor and play shall continue without interruption using a substitute.

NOTE 1: In the event a player loses his/her helmet in the "process of a play",

that player should not continue to make a play until him/her has placed the helmet back

on their head. If the player makes a play with out a helmet on, the play shall be whistled

dead and that player will be given a minor penalty for “improper equipment”. The face

off will ensue at the nearest face-off square.

be allowed to make adjustments or repairs to clothing, equipment, shoes or skates. A

goaltender may also be permitted by the Referees to replace his/her mask but no time

shall be allowed for repair or fitting a mask.

(d) For an infraction of a rule by a goaltender, a minor penalty shall be imposed.

RULE 603 - ATTEMPT TO INJURE

(a) A match penalty shall be imposed on any player who deliberately attempts to

injure any opponent, in any manner, and the circumstances shall be reported to SWIRHL for further action. A substitute for the penalized player shall be permitted at the end of the fifth minute.

RULE 604 - BODY CHECKING

(a) A minor penalty or major penalty, at the discretion of the Referees shall be

imposed on any player who intentionally body checks an opponent, with or without the

puck.

(b) A minor penalty or major penalty, at the discretion of the Referees, shall be

assessed to any player who makes physical contact with an opponent after the whistle has been blown, if in the opinion of the Referees, the player had sufficient time to avoid such contact.

shall have no choice but to assess a major penalty to the offending player.

(d) Any major penalty assessed for body checking may also include a game ejection

or game misconduct penalty at the Referee’s discretion.

(e) A major penalty and automatic game misconduct shall be imposed on any player

who checks an opponent from behind.

(f.) Body Checking may also be treated as a match penalty under Rules 603 and 611.

NOTE 1: It is not intended that there be no body contact between two opposing players who are actively in pursuit of the puck. The act of riding an opponent off the puck or meeting the opponent head-on, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PLAY THE PUCK, shall not be considered roughness. However, this does not imply that players NOT in possession of the puck may throw their bodies into an opponent in order to achieve possession.

RULE 605 – BOARDING

(a) A minor penalty or major penalty, at the discretion of the Referees based upon the

degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be assessed to any player who

fouls an opponent in such a manner that caused the player to be violently thrown into the boards.

NOTE 1: "Rolling" an opponent (if he is the puck carrier) along the boards

where he/she is endeavoring to go through too small an opening is not boarding, but may be penalized as roughing.

(b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of boarding or body checking, the

Referees shall have no choice but to assess a major penalty to the offending player.

game ejection or game misconduct penalty at the Referee’s discretion.

(d) Boarding may also be treated as a match penalty under Rules 603 and 611.

RULE 606 - BROKEN STICK

(a) A player whose stick is broken may participate in the game provided he/she

immediately drops his/her stick. A minor penalty shall be imposed for an infraction of

this rule.

NOTE 1: A broken stick is one which, in the opinion of the Referees, is unfit

for normal play.

(b) A goaltender may continue to play with a broken stick until stoppage of play or

until he/she has been legally provided with a stick.

any part of the rink, but must obtain one from the player bench. A goaltender whose

stick is broken may not receive a stick thrown on the floor from any part of the rink but

may receive a stick from a teammate without proceeding to his/her player bench. A

minor penalty shall be imposed on the player or goaltender receiving a stick illegally

under this rule.

RULE 607 - BUTT-ENDING

(a) A major penalty shall be imposed on a player who "butt-ends" or attempts to

“butt-end” an opponent.

NOTE 1: An attempt to butt-end shall include all cases in which a butt-end

gesture is made, regardless of whether body contact is made or not.

(b) Any penalty assessed for attempting to "butt-end" may also include a game ejection

penalty at the Referee's discretion.

who makes contact with an opponent by butt ending.

(d) Butt-ending may also be treated as a match penalty under Rules 603 and 611.

RULE 608 – CHARGING

(a) A minor penalty or major penalty at the discretion of the Referees shall be

imposed on a player who runs, jumps into or charges an opponent.

(b) A minor penalty or major penalty at the discretion of the Referees shall be

imposed on a player who charges a goaltender while the goaltender is within his/her goal crease.

have no choice but to assess a major penalty to the offending player.

NOTE 1: A goaltender is not "fair game" just because he/she is outside the

goal crease area. A penalty for interference or charging (minor or major) should be

called in every case where an opposing player makes unnecessary contact with a

goaltender.

(d) Any major penalty assessed for charging may also include a game ejection or

game misconduct penalty at the Referee’s discretion.

(e) Charging, may also be treated as a match penalty under Rules 603 and 611.

RULE 609 - CROSS CHECKING

(a) A minor or major penalty at the discretion of the Referees, shall be imposed on a

player who "cross checks" an opponent.

(b) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by cross

checking.

goaltender while the goaltender is within his/her goal crease.

(d) Any major penalty assessed for cross checking may also include a game ejection

or game misconduct penalty at the Referee’s discretion.

(e) Cross checking may also be treated as a match penalty under Rules 603 and 611.

RULE 610 - DELAYING THE GAME

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player or goaltender that delays the game by deliberately shooting or batting the puck with his/her stick outside the playing area.

NOTE 1: This penalty shall apply also when a player or goaltender deliberately bats or shoots the puck with his/her stick outside the playing area after a stoppage of play.

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a goaltender that shoots the puck directly

(non-deflected) outside of the playing area, except when a location is not protected by

glass or screen.

the Referees, fails to place the correct number of players on the playing surface, thereby causing a delay in any manner.

(d) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who, after a warning by the

Referees, fails to maintain a proper position during the face off.

(e) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player (including the goaltender) who

delays the game by deliberately displacing the goal post from its normal position. If such

an infraction occurs with less than 2 minutes remaining in the 2nd half or at any time

during overtime, a penalty shot shall be awarded against the offending team.

1. If the goal post is deliberately displaced during the course of a breakaway, a

penalty shot shall be taken by the last player of the non-offending team in possession of

the puck.

2. In the event that the goal post is deliberately displaced by a defending player

or goaltender immediately prior to the puck crossing the goal line, the Referees may

assess a minor penalty, a penalty shot, or award a goal.

(f) A bench minor penalty shall be assessed to a team requesting an equipment

measurement that is unsubstantiated (deemed to be legal).

RULE 611 - DELIBERATE INJURY OF OPPONENTS

(a) A match penalty shall be imposed on a player who deliberately injures an

opponent in any manner. The incident shall be reported to SWIRHL for further action.

(b) No substitute shall be permitted to take the place of the penalized player until five

minutes actual playing time shall have elapsed, from the time the penalty was imposed.

RULE 612 – ELBOWING

(a) A minor penalty or major penalty shall be assessed to any player who uses the

elbow in such a manner as to foul an opponent, in any way.

(b) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent as the

result of a foul committed by using his/her elbows.

game misconduct penalty at the Referee’s discretion.

(d) Elbowing can also be treated as a match penalty under Rules 603 and 611.

RULE 613 - FACE-OFFS

(a) One player from each team shall stand on their own defensive side of the face-off

circle with their sticks held on the floor outside of the face-off spot. The attacking team

must put his/her stick down first. All other players shall stay on their respective

defensive side of the face-off spot until the Referee or Assistant Official drops the puck

on the face-off spot and play begins.

(b) Players facing-off will stand facing their opponent's end of the rink approximately

one stick length apart with the blade of their stick on the floor.

floor and properly aligned on the tape. All other players must be at least fifteen feet away from the player’s facing-off and they must be onside.

NOTE 1: If, after a warning by the Referee or Assistant Official, either of the

player’s fail to take his/her proper position for the face-off promptly, the Referee or

Assistant Official shall replace the offending player or players with another player on the

floor. If either player or players still fail to take their proper position the Referees may

assess a delay of game penalty against the offending player or players.

(d) In the conduct of any face-off anywhere on the playing surface no player shall

make any physical contact with his/her opponent's body by means of his/her own body or by his/her stick except in the course of playing the puck after the face-off has been

completed. For violation of this rule, the Referees may impose a minor penalty or penalties on the player(s) whose action(s) caused the physical contact.

NOTE 1: A face-off commences when the Referee or Assistant Official

designates the place of the face off and takes up a position to drop the puck and blows their whistle to signify players to be properly lined up.

(e) A second violation of any of the provisions or sub-selection(s) hereof during the

same face-off may be penalized with a minor penalty to the player who commits the

second violation of this rule.

(f) When an infringement of a rule has been committed or a stoppage of play has

been caused by any player of the attacking side, the ensuing face-off shall be made at the top face-off spot.

NOTE 1: This includes stoppage of play caused by a player of the attacking

side shooting the puck on to the back of the defending team's net without any intervening action by the defending team.

(g) When an infringement of a rule has been committed by players of both sides in

the play resulting in the stoppage, the ensuing face-off will be made at the place of such

infringement or at the place where play is stopped in cases where play is permitted to be completed unless otherwise expressly provided by these rules.

(h) When stoppage occurs between the end of face-off spots and near the end of the

rink, the puck shall be faced-off at the end face-off spot on the side where the stoppage

occurs, unless otherwise expressly provided by these rules.

(i) When a goal is disallowed as a result of the puck being deflected off the Official

directly into the net, the face-off shall be at either of the end face-off spots in that zone.

(j) When the game is stopped for any reason not specifically covered in the official

rules, the puck must be faced-off where it was last played.

(k) The Referee or Assistant Official is under no obligation to wait for the players to

get to the face-off. It is the player’s responsibility to get there as quickly as possible. If

one team is lined up and the other team is procrastinating, the Referee or Assistant

Official can start the play by dropping the puck, or can assess a bench minor penalty to

the team causing the delay.

NOTE 1: Once a team is in face-off position and the whistle has been blown, the puck can be put into play within five seconds.

RULE 614 - FALLING ON PUCK

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player other than the goaltender who

deliberately falls on or gathers a puck into the body.

NOTE 1: Defensemen who drop to their knees to block shots should not be

penalized if the puck is shot under them or becomes lodged in their clothing or

equipment, but any use of the hands to make the puck unplayable should be penalized

promptly.

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a goaltender who (when his/her body is

entirely outside the boundaries of his/her own crease area and when the puck is behind

the goal line) deliberately falls on or gathers the puck into his/her body, or who holds or

places the puck against the boards.

hold the puck, or gather the puck into the body or hands when the puck is within the goal crease. For infringement of this rule play shall immediately be stopped and a penalty shot shall be ordered against the offending team but no other penalty shall be given.

NOTE 1: This rule shall be interpreted so that a penalty shot will be awarded

only when the puck is in the crease at the instant the infraction occurs. However, in cases where the puck is outside the crease, Rule 614(a) may still apply and a minor penalty may be imposed even though no penalty shot is awarded. If the goaltender has been removed from the playing surface when the infraction occurs, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team in lieu of the penalty shot.

RULE 615 – FIGHTING AND ROUGHING

(a) A major penalty and automatic game misconduct shall be imposed on any player

who engages in a fight. Any player deemed by the Referees to be the instigator of the altercation shall be additionally assessed a minor penalty and is subject to additional suspension by SWIRHL. Any player removing his/her gloves before or during a fight will be treated as the instigator, even if both players do. That player(s) will receive an additional minor penalty for instigating as well as being subject to further suspension.

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who having been struck shall

retaliate with a blow or attempted blow. However, at the discretion of the Referees, a

major or double minor penalty may be imposed if that player continues the altercation.

NOTE 1: The Referees are provided very wide latitude in the penalties, which they may impose under this rule. This is done intentionally to enable them to differentiate between the obvious degrees of responsibility of the participants either for starting the fighting or persisting in continuing the fighting. The discretion provided should be exercised realistically.

NOTE 2: Referees are directed to employ every means provided by these

rules to stop brawling.

playing surface or with another player who is off the playing surface.

(d) A player who drops his/her gloves in an aggressive or threatening manner shall

receive an automatic game ejection penalty. A player who drops his/her gloves and

throws a punch shall receive a game misconduct with a minimum suspension of three

games, subject to review by SWIRHL.

(e) Any player or goaltender who intervenes in an altercation already in progress, shall receive a game ejection penalty.

(f) Teams will be allowed one peacemaker to direct their player(s) to their respective benches. Each additional person will be assessed a game ejection penalty. If the peacemaker’s engage in the altercation a game misconduct will be assessed to them.

(g) When an altercation occurs, all players not engaged shall immediately proceed to

the area of their players’ bench. In the event the altercation takes place at the players’

bench, the players on the surface must go to their team’s defensive zone. Failure to

comply will result in a bench minor penalty assessed to the team(s) not observing this

rule.

NOTE 1: Refer to Rule 601 (c (4)).

(h) Any player or goaltender that resists an official in the discharge of their duties

shall be assessed a misconduct or game misconduct penalty.

NOTE 1: Refer to Rule 601 (d & f).

(i) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goaltender that leaves the immediate

vicinity of the goal crease to participate in an altercation. This penalty shall be in

addition to any penalty incurred during the altercation.

RULE 616 - GOALS AND ASSISTS

(a) It is the responsibility of the Referees to award goals and assists, and such

decision is final. In cases of an obvious error in awarding a goal or an assist, it should

be corrected promptly. Changes shall not be made on the scoring summary after the

Referees have signed the official score sheet.

(b) A goal shall be scored when the puck has been put between the goal posts by the

stick of a player of the attacking side from in front, and below the cross bar and entirely

across the goal line.

defending side. The player of the attacking side who last played the puck shall be

credited with the goal but no assist shall be awarded.

(d) If an attacking player kicks the puck and it is deflected into the net by any player,

the goal shall not be allowed.

(e) If the puck has been deflected into the goal by a shot of an attacking player by

striking any part of the person or a player of the same side, a goal shall be allowed. The

player who deflected the puck shall be credited with the goal. The goal shall not be

allowed if the puck has been kicked, thrown or otherwise deliberately directed into the

goal by any means other than a stick.

(f) If a goal is scored as a result of a puck being deflected directly into the goal off

an official, the goal shall be disallowed.

(g) Should a player legally propel a puck into the goal crease of the opponent's team

and the puck should become loose and available to another player of the attacking side, a goal scored on the play shall be allowed.

(h) A goal scored by a player who strikes or deflects the puck above the normal

height of the shoulder shall not be allowed, except by a player of the defending team. The determining factor shall be where the puck made contact with the player's stick in relation to his shoulder.

(i) Any goal that is scored off of a deflection from the ceiling is allowed.

(j) Any goal scored other than as covered by the official rules shall not be allowed.

(k) If at any time a player of the attacking team positions himself in the goal crease,

holds his stick in the goal crease or skates through the goal crease, and the puck should enter the goal, the goal shall not be allowed. A Player may not enter the crease until the puck has.

(l) A goal shall be credited in the scoring records to a player who shall have propelled the puck into the opponent's goal. Each goal shall count as one point in the player’s

record. An assist shall be credited to the player taking part in the play immediately

preceding the goal, but no more than one assist shall be credited on any goal.

RULE 617 - HANDLING PUCK WITH HANDS

(a) If any player, including the goaltender, closes his/her hand intentionally on the

puck the play shall be stopped and a face-off will take place. However, if the puck is released immediately, play shall be allowed to continue.

(b) Upon the goaltender making a save, the play shall be stopped and a face-off shall

follow. However, after an initial warning by the Referees, a goaltender that holds the

puck unnecessarily shall be given a minor penalty for delay of game.

net, nor deliberately pile up obstacles at or near his/her net, that in the opinion of the

Referees would tend to prevent the scoring of a goal. The penalty for infringement of

this rule by the goaltender shall be a minor penalty.

NOTE 1: The object of this rule is to keep the puck moving continuously,

and any action taken by the goaltender, which causes an unnecessary stoppage, must be penalized.

(d) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player except the goaltender who, while

play is in progress, picks up the puck off the floor with his/her hands.

(e) If a defending player, except the goaltender, picks up the puck from the floor in

the crease area or holds the puck in the crease area while play is in progress, the play

shall he stopped immediately and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending

team.

(f) A player shall be permitted to stop or "bat" a puck in the air with his/her open

hand, or push it along the floor with his/her hand, and the play shall not be stopped unless in the opinion of the Referees he has deliberately directed the puck to a teammate, in which case, the play shall be stopped and the puck faced off at the center face-off spot. This rule is disregarded if these actions are executed in the defensive zone.

NOTE 1: The object of this rule is to ensure continuous action and the

Referees should NOT stop play unless he/she is satisfied that the directing of the puck to a teammate was in fact deliberate. The puck may not be batted with the hand directly

into the net at any time, and a goal shall not be allowed when the puck been legally batted and is deflected into the goal off a defending player including the goaltender.

(g) If a players’ hand touches the puck in the offensive zone and a teammate touches the puck before the offending player does a face-off will ensue at the nearest face-off

dot, if the defending team touches the puck the play will continue.

RULE 618 - HEAD-BUTTING

(a) A major penalty shall be imposed on a player who head-butts or attempts to head butt an opponent.

NOTE1: An attempt to head-butt shall include all cases in which a head-butt

gesture is made, regardless of whether contact is made or not with an opponent.

(b) A major penalty and automatic game misconduct shall be imposed on any player

who makes severe contact with an opponent by head butting.

RULE 619 - HIGH STICKS

(a) The carrying of sticks above the normal height of the waist is prohibited, and a

minor or major penalty may be imposed on any player who strikes an opponent with a stick so carried.

(b) When a player carries or holds any part of his/her stick above the normal height of

his/her waist so that injury to the face or head of an opposing player results, the Referees shall have no alternative but to impose a double minor penalty for accidental contact, or a major penalty for careless contact on the offending player.

game misconduct penalty at the Referee’s discretion.

(d) High sticking may also be treated as a match penalty under Rules 603 and 611.

NOTE 1: Exception to this rule: At the beginning and ending of a slap shot

the stick may be above shoulder height. But if the stick is above that point longer than

necessary to take the shot, a penalty may then be imposed.

NOTE 2: No contact on an opponent needs occur to call a high sticking

penalty.

(e) Batting the puck above the normal height of the shoulders with the stick is

prohibited and when it occurs there shall be a whistle when the offending team gains

possession of the puck, and the ensuing face-off shall take place at one of offending

team's end zone face-off spots unless:

1. The defending player batted the puck to an opponent in which case the play

shall continue.

2. A player of the defending side batted the puck into his/her own goal in which

case the goal shall be allowed.

(f) A goal scored from a stick so carried shall not be allowed, except by a player of

the defending team.

RULE 620 - HOLDING AN OPPONENT

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who holds an opponent with his/her

hands, legs, feet or stick or in any other way.

(b) A major penalty shall be assessed to a player who holds the facemask of an

opponent with the hand.

Referees shall assess a major penalty and automatic game misconduct to the offending

player.

RULE 621 - HOLDING AN OPPONENT’S STICK

(a) A player is not permitted to hold an opponent’s stick. A minor penalty shall be

assessed to a player who holds an opponent’s stick.

NOTE 1: A player is allowed to protect him/herself by holding an

opponent’s stick to remove it from said player’s body.

NOTE 2: When a player’s stick is caught in the equipment or sweater of

his/her opponent, no penalty shall be assessed, unless that opponent intentionally placed the stick there.

RULE 622 – HOOKING

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who impedes or seeks to impede the

progress of an opponent by hooking with his/her stick.

(b) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by

hooking.

game misconduct penalty at the Referee’s discretion.

RULE 623 - ILLEGAL PUCK HANDLING

(a) Stick handling the puck with the tip, toe or the heel of the stick into the center of

the puck shall be considered illegal and a minor penalty shall be imposed on the player

doing so. This is often referred to as “spearing” the puck.

RULE 624 – INTERFERENCE

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who interferes with or impedes the

progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck or who deliberately knocks a stick out of an opponent's hand, who prevents a player who has dropped

his/her stick from regaining possession of it or who knocks or shoots any abandoned or broken stick or illegal puck or other debris towards an opposing puck carrier in the attacking zone in a manner that could cause him/her to be distracted.

NOTE 1: The last player to touch the puck, other than a goaltender, shall be

considered the player in possession. In interpreting this rule the Referees should make

sure which of the players is the one creating the interference. Often it is the action and

movement of the attacking player, which causes the interference since the defending

players are entitled to "stand their ground" or "shadow" the attacking players. Players of

the side in possession shall not be allowed to "run" deliberate interference for the puck

carrier.

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed if any player on the player bench or on the

penalty bench who by means of his/her stick or body interferes with the movement of the puck of any opponent on the floor during the progress of play. A penalty shot shall be awarded if this action occurs during a breakaway.

body, interferes with or impedes the movements of the goaltender by actual physical

contact while he/she is in the goal crease area.

(d) The purpose of this rule is to ensure that a team in possession of the puck

and unchallenged by the opposition does not pass or carry the puck backward into it's

defending zone solely for the purpose of delaying the game, except when the team in

possession is short-handed. Although players are allowed to regroup behind their own

goal, they must seek to advance the puck. If an official deems their actions to be

intentional and deliberate, he shall attempt to verbally caution the offending team during

play.

(e) If a player of the attacking side has been physically interfered with by the action

of any defending player so as to cause him/her to be in the goal crease, and the puck

should enter the goal while the player so interfered with is still within the goal crease, the goal shall be allowed.

(f) If when the goaltender has been removed from the floor, any member of his/her

team not legally on the floor including any Team Official interferes by means of his/her

body or stick or any other object with the movement of the puck or an opposing player,

the Referees shall immediately award a goal to the non-offending team.

NOTE 1: The attention of Referees is directed particularly to three types of

offensive interference, which should be penalized.

1. When the defending team secures possession of the puck in its own end

and the other players of that team run interference for the puck carrier by forming a

protective screen against fore checkers.

2. When a player facing-off obstructs an opponent when the opponent is

not in possession of the puck.

3. When the puck carrier makes a drop pass and intentionally makes body

contact with an opposing player.

NOTE 2: All offensive or defensive players may attempt to establish

positional territory in front of either goal. The incidental contact that occurs in so doing

shall not be considered interference or unnecessary roughness. However, should a player from either team run at his/her opponent, or make a body check, the Referees, at his/her discretion, may assess a minor penalty for interference, charging or unnecessary roughness. Should a player crosscheck an opponent, a minor or major penalty can be called.

RULE 625 - INTERFERENCE BY SPECTATORS

(a) In the event of a player being held or interfered with by a spectator, the Referees

shall blow the whistle and play shall be stopped, unless the team of the player interfered

with is in possession of the puck at the time, then the play shall be allowed to be

completed before blowing the whistle, and the puck shall be faced-off at the spot where

last played at the stoppage.

(b) Any player who physically interferes with a spectator shall be assessed a gross

misconduct penalty and the circumstances shall be reported to SWIRHL for possible

further action.

progress of the game, the Referees shall blow the whistle and stop the play, and the puck shall be faced-off at the spot where play is stopped.

RULE 626 - KICKING PLAYER

(a) A match penalty shall be imposed on any player who kicks or attempts to kick

another player, but a substitute shall be permitted at the end of the fifth minute. Refer to

Rules 603 and 611.

RULE 627 - KICKING THE PUCK

(a) Kicking the puck shall be permitted in all zones, but a goal may not be scored by

the kick of an attacking player.

(b) A goal cannot be scored by any attacking player who kicks any article of

equipment (i.e. stick, helmet, glove, etc.) at the puck, causing the puck to enter the net.

RULE 628 – KNEEING

(a) A minor penalty or major penalty shall be assessed to any player who uses the

knee in such a manner as to foul an opponent, in any way.

(b) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent as the

result of a foul committed by using his/her knees.

game misconduct penalty at the Referee’s discretion.

(d) Kneeing may also be treated as a match penalty under Rules 603 and 611.

RULE 629 - LEAVING PLAYER OR PENALTY BENCH

(a) No player may leave the player bench at any time to enter an altercation. A game

misconduct penalty is to be imposed on any player violating this rule. The Referees will

report all such infractions to the SWIRHL director for possible further sanctioning.

(b) At the end of each period, no penalized player may, at any time, leave the penalty

bench.

expired, whether play is in progress or not, will receive an additional minor penalty to be

served after serving the un-expired penalty.

(d) Any penalized player leaving the penalty bench during the stoppage of play, and

entering an altercation shall incur a minor penalty plus a game misconduct penalty, after

serving the un-expired time, in addition to any other penalties incurred.

(e) If a player leaves the penalty bench before his/her penalty is fully served, the

Penalty Timekeeper shall note the time and signal the Referee who will immediately stop the play unless, the non-offending team is in the process of a scoring opportunity, at which the referee would allow the play to continue until the scoring chance was

completed.

(f) In the case of a player returning to the floor before his/her time has expired

through an error by the Penalty Timekeeper, he/she is not to serve an additional penalty, but must serve his/her un-expired time.

(g) If a player of an attacking side in possession of the puck shall be in such a

position as to have no opposition between him and the opposing goaltender, and while in such position he/she is interfered with by a player of the opposing side who shall have illegally entered the game, the Referees shall award a penalty shot to be taken by the player so interfered with.

(h) If the opposing goaltender has been removed and an attacking player in

possession of the puck shall have no player of the defending team to pass, and a stick

or a part thereof is thrown by an opposing player, or the player is fouled from behind, thereby being prevented from having a clear shot on an open goal, a goal shall be awarded against the offending team.

(i) When the opposing goaltender has been removed from the floor, and a player of

the side attacking the unattended goal is interfered with by a player who shall have

entered the game illegally, the Referees shall immediately award a goal to the non-offending team.

(j) Any Team Official who gets on the floor after the start of the game without

permission of the Referees shall automatically receive a bench minor penalty, and

possibly a game ejection or game misconduct. A team official who attemts to an injured

player and uses this opportunity to argue a call or discuss a matter may also be penalized for “abuse of an official”.

(k) If a penalized player returns to the floor from the penalty bench before his/her

penalty has expired by his/her own error or the error of the Penalty Timekeeper, any goal scored by his/her own team while he/she is illegally on the floor shall be disallowed, but all penalties imposed on either team shall be served as regular penalties.

RULE 631 - PUCK MUST BE KEPT IN MOTION

(a) The puck must be kept in motion at all times.

(b) Except to carry the puck behind the goal, once a team has possession of the puck

in its own defense area shall always advance the puck towards the opposing goal, unless players of the opposing side prevent them from doing so, or if the offensive team is shorthanded.

1. For the first infraction of this rule, play shall be stopped and a face-off will be

taken at the spot adjacent to the goal of the team causing the stoppage. The

Referees shall warn the Captain or Alternate Captain the offending team of the

reason for the face-off, for a second violation by any player of the same team

in the same period, a minor penalty shall be imposed on the player violating

the rule.

SWIRHL RULE CLARIFICATION

The purpose of this rule is to ensure that a team in possession of the puck and unchallenged by the opposition does not pass or carry the puck backward into it's

defending zone solely for the purpose of delaying the game, except when the team in

possession is short-handed. Although players are allowed to regroup behind their own

goal, they must seek to advance the puck. If an official deems their actions to be

intentional and deliberate, he shall verbally caution the offending team during play.

puck against the boards in any manner to deliberately delay the game.

(d) Should the puck remain on the net for longer than three seconds, play shall be

stopped and the face-off shall take place at the nearest end zone face-off spot, except

when the stoppage is caused by a player of the attacking team, in which case the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the center face-off spot.

(e) If the puck comes to rest on top of the goal frame, the play shall be stopped

immediately.

(f) If the puck comes to rest on top of the boards surrounding the playing area, it

shall be considered to be in play and may be played legally by the hand or stick.

RULE 632 - PUCK OUT OF BOUNDS OR UNPLAYABLE

(a) When the puck goes outside the playing area to either end, or either side of the

rink, unless it comes back into play and it playable, it shall be faced-off from where it was shot or deflected, unless otherwise expressly provided in these rules.

(b) When the puck becomes lodged in the netting on the outside of either goal so as to

make it unplayable, or if it is frozen between opposing players intentionally or otherwise,

the Referees shall stop the play and face-off the puck at either of the adjacent face-off

spots unless in the opinion of the Referees, the stoppage was caused by a player of the

attacking team, in which case the resulting face-off shall be conducted at center floor.

NOTE 1: This includes stoppage of play caused by the player of the

attacking side shooting the puck onto the back of the defending team's net without any

intervening action by the defending team.

NOTE 2: The defending team and/or the attacking team may play the puck

off the net at any time. However should the puck remain on the net for longer than three

seconds play shall be stopped and a face off shall take place in the end face-off zone

except when the stoppage is caused by the attacking team, then the face off shall take

place on the face-off spot at center floor.

RULE 633 - PUCK OUT OF SIGHT AND ILLEGAL PUCK

(a) Should a scramble take place and a player accidentally falls on the puck or the

puck is out of sight of the Referees, the Referees shall immediately blow his/her whistle

and stop play. There will be a face-off at the point in which play was stopped, unless

otherwise provided for in these rules.

(b) If at any time while play is in progress a puck other than the one legally in play

shall appear on the playing surface the play shall not be stopped but shall continue with

the legal puck until the play in progress is completed by change of possession.

NOTE1: At the Referee’s discretion, if the illegal puck has interfered with

play, play shall be stopped immediately.

RULE 634 - REFUSING TO START PLAY AND FORFEITURE

(a) If when both teams are on the floor and one team for any reason shall refuse to

play when ordered to do so by the Referees, he/she shall warn the Captain or Alternate

Captain and allow the team so refusing fifteen seconds within which to begin the game or resume play. If, at the end of that time, the team shall still refuse to play, the Referees shall impose a bench minor penalty for delay of game to the offending team. Should there be a repetition of the same incident, the Referees shall have no alternative

but to declare that the game be suspended and the case shall be ruled on by the Director for action, which may include forfeiting the game to the non-offending team.

Any such incident shall be reported to SWIRHL, who reserves the right to sanction such

team as they see fit.

(b) If a team, when ordered to do so by the Referees through its Manager or Coach,

fails to go on the floor and start play, the game shall be suspended and the case shall be ruled on by the Tournament Director for action, which may include forfeiting the game to the non-offending team. Any such incident shall be reported to SWIRHL, who reserves the right to sanction such team as they see fit.

1. At the start of a game, (Referee’s whistle to call teams to opening faceoff)

a team does not have four skaters and a goaltender or five skaters on the floor in full and required uniform.

2. By the Team Official submitting in writing and accepted by the Director that his/her team will not be able to play a particular game. In this event the opposing team does not need to suit up or make an appearance at the game, but shall still be awarded the victory.

(d) In the event of a forfeit, the following scoring statistics shall be awarded:

1. The forfeiting team shall be awarded zero points (a loss) for the game.

The opposing team shall be awarded two points (a victory for the game). The score of

the game shall be recorded as 1 to 0.

2. The Captain of the victorious team shall be awarded one goal. This

may not be substituted to any other player. There shall be no assist awarded.

3. The goalies of either team shall not be assessed a shot, save, or goal

against.

NOTE 1: The removal of all penalty minutes will not remove action taken or to be taken by the Director or by SWIRHL as to major, game ejection, game misconduct, gross misconduct, or match penalties that were imposed on forfeiting team players.

NOTE 2: Any rules involving forfeits, especially the number of goals to be to be awarded, can be changed, provided that any such rules have been

put in writing by the Tournament Director prior to the start of any tournament.

EXAMPLE: If goals against are a primary statistical tiebreaker, more than one goal may

be counted against the forfeiting team.

RULE 635 – SLASHING

(a) A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on any player who impedes or seeks to

impede the progress of an opponent by "slashing" with his/her stick.

(b) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by

slashing.

NOTE1: Referees should penalize as slashing any player who swings

his/her stick at any opposing player (whether in or out of range) without actually striking

him/her, or where a player on the pretext of playing the puck makes a wild swing at the

puck with the object of intimidating an opponent.

altercation shall be subject to a match penalty under Rules 603 and 611.

(d) Any player not in possession of the puck cannot have any stick contact upon the

goaltender, in the goal crease, who has covered or caught the puck, regardless of whether or not the Referees has stopped the play. A minor penalty shall be assessed.

(e) Any major penalty assessed for slashing may also include a game ejection or

game misconduct penalty at the Referee’s discretion.

(f) Slashing may also be treated as a match penalty under Rules 603 and 611.

RULE 636 – SPEARING

(a) A major penalty shall be imposed on a player who spears or attempts to spear an

opponent.

NOTE 1: Attempt to spear shall include all cases where a spearing gesture is

made regardless of whether bodily contact is made or not.

(b) Any penalty assessed for attempting to "spearing" may also include a game ejection

penalty at the Referee's discretion.

who makes contact with an opponent by spearing.

(d) Spearing may also be treated as a match penalty under Rules 603 and 611.

RULE 637 - START OF GAME AND PERIODS

(a) The game shall be commenced at the time scheduled by a "face-off' at the center

face-off spot, and shall be resumed promptly for the second half in the same manner. No delay shall be permitted by reason of any ceremony, exhibition, demonstration, or

presentation unless consented to reasonably in advance by SWIRHL.

(b) Players will start the game defending the zone opposite their player bench.

period, each team shall confine its activity to its own end of the rink.

(d) All players must be in full uniform, INCLUDING HELMETS, to take the floor

for warm-up and until they have left the floor at the conclusion of the game.

RULE 638 - THROWING STICK

(a) When any player or Team Official of the defending team deliberately throws or

shoots a stick or any other object at the puck in the defending zone, the Referees shall

allow the play to be completed and if a goal is not scored, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the fouled player. If, however, the goal is unattended and the attacking player has no defending player to pass and has a chance to score on an open goal, and a stick or any other object is thrown or shot at the puck by a member of the defending team, thereby preventing a shot on the open goal, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(b) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player on the playing surface who

throws or shoots a stick or any other object in the direction of the puck in any zone except when such act has been penalized by a penalty shot or awarded a goal.

NOTE 1: When a player discards a broken stick by tossing it to the side of

the rink (and not over the boards) in such a way that shall not interfere with play or an

opposing player, no penalty shall be assessed for doing so.

assessed to any player who throws a stick or any part thereof outside the playing area at or in the direction of any spectators.

RULE 639 - TIED GAMES

(a) If at the end of the two periods, the score shall be tied, a five minute sudden death overtime will be played. If no team scores in the overtime period the game shall be

called a TIE, and each team shall be credited with one point in the standings. In the playoffs a regulation time overtime period will be played until a winner is decided.

(b) If a tournament format calls for unlimited overtime periods, the following shall

take place:

1. The teams SHALL change ends at the beginning of each overtime

period.

2. The length of each period shall be consistent with the time of each

period during the game.

3. The game shall terminate upon the scoring of a goal and the team

scoring the goal shall be declared the winner.

4. If no team scores during the overtime period, the teams shall continue

with this format until a team scores.

RULE 640 - TIME OF GAME

(a) The game shall be played in two periods (in a time length depending on available

time). A two-minute rest shall be permitted between each period. In the event that the game is tied or within a “two-goal” differential in the last two minutes of the game, the game will go to a “stopped clock” scenario until the goal differential is two or more.

(b) Game time out may be called by the Referees at any time during the game.

penalties shall remain in force.

(d) The Referees may order the game to be suspended anytime the playing area is

deemed to be in an unsafe condition. The game shall remain suspended until such

condition is corrected. If any delay occurs during the first period, the Referees shall have the option to begin the second period immediately, without time out for an intermission between periods.

RULE 641 - TIME OUTS

(a) A time-out may be called only during a stoppage of play by a player on the floor.

(b) When there is a time-out, the teams may go to the player bench, but penalized

players are not permitted to leave the penalty bench.

NOTE1: Each team is allowed one time-out per game, one minute long. A second time-out, by the opposing team, may be called during a stoppage of play only if it is called immediately after the first time-out expires. Teams may not call their time-out once the teams are ready to take the face-off.

(d) Any violations of the above rule may result in a two-minute bench minor penalty.

RULE 642 – TRIPPING

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player who, with his/her stick, knee,

foot, arm, hand or elbow, causes his/her opponent to trip or fall.

NOTE1: If in the opinion of the Referees a player is unquestionably hook checking

the puck and obtains possession of it thereby tripping the puck carrier no

penalty shall be imposed.

(b) Any player who deliberately dives onto the playing surface, except to block a

shot, and contacts an opponent causing the player to trip or fall, shall be assessed a minor penalty.

tripping. This includes but is not limited to the act of “slew footing”.

(d) Any major penalty assessed for tripping may include a game ejection or game

misconduct penalty at the Referee’s discretion.

(e) When a player in control of the puck in the attacking zone and having no other

opponent to pass other than the goaltender, is tripped or otherwise fouled from behind

preventing a reasonable scoring opportunity a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending side. Nevertheless, the Referees shall not stop the play until the attacking side has lost possession of the puck to the defending side.

NOTE 1: The intention of this rule is to restore a reasonable scoring

opportunity, which has been lost by reason of a foul from behind when the foul is

committed in the attacking zone.

NOTE 2: “Control of the puck” means the act of propelling the puck with the

stick. If, while it is being propelled, the puck is touched by another player or his/her

equipment or hits the goal or goes free, the player shall no longer be considered to be “in control of the puck.”