Official BASH Rulebook

OFFICIAL BAY AREA STREET HOCKEY RULEBOOK
Revised October 13, 2025

Bay Area Street Hockey (“BASH”) was founded in spirit during pickup hockey sessions organized by Mitchell Friedman in 1991. The first official BASH season was 1991-1992. BASH is, and shall always remain, a non-profit league and the league shall always remain true to the spirit of cooperation and community.

• SECTION ONE: The League Charter

  • Governing roles including Commissioners, Captains, and Players.

• SECTION TWO: League Administration

  • Schedules, draft procedures, pick-ups, league fees, roster management, and awards.

• SECTION THREE: Officials and Teams

  • Referees, scorekeepers, substitutions, and equipment regulations.

• SECTION FOUR: Officials and Playing Rules

  • Faceoffs, goals, icing, offsides, overtime procedures, and weather policies.

• SECTION FIVE: Penalty Categories

  • Minor, bench minor, major, misconduct, match penalties, and penalty shots.

• SECTION SIX: Infractions

  • Specific violations including boarding, cross-checking, high-sticking, and delays of game.

• Rule 101: Commissioners
• Rule 102: Captains
• Rule 103: Players

Rule 101: Commissioners

101.1 Appointment - Three “COMMISSIONERS” of Bay Area Street Hockey are appointed by a majority vote of the Captains of the League. Commissioners are appointed prior to the draft of the new season. [see Rule 102(c) Captains’ Voting Procedures]

101.2 Term Length - It is recommended that commissioners are on a three-year term beginning the conclusion of the draft of their first year through the draft of their last year. The announcement of the new commissioner will occur following the draft.

101.3 Team Separation - All three Commissioners must be always on different teams. If they are not, then one of them must volunteer to step down or the captains will vote to decide who to replace and vote for a replacement.

101.4 Removal - The only other way to remove a commissioner is through a vote of no-confidence, which requires a majority vote from the captains.

101.5 Tiebreakers - The Commissioners are each assigned 1/3 of a vote in the event of a tiebreaker. [See 102 (c)]

101.6 Conflict of Interest - No Captains or de facto captains will be allowed to serve as Commissioners unless all other teams approve: “Andrew Till rule.”

101.7 Duties - The Commissioners will divide up the following duties (unless the captains vote to assign them to a particular Commissioner):

• i. Organizing and mediating Captains’ Meetings [see Rule 218].
• ii. Breaking ties in Captains’ votes [see Rule 102(c)].
• iii. Summarizing issues and drafting an outline agenda for Captains’ Meetings.
• iv. Mediating disputes between teams and issuing judgments in disputes.
• v. Approval/rejection of trades.
• vi. Handing out penalties and remedies for disciplinary purposes.
• vii. Purchasing minor supplies (less than $500 does not require a Captains’ vote).
• viii. Corresponding with league members regarding Official League Pick-ups and League Draft deadlines [see Rules 202 and 204].
• ix. Running the Official League Pick-ups and League Draft.
• x. Corresponding with James Lick Middle School.
• xi. Governance of the league funds and issuing regular bank statements to the captains.
• xii. Setting up the BASH BASH.
• xiii. Setting up and running BASH Summer League.
• xiv. Observance of BASH Schedules and Deadlines [see Rule 201].
• xv. General enforcement of league rules amongst the teams.

The Commissioners or a majority of Captains may also delegate any of these responsibilities to a third party and amongst themselves.

101.8 Appealing Decisions - The only way to overturn a decision by the Commissioners is for a Captain to OBJECT, which triggers a vote. If 5 Captains object to the Commissioners decision (in both 6 and 7 team leagues), it will be overturned.

101.9 Proposals - The Commissioners may propose rule changes or other such matters to be considered for a vote by the captains. [see Rule 102(c)]

101.10 Major Expenditures - Major purchases over $500, such as new Border Patrol boards, must be approved by at least four Captains votes. [see Rules 101(e) and 102(c)] A cap will be placed on the BASH BASH, currently $3,000 which includes individual season trophies awards.

101.11 Agenda Logging - The Commissioners shall log all proposals and present them at the next Captains’ meeting. The Commissioners may also appoint a third-party Captain or player to oversee the agenda and the Captains’ Meeting.

Rule 102: Captains

102.1 Appointment - Two “CAPTAINS” must be appointed by each team. Usually, one Captain will appoint a second Captain when there is a vacancy. A team may supplant a Captain with a simple majority vote (51%). When submitting the Protected Lists, two captains must be designated on the list. [see Rule 203(b)]

102.2 Voting Power - Each team shall be assigned one vote when voting on league matters. A total of 4 Captains votes to affirm constitutes a majority and passes a proposal for both 6 and 7 team leagues. If the Captains are deadlocked at three votes apiece, it is up to the Commissioners to cast the deciding vote (at least 2 of the 3 Commissioners must approve). Abstentions are counted as ‘No’ votes.

• i. Email voting procedures: Captains get 5 days from the date and time the initial email vote was sent. If a Captain does not respond, the Commissioners must call the captain. If there is no response to the call, then the vote is considered “abstained.” Any “urgent” voting issues should be done with phone calls or texts as commissioners see fit.

102.3 Proposals - Captains are entitled to present proposals to the league and have them heard at Captains’ Meetings [see Rule 218].

102.4 Communications - Captains are responsible for communicating with their own team about league rules and league information, preferably before the start of the season. Captains are also responsible for having a copy of the most up to date rules during games available. This can be electronically, such as on their phones.

102.5 Officials Duties - Captains are responsible to appoint a member of their team to fulfill refereeing and scorekeeping duties as per the referee schedule. All teams are required to have at least 5 different players from their team referee at least one game during the regular season. If this is not met, that team will serve a minor penalty in each game of the playoffs. [see Rule 412] (Note: This includes playoffs. -Added clarification 2024. See rule 301(p))

102.6 Rink Setup Duties - Captains of both teams that are responsible to ensure that the Border Patrol boards are set-up and are taken back to the storage space. [see Rule 611]

102.7 Uniform Conformity - Captains are responsible for outfitting their team with the uniform colors that are assigned to that franchise.

102.8 Captain Trades - A Captain may not be traded to another team unless the captain first steps down or is relieved of their duties as per [Rule 102(a)].

Rule 103: Players

103.1 Entry Process - New “PLAYERS” enter the league through the League Pickups and the Draft. [see Rules 202 and 204]

103.2 Veteran Status (Paused) - Once a player has paid their dues [see Rule 207] and is drafted, they attain “Veteran Status” and become a lifetime member of the league and cannot be turned away in the following two seasons [see Rule 103(e)]. Veteran players must be registered (and paid) by 11:59pm on the Wednesday before the day of the draft. Any player who registers after the veteran deadline loses the benefits of veteran seniority for that year. Such players will then be considered a rookie and placed into the draft pool (like the rookies). “Veterans-now-rookies” do not have to be evaluated at tryout/pickup games. If a player is selected in a supplemental round, they are not given veteran status after that season is concluded.

Note: This rule is currently paused. Post COVID (2020-2021) the League is not turning away players. All registrants are drafted. This policy is reviewed annually during the summer captains’ meeting.

103.3 Ringers - Ringers are not permitted in BASH. [see Rule 205]

103.4 Free Agency - A player may declare free agency and place themselves in the draft, even if a team wishes to protect them. The deadline for declaring Free Agency is 11:59pm on the Wednesday prior to the draft.

103.5 Returning Players - A player may only return to their team if they have been away from BASH (not registered) for less than two seasons. There will be no compensation and the player may be added to the protected list of that team. If the player is not added to the protected list during the draft, the returning player will enter the draft (and as a rookie if they have been away from BASH for two or more years).

103.6 Player Proposals - Players may make a proposal for rule change or any other type of proposal to the Captains or Commissioners and it will be placed on the league agenda.

103.7 Non-Fighting Context - BASH is a non-fighting league [see Rule 613] and bodychecking is forbidden, though incidental contact does occur.

• Rule 201: Schedule and Deadlines
• Rule 202: Official League Pick-ups
• Rule 203: Protected Lists
• Rule 204: League Draft
• Rule 205: Ringers
• Rule 206: Supplemental Drafts
• Rule 207: League Fees
• Rule 208: Forfeits & Delayed Starts
• Rule 209: Suspensions, Warnings, and Dangerous Players List
• Rule 210: Minimum Games for Playoff Eligibility
• Rule 211: Trading Players
• Rule 212: League Expansion and Contraction
• Rule 213: Tie-Breaking Procedures/Regular Season Standings
• Rule 214: James Lick Middle School grounds and the Storage Facility
• Rule 215: BASH All-Star Game
• Rule 216: BASH Hall of Fame
• Rule 217: BASH Awards
• Rule 218: Captains’ Meetings
• Rule 219: Summer League
• Rule 220: Regular Season Champion Cash Award
• Rule 221: [Deleted]

Rule 201: Schedule and Deadlines

201.1 Schedule Balance - Each team will play the other an equal number of times. Each team will play a near-equal amount of 9am, 11am, and 1pm games and as equal an amount of home and away games as is possible. The schedule will be random (i.e., a team could end up playing the same team twice in the span of four games), however back-to-back games and two games against the same opponent in the span of three weeks are to be avoided when creating the schedule.

201.2 Holiday and Tournament Considerations - BASH does not play on holidays. Holidays, especially Easter and Mother’s Day, must be considered when preparing the schedule. Tournaments and NBHL weekends should also be considered as off weeks.

201.3 Playoff Scheduling - The playoff schedule will be played on both Saturdays and Sundays and will carry over to as many weeks as needed to complete two rounds of three-game playoff series (the first round and the final round).

201.4 BASH Deadlines List - The following is a list of BASH deadlines:

• i. August 1 – An email will be sent around to prospective returning players by email.
• ii. August 1 – Commissioners release status of BASH bank account.
• iii. August 15 (approx.) – BASH pickups will commence in mid-August. There will be three pickups.
• iv. 11:59pm on Wednesday before Saturday draft day – deadline for veteran players to retain veteran status (registration)
• v. 11:59pm on Wednesday before Saturday draft day – deadline for veterans to declare Free Agency
• vi. Saturday after the last pickup – The BASH draft.
• vii. Before the draft – one new Commissioner will be voted in, as voted by the captains.
• viii. Before game 1 – BASH Annual to be updated; Commissioners release status of BASH finances.
• ix. Monday after game 10 – All-Star ballots must be submitted by Captains.
• x. Monday after game 10 – Commissioners release status of BASH finances.
• xi. Wednesday 11:59pm prior to Week 13 – Trade Deadline.
• xii. Monday after the regular season conclusion – Commissioners release status of BASH finances.

Rule 202: Official League Pick-ups

202.1 Pickup Evaluation - Three official League Pick-ups will be held prior to the League Draft [see Rule 204] for the teams to evaluate the talent available for the League Draft.

202.2 Registration Form Data - Players must sign the sign-in sheet and provide ALL the information requested on the physical sheet (not just Sportability.com) in an accurate manner to be eligible for the League Draft. All players eligible for the draft must provide info by the 3rd pick up. Information that will be requested on the sign-up sheet includes:

• i. Total hockey experience (in years, whether it be ice, roller, or foot).
• ii. Highest level achieved as a position player (high school, college, schoolyard, etc.).
• iii. Level of ability as a position player (advanced, intermediate and beginner).
• iv. Total goaltending experience (in years, whether it be ice, roller, or foot).
• v. Highest level achieved as a goaltender (high school, college, schoolyard, etc.).
• vi. Level of goaltending ability (advanced, intermediate and beginner).
• vii. All positions played.
• viii. Which BASH member told you about the league or how did you hear about the league?
• ix. Who else do you know in the league?
• x. Place born and place raised.

202.3 Time of Pickups - Pickups will start at 11 a.m. and officially end at 2 p.m., though the pickup may end sooner if the players decide. Any player who shows up to play at any other time cannot be officially counted as eligible for the draft.

202.4 Exceptions for Missing Pick-ups (Catalano Rule) - While Rookies must participate in one pickup to be eligible for the draft, if voted on by the captains, players can enter the draft without having attended a pickup if they fully disclose all hockey experience to the captains. In addition, these players will not be protectable in the following year’s draft and will still be considered rookies. Players who fail to provide, or lie about their experience will be subject to the Ringer Rule which could impact other players if an attempt is made to “sneak” them in.

202.5 Rookie Goaltenders - Rookies who intend on playing goal during the season must play in net for at least one full pickup.

202.6 Underperformance - Captains that attempt to sneak players (ringers) into the draft by asking them to under-perform at the pickups will be subject to Rule 205.

Rule 203: Protected Lists

203.1 Listing Deadlines - Protected Lists are due prior to the draft. No new players will be allowed to sign up after this point unless approved by all teams.

203.2 Protected Player Quantity - Protected Lists must be constituted of a minimum of 2 players (Captains) in rounds one and two and a maximum of 5 players (changed in 2024-25) if their captains are slotted in the first 5 rounds. If a captain(s) is slotted outside the top five, a team could protect 5, 6 or 7 players, 5 players in the first 5 rounds and then their 1 or 2 captain(s) slotted outside the top 5.

203.3 Captain Positioning Objections - A few weeks prior to the draft, the Commissioners will send out the draft positions for all the captains. Captains will have one week to object to a position, make their case for a different position and call for a vote among the captains. All teams vote and need 4 votes to affirm the position change. There will be no position changes at the draft.

• i) When considering the positioning of Captains, the # of games estimated to be played will not be considered.

203.4 Protected List Ineligibility - If a player has declared free agency by the predetermined deadline, the previous team cannot protect them in the upcoming draft. But they may draft them. “Veterans-now-rookies” [Rule 103] cannot be protected by their previous team.

Rule 204: League Draft

204.1 Order Assignment - BASH is a draft league. Each team protects a core of players that, upon the decision of each team’s captains, ranges from 2 to 4 players [see Rule 203(b)]. The draft order is dictated by a combination of the previous season’s results, and the number of players protected. Here is the order of the draft (voted in Sep 2016):

• 1) Last position (6th or 7th) is for the previous year's Champion
• 2) The remaining positions are determined by regular season standings in reverse order (last place selected first etc.)

During the draft, protected players are slotted, and teams will draft in the order until each team has 4 players on its roster. The draft will then continue until the rosters are full.

204.2 Format Definitions - Until all teams have the same number of players (during the draft, or before the draft) the process shall be called the Preliminary Rounds. Once all teams have the same number of players (during or before the draft). The Regular rounds begin through as many rounds as necessary to fill each team with a minimum roster of 14. This minimum can be adjusted based upon the total number of registrants for the year.

204.3 Supplemental Actions - Any rookie who remains undrafted following the Preliminary or Regular rounds will enter the supplemental draft which can either be mandatory or voluntary depending upon the number of registrants and a captain's vote. The draft order for the supplemental draft is dictated by the previous year standings/playoffs results. Any rookies drafted during the supplemental draft will remain a rookie for the following year’s draft unless they have been drafted in the supplemental draft for two consecutive seasons in which they will become veterans for the upcoming season but CANNOT be protected for the draft.

204.4 Draft Pool Source - All new players, unprotected players, “veterans-now rookies,” and free agents form the draft pool.

204.5 Playoff Ineligible Declarations - If a player declares they are NOT going to make the playoffs or states they will not make the minimum required games, they cannot play in the playoffs.

204.6 Pre-Draft Ringers Options - Pre-draft ringers, identified by commissioners, can indicate their desire to play in their non-strength position (goalies versus non-goalie). This selection creates 3 limits on this player:

• 1. During the season, those players cannot play more than 1/3 (6 games in a 20-game season) of the regular season games in their strength position. - AND -
• 2. They cannot play more than 50% of their games in their power position during the season.
• 3. They cannot play the playoffs in their position of strength.
• 4. Captains who are ringers who chose this option will have their slotting updated accordingly. If that captain returns to their position of strength, they will be slotted accordingly.
• 5. If during the playoffs a goalie is injured and cannot continue, the ringer can fill in at goalie assuming the opposing team’s captains approve.

204.7 Last Round Order - The BASH Champion must have the last pick of the draft.

• If there is only one player available in the last round, the BASH champion will have the final two picks of the draft.
• If there are two players available in the final round, the team drafting before the champion chooses first and the champion gets the final player.
• If there are more than 2 players, the process works similarly. Should BASH return to using a supplemental round, this rule will be deleted.

Rule 205: Ringers

205.1 Concealed Ability - Players that misrepresent themselves at the Official League Pick-ups through the guidance of team Captains either through altering their performance, submitting inaccurate hockey playing background information or by hiding affiliation with a league member are called ringers. A team found to have snuck a ringer through the pickups AND to have obtained the ringer in the draft, will lose the player in question, and will have their first overall pick in next year’s draft shuffled to the bottom of the draft (to become the last pick overall).

205.2 Ringer Drafted Unknowingly - If a ringer did not end up on the team that tried to sneak him through the pick-ups, the player may remain in the league on the team that drafted the player without penalty to the player.

205.3 Illegal Player Usage resulting in Forfeit - All games won or tied with an illegal player in the lineup, as per [Rule 208], will be forfeited to the other team and statistics for these games will not count in the official league record.

205.4 Suspension of Sneaking Captains - The captains or any other player involved in trying to sneak a player into the league shall be suspended by the Commissioners at their discretion, whether the ringer ended up on the offending Captains’ team or not.

Rule 206: Supplemental Drafts

206.1 Supplementary Necessity - If a supplemental draft is determined to be necessary by majority Captains’ vote, then an additional pick-up will be held during the season to determine the skill level of the players entering the supplemental draft.

206.2 Comparable Talent Available - If there is at least one player of comparable talent available per team, then a supplementary draft may be deemed fair as agreed upon by full majority vote of the captains.

Rule 207: League Fees

207.1 Fee Structure - League fees are:

• $150 Early - $175 Normal
• Summer - $60 recommended

Payment to players:

• Reffing: $20 Fall, $40 Fall Playoffs, $10 Summer, $20 Summer Playoffs
• Scorekeeping: $10 Fall, $20 Fall Playoffs, $10 Summer, $20 Summer Playoffs

207.2 Unpaid Member Restriction - A player may not play in the league unless all past and current league fees are paid. If a player cannot pay by credit card online through Sportability, they must pay the commissioners prior to the draft.

207.3 Team Building Stipend - Teams will receive a stipend of $10 per player including Captains for team building.

207.4 Waived Commissioner Fees - Current Commissioners and School liaisons will have their league fees waived for that season. Upon the completion of service, Commissioners will have their league fees waived for additional years matching the years of service.

Rule 208: Forfeits & Delayed Starts

208.1 Forfeiture Rules - Games shall be forfeited if a team cannot start the game with at least 5 players + a goalie.

• 1. If a team does not meet these requirements by 9:15 a.m., they shall start the game with a minor penalty. The penalty cannot be avoided by using time outs.
• 2. If a team still cannot field a full team 30 minutes after the start time, it will be forfeited unless the captains of both teams agree to a time extension.

208.2 Illegal Winners - If a game is won or lost via overtime/shootout using an illegal player, the game shall be called a forfeit by the team which used the illegal player.

208.3 Forfeiture Results - A forfeiting team receives 0 points, the opposing team is awarded 3 points. No statistics will count for a forfeited game. Forfeited games will count as 5-0 wins in the league standings since the team on the winning end of a forfeit should not be penalized in goals differential for the negative actions of another team.

208.4 Double Forfeits - If neither team can field a team, the result shall be a double forfeit with both teams losing 5-0 and a loss added to the loss column in the standings for both teams.

208.5 Remaining Setup Requirements - Forfeited games do not absolve teams of refereeing and scorekeeping responsibilities.

208.6 Adjusted Eligibility Checks - The team facing a team who forfeits will have their playoff game requirement drop by one for each forfeit. The team who forfeits will NOT receive a deduction.

Rule 209: Suspensions, Warnings, and Dangerous Players List

209.1 Delivering Suspensions - Suspensions and warnings are handed out by the Commissioners [see Rule 101(h)(vi)]. The Commissioners may decide to administer the normal one-game suspension or add more games as they deem necessary.

209.2 Additional Commission Penalizations - The Commissioners may investigate any incident that occurs in connection with any game and may assess additional suspensions and warnings for any offense committed before, during the course of a game, or any aftermath thereof by a player or captain, whether or not such offense has been penalized by the Referee.

209.3 Game Applicability - Suspensions imposed during a BASH regular season or exhibition game, must be served in the next game(s) regardless of whether it be a regular season game or playoff game. If the length of suspension carries beyond the playoffs, the suspension shall carry over to the next Fall season’s first regular season game.

209.4 Automatic Punishments - Most common automatic suspensions & warnings occur as follows: [Rule 506, Gross Misconduct Penalties]; [Rule 507, Match Penalties]; [Rule 613, Fighting]. Goalie misconducts are dealt with in [Rule 509(a)], Multiple High Sticks [Rule 616]

209.5 Reversing a Suspension - The commissioners deliver suspensions. A captain can appeal a suspension directly to their fellow captains. To overturn a commissioner suspension, 5 teams must agree to overturn the suspension. Warnings are not appealable because they carry no punishment. Suspensions are communicated league wide. Warnings are only communicated to the player and their Captains.

209.6 Dangerous Players List - Captains can propose to put a player on the “Dangerous Player List.” The proposal is reviewed and rejected or approved by the Commissioners. Captains can overturn the Commissioners decision with five votes. Being on the List means the player is officially subject to higher disciplinary consequences. It will not be publicized. A player’s status on the list will be addressed at the beginning of each fall season.

Rule 210: Minimum Games for Playoff Eligibility

210.1 Minimum Count Requirement - A player must play a minimum of (6) six regular season games to be eligible for playoff rosters.

• 1. The commissioners can waive this should the player suffer an injury or injuries that will keep them from playing for 8+ weeks.
• 2. No injury exemptions are granted prior to the draft.
• 3. Requests for waivers must be submitted before the playing of the last week of the regular season.

210.2 Affected Playoff Series - The eligibility requirement applies to the 4/5 play-in game as well.

210.3 Forfeiture Adjustments - If a team wins a game due to forfeit, they will have their minimum game requirement reduced by 1 for each forfeited win. The team that forfeits will NOT receive a deduction. Rule 208 (h).

Rule 211: Trading Players

211.1 Trade Deadlines - Trades cannot take place after Wednesday 11:59 prior to the 13th week of the season. Trades may resume once the playoffs have been completed.

211.2 Trade Structure Requirements - Trades must always exchange an equal number of players and/or an equal number of draft picks. Trading for ‘future considerations’ is not permitted. Draft picks received from other teams may be traded to a third party.

211.3 Exchanging Draft Picks - When a team trades a draft pick, it is that team’s overall pick, excluding picks obtained from other teams, unless otherwise stated. Draft picks for the following season may not be dealt until the final pick of the current draft.

211.4 Reversing Player Protection Logic Restriction - Any trade where a player is traded to a team so that they can be protected and then get traded back will not be approved.

211.5 Commission Oversight / Approvals - The Commissioners review each trade. The Commissioners’ decision to APPROVE or REJECT a trade will be communicated to the captains. Any Captain can OBJECT the Commissioners’ decision within 24 hours of being emailed. At which point a vote will be taken. Five captain votes are required to overturn Commissioners’ decision. Captains involved in the trade are allowed to vote.

Rule 212: League Expansion and Contraction

212.1 Requirement Steps - Expansion and Contraction may take place if the majority of Captains vote for it.

212.2 Expansion Drafting Context - In the event of expansion, the team with the first pick overall will keep that pick and the expansion team will pick after the 2nd to last place team and will pick after that team in all the rounds to follow. The captains of the league must approve captains of the expansion team.

Rule 213: Tie-Breaking Procedures/Regular Season Standings

213.1 Tiebreak Steps - At the conclusion of the regular season, the standing of the teams shall be determined in accordance with the following priorities in the order listed:

• i. The higher number of points earned by the team.
• ii. The greater number of games won by the club (Regulation and overtime, shootout wins do not count for this tiebreaker).
• iii. The higher number of points earned in games against each other among two or more clubs having equal standing under priorities (1) and (2).
• iv. The greater differential between goals scored for and against by clubs having equal standing under priority.

Rule 214: James Lick High School grounds and the Storage Facility

214.1 Restrooms - No member of BASH is permitted to urinate on the school grounds at James Lick Middle School or in the surrounding environs. If caught, the player in question will receive an automatic three-game suspension, with the following instance (carries from season to season) resulting in a lifetime ban. Bathrooms are available at the corner store or at various local bars.

214.2 Cleanliness - Players in the last game must pick up any trash that is lying around the playing area or up on the Wall. Broken sticks and hockey equipment should not be thrown out at the Lick or stored in the shed. You bring it in, you take it out.

214.3 Respect for Residents - Players must not make undue noise when picking up the league equipment at the storage facility in the morning. Players must return and store the equipment in a quiet, orderly fashion (boards stacked neatly, etc.).

Rule 215: BASH All-Star Game

[Deleted]

Rule 216: BASH Hall of Fame

216.1 HoF Selection Process - Captain Vote will establish a BASH Hall of Fame Commission. The Commission should have three members. It is recommended that the combined BASH tenure of the three members cover as many of the years of the league’s existence as possible. They do not need to be current members of the League. There is no limit on how long they can serve. They can step down or be replaced by majority Captains’ vote at any time. Once established this commission will meet once a year to select new inductees into the BASH Hall of Fame. Rules for induction will be established and maintained by the Committee. The Committee will have a budget of $200 for inductee awards.

Rule 217: BASH Awards

217.1 Categories List - For the fall season, BASH will decide on trophies for the awards below: League MVP, Best Defenseman, Best Defensive Forward, Vezina, Youngs-Moisio award (7th-man), Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year, Most Gentlemanly Player, Best Referee, Points Leader, Best Goals-Against Average, Playoff MVP, Comeback Player of the Year.

217.2 Nominations Output - Each team will nominate three candidates per eligible award ranked in order from one to three, one nominee must be from a different team. Points are given for each ranked position, 1st place gets five points, 2nd place gets three points, and 3rd place gets one point. The top 3 of each category will be sent out to the rest of the league for voting.

217.3 Automated Award Restrictions - The league will vote based on the top 3 nominees in each category, except for the Best GAA/Top points awards are based purely upon regular season statistics. The playoff MVP is only open to the participants in the finals, with the captains/referees/scorekeepers coming to a decision on the winner(s).

217.4 Eligibility Caps - To be eligible for an award, a player must have played more than 50% of the regular season games.

Rule 218: Captains’ Meetings

218.1 Meeting Organization/Operations - The Commissioners or any captain or player appointed can send out invitations for a Captains’ Meeting. At least four teams must be represented for quorum at a Captains’ Meeting. The Commissioners or any Captain or Player appointed thereto shall put together and distribute the agenda for all Captains’ Meetings. Captains, Commissioners and Players are all entitled to present proposals to the league and have them heard at Captains’ Meetings. If the meeting becomes unruly, Robert’s Rules of Order will be used for speaking order. At least one Commissioner must be present at every meeting.

Rule 219: Summer League

219.1 Altered Play Styles and Team Management - The BASH Summer League is a near-separate entity from the Fall BASH league. The summer league shall use the same general rules as the Fall Season with the following notable exceptions:

• i. Teams do not continue from the Fall Season. The draft shall be performed with the 4-6 captains (based on registered players) as the sole-members of each team and the draft order being randomized and using a snake format.
• ii. Captains are chosen based upon a first-come, first-served basis. Rookies are not allowed to be Captains during the summer season, however, Rookies from the previous BASH Fall Season are eligible.
• iii. A single summer BASH commissioner shall be appointed to oversee the operation/startup of the Summer Season. There is no captain appeal process in summer. The commissioner’s decisions are final.
• iv. Play is 4 on 4.
• v. Players do NOT have to attend the pick-ups to be eligible for the upcoming summer season.
• vi. All teams make the playoffs.
• vii. When two penalties occur for the same team, the play switches to a 5 on 3 powerplay. This format will continue until a stoppage of play after the first penalty has expired or a goal has been scored.
• viii. Non-roster players can only play a maximum of two games during the season. This cannot be spread out among two separate teams.

Rule 220: Regular Season Champion Cash Award

220.1 Financials - The regular season Champion shall be awarded $200 to spend as they desire.

Rule 221: [Deleted]

• Rule 301: Referees
• Rule 302: Scorekeepers/Goal Judge
• Rule 303: Playing Lineup
• Rule 304: Interacting with the Referees
• Rule 305: Injured Players
• Rule 306: Player/League Equipment

Rule 301: Referees

301.1 Authority - The “REFEREES” shall have full control of all players before, during and after the game, including stoppages; penalties may be assessed during the warm-up period.

301.2 Compensation - Referees shall be paid $20/regular season game ($40 for Fall playoffs) by the league. For games in which only one referee is provided, that referee shall be paid $40 for the game.

301.3 Enforcement Emphasis - The emphasis for penalties should be on stick fouls and body checks near the wall. Referees should not take anything personally or bait the players.

301.4 Positioning Strategy - Before the game, the two refs should choose which defensive end of the playing surface they will each cover. If the play enters the end that Referee 1 has chosen, Referee 1 must go deep into the zone to monitor play around the ball while Referee 2 remains at center-ice and observes play away from the ball. If the play enters the zone Referee 2 has chosen, Referee 1 should assume position at center-ice and Referee 2 will go deep into their respective zone, preferably to the goal-line. There should always be one ref deep and one ref at center-ice. If something happens on the other side of the rink, the officials should try to rely on the closest Referee’s interpretation, unless they think they have a better vantage point.

301.5 Uniform Requirements - All Referee(s) shall wear “zebra” sweaters.

301.6 Consultation - The Referees may consult with one another before making any decisions. The Referee(s) will have the final word on all goals and assists legally scored as well as penalties, and for what infractions such penalties are imposed. They may seek the opinion of the Scorekeeper or fans.

Note: In the event that the Referee disallows a goal for any violation of the rules, he shall report the reason for disallowance to the captains of both teams.

301.7 Penalty Bench Management - The Referee shall see to it that players of opposing teams are separated on the penalty bench to prevent feuding and that both teams are in their bench area and not encroaching on the penalty bench area.

301.8 Substitutions - Should an appointed Referee be unable to act at the last minute or through prior commitment or through sickness or accident be unable to finish the game, the Referee shall have the power to appoint another, in their stead, if they deem it necessary.

301.9 Tardy Referees - If a Referee arrives more than 15 minutes late for a game, their team will be assessed a minor penalty before the start of their next game. If the same team incurs another penalty for a missed Referee assignment, the penalty will be a double-minor penalty. All following infractions will be a five-minute penalty. These infractions will carry over to the playoffs and to the following regular season.

301.10 Playoff Official Approvals - A Captain has the right to refuse the service of a Referee for a playoff game. [see rule 301.14 for clarifying language].

301.11 Regular Season Assignments - For regular season games, Captains of both 11AM teams shall appoint Referees (one from each team) for the 9AM & 1PM games, the 11AM home team will appoint a Scorekeeper for the 9AM game, and the 11AM visiting team will appoint a scorekeeper for the 1PM game. The captains of both 9AM teams shall appoint the 11AM Referees and the home team shall also appoint a Scorekeeper.

301.12 Volunteer Replacements - A replacement Referee and Scorekeeper filling in duties willingly on a volunteer basis is acceptable and no penalty shall result as long as both teams agree that the volunteer is capable. If a volunteer has been forced into duty because a Referee was not provided, then a penalty shall result to said team.

301.13 Missed Assignment Penalties - Failure to appoint a Referee or Scorekeeper shall result in the following penalties:

• i. A minor penalty for a first offense, to be served by a player of the opposition’s choice. This penalty will be served at the next regular season game.
• ii. Two consecutive minor penalties for the second offense, to be served by a player of the opposition’s choice. These penalties will be served at the next regular season game.
• iii. Three consecutive minor penalties, the third offense, to be served by a player of the opposition’s choice. These penalties will be served at the next regular season game.

301.14 Playoff Game Responsibilities - For the playoffs, the captains are responsible for providing the referees & scorekeeper for the games. The captains must work together to both agree upon who will fulfill those responsibilities AND contact those individuals to ensure they will be present.

Note: Things to emphasize to referees and captains: -Keep a close eye on contact in front of the net…especially cross checking. -Ask spectators for help with calling goals. -Call penalties for unsafe play near the walls. -Delay of game: no standing on the ball or trapping it against a wall/bench. -Intentionally clearing the ball over the boards. -Stop abusive conduct towards refs. Only CAPTAINS can talk to refs. Call unsportsmanlike conduct penalties if players are abusive. Warnings should be given by refs. -High-sticking -Slide tackles should be called a penalty.

Rule 302: Scorekeepers/Goal Judge

302.1 Duties - The “SCOREKEEPER” shall keep a record of scorers and check to ensure the time served by all penalized players is correct.

302.2 Alternate Captain Logging - Before the start of the game, the Scorekeeper shall secure the names of the Designated Alternate captain(s) if captain(s) of a given team are absent and will so indicate by placing the letter “C” opposite their names on the score sheet. Alternate captains have the same rights and responsibilities as regular captains.

302.3 Disputes Over Points - Requests for changes in any award of points shall be addressed with the Referees, not the Scorekeeper.

302.4 Timekeeping - The Scorekeeper shall signal the actual time on the game clock to the Referee and the competing teams every 3 minutes and whenever asked and then more frequently in the last 5 minutes. The Scorekeeper shall set the clock for a 5-minute intermission between all periods. In the event of any dispute regarding time, the matter shall be referred to the Referees for adjustment, and their decision shall be final.

302.5 Records Dispersal - At the conclusion of the 1pm game, the scorekeeper is required to take pictures and/or submit the scoresheets to the commissioners (via email or Facebook) to ensure that stats are entered in a timely manner.

Rule 303: Playing Lineup

303.1 Minimum Players - A team must start and play an entire game with a minimum of 6 players (including goaltender). If a team with 6 players has a player who takes a game misconduct, they will forfeit the game.

Rule 304: Interacting with the Referees

304.1 Disputed Interpretations - Only the two Captains of each team shall have the privilege of discussing with the Referee any questions relating to interpretation of rules that may arise during the progress of a game. If the Captain is not available due to injury or an imposed penalty, another player may be designated to act as Captain.

Rule 305: Injured Players

305.1 Injury Stoppages - When a player is injured so that he cannot continue to play or go to their bench, the play shall not be stopped until the injured player’s team has secured possession of the ball; if the player’s team is in possession of the ball at the time of injury, play shall be stopped immediately, unless their team is in a scoring position.

Note: In the case where it is obvious that a player has sustained a serious injury, the Referee and/or Referee may stop the play immediately.

305.2 Substitution Period - A player other than a goalkeeper, whose injury appears serious enough to warrant the stoppage of play, may not participate further in the game until the completion of the ensuing faceoff.

305.3 Bleeding Protocol - A player or goalkeeper who is obviously bleeding shall be ruled off the playing surface immediately if observed during a stoppage of play. If observed during play, play shall be stopped immediately, and the bleeding player or goalkeeper then ruled off the playing surface. Said player or goalkeeper shall not be allowed to return to play until the bleeding has been stopped and the cut or abrasion covered, it is required that any affected equipment/uniform be properly decontaminated or exchanged.

Rule 306: Player/League Equipment

306.1 Stick Curvature - The curvature of the blade of the stick carries no restrictions.

306.2 Carrying Multiple Sticks - A minor penalty shall be assessed on a player or goalkeeper who participates in the play while they are in possession of more than one stick, except that no penalty shall be assessed a player who is accidentally struck by the ball while he is carrying a replacement stick to a teammate.

306.3 Illegal Goalkeeper Equipment - A minor penalty shall be imposed on any goalkeeper using illegal equipment in a game. If equipment is challenged and found to be legal, the team that requested measurement will be assessed a minor for delay of game.

306.4 Goalkeeper Equipment Dimensions - The leg guards worn by goalkeepers shall not exceed 12 inches in extreme width when on the leg of the player, nor shall it exceed 38 inches in length when on the leg of the player. Protective padding attached to the back or forming part of a goalkeeper's blocker glove shall not exceed nine inches in width nor more than seventeen inches in length at any point. The cuff of the goalkeeper’s catching glove shall not exceed nine inches in width. The maximum length of the catching glove shall not exceed seventeen inches. Any bar or attachment (cheater bar) between the cuff and the thumb shall only extend from the cuff to the thumb in a straight line. Any other pocket, pouch or contrivance added to the glove by a manufacturer or otherwise is not acceptable and makes the glove illegal.

306.5 League Nets - The league nets must measure 6x4.

• Rule 401: Ball Kicked or Directed In
• Rule 402: Ball Out of Bounds or Unplayable
• Rule 403: Ball Striking Official
• Rule 404: Faceoff Locations
• Rule 405: Faceoff Procedures
• Rule 406: Goals and Assists
• Rule 407: High Sticking (see Rule 616)
• Rule 408: Icing the Ball
• Rule 409: Interference by Spectators
• Rule 410: Offsides
• Rule 411: Overtime/Shootout
• Rule 412: Playoffs
• Rule 413: Time of Match
• Rule 414: Timeouts
• Rule 415: Weather
• Rule 416: Video & Photo review
• Rule 417: Rule challenges

Rule 401: Ball Kicked or Directed In

401.1 Deliberate Direction - If the ball was deliberately directed into the goal with some other part of the body other than the stick, the goal shall be disallowed, and the faceoff shall take place outside the zone.

401.2 Unintentional Deflection - If the ball deflects unintentionally off a player’s body and into the goal, the goal shall stand.

Rule 402: Ball Out of Bounds or Unplayable

402.1 Deflections Options - When the ball goes outside the playing area or deflects off a Referee out of the playing area, it shall be faced-off from where it was shot or deflected by a player, unless otherwise expressly provided in these rules. If the ball leaves the playing area due to a defect of the playing area, a faceoff will take place in the zone where the ball was last played. If the ball hits a defect in the rink, such as benches or a crack, etc., play shall continue.

402.2 Lodged in Netting - When the ball becomes lodged in the netting on the outside of either goal to make it unplayable, the Referee shall blow the whistle after giving both teams THREE SECONDS to play the ball.

402.3 Goalkeeper Stoppage - A minor penalty shall be imposed on a goalkeeper who deliberately drops the ball on the goal netting to cause a stoppage of play.

402.4 Deliberate Clearance - A minor penalty will be called on a player who clears the ball over the south-wall from his own defensive zone without the ball being deflected either by another player or the wall itself (it must be a clean clear). The defensive zone will include the blue-line to center-line if the attacking team has entered the zone using the floating blue line.

Rule 403: Ball Striking Official

403.1 Play Continues - Play shall not be stopped because the ball touches a Referee anywhere on the playing surface.

403.2 Disallowed Goals - Any goal scored after a direct deflection with a Referee shall be disallowed.

Rule 404: Faceoff Locations

404.1 Designated Spots - All faceoffs must be conducted on one of the nine (9) faceoff spots located on the rink.

404.2 Attacking Zone Stoppages - When a stoppage of play has been caused by any player of the attacking side in the attacking zone, the ensuing faceoff shall be made in the neutral zone on the nearest faceoff spot. If two rule violations are the reason for the stoppage of play (i.e., high-sticking the ball and intentional off-side), the ensuing faceoff location shall be determined as the spot that provides the least amount of territorial advantage to the offending team.

404.3 Neutral Zone Stoppages - When the play is stopped for any reason not specifically attributable to either team while the ball is in the neutral zone, the ensuing faceoff shall be conducted at the nearest faceoff spot outside the blue line whenever possible. When it is unclear as to which of the four faceoff spots is the nearest, the spot that gives the home team the greatest territorial advantage in the neutral zone will be selected for the ensuing faceoff.

404.4 Penalized Play Faceoffs - When players are penalized at a stoppage of play to result in penalties being placed on the penalty time clock to one team, the ensuing faceoff shall be conducted at one of the two faceoff spots in the offending team’s end zone. There are only four exceptions to this application:

• 1. When a penalty is assessed after the scoring of a goal – faceoff at center ice.
• 2. When a penalty is assessed at the end (or start) of a period – faceoff at center ice.
• 3. When the defending team is about to be penalized and the attacking players enter the attacking zone beyond the outer edge of the end zone faceoff circle – faceoff in the neutral zone.
• 4. When the team not being penalized ices the ball – faceoff in the neutral zone outside the blue line of the team icing the ball.

404.5 Out of Bounds Play - When the ball hops over the Border Patrol by accident, the faceoff is held at the closest faceoff dot back where the ball originally launched (unless it was deflected by the opposing team). On a ball that goes through/behind the Border Patrol, the faceoff is held at the closest faceoff dot, unless it was done deliberately by the attacking team, in which case the faceoff would be held in the neutral zone.

Note: See Appendix A for Generic Faceoff Location mappings.

Rule 405: Faceoff Procedures

405.1 Location Determination - The faceoff takes place on the side from where the play originated, not where the ball is frozen by the goalie or where the ball goes over the wall.

405.2 Proper Positioning - Players facing-off will be stationary and stand squarely facing their opponents’ end of the surface approximately one stick length apart with the blade of their sticks touching the playing surface with one foot aligned at least a foot behind the faceoff dot and the other foot parallel to that one behind the faceoff dot. The sticks of both players facing-off shall have at least the tip of the blade on the playing surface, but not in the faceoff circle area. The visiting team is required to put their stick on the dot first, followed by the home team.

405.3 Circle Encroachment - No other player shall be allowed to enter the faceoff circle, and all players must stand onside on all faceoffs.

405.4 Violations - If players/centermen fail to maintain their proper position the following will occur:

• 1. The offending team will be given a warning for the first offense in a faceoff sequence.
• 2. If a team commits two offenses during a faceoff sequence, the centerman will be ejected from the circle.
• 3. A minor penalty to the winger or defenseman who commits three violations per sequence twice in the same game.
• 4. The Referee may also choose to drop the ball regardless of whether the centerman is in proper position based on repeat stalling tactics.

405.5 Physical Contact - In the conduct of any faceoff anywhere on the playing surface, no player facing-off shall make any physical contact with their opponent’s body by means of their own body or by their stick except while playing the ball after the faceoff has been completed. For violation of this rule the Referee shall impose a minor penalty or penalties on the player(s) whose action(s) caused the physical contact.

Rule 406: Goals and Assists

Note: The Referee awards goals and assists, and their decision is final. In cases of an obvious error in awarding a goal or an assist, which has been announced, it should be corrected promptly. Changes shall not be made in the Official Scoring summary after the game.

406.1 Assigning Assists - An assist is credited to the player(s) who last held possession of the ball. Possession means that the player controlled the ball and did not just touch the ball. A shot that hits the goaltender and is then propelled legally into the net on the rebound shall result in an assist for the player that took the original shot and any second assist as well.

406.2 Opposing Team Scores - A goal shall be scored if the ball is put into the goal in any way by a player of the defending team. The player of the attacking team who last played the ball shall be credited with the goal, but no assist shall be awarded.

406.3 Disallowed Goals via High Stick - A goal scored from a high stick above the crossbar shall not be allowed, except by a player of the defending team.

406.4 Disallowed Goals via Deliberate Direction - If the ball was deliberately directed into the goal with a part of the body other than the stick, the goal shall be disallowed, and the faceoff shall take place outside the zone.

Rule 407: High Sticking

Note: Please see Rule 616 for comprehensive High Sticking infractions.

Rule 408: Icing the Ball

408.1 Definition - If the ball is cleared from behind the defending team’s blue line, icing shall be called. The ball must only cross the goal line, it need not hit the wall.

408.2 Waiving Icing - If the team retrieving a ball dumped down the ice does not make a reasonable effort to retrieve the ball or if the ball could have been played reasonably as it passed by that player, the icing shall be waived off.

Note: If, during the period of a delayed whistle due to a penalty by a player of the side NOT in possession, the side in possession “ices” the ball then the faceoff following the stoppage of play shall take place in the Neutral Zone near the defending blue line of the team “icing” the ball.

408.3 Shorthanded Clearing - If the ball was shot the length of the playing surface by a shorthanded player, play shall continue.

408.4 Deflection and Goalkeeper Touch - If the ball touches any part of a player of the opposing team or their stick before it reaches the goal line or touches the goalkeeper or their feet or their stick at any time before crossing their goal line it shall not be considered as “icing the ball” and play shall continue.

408.5 Official Error - If the Referee shall have erred in calling an “icing the ball” infraction, the ball shall be faced on the center ice faceoff spot.

Rule 409: Interference by Spectators

409.1 Spectator Intervention - If a player is held or interfered with by a spectator, play shall be stopped, unless the team of the player interfered with is in possession of the ball at the time, in which case the play shall be allowed to be completed before blowing the whistle, and the ball shall be faced at the spot where last played at the time of stoppage.

Note: The Referee shall report to the Commissioners for disciplinary action all cases in which a player becomes involved in an altercation with a spectator/league member.

409.2 Objects on Playing Surface - In the event that objects are thrown on the playing surface that interfere with the progress of the game, the Referee shall blow the whistle and stop the play, and the ball shall be faced-off at the spot where play is stopped.

Rule 410: Offsides

410.1 Definition - Players of the attacking team may not precede the ball into the Attacking Zone. If a player is in control of the ball, they may back into the attacking zone and not be offside. The ball must cross the blue line before teammates cross the line. The position of the ball in conjunction with the location of the player’s feet should dictate the offside call.

410.2 Faceoff Location - The faceoff shall take place at the nearest Neutral Zone faceoff spot to where the ball crossed the line. If the ball was passed or shot over the blue line, the faceoff shall take place where the pass or shot originated.

410.3 Defining Position - A player is offside when both feet are completely over the outer edge of the blue line into their Attacking Zone. If a player is standing on the blue line, the play is “on-side.”

410.4 Delayed Offside - If an attacking player precedes the ball that is shot, passed, or deflected into the Attacking Zone, but a defending player is able to play the ball, the Referee shall signal a delayed offside. The Referee shall drop their arm to nullify the offside violation and allow play to continue if the defending team immediately passes or carries the ball into the Neutral Zone.

410.5 Self-Imposed Defensive Zone - If a player legally carries, passes, or loses possession of the ball back into their own Defending Zone while a player of the opposing team is in such Defending Zone, the play shall not be considered offside.

410.6 Intentional Offside - If, in the opinion of the Referee, a player has intentionally caused an offside play, the Referee shall stop play immediately and the ball shall be faced-off in the Defending Zone of the offending team.

410.7 Floating Red Line - BASH uses a floating red line. Once the ball is brought over the opponent’s blue line by the attacking team, the Defensive Zone opens to the center line. The ball then must be cleared over the centerline for the defending team to clear the zone. Also, the attacking team must keep the ball inside the center line for the play to remain on-side. The faceoff for offside plays are the neutral zone faceoff dot directly outside the Defensive Zone blue line.

410.8 Official Error - If the Referee makes a mistake on an offside call, the faceoff will be held at center ice.

Rule 411: Overtime/Shootout

411.1 Regular Season Protocol -

• 1. The teams shall not change ends.
• 2. A five-minute stop-time period shall be played.
• 3. The format will be four on four (with goalies).
• 4. The game shall terminate upon a “sudden death” goal being scored.
• 5. If no goal is scored, a shootout will occur with five shooters per team. If still tied, it moves to single-shooter elimination. No team can repeat a shooter until all the players of one team have shot.

411.2 Overtime Playoffs Protocol -

• 1. The teams shall change ends for all overtime periods, including the first one.
• 2. Regular 20 minute “sudden death” overtime periods shall be played until a winning goal is scored.
• 3. There are no shootouts in the playoffs.

Rule 412: Playoffs

412.1 Format Eligibility - In a 7-team league scenario, five teams make the playoffs. On the Sunday of the final regular season, the 4th and 5th place teams will play each other to see who will qualify as the 4th seed. In a 6-team league scenario, the top 4 teams make the playoffs.

412.2 Home/Away Status - The higher seeded team will be considered the home team in games 1 and 3 of a playoff series. The lower seeded team will be home in game 2.

412.3 Officiating - Teams require 1 head referee and 2 linesmen. All 3 can call penalties.

412.4 Setup Penalties - Both teams in each game of the playoffs are responsible for helping to set up and/or take-down the boards. A violation of this will result in penalties being issued as per Rule 611.

412.5 Referree Quotas - All teams are required to have at least 5 different players from their team referee at least one game during the regular season. If this is not met, that team will serve a minor penalty in each game of the playoffs.

Rule 413: Time of Match

413.1 Regulation Time - Three 20-minute periods of running time, with stop-time in the final 5 minutes of each period and during penalties. There shall be a five-minute intermission between periods.

413.2 Goal Stoppage - If a goal is scored, the clock will be stopped until play resumes.

413.3 Penalty Stoppage - The clock is stopped if a penalty has been called and stop-time is used for the duration of the penalty.

Rule 414: Timeouts

414.1 Regulation Timeouts - Each team shall be permitted to take two time-outs of a 1-minute duration during regulation time.

414.2 Overtime Timeouts - The teams shall be permitted to take one additional timeout of a 1-minute duration per each overtime period.

Rule 415: Weather Cancellations

414.1 Playability - Games are never canceled due to the weather, unless both teams show up at the school and agree that due to weather conditions the game is unplayable.

414.2 Air Quality Index (AQI) - If the AQI is forecasted at 175 or higher for the Coast & Central Bay, the games will be canceled. If games are canceled, the Commissioners will send out a notification by 3PM the day prior to games. Captains can still cancel games the day of, if both teams' Captains agree conditions are not safe.

Rule 416: Video & Photo Review

416.1 Permitted Use - Video/film review is allowed, but only at the referee’s discretion. It should only be used if easily available AND will not cause a meaningful delay (2 mins) in the game, and only for meaningful calls such as goals or major penalties. Captains cannot request a review.

Rule 417: Rule Challenges

417.1 Challenge Operations - Captains begin each game with one opportunity to challenge a rule. If the rule book shows they are incorrect, they serve a penalty and lose the challenge. If correct, the call is reversed, and they keep their challenge.

• Rule 501: Penalties
• Rule 502: Minor Penalties (including Bench Minor Penalties)
• Rule 503: Major Penalties
• Rule 504: Misconduct Penalty
• Rule 505: Game Misconduct Penalty
• Rule 506: Gross Misconduct Penalties
• Rule 507: Match Penalties
• Rule 508: Penalty Shot
• Rule 509: Goalkeeper’s Penalties
• Rule 510: Serving Multiple Penalties
• Rule 511: Calling of Penalties

(Note) This section contains a brief overview of the nature and hierarchy of each category of penalty. Specific information on each infraction is listed in Section 6. You may also check the Table of Contents for a listing of infractions.

Rule 501: Penalties

501.1 Playing Time Subtraction - Penalties shall be actual playing time and shall be divided into the following classes:

• i. Minor Penalties
• ii. Bench Minor Penalties
• iii. Major Penalties
• iv. Misconduct Penalties
• v. Game Misconduct Penalties
• vi. Gross Misconduct Penalties
• vii. Match Penalties
• viii. Penalty Shot

Rule 502: Minor Penalties (including Bench Minor Penalties)

502.1 Minor Penalty Operations - “MINOR PENALTY (2 minutes),” the offending player, other than a goalkeeper, shall be ruled off the playing surface for two minutes during which time no substitute shall be permitted unless a goal is scored against the shorthanded team. For a “BENCH MINOR (2 minutes)” penalty, any non-penalized player may be designated to serve the penalty.

502.2 Double-Minor - A “DOUBLE-MINOR (two consecutive 2-minute penalties)” is always treated as two consecutive and separate minor penalties and can be called against a player if the referee determines the infraction is more severe than a minor penalty but insufficient to warrant a major penalty. [see Rule 510(c) – Serving Multiple Penalties]

502.3 Potential Minor Infractions - Infractions that could be minor penalties (depending on severity): Unsportsmanlike conduct, dropping the gloves, playing with a broken stick, charging, checking into the wall, cross-checking, delay of game, elbowing or kneeing, handling ball with hands, holding, hooking, interference, roughing, slashing (including attempt), throwing stick, too many men, tripping/slide tackle, goalie leaves crease during an altercation, goalie participates in play past center red-line.

502.4 Potential Double-Minor Infractions - Infractions that could be double-minor penalties (depending on severity): High-sticking, roughing, delay of game for setting up the boards (second offense), or any instance where two infractions were committed by the same player in the same sequence.

502.5 Minor vs Major Interpretability - Infractions that could be minor OR major penalties (depending on severity): charging, checking into the wall, cross-checking, elbowing, or kneeing, hooking (+ game misconduct), high-sticking, roughing, slashing, tripping (leg takeout with injury would equal a major plus a game misconduct).

502.6 Delayed Minor Sequence - If the Referee signals a delayed minor penalty against a team that is already shorthanded, and a goal is scored by the non-offending team before the whistle is blown, the goal shall be allowed, the delayed penalty shall be assessed, and the minor penalty already being served which caused the team to be short-handed shall terminate.

502.7 Ejection Threshold - If a player receives a combination of four minor penalties in one game, they will receive a game misconduct. [see Rule 504]

Rule 503: Major Penalties

503.1 Major Penalty Operations - A “MAJOR PENALTY (5 minutes),” must be served until the entire time of the penalty expires. A major penalty cannot expire as the result of a goal scored.

503.2 Repeat Major Rule - For the second major penalty in the same game to the same player or goalkeeper, that player shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty [see Rule 504] in addition to the major penalty and be ejected from the game.

Note: This game misconduct penalty shall replace any additional required game misconduct penalty for the major penalty infraction and the player or goalkeeper shall be suspended for the next game of that team as per [Rule 209].

503.3 Potential Straight Major Infractions - Infractions that could be straight major penalties (depending on severity): checking into the wall, cross-checking, delay of game for setting up the boards (third offense and onward), high-sticking, elbowing or kneeing, slashing, tripping (leg checking), attempt to injure (wearing tape or other material on the hands that injures an opponent).

503.4 Major + Game Misconduct Rules - Infractions that could be major AND game misconduct penalties (depending on severity): butt-ending, fighting (as well as one-game suspension; suspended rest of season for second offense), head-butting, kicking (or attempt), leaving the bench during an altercation, spearing (or attempt).

Rule 504: Misconduct Penalty

504.1 Misconduct Penalty Operations - A “MISCONDUCT PENALTY (10 minutes and no ejection)” must be served until the entire time of the penalty expires, but the team does not play shorthanded. A player whose misconduct penalty has expired shall remain in the penalty bench until the next stoppage of play.

504.2 Strict Misconduct Infractions - Infractions that are strict misconduct penalties: Abuse of referees (touching or holding Official), unsportsmanlike, checking from behind (with either a minor or major), throwing stick (at spectators), interfering, or distracting a shooter during a penalty shot.

504.3 Disputable Misconduct Operations - Referees also have the option for calling 5-minute misconduct penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct. This penalty must be served until the entire time of the penalty expires, but the team does not play shorthanded.

504.4 Repeat Misconduct Rule - A second 5-minute major and/or 10-minute misconduct (within one season, including playoffs) results in a game misconduct and an additional 1-game suspension. A third 5-minute major and/or 10-minute misconduct results in a game misconduct and suspension for the remainder of the season including playoffs.

Rule 505: Game Misconduct Penalty

505.1 Game Misconduct Operations - A “GAME MISCONDUCT (10 minutes, ejection and no suspension)” penalty involves ejecting a player from the game, but another player must serve until the entire time of the penalty expires. The team does not have to play shorthanded unless other infraction(s) accompanied the game misconduct. A substitute player will serve the penalties.

505.2 Major Limit Logic - Two major penalties in one game and/or four total penalties will also result in a game misconduct. Three stick infractions in a single game shall also result in a game misconduct.

• Double minor counts as 2
• Major counts as 2
• Unsportsmanlike does count against total.
• Stick Penalties: Slashing, tripping, high sticking, cross-checking.

Rule 506: Gross Misconduct Penalty

506.1 Gross Misconduct Operations - A “GROSS MISCONDUCT (10 minutes, ejection and automatic suspension)” occurs when someone completely crosses the bounds of sportsmanship and ruins the spirit of the league. The infraction could occur on the bench and/or between periods or before/after a game. A substitute player must serve until the entire time of the penalty expires, but the team will not be shorthanded unless there were additional penalties.

506.2 Defined Gross Misconduct Elements - Gross Misconduct penalties: Abuse of referees (deliberately inflicting harm to a Game Official or attempting to injure Game Official), abuse of referees (deliberately behaving in any manner which is critically detrimental to the conduct of the game, including spitting at or verbally threatening anyone).

Rule 507: Match Penalties

507.1 Match Penalty Operations - A “MATCH (ten minutes charged – five minutes served by substitute player, ejection and automatic 1-game suspension)” is used in lieu of a game or gross misconduct in cases of fighting or where a player deliberately injures or attempts to injure an opponent or kicks/attempts to kick an opponent. A substitute player serves only five minutes of the charged penalty minutes, and the team will not be shorthanded unless there were additional penalties.

507.2 Specific Triggers - Match penalties triggers: attempt to injure (player), fighting, kicking (or attempt), slashing (swinging stick at player in attempt to injure).

Rule 508: Penalty Shot

508.1 Awarding Situations - A Penalty Shot shall be charged for:

• i. Deliberately displacing a goalpost during a breakaway.
• ii. Interference on a player in control of the ball on his opponent’s side of the center red line and having no other opponent to pass than the goalkeeper.
• iii. Throwing a stick or any object at the ball or ball carrier.
• iv. Fouling from behind a player... having no other opponent to pass than the goalkeeper.
• v. Deliberately substituting illegally (too many men) when there is not enough time in the game to serve the penalty.
• vi. Deliberately displacing the goal post when there is not enough game time left to serve the penalty.
• vii. Any player other than the goaltender picking up the ball in the goal crease area.

508.2 Procedure Overview - The Penalty Shot shall be taken as follows:

• i. Players of both sides shall withdraw to the sides of the surface and beyond the center red line.
• ii. The Captains shall designate any shooter to take the shot from the center faceoff spot. Once the player has touched the ball, it must be kept in motion towards the opponent’s goal line. No rebounds.
• iii. The goalkeeper must remain in their crease until the player has touched the ball.
• iv. The goalkeeper may attempt to stop the shot in any manner except by throwing their stick or any object.

508.3 Optional Additional Penalties Assessment - Whether or not a goal is scored on the penalty shot, if the infraction for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to incur:

• i. A major, match or misconduct penalty: such penalty shall be imposed in addition to the penalty shot.
• ii. A minor or bench minor penalty: no penalty shall be imposed in addition to the penalty shot.

Rule 509: Goalkeeper’s Penalties

509.1 Game Misconduct Triggers - Should a goalkeeper be charged with a GAME MISCONDUCT penalty, their place will be taken by a member of their own team and such player will be allowed the goalkeeper’s equipment.

509.2 Center Line Violation - If a goalkeeper deliberately participates in the play in any manner when he is beyond the center red line, a minor penalty shall be imposed upon him.

Rule 510: Serving Multiple Penalties

510.1 Coincidental Rules - COINCIDENTAL PENALTIES (all types): Teams play 5-on-5 when there are coincidental penalties of any type. Coincidental penalties must be served in their entirety and cannot expire as the result of a goal.

510.2 Delayed Multiple Rule Requirements - If a team has incurred three or more penalties (and the other team has none), the player who incurred the third+ penalty will proceed to the penalty box, but the penalty time will not start until the first of the other non-coincidental minor penalties end.

510.3 Powerplay Offset Computations -

• TWO MINORS (Team A) VERSUS ONE MINOR (Team B): Team B will have a 4-on-3 powerplay.
• DOUBLE-MINOR (Team A) versus MINOR (Team B): Team A puts two players in the box. Team B gets a two-minute powerplay.
• DOUBLE-MINOR (Team A) versus TWO MINORS TO DIFFERENT PLAYERS (Team B): Immediate substitution for all penalized players, both teams play full-strength, and no power plays will occur.
• MAJOR/MINOR (Team A) versus MINOR (Team B): Minor penalties are offset. Team B will receive a five-minute, uninterrupted powerplay.

Rule 511: Calling of Penalties

511.1 Display Operations - Delayed call, non-offending team in possession: The Referee shall signal a delayed penalty call by raising their arm and when the offending team regains possession, play will immediately stop play and assess the penalty to the offending player.

511.2 Result of Goal Operations - If the penalty or penalties to be imposed are minor penalties and a goal is scored on the play by the non-offending team, the first minor penalty shall not be imposed but all other subsequent infractions that occur during the delayed original call shall be imposed in the normal manner regardless of whether or not a goal is scored.

• Rule 601: Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct
• Rule 602: Attempt to Injure/Fighting
• Rule 603: Boarding
• Rule 604: Broken Stick
• Rule 605: Charging
• Rule 606: Cross-Checking
• Rule 607: Delaying the Game
• Rule 608: Diving/Embellishment
• Rule 609: Elbowing
• Rule 610: Falling on Ball
• Rule 611: Handling Ball with Hands
• Rule 612: High Sticks
• Rule 613: Holding
• Rule 614: Hooking
• Rule 615: Interference
• Rule 616: Leaving Players’ Bench or Penalty Bench
• Rule 617: Roughing
• Rule 618: Slashing
• Rule 619: Spearing
• Rule 620: Too Many Men on the Playing Surface
• Rule 621: Tripping
• Rule 622: Slide Tackling/Sliding
• Rule 623: Setup/Take Down Boards

Rule 601: Abuse of Officials

601.1 General Warnings - A warning may be issued to the offending player at the discretion of the referee.

601.2 Minor Penalties - A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be assessed for the following:

• i. Any player who challenges or disputes the rulings of any Official or endeavors to incite an opponent (including taunting) or create a disturbance during the game.
• ii. Any player who shoots the ball after the whistle has been blown shall be assessed a penalty if they had sufficient time after the whistle to refrain from taking such shots.

601.3 Bench Minor Penalties - A bench minor penalty shall be assessed for using obscene, profane, or abusive language near the players’ bench to any person or throwing anything into the playing area.

601.4 Misconduct Penalties - A misconduct penalty [see Rule 504(a)] shall be assessed for:

• i. Using obscene, profane, or abusive language to any Official.
• ii. Intentionally knocking, throwing, or shooting the ball out of reach of an Official who is retrieving it.
• iii. Deliberately throwing the stick, or any other equipment, out of the playing area at any time.
• iv. After being penalized, not proceeding directly and immediately to the penalty bench.
• v. Entering or remaining in the Referee’s crease.
• vi. Interfering in any non-physical manner with any Game Official.

601.5 Misconduct/Game Misconduct Scale - A misconduct or game misconduct penalty [see Rule 504(a) or 504(b)] shall be assessed for:

• i. Touching or holding the Referee, Scorekeeper with their hand or stick.
• ii. Continuing or attempting to continue a fight or altercation.
• iii. Intentionally banging the ground, wall or goal with a stick or any other instrument at any time.

601.6 Strict Game Misconduct Penalties - A game misconduct penalty [see Rule 504(b)] shall be assessed for:

• i. Persisting in any course of conduct for which he has previously been assessed a misconduct penalty.
• ii. Using obscene gestures, or racial/ethnic slurs.

601.7 Gross Misconduct Penalties - A gross misconduct penalty [see Rule 504(c)] shall be assessed for:

• i. Deliberately inflicting physical harm to a Game Official in any manner. Any game official assessing a gross misconduct penalty under [Rule 601(g)] shall contact the Commissioners within 48 hours.
• ii. Deliberately Behaving in any manner which is critically detrimental to the conduct of the game, including spitting at an opponent, spectator, Game Official, or verbally threatening a Game Official.

Rule 602: Attempt to Injure

602.1 Deliberate Injuries - A match penalty shall be imposed on any player who deliberately injures or attempts to injure an opponent and the circumstances shall be reported to the Commissioners for further action. A gross misconduct shall be imposed on any player who deliberately injures or attempts to injure a Game Official.

602.2 Hand Alterations - Any player wearing tape or any other material on their hands that cuts or injures an opponent during an altercation shall receive a match penalty under this rule.

Rule 603: Broken Stick

603.1 Dropping Sticks Requirement - A player whose stick is broken may participate in the game provided he drops the stick. A minor penalty shall be imposed for an infraction of this rule. A goalkeeper may continue to play with a broken stick until the next stoppage of play.

603.2 Bench Sourced Replacements - A replacement for a stick an only be obtained from the players’ bench or a teammate on the playing surface. For a violation of this rule a bench minor penalty shall be assessed to the team if a stick is thrown from the bench.

Rule 604: Butt-Ending

604.1 Core Operations - A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who butt-ends or attempts to butt-end an opponent.

Rule 605: Charging

605.1 Jumping and Charging Impact - A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who takes more than two steps and jumps into or charges an opponent. When a player injures an opponent as the result of “Charging” the Referee shall have no alternative but to impose a major plus a game misconduct penalty on the offending player.

605.2 Goalkeeper Protections - A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who bodychecks or charges a goalkeeper while the goalkeeper is within their goal crease or privileged area. Goalkeepers are NOT “fair game” just because they are outside their privileged area.

Rule 606: Checking from Behind

606.1 Blindside Checks - A minor plus a misconduct penalty, or a major plus a game misconduct penalty, shall be imposed on any player who bodychecks or pushes an opponent from behind.

606.2 Headfirst Injuries - A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who bodychecks or pushes an opponent from behind headfirst into the wall.

Rule 607: Checking into the Wall

607.1 Unintentional vs Deliberate Severity - A minor or a major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based upon the degree of violence or impact with the wall, shall be imposed on any player who body-checks, cross-checks, elbows, charges or trips an opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to be either unintentionally (minor) or deliberately (major) thrown into the wall. If the player is injured and it was deliberate it will be a (major/game misconduct).

Rule 608: Cross-Checking

608.1 Definition & Context - A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who delivers a check with both hands on the stick and uses the shaft to hit the opponent. A cross-checking penalty should not be called when a player uses this similar action but uses only their gloves to push their opponent.

608.2 Resulting Injuries - A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by cross-checking.

Rule 609: Delay of Game

609.1 Start Time Delays - If for any reason there are more than fifteen minutes delay in the commencement of the game or any undue delay in resuming play, the Referee(s) shall charge a minor penalty, to be served by a player of opposition’s choice.

609.2 Intentional Clearances - On intentionally clearing the ball over the Border Patrol: One warning shall be given per team. When the next intentional clearing over the Border Patrol occurs, a delay of game infraction shall be given.

609.3 Net Dislodgement - A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player who delays the game by deliberately displacing a goal post from its normal position. If the defending team has deliberately displaced the goal post, thereby depriving the attacking team of an immediate and reasonable scoring opportunity, a penalty shot shall be awarded.

609.4 Subsitution Stall Tactics - A bench minor penalty shall be imposed upon any team which ... fails to comply with the Referee’s direction and thereby causes any delay by making additional substitutions.

609.5 Self-Imposed Freezing - A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player or goalkeeper who deliberately holds the ball against the boards, goal or playing surface with their stick, foot, or any other part of their body for the purpose of delaying the game [see Rule 610].

Rule 610: Delay of Game - Falling on Ball

610.1 Skater Falling Requirement - A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player other than the goalkeeper who deliberately falls on or gathers the ball into their body.

610.2 Crease Coverage by Defending Skaters - No defending player, except the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to fall on the ball, hold the ball, or gather the ball into the body or hands when the ball is within the goal crease.

Rule 611: Delay of Game – Setting up the Boards/Playing Surface

611.1 Morning Setup Minimums - Both teams for the 9 a.m. game will set up the boards, nets, and playing surface by 9 a.m. and a minimum of 4 players from each team must be present at 8:45am to help.

• First offense - Minor penalty
• Second offense - Double-Minor penalty
• Third and more offenses - Major penalty

Rule 612: Elbowing or Kneeing

612.1 Core Operations - A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on any player who uses their elbow or knee in such a manner as to in any way foul an opponent.

Rule 613: Fighting

613.1 Automatic Ejection - A major penalty and a game misconduct shall be imposed on any player who throws a full-blown punch. Referees should use their judgment whether it was a full-blown punch or a harmless 'swipe' of some sort.

613.2 Third Man In Additions - A game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who is the first to intervene in an altercation then in progress either before, during or after a game.

Rule 614: Handling Ball with Hands

614.1 Outfield Grabs - A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player except the goalkeeper who, while play is in progress, picks up the ball off the playing surface with their hand.

614.2 Delay Limits - If a player, except a goalkeeper, closes their hand on the ball, play shall be stopped and a faceoff shall follow; however, if the ball is dropped immediately to the ground in front of him in one continuous motion within the framework of the body, play shall not be stopped.

614.3 Permitted Hand Batting - A player may deliberately bat the ball to a teammate with their hand in the defensive zone only.

Rule 615: Head-Butting

615.1 Core Operations - A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who “head-butts” in such a manner as to in any way foul an opponent.

Rule 616: High Sticks

616.1 General Operations - The carrying of sticks above the normal height of the shoulder is prohibited. The Referee may assess a minor or a major penalty on any player violating this rule in a dangerous manner.

• 1. a double-minor penalty for contact above the shoulder with a high-stick
• 2. a major for high sticks that connect above the shoulder and draw blood

616.2 Three Strikes Suspension - High sticking penalties in which contact is made with an opposing player will result in a “strike.” Once a player accumulates 3 strikes, they will be suspended for one game.

Rule 617: Holding an Opponent

617.1 Core Operations - A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who holds an opponent with hands or sticks or in any other way.

Rule 618: Hooking

618.1 Core Operations - A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by “hooking” with their stick.

Rule 619: Interference/Obstruction

619.1 Obstruction Distinctions - Obstruction (infraction that occurs away from the ball): When a player Obstructs or interferes with the progress of a player, it disrupts the flow of this player and usually denies the player the opportunity to get involved in a scoring opportunity. A minor penalty shall be imposed.

619.2 Interference Distinctions - Interference (infraction that occurs around the ball): You obviously CAN use your body to stop a player in our league, but NOT a bodycheck. In the NHL, you cannot bodycheck a player 1-1/2 strides after they have released the ball, so two steps would cover it for our purposes.

Rule 620: Kicking Another Player

620.1 Core Operations - At the discretion of the Referee, a major plus a game misconduct penalty or a Match penalty shall be imposed on any player who kicks or attempts to kick another player.

Rule 621: Leaving the Players’ Bench or Penalty Bench

621.1 Altercation Intervention Restrictions - No player may leave the players’ bench or penalty bench at any time during an altercation or for the purpose of starting an altercation.

621.2 Early Penalty Re-entry - A penalized player who leaves the penalty bench before their penalty has expired, whether play is in progress or not, shall incur an additional minor penalty.

Rule 622: Roughing

622.1 Context Context & Intentions - At the discretion of the Referee, a minor or double minor penalty may be imposed on any player deemed guilty of roughing. There are instances when considerable body contact between the ball carrier and an opponent may occur that should not be penalized, provided that there has been no overt hip, shoulder or arm contact to physically force the opponent off the ball.

622.2 Late and Avoidable Physicality - A minor or major penalty shall be assessed under this rule for any bodycheck that the offending player could have avoided the opponent who does not have possession and control of the ball.

Rule 623: Slashing

623.1 General Intimidation Restrictions - A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on any player who slashes or attempts to slash an opponent with their stick. Referees should penalize any player who swings their stick at any opposing player (whether in or out of range) without actually striking him or where a player on the pretext of playing the ball makes a wild swing at the ball with the object of intimidating an opponent.

Rule 624: Spearing

624.1 Definition Operations - A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on a player who spears or attempts to spear an opponent. “Spearing” shall mean stabbing an opponent with the point of the stick blade while the stick is being carried with one hand or both hands.

Rule 625: Throwing Stick

625.1 Penalty Shot Logic - When any player of the defending team deliberately throws or shoots a stick or any part thereof or any other object at the ball in their Defending Zone, the Referee shall allow the play to be completed and if a goal is not scored, a penalty shot/optional minor shall be taken.

Rule 626: Too Many Men

626.1 Substitute Encroachments - Players may be changed at any time from the players’ bench, provided that the player or players leaving the playing are within 5 feet of the players’ bench and out of the play before the change is made. If either the player entering or leaving the game deliberately plays the ball ... then a bench minor penalty for “Too Many Players on the Playing Surface" will be called.

Rule 627: Tripping/Slide Tackle (Clipping)

627.1 Tripping Operations - A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player who shall place their stick, foot, arm, hand, or elbow in such a manner that it shall cause their opponent to trip or fall.

627.2 Slide Tackle (Clipping) - Any player who deliberately leaves their feet and contacts an opponent with any part of their body shall be assessed a minor penalty (such as a slide tackle.) A minor penalty can also be assessed for a slide in which the player has to jump over the slide to avoid contact.

Rule 628: Sean Avery Rule

628.1 Intentional Visor Blindness - It is illegal for a player to stand in front of a goalie and wave his or her stick or hands in the goalie’s face.