Cosom Floor Hockey: A regular season cosom hockey game consists of three (3) fifteen (15) minute periods with a two (2) minute rest break between periods. Teams play with a maximum of six (6) players on the floor in the following positions: Goal Keeper uses a goal stick, is the only player allowed in the goal crease and is the only player allowed to hold the puck. Centre uses a striped stick and is the only player allowed to move full court. Two Guards use standard sticks and cannot step over center line into offensive zone. Two Forwards use standard sticks and cannot step over the centre line into defensive zone. Substitute players and equipment must be located in the designated team bench area during play of the game. Teams must have a minimum of five (5) players ready to take the floor at game time. Teams not ready to play five (5) minutes after the Referee has indicated game start time will serve a two (2) minute delay of game penalty. Position to be penalized is at the coaches discretion. Teams still not ready to play ten (10) minutes after indicated start time will forfeit the game and the unoffended team will be awarded two (2) points for a win. The game starts with the two (2) Centres facing off at the center circle. Forwards and Guards will be in their respective zones. Play always starts at the center circle following a goal. Player substitution is allowed any time during the game but a Forward and a Guard already in play cannot change with each other. This may only take place at a stoppage of play. Sticks are not to be carried onto the floor when substitutions take place during play; rather they are handed off from player to player. Each team shall be allowed one (1) 30 second time out per game. The Coach, Assistant Coach or designated Team Captain may call the time out, during a regular stoppage of play. The time out does not start until the Referee announces it and the clock is stopped. During the time out, no parents or Coaches are allowed on the floor except with the Referees consent. All players must wear a numbered jersey and this number must be retained for the complete season. The number must be clearly visible and shirts must be tucked in. Prior to game time, home team Coaches must present to the Scorekeeper/Timekeeper a completed line-up sheet listing all players and their numbers on the home team. Away team Coaches must provide a legible line-up listing for the away team. All teams are required to provide one (1) Scorekeeper or Timekeeper for each game. 9
Tournament: All regular season rules apply with the following exceptions: Tournament games consist of two (2) 15 minute periods, with one (1) rest break of 2 minutes duration. There are no time-outs allowed in the Round Robin games. One 30 second timeout shall be allowed for each team during the Semi-Finals and Final game of each division. There are no protests allowed for any tournament game. Teams not ready to play within 2 minutes from the time the whistle is blown will be given a delay of game penalty. Subject to change depending upon venues available. Playing Area: Any gym floor with a center line. The school supplies hockey nets. Referees to clearly mark face-off spots, two per side. Goal crease Restraining line is marked by tape one and one half (1 ½) feed each side of the goal posts and three and one half (3 ½) feet to the front of the goal line. General Play: When puck goes out of bounds, a face-off takes place at the nearest face-off spot from where the puck was shot from. When two (2) players are pursuing a loose puck, stick checking of the opponents stick is allowed, providing stick checking does not warrant penalty, such as high sticking or slashing. Incidental minor body contact from side is allowed provided players making such contact are moving in the same direction and are attempting to play the puck. Deliberate hip checking is not allowed and will be penalized under roughing. Player cannot hold puck against the wall or move puck along the wall, thereby blocking opponent. The player who first reaches the puck at the wall should immediately play or pass the puck. A player, other than the Goal Keeper, may not direct the puck with their hand to another team member. The Referee will call a stoppage in play. If, in the opinion of the Referee, the hand pass was intentional, an illegal hand pass penalty will be called. 10
Goal Scoring: A goal is scored when the entire puck crosses the goal line between the goal posts. A goal is disallowed when: The puck is kicked or hand-directed by the attacking team into the net A running foul is committed by the attacking team on the play (i.e. stick in crease) A penalty is committed by the attacking team (i.e. face-off at the nearest face-off spot) A goal is allowed when a defender deliberately pushes the attacking player into the goal crease and a goal is scored. No penalty is assessed, unless such action is deemed constitute a deliberate attempt to injure and therefore, requires a major penalty. Goal Keeper: The only player who is permitted to fall on, hold, pick up or gather puck into body, provided he/she has some part of his/her body in the goal crease. The only player allowed in the goal crease. Offensive or defensive players infringing on the goal crease with their sticks, feet or other parts of their body will be assessed a running foul. This is for the protection of the Goal Keeper. The Goal Keeper may leave goal crease to receive or intercept pass, but loses all Goal Keeper privileges while out of the crease. The Goal Keeper may be removed and any player may be substituted (i.e. second Centre), but during face-off must take up a position anywhere behind team member taking face-off. No other player is allowed in the goal crease or has privileges of a Goal Keeper. Rescheduling Games: Games will not be rescheduled unless: Scheduled facility is not available The Head Referee deems the facility unsuitable Officials are unavailable 11
Standings: All winning Coaches are to phone or email in their scores the day of the game to the Division Coordinator. Failure to submit scores by no later than Tuesday at 8:00pm will result in the team receiving a 1-1 tie game. The Division Coordinator will then submit all scores to scores@rcfha.org for updates to the standings on the website. Score sheets are to be left with the Referee of the game and it will then be given to the Referee-In-Chief. League standings will be kept for all divisions with points awarded as follows: Win 2 points Tie 1 point Loss 0 points Teams tied with identical points at the end of the season will not play a tie breaker game. Goals for and against will be used to determine league standings in the case of a tie. Equipment: League equipment will be supplied by the RCFHA and must not be altered in any manner. It is the Coaches responsibility to return all league equipment to the Equipment Manager following the teams final Tournament game. League equipment that is broken or needs to be repaired must be turned into the Equipment Manager for replacement. Coaches must not repair the equipment themselves. All sticks must be free of any mental content either inside or outside of the stick and must not be altered from its original shape (i.e. bending of the blade or shaft) Stick lengths are standardized for each division as follows: (measure from the butt end of the shaft to the lower securing point of the blade shaft) Mites 31 Junior Squirts 35 Senior Squirts 37 Pee Wee 37 Bantam 39 Each team in the Mites, Junior Squirts, Senior Squirts and Pee Wee divisions is permitted to have in use by players two (2) only extra-length sticks of up to 2 inches longer than the length as standardized for the division. (Bantam division teams are not permitted usage of extra length sticks.) Teams found having more than two such length sticks in play at the same time shall be assessed a 2 minute minor penalty under the Abuse of Equipment clause. [Position and player penalized shall be at the discretion of the Coach, but must be one of the players using an extra length stick at the time of the penalty.] Players may not at any time use sticks of length greater than allowed hereby, including unintentional usage of a Coaches stick. Violation shall be assessed a 2 minute minor penalty under the Abuse of Equipment clause. [Position and player penalized.] 12
Goal Keepers Equipment: The following is a list of acceptable equipment for the Goal Keepers: Shin Guards/Pads Mandatory May be worn outside clothing (non-hard surfaced) not supplied by RCFHA Knee Pads Mandatory May be worn outside clothing (non-hard surfaced) not supplied by the RCFHA Heavy jacket or sweat shirt must be worn Chest protector Optional must be worn under clothing (i.e. under jacket) not supplied by the RCFHA Helmet and Throat Protector Mandatory and provided by RCFHA Mitts/Gloves Mandatory and only those provided by RCFHA are acceptable Players Personal Equipment: RCFHA requests all participants MUST wear to all practices and games: laced and tied and/or fastened running shoes appropriate for gym use Knee Pads Shin Pads These items are mandatory. Players will not be able to play without these items. 13
Game Officials: The Officials will referee all league games. One is designated as the Head Referee. Both will be wearing officiating jerseys. The Head Referee will be indicated by taking the opening face-off for each period. The Head Referee will have supervision of the game, players and other participants. In case of a dispute during game, his/her decision is final. The Head Referee indicates to Coaches the official game start time, calls teams onto playing floor and drops the puck to start the game. Game Officials shall report to the Scorekeeper the Team Name(s) and Number(s) for goal scorers and penalties. Either Official may call time-out for injury or equipment repair. They shall instruct Timekeeper when to stop and start time clock. The Head Referee may add time onto the clock at his/her discretion. All score sheets must be checked and signed by both officials. The Head Referee shall submit within 24 hours a written report to the Referee-in- Chief and thereby to the President circumstances of the following incidents. Deliberate attempt to injure Deliberate injury Cases of Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Managers, etc. Entering the playing floor during the game Cases of teams failing to take the floor Cases of players fighting with or without sticks Cases of abusive and obscene language Cases of injuries requiring medical attention. An Accident Report form is to be completed. Incidents that occur outside game time such as incidents mentioned above, those would be considered penalties during a game or those considered undesirable. Running Fouls: Players accumulating five (5) running fouls will be out of the game. Running Fouls are assessed for the following: Guard or Forward stepping or kneeling over the centre line without touching a player or the puck on the other side of the center line. Player or stick in goal crease (offending and defending) other than the Goal Keepers Goal Keeper throwing the puck over the center line. Results in a face-off at nearest face-off spot. No Penalty will be assigned for running fouls. 14
Penalties: All details must be shown on the score sheet. Coaches cannot substitute players in the penalty box. No other player(s) allowed in the penalty box other than penalized player(s). Penalized player is allowed back on the floor and resumes playing when: He/she has served the full two (2) minute penalty or The opposing team scores a goal If second penalty is charged to a team and a goal is scored against the team then the first player to be penalized is returned to the floor first, while the second penalty continues to be served. If coincidental penalties are called the two penalized players must serve the entire penalty regardless of a goal being scored (i.e. both players penalized at the same time). Penalized player is removed for remainder of game and is not allowed to resume playing when: He/she has finished serving a five(5) minute major penalty or He/she has finished serving her third two (2) minute minor penalty In both instances, when penalty has expired, the player must return to his/her teams corner before the Coach can fill vacant position on the floor. Player and position are penalized. See Goal Keeper under both minor and major penalties. Penalties must be served in the designated area. 15
Minor Penalties: Players assessed a minor penalty must serve two (2) minutes in the penalty box. Goal Keeper charged with a minor penalty may remain in the game but the team must play shorthanded. The player and position to serve the Goal Keepers penalty is at the Coaches discretion but must be a player on the floor at the time of the penalty. Timing of the penalty will start once the puck is dropped to commence play. Minor penalties are assessed for the following reasons: Abuse of Equipment Excessive banging of sticks on the floor Throwing of any equipment Use of illegal or altered equipment including continuing to play with a broken or damaged stick. Players must immediately drop the broken stick and call for the Referee s attention for a stoppage in play. (Recommended the player raise both arms vertically and calling Ref until the play is stopped.) Observed intentional bending of the blade or shaft of a stick by any team member or Coach from the point the first whistle is blown or during a game. Excessive bend in the blade of any stick in play. The Dime Rule will apply. (If a dime standing on edge can slide between the floor and the blade, a penalty will be issued.) A team having in excess of two (2) extra length sticks in play (or any extra length sticks in the Bantam division) at the same time. (Position and player penalized shall be at the discretion of the Coach, but must be one of the players using an extra-length stick at the time of the penalty.) Players may not at any time use sticks of length greater than allowed hereby including unintentional usage of a Coaches stick. [position and player penalized] Blocking: Any player who uses his/her body to block the attempt of an opposing player to get the puck while the puck is at or near the wall. Boarding: Any player who makes deliberate contact with an opposing player and causes that player to be thrown into the wall. Charging: Any player who intentionally jumps at or runs into an opposing player in an overly aggressive manner. Cross Checking: Any player who delivers a check with both hands on the stick. 16
Delay of Game: Any player holding the puck in his/her hand to gain advantage of the play including the Goal Keeper while he/she is completely outside of the goal crease. Goal Keeper holding puck for more than six (6) seconds. Failure of any player to remove jewellery including watches, necklaces and earrings prior to game time. No warnings or reminders shall be given. (Stud earrings may be taped, Medic Alert jewellery may be worn, please consult Head Referee.) Teams not ready to take face-off positions on the floor five (5) minutes after the Referee has indicated game start time. Player and position penalized is at the Coaches discretion. Any player deliberately shooting the puck out of play. Any player failing to wear mandatory players personal equipment (page 12), or Goal Keeper s equipment (page 13), or failure to wear the equipment in the proper manner at the commencement of play. No warnings or reminders shall be given. Exceptions are allowed for the repair of equipment, which is worn properly and includes incidental adjustment of straps and retying of shoelaces. Intentional entry on to the floor to approach an official by a Coach or parent during a game without the expressed permission of the Referee. Position penalized shall be at the Coaches discretion, but must be a player on the floor at the time of penalty. There is to be no changing of players on the floor from the bleachers. Coaches and players cannot sit or stand on the bleachers and wait to change. The players must be in their team corners at all times. If a player is on the floor to change with another player and the play is coming directly at them, at that time they may step onto the bleachers so as not to interfere with the play, but must immediately return to the floor when the play has passed. Standing on the bleachers will draw a 2 minute penalty for delay of game and must be served by a player on the floor at the Coaches discretion. Elbowing: Any player who impedes the progress of a player by using his/her elbow. Gym Setup and Teardown: The Coaches of the last two teams to play on any given day are responsible for gym teardown and Coaches of the first games in any gym are required to show up 15 minutes early to help the Referees set up. This includes benches/bleachers, moving nets or any other equipment and general clean up. Refusal to comply will result in a Double Minor penalty to the offending Coach, to be served by a player on the starting line-up of the game to be played (set up) or the next game (tear down). 17
High Sticking: Carrying or using the stick in such a manner that causes the blade of your or your opponent s stick to come completely above the players waist in normal standing position. The player who has initially caused the upward motion shall be solely penalized if in the judgment of the Referee the opposing player s stick was unavoidably raised to the offending level. The player whose stick rose above the level shall be solely penalized if in the judgment of the Referee it was avoidable and the player made insufficient effort to keep the stick down. Both players may be penalized at the discretion of the Referee. Hand Pass: A player who contacts a puck with their hand and thereafter the puck is touched by a team member before the player s own stick or the stick of an opponent touches it. Interference: Any attempt by a player to intentionally interfere or impede the progress of an opposing player by means of direct body or hand contact, or by the deliberate placement of a stick. Any intentional attempt by a player to impede an opponent s stick with a hand, or other parts of his/her body. Prevents a player who has dropped his/her stick from regaining possession of it. Shoots a dropped stick or other debris into the path of the puck or causes interference with another player. A player who crosses over the center line and plays the puck or causes interference with another player by contact with either an opposing player or their stick. An offensive player who crosses over the crease and plays the puck. Roughing: Any player who participates in overly aggressive play to the point where injuries could occur. Slashing: Any player who slashes at an opponent in an aggressive manner with his/her stick showing no real attempt to hit the puck. Any player who slashes an opponent with or without the puck. Sliding: Any player who slides on the floor. There is to be no sliding at any time Spearing: Any player using an object to impale, jab or poke an opponent. Swearing: The use of undirected profane or obscene language or gestures by either the players or Coaches. 18
Too Many Players: Any team that has more than 6 players on the floor with a stick at the same time Tripping: Any player who plays his/her stick, foot or other part of his/her body either deliberately or without due care in such a manner as to cause an opposing player to trip or fall. (Tripping will not be called if in the judgment f the Referee a player was legitimately attempting to only play the puck from the side or directly in front and inadvertently caused the trip.) Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Any player or Coach who acts in an unsportsmanlike manner. 19
Major Penalties: A five (5) minute major penalty must be served in its entirety regardless of how many goals are scored by the opposing team. Players assessed a major penalty will serve five (5) minutes in the penalty box and receive a game misconduct. Player is not allowed back on the floor to resume playing and is removed for the remainder of the game. Once the penalty has expired, the player must return to the team s corner before Coach can fill vacant position on the floor. A Goal Keeper assessed a major penalty must serve the penalty. The Coach may replace the Goal Keeper with another player on the floor at the time of the penalty. If the Coach receives a major penalty, he/she is ejected from the building for the remainder of the game and in addition, is suspended from coaching the team s next game. The suspended Coach cannot go near the team bench during that game. Position to be penalized is at the Assistant Coach s or team s discretion. If a Team receives a major penalty, the position to be penalized is at the Coaches discretion. Major penalties are assessed for the following reasons: Abuse: Any player, Coach or parent directing physical or verbal abuse at Referee s, Coaches or players. Deliberate Attempt to Injure: Self explanatory Fighting: Self explanatory Illegal Player: Any player who has underwritten notice from the RCFHA Executive and does not comply with such notice (i.e. suspension, discipline or medical), is underage or overage for the division, or has not completed registration requirements. 20
Minimum Player Rule: No team will play with less than 4 players on the floor including Goal Keeper. This is for the protection of the Goal Keeper. In the event a team has two players in the penalty box and a third penalty is called, the third penalized player will continue play and must remain on the floor until the first penalty has expired. At such time, the Scorekeeper/Timekeeper will indicate to the Head Referee to call a stoppage in play. The third penalized player will go to the penalty box and the first penalized player will return to the game. Timing of the third penalty will start once the puck is dropped to recommence play. Scorekeeping Mercy Rule: If a point spread of more than 6 should occur during a game, the Scorekeeper shall not continue to flip the score cards for everyone to see. The Scorekeeper will continue to keep score on the score sheet only. Suspensions: Any player or Coach charges with two (2) major penalties during the season will be suspended for the remainder of the season. The RCFHA Executive will review both the suspension and the future participation of the player or Coach in the Richmond Cosom Floor Hockey Association. Players or Coaches will be advised in writing of the RCFHA Executive decision. 21
Forfeit Games: Forfeit games are determined by the Head Referee and will be assessed to teams for the following reasons: Use of illegal or altered equipment Team receives two major misconduct penalties in one game Team is not ready to play, or does not take face-off positions on the floor ten (10) minutes after Referee has indicated game start time. Coach, Assistant Coach or someone designated by them states to the Head Referee that their team will not continue to play the game at hand. If a team during a game refuses to take face-off position on the floor when so directed by the Head Referee. A refusal shall occur either verbally or by lack of action to comply. Should a forfeit occur as per above, the Head Referee shall note on the score sheet: Who made the statement in reference to discontinuance or refusal to play. That persons status on the team (i.e. Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Captain, Assistant Captain, Player or other designate). Reason for forfeiture Time of forfeiture All statistics pertaining to goals scored up to the time of the forfeiture will stand as recorded on the score sheet. All statistics pertaining to penalties handed out will stand as recorded on the score sheet. 22
Protest: A written protest may be made by a Coach or Assistant Coach who attended the game, within forty-eight (48) hours, to the President of RCFHA in care of the Secretary with a copy to the chairperson of the Rules Committee. The protest should contain the following information: Date, time and place of game Teams involved in the game Names of Referees and Scorekeepers The rule under which the protest is made The decision that was made and all essential facts involved in the matter being protested. The RCFHA Executive will Determine validity of the protest Determine action to be taken Advise Coach(es), appropriate Division Coordinator and President of the RCFHA in writing of their decision. A protest must be dealt with prior to the next scheduled game of any team involved in the protest. The RCFHA Executive has the authority to award or delegate goals, or at its option, have games replayed as a result of a protest. Decisions shall be based on the Referee s call and the protest presented by the Coach. Rules Committee: The purpose of this committee is to discuss and make recommendations to the Association regarding the changing, addition or deletion of any rules pertaining to the rulebook. It is mandatory that a general meeting is called of all Executive members in order to have any recommendation approved. This meeting requires a quorum of standing Executive members in order to implement change or delete any rules. The majority vote decides. 23