RULES AND REGULATIONS:
Most of the Rules of Ball Hockey mirror those of ice hockey, or what you are already familar with, this is not meant to be a comprehensive list. However, there are a number of special rules that you should be aware of if you have never played SBHL Ball Hockey before
The SBHL will not tolerate fighting, intent to injure or abuse of officials and will provide all team reps with a suspension and fine list that will be enforced in the event that any of the above occur.
Minimal Contact:
Although the term non-contact is used for ball hockey a more accurate depiction would be the term minimal contact. There is no body checking, however, there is always a bit of bumping or light pushing amongst players to gain body position between them, the opponent and the ball. There is absolutely no stick work tolerated in the sport.
The "Floating Blue Line":
This method of offside is exclusive to ball hockey and heavily promotes offense, as the offensive zone is very large and extends from the center line all the way to the end boards in the defensive zone.
Ball Hockey mirrors international hockey in that there is no 2 line pass. However, the largerst difference between Ball Hockey and most forms of Ice Hockey is the "Floating Blue Line" that regulates offides in the offensive zones. Once a player has moved the ball over the blue line into the attacking zone, the attacking zone increases to include the entire opponent's half of the rink. If the defending team sends the ball past center, the zone is reset to the blue line and their opponent must regain it as explained above.
Periods
All SBHL Ball Hockey games in Atom and older consist of two 20 minute halves. Straight-time in the first half and stop-time in second half. If the score becomes more than a four goal spread at any time during the second half, straight time will occur.
Initiation and Novice leagues will play two 24-minute straight-time halves with a 3 minute buzzer allowing teams to change lines. In these two age categories there will be a 3-goal limit for each player in a game. Initiation games will be played 3-on-3 (plus a goalie) half-court, so there will be two games played simultaneously on each floor with a screen dividing the court in half.
During regular season play, at the end of regulation time if there is a tie, a shoot-out will occur.
High Sticking & Stick Infractions
Other rules are those concerning penalties involving the use of the hockey stick. "High sticking the ball" (touching the ball with your stick at a height greater than 4' (or above the crossbar) is a 2 minute penalty. Hence, it's best to rid yourself of the habit of chasing a ball in the air with your stick (Street Hockey players - beware!)
Any stick infraction, including slashing, high-sticking (an opposing player) or a cross-checking penalty, will result in a double-minor. The penalized player will serve the entire length of his/her penalty regardless if the other team scores, even though his/her team will return to even strength. High sticking involving injuries will result in a 5-minute major and a game misconduct, and review from the discipline committee.
Any three penalties in a game will earn a game ejection.
To view the full rules of ball hockey please view PDF file provided here.
EQUIPMENT
Ball Hockey requires very minimal equipment. All that is required is running shoes, gloves and a helmet. However, all CBHA (Canadian Ball Hockey Association) leagues use a certified low bounce orange. The ball is a hard and at the elite levels, can reach speeds at over 100 km/hour.
Mandatory Equipment Requirements
CSA approved helmets (facemasks under 18)
CSA or ZEBRA Ball Hockey gloves
Hockey stick (no plastic blades) and running shoes.
Recommended Equipment Requirements (optional)
Shin pads - ice hockey (must be covered), soccer or ball hockey shin pads
Protective cup
Goaltenders
CBHA approved DGel balls are low bounce and hard. Therefore, goaltenders must use CSA approved ice hockey gear; no street hockey equipment can be used (except in Initiation & Novice youth leagues or unless otherwise approved by the league).
All Goaltenders in Atom (and older) must have their own goal equipmment. In Initiation and Novice, goal equipment (pads, blocker, glove, chest pad) will be provided to teams if they are needed. In circumstances where a team may not have a regular goalie, the league will provide some.
Required:
- Protective cup
- CSA approved goal pads
- Chest and arm pads
- Helmet with cage
- CSA approved blocker and trapper
- Protective hockey pants
