Street Hockey Rules

All rules are determined and governed by WBCYC Board of Directors

Teams - There are to be five players plus one goalie per team on the playing surface for Midget, Pee Wee, Freshmen and Junior Divisions; and four players plus one goalie for the Senior Division. The goaltender may be replaced during a power play or penalty. However, the Coach must use discretion if they are ahead by more then two goals, they can not exercise that option.

Periods - Two 25 minute periods with a short recess in between. The clock is a running clock. The clock only stops under these circumstances:

During the last five minutes of the game.
The referee calls a penalty.
Whistles during a penalty.
A team calls time out.
The referee calls time out.

Officials - Two referees and one time keeper. The referees are responsible for calling all off sides and penalties. The time keeper is responsible for starting and stopping the clock, tracking goals and assists, releasing players from the penalty box and signaling the end of the period or game. All decisions of the Officials are final. The Officials retain the right to confer with each other and or the rules prior to making a decision.

Goals - A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goal posts. The following rules apply to goal scoring:

An offensive player may not kick, throw or intentionally direct the ball into the net with their arms or legs.
An offensive team may score a goal by having a shot deflect off a team mate, as long as the team mate does not intentionally steer the deflection into the goal with his arms or legs.
If a shot deflects off a defending player into the goal, or if a defender including the goal tender inadvertently directs the ball over the goal line it is scored a goal.
If an offensive player kicks the ball in the net it is not scored a goal. However if the offensive player kicks the ball off a defensive player it is scored a goal. If the kicked shot goes off a offensive player no goal is scored.
If the goal tender together with the ball is pushed into the net by an offensive player no goal is scored. However if the offensive player is pushed into the net by a defensive player and the ball crosses the goal line a goal is scored.

Face Offs - Only the players taking the face-off may be in the face off circle.

A face off occurs at center ice:
- At the beginning of each period.
- After every goal that is scored.
- After an inadvertent whistle.
A face off occurs to the right or left of the goal when:
- The goal tender freezes the ball.
- The defending team causes the ball to leave the playing surface in their zone.
- A penalty is called. If the infraction is committed by the defensive team the face off occurs at the nearest face off circle. If the infraction is committed by a offensive player the face off occurs outside the defensive teams zone.
- Intentional off sides.
- The ball leaves the playing surface due to two opposing players sticks hitting the ball together, the face off occurs at the nearest face off spot.
- The referee loses sight of the ball.
- The ball is on the back of the net. The face off favors the team that did not hit it there.

Offside occurs when

A team member crosses the center line from his side to the opponents’ side before the ball. 0r
A player shoots the ball across the center line before his team mates clear the defensive zone.

Note: Off sides results in a face off at the face off circle nearest the offending team's goal.

Infractions and Penalties

Delay of Game- 2 Minutes
- A player other than the goal tender closes his hand around the ball.
- A player other than the goal tender intentionally covers the ball with his hand or body.
- A player including the goal tender intentionally shoots the ball from the playing surface.
- Player (s) leave the bench to celebrate a goal.
- Player (s) or Coach stalls for time after a warning is given.
- Goal tender freezes the ball after the referee instructs him to play on.
- A player intentionally knocks the net off its position.
Cross Checking- 4 minutes plus Game Misconduct and one game suspension.
High Sticking - Hitting an opposing player above the waist with his stick. Unintentional: 2 minutes, Intentional: 4 minutes plus Game Misconduct and one game suspension.
Knocking the ball down with high stick - A player knocks the ball above chest. Face off occurs outside offensive zone.
Interference - A player in anyway impedes the progress of an opponent who does not have possession of the ball - 2 minutes.
Interfering with the Goal Tender - A player runs through or stands in the crease, the play stops and results in a face off - 2 minutes.

Throwing Equipment

At a player - Game Misconduct plus one game suspension. If on a shot on goal and the ball is in the defensive zone, the goal is awarded.
Out of anger- Game Misconduct plus one game suspension.

Holding - A player grabs an opponents body or stick - 2 minute penalty.

Hooking - A player impedes the progress of an opponent by putting the blade of his stick upside down on his opponents stick or body - 2 minute penalty.

Butt Ending - A player strikes or attempts to strike an opponent with the butt end of his stick - 4 minute penalty and Game Misconduct plus one game suspension.

Pushing - A player pushes his opponent with his hands, arms, body or stick - 2 minute penalty.

Charging - A player takes two or more steps in the direction of a player and then hits the player - 2 minute penalty.

Elbowing - A player hits an opponent with his elbows - 2 minute penalty or 4 minute penalty plus Game Misconduct and one game suspension.

Kneeing - A player intentionally hits an opponent with his knee - 4 minute penalty plus Game Misconduct and one game suspension.

Slashing - A player swings his stick at an opponent’s body. Contact is not necessary for this penalty to be called - 2 minute penalty or 4 minute penalty plus Game Misconduct and one game suspension.

Tripping - A player takes the legs out from under an opponent with his stick or body - 2 minute penalty.

Roughing - A player uses unnecessary roughness against an opponent. The official will use his own judgment - 2 minute penalty or 4 minute penalty plus Game Misconduct and one game suspension.

Boarding - A player intentionally pushes an opponent into the boards or fence - 2 minute penalty or 4 minute penalty plus Game Misconduct and one game suspension.

Spearing - A player strikes or gestures to strike an opponent with the tip of the blade of his stick - 4 minute penalty plus Game Misconduct and one game suspension.

Fighting - Suspension for season.

Sliding - A player slides on his knees, when a player may drop to his knees to block a shot - 2 minute penalty.

Penalty Shots - A penalty shot is awarded when:

A defensive player hooks or trips an offensive player that is on a break away that is more than 3 feet away from the defending player.
A defensive player other than the Goalie uses his hand to cover the ball in his own crease.
A defending player including the goal tender intentionally knocks the net off its position.
During a break - away.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct- 4 minute penalty plus Game Misconduct and one game suspension.

A player verbally abuses other players, spectators, coaches or officials. Using foul language will not be tolerated.
Verbal abuse of the Officials or players on the playing surface by coaches, players on the bench or spectators.

Bench Penalties - 2 minutes or 4 minutes or Game Misconduct

Too many men on the ice.
Verbal abuse of the Officials or players on the playing surface by coaches, players on the bench or spectators.
Coach entering the playing surface during the game to question an official’s call. If coach doesn’t leave after officials instructions, the penalty becomes 4 minutes plus Game Misconduct and one game suspension. Penalty must be served by the player that was on the playing surface at time of the infraction, to be chosen by the opposing coach.

Hand Pass - A hand pass is only allowed in the defensive zone between two defensive players otherwise a Face Off will be called favoring the opposing team.

Coincidental Minor Penalties - Teams will play short handed during the shifts of the penalized players. When shifts are called teams will play at full strength.

Playing with Illegal Equipment - 2 minutes

Thin blade- If a player is caught using a stick with a thin blade. If opposing team challenges a player’s stick and it is found to be illegal the player receives a 2 minute penalty. .If the stick is found to be legal the opposing team receives a 2 minute delay of game penalty.
Broken Stick- A player must immediately drop his stick if it is broken. This also includes if the butt end of his stick comes off.
A stick found not to be league approved.

Intent To Injure- Suspension For Season

Goal Tender Sliding - 4 Minute Major

In the event of a breakaway the goaltender intentionally slides into the opposing player the referee has discretion to call a penalty.
Making contact with ball does not alter this rule.

Two Majors in a Game - Game Misconduct and one game suspension.

Any penalty to be served by a player other then the offending player - the opposing coach chooses the player to serve the penalty who was on the field.

Equipment

Elbow Pads
Cup
Helmet with full cage or shield
Shin Pads
Hockey Gloves
Sticks - Approved by Hockey League (Examples of legal sticks will be on display in the Youth Center). No exceptions!

Note: Referees will check equipment before each game. Coaches are responsible to make sure players are wearing required equipment during games. Helmets must be worn at all times when a player is on the playing surface.

Coaches / Assistants

Coaches are responsible for their players and spectators. If a spectator verbally abuses or harasses an Official, Coach, or opposing Player it is his job to calm down the spectator. If the abuse continues it could result in a forfeiture of the game.
Players must be seated on the bench when not in game.
All spectators will stay on parking lot side of field and on the ends. Spectators are not allowed to distract the players or goaltender.
If Spectators continue to harass or abuse a coach, player, or official after they were warned game over.
Only Coaches and players are allowed on field during warm ups. No Exceptions!
One Coach and two Assistants will be allowed on players’ side of field. No Exceptions!
If a Coach is removed from a game one of the Assistants will take over coaching duties. If no assistants are present a parent will take over the coaching duties.

Shifts

The two minute shift rule is in effect in all divisions.
No team may double shift unless they have less than 10 players, not including the Goal Tender.
Double shifting is not allowed under any circumstances. A bench penalty may be called if a Team is caught double shifting.
Only the Time Keeper may call a shift.

Playing Time

Every player must receive equal playing time. Failure to use a player will result in a 2 minute penalty.
The referee has the right to ask a Coach to identify his shifts if short shifting is in question.

Time Outs

Each Team is given one time out per half. Time out can only be called by the Coach or Team Captain.

Goal Tender Penalties

Should a Goal tender receive a minor or major penalty, the penalty will be served by a player that was on the field at the time of the infraction, to be chosen by the opposing coach.

Penalty Shots

The ball is placed at center ice.
The Goal Tender may not move until the offensive player crosses the blue line.
Once the goal tender touches the ball the play is dead, no rebounds.
The ball may bounce off the goal tender and go into the net and it will be counted as a goal.
Face Off at center ice if goal is scored.
Face Off at nearest circle if no goal is scored.

Suspensions

Player - A player has the right to appeal the suspension if they notify the league in writing before the next game. The members of the WBCYC Board will make the final decision on the suspension.
Coaches / Assistants:
- A Coach or Assistant can be suspended for violating any rule.
- All suspension will be served at his next game.
- A Coach or Assistant has the right to appeal the suspension if he notifies the league in writing before his next game. The members of the WBCYC Board will make the final decision on the suspension.
- Two Game Misconducts in one season and the coach or Assistant is suspended from the league.

Game Misconduct

Ejection from a game plus one game suspension
Two game misconducts will results in ejection from the league
A Coach will be suspended for double shifting or not playing his player