08/19/15 University of Nebraska Campus Recreation MEN'S, WOMEN'S, & CO-REC FLOOR HOCKEY RULES GENERAL 1. NIRSA floor hockey rules will govern play except where intramural rule modifications are stated. Players are expected to have an understanding of the rules. 2. Campus Recreation reserves the right to revise, or update, at any time, any rules related to intramural floor hockey. EQUIPMENT 1. The equipment will consist of sticks with plastic blades only and a lightweight puck or ball. Bending/bowing of sticks is illegal and subject to a two (2) minute minor penalty at the official s discretion. Players must use the sticks provided by Campus Recreation. 2. Goalies are required to wear the following: a. A goalie helmet or helmet with full face mask b. A baseball glove on the hand opposite the stick hand c. A chest protector d. Rubber soled non-marking athletic shoes e. Over-the-knee shin guards f. Goalies may wear knee and elbow pads g. Goalie pads/leggings are not allowed h. Goalies must use a stick. Either the goalie stick or a regular stick can be used 3. Players are required to wear the following: a. Rubber soled non-marking athletic shoes b. Hand protection is limited to the use of mittens or work gloves c. Players must wear a numbered helmet with full face mask provided by Campus Recreation. d. Players are strongly encouraged to wear mouthpieces 4. All other equipment is illegal. Ex: Ice hockey equipment and lacrosse helmets. 5. All required equipment is provided by Campus Recreation. OFFICIALS 1. The officials shall not permit any player to wear equipment, which in his/her judgment is dangerous to other players. Players may not wear jewelry. The officials shall make the final decision on acceptable equipment. 2. The officials shall have jurisdiction to make decisions on any points not specifically covered in the rules. The officials shall conduct the game in accordance with the rules. 3. The officials shall penalize unsportsmanlike conduct by any player, coach, substitute, team attendant, or follower. If there is a misconduct penalty, the officials shall penalize by removing any offending player from the game and the area. In addition, the officials shall banish any offending coach, substitute, team attendant, or follower from the vicinity of the court if ejected. 4. Neither official shall have authority to set aside or question decisions made by another official. 5. One official shall be in charge of the game time with one stopwatch. The other official or Staff Assistant shall be in charge of the scorecard and keeping all penalty times on another stopwatch.
THE TEAM AND PLAYERS 1. Each team will designate one captain. He/she shall be the only individual to discuss with the officials any questions related to rules interpretation. 2. Any player, other than the captain on bench or on court, who makes a protest or interferes with play in any way, is subject to ejection. 3. The team consists of four (4) players on the floor (including the goalie) at one time. A team may begin and end the game with three (3) players without penalty or forfeit. A co-rec team consists of 2 men and 2 women. If a co-rec team plays with three (3) players, they may have no more than two men or two women. At no time may a co-rec team play with more than 2 or fewer than 1 of any gender. 4. Substitutions may be made at any time. Players can sub on the fly, but a player may only enter the playing surface through the designated substitution area and only after the player on the court has left the floor. The exiting player must also leave through the substitution area. Substitutions during a dead ball must be recognized by the official. 5. The team captain shall notify the officials when their team pulls the goalie, or subsequently, puts the goalie back into the game. 6. A two (2) minute minor penalty is enforced for substitution infractions. TIME 1. The game will consist of three (3) periods of eight (8) minutes. There will be a two (2) minute break between periods. Teams will switch goals at the end of each period. During the last minute of the last period, the clock will stop for all violations, penalties, injuries, and when the ball leaves play. 2. Each team will be allowed one time-out per game. Officials/staff assistants will call time-out in case of injury, emergencies, or broken equipment. Time-outs can only be called during dead ball situations. OFFSIDES 1. There will not be an offside rule except during face-offs. On face-offs, all team members must be behind their defensive side of the face-off location. A violation will result in an indirect shot at the spot of the infraction. 2. There is no icing. HANDLING THE BALL WITH HANDS 1. The ball may be advanced using the stick only; i.e., if a player (except the goalie with some part of body in the crease) closes his hand on the ball, the play shall be stopped and an indirect shot will be awarded from the spot of the violation. Players may bat the ball straight down out of the air with their hand, but such action must not result in the ball being guided to a teammate (i.e. hand pass). If the goalie is completely out of the crease and violates as above, an indirect shot is awarded to the opponents from the spot of the infraction. 2. It is illegal to kick or throw the ball. Players may stop the ball with their feet, but may not use feet to guide the ball to a teammate. If a violation occurs, play shall be stopped and an indirect shot from the spot of the infraction. BODY CONTACT AND CHECKING There shall be NO CONTACT OR HARD CHECKING of any opposing player at any time. Any such contact or check shall result in a major five (5) minute penalty and/or ejection.
FACE-OFFS 1. The official will start each period by dropping the ball at the center circle face-off line. All other players must be at least ten (10) feet from the center circle. The ball must touch the floor before being played on a face-off or a re-drop occurs. 2. Players facing off will stand squarely facing their opponent's end of the floor with their stick blades on the floor and vertically parallel to each other. 3. If a player fails to face-off in the proper position, the official may order him/her replaced by any teammate on the floor. This applies to any face-off. 4. During face-offs, no players may be allowed to enter the face-off circle; i.e., all other players must be at least ten (10) feet from the center of the circle and on-side. 5. Balls out of play will be faced off at the nearest face-off circle where the ball was last touched by a player. SCORING A GOAL 1. A goal shall be scored when the entire ball has completely crossed the back of the goal line. In co-rec play, a goal scored by a male player is worth 1 point. A goal scored by a female player is worth 2 points. Regular season standings will be determined by a point system: 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and no points for a loss. 2. The ball may deflect off a player or a piece of equipment but cannot be kicked, thrown, or deliberately diverted into the goal. A player may not leave their feet or go down to their side to block a shot. 3. A goal scored from a high stick shall be disallowed. 4. A ball inside the crease plane cannot be played by any player except the goalie, i.e., no player, except the goalie, can penetrate the crease. The result is a violation. 5. If a defensive (non-attacking) player, except the goalie, knocks the ball out of the crease with his stick or body, or falls on or covers up the ball in the crease, when the ball would have obviously crossed the goal line, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the attacking team. The captain will determine which player on the floor will take the shot. The only exception to this rule is a pulled goalie for an extra attacker. See rule 6 under Goal Keeping." 6. Mercy Rule. If a team is ahead by ten (10) goals at any point in the game, the game will immediately end, with that team being declared the winner. OVERTIME 1. If regulation time expires and the score is tied, the teams will play a five (5) minute sudden death period (first team to score wins). The clock will stop at every whistle inside of one (1) minute remaining in the overtime period. 2. If the game is still tied, the game will remain tied and each team will receive one (1) point in the standings. 3. During playoffs, the five-minute overtime period will be followed by a shoot-out if the game is still tied at the end of the overtime period. The shoot-out will have three (3) players from each team alternating penalty shots (the first players to shoot must have been on the floor at the end of the overtime period). Whichever team is ahead at the end of these shots is the winner. 4. If the score is still tied, the two teams will choose different players and will shoot by alternating teams until one misses and the other scores during the same turn. Every player (other than the goalie) must shoot a penalty shot before any player shoots a second time. 5. In case of a tie after the sudden death period in a co-rec game, the players taking penalty shots to determine the winner must alternate gender. Every player (other than the goalie) of the same gender must shoot a penalty shot before a player of that same gender shoots a second time. 6. Players in the penalty box at the end of the overtime period may not participate in the shootout. 7. Goalies do not have to take penalty or shootout shots.
GOAL KEEPING 1. One (1) player may be designated as the goalie for each team. A new goalie may be designated if an injury has occurred or the goalie is pulled at the end of the period. Goalie changes cannot occur in the middle of a period (unless a time-out is called). This player is required to wear the equipment stated above. 2. The goalie is the only player who may enter the crease. The goalie may use any means possible to stop the ball with their body, glove or stick other than tripping or pushing an opponent. However, the goalie may not throw his/her equipment in an attempt to stop the ball. Goalies can leave their feet to play a ball, as long as they are touching some part of the crease with their body. 3. The goalie may use his/her hands to clear the ball away from the goal, as long as the goalie has some part of his/her body in the crease, but he/she may not throw or roll the ball past the center court line. The penalty for throwing the ball past center court or killing the ball while the goalkeeper is completely outside of the crease is a violation. 4. He/she may kill the ball by holding it or falling on it at times of concentrated offensive attack in or near the crease area, as long as the goalie has some part of his/her body in the crease. Upon possession, the goalie has three (3) seconds to play the ball. If the goalie does not play the ball, a face-off will be called at the nearest face-off spot. The goalie may not throw the puck forward, or a violation will occur. 5. The goalie may leave the crease area at any time, however, once out of the crease, they must follow all rules that apply to court players. The goalie can not cross mid-court while in their goalie equipment. 6. If the goalie is pulled for an extra floor player, the team relinquishes all of its goalie rights. Defensive players may enter the crease to deflect a ball, but the player in the crease may not freeze the ball or leave their feet to stop a ball. A violation of this rule will result in a two (2) minute minor penalty for delay of game. 7. If the goalie or a teammate intentionally moves the goal to stop play or prevent a goal from being scored, a delay of game penalty will be assessed. A referee may award a goal if the shot was headed into the net when the net was dislodged. 8. Players or goalies out of the crease may not leave their feet and go down on the floor to block a shot or pass, a minor penalty will be assessed. 9. Goalies do not serve penalties unless they are major, misconduct, or game penalties. The captain must designate a player on his/her team to serve the penalty. 10. In the case that the net becomes dislodged, but is not involved in the ensuing play, the referee shall allow play to continue and replace the net. If it is dislodged and is in the play, the referee shall blow the play dead and a face off will restart play at the nearest face off spot. STICK HANDLING While playing the ball, a player must keep the blade of the stick below his/her waist. Violation of this rule results in a violation or a two (2) minute minor penalty. THROWING THE STICK Throwing the stick is a dangerous act that can cause injury and damage to the equipment. For these reasons when any player throws their stick (for any reason), the non-offending team will receive an automatic penalty shot. PENALTY SHOT 1. While a shot is being taken, players of both teams must stand to the sides of the floor and behind the centerline away from the shooter. 2. The ball shall be placed on the center face-off circle.
3. At the referee's instruction, the attacking player shall begin toward the goal with the ball, keeping in motion toward the goal until the ball is shot. Only one shot is permitted. Rebounds may not be played or scored on a penalty shot. 4. The backward and forward arc of the stick during the swing of his/her shot must be kept below the waist. Once the ball has touched the goalie, crossed the crease, or goes beyond the goal line extended, the player can no longer shoot or play the ball. 5. The fouled player must make the penalty shot, unless he/she is physically incapable of doing so. In such a case, the captain will choose from a participating player on the floor. 6. The goalie must remain in the crease until the ball is touched by the person taking the penalty shot. The goalie may not throw his stick or glove. A goal shall be scored if he/she is in violation. 7. If, during a penalty shot, any player on the opposing team causes a distraction or interference, a second penalty shot attempt shall be awarded (provided the first attempt was unsuccessful) and a ten (10) minute misconduct penalty will be given. 8. If a goal is scored, the ball shall be faced off at the centerline. If no goal is scored, the face-off shall be made at the nearest end face-off spot. PENALTIES 1. Penalty time shall be kept by "stopped time". Stopped time begins as soon as a penalty or violation occurs. After all expired penalties, players may not participate until touching up at center court. a. Violation - indirect shot from spot of infraction (clock does not stop). Examples of Violations: High Sticking (when a player is not near any other participants), Hand Passes, Kicking the Ball, Player or Stick in the Goal Crease, and Goalie Violations (i.e. freezing the ball outside of the crease or throwing the ball past the center court line). b. Minor penalty - penalized player removed for two (2) minutes during which time no substitute is permitted unless the penalized team is scored upon. Examples of minor penalties: Too Many Players on the Floor/Illegal Substitution, Interference, Playing with a Broken Stick, Holding, Elbowing, Pushing, Illegal Use of the Hands, Delay of Game, Hooking, High Sticking, and Slashing. c. Major penalty - penalized player removed for five (5) minutes during which time no substitute is permitted, even if the penalized team is scored upon. Any minor penalty done in a malicious or aggressive manner may be upgraded to a major penalty. Other Examples of Major Penalties are: Spearing, and Cross Checking. d. Misconduct penalty - penalized player is removed for ten (10) minutes during which time a substitute is permitted immediately. Personal misconduct shall be defined as any of the following: Disrespect to an Official, Profanity, Abuse of Facility and/or Equipment, or Actions that Incite a Fight. e. Game penalty - penalized player is ejected for the remainder of the game and must set up an appointment with the Assistant Director for Intramural Sports or his/her designee prior to playing any intramural activity or forfeiture will result for the teams and games played. f. A Penalty shot is awarded in the following cases: i. Throwing stick or glove at the ball. ii. Defensive player, other than the goalie, knocking the ball out of the crease with a chance of the ball scoring, or covering the ball in the crease. iii. Player fouled from behind on a breakaway. 2. For a second (2nd) major penalty of the same player in a game, the player shall be ejected from the game. A mandatory meeting must be set up with the Assistant Director for Intramural Sports or his/her designee prior to playing any intramural activity. 3. After each penalty, a face-off will result at the face-off circle nearest the spot of the penalty. Face-offs will be made at the center circle when the penalty occurred in the attacking area of the player being penalized
4. In a simultaneous minor penalty situation where both teams are at even strength and one team scores a goal, nobody returns to the ice. Therefore, a team cannot score and make themselves short-handed. 5. If multiple penalties occur, a team can only play 2 people short of the number they have playing at full strength, if they have 5 players to start the game. If they have only 4 playing, then a minimum of 3 players per team must be playing in a multiple penalty situation. 6. If a team is playing two players short of full strength and a third penalty occurs, that offending player's penalty time will not start until he/she reports to the box, and the individuals already in the box must wait for that person to report to the box. 7. Players coming out of the penalty box after their penalty has expired must touch the center court line before playing or touching the ball. VIOLATIONS/INDIRECT SHOTS Violations which result in loss of puck/ball or team possession and indirect shot from the spot of the infraction. 1. Offsides on face-off situations. 2. Goalie throwing the ball past center line. Spot of infraction is the point where the ball crossed the centerline. 3. Hand pass or kicking the ball. 4. Player, including the goalkeeper completely outside of crease, closes hand on the ball or freezes/kills the ball. 5. Player in crease or breaking plane of crease with stick or body. When the offensive team breaks this rule, the official shall stop play immediately and award the indirect shot. When the defensive team violates this rule, the official will blow the whistle and award the indirect shot only when the ball has come into the possession of the defensive team. If defense stops a goal or ball in crease, a penalty shot is awarded to the attacking team (unless the goalie is pulled). 6. Playing the ball with a high stick when others are not close and in a non-threatening manner. A goal may not be scored directly from an indirect shot. The ball must be touched first by a teammate or an opponent (could be the goalie) before going into the goal. Indirect shots shall be taken from the point of the infraction/violation with the following exception: Any infraction/violation by the attacking team (offensive) which occurs in the attacking zone will result in an indirect shot from the center line circle. MINOR PENALTIES Violations which result in the penalized player receiving a two (2) minute penalty: 1. High sticking, or sticks carried in a manner considered dangerous by the official. 2. Too many players on the floor and substitution infractions. 3. Deliberate delay of game. This shall include a player who deliberately or intentionally knocks or shoots the ball out of the reach of the official who is retrieving it or shoots the ball out of the playing area. 4. Goalie who participates in a play in any manner beyond the centerline. 5. Checking and pushing off with the hands. 6. Hooking with the stick. 7. Interference - imposed on a player that interferes with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the ball, knocks a stick out of an opponent's hand, or prevents a player from regaining possession of a dropped stick. 8. Holding, tripping and elbowing. 9. Unnecessary roughness - A minor or major penalty may be imposed on any player. 10. Slapping of sticks or any other equipment on the playing floor or in an inappropriate manner.
11. Playing with a broken stick. Player must drop the stick to the floor immediately. 12. Bending/bowing of sticks deemed illegal at the official s discretion.
MAJOR PENALTIES Violations which result in the penalized player receiving a five (5) minute penalty: 1. Cross-checking a goalie. 2. Charging and hard checking. 3. Throwing a stick at the puck or ball. 4. Boarding - shall be imposed on any player who body checks, cross checks, elbows, charges, trips, or throws an opponent into the boards (wall) or floor. MISCONDUCT PENALTIES Violations which result in the penalized player receiving a ten (10) minute penalty with a substitute allowed: 1. Verbal abuse to officials. 2. Showing disrespect to an official. A game penalty may be levied if the player persists in disrespectful behavior. 3. Any player who, after being warned by an official, persists in any action designed to delay the game or incite an opponent into an altercation or penalty. 4. If after the assessment of a misconduct penalty, a player persists in any course of conduct for which he/she has previously been assessed a misconduct penalty, a game penalty will be assessed. GAME PENALTIES Violations which result in the penalized player being ejected from the game: 1. Fighting - a player shall also be ejected for joining in an altercation or fight. 2. Deliberate roughing of an opponent. 3. Slashing, spearing, butting, or swinging stick at a player (hitting or missing). 4. Attempt to injure an opponent. 5. Unsportsmanlike conduct or repeated acts of abuse to officials. 6. Player(s) using obscene gestures or language. 7. Players leaving bench or sidelines to participate in an altercation. DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE GAME 1. Any combination of four (4) penalties during a single game will result in disqualification. 2. An individual will be disqualified for receiving two (2) major or misconduct penalties in one game. 3. An individual who accumulates one (1) major penalty and two (2) minor penalties in a single game. 4. An individual who accumulates three (3) minor penalties in a single game. FAN SPORTSMANSHIP If fan abuse toward a team or any of the officials reaches an unacceptable level, those individuals will be ejected from the facility, a team penalty will be assessed and the team responsible for fans will receive an Unacceptable Sportsmanship rating. MISCELLANEOUS
Participants should be aware that there is a risk of injury in participation of intramural sports due to the inherent nature of the activity. Individuals are encouraged to have a physical examination and to obtain adequate health and accident insurance prior to participation. Individuals participate in intramural activities at their own risk! Participants who are bleeding must be removed immediately from the game, and may not return until the wound is properly covered. All soiled clothing must be changed before being allowed back in the game. As in all intramural sports contests, if a participant is ejected from a contest, he/she is immediately ineligible for further access or competition in any Campus Recreation program or facility until cleared by the Assistant Director for Intramural Sports or his/her designee. It is the participant's responsibility to schedule an appointment with the Assistant Director for Intramural Sports to review his/her behavior and subsequent eligibility to continue in the Intramural Sports Program. Any unsportsmanlike conduct by players or fans may cause a team to be disqualified from further competition. In addition, players, coaches, and spectators may not harass the officials (verbally or physically) at any time. Offender(s) are subject to the same penalties and procedures as players being ejected from the contest. UNL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY INSTITUTION