DISCLAIMER

The Realistic Hockey League (RHL) was founded to provide a hockey league that simulated as closely as possible the realities of managing, coaching and playing in a pro hockey franchise, within the limits of providing a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for all involved.

To that end, all the rules provided herein try to provide the framework which allows the realistic running of the league. The rules are never stationary, and these rules will change from time to time. In most cases, such changes will result in more enjoyment and more realism.  As well, the primary goal of the league is the enjoyment of all its members. Furthermore, if in any case there is a disagreement over the exact wording of a rule, any ruling will take the spirit and intention of the rule over the exact literal wording (i.e. rule lawyers beware)!

 

 

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Most of the Rules of RHL Ball Hockey mirror those of the NHL.  This is not meant to be a comprehensive list. However, there are several special rules that you should be aware of if you are going to play in the RHL

1. All games start at the designated time.  It is your team's responsibility to arrive on time.  The game clock starts at its designated time!!!  For any reason, if a team causes the game to start late (Players not there, pinnies, any other major reasons) A penalty shot will be given to the non-offending team. If both teams are late and causing delays, a penalty shot will be given to both teams.

 

2. Games are comprised of 5 min warm up, 15 15-minute straight time period, 3 min-intermission, followed by a 15 15-minute straight time period.  At no time will the game clock be stopped!

 

3. Each Team needs a minimum of three players and a goalie to start a game.  Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a 3-0 loss.  Teams will have 5 mins after the start of the game to get field their players.  
   1. There must be always a player in the net.  With 4 mins remaining in a game, teams can pull their goalie and add a fourth player.     
   2. Up to 2 subs are allowed to be brought out for a given series of games for a given team.  Subs can only be used when a team has less than 6 players.
   3. A sub can only play for one team for 8 games (Regular and Playoffs combined).  Once they have played 8 games, they are no longer allowed to play for that team.
   4. When a sub comes out, they fall to the bottom of the sub list.  Teams wanting to bring out a sub will call the RHL Sub-Coordinator (Chris Carver) who will find the subs.  Teams are no longer required to find their subs.  This avoids teams calling their favourite sub.   
4. Teams not playing will be required to appoint 2 refs and two scorekeepers.  The League Schedule will identify the team required to ref and scorekeeper for the weekend.    Teams not showing up to ref as outlined in the ref schedule will be fined $45 by the league ($5 per player).  Money will go towards beers after the games on Saturdays.  

 

5. All players must wear a numbered Pinny while playing (Black, Green, Yellow, Red, Blue and orange).

• Teams that do not show up with their pinnies for the start of the game will be penalized.  A penalty shot will be awarded to the opposing team.
• Players not wearing a numbered pinny will be penalized.  Penalty Shot

 

6. There will be no icing or off-sides.

 

7. A face-off at the center will start the game and again at half.  No other faceoffs will occur during gameplay.

 

8. A goal cannot be scored while a player is inside the crease before the ball. A player can only enter the crease after the ball has entered. (Reduction of goalie injuries, contact with goaltenders and controversy of contact during a goal).

 

10. Slap shots are only allowed on your side of half (Defensive Zone).  When in the Offensive Zone the stick blade shall not be raised above the waist on either the wind-up or the follow-through. The first offense by a team will result in a warning; subsequent offenses will result in a penalty shot.

 

11. Raising the stick above the height of the crossbar to play the ball (successful or not) will not be allowed. The first infraction by a team will result in a warning with subsequent infractions resulting in a penalty shot.

 

12. If any player closes their hand on the ball and gains an advantage, play shall immediately be stopped. When a player simply closes their hand on the ball and immediately drops it to the floor, without gaining or attempting to gain an advantage by this action, play shall be allowed to continue.

 

13. Gloving the ball in the defensive zone is allowed.  Gloving the ball in the offensive zone will be blown down as a gloved-ahead infraction.  Possession is given to the other team behind their net.

 

14. Body checking is not allowed and will be penalized by either a minor or major penalty depending on the severity of the check. Incidental contact will be tolerated provided no one is put at risk. 

 

15. Minor Penalties result in a penalty shot; Major penalties will be assessed where the severity of the offence requires more than a minor penalty. All major penalties will result in a penalty shot in addition to the following:

• 1st major-game misconduct and one-game suspension
• 2nd major-game misconduct suspension for the remainder of the year

          The Director of Hockey Ops and Commish has the right to review an incident and offer additional discipline after the fact. This means if something happens after the game is completed, or if injury results from a penalty a suspension can be issued.

 

No one is free, even in the emotion of the moment, to engage in conduct that is clearly inappropriate.  The league will not tolerate this type of behavior and you will be asked to leave.  NO MONEY WILL BE REFUNDED

 

16. After a penalty shot, the team taking the shot will retain possession, even if a goal is scored.  They will receive the ball in the Defensive Zone behind their net.

 

17. Players who receive 2 penalties in a game will be assessed a Game Misconduct and ejected for the remained of the game.

 

18. Goaltenders are not allowed to pick up the ball behind their net.  The first offence by the goalie will result in a warning; subsequent offences will result in a penalty shot.   

 

19. When the goaltender picks up the ball legally, he shall play it to a teammate by dropping it behind his goal line. The opposition shall allow the goaltender’s teammate to have the ball, gain full control, and have an opportunity to pass.  The attacking team must remain six feet from the goal line to attack the player (not even a stick, leg, glove, etc… can cross the line when on the attack).  Doing so will result in a stoppage of play and a warning issued to the Defensive team.  A second offence will result in a Delay of Game penalty.  The player with the ball has 5 seconds to pass the ball across the line.  Failure to do so will result in a change in possession in the Defensive Zone.

 

20. After a goal is scored, the ball cannot cross the center line until all players from the scoring team have returned to their side.  Once the team has returned to their side of the court, they cannot advance on the ball until the offensive team or ball has crossed the center line.  Teams will be given 5 seconds to return to their side of the half.  This will allow the team with the ball to cross the half, whether the other team is completely back or not. 

 

21. ANY ABUSE TOWARDS AN OFFICIAL WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!!!

• Any player who yells at or gestures at an official during gameplay shall be assessed a minor Unsportsmanlike penalty.
• Any player who intentionally touches, strikes or threatens a Referee; before, during or after a game shall be assessed a Match penalty.

 

22. Only a team’s General Manager is allowed to ask for a rule clarification from the refs.  If the ref is unsure of the specific rule, they can ask one of the Court Referee Coordinators for support and clarification. 

PLAYOFFS

 

All teams of the regular season standings will advance to the playoffs

• a tie for playoff spots will be broken in the following fashion:

• Tie breaker rule for standings :  1) wins  2) versus  3) GF-GA

Round 1 –  Will consist of a best 2 out of 3 series.  Tied games we go straight into Shoot-Out

        Third Place           vs             Sixth Place

        Fourth Place        vs            Fifth Place

 

Round 2 –  Will consist of a best 2 out of 3 series. Tied games we go straight into Shoot-Out

Winners of Round 1 will play First & Second Place.  First Place team will play against the lowest-ranked team

 

Round 3 –  Will consist of a best 2 out of 3 series.  Sudden Death Overtime.  No Shootout

Winners of Round 2

 

If the game is tied:

- A shoot-out will take place. Each team shall identify three shooters ONLY

Teams will shoot simultaneously until a winner has been decided. Three shooters from each team will have the opportunity to shoot at the opponent’s goaltender, and they will continue to shoot if still tied after one shot each.

 

- If the game is still tied after three shooters each, a “sudden victory” shoot-out will occur until a winner is decided. Players will shoot in the order indicated on the game sheet as numbered by the team rep.

 

- Each Player on a team must shoot, before starting the order of shooters again.

 

 

 

 

ELIGIBILITY

1.             Players must play at least eight league games to be eligible for the playoffs.   The only exception is for a goalie.  If a team’s regular goalie is unable to make it to a playoff weekend, then the GM can acquire the services of a goalie.  The spare goalie must be on the RHL Sub list.  A goalie can only play one series of games for a team. 

 

EQUIPMENT

1.             Wooden sticks will be allowed this season.

2.             Goaltenders are required to wear full goalie equipment.

3.             Players are recommended to wear shin pads, can and gloves.

 

ALL REFEREE’S DECISIONS ARE FINAL.

 

GENERAL MANAGERS

General Managers are an important link in the smooth operation of the RHL.  We are always encouraging organized individuals to take on the challenge of running and leading their teams.

 

The General Manager has the following responsibilities and benefits in coordinating his team:

 

Responsibilities:

a. Act as a communication liaison between your players for all issues around scheduling, rules, and regulations

b. Participate in RHL meetings, providing feedback to the club.

c. (TIMEKEEPER) Complete the game sheet before the start of each game (numbers for all participants).

d. Control your bench when emotions run too high.