Open Hockey
The referees apply the Hockey Canada rules. However, Sports Services has introduced a number of special rules to better comply with the philosophy and objectives of its intramural programs:
Equipment
- A CSA approved helmet with full face visor and neck guard must be worn.
Tie Breaking Procedures
- No game shall end in a tie. A shootout will occur at the end of regulation time with 3 players from each team. One shooter from each team will shoot simultaneously at each end of the rink until the 3 rounds are complete The team with the most goals after 3 shooters shall be declared the winner. If the teams are still tied, a "sudden death" shootout with one player from each team will continue until a winner is declared. Players cannot shoot twice, unless all eligible players have participated. Players serving penalties at the end of regulation time are not eligible to shoot.
Game Format
- Hockey games are divided into three 15-minute running-time periods, preceded by a three-minute warm-up.
- The clock will not stop at all during the length of the play EXCEPT when there is a one goal-differential or tie in the last one minute of play.
Rules Governing Play
- Each team must have 1 goalie and 5 players on the ice.
- If a goalie is not present for one team, a goalie training net will be attached to the goal posts to mimic a goalie. The team has the option of playing with a goalie training net or having six skaters on the ice. If the puck goes in net but not via one of the holes will be considered a save by the goalie and the faceoff will be in the team’s defensive zone. If both teams do not have a goalie, game will continue with 5v5 play and no alterations to the nets. NEVER play using posts in the case of a missing goalie.
- The center red line is used strictly for icing.
- Player changes can be made at any time during the game.
- All leagues are considered non-contact. Body checking is not tolerated.
- Minor penalties last 3 minutes, run-time. If the penalty time expires during a stoppage of play, the player will wait until the puck is dropped to exit the penalty box. In the case of a goal scored by the team on the powerplay, the penalty will end and play resumes to 5v5.
- Major penalties last 7 minutes and include an automatic game misconduct penalty; another player must serve the penalty. Major penalties must be served completely and thus do not end if the opposing team scores.
Major penalties carry an additional game misconduct penalty as well. - Misconducts last 10 minutes but do not disadvantage a team’s on-ice strength.
- Players and other participants must wait until the zamboni leaves the ice and the gates are closed before proceeding onto the ice. Failure to wait for the referee’s signal before going on the ice will result in a minor penalty to the offending team.
- A player receiving 3 minor penalties, or 1 major penalty is ejected from the game. NOTE: A double minor penalty does count as 2 penalties under this rule. For example, a player receives a double minor for Head Contact and the later in the game receives a slashing minor that player will be ejected
- Players involved in a fight or penalized for checking from behind with attempt to injure receive a 7-minute major penalty, a game misconduct, and are expelled from the league for the remainder of the season, at a minimum.
- In the context of a goal, High sticking will be determined by the height of the crossbar and not the normal height of the shoulder.
Defaults
- A default takes place if, after a 3-minute warm-up and a 7-minute grace period, one of the two teams has fewer than 6 players on the ice, including the goalie.
- If the defaulting team’s captain has given due notice 24 hours before the game to the league supervisor, the team having won by default may use the ice time to practice, or to play a friendly game.
- In the event of a forfeit, the recorded score will be 3-0, in favour of the team with the appropriate number of players.
Note: Referees will stay to officiate a friendly game if at least 12 players from either team are present
