Playing Rules
  1. Center Line Off-Side Center Line Off-Side
  2. Delayed Off-Side
  3. Clearing
  4. Ball Out-of-Bounds
  5. Freezing the Ball
  6. Delaying the Game
  7. Coincidental Major Penalties
  8. Abuse of Officials and Other Misconducts
  9. Adjustment of Equipment
  10. Attempt to Injure
  11. Broken Stick (See also Rule 8a)
  12. Boarding
  13. Bodychecking and Charging
  14. Cross Checking
  15. Elbowing and Kneeing
  16. Deliberate Injury
  17. Stepping on the Ball
  18. Face-offs
  19. Falling on the Ball
  20. Roughing
  21. Fighting
  22. Gross Misconduct
  23. Handling Ball with Hands
  24. High Sticks
  25. Holding
  26. Hooking or Hacking
  27. Pushing
  28. Kicking the Ball
  29. Interference
  30. Interference by Spectators
  31. Golf Shot
  32. Lobbing the Ball
  33. Slashing
  34. Spearing and Butt-Ending
  35. Throwing Stick
  36. Tripping
  37. Goals and Assists
  38. Offside
  39. Ball Out of Sight and Illegal Ball
  40. Ball Striking Official
  41. Start of Game and Periods
  42. Time of Game
  43. Tied Game
  44. Refusing to Start Play
  45. Foul Weather
Table of Contents

  1. Center Line Off-Side

    1. An offensive player cannot cross the center line into the offensive zone before the ball has crossed the line. If this happens, it is an off-side, play is stopped and the players face-off at the face-off spots next to the center line in the defensive zone of the team committing the off-side.
    2. The player must have both feet inside the zone to be called off-side. He can straddle the line or have one foot on the line and still be considered "on-side".
    3. If a defensive player takes the ball back into his own defensive zone with an offensive player already across the center line, this shall not be considered an off-side
    4. If the offensive player deflects the ball off a defensive player in sending the ball across the center line into the attacking zone, it shall be considered an off-side if an offensive player precedes the ball across the line.
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  1. Delayed Off-Side

    1. If the ball rolls freely across the center line with an offensive player in the offensive zone and no offensive player touches the ball, the referee can call a delayed off-side by simply raising his arm but does not stop play. The referee shall drop his arm to nullify the offside violation and allow play to continue if:
    2. The defending team passes or carries the ball into their attacking zone, or
    3. All offensive players in the attacking zone clear the zone by crossing the center line. The attacking zone must be completely clear of offensive players before offside is nullified.
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  1. Clearing

    1. Clearing is called when a defensive player shoots the ball from his defensive side of the "clearing" line over the opposing team's goal line without any other player touching it. Clearing is called immediately when the ball crosses the goal line and is brought back to the defensive zone of the team committing the infraction and a face-off is held in the circle on either side of the goal.

      Note: The ball, and not the player's feet, is the determining factor in judging this infraction.

      Clearing is "washed out" by either referee if, in their opinion, any of the following occurred:

    2. If the ball crosses any part of the goal crease.
    3. If the goalies touches the ball before it crosses the goal line.
    4. If, in the opinion of the officials, the defensive player could have played the ball before it crossed the goal line.
    5. If, due to penalties assessed, (except for misconducts) the team is playing short-handed against their opponents. (if both teams are equally short-handed, clearing is not allowed.)
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  1. Ball Out-of-Bounds

    1. A ball is considered out-of-bounds if it leaves the rink area or if it hits anything other than the boards, glass or wire above the surface. A face-off takes place where the ball was shot or deflected out-of bounds.
    2. A minor penalty shall be assessed any player who delays the game by deliberately shooting, batting or throwing the ball outside the playing surface of the rink. The resulting face-off shall be at the spot where the offense occurred.
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  1. Freezing the Ball

    1. When the ball becomes lodged in the netting on the outside of either goal and is not playable, or it it is frozen between opposing players, intentionally or otherwise, the referee shall stop play. The resulting face-off shall be at either end face-off spot in that zone. If in the opinion of the referee an attacking player is responsible for the stoppage the face-off shall be at the nearest face-off spot in the defensive zone.
    2. If the referee loses sight of the ball (as in a scramble or when the ball is accidentally lodged underneath a player), he blows his whistle, stops the action, and conducts a face-off at the nearest face-off spot.
    3. A minor penalty shall be assessed a goaltender who deliberately drops or throws the ball on the goal netting to cause a stoppage of play.
    4. If the ball comes to rest on top of the boards surrounding the playing area, it shall be considered to be in play and may be played legally by hand or stick.
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  1. Delaying the Game

    1. A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player or goaltender who delays the game by'deliberately throwing, shooting or batting the ball with his stick, feet or hand outside the playing area.
    2. A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player or goaltender who delays the game by deliberately displacing a goal post from it's normal position, The referee or linesman shall stop play immediately when a goal post has been displaced.
    3. The referee shall assess a bench minor penalty to any team who, in the opinion of the referee, is taking too much time to make substitutions, A warning shall be given to the captain at least once before assessing the first penalty for this infraction.
    4. The referee has the right to stop play immediately in the case of a match penalty. The resulting face-off will be where the play was stopped unless the stoppage occurred in the offending player's attacking zone in which case the face-off is brought out to the defensive zone.
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  1. Coincidental Major Penalties

    1. When coincidental major penalties are imposed against an equal number of players of each team, the penalized players shall all take their places on the penalty benches and such penalized players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their respective penalties. Immediate substitutions shall be made for the players so penalized and their penalties shall not be taken into account for the purpose of the delayed penalty.
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  1. Abuse of Officials and Other Misconducts

    1. The manager and coach shall be responsible for the conduct of their players at all times. They must try to prevent disorderly conduct before, during, or after the game, on or off the playing surface and any place in the rink or business places or places of lodging. The referee may assess penalties on any of the above officials for failure to do so and shall report full details of any incident to the President.
    2. A misconduct penalty shall be assessed on any player who:
      1. Uses obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures to any person.
      2. Persists in disputing or shows disrespect for the ruling of any official.
      3. Intentionally knocks or shoots the ball out of reach of an official who is retrieving it.
      4. Any player who intentionally breaks his stick inside the immediate playing area.

      A player who, after receiving a misconduct penalty, persists in using obscene or profane language shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty and ordered to the dressing room. In such cases, a substitute shall be allowed.

    3. A manager, coach or trainer guilty of such misconduct shall be removed from the bench and ordered to the dressing room for the remainder of the game by the referee through the captain or alternate captain. The referee shall report the incident in full detail the the President, who may assess suspension penalties.
    4. If the referee is unable to identify the person responsible for the use of obscene, profane or abusive language, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed the offending team.
    5. A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct will be assessed any player:
      1. Using obscene, profane or abusive language on the rink that was not directed at a specific person (See also Rule 45a(l).
      2. Showing disrespect towards any referee or game official in any degree less than what would incur a misconduct penalty.
    6. A misconduct penalty shall be assessed any player who, after one warning by the referee, persists in any course of conduct (including threatening and abusive language or gestures or similar actions) designed to incite an opponent into incurring a penalty.
    7. A misconduct penalty shall be assessed any player or players who, except for taking their positions on the penalty bench, enter or remain in the referee's crease while the referee is reporting to or consulting with any game official including the timekeeper or official scorer.
    8. A bench minor penalty shall be assessed against the offending team if any player, manager, coach or trainer throws anything on the playing surface.
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  1. Adjustment of Equipment

    1. A minor penalty shall be assessed any player who delays the game for adjustment of any equipment or for the changing of sticks at the player's bench.
    2. The responsibility or obligation, or both, for maintaining equipment in proper condition shall be upon the player. If adjustments are required, the player must leave the playing surface and play shall continue uninterrupted using a substitute.
    3. A goaltender may not delay the game to adjust his equipment during a stoppage of play. For a violation of this rule by a goaltender, a minor penalty shall be assessed.

  1. Attempt to Injure

    1. A match penalty shall be assessed any player who deliberately attempts to injure an opponent, official, coach, manager, trainer or spectator in any manner.
    2. Any player using his stick as a weapon in an altercation or a fight or attempting to kick an opponent, shall be considered as "deliberately attempting to injure" and shall be assessed a match penalty.
    3. A substitute for the penalized player shall be permitted after the time of a major penaltyhas been served. The substitute must take his place on the penalty bench when the penalty is assessed and cannot return to the playing surface until there is a stoppage of play.
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  1. Broken Stick (See also Rule 8a)

    1. A player without a stick may participate in the game. A player whose stick has broken may participate in the game provided he drops the broken portion to the playing surface immediately. A minor penalty shall be assessed for any infraction of this rule.
    2. A player whose stick is broken may only receive another stick personally from his players' bench and may not receive a stick thrown on the playing surface from any part of the rink. A minor penalty shall be assessed for any infraction of this rule.
    3. A goaltender may continue may continue to play with a broken stick until a stoppage of play or until he is legally provided with a stick.
    4. A goaltender may receive a stick from a teammate without proceeding to his player's bench.

      A broken stick is one which, in the opinion of the referee is unfit for normal play.

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  1. Boarding

    1. A minor or major penalty, at the discretion of the referee, based upon the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be assessed any player who body checks, cross checks, elbows, charges or trips an opponent in such a manner that the opponent is thrown violently into the boards. A player standing his own ground along the boards where he is trying to go through too small an opening is not boarding.
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  1. Bodychecking and Charging

    1. A minor or major penalty at the discretion of the referee shall be assessed any player who bodychecks an opponent.
    2. The definition of bodychecking is when a player uses his body to BUMP an opponent out of position by using his shoulder or hips.
    3. A minor penalty shall be assessed any player who runs or jumps into or charges an opponent. A goaltender is not fair game just because he is outside the goal crease area. A penalty for interference, checking or charging (minor or major) should be called in every case where an opposing player makes unnecessary contact with a goaltender.

    Note: Likewise referees should be alert to penalize goaltenders for tripping, slashing, or spearing in the vicinity of the goal.

    1. A major penalty shall be assessed any player who jumps at or charges an opponent from behind, charges a goaltender while the goaltender is within his crease or who injures an opponent as a result of a charge.
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  1. Crosschecking

    1. A minor or major penalty, at the discretion of the referee, shall be assessed any player who cross checks an opponent.
    2. A major penalty shall be assessed any player who cross checks a goaltender while he is in his crease or who injures an opponent as the result of a cross check.
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  1. Elbowing and Kneeing

    1. A minor penalty shall be assessed any player who fouls an opponent in any manner with his elbow or knee.
    2. A major penalty shall be assessed any player who injures an opponent by elbowing or kneeing.
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  1. Deliberate Injury

    1. A match penalty shall be assessed any player who deliberately injures or kicks an opponent, official, manager, coach, trainer or spectator in any manner.
    2. It shall be necessary to place a substitute on the penalty bench when the penalty is assessed to take the place of the penalized player and the substitute player shall not return to the playing surface until a double major has been served.
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  1. Stepping on the Ball

    1. Any player except the goaltender who intentionally steps on the ball and holds it under his foot for more than 2 seconds shall be given a minor penalty for delay of game. This rule does not apply when two opposing players are "digging" for possession in the corners or along the boards.

      When opposing players are both stepping on the ball in digging to gain possession, Rule 42a,b applies.

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  1. Face-offs

    1. A face-off shall take place by the referee dropping the ball between the sticks of the players facing-off. The ball must hit the surface before either player makes contact with the ball. Neither player may contact his opponent's body in any way until the face-off is completed. The players taking the face-off shall stand squarely facing their opponents end of the rink approximately one stick length apart with the full blade of their sticks flat on the playing surface and entirely clear of the place where the ball is to be dropped. All other players on both teams must be at least 12 feet away from the player taking the face-off and they must be on-side.

      If a violation of this rule occurs, the referee shall order another face-off.

      Note: If, after a warning by the referee either of the players fails to take his proper position for the face-off promptly, the official shall be entitled to face-off the ball even though only one player is in position.

    2. Any player taking a face-off who, in the referee's opinion intentionally causes the ball to go out of the rink on the face-off , shall be waived from the next face-off .
    3. If a player facing-off fails to take his proper position immediately when directed by the referee, the referee may order him replaced for that faceoff by any other player on the playing surface.
    4. When an infringement of a rule has been committed or a stoppage of play has been caused by any attacking player in their attacking zone, the ensuing face-off shall be in the defensive zone at the nearest face-off spot. This includes stoppage of play caused by a player of attacking side shooting the ball onto the back of the defending team's net without any intervening action by the defending team.
    5. When an infringement of any rule has been committed by the players of both teams, the ensuing face-off shall be at the place where stoppage occurred, unless otherwise stated in the rules.
    6. When a stoppage of play occurs between the end face-off spots and the nearest end of the rink the face-off shall be at the nearest end face-off spot, unless otherwise stated in the rules.
    7. No face-off shall be made within 20 feet of the side boards.
    8. When a goal is illegally scored as a result of the ball being deflected off the referee directly into the net, the face-off position will be at either end face-off spot where the ball went into the net.
    9. When play is stopped for any reason not specifically covered in the Official Rules, the ball shall be faced-off where it was last played.
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  1. Falling on the Ball

    1. A minor penalty shall be assessed any player except a goaltender who deliberately falls on or gathers the ball into his body by any means, while standing or lying on the playing surface.

      Note: This rule shall be interpreted so that a penalty shot will be awarded only when the ball is in the crease at the instant the play is stopped.

    2. A minor penalty shall be assessed when any goaltender who deliberately falls on or gathers the ball into his body or holds or places the ball against any part of the goal or the boards when the ball is behind the goal line and the goaltender's body is entirely behind his goal line.
    3. A penalty shot shall be awarded against the offending team when a defending player (except the goaltender) deliberately falls on the ball, holds or gathers the ball onto his body, in any manner, or picks up the ball with his hand, while the ball is within the goal crease. No other penalty shall be assessed.

      Note: If the goaltender has been removed, he may return to the playing surface for the penalty shot.

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  1. Roughing

    1. A minor penalty will be assessed any player or players who, in the opinion of the referee, act unduly aggressive, short of actual fighting. A referee shall do his utmost to be quick on these calls thereby avoiding the more serious fighting infraction.
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  1. Fighting

    1. A major penalty shall be assessed any player who starts a fight.
    2. A minor penalty shall be assessed any player who, having been struck, shall retaliate with a blow or attempted blow. If such a player continues the altercation, the referee may assess a major penalty.
    3. A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed any player involved in a fight off the playing surface or with another player who is off the playing surface.
    4. Any player joining in a fight, acting as a peacemaker or taking part in another fight, during the same stoppage of play, will be assessed a game misconduct penalty.
    5. A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed in the case of Rule 58 for all players in all classifications of Dekhockey.
    6. Any player, who following a fight or altercation in which he has been involved and same has been broken up and he has been penalized, fails to proceed directly and immediately to the penalty bench or causes any delay by returning for his equipment (gloves, stick, etc. shall be delivered to his at the penalty bench by his teammates on the playing surface at the time of infraction) shall receive a bench minor.
    7. The referee is provided very wide latitude in the penalties which he may impose under this rule. This is done intentionally to enable him to differentiate between the obvious degrees of responsibility of the participants whether for starting the fighting or persisting in continuing the fighting. The discretion provided should be exercised realistically.
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  1. Gross Misconduct

    1. A Gross Misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player, coach or manager for any of the following: attack or threat to an official, intentional damage to the playing surface (facility) or to an opponent's equipment, hair-pulling, biting or spitting. Such persons shall be ejected from the remainder of the game.
    2. If a player so dismissed is taking part in the game, he shall be charged with a game misconduct penaltyand a substitute shall be permitted immediately.
    3. The referee shall submit full details surrounding the violation to the President of the league who may assess further suspensions.
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  1. Handling Ball with Hands

    1. Play shall immediately be stopped and a minor penalty assessed any player except the goaltender who closes his hands on the ball.
    2. A minor penalty shall be assessed a goaltender who:
      1. deliberately holds the ball in any manner which, in the opinion of the referee, causes an unnecessary stoppage in play.
      2. throws the ball towards his opponent's goal.
      3. deliberately drops the ball into his pads or onto the goal net.
      4. deliberately piles up snow or other obstacles near his net which, in the referee's opinion would tend to prevent a goal being scored.

        Note: Where the ball is thrown toward the opponent's goal by the goaltender and it is received by an opponent, the referee shall allow the resulting play to be completed and if a goal is scored by the non-offending team it shall be allowed and no penalty assessed. However, if a goal is not scored, play shall be stopped when the offending team gains possession of the ball, and a minor penalty shall be assessed against the goaltender.

    3. A minor penalty shall be assessed any player who, while play is in progress, bats the ball upward with his hand more than once consecutively. (DOUBLE TAP)
    4. Any player, except the goalie, who picks up the ball from the playing surface will receive a delay of game penalty. If a player of the defending team (except the goaltender) picks up the ball from the playing surface while it is in his team's goal crease, the play shall be stopped and a penalty shot awarded to the non-offending team.
    5. A player shall be permitted to stop or bat the ball in the air with his open hand (except as in "c"), or push the ball along the surface and play shall not be stopped unless a teammate plays the ball first. (The referee must feel that the directing of the ball to a teammate was deliberate.) In this case, play shall be stopped and the face-off shal be at the spot were the offense originated.
    6. The ball may not be batted with the hand directly into the goal or at the goaltender at any time. Play will be stopped immediately. A goal shall be allowed when the ball has been legally batted and is deflected into the goal by a defending player.
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  1. High Sticks

    1. The carrying of sticks above the normal height of the shoulders is prohibited, and a minor penaltymay be assessed any player violating this rule.

      Note-A penalty for high-sticking shall NOT be assessed when a player raises his stick under the assumption that his team has just scored a goal or while he is in the act of shooting.

    2. A goal scored from a high stick shall not be allowed, except by a player of the defending team.
    3. When a player carries or holds any part of his stick above the height of his shoulders so that injury to the face or head of an opponent results, the referee shall have no alternative but to assess a major penalty on the offending player.
    4. Batting the ball above the normal height of the shoulders with the stick is prohibited, and when it occurs play shall be stopped, a minor penalty will be assessed and the ensuing face-off shall be at the spot where theoffense occurred unless:
      1. The defending player in his own defending zone shall bat the ball to an opponent, in which case, the play shall continue until the defending team gains possession.
      2. A player of the defending side shall bat the ball into his own goal, in which case the goal shall be allowed and the penalty shall be waived.
    5. If either team is below the numerical strength of its opponents and a player of the team with the greater numerical strength causes a stoppage of play by striking the ball with his stick held above the height of his shoulder, the resulting face-off shall be at either end face-off spot of the defending zone of the team causing the stoppage of play.

      Note: Below numerical strength means a team is short via penalty and/or the opposing team has pulled their goalie for an extra forward attacker

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  1. Holding

    1. A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who holds an opponent with hands or stick or in any other way.
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  1. Hooking or Hacking

    1. A minor penalty shall be assessed any player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by "hooking" with his stick.
    2. A major penalty shall be assessed any player who injures an opponent by "hooking" or "hacking".
    3. A player may not try to impede another playe's progress by continually hacking at his body with his stick.

      Note: When a player is checking another in such a way that there is only stick-to-stick contact, such action is not either holding or hooking.

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  1. Pushing

    1. Any player who deliberately uses his hands to push an opponent during play shall be assessed a minor penalty.
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  1. Kicking the Ball

    1. Kicking the ball shall be permitted in all zones. A goal may not be scored by an attacking player kicking the ball into the net except if the attacking player kicks the ball and it is deflected into the goal by any defending player except the goaltender.
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  1. Interference

    1. A minor penalty for interference shall be assessed any player who:
      1. interferes with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the ball.
      2. deliberately knocks a stick out of an opponent's hand.
      3. prevents an opponent who has lost or dropped his stick from regaining possession of it.

        Note: The last player to touch the ball (other than the goaltender) shall be considered the player in possession. In interpreting this rule, the referee should make sure which of the players is the one creating the interference; often it is the action and movement of the attacking player which causes the interference since the defending players are entitled to stand their ground or "shadow" the attacking players. Players of the side in possession of the ball shall not be allowed to run deliberate interference for the ball carrier.

    2. Unless the ball is in the goal crease, a minor penalty shall be assessed any player who, by means of his stick or body, interferes with or impedes the movements of a goaltender by actual contact, while the goaltender is within his goal crease area.

      Note: Actual contact means that the goaltender is touched by the attacking player's stick or body.

    3. If the ball enters the net while an attacking player is within the goal crease after having been or while being physically interfered with by any defending player, the goal shall be allowed.
    4. If, while on the player's bench or penalty bench, a player throws any article on the playing surface, molests or interferes with opposing players or officials in any way, he shall receive a game misconduct penalty. The incident shall be reported to the President by the referee for further action.
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  1. Interference by Spectators

    1. The referee shall stop play if a player is being held or interfered with by a spectator unless that player's team is in possession of the ball and in a scoring position at the time, in this case, play shall be allowed to be completed before the stoppage.
    2. The referee shall stop play if any objects are thrown on the playing surface which interferes with the progress of the play. When play resumes, the face-off shall be where the stoppage took place, unless otherwise stated in the Official Rules.
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  1. Golf Shot

    1. A player may not swing his stick at the ball in a "golfing" fashion with one hand or with both hands on the stick within 4 inches of each other. A minor penalty is assigned for this infraction.
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  1. Lobbing the Ball

    1. A defensive player cannot deliberately lob the ball with his stick high over the reach of opposing players whereby, in flight, the ball carries across both the clearing line and the center line. The referee will call a face-off deep in the zone for this infraction.
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  1. Slashing

    1. A minor or major penalty, at the discretion of the referee, shall be assessed any player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by "slashing" with his stick.
    2. Injury to an opponent by slashing an opponent shall incur a major penalty.
    3. A slashing penalty shall be assessed any player who swings his stick at an opponent (whether in or out of range) without actually striking him or when on the pretext of playing the ball, makes a wild swing at the ball with the object of intimidating his opponent.
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  1. Spearing or Butt-Ending

    1. A match penalty shall be assessed any player who spears or butt-ends an opponent.

      Note: "Spearing" shall mean the act of poking an opponent with the point of the blade of the stick while holding the stick in one hand or both hands.

      Note: Attempt to "spear " or "butt-end" shall include all cases where a "spearing" or butt-ending" gestures is made, regardless whether body contact is made or not.

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  1. Throwing Stick

    1. When any player of the defending team, including the goaltender, deliberately throws his stick or any part thereof, or any other object at the ball in the defending zone, the referee shall allow the play to be completed and if a goal is not scored, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the attacking team. If a goal is scored the penalty shot shall not be awarded.
    2. A double-minor penalty shall be assessed any player who deliberately throws his stick or any part thereof, or any other object in any zone, except when such act had been penalized by the award of a penalty shot or a goal.

      Note: When a player discards the broken portion of a stick by tossing it to the side of the rink (not over the boards) in such a way so that is does not interfere with play or opposing players, no penalty shall be assessed.

    3. A misconduct penalty shall be assessed any player who deliberately throws a stick or any part thereof or any object outside the playing area.
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  1. Tripping

    1. A minor penalty or major penalty shall be assessed any player who shall place his stick, knee, foot, arm, hand or elbow in such a manner that causes his opponent to trip or fall.

      Note: A penalty shall not be assessed if in the referee's opinion a player is unquestionably hook-checking the ball and obtains possession of it thereby tripping the ball carrier.

    2. A player may not slide on his knees or otherwise roll into an opponent thereby causing the opponent to trip or fall.
    3. When a player in control of the ball, in the attacking zone, is tripped or otherwise fouled and thus prevented from having a clear shot on goal, having no other to pass than the goaltender, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. Nevertheless, the referee shall not stop play until the attacking team has lost control of the ball to the defending team.

      Note: "Control of the ball" shall mean the act of propelling the ball with the stick. If, while it is being propelled, the ball shall touch the person, stick or shoe of another player or should hit the goal post or go free, the player shall be deemed no longer in control. The intention of this rule is to restore a good scoring opportunity which has been lost by reason of the foul, and therefore, where there is no reasonable scoring chance lost by reason of a foul a penalty shot should not be awarded.

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  1. Goals and Assists

    1. A goal shall be scored when the ball has legally passed between the goal posts below the cross bar and completely across the goal line.
    2. A goal shall be scored if the ball is put into the goal in any manner by a player of the defending team. The player of the attacking team who last played the ball shall be credited with the goal, but no assist shall be given.
    3. If an attacking player kicks the ball and it is deflected into the goal by a defending player, except the goaltender, the goal shall be allowed. The player who kicked the ball shall be credited with the goal, but no assists shall be given.
    4. If the shot of an attacking player has been deflected into the goal by striking the stick, shoe or any part of the body of an attacking player, the goal shall be allowed and the player off whom the ball deflected shall be credited with the goal and the player making the shot will be credited with the assist.

      The goal shall not be allowed if the ball has been kicked, thrown or otherwise deliberately directed into the goal by any means other than a stick.

    5. If a goal is scored as the result of a ball deflected directly into the goal off the person or shoe of an official, the goal shall not be allowed.
    6. Unless the ball is in the area bounded by the goal crease, an attacking player who is not in possession of the ball shall not stand in the goal crease, on the goal line or hold his stick in the goal crease. If a goal is scored while such conditions prevail, it shall be disallowed and the resulting face-off shall be at the nearest face-off spot in the defensive zone.
    7. Should a player propel the ball into the goal crease of the opposing team and the ball becomes loose and available to an attacking player, the ball shall be considered in the crease legally and any goal scored on this play shall be a legal goal.
    8. Each goal and assist shall count one point on the scoring records. Not more than two assists shall be credited on any one goal.
    9. An assist shall be credited to the player or players (no More than two) having touched the ball without the opposition having control prior to the goal being scored.
    10. For the purpose of recordkeeping only, the scorer shall consider any shot made that had the potential, or possibility of going into the goal a 'shot on goal'. A shot made outside of the goal area or goal crease, or hitting any of the goal posts and not going in, shall not be considered a 'shot on goal'. Any shot taken from beyond a player's own clearing line will not be considered a 'shot on goal' unless a goal is scored.
    11. Any goal scored, other than as covered by the Official Rules. shall not be allowed.
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  1. Offside

    1. Players of the offensive team must not precede the ball into the offensive zone. The position of the player's feet and not that of his stick shall be the determining factor in all instances in deciding an "offside". A player is "offside" when both feet are completely over the outer edge of the centerline. If a pass deflects off a defensive player, his feet or his stick, causing an offensive player to precede the ball into the offensive zone, the offside shall apply.

      Note 1: A player is "onside" when either of his feet are in physical contact with, or on his own side of the line at the instant the ball completely crosses the outer edge of that line regardless of the position of his stick

      Note 2: It should be noted that while the position of the player's feet is what determines whether a player is offside, the question of an offside never arises until the ball has completely crossed the outer edge of the centerline at which the deasion is to be made.

    2. For violation of this rule, play shall be stopped and the face-off shall be in the defensive zone of the offending team nearest the centerline at the point where the ball crossed the centerline.
    3. Even though a member of the offensive team shall have preceded the ball into the offensive zone, the off-side shall be ignored and play permitted to continue if the ball has been clearly intercepted by a member of the defending team and is passed or carried by the defending team into the other zone.

      Note: Referees should be careful not to blow the whistle too soon on this play

    4. If a player legally carries or passes the ball from the offensive zone back into his own defending zone while a player of the opposing team is in such defending zone, the off-side shall be ignored and play permitted to continue.
    5. If, in the opinion of the referee an intentional offside play has been made, the ball shall be faced-off at the end face-off spot in the defending zone of the offending team.

      Note: This rule does not apply to a team below the numerical strength of its opponents. In such cases the ball shall be faced-off at the spot from which the pass was started.

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  1. Ball Out of Sight and Illegal Ball

    1. Should a scramble take place or a player accidentally fall on the ball causing the referee to lose sight of the ball, play shall be stopped immediately. The resulting face-off shall be at the nearest face-off spot.
    2. If at any time while play is in progress, a ball other that the one legally in play appears on the playing surface, the play shall not be stopped, but shall continue with the legal ball until the play then in progress is completed.
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  1. Ball Striking Official

    1. Play shall not be stopped if the ball touches an official anywhere on the playing surface, except when the ball is deflected directly off an official into the goal or out of the playing area.
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  1. Start of Game and Periods

    1. The game shall be commenced at the time scheduled by a face-off in the center of the rink. It shall be renewed promptly at the conclusion of each intermission in the same manner. No delay shall be permitted by reason of any ceremony, exhibition, demonstration or presentation unless consented to reasonably in advance by the visiting team.
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  1. Time of Game

    1. The regulation time of a game of Dekhockey played in a rink is three 10 minute periods for a total of 30 minutes actual playing time.
    2. The time can be varied by agreement of an association of league or tournament officers whereby three 12 minute periods or three 15 minute periods would be a complete game. Once the league or tournament adopts this variation in time, it must remain for all games during the season or tournament except for the play-offs or the final game in a tournament.
    3. The time of the intermissions between each period may vary from 1 minute to 3 minutes. This is decided upon by the league or tournament officers before the season or tournament play begins and is maintained for the duration of the season or tournament.
    4. The team scoring the greatest number of goals during the three periods shall be the winner and shall be credited with two points in the league standing.
    5. Goals shall be changed after the completion of each period and each overtime period.
    6. If any unusual delay occurs before the end of the first or second periods, the referee may order the next regular intermission to be taken immediately. The balance of the period will be completed on the resumption of play with the teams defending the same goals, after which the teams will change ends and resume play of the ensuing period without delay.
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  1. Tied Game

    1. If, at the end of three regulation periods the score is tied, the game ends, then there will be one period of "sudden victory" overtime. The overtime period will be 5 minutes of running time. As soon as one of the teams score a goal the game will be over. If at the end of the overtime period there is no goal scored, a shoot-out will follow to determine a winner. One point is credited to the team that loses the shootout, in the standings.
    2. If, as in playoffs or tournament play, a winner is necessary or desirable, the following shall take place:
      1. A regular intermission after which the teams shall change ends
      2. The ball shall be faced-off and play shall continue until one team scores. The length of this "sudden victory" overtime period shall be that of a regulation period.
      3. If neither team scores in the overtime period, a regulation rest period will be allowed after which additional overtime periods will be repeated until one team scores.
    3. Any overtime period shall be considered part of the game and all unexpired penalties shall remain in force.
    4. If either team declines to play in the necessary overtime period or periods the game shall be declared a loss for that team.
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  1. Refusing to Start Play

    1. If a team is withdrawn from the playing surface and fails to go on the playing surface and start play, or if being on the playing surface fails to start play within 2 minutes after being ordered to do so by the referee the game or series shall be forfeited to the opposing team.
    2. If a team is withdrawn or fails to go on the playing surface, or being on the playing surface fails to start play a second time within the same game after being ordered to do so by the referee, the 2 minute allowance shall not be granted and the referee shall immediately declare the game forfeited to the opposing team.

      Note: Should the offending team be on the playing surface, the order shall be given by the referee in person. If the offending team is not on the playing surface, the timekeeper, on the instruction of the referee, will convey the order to the offending team. The order may be given to any player, coach, manager, or trainer of the offending team.

    3. If a team fails to present itself at the time and place appointed to play any game, the game shall be awarded to the opposing team, unless such failure is caused by an unavoidable accident or an unforeseen contingency.
    4. A manager, coach or trainer who refuses to leave the bench and retire to the dressing room within 2 minutes of being ordered to do so by the referee, shall be given a game misconduct.
    5. The beginning of the 2 minute warning and the reason for such warning shall be announced by the timekeeper so that everyone, including the spectators shall know.
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  1. Foul Weather

    1. In inter-city play the home team shall decide whether or not to start a game during foul weather. In league play, the referees shall decide. Once the game has started, only the referees have the authority to stop or postpone the game. Postponed games in progress will be played on an agreed date in the future, starting from the time the stoppage occurred, with the same score, to its conclusion.
    2. Dekhockey games are played in light rain but not in heavy rain or snow.
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