PTFHL RULES

 PLAYERS:

• Each team shall consist of FIVE players on the floor (including the goalie).
• Each team will be represented by Co-Captains. The Captain's should be the only individuals allowed to discuss infractions and goals related to the rules  
• Any player other than the captains (on the bench or on the floor) whom makes a protest or interferes with play in any way is subject to a penalty.
• Players that have been drafted as a goalie are not allowed to play out as a forward or defence, even if another member from the same team plays net.  Any player that has been drafted as a goalie must play 1 game more than 50% of games in order for his stats to be registered with the league. 
• Players must wear their sponsored jerseys
• Trade Deadline February 1st

FORFEIT:

• Four players are required to avoid a forfeit (3 players and goalie).
• If a team drops below four players from an ejection or injury, they may continue to play only if, in the opinions of the officials, they have a reasonable chance to win the game.
• Teams may sub in a goalie from another team if their goalie is not present for a regular season game.  The goalie must be assigned by the commissioner prior to the game.  In case of an emergency situation, another goalie can fill in on the spot.  A goalie who arrives late, can have the previous goalie play until he gets into the net.
• Forfeit results in 5-0 score

 EQUIPMENT:

 Players MUST use the following:

• Team jersey (If a player does not have their team, the league will supply an extra.  If a shirt is not available, a shirt of the same  colour will be acceptable)
• Plastic stick (Shaft and Blade)
• The stick of choice is the DOM Elite
• Shatter Proof Eye Goggles.  Regular glasses are acceptable.
• Rubber soled shoes

 Players are recommended to wear the following:

 Hockey or Lacrosse gloves

• Shin protectors/guards
• Mouth piece
• Cup

 Goalies MUST WEAR:

• Helmet
• Chest Protector
• Catcher /Baseball Glove
• Any full-length leg covering (jeans, sweat pants, wind breakers, etc.) Where applicable.
• Goalie Pads 

GAME:

Each game will consist of two 20-minute periods with a 10 second break between periods to change sides. The clock will run continuously until the final two minutes of the game, at which point the clock will stop on timeouts (goal differential of three or less only). Teams leading by 5 goals or more cannot call timeout inside 6 mins left in the game.  The losing team can still call timeouts.  Teams will switch goals at the end of each period. Each team will receive one time out per period (30 secs).  A timeout can only be called during a stoppage of play ie goalie cover, puck out of play, penalty or goal).  Play resumes with a pass intended for a teammate.  A face-off will be used to begin a period. Officials may stop play for injuries or extenuating circumstances.  Injuries on the floor, clock time will run for 2 mins before its stopped.  Any player who is deemed injured and causes a stoppage in play, MUST leave the floor and can return after a whistle.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Free substitution is allowed as long as the player on the floor is within one foot of the team's bench. Violation of this rule will result in a 90 second penalty that may be taken by any player on the floor.

NO HIGH STICKING- High sticking is defined as the forward or backward arc of the stick going above the shoulder and making contact with an opposing player.  Follow through is a penalty.

VERBAL ASSAULT- Where a player uses verbal insults against another player on his team or against.  If used in a game, it will result in a penalty.  Based on the severity of the insults, it can result in a disqualification with further disciplinary measures taken by the league.  If the verbal abuse continues outside of the game, it will still be subject to suspension.

NO BODY CHECKING- Contact should be minimal.

Any moderate to heavy contact with the body or stick will be penalized by the referee. Any contact with the intent to harm will warrant the referee to eject the player in question.  Most contact penalties are 90 seconds.  Flagrant contact will result in severe penalty or ejection.  All contact penalties can be review for futher disciplinary action.

NO FIGHTING- Fighting is defined in this league as, any punch thrown (hit or miss) or any shove to the face or head.  Fighting gets a 3 game suspension MINIMUM.

NO BANGING THE NET/CROSSBAR/GOALPOSTS - Smashing the net intentionally will result in a penalty with potential suspension.  Our nets need to be treated with  care as they are not ours and the school allows us to use them.

SCORING:

A goal shall be scored when the entire puck has completely crossed the goal line of the net. The puck may deflect off a player or a piece of equipment but cannot be deliberately kicked or thrown into the goal by means other than the stick. No offensive player’s body may be in the goal crease interfering with the goaltender at anytime.  Contact between the goalie and offensive player (when the goalie is in the crease area) will result in a penalty to the offensive player.  If the offensive player is pushed into the goalie by the defensive player, BOTH players are issued penalties.

NO SHOOTOUTS: 2023/24 games can end in a tie.

Any regular season games which ends in a tie, must be settled by shootout.  Three players are selected to shoot. After this, sudden death shootout to determine winner. No player can shoot twice until all members of the team have shot.  Order is determined by home team.  Players penalized at the end of the game, are still able to take part in the shootout.

 HANDLING THE PUCK AND THE STICK:

o   The goalkeeper may use either hands or stick to clear the puck away from the goal. However, the goalie may not throw the puck. The goalie is not exempt from penalties when they go outside the goal box to play the puck.

o   The puck may be caught by a player and thrown down immediately as long as an advantage is not gained/the puck is not advanced. Hand passes are face offs not penalties when received in the offensive zone.  High sticks that make contact with a puck are blown down if the next player who touches it, is on the same team regardless of zones.

GOAL CREASE:

No offensive player or his stick may be in contact with the goalie.  A player may be in the crease as long as he does not impede the goalie from making a play on the puck.  A player can be in the increase if the puck is in the crease.  No digging.

GAME STOPPAGE:

If the puck goes out of play the team who shot it loses possession of the puck.  After the stoppage, the 1st pass or shot must be in play.  If the puck is shot out of play from the inbound with intent, the puck is returned back to the original spot the shot/pass was taken.  The player will then get a 5 second count to pass or shoot the puck on goal.  The opposing team must give the player 2 feet of distance (approximately stick shaft length). If the opposing team comes closer then two feet, the five second count down will stop and resume once the player moves back but the shooter still can shoot.

o   If the goalie stops the puck in their crease or surrounding area, the whistle is blown.  Their team will have 5 seconds to play the puck forward.  The player must start with both feet behind the line.  The opposing team must not pass the back line during the 5 sec count (If the opposing team moves over the back line, the five second count down will stop until the player is back over the line). Goalies cannot cover the puck behind the black line.  First time is a warning, 2nd is a penalty.

o   If the puck gets caught on the top of the net or is stuck on the back of the net.  Defensive team gets possession.  If the puck hits the ceiling or one of the basketball nets, all these are deemed in play.

FACE-OFF:

o   Face - offs will take place at the nearest face-off area

o   Players must be on their side of the face off dot

 PENALTIES:

 Note: Any player who grabs the opposing team’s players during a scrum is subject to penalty.

REGULAR SEASON:

Any player who receives 9 penalties in a season will automatically be suspended 1 game.  If the 9^th penalty occurs on the last game of the season, the suspension carries over to the next game, playoffs or start of next season. An additional 5 penalties will result in another 1 game suspension and so on.

PLAYOFF PENALTIES:

Any player who receives 4 penalties in a round (series) will automatically be suspended 1 game.  Penalties will not be cumulative.  Each new round (series) will start at zero.  However if a player receives his 4^th penalty in the last game of that round, his suspension will carry over into the next series or 1^st game next season.

Penalties on the goalies may be served by any designated player on the floor at the time of the infraction.

POSSESSION INFRACTIONS:

Possession infractions will now be whistled down and the puck will be placed where that infraction occurred.  Any possession infraction that occurs inside the offensive zone (inside the 3-pt line on the floor) will be placed at the closest mark outside the 3-pt line with the ability to either pass or shoot on goal.  Any player on the floor can take that shot.  Defenders must stand back 2 feet in distance to allow a pass or shot.  Player who is guilty of a possession infraction must leave the floor and can return at next whistle.

Players who were whistled must leave the floor immediately and can get back on the floor after the next live whistle.  Players who abused the ref for the call can be issued a misconduct penalty.  Multiple penalties of this fashion will result in a penalty affecting the team.

PENALTY SHOTS:

• When a penalty shot is being taken, the players on both teams must stand to the sides of the floor behind the center line. The puck shall be placed at the center line. Only one shot allowed - no rebound shots.
• The goalie must remain on the goal line until the puck is touched. The goalie may not throw his stick or glove – a goal shall be scored if he is in violation. If during a penalty shot, any player on the opposing team causes a distraction or interference, a second penalty shot shall be awarded (providing the first attempt was unsuccessful).

EJECTIONS:

If a player receives a flagrant penalty or three minor penalties in one game, they will be ejected from that game. They must leave the floor immediately.  Being forced to leave the gym will depend on the scenario.  Any referee who feels a penalty was severe in nature may eject a player at any time. Fighting will be an automatic ejection and lead to further discipline.  A fight is anyone who shoves or the neck or throws a punch towards the other player.  Missing with a punch will still result in a suspension.

POWER PLAYS:

Power play scenarios will work as follows: "4 on 3" actually refers to 5 players (4 FLOOR players and a goalie) vs. 4 players (3 FLOOR players and a goalie).*

Minor penalties will result in 90 second power plays. Major penalties will result in 3-minute power plays.

If a team commits a minor penalty, the opposing team will receive a 4-on-3 power play. If the same team commits a second penalty while short-handed, the team will receive a 4-on-2 power play and the second penalty starts while the first penalty continues.  Coincidental penalties will be played 4 on 4.  In offsetting penalties, a player will not be allowed on the floor until the play has stopped.

GOALIE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Regular Season - The week off goalie will be asked 1st, followed by the goalies of the week.  If multiple goalies are available, the commissioner will determine the weaker of the 2 goalies to play.

Playoff Season  - There will be 1 goalie designated by the league to serve as a backup.  If the goalie is required by both teams, the goalie will not play a goal and a player from the roster must play in net.

FINAL STANDINGS/TIEBREAKERS:

All standings are taken from the website.  In the case of 2 or more teams with identical Points, the following tiebreakers will be put into place by this order:

Points

Percentage

Head to Head

Wins in Regulation

Goals for vs Goals Against differential

In the event there is a 3 way tie, we will follow the list of tiebreakers until we find the winners.