Ballhockey.com has updated our Official Rule Book to Version 13.
The following changes have been made (in bold):
RULE 31 – CROSS CHECKING
- A double-minor (two, two-minute minors) or major penalty shall be assessed to any player who cross checks an opponent.
RULE 62 – HEAD CONTACT
- A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who accidentally contacts an opponent in the head, face, or neck with any part of their body or equipment.
- A double-minor penalty or a major penalty plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee and based on the degree of violence, shall be assessed to any player who intentionally contacts an opponent in the head, face, or neck with any part of their body or equipment.
RULE 56 – SLASHING
A. A minor penalty, or double-minor, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed on any player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by “slashing” with his/her stick.
Rule 62 – GENERAL RULES
G. In youth division, any swearing made towards someone (player, coach, referee) will result in a two-minute minor penalty. If repeated in same game, a 10-minute penalty and game ejection will be assessed. (new rule entry)
SECTION EIGHT – USE OF SPARE PLAYERS
D. In the playoffs, a team is permitted to use one (1) spare goaltender replacement per playoff round. This substitution must be communicated to the league in advance. League Management reserves the right to deny the use of a spare goaltender in exceptional circumstances, including but not limited to situations where the proposed goaltender competes at a substantially higher competitive level.
VIDEO REVIEW FOOTAGE
Video footage recorded during games is primarily intended for entertainment, promotional, and archival purposes. However, in limited circumstances, such footage may be reviewed for disciplinary reasons as outlined below.
Video footage may only be utilized for the sole purpose of reviewing incidents related to on-floor rulings that were made during the game and that may warrant further disciplinary action. Video may not be used to challenge, alter, or revisit calls outside the scope of potential supplemental discipline.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in cases involving serious infractions that may warrant suspension, League Management reserves the right to independently review video evidence, including incidents that were not observed by game officials. This authority is limited to determining whether supplemental discipline is appropriate in response to conduct deemed severely inappropriate or unacceptable. (new rule entry)
PAYMENTS
A. A deposit of $500 must be paid in full prior to the start of Game 1 of the regular season.
B. The remaining team fee must be paid in full prior to the start of Game 5. (new rule entry)
NON-PAYMENT & FORFEITURE
- If the full team fee is not paid by the start of Game 5, the team will automatically forfeit all scheduled games until payment is received.
- If no payment is made and the team willfully forfeits all remaining games, all players on the roster will be suspended indefinitely until the outstanding balance is paid in full. (new rule entry)
RULE 39 – HIGH STICKS
C. In youth divisions, high-sticking is a two-minor minor penalty (regardless of contact or not with the stick).
For a full understanding of Version 13 of our rule book, visit here.
