IRON RINGER BALL HOCKEY LEAGUE

Rules

Iron Ringer Ball Hockey League Rule Book

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Player Eligibility
  3. Equipment Guidelines
  4. Game Structure
  5. Gameplay Rules
  6. Penalties and Infractions
  7. Officials and Their Roles
  8. League Standings and Playoffs
  9. Protests and Disputes
  10. Amendments and Updates

1. Introduction

The Iron Ringer Ball Hockey League is committed to fostering a safe, competitive, and enjoyable environment for players of all skill levels. This rule book establishes the framework for fair play and sportsmanship.

2. Player Eligibility

  • All players must register with the league and pay the required fees before participating.
  • Age and division requirements:
    • Men’s Division: 18+
    • Women’s Division: 18+
    • Coed Division: 18+ (minimum two female player on the court at all times).
    • 30+ Division: Players must be 30 years or older, players turning 30 in the season that is being played will be accepted.
    • 16+ Will be allowed on Men’s, Women’s, & Coed teams with Parental approval.
    • All leagues will be played 4vs4.
  • No players shall be added to any roster after the third game is complete (excluding substitute goalies).
  • Substitute players after the 3rd game must be used from teams within the league. No substitutes will be allowed in the playoffs with the exception of goalies.

3. Equipment Guidelines

Mandatory Equipment

  • CSA-approved helmet with full cage for any player under the age of 18.
  • Gloves (hockey or ball hockey-specific).
  • Stick (non-modified, safe for play) Referee’s will determine.
  • Non-slip athletic footwear (cleats and skates are not allowed).

Recommended Equipment

  • Shin guards.
  • Mouthguard.
  • Jock/Jill strap.

Goaltender Equipment

  • Full protective gear, including a helmet with a cage, leg pads, chest protector, blocker, and catcher.

4. Game Structure

  • Match Duration: Three 10-minute periods with stop time. The clock will run continuously if the score is +5 goals for the leading team. (Clock will stop if an injury occurs with in this time frame)
  • Timeouts: Each team is allowed one 30-second timeout per game.
  • Overtime Rules:
    • Regular season: Will end in a tie
    • Playoffs: 5-minute run time. Then to a shoot out.

5. Gameplay Rules

Starting the Game

  • A faceoff at center court starts the game. All other stoppages of play will be held in accordance with the referee’s direction.

Ball in Play

  • The ball remains in play unless it:
    • Leaves the playing area.
    • Is frozen by the goaltender.
    • Officials stop play.

Scoring

  • A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line.
  • Goals resulting from illegal actions (e.g., high stick) are disallowed.
  • Coed: a female has to have played the ball in the sequence in the scoring drive. (Only exception to this rule is goalies my score with out a female touching the ball.)

Offside

  • Players must not enter the offensive zone ahead of the ball. Offside results in a face off in the offending sides zone.
  • Red line is considered the offside line

Icing

  • There is no icing 

6. Penalties and Infractions

Minor Penalties

  • Tripping, hooking, cross checking, roughing, holding, high sticking (double minor if blood is drawn) (5 & game if done deliberate), elbowing, checking, charging (double minor), holding the stick, playing with a broken stick, interference, slashing, kneeing, unsportsmanlike conduct (minor), falling on the ball, diving/embellishment, to many men, and delay of game.

Major Penalties (5 minutes)

  • Fighting (will also be ejected from the game and face suspension), check from behind, deliberate attempt to injure, butt ending, leaving the bench during altercation.

Penalty Shot

  • Awarded when player has a clear breakaway path and is impeded with some form of contact that is against the rules

Misconduct Penalties (10 minutes)

  • Excessive arguing with officials or unsportsmanlike conduct.

Game Misconduct

  • Immediate ejection for severe infractions (e.g., physical altercations, abuse of officials, Use of racist or derogatory words).
  • Player accumulating six minutes in penalties in a game will be ejected.

Suspension Policy

  • Players who have Game Misconduct penalties will have league look into possible suspensions.
  • Players With fighting majors will possibly be suspended minimum of 3 games.   
  • Repeat offenders may face additional suspensions or expulsion at the league’s discretion.

7. Officials and Their Roles

  • Referees: Responsible for enforcing the rules, starting play, and issuing penalties.
  • Scorekeeper: Tracks goals, penalties, and game time.
  • League Officials: Handle disputes, protests, and disciplinary actions.

8. League Standings and Playoffs

  • Regular Season Standings: Determined by points (Win = 2, Tie = 1, Loss = 0).
  • Tiebreakers: Head-to-head results, goal differential, and goals scored.
  • Playoffs: All teams qualify; seeding is based on standings. Playoffs will be single game elimination.

9. Protests and Disputes

  • All protests must be submitted in writing within 24 hours of the game.
  • The league’s disciplinary committee will review and issue a decision within 48 hours. Decisions are final.

10. Amendments and Updates

  • The league reserves the right to update the rule book at any time. Changes will be communicated to all participants via email and the league website.

Contact Information

For questions or clarification on the rules:
Iron Ringer Ball Hockey League Coordinator
Email: Simcoeballhockey@gmail.com
Phone: 416-838-7231