FALL/WINTER RULES

Fall/Winter League Rules

Games for all youth will be 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 depending on age group and potentially attendance for each game day.

 

U5/U7/U9: 4-on-4

U11/U13/U15/U18: 3-on3

 

Line Changes: Line changes for U5 and U7 age groups will be indicated through a buzzer. All other age groups will be changing on the fly throughout the game.

Ball Out of Playing Surface: The last team to touch the ball will lose possession if the ball goes out of the playing surface. The ball will be given to the other team behind their net to resume play. 

Goal Limits: The goal limit for kids will be 5. Kids will be expected to pass the ball for the remainder of the game, and any goals scored by a player who has already scored 5 will not count on the game sheet.

Goalie Covering the Ball: After the goalie covers the ball he/she will be expected to pass the ball to a player behind the net before continuing to play. Opposing teams must give the player 2 stick lengths to make a play from behind the net. Once the player makes forward motion the opposing player is able to attack.

Goals: There will be a faceoff at center after each goal.

Ties: If at the end of a regular season game the score is tied there will be a shootout to determine the winner. During playoffs, there will continuous overtime until a goal is scored.

Game Lengths: For U5 and U7 there will be 15 minutes to do some skills/drills followed by two 20-minute run time periods of gameplay. As the season goes on, we will adjust the practice and game times based on coaches feedback. For all other age groups, there will be a 4-minute warmup followed by two 25-minute run time periods.

Handshake: Players and coaches will be expected to line up and do a handshake at the end of each game.

Sub Players: There will be no sub players for this season unless authorized by the league President. No teams should be bringing subs from other teams or elsewhere unless they are under 6 runners. Players are allowed to sub up age groups, but never down.

Rosters: The league maintains the right to make trades thorughout the season if changes need to be made to even out teams. After each team has played each other once the league will look at any potential changes that need to be made and discuss with the coaches.

Jerseys: Players are expected to bring their shirts for the games. The league may not always have extra pinnies with the proper colours for backup.

Goalies: Teams must have a goalie ready for the start of each game. Goalies are not permitted to switch at halftime unless they are already dressed and ready to go. The game will not be delayed for goalies to switch in and out of gear. If a team does not have a designated goalie, they are expected to take turns each game.

Penalties: All penalties in fall/winter season will be penalty shots. Any infractions that would typically be a 4-minute penalty will be 2 shots (slashing to the body, cross-checking, high sticking).

Three Penalty Rule: A player receiving 3 penalties in a single game will be automatically removed from the remainder of that game.

Penalty Shots: After a penalty shot is completed, a good goal will result in a faceoff. In the situation where no goal is scored, the ball will be placed behind the defending teams net, and play will resume.

Player Safety: The SGBHL maintains the right to suspend any players from the league to maintain player safety. The league will look into any incidents to decide suspensions or complete removal from the season. All incidents will looked at on a case-to-case basis.

Parents/Spectators: We love that the parents in the SGBHL are easily some of the most passionate when it comes to cheering on the kids, but we need to ensure that we are also being respectful and mindful of everyone involved. There is zero tolerance for any abusive language to referees, timekeepers, SGBHL staff, the kids, or any other parents/spectators. Those who cannot abide by these guidelines and expectations may be banned from the games and not allowed within the venue. Please keep in mind when watching the games that there is potential for balls to be shot/deflected off the playing surface and into the viewing area.

The Pavilion: We have been given an awesome opportunity to use this brand new facility for our league and we want to make sure that we show our appreciation by cleaning up after ourselves and respecting the staff/building. Please do no not wander anywhere within the building outside of the main lobby and the main room. Keep the washrooms tidey, and if you have other kids coming that aren't playing in the games, please keep an eye on them.

Equipment: The mandatory equipment must be followed for all players before stepping onto the floor. All players playing in the SGBHL MUST have:

  • helmets with a cage
  • gloves (hockey/ball hockey/lacrosse)
  • shin pads (soccer/ball hockey/ice hockey)
  • a proper hockey stick (any stick is fined EXCEPT the scoop style)

The league does have some backup gear if need be, but it is not 100% guaranteed that we will have the size needed.

Goalie Gear: The league does provide lots of gear for everyone to use if need be, but we cannot guarantee proper sizes for all kids. This gear is for kids to use and return when finished. Unfortunately , we have lost numerous pieces of equipment over the years, so please make sure it is returned. All kids playing goalie are expected to use the following:

  • a protective cup/jock
  • helmet with mask/cage
  • blocker/trapper
  • chest protector
  • leg pads
  • goalie pants (required for U9 and up, the league cannot guarantee the will have the proper size for all goalies)

For most rules, the SGBHL will be using the CBHA rulebook for disciplinary measures.

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