ACTION HOCKEY RULES OF PLAY1) TEAM a) A team consists of five (5) players, including the goalkeeper, with a maximum of one (1) substitute. (1) Opposing Team Captains must be advised that a fill-in player is being utilized and their agreement sought prior to the match being played and penalties being applied. (2) A fill-in player of a higher grade will not achieve play-off qualification not constitute part of that team unless determined and agreed upon by Arena Management and opposing Team Captains. a) The game is played in 2 halves, 15 minutes each with a 2 minute break between each half. Sides will change after each third (i.e. change the direction of scoring) at the end of each third. 3) OFFICIALS The Arena shall provide the referee who shall control the game, operate the scoreboard and act as a timekeeper. The referee’s interpretation of the rules shall be final. 4) UNIFORMS i) SHIRTS a) All team members must have matching shirts by the start of the third competition game. ii) DRESS a) No players are permitted onto the court wearing jeans or nonathletic type shoes. 5) EQUIPEMENT Standard hockey equipment must be used at all times 6) TEAMS LATE ON COURT a) The clock is to start at game time. If a team is not ready within 2 minutes then they will be penalized one goal per minute elapsed. A team being ready, means that a team must have a minimum of four (4) players on court. If eight minutes have elapsed the game is then forfeited. It is for this reason that we recommend teams to arrive at least ten minutes prior to the game time. No game shall commence nor any practice balls be issued until both teams have paid their full game fee. b) ARRIVING AFTER HALF-TIME A player is allowed to play in the second half if they haven’t played in the first half as long as their name appears on the team sheet and they have been given the all clear. 7) SCORESHEETS AND SCORE KEEPING If after a game has been completed, a discrepancy is found on the scoresheet, the result would stand as is. The running totals on scoresheet shall be taken as being correct and may be requested or queried at any stage of the game, within reason, by the team captain. 8) COMPETITION POINTS a) The position of each team in the competition shall be determined by the accumulated points awarded, based on the results of the games. The competition points shall be awarded as follows: (1) 4 competition points for a win (2) 2 competition points for a draw (3) One Bonus Point will be awarded for every skin won. b) In the event of a forfeit, the non-forfeiting team shall receive 4 competition points (for the win) plus all administration points awarded (For T-shirts, registration cards etc.)as well as 2 skins. 9) FINALS a) At the end of the competition there will be a finals series for the all teams. To qualify for the finals each player must have played at least one quarter (¼) of the minor round games. 10) BLOOD RULE a) It is the responsibility of the referee to send off any player that is bleeding, including goalkeepers. Players will not be allowed to treat themselves on the court. This rule will be strictly adhered to for health and safety reasons. 11) PENALTIES a) The penalty must be taken in one fluent motion. No run up is allowed. If the referee is not satisfied that this is the case, the penalty will be disallowed and it will become the goalkeepers ball. 12) FREE HITS a) All players must be three feet either side of the ball when a free hit is taken. 1) Illegal tackles 2) Obstruction. Players must not obstruct an opponent who is attempting to play the ball. Players obstruct if they : a) – back into an opponent 3) Pushing 4) Time Wasting 5) The goalkeeper leaving the area. 6) Intentional handball in the attacking area of the court. 7) Goalkeeper holding onto the ball for more than five seconds 8) Goalkeeper making contact with the ball while outside the goal area. 9) An attacking player being intentionally fouled in a clear goal scoring situation. 10) Kicking the ball intentionally 11) Stopping, propelling, picking up, throwing or carrying the ball with any part of the body.. 12) Touching, handling or interfering with other players their sticks or clothing. 13) Intimidating or impeding another player. 14) No HITTING allowed. Players must not hit the ball. Slap’ hitting the ball, which involves a long pushing or sweeping movement with the stick before making contact with the ball, is regarded as hit and is therefore not permitted. 15) Playing the ball with the back of the stick. 16) THE BALL BEING HIGHER THAT THE KNEE AT ANYTIME 17) Playing the ball dangerously or in a way which leads to dangerous play. Players must not lift their stick higher than the knee. 18) Entering the goal area of their opponents. 19) Holding onto the net or support himself while playing the ball. 20) If a player is lying, sitting, kneeling or deemed to be on the ground, he cannot play the ball regardless of whether it was unintentional. This also includes where a player has the ball hit into him while on the ground. 21) A player in possession of or going for the ball may not be put off by an opposing player through the means of yelling or any verbal abuse. 13) CALL ON TIME Only in an event of a penalty goal being awarded on the buzzer blowing to end a half or game will the play be continued. 14) GOALKEEPERS a) The keeper is allowed to reach out of the “D” circle to gain possession of the ball with his stick (either standing, kneeling or lying down) provided no part of his/her body makes contact with the ground outside of the circle while he is in possession of the ball. Such infringement will result in a penalty. 15) SUBSTITUTIONS a) Only 1 player maybe used as a substitute but no restrictions in placed on the amount of substitutions. 16) MISCONDUCT / SUSPENSIONS a) Any swearing, arguing with the Referee, undue rough play, mistreatment of equipment, unduly wasting time may incur a penalty, the severity of which is solely at the discretion of the referee. No warning need precede the penalty. g) Player bookings i) The referee will let all players know when a red card has been issued. Players name must be fill in on scoresheet to be upheld. When being sent off, the offending player will be notified as to when he can return to the field. h) Player Abuse Any personal abuse is a most serious offence under our rules and will subsequently be dealt with extreme severity. Any player heard personally abusing an opponent will be red carded and possibly suspended. i) Behavior For the enjoyment of all, games are expected to be played in a sportsmanlike manner. The Arena reserves the right to dismiss any team or member thereof for threatening, offensive or abusive behaviour. The team shall be held responsible for the action of its members and spectators both on and off the court. 17) ADVANTAGE RULE In the event that the referee believes the team receiving a free hit will receive a distinct advantage by calling play on, the advantage rule will apply. 18) SPIRIT OF THE GAME i) All players should assist the referee who performs an often difficult task to the best of their ability. A rule clarification may be asked for by Team Captain after calling time out, when assistance of management may be requested if necessary. All decisions may be applied and must be taken within the “SPIRIT OF THE GAME”. ii) This standard shall override all rules detailed and total discretionary power shall be left with the Referee for their final decision after taking “THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME” into account. 19) RIGHT OF ADMISSION “Action Sports Arenas reserve the right of admission to all players and spectators at all times. Any player or spectator found guilty of misconduct either on or off the court may be suspended or banned from attendance or participation at any Action Sports Arena”. |