Player transactions must be approved by all team captains.

1. A team may only play two level 1 ranked players on the floor at the same time. A level 1 or 2 ranked player can be considered a level 3, only if he/she tapes the stick (or uses a bracket or stick mount) to their chair (See player classifications in Section IX of the Rulebook).
2. A level 3 ranked player must be on the floor at all times, playing a forward or defensive position.
3. Goaltenders cannot be a level 1. A goaltender can be played by a level 2 or level.

A team may make line changes (change players) at any time during the game. The player(s) coming into the game cannot come on the court until the player he/she is replacing is next to the team bench.

The game will begin with a face-off at the center face-off circle. The referee will place the ball at the center of the circle and blow the whistle to start play. After each period, teams (goaltenders) will change ends. In overtime, teams will remain on the end in which they began the third period. Each period will begin the same as the start of the game. After a goal has been scored, play will resume with a face-off at the center face-off circle.

A face-off will be called by the referee if the ball becomes unplayable by rolling under a player's wheelchair, into a team's bench area, scorekeepers/timekeepers area, or into an unplayable area such as a hallway or bleachers. Players (except goaltenders) must attempt to move off the ball or play the ball, or risk getting a delay of game penalty (See minor penalties in Section VI of the Rulebook). The face-off will take place in the face-off circle closest to where the play was stopped. This includes resuming play after a penalty or a time-out has been called. If the ball was shot from beyond the center line [half court] and becomes unplayable, the face-off will take place in the zone from where the ball was shot.

A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line. A goal will not be allowed if the ball was kicked by an offensive player and entered the goal either directly or after deflecting off any player including the goaltender. After a goal is scored, the clock will be stopped for one minute to allow for substitutions, and the referee to report the goal and assist(s) to the scorekeeper. If a team is slow in returning to the face-off circle, the referee will issue a warning. If it happens again, a delay of game penalty will be called.

The referee will call a face-off if there is a save/frozen ball by the goaltender. The whistle will be blown immediately (equivalent to a count of one-thousand-one) when the referee identifies/sees:

1. That the ball is under some portion of the goaltender's wheelchair from the rear tires to the front tires, is trapped securely between the goaltenders stick and a defenders stick, is trapped under a goalies footrests or feet, or trapped by the goalie on the outside of the goal;
2. When the ball is shot or rolls under the goaltender's wheelchair and clearly does not go into the net or roll away from the goaltender;
3. No player may reach (jab, poke, or swipe at the ball) under a goaltender's wheelchair from the rear tires to the front tires or at a ball trapped under the goaltender's footrests or feet to try to score a goal (assuming the goalie has some portion of his/her wheelchair within the goal crease). Any goal scored in this manner will be disallowed and a face-off will take place in the face-off circle closest to where the play was stopped.

A referee will not call a save/frozen ball:

1. If a ball is just sitting, not trapped by a defenders stick on/against the goalies stick or rolling/sitting free in the crease uncovered by the goaltender. An offensive player may try to play the ball in this situation.

Players are not allowed to use their feet or hands to carry or hold the ball while it's in play, but they may use their feet to stop the ball. For example, if the ball rolls into the front of a player, he/she may stop the ball with their feet and direct it to their stick. But they are not allowed to kick the ball ahead of them, out of the goal crease, out of the zone, to a teammate, or away from an opposing player. All players (including goaltenders) will not be allowed to reach, kick, stretch or raise their legs in an effort to play or defend the ball.

An offensive player is OFF-SIDE if their entire chair crosses the center line prior to the ball. If the ball leaves the offensive zone, that team's players must clear the zone before the ball can be carried or shot back into the offensive zone. If the off-side is whistled the face-off will take place in the offending team's zone at the face-off spot nearest the center line. If an offensive player crosses the line before the ball that is shot, passed or deflected into the offensive zone, but a defending player is able to play the ball, the referee shall signal a DELAYED OFF-SIDE. The off-side violation will be nullified if all offensive players in the offensive zone clear the offensive zone by making chair contact with the center line. The offensive zone must be completely clear of offensive players before a delayed off-side can be nullified with the ball still in the offensive zone. During the delayed off-side, the referee shall stop play for the off-side violation if ANY offensive player touches the ball or attempts to gain possession of a loose ball while the ball is still in the offensive zone or forces the defending ball carrier further back in the offensive zone. *No goal can be scored on a delayed off-side.

The playing area for electric wheelchair hockey games will be the surface of a gymnasium, approximately the size of a basketball court. If there is any question as to the playing area, it must be brought to the attention of the officials before the start of the game.

The nets used for goals will be provided by your local league officials. Generally the nets should measure approximately 6 feet [183cm] wide by 3 feet [91cm] high by 1 ½ feet [46cm] deep. In situations where nets are not available, cones can be substituted. The goal crease should measure approximately 8 feet wide [along goal line] and extend 5 feet outward from goal line.

On the playing surface there will be five face-off areas. One in the center of the court and one on each side of both nets positioned approximately halfway between the nets and center line.

If possible, the scorekeeper, timer, penalty area and team benches shall be on one side of the court.

All coaches and players must stay in their team areas throughout the game.

1. Dowel stick: A dowel may be inserted through the blade of the stick for players with a limited ability to stickhandle. The dowel should be made of plastic or similar material (the dowel can not be made of metal) and can not exceed more than 3 inches in length on either side of the blade and it cannot be more than ½ inch in diameter. Wood dowels will be allowed (as long as they meet the required measurements listed above), but that is the only part of the stick allowed to be made of wood, and it must be covered with tape for safety reasons. Dowel sticks are mainly used by players who fix (tape) the stick to their wheelchair (level 3 players). Other players can use this adaptation.
2. T-Stick: Similar to the “dowel stick” function, this is when a larger piece of material (plastic) is affixed to each side (or put through the blade) of the stick blade to create a “T”. Currently we do not accept the European version of a “T-stick” which is quite large, but we will accept a North American version of a “T-Stick” following these standards; A “T-Stick” can only be made out of a standard acceptable hockey stick blade discussed above. The “T” or “Wings” can only extend 3 inches off of each side and cannot be higher than the blade of the stick. It must be of similar width. ONLY players who fix or tape sticks to their wheelchair may use a “T-Stick”.
3. Curving: Curving of the stick is allowed, but the blade of the stick cannot wrap around/enclose more than 3/4 of the ball. *This allows a much greater curve than common ice hockey rules, but is allowed to give players more ball control, as it is much harder to stick handle with just one hand. Essentially, excessively curving the stick serves a similar function of a “dowel” stick.

   *A team may challenge the legality of an opposition player's equipment (See minor penalties in Section VI of the Rulebook).

4. A player may tape, the stick to their wheelchair (the blade must be placed in the front of the wheelchair's front wheel), or to their hand/arm/leg if they are unable to hold/grip the stick. Players are permitted to use brackets or stick mounts, as long as it places the blade in the front of the wheelchair's front wheel and does not prohibit the ball from rolling under wheelchair. Material other then plastic or composite may be used to make a bracket or stick mount. No stick blade may be placed between the front and rear tires, obstructing passage of the ball through that area.

*All objects/attachments considered dangerous must be covered (taped/padded).

A player may tape the stick to their wheelchair (the blade must be placed in the front of the wheelchair's front wheel/foot pedal), or to their hand/arm/leg if they are unable to hold/grip the stick. Players are permitted to use brackets or stick mounts, as long as it places the blade in the front of the wheelchair's front wheel/foot pedal. No stick blade may be placed between the front and rear tires, obstructing passage of the ball through that area. *All objects/attachments considered dangerous must be covered (taped/padded).

If a goaltender chooses to use a standard goaltender stick (larger/thicker blade), the stick must be taped/mounted/bracketed to the wheelchair as defined in Section III (B). Only goaltenders are allowed to use these types of large-bladed sticks. If a goaltender is moved to another position he/she must switch to a non-goaltender stick. A goaltender may use a “dowel” or “T-Stick” adaptation.

All players must require the use of an electric (power) wheelchair in their daily life. Players who use only manual wheelchairs in their daily life will not be allowed to transfer from a manual wheelchair to an electric (power) wheelchair simply for the purpose of playing hockey.

1. No modifications shall be made to a wheelchair that will prohibit the ball from traveling underneath or around the chair. No stick blade may be placed between the front and rear tires, obstructing passage of the ball through that area.
2. Although there is no "official limit" on the speed of wheelchairs, alterations/modifications to increase the manufacturer's speed of a wheelchair, which clearly shows that chair to be excessively faster than all other chairs is not allowed. Industry standard wheelchairs with industry standard speeds are acceptable.
3. For safety reasons, electric scooters/carts will not be allowed.

A hollow plastic ball (2" in diameter/baseball-sized) with holes in it will be used as the official game ball.

Participants are highly encouraged to wear protective gear such as a helmet, eyewear, and leg, knee, arm or chest pads. However none of this is required. Any protective equipment used must overall fit to the individual's body. All types of padding may not excessively extend beyond the players various body parts. For example, a goaltender using some type of leg pad will not be allowed to have the padding extend beyond their feet or more than a couple of inches above their knee. All padding including the goaltenders padding may not be excessively thick.

*As a general reference for acceptable leg, chest and arm padding, players should try to find equipment that could fit underneath their clothing (jersey, pants etc.). It is not a requirement to wear padding under clothing, but gives players an idea of what size of padding is acceptable. For example, goaltenders may NOT use ice hockey goalie pads such as large leg pads, arm blocker, goalie mitt etc.

**The League Committee may disallow any protective gear at any time if they find the size of such gear to be excessive and unfair.

Team members must wear the same jersey. The jersey should have a number that can be seen by the referee if necessary. If jerseys are not available a team should wear the same color shirts.

It is the League Committee’s responsibility to ensure that a timekeeper, scorekeeper, and referees are available and ready for each game.

Each game will consist of three fifteen-minute periods. The game will be played on a non-stop [running-time] basis, except when a goal is scored. The clock will be stopped for one minute to allow for substitutions, and the referee to report the goal and assist(s) to the scorekeeper. The final five minutes of the third period will be played on a stop-time basis, meaning the clock will be stopped after each whistle [stoppage of play], if the score of the game is within three goals. Between each period there will be a three-minute break. After the break teams will switch playing ends. Each team will be allowed one time-out per game consisting of two minutes in length. A team may only call time-out during a stoppage in play. (For instance, when the ball becomes unplayable [out-of-play], after a goal is scored, or after a penalty has been called.) If the game goes to overtime, and a team has not used its time-out, the time-out will be carried over to the overtime period.

If possible, the official game clock should be large enough and placed high enough so that the referees can see the clock from anywhere on the playing area.

The timekeeper is responsible for keeping track of the time for each period, any time-outs, and the time for any penalties. The timekeeper must also instruct the penalized player when he/she may return to the game.

The scorekeeper will record the time of each goal, the name and number of the player who scored the goal, and the name and number of the one (or two) player(s) who assisted on the goal. The scorekeeper is also responsible for recording any information regarding penalties.

It is the referees' responsibility to inform the timekeeper and scorekeeper of all penalties called. This includes the name and number of the penalized player, the time of the penalty, the type of penalty, and the duration of the penalty.

If a goaltender receives a penalty, a teammate on the floor at the time of the penalty must serve it. The player serving the penalty will be chosen by the penalized team.

A player serving a penalty must return to the playing area after completion of a penalty before he/she can be substituted.

After three game misconduct's in one season a player may be subject to further penalty or removal at the discretion of the League Committee.

Any player given a game misconduct must exit the playing area.

If a level 1 ranked player is serving a penalty, his/her team may have only one level 1 ranked player on the court until the penalty has expired. The level 1 ranked player serving the penalty is still considered to be on that line even though they are in the penalty box. If a level 3 ranked player is serving a penalty, the player is still considered to be on that line, and his/her team does not have to put another level 3 on the floor to replace the penalized player.

If coincidental penalties are whistled/called (meaning one player from each team is called for a penalty), teams will play shorthanded [four-on-four].

HOOKING: When a player places his/her stick around another player, player's stick, or wheelchair in attempts to stop or hold the player. [Two-minute penalty.]

BOARDING: Recklessly "riding" a player into the boards with excess. [Two-minute penalty.]

HOLDING: When a player, with his/her hands or wheelchair, impedes another player's progress by holding the player, player's stick, or the player's wheelchair. [Two-minute penalty.]

INTERFERENCE: Making contact with another player who does not have possession of the ball. [Two-minute penalty.]

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT: Swearing, arguing or abusing other players, officials, or equipment. [Two-minute penalty.]

IN THE CREASE: No player except for the goaltender is allowed in the goal crease at any time, unless the ball goes into the goal crease first. Players may go into the goal crease if the ball is in there first, but must immediately attempt to exit the goal crease by driving through or backing out of the crease. Stopping/Parking any part of their wheelchair in the goal crease at any time will result in a two-minute penalty. If a player is trapped [boxed in, unable to back out or drive out] while attempting to exit the goal crease, a whistle is blown and a face off will occur at center court. Players are permitted to have their sticks in the goal crease only if the ball enters the goal crease first. If a players stick is in the crease before the ball, a penalty will be called and any goal scored on that play would be disallowed. If any goal is scored when in violation of this rule, it will then be disallowed. [Two-minute penalty.]

BENCH MINORS: Can be called against players or coaches for abuse against officials or other players or for too many level 1 players, or players in general, on the floor. [Two-minute penalty.] See Section I (B/1).

RAMMING: A player may not deliberately run into another player with his/her wheelchair. A player may only "ride-off another player". Side-to-side contact only. Backing into another player as they pass by, using the front of a player's chair to make contact, or trying to push a player's chair out of the way is not permitted. [Two-minute penalty.]

DANGEROUS DRIVING: Referee may call this penalty if he/she deems that a player is driving dangerously or recklessly. This includes driving in reverse at a high rate of speed for more than two chair-lengths, or in a crowd (referees' discretion). A player is permitted to drive in reverse for more than two chair-lengths only if the player is attempting to get back on defense and is the lone defensive player in his/her zone. [Two-minute penalty.]

CHARGING: Deliberately hitting another player with a run of more than two wheelchair lengths. [Two-minute penalty.]

HIGH STICKING: No player (including goaltenders) shall purposely raise their stick above their shoulders to make contact with the ball or another player. A player may only raise their stick shoulder height while in the act of shooting/hitting the ball (including wind-up and follow-through). If the player's raised stick makes contact with an opposing player a penalty will be called. [Two-minute penalty.]

DELAY OF GAME:

1. A penalty will be called if the ball is under a player's chair and he/she makes no attempt to move off the ball or play the ball (this does not include goaltenders).
2. Goaltenders will be given a penalty if they repeatedly knock the goal net off the goal crease/goal line.
3. A penalty will also be called for taking too much time to return to the face-off circle after a goal, or other stoppage of play.
4. A penalty will be called if a player deliberately shoots the ball over the boards. For example, if a player trapped in their own zone dumps the ball over the boards (as a defensive strategy) to force a face-off. A penalty will be called if the player is not looking down court or facing down court trying to move the ball up court. [Two-minute penalty.]

ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT: During a stoppage of play a team may ask the referee to examine a player's equipment to see if it is in violation of rules. If the player's equipment is illegal, the player will receive a penalty. If the equipment is found to be legal, the challenging team will receive a delay of game penalty. [Two-minute penalty.]

THROWING/DROPPING STICK: A penalty will be called if a player deliberately throws, drops, or shoots a stick (or any other object) at the ball to prevent a goal, or a player from advancing with the ball. [Two-minute penalty.]
If the player with the ball is advancing towards the goaltender with no defender between him/her and the goaltender, and a stick is thrown or shot at the ball, thus preventing a goal, a penalty shot will be awarded to the advancing player. If the player with the ball is advancing towards an empty net, and a stick is thrown, dropped, or shot at the ball, thus preventing a goal, the referee will award the advancing player a goal.

SLASHING: Non-shooting motion contact with the hockey stick on another player's body. [Two-minute penalty.]

DRAWING BLOOD: If a player bleeds after a minor penalty, a major penalty is then assessed. [Five-minute player penalty.] At referees' discretion, penalized player may receive a game misconduct and be ejected from the game.

SLASHING: Deliberate contact with the hockey stick on another player's body. [Five-minute player penalty.] At referees' discretion, penalized player may receive a game misconduct and be ejected from the game.

SPEARING: Using the blade of the hockey stick to spear another player. [Five-minute player penalty.] At referees' discretion, penalized player may receive a game misconduct and be ejected from the game.

BUTT ENDING: Using the end of the hockey shaft to hit another player. [Five-minute player penalty.] At referees' discretion, penalized player may receive a game misconduct and be ejected from the game.

ATTEMPT TO INJURE: At the officials' discretion, any conscious attempt to hurt another player. [Five-minute player penalty.] At referees' discretion, penalized player may receive a game misconduct and be ejected from the game.

FIGHTING: Using body or wheelchair to fight with or injure another player. [Five-minute player penalty.] At referees' discretion, penalized player may receive a game misconduct and be ejected from the game.

Each playoff game will be played like a normal regular season game. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, there will be a five minute overtime period. The overtime period will be played on a non stop-time basis, with the first team to score winning. If the overtime period ends in a tie there will be a shoot-out. Each team is allowed three players who will each shoot once. If at the end of the first rotation there is still a tie there will be a second shoot-out with the first team to score a goal winning. The goalie that was in the net for the majority of the game must continue in net for the shoot-out. The goalie may not be one of the players chosen to be one of the shooters in the shoot-out.

No new players can be added to a team during the play-offs.

A player must have played in at least 50% of the regular season in order to qualify for post-season play.

The team finishing with the best record will play the team with the worst [second best record playing second worst etc.]. If there are an odd number of teams in the league, the bottom two teams will play each other to see who advances to play the top team.

DROPPED STICKS: If a player drops his/her stick they are encouraged to keep playing until a stoppage in play occurs, or the stick is handed to them. (Dropped sticks are a common part of the game.) A referee's first priority is to follow the flow of the game and the ball. If there is an opportunity to pick up the player's dropped stick then he/she will do so. A coach or team helper may come onto the floor to pick up the stick for the player, but should wait for the ball to move away from the area of the dropped stick. If he/she interferes with game-play by getting hit by the ball or obstructing an opposing player's path to the ball, that coach/helper's team, at the referees' discretion, will be charged with a penalty for interference. [Two-minute penalty].