Rule 601. Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct
(a) Any player who challenges or disputes the ruling of an Official, attempts to incite an opponent or create a disturbance during the game shall be assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the player persists in such conduct, a misconduct penalty shall be assessed and any further persistence by the same player shall result in the assessment of a game misconduct penalty. In the case of a Coach or other Team Official, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed first and if such conduct continues, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed.

(b) Any player who shoots the puck/ ball after the whistle shall be assessed a minor penalty if, in the opinion of the Referee, the player had sufficient time after the whistle to refrain from taking the shot.

(c) If any player does any of the following, the team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty: 1. After being penalized, does not proceed directly to the penalty bench or dressing room when ordered to do so by the Referee. (Equipment shall be delivered to the penalty bench or dressing room by a teammate). 2. Throws anything onto the playing surface from the players' bench or penalty bench. 3. Interferes with any Game Official, (non-physically) in the performance of their duties.

(d) If any player does any of the following, a misconduct penalty shall be assessed: 1. Uses obscene, profane or abusive language to any person before, during or after the game. 2. During a stoppage of play, intentionally shoots or throws the puck/ ball out of the reach of an Official who is retrieving it. 3. Enters and remains in the Referee's Crease, when asked to leave, except for the purpose of skating to the penalty bench. 4. Touches or holds any Game Official with the hand or stick. 5. Intentionally bangs the boards, protective glass or goal with a stick at any time.

(e) If any player does any of the following, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed: 1. Persists in any course of conduct for which the player has previously been assessed a misconduct penalty. 2. Uses obscene gestures anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game.

(f) If any player does any of the following, a gross misconduct penalty shall be assessed: 1. Deliberately inflicts or attempts to inflict, physical harm to a Game Official or a Team Official in any manner. 2. Behaves in any manner which is critically detrimental to the conduct of the game including spitting at an opponent, Game Official or Team Official.

(g) If any Team Official does any of the following, the team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty: 1. Bangs the boards with a stick or other instrument at any time. 2. Uses obscene, profane or abusive language to any person before, during or after the game. 3. Throws anything onto the playing surface from the players' bench. 4. Interferes with any Game Official, (non-physically) in the performance of their duties. 5. Attempts to incite an opponent into incurring a penalty.

(h) If any Team Official does any of the following, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed: 1. Persists in any course of conduct for which the Team Official has previously been assessed a bench minor penalty. 2. Uses obscene gestures anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game.

(i) If any Team Official does any of the following, a gross misconduct penalty shall be assessed: 1. Deliberately inflicts or attempts to inflict, physical harm to a Game Official or a Team Official in any manner. 2. Behaves in any manner which is critically detrimental to the conduct of the game including spitting at an opponent, Game Official or Team Official.

Rule 602. Adjustment to Clothing and Equipment
(a) Play shall not be stopped or delayed by reason of adjustment of clothing, equipment, skates, or sticks. For a violation of this rule a minor penalty shall be assessed.

(b) The onus of maintaining clothing and equipment in the proper condition shall be upon the player. If adjustments are required, the player shall retire from the playing surface and play shall continue uninterrupted with a substitute.

(c) No delay shall be permitted for the repair or adjustment of goalkeeper's equipment. If adjustments are required, the goalkeeper shall retire from the playing surface and be replaced by the substitute or temporary goalkeeper immediately and no warm-up shall be permitted. For a violation of this rule by a goalkeeper, a minor penalty shall be assessed.

Rule 603. Attempt to Injure /Deliberate Injury of Opponents (Head Butting)
(a) A match penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately attempts to injure an opponent, Official, Coach, or Trainer in any manner, and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action. A substitute for the penalized player shall be permitted at the end of the fifth minute.

Rule 604. Board-Checking
(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to any player who intentionally body-checks an opponent, with or without the puck/ ball.

(b) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to any player who makes physical contact with an opponent after the whistle has been blown, if, in the opinion of the Referee, the player had sufficient time to avoid such contact.

(c) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based upon the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be assessed to any player who fouls an opponent in such a manner that caused the player to be violently thrown into the boards. "Rolling" an opposing puck/ ball carrier along the boards where the player is attempting to go through too small an opening is not boarding.

(d) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "boarding" or "body-checking," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

Rule 605. Broken Stick
(a) A player whose stick is broken may participate in the game provided the broken stick is dropped immediately. A minor penalty shall be assessed for an infraction of this rule. A broken stick is one which, in the opinion of a Referee, is unfit for normal play.

(b) A goalkeeper may continue to play with a broken stick until the next stoppage of play or until a replacement stick has been legally obtained.

(c) A replacement stick may only be obtained from the players' bench or from a teammate on the playing surface. For a violation of this rule, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed to the team of the offending player, unless a penalty has been assessed under Rule 601 for throwing articles onto the playing surface. The intent of this rule is to provide for the assessment of one penalty for one illegal stick replacement.

(d) A goalkeeper may not go to the players' bench for a replacement stick during a stoppage of play, but must receive a replacement stick from a teammate. For an infraction of this rule, a minor penalty shall be assessed to the offending goalkeeper.

Rule 606. Charging
(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to a player who runs, jumps into, or charges an opponent. If more than two steps or strides are taken, it shall be considered "charging."

(b) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to a player who pushes or body-checks an opponent from behind.

(c) A minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to a player who body-checks or charges a goalkeeper while the goalkeeper is within the goal crease or privileged area. A goalkeeper is not "fair game" just because the goalkeeper is outside the privileged area. A penalty for interference or charging must be assessed in every case where an opposing player makes unnecessary contact with a goalkeeper.

(d) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "charging" or "checking from behind," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

Rule 607. Checking From Behind

(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to a player who cross-checks an opponent.

(b) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to a player who butt-ends or attempts to butt-end an opponent. An attempt to butt-end shall include all cases in which a butt-end gesture is made, regardless of whether body contact is made or not.

(c) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "cross-checking" or "butt-ending," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

(d) Butt-ending may also be treated as a match penalty under attempt to injure or deliberate injury to an opponent.

Rule 608. Cross-Checking or Butt-Ending (a) A match penalty shall be assessed to a player who deliberately injures an opponent, Team Official or Game Official in any manner, and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

(b) No substitute shall be permitted to take the place of the penalized player until after five minutes actual playing time have elapsed, from the time the penalty was assessed.

(c) A match penalty shall be assessed to a player who deliberately head-butts an opponent, Team Official or Game Official, and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

Rule 609. Delaying the Game

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper, who delays the game by deliberately shooting, batting or throwing the puck/ ball outside the playing area. This penalty shall also be assessed when it occurs during a stoppage of play. Intentional delay of the game by a goalkeeper shall be assessed at the discretion of the Referee.

(b) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player or goalkeeper who delays the game by deliberately displacing the goal post from its normal position. Play shall be stopped immediately when the goal post has been displaced. If a goalkeeper deliberately displaces the goal post or deliberately removes the helmet or face mask during the course of a breakaway by the attacking team, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. The penalty shot shall be taken by the player last in possession of the puck/ ball.

(c) A bench minor penalty shall be assessed to any team which, after a warning by the Referee, fails to place the correct number of players on the playing surface, thereby causing a delay in any manner.

(d) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who, after a warning by the Referee, fails to maintain a proper position during the face-off.

Rule 610. Elbowing or Kneeing

(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who uses the elbow or knee in such a manner as to foul an opponent, in any way.

(b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "elbowing" or "kneeing," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

Rule 611. Face-Offs

(a) The puck/ ball shall be "faced-off" by the Referee or the Linesman dropping the puck/ ball onto the playing surface between the sticks of the two players facing-off. Players facing off shall stand facing their opponent's end of the rink with the blade of their sticks in contact with the nearest white area of the face-off spot and clear of the red center area of the spot. The attacking team player shall be the first player to place the stick on the playing surface. If a player facing-off fails to take the proper position immediately when directed by the Official, the Official may order a replacement for that face-off by a teammate on the playing surface. No other player shall be allowed to enter the face-off circle or come within 15 feet of the players facing-off the puck/ ball, and they must stand on-side on all face-offs. When a player, other than the player facing-off, fails to maintain the proper position, the center of the offending team shall be ejected from the face-off. For a second violation of any of the provisions of this rule, a minor penalty shall be assessed to the player who commits the second violation. No substitution of players shall be permitted until the face-off has been completed and play has been resumed except when any penalty is assessed during the face-off. The whistle shall not be blown to start play. Playing time shall commence from the instant the puck/ ball is faced-off and shall stop when the whistle is blown.

(b) If, after a warning by the Official, either of the players fails to take the proper position for the face-off promptly, the Official shall be entitled to conduct the face-off regardless of such default.

(c) During the conduct of any face-off, no player shall make any physical contact with an opponent except in the course of playing the puck/ ball after the face-off has been completed. For a violation of this rule the Referee shall assess a minor penalty to the player whose action caused the physical contact. "Conduct of any face-off" commences when the Official designates the spot of the face-off and takes up a position to drop the puck/ ball.

(d) No face-off shall be conducted at a location other than at a face-off spot.

(e) When a stoppage of play occurs between the end zone face-off spots and the near end of the rink, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the end face-off spot on the side where the stoppage occurred, unless otherwise provided in these rules.

(f) When a violation of a rule has been committed, or a stoppage of play has been caused by any player of the attacking team in the Attacking Zone, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest high zone face-off spot. This includes a stoppage of play caused by a player of the attacking team shooting the puck/ ball onto the back of the defending team's goal without any intervening action by the defending team.

(g) When a violation of a rule has been committed or a stoppage of play has been caused by players of both teams, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot (excluding center face-off spot) to where the puck/ ball was when the stoppage occurred.

(h) When a goal is legally scored, the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the center face-off spot.

(i) When the game is stopped for any reason not specifically covered in the Official Playing Rules, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot to where the puck/ ball was last played.

Rule 612. Falling on Puck

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player, other than a goalkeeper, who deliberately falls on or gathers the puck/ ball into the body or who holds the puck/ ball against any part of the goal or the boards. Any player who drops to block a shot shall not be penalized if the puck/ ball is shot under the player or becomes lodged in any clothing or equipment. A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who uses the hands to obtain such stoppage.

(b) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who falls on or gathers the puck/ ball into the body, when the body is entirely outside the boundaries of the privileged area or who falls on or gathers the puck/ ball into the body, when the body is entirely outside the goal crease and the puck/ ball is behind the goal line. A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who holds the puck/ ball against any part of the goal or the boards.

(c) No defending player, except the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to fall on the puck/ ball, hold the puck/ ball, or gather a puck/ ball into the body or hands when the puck/ ball is within the goal crease. For a violation of this rule, play shall be immediately stopped and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. However, if the goalkeeper has been removed from the playing surface when the infraction occurs, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team in lieu of the penalty shot. This rule shall be interpreted so that a penalty shot shall be awarded only when the puck/ ball is in the goal crease at the instant the infraction occurs. However, in cases where the puck/ball is outside the goal crease, Rule 612 (a) may still be applied and a minor penalty assessed, even though no penalty shot is awarded.

Rule 613. Fisticuffs (Fighting)

(a) A major penalty shall be assessed to any player who is involved in a fight on or off the playing surface before, during or after the game.

(b) A minor or a double minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who, having been struck, retaliates with a punch or an attempted punch. However, at the discretion of the Referee, a major penalty shall be assessed if the player continues the altercation. The Referee is provided with very wide latitude in regard to the penalties which may be assessed under this rule. This is done to enable the Referee to differentiate between the obvious degrees of responsibility of the participants either for, starting the fight, or persisting in continuing the fight. Referees are directed to employ every means provided by these rules to prevent "brawling."

(c) Any player receiving a major penalty for fisticuffs shall automatically be assessed a game misconduct penalty.

(d) A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper who is the first to intervene in an altercation already in progress. This penalty is in addition to any other penalty incurred in the same incident.

(e) A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who resists the Game Officials in the discharge of their duties during an altercation.

(f) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who leaves the immediate vicinity of the goal crease to participate in an altercation. This penalty shall be in addition to any penalty incurred during the altercation.

Rule 614. Goals and Assists

(Note) It is the responsibility of the Referee to award goals and assists, and such decision is final. In cases of an obvious error in awarding a goal or an assist which has been announced, it should be corrected promptly. Changes shall not be made on the scoring summary after the Referee has signed the Official Score Sheet. (a) A goal shall be scored when the puck/ ball has been put between the goal posts by the stick of a player of the attacking team from in front, below the cross bar and entirely across the goal line, before playing time expires. A "goal" shall be credited in the scoring records to a player who shall have propelled the puck/ ball into the opponent's goal. Each "goal" shall count as one point in the player's record. An "assist" shall be credited to the player or players taking part in the play immediately preceding the goal, but no more than two assists can be credited on any goal. Only one point can be credited to any one player for any one goal scored.

(b) A goal shall be scored if the puck/ ball is put into the goal in any way by a player of the defending team. The player of the attacking team who last played the puck/ ball shall be credited with the goal, but no assist shall be awarded.

(c) If an attacking player kicks the puck/ ball and the puck/ ball goes directly into the goal or is deflected into the goal by any player, including the goalkeeper, the goal shall not be allowed.

(d) If the puck/ ball is deflected into the goal from the shot of an attacking player by striking any part of any player, the goal shall be allowed. The player who deflected the puck/ ball shall be credited with the goal. The goal shall not be allowed if the puck/ball has been kicked, thrown, or otherwise deliberately directed by an attacking player into the goal by any means other than a stick.

(e) If a goal is scored as a result of a puck/ ball being deflected directly into the goal off an Official, the goal shall not be allowed.

(f) Should a player legally propel the puck/ ball into the goal crease of the opposing team and the puck/ ball becomes loose in the goal crease and available to a player of the attacking team, any goal scored on the play shall be allowed.

(g) Any goal scored, other than as covered by the Official Playing Rules, shall not be allowed.

Rule 615. Gross Misconduct

(a) A Referee may suspend from the game any player, Manager, Coach, or Trainer guilty of gross misconduct of any kind and must report the incident to the League Authorities.

Rule 616. Handling Puck With Hands

(a) If a player, other than a goalkeeper, closes the hand on the puck/ ball, play shall be stopped and a face-off shall follow; however, if the puck/ ball is dropped immediately, play shall be allowed to continue. If a goalkeeper holds the puck/ ball with the hand for more than three seconds, play shall be stopped and a face-off shall follow; however, after an initial warning by the Referee, a goalkeeper who holds the puck/ ball unnecessarily shall be assessed a minor penalty for delaying the game.

(b) A goalkeeper shall not intentionally drop the puck/ ball into the pads or onto the goal net nor deliberately pile obstacles at the goal that, in the opinion of the Referee, would tend to prevent the scoring of a goal. The object of this rule is to keep the puck/ ball in play continuously and any action taken by the goalkeeper which causes an unnecessary stoppage shall be penalized. For a violation of this rule, a minor penalty shall be assessed to the offending player.

(c) If a goalkeeper throws the puck/ ball forward toward the opponent's goal and it is first played by a teammate, play shall be stopped and the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the nearest end zone face-off spot of the offending team.

(d) If a defending player, other than the goalkeeper, picks up the puck/ ball in the goal crease from the playing surface with the hands, or holds the puck/ ball while it is in the goal crease, the play shall be stopped immediately and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. If the above situation occurs while the goalkeeper is off the playing surface, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(e) A player shall be permitted to stop or "bat" the puck/ ball in the air with the hand, or push it along the playing surface with the hand, and play shall not be stopped unless the puck/ ball has been deliberately directed to a teammate in the Attacking Zone, in which case the play shall be stopped and the puck/ ball faced off at the nearest high zone face-off spot.

(f) A goal that is scored as the result of the puck/ ball being propelled by the hand of an attacking player and entered the goal either directly or after deflecting off any player including the goalkeeper, shall not be allowed.

Rule 617. High Sticks

(a) The carrying of the stick above the normal height of the shoulders is prohibited. The Referee shall assess a minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty to any player who strikes an opponent with a stick so carried. The use of the "slap shot" in the 10-and-Under age classification and below is prohibited. A face-off shall take place at an end zone face-off spot of the offending player's team who, in the process of making a shot or pass, raises the blade of the stick above the waist in the back swing of such shot.

(b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "high sticking," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

(c) A goal scored by an attacking player who strikes the puck/ ball with the stick which is carried above the height of the goal frame cross bar, shall not be allowed.

(d) Batting the puck/ ball above the normal height of the shoulders with the stick is prohibited and when it occurs play shall be stopped and the ensuing face-off shall take place at an end zone face-off spot of the offending player's team unless: 1. The puck/ ball is batted to an opponent, in which case the play shall continue. 2. A player of the defending team shall bat the puck/ ball into the player's own goal, in which case the goal shall be allowed.

Rule 618. Holding an Opponent

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who holds an opponent with the hands, legs, feet, stick, or in any other way.

(b) A minor or major penalty shall be assessed to any player who grabs or holds the face mask of an opponent with the hand.

(c) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "holding the face mask," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

Rule 619. Hooking

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by hooking with the stick.

(b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "hooking," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

Rule 620. Icing the Puck

No such rule.

Rule 621. Interference

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who interferes with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck/ ball, deliberately knocks a stick out of an opponent's hand, prevents a player who has dropped the stick or any other piece of equipment from regaining possession of it, or shoots a stick or other object toward an opponent. The last player to touch the puck/ ball shall be considered to be the player in possession.

(b) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player on the players' or the penalty bench who, by means of the stick or body, interferes with the movements of the puck/ ball or an opponent on the playing surface during the progress of play.

(c) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who, by means of the stick or body, interferes with or impedes the movements of the goalkeeper while the goalkeeper is in the goal crease area.

(d) Unless the puck/ ball is in the goal crease area, a player of the attacking team may not stand on the goal crease line or in the goal crease or hold the stick in the goal crease. If the puck/ball should enter the goal while such a condition prevails, a goal shall not be allowed. For a violation of this rule, while the attacking team has possession of the puck/ ball, play shall be stopped and the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearesthigh zone face-off spot. This rule shall not apply when the goalkeeper is out of the goal crease.

(e) If a player of the attacking team has been pushed or otherwise physically forced into the goal crease by an opposing player, and the puck/ ball should enter the goal while the player so interfered with is still in the goal crease, the goal shall be allowed.

(f) When the goalkeeper has been removed from the playing surface and any member of the same team not legally on the playing surface interferes by means of the body, stick, or any other object with the movements of the puck/ ball or an opposing player, the Referee shall immediately award a goal to the non-offending team.

(Note) The attention of Referees is directed particularly to three types of offensive interference which shall be penalized.

1. When the defending team secures possession of the puck/ball in its own zone and the other members of the same team run interference for the puck/ ball carrier by forming a protective screen against forecheckers.

2. When a player facing-off obstructs an opponent after the face-off when the opponent is not in possession of the puck/ ball.

3. When the puck/ ball carrier makes a drop pass and follows through so as to make body contact with an opposing player.

Rule 622. Interference by Spectators

(a) In the event of a player being held or interfered with by a spectator, the Referee shall immediately stop the play, unless the team of the player being interfered with is in possession of the puck/ ball at the time, in which case the play shall be allowed to be completed. The ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot to where the puck/ ball was last played.

(b) Any player who physically interferes with a spectator shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

(c) In the event that objects are thrown onto the playing surface which interfere with the progress of the game, the Referee shall stop the play and the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot to where the puck/ ball was last played.

Rule 623. Kicking Player

(a) A match penalty shall be assessed to a player who kicks or attempts to kick another player. A substitute shall be permitted at the end of the fifth minute.

Rule 624. Kicking Puck

(a) Kicking the puck/ ball shall be permitted in all zones; however, a goal that is scored as the result of the puck/ ball being kicked by an attacking player and entered the goal either directly or after deflecting off any player including the goalkeeper, shall not be allowed.

Rule 625. Leaving the Player's Bench or Penalty Bench

(a) No player may leave the players' bench or penalty bench at any time during an altercation. Substitutions made prior to the start of the altercation shall not be penalized under this rule provided the players so substituting do not enter the altercation. A double minor penalty plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to the player who was the first to leave the players' or penalty bench during an altercation. If players of both teams leave their respective benches at the same time, the first identifiable player of each team shall be penalized under this rule. For the purposes of determining which player was the first to leave the players' bench during an altercation, the Referee may consult with the Linesmen or other Game Officials. Any player who leaves the players' bench during an altercation and is assessed a minor, major or misconduct penalty for such actions, shall also be assessed a game misconduct penalty. Other players who leave the players' bench or penalty bench during an altercation shall be assessed a misconduct penalty (maximum 5 per team). If a player illegally enters the game, any goal scored by that team while the illegal player is on the playing surface shall be disallowed, but all penalties assessed to either team shall be served as regular penalties.

(b) Except at the end of each period, or upon the expiration of a penalty, no player may leave the penalty bench, at any time. A penalized player who leaves the penalty bench prior to the expiration of the penalty, whether play is in progress or not, shall be assessed an additional minor penalty after serving the unexpired penalty time. When a player leaves the penalty bench prior to the expiration of the penalty, the Penalty Timekeeper shall note the time and verbally alert the Referee who shall stop play when the offending player's team gains possession and control of the puck. In the case of a player returning to the playing surface prior to the expiration of the penalty, through an error of the Penalty Timekeeper, the player is not to serve an additional penalty, but must serve the unexpired time. A penalized player who leaves the penalty bench during an altercation shall be assessed a minor penalty plus a game misconduct penalty, in addition to any unexpired time. When a penalized player returns to the playing surface from the penalty bench prior to the expiration of the penalty, any goal scored by that team, while the player is illegally on the playing surface, shall be disallowed, but all penalties assessed to either team shall be served as regular penalties.

(c) If a player of the attacking team in possession of the puck/ball shall be in a position as to have no opposing player to pass other than the goalkeeper, and is interfered with by a player who has entered the game illegally, the attacking player shall be awarded a penalty shot. If the opposing goalkeeper is off the playing surface and the attacking player is interfered with by an illegal player, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(d) If a Team Official steps onto the playing surface after the start of a half and before that half is completed without the permission of the Referee, the Referee shall assess a bench minor penalty to the team of the offending Coach.

(e) During any face-off, if a team starts with fewer players than entitled to, any player subsequently entering the game shall not be eligible to play any puck/ ball coming from the Defending Zone while the player is in the Attacking Zone unless the puck/ball is first played by another player in the Attacking Zone.

Rule 626. Off-Sides

No such rule.

Rule 627. Passes

(a) The puck/ ball may be passed by any player to any player of the same team within any of the two zones into which the rink is divided and may be passed forward by a player in the Defending Zone to a teammate over the center red line.

Rule 628. Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable

(a) The puck/ ball must be kept in motion at all times. Play shall not be stopped because the puck/ ball is frozen along the boards by two or more opposing players, unless one of the players falls onto the puck/ ball. If one player freezes the puck/ ball along the boards or if a player deliberately falls on the puck/ ball a minor penalty shall be assessed for delaying the game. However, the Referee may stop the play along the boards if allowing play to continue shall lead to unnecessary contact surrounding the puck/ball.

Rule 629. Puck Must Be Kept In Motion

(a) When the puck/ ball goes outside the playing area or strikes any obstacles above the playing surface other than the boards, glass or wire, it shall be faced-off at the nearest face-off spot to where it was last played. When the puck/ ball becomes unplayable due to a defect in the rink, it shall be faced-off at the nearest face-off spot to where it was last played. However, if the puck/ball is shot out of the rink by the attacking team, the face-off shall be at the nearest high zone face-off spot.

(b) When the puck/ ball becomes lodged in the netting on the outside of the goal or if it is frozen between opposing players, the Referee shall stop play and face-off the puck/ ball at the nearest face-off spot to where it was last played unless, in the opinion of the Referee the stoppage was caused by a player of the attacking team, in which case the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the nearest high zone face-off spot. The defending team and/or the attacking team may play the puck/ball off the net at any time. However, should the puck/ ball remain on the net for longer than three seconds, play shall be stopped and the face-off shall take place at the nearest end zone face-off spot, except when the stoppage is caused by a player of the attacking team, in which case the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the nearest high zone face-off spot. If the puck/ ball comes to rest on top of the goal frame, the play shall be stopped immediately.

(c) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who deliberately drops the puck/ ball on the goal netting to cause a stoppage of play.

(d) If the puck/ ball comes to rest on top of the boards surrounding the playing area, it shall be considered to be in play and may be played legally by the hand or stick.

(e) In temporary rinks, all players on the playing surface must remain within the confines of the playing surface while the puck/ball is in play. The play shall be stopped immediately whenever a player jumps over the boundary and out of bounds. If, in the opinion of the Referee, a player intentionally jumps out of bounds for the purpose of obtaining a stoppage of play, a minor penalty for delaying the game shall be assessed.

Rule 630. Puck Out of Sight and Illegal Puck

(a) Should a scramble take place, or a player accidentally falls on the puck/ ball and it is out of the sight of the Referee, play shall be stopped immediately. The ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot, unless otherwise provided for in the rules.

(b) If, at any time during play, a puck/ ball other than the one officially in play shall appear on the playing surface, which interferes with the progress of the game, the play shall be stopped immediately.

Rule 631. Puck/Ball Striking Official

(a) Play shall not be stopped because the puck/ ball touches an Official anywhere on the rink.

Rule 632. Refusing to Start Play

(a) If, when both teams are on the playing surface, one team for any reason shall refuse to play when ordered to do so by the Referee, the Captain shall be warned and the team so refusing shall be allowed 15 seconds to begin the game or resume play. If, at the end of that time the team shall still refuse to play, the Referee shall assess a bench minor penalty to the offending team. Should there be a reoccurrence of the same incident, the Referee shall suspend the game, and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

(b) If a team, when ordered to do so by the Referee, fails to go onto the playing surface promptly, it shall be assessed a bench minor penalty. If the team shall still refuse to go onto the playing surface and start play within five minutes, the Referee shall suspend the game, and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

Rule 633. Slashing

(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to any player who slashes or attempts to slash an opponent with the stick. Referees should penalize as "slashing" any player who swings the stick at an opponent (whether in or out of range) without actually making contact, or when a player on the pretext of playing the puck/ ball makes a wild swing at the puck/ ball with the intent to intimidate an opponent.

(b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "slashing," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

(c) Any player who swings the stick at another player during the course of any altercation shall be subject to a match penalty, and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

(d) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who makes stick contact with the opposing goalkeeper, in the goal crease, who has covered or caught the puck/ ball, regardless of whether or not the Referee has stopped the play.

Rule 634. Spearing

(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to a player who spears or attempts to spear an opponent. Attempt to spear shall include all cases where a spearing gesture is made regardless of whether body contact is made or not.

(b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "spearing," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

(c) Spearing may also be treated as a match penalty under attempt to injure or deliberate injury to an opponent.

Rule 635. Start of Game and Periods

(a) The game shall start at the time scheduled by a face-off at the center face-off spot and shall be promptly resumed for the second half in the same manner.

(b) Each team shall defend the goal furthest from its players' bench to start the game. The teams shall change ends for each succeeding half or overtime period.

(c) During the pre-game warm-up and before each half, each team shall confine its activity to its own end of the rink. All players must wear full equipment during warm-ups and during the handshake following the game.

(d) It is recommended that when both teams are to leave the playing surface through a common exit, the team whose players' bench closest to the exit leave first. The home team should enter the playing surface first.

(e) When a team fails to appear on the playing surface without a proper justification, an Official shall warn the team that it must enter the playing surface immediately. If the team fails to do so promptly, the Referee shall assess a bench minor penalty for Delaying the Game.

Rule 636. Throwing Stick

(a) When any player or Team Official of the defending team deliberately throws or shoots a stick or any other object at the puck/ ball in the Defending Zone, the Referee shall allow the play to be completed and if a goal is not scored, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the fouled player. If, however, the goal is unattended and the attacking player has no defending player to pass and has a chance to score on an open goal, and a stick or any other object is thrown or shot at the puck/ball by a member of the defending team, thereby preventing a shot on the open goal, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(b) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player on the playing surface who throws or shoots a stick or any other object in the direction of the puck/ ball in any zone except when such act has been penalized by a penalty shot or awarded goal. When a player discards a broken stick by tossing it to the side of the rink (and not over the boards) in such a way that shall not interfere with play or an opposing player, no penalty shall be assessed for doing so.

(c) A misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who throws a stick or any part thereof outside the playing area. A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately throws a stick or any part thereof outside the playing area at or in the direction of any spectators.

Rule 637. Time of Match and Time-Outs

(a) A game shall consist of two 15-25 minute halves. Leagues have the jurisdiction to set the length of each half (running time or stop time) based on the amount of time designated to complete the game. For all State, Regional and National Championship games, 15 minute stop time halves shall be played. If running time is used and the score is within one goal, or tied, stop time shall be played during the last two minutes of play. A two-minute rest period shall be permitted between halves, after which the teams shall change ends.

(b) The team scoring the greater number of goals during the two halves shall be declared the winner, and shall be credited with two points in the standings.

(c) The Referee may order the game to be suspended anytime the playing area is deemed to be in an unsafe condition. The game shall remain suspended until such condition is corrected. Referees are particularly cautioned about wet playing surfaces and should take the overly-cautious approach when determining whether or not playing conditions are safe.

(Note 1) Leagues shall have the authority to determine their own policies regarding weather related delays or cancellations.

If any unusual delay occurs during the first half, the Referee may order the intermission to take place immediately and the balance of the half shall be completed upon the resumption of play with the teams defending the same goals, after which the teams shall change ends and resume play of the second half without delay.

(d) Each team shall be permitted to take one time-out of a one minute duration which must be taken during a stoppage of play. If running time is played, the clock shall be stopped during a time out. The clock shall be restarted upon the conducting of the ensuing face-off.

During a time-out, all players on the playing surface may proceed to their respective players' bench. Any penalized player must remain in the penalty bench during a time-out.

A time-out may not be used to warm-up a goalkeeper.

Rule 638. Tied Games

(a) If, at the end of two halves, the score is tied, the game shall be declared a tie. No overtime period shall be played unless it is necessary to determine a winner.

(b) In Tournament and Play-Off games in which it is necessary to determine a winner for advancement, the following shall take place:

1. A two minute rest period shall follow.

2. The teams shall not change ends.

3. A five minute overtime period shall be played.

4. The game shall terminate upon the scoring of a goal and the team scoring the goal shall be declared the winner.

If no team scores during the overtime period, a shoot-out shall take place as follows:

Four players from each team shall be selected to participate in a series of penalty shot attempts. The players shall alternate attempts, with the visiting team having the first attempt. Any player or team Official whose penalty has not expired at the end of overtime play shall not be allowed to participate in the shoot out and must leave the arena immediately following the overtime period.

Teams may change goalkeepers only at the beginning of the shoot-out or if a goalkeeper is injured during the shoot-out. Goalkeepers shall not change goals during the shoot-out.

After all eight players have taken their shot, the team scoring the most goals shall be declared the winner.

Should neither team have an advantage at the end of the first shoot-out round, a second shoot-out round shall take place. The second shoot-out round shall be a sudden-victory format in which each team has one penalty shot attempt to score. All non-penalized, non-injured players, excluding goalkeepers, on a team shall shoot before that team shall be allowed to have a player shoot for a second time during the same shoot-out.

If, after one player from each team has shot, only one team has scored, that team shall be declared the winner. If, after one player from each team has shot and the score remains tied, the procedure shall be repeated until one team scores while its opponents do not.

Goals scored during the shoot-out rounds shall not count toward a player's scoring statistics. Goals scored against a goalkeeper shall not count toward the goalkeeper's statistics. Goalkeepers shall receive either a win or a loss based on the results of the shoot-out.

All rules applicable during the taking of a penalty shot shall also apply.

(c) Any overtime period shall be considered to be a part of the game and all unexpired penalties shall remain in force.

Rule 639. Tripping

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who places the stick, leg, knee, foot, arm, hand, or elbow in such a manner that it causes an opponent to trip or fall. If, in the opinion of the Referee, a player is unquestionably hook-checking the puck/ ball and obtains possession of it, thereby tripping the opposing player, no penalty shall be assessed. Accidental trips that occur simultaneously with the whistle shall not be penalized. Any player who deliberately dives onto the playing surface, except to block a shot, contacts an opponent and causes the player to trip or fall, shall be assessed a minor penalty.

(b) When a player, in possession and control of the puck/ ball in the Attacking Zone and having no opponent to pass other than the goalkeeper, is tripped or otherwise fouled from behind, thus preventing a reasonable scoring opportunity, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. The Referee shall not stop the play until the attacking team has lost possession and control of the puck/ ball to the defending team. The intent of this rule is to restore a reasonable scoring opportunity which has been lost by reason of a foul from behind when the foul is committed on the opponent's side of the center red line. "Possession and control" of the puck/ ball means the act of propelling the puck/ ball with a stick. If, while it is being propelled, the puck/ ball is touched by another player, hits the goal or goes free, the player shall no longer be considered to be "in possession and control" of the puck/ ball.

(c) If, when the opposing goalkeeper has been removed from the playing surface, a player in possession and control of the puck/ ball is tripped or otherwise fouled with no opposing player to pass, thus preventing a reasonable scoring opportunity, the Referee shall immediately stop play and award a goal to the non-offending team.

Rule 640. Unnecessary Roughness (Roughing)

(a) At the discretion of the Referee, a minor or double minor penalty may be assessed to any player who uses unnecessary roughness against an opponent.

(b) A minor penalty for unnecessary roughness must be assessed every time an opposing player makes unnecessary physical contact with the player in possession of the puck/ ball. It is not the intent to penalize incidental contact between two opposing players who are actively in pursuit of the puck/ ball. The act of riding an opponent off the puck/ ball shall not be considered to be roughing. However, this does not allow the player without the puck/ ball to throw his or her body into the opponent to achieve possession.