Note: In enforcing this rule the referee has some options open to him. The referee is encouraged to impose a bench minor if the incident occurs off the playing surface and to impose the misconduct if the incident occurs on the playing surface.

a) If a player uses profane or abusive language, deliberately knocks the puck out of the Official's reach as he is retrieving it, or deliberately throws any equipment out of the playing area he may have a misconduct penalty imposed on him.

b) A player will receive a minor penalty if he challenges the referee's call. If he persists in his protests he will receive a misconduct, and if he still persists, a game misconduct will be assessed. If a team mate of a penalized player protests the call he will also be liable for a misconduct.

Note: Once a player enters the penalty box he cannot leave it prior to his penalty expiring. If he does he will be assessed the appropriate penalty (see Rule 72), and will be suspended for the next 3 regular/playoff games.

c) If a player bangs the boards or any other objects with his stick showing disrespect for the Officials will receive a misconduct. If a trainer, coach or club executive commits an infraction under rule will receive a bench minor.

d) Where players from both teams receive coincident penalties, the visiting club will take their place in the penalty box first.

e) A player who is involved in an altercation must go directly to the penalty box after the incident is broken off. He may not delay the game by picking up his equipment. If he does delay the game he will receive a fine of $100.00 plus all other penalties and fines incurred.

f) If a player continues, or attempts to continue a fight after the referee has ordered him to stop, or who resists a linesman while he is attempting to break up an altercation will, at the discretion of the referee incur a misconduct penalty as well as any other penalties incurred during the altercation.

g) If a referee instructs a player do refrain from a certain conduct including threatening or abusive language, and he does not stop, he will be assessed a misconduct. If after receiving a misconduct penalty the player continues the conduct he was penalized for, he will be assessed a game misconduct.

h) If a player, trainer, coach or club executive uses profane or abusive language or gesture to any person or official, they will receive a bench minor.

i) If it is a club executive, manager or coach who commits the infraction, he will be ordered by the referee to leave the bench, and the incident will be reported to the league.

j) If a manager, coach or club executive is ordered to leave the bench he may not sit near the bench or attempt to direct his club in any way. If the manager, coach or club executive is ordered to leave the bench he will be assessed a game misconduct and the incident will be reported to the commissioner.

k) If someone on the bench including the coach, trainer, player, manager or club executive throws anything on the ice during the game or a stoppage in play, they will be assessed a bench minor.

l) Any player, coach, trainer, or club executive may not interfere with any official while they are performing their duties will be assessed a bench minor, as well as any other penalties which may be assessed.

m) A misconduct will be assessed to a player who remains in the referee's crease while the referee is consulting with any other official, except if the player is proceeding to the penalty bench.

n) A minor penalty will be assessed to a player who is charged with unsportsmanlike conduct such as, but not limited to hair pulling, holding the face mask, biting etc.

o) A player will be assessed a minor penalty if he "takes a dive" trying to draw a penalty.

Rule 42 Adjustment to Clothing or Equipment

a) A game may not be stopped or delay for equipment or clothing adjustments or a minor penalty will be assessed.

b) A player must leave the ice to adjust his equipment and a substitute player may replace him.

c) This includes the goalie.

d) An infraction will result in a minor penalty.

Rule 43 Attempt to Injure

a) A match penalty will be given to any player who deliberately attempts to injure another player, and the incident will be reported to the Commissioner. The penalized player's team will serve a 5 minute penalty.

b) A game misconduct will be given to any player who deliberately attempts to injure an official, manager, coach or trainer, and the incident will be reported to the Commissioner.

Note: The Commissioner may impose order the suspension of a player who receives a penalty under the above rule, where it is probable there will be supplementary disciplinary action taken.

Rule 44 Boarding

a) A minor or major penalty may be imposed by the referee to a player who violently knocks another player into the boards. The difference between a minor and major penalty is the degree of severity with which the player strikes the boards.

Note:

A player will be given a boarding penalty if a player checks another player into the boards on an obvious icing or off side.

b) If a player suffers a facial or head injury a major penalty will be assessed and a game misconduct given.

c) If a player receives 2 game misconducts for boarding in the regular or playoff seasons, he will be suspended for the next game of his team, and for each subsequent boarding penalty under this rule, the suspension will be increased by one game.

d) A major penalty under this rule is automatically accompanied by a $100.00 fine.

Rule 45 Broken Stick

Definition: A broken stick is a stick judged by the referee to be unfit for play.

a) A player must drop any stick that is broken. Failure to do so will result in a minor penalty. A player may play in the game without a stick.

b) A goalie may use a broken stick until he can be given one by a team mate or play stops and he can get a new one.

c) A player who has discarded a broken stick may only get one from a team mate on the ice or from his players bench. Obtaining a stick in any other fashion will result in a minor penalty.

Note: A player from on the bench will receive a minor penalty if he throws a stick to a team mate who does not have a stick.

d) A goalie who has a broken stick has to have a new one given to him by a team mate. He cannot go to the bench and get one. If he does, he will receive a minor penalty.

Rule 46 Butt Ending

Note: Butt ending means using the end of the stick in a jabbing fashion.

a) A player who attempts to butt end another will be given a double minor penalty.

b) A player who butt ends another player will be assessed a major penalty and game misconduct, and be assessed a $100.00 fine.

c) A player who injures a player as a result of a butt end will be given a match penalty.

Rule 47 Charging

Definition: Travelling an unnecessary distance and violently checking a player in open ice, into the boards or into the goal frame.

a) A player may not skate, or jump into or charge another player. If he does, a major or minor penalty may be assessed.

b) If a penalty is imposed under this rule and an injury to the face or head occurs, the player will receive a game misconduct and a $100.00 fine.

c) A player who charges a goaltender while the goalie is within his crease will receive a major or minor penalty.

Note: A player may not check a goalie while he is out of the crease and the referee's are to assess a penalty whenever a player makes contact with the goalie. The player may have incidental contact if the goalie is in the act of playing the puck, so long as the player has made an attempt to avoid the contact.

Rule 48 Checking from Behind

Note: A check from behind is one that is delivered on a player who is unaware of the oncoming hit, and therefore unable to defend himself, and contact made on the back of the body. No penalty will be assessed if a player intentionally turns his back in order to draw a penalty.

a) If a player charges, cross checks or pushes an opponent from behind who is not in a position to defend himself, he will be given a major and a game misconduct.

b) If a player accumulates 2 penalties under this rule in regular season or the playoffs, he will be automatically suspended for his team's next game, and for each game misconduct after that, the suspension will be increased by one game.

Rule 49 Clipping

Definition: Clipping is striking the opponent with any part of the body below the knees.

a) A player cannot clip an opponent, nor can he check an opponent on or below and opponents knees by lowering his body to do so.

b) A player cannot deliver an illegal low hit. An illegal low hit is a check by a player who deliberately tries to hit his opponent in the area of his knees. A player who clips or delivers an illegal low hit will be given a minor penalty. If the check results in an injury, the player will be assessed a major and game misconduct.

Rule 50 Cross Checking

Definition: A Cross check means hitting the opponent with the stick, while both hands are on the stick, and extending the arms in a pushing fashion while hitting the opponent.

a) A player who cross checks will be given a minor or major penalty at the discretion of the referee. If a player is given a major penalty for cross checking he will automatically be assessed a game misconduct.

b) When a major penalty is assessed for cross checking a $100.00 fine will also be imposed.

Rule 51 Delaying the Game

a) A minor penalty will be given to any player who deliberately shoots or hits the puck with their stick in any fashion out of the playing area.

Note: 1. If the goalie shoots the puck out of the playing area, but it deflects off an object before leaving the playing area, there will be no penalty assessed.

2. A delay of game penalty is also assessed if any player shoots or hits the puck with his hand or stick out of the playing area after a stoppage in play.

b) A player will be assessed a minor penalty for deliberately dislodging the goal post. The play will be stopped when the offending team gains possession of the puck.

c) If the goal post is dislodged during a breakaway, then a penalty shot will be awarded to the player who last had possession of the puck.

Note: A breakaway is defined as a player who has the puck with no defenders between him and the goalie who has a reasonable chance of scoring. If the goal post is dislodged before the puck crosses the goal line between the posts, the referee will use his discretion and assess a minor penalty, or a penalty shot or award a goal.

d) If a player is assessed a minor penalty for dislodging the goalpost, and there is not enough time left in either regular or overtime to serve the penalty in its entirety, then a penalty shot will be awarded.

e) A bench minor penalty will be assessed against a team who after a warning from the referee fails to put enough players on the ice and begin play, or persists in line changes or having its players offside.

Rule 52 Deliberate Injury of Opponents

a) A match penalty is given to any player who deliberately injures another player.

Note: A player who has tape on his hands below his wrists and injures a player during an altercation will be assessed under this rule.

b) The player will also be automatically suspended until the Commissioner has reviewed and ruled on the incident.

c) The offending team will not be able to substitute for the penalized player for 5 minutes.

d) A game misconduct will be assessed on any player who deliberately injures an official, manager, coach or trainer. The commissioner will further review the incident for further action.

Rule 53 Elbowing

Definition: Using the elbow in a way that could cause injury.

a) A player who at the referee's discretion, uses an elbow to foul an opponent will receive a minor or major penalty.

b) If a player receives a major penalty under this rule and the foul results in a facial or head injury to the opponent the player will receive a game misconduct and an automatic fine of $100.00

Rule 54 Face Offs

A face off is deemed to have started when the official points to the place of the face off, and he assumes a position to drop the puck.

a) The referee and linesman will drop the puck between the sticks of the players who are facing off. Players who are facing off will stand squarely in front of each other, facing their opponents end of the rink approximately 1 stick length apart. Their blades of their sticks will be flat on the ice and still. When a face off occurs in any face off circle, the players will take up the face off position, and both of their blades must be within the white portion of the face of spot, and their skates will be within the designated area. The visiting team player facing off will place his blade in the white area of the face of spot and player from the home team facing off will place his blade in the white area immediately after. No other players may be in the face off circle. If a player ventures into the face of circle and the puck is dropped, the linesman or referee will face off again.

b) If the referee or linesman warns a player to take up the face off position and he does not do so promptly, the referee or linesman may initiate the face off.

c) While in the process of taking a face off, players are not allowed to make physical contact with the opponents body with his body or stick, except when the player is attempting to play the puck after the face off is completed. The referee should assess a major or minor penalty to the player committing the offence.

e) A player who does not take up his face position quickly when instructed to do so by the referee, may be replaced by another player on the ice. Teams are not permitted to substitute players until the face of is complete, or a penalty is called that affects the on ice strength of the teams. A second violation of a player not facing off in a timely fashion will result in a minor penalty to the player committing the infraction. Any time lost on the time clock will be replaced. During an end zone face off, all players on a team must position themselves behind the imaginary line drawn through the hash marks on the face off circles. If a player enters the face off circle prior to the puck being dropped, then the player taking the face off for the offending team will be replaced by another player, unless the non offending team wins the face off, and retains possession of the puck.

f) If the above rule is violated by an attacking player while in the attacking zone, the resulting face off will occur in the neutral zone.

g) If players from both teams commit the infraction, then the face off will take place where the infraction took place or where the play was stopped.

h) If play is stopped between the end face of spots and the near end of the rink, then the face off will occur on the face off spot on the side of the rink the stoppage occurred, unless otherwise provided for by the rules.

i) Face offs may not occur within 15' of the goal or sideboards.

j) If a goal is scored through a deflection off of an official in the defending zone, the goal will be disallowed and the face off will occur on the face off spot in the defending zone.

k) If a game is stopped for any reason not covered by the rules, the resulting face off will occur where the puck was last played.

l) There is no signal from an official to start time. Time is started when the puck is faced off and stopped when the whistle is blown or a goal scored.

m) If play is stopped due to a fight or other altercation, point players, or players coming from the bench are not permitted to go beyond the outer edge of the face off circle. If a player commits such an infraction, then the face off will occur in the neutral zone near the blue line of the defending team.

Rule 55 Falling on the Puck

a) A minor penalty will be given to a player, other than the goalie, who deliberately falls on or pulls the puck into his body. A player who falls to block a shot will not be penalized if the puck gets lodged in his body or is shot under him, as long as he does not use his hands to make the puck unplayable.

b) A goalie will be assessed a minor penalty if he stops play by falling on the puck or holding it against the net while he is in his crease, and he is NOT being checked by an opponent. (see Rule 79)

c) Only the goalie may fall on the puck or gather it into his body while in the goal crease. If a player commits an infraction under this rule, a penalty shot will be awarded against the offending team.

Rule 56 Fisticuffs

Note: The instigator is a player who through actions commits the following: distance travelled, gloves off first, first punch thrown, menacing attitude or posture, verbal threats or conduct in retaliation to a prior incident.

a) An altercation involves two players, with a minimum of one of them to be penalized. A player involved in fisticuffs will be given a roughing minor, major or major and game misconduct. The player who is in the opinion of the referee the instigator will be given an instigator minor, a fighting major and a ten minute misconduct. A player who receives a major and game misconduct for being the instigator will have the incident recorded as being the instigator of an altercation for statistical records. If a player is the instigator of a second altercation in the same game, he will be given an instigating minor, a major for fighting and a game misconduct. If a player is the instigator for the 3rd time in the regular season he will receive a minor penalty as the instigator, a major for fighting and a game misconduct, and will be suspended for the next 2 regular season games. If he is the instigator for a fourth time in the same regular season, he is suspended for the next 4 regular season games, for a 5th similar offense he will be suspended for 6 games. If a player is wearing a face mask and is the instigator he will be assessed an additional minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. If a player removes his sweater and it does not conform to rule 24A-Players Jerseys, he will receive a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct as well as any other penalties assessed. Players must "tie" their sweaters down to prevent them from being removed. Failure to do so will result in a game misconduct. If a player has his sweater removed during an altercation and he is NOT the instigator he will not be assessed a game misconduct.

b) If a player retaliates then he will receive, at the discretion of the referee a major or double minor or a game misconduct may be given if the player continues the altercation.

Note: 1: The intent of this rule that the referee will assess the major and game misconduct to the instigator or retaliator where they are clearly the aggressor and doing so for the purposes of intimidation.

2: The referee has a great deal of latitude in this situation so that he may assess degrees of involvement and intent during the altercation.

3: The referees are instructed to stop brawling as much as possible.

4: A player wearing tape below the wrist who cuts an opponent during an altercation will receive a match penalty under Rule 52.

c) A player who is involved in an altercation off the ice will be given a misconduct or game misconduct, as well as any other penalties.

d) A player or goalie who is the third man into an altercation will be given a game misconduct, unless a match penalty is being imposed in the original altercation.

e) If a fight occurs, all players not involved must go to their own bench. If the altercation takes place near their bench, they must go to their defensive zone. Failure to do so may result in a $1,000.00 team fine and a $1,000.00 fine to the coach.

f) Any player who is penalized for fighting after the first altercation will be assessed a game misconduct. The referee has the latitude to waive the penalty if the opposing player was clearly the instigator.

g) Any player involved in an altercation other than during the game will have his team fined $25,000.00 in addition to any other penalties imposed. The instigator of an altercation not during the game will be suspended automatically for 10 games. The referee may make the determination at the time of the incident or the Commissioner may further investigate the situation through reports and TV Tapes.

Rule 57 Goals and Assists

The Official Scorer awards goals and assists according to the provisions of this rule, and he may use other officials and video replays in awarding the goals and assists. If a mistake is made it is to be corrected immediately unless the referee has signed the game sheet.

a) A goal is defined as the entire puck crossing between the goal posts and below the crossbar, and across a goal line as wide as the goal posts, and drawn between the two goal posts. The goal frame must be in its correct position and the puck must have directed by an opposing players stick.

b) A goal is also counted if a player on the defending team puts the puck in his own net. The attacking player who last touches the puck will be given credit for the goal, and no assist will be given.

c) A goal is not counted if a player deliberately bats the puck directly into the net or deflects it off another player.

d) If an attacking player deflects a shot off his skate or any part of his body a goal is counted and the player deflecting the puck is credited with the goal. The goal is not allowed if the puck is intentionally kicking into the net. A goal Is not allowed if the puck is thrown into the net or otherwise deliberately put into the net by any means but the stick.

e) If the puck is deflected of an official, the goal will not be allowed.

f) If the puck is directed into the crease, and then become loose an subsequently be shot into the net in a legal fashion, a goal is scored.

g) A goal scored by any other means other than those covered by the rules will not be allowed.

h) Each player who scores a goal will have a "goal" credited to his statistics and one point awarded.

i) An assist will be given to players who are involved in the play immediately preceding the goal, but in any event only 2 assists will be credited. Each assist will count as one point in the players record.

j) A maximum of one point per player is allowed on any goal scored.

Rule 58 Gross Misconduct

A referee may assess a Gross Misconduct on any player, trainer, coach or trainer who is guilty of any gross misconduct. A player, coach, trainer or manager who receives a gross misconduct will be suspended for the balance of the game and automatically fined $200.00, and referred to the Commissioner for further review. Regardless of the amount of time remaining in a game, a player incurring a gross misconduct will be charged with 10 minutes in his record.

Rule 59 Handling Puck with Hands

a) A minor penalty will be given to a player, other than the goal who closes his had on the puck, or to a goaltender who holds the puck for more than 3 seconds without being checked by an opponent.

b) The goalie must keep play going, therefore he is not allowed to hold the puck in a way that unnecessarily stops play. He may not throw the puck towards his opponents goal, drop the puck into his pads or on top of the net. He cannot pile up snow around the goal area which would prevent or slow the puck from going into the goal. Any goalie who commits such an infraction will be given a minor penalty.

d) If a player, other than the goalie picks up the puck while play is in progress, the player will be assessed a minor penalty. If a player, other than the goalie picks the puck up in the goal crease, a penalty shot will be awarded to the non offending team.

e) While in the neutral or attacking zone, players are not allowed to bat the puck out of the air, or push it along the ice. The play will be stopped and a face off will take place where the offense occurred but no penalty will be given. If in the opinion of the referee the puck was deliberately directed to a team mate in the defensive zone, then the play will be stopped and a face off will occur where the infraction was committed. There will be no penalty. A goal cannot be scored by a player who bats a puck directly into the net with his hand, or be deflecting it off another player.

Rule 60 Head Butting

a) A player attempting to head butt an opponent will be given a double minor penalty.

b) A player who head butts an opponent will be given a major penalty and a game misconduct.

c) If a player injures another player with a head butt, he will be given a match penalty.

Rule 61 High Sticks

Definition: A high stick is one that is above the shoulders. Players will not be called for high sticking if accidental contact is made during the wind up or follow through of shooting.

a) A minor penalty will be given if a player makes contact with another player while his stick is above his shoulders.

b) If an injury results by the use of a high stick, whether accidental, the offending player will: Receive a double minor, or Receive a match penalty for attempting to injure, or Receive a match penalty for deliberately injuring a player.

c) If an attacking player hits the puck with his stick above the height of the crossbar, and scores, the goal will be disallowed. If a defending player's stick hits the puck while it is above the height of the crossbar, and a goal is scored, it will be allowed.

d) If a puck is hit with a high stick and goes to a team mate the play will be stopped. If the offending team gained a positional advantage, the face off will occur where the high stick occurred. If the offending team did not gain a positional advantage, the face off will occur where the puck was touched. Play will continue after a high stick if: The puck goes to an opponent or The puck goes into the net of the team whose player committed the foul.

e) If a team has a power play, and a player on that team commits a high sticking foul, the face off will occur at one of the face off spots in the end zone of the team committing the foul.

Rule 62 Holding the Opponent

A minor penalty is given to a player who holds another player with his hands, arms or legs. A player may use his arms to block another player and not incur a penalty, as long he is not holding.

Rule 63 Holding an Opponents Stick

A player holding an opponents stick will be assessed a minor penalty. A player may protect himself from an opponents stick but he has to let the stick go immediately and allow the checker to resume play.

Rule 64 Hooking

Definition: Using the stick to restrict an opponent's progress. If there is only stick to stick contact, then no infraction will occur.

a) If a player hooks another player, the offender will receive a minor penalty.

b) If a player injures another player while hooking, the offending player will receive a major penalty and a game misconduct, and automatically fined $100.00.

Rule 65 Icing the Puck

Note: The red line will divide the ice surface into 2 halves.

a) If a team has equal or more players on the ice than its opponent and shoots the puck from their side of the centre line past the goal line of the opposing team, the play will be stopped and a face off will occur at the face off spot in the end zone of the offending team. Icing will not be called if a goal is scored. Icing will be called under this rule if the puck is shot by a player on his own side of centre and the puck hits a team mate who is also on his side of centre ice.

Note 1: If there is a delayed penalty being called against the team NOT in possession and the team in possession ices the puck, the face off will occur at a face off spot in the neutral zone closest to the end of the team icing the puck.

Note 2: A team who is short handed may ice the puck without a stoppage in play. If a penalty is about to expire, the decision of whether icing takes place shall be determined at the instant the penalty expires, regardless of whether the player remains in the penalty box.

Note 3: Icing will be called the instant a player, other than the goaltender, from the defending team touches the puck. Icing will not be called if the attacking team touches the puck first. If during the act of touching the puck by the defending team the puck goes into the net, NO goal will be called.

Note 4: If the puck is shot by a player from his own side of centre, and it touches the body or stick of an opponent in his half of the ice and then crosses the goal line, icing will not be called.

Note 5: Rule 59e applies to icing, and a player cannot bat or pus the puck into an opponents net with his hands.

Note 6: If a delayed offside signal is in progress, and the puck is shot down the ice, then the offside call is negated and icing will be called in the normal fashion.

b) If the puck is "iced" and a player from the offending team is on side and can play the puck before his opponent touches it, play will continue.

c) A short handed team may ice the puck without a stoppage in play.

d) Icing is not called if it occurs directly off of the face off by either of the two players facing off.

e) Icing is not called if in the opinion of the linesman a player of the non offending team could have played the puck before it crosses the goal line. If the referee feels that a player from the non offending team didn't play the puck when he could have, he can stop the play and face the puck off at the face off spot in the end zone of the non offending team. If the linesman feels that a goalie leaves his crease and fakes playing the puck, the icing call will be waved off.

f) If the puck touches any part of a player of the opposing team including his skates or stick, or goes through any part of the goal crease, or touches any part of the goalie including stick or skates, BEFORE the puck crosses the goal line, icing will NOT be called.

g) If the puck gets caught in the back of the net and the goalie tries to free it, icing will not be called. h) If a team has removed its goalie for an extra attacker and ices the puck, icing will be called if the puck goes through the goal crease prior to crossing the goal line.

Rule 66 Illegal Puck

If while play is in progress, a puck other than the one legally in play shows up, the play will continue with the legal puck until there is a change of possession, at which time play will be stopped. Rule 67 Interference

a) A minor penalty for interference will be given to a player in who interferes with a player who does not have possession of the puck.

b) A player will receive a minor penalty if he tries to stop an opponent from fore checking.

c) An attacking player who checks a defending player or goalie while they do not have possession of the puck will be given a minor penalty.

d) A player who deliberately checks another player who does not have possession of the puck and forces him off side will receive a minor penalty.

e) A player who knocks the stick out of another players hands or prevents a player from retrieving a dropped stick or other piece of equipment will receive a minor penalty.

f) If a player shoots a piece of a broken stick or other piece of dropped equipment at a player who has possession of the puck in an attempt to distract him will be given an minor penalty.

g) A minor penalty will be given to players on the players bench or penalty bench who attempt to interfere with the game with their bodies or sticks.

h) If a goalie has be removed from the ice and any player, coach, manager, or trainer who is not legally on the ice, interferes with the game, then the referee will award a goal to the non offending team.

i) If a player is on his opponents side of centre and has no other defender than the goalie and an object is thrown or shot by the other team to distract him, or if he is interfered with by an opposing players body or stick, then he will be awarded a penalty shot.

Note 1 Body Position

Body position is defined as the player directly in front or beside his opponent travelling in the same direction. A player who is behind his opponent is not allowed to use his stick to restrain his opponent (see hooking). A player may stand in one spot to block an opponent, or he may block his opponent by skating in the same direction. A player cannot move laterally and check a player not in possession of the puck. If he does so he will receive a minor penalty. A player may not use his free hand or stick to block an opponent, or deliver an illegal check while trying to block an opponent from moving.

Note 2 Possession of the Puck

The player who last touched the puck, other than the goaltender is the player who has possession of the puck, and may be checked legally as long as the check is given immediately following his loss of possession.

Note 3 Restrain

The actions of a player to impede the progress of an opponent who does not have possession of the puck. Illegal actions are those that allow a player to regain, establish or maintain body position without skating.

Note 4 Pick

A pick is delivered by a player who impedes an opponent who does not have possession of the puck and is not in a battle for the puck, by establishing himself in the opponents way, without the opponent having knowledge of the impending hit. The player delivering the pick will not have established body position first.

Note 5 Free Hand

A free hand is the one not holding a players own stick. He may use this hand to ward off opponents but he may hold them or their sticks while doing so.

Note 6 Stick

Any reference to the stick implies any part of the stick.

Rule 68 Interference by/with Spectators

a) If a player is being interfered with by the spectators the referee will stop play, unless the team of the player being interfered with has possession of the puck. If they do, then the referee will stop the play when the team with the puck losses possession of it, and the face off will occur where the play was stopped.

b) A player is not permitted to interfere with the spectators. Penalty for this infraction is a gross misconduct and the commissioner may impose addition fines or suspensions.

c) If any objects are thrown onto the ice, the referee will immediately stop the play, and face the puck off where the play was stopped.

Note: If objects are thrown onto the ice after a goal is scored or after a stoppage in play, a bench minor will be called against the home team.

Rule 69 Kicking a Player

A player who tries to kick another player will be given a match penalty. Whether or not a player causes injury, he team will be short handed for 5 minutes.

Rule 70 Kicking the Puck

a) Players are permitted to kick the puck in any zone. A goal however, cannot be scored by deliberately kicking the puck directly into the net, or deflecting it off of another player.

b) A goal that is not deliberately kicked in is counted.

c) A goal cannot be scored by a player deliberately kicking a piece of equipment such as a stick, glove etc that causes the puck to go into the net.

Rule 71 Kneeing

Definition: A player who makes a distinctive move with his knee. A player will be assessed a minor or major penalty for kneeing. If he is assessed a major penalty he will also be given a game misconduct.

Rule 72 Leaving the Players' Bench or Penalty Box

a) Players cannot leave the players' bench or penalty box during an altercation to participate in, or to start another altercation. Substitutions prior to the altercation are allowed, so long as the substitutes do not participate in the altercation. A player who enters the game on a legal line change and starts an altercation is also subject to supplementary discipline under Rule 33A.

b) A game misconduct will be given to the first and second players from either team who violate this rule.

c) The first player to leave the bench or penalty box will be suspended without pay for the next 10 regular season or playoff games of his team.

d) The second player to leave the bench will be similarly suspended for 5 regular season or playoff games.

e) Any team who has a player penalized under section a will be fined $10,000.00 and the fine will be increased by $5,000.00 for every occurrence over the next 3 years.

f) All players who leave the bench will be subject to a fine under the current collective bargaining agreement of the players union.

g) Any player other than the first or second players to leave the bench will be suspended for the next 5 regular of playoff games.

h) No player can leave the penalty bench except at the end of a period, game or penalty. If a player leaves the penalty box before his penalty has expired he will receive a minor penalty after serving his current penalty.

i) A player leaving the penalty box during an altercation and stoppage in play will be assessed a minor penalty plus a game misconduct after he has finished serving any unexpired time.

j) The penalty timekeeper will note the time and signal the officials if a player leaves the penalty box before his penalty expires and the play will stop when the penalized player's team gains possession of the puck.

l) If the penalty timekeeper makes a mistake and sends a player onto the ice before his time has expired, the player will not be penalized, but will have to serve any unexpired time.

m) If a player has possession of the puck and no one from the opposing team between him and the goalie, and a player from the opposing team interferes with him who entered the game illegally, the referee will call a penalty shot for the team having possession of the puck.

n) If the goalie from the defending team has been pulled and a player of the opposing team has a clear shot to the net, and a player from the defending team throws a stick, any part of a stick or other object at the puck carrier or fouls the puck carrier from behind, a goal will be awarded to the attacking team. If the goalie of a team has been removed from the game and a player from the opposing team has the puck, and a player from the team who has removed their goalie has a player enter the game illegally and interferes with the puck carrier, the referee will immediately award a goal to the team with possession of the puck.

o) A bench minor will be assessed against a team whose coach, club executive or manager steps onto the ice between the time the period starts and ends and will automatically be fined $200.00.

q) If a player in the penalty box returns to the ice before his penalty has expired either by his, or the penalty timekeeper's mistake, any goal scored by his team will be disallowed and any penalties imposed will be served as regular penalties.

r) If a player enters the game illegally from either his bench or the penalty box, any goal scored by his team will be disallowed and any penalties assessed will be served as regular penalties.

s) If there is no altercation in progress, any player leaving his bench for any other reason than a change of players will have a bench minor imposed on his team.

t) If a player is ordered to the dressing room by an officials and returns to the bench or ice before the time imposed, he will be given a game misconduct and suspended without pay for the next 10 regular or playoff games.

u) Any coach who leaves the bench while their teams are involved in an altercation may be suspended by the Commissioner and may be fined $10,000.00.

v) For all suspensions under this rule, the personnel having to pay fines will do so on a pro rata basis or the player's/coach's/trainer's salary. It will be computed by calculating the players fixed salary per day over the length of the season and then multiplying that amount by the number of days in the suspension. In addition to that a club that is deemed by the Commissioner to pay or reimburse a player the amount of the fine or lost salary will further be fined $100,000.00. In the event that the suspensions cannot be served in a single season, they will continue over into the next regular season.

Rule 73 Obscene or Profane Language or Gestures.

a) Players are not allowed to use obscene gestures or language on the ice or anywhere else in the rink before, during or after a game. If they do, the referee will assess a game misconduct and report the incident to the Commissioner. It is the responsibility of all clubs and officials to submit confidential reports to the Commissioner for his review and subsequent discipline.

c) If a club executive, coach, manager or trainer uses profane language or obscene gestures, a bench minor will be assessed.

Rule 74 Off-sides

a) In determining a players position for the purposes of this rule, it will be the position of the players skates, not his body or stick. A player then is offside if BOTH of his skates are over the red or blue line which defines the off side. A player is onside if either of his skates are in contact with, or on his side of the line the instant the puck completely crosses the line.

b) If the linesman feels that an intentional off side has been created the puck will be faced off at the face off circle in the defending zone of the offending club.

Note 1: An intentional offside is one created in order to get a stoppage in play, whether each team is short handed.

Note 2: If there is a delayed offside in effect a player intentionally touches the puck to create a stoppage in play, the linesman will call an intentional offside.

Rule 75 Passes

a) A player may pass the puck to any other player on his team when both players are located in any of one of the 3 zones that the ice is divided into. The defending team may pass the puck from their defending zone into the neutral zone as long as there is no offside created at the centre line when the pass is completed. The player receiving the pass must have the puck cross the centre line before both of his skates do. If an offside is created the puck will be faced off where the pass originated.

Note: If the player precedes the puck across the centre line, he may become eligible to play the puck by having one of his skates come into contact with the centre line.

b) If the puck comes into contact with any part of a player's body, stick or skates who is legally onside, the pass will be considered complete.

c) The player who last touched the puck will be deemed to be in possession. For purposes of this section, rebounds off the goalie or equipment are not considered to be a change in possession.

d) If the puck is passed from the neutral zone into the attacking zone, and precedes a player into the attacking zone, the player will be allowed to play the puck except where icing takes over.

e) As long as the puck precedes a player into any zone to which the puck is passed, the player may play the puck as long as icing does not apply.

f) If a puck is passed backwards from the attacking zone to anywhere on the ice, a player from the same team may play the puck without an offside being called.

Rule 76 Physical Abuse of the Officials

a) A player who physically abuses, attempts to injure, tries to break free of an official restraining him during or after an altercation, or physically demeans an official will get a game misconduct penalty, as well as:

Category 1: A player who hits an official and causes injury, or attempts to injure in any manner will be given a suspension of no less than 20 games. For purposes of this rule, attempt to injure will be interpreted as any physical force with which a player could reasonably expect to cause injury.)

Category 2: A player who deliberately applies force to an official without intent to injure will automatically suspended for no less than 10 games.

Category 3: A player who intentionally physically demeans an official or tries to break free from an official after being restrained during or after an altercation will automatically be suspended for no less than 3 games.

Immediately after the game in which the game misconduct was assessed the referee will consult with the other officials and decide on the Category of the offense and report it to the Commissioner. The player and club will be notified the following morning and may appeal the decision within 72 hours.

If a review is to be conducted, the Commissioner will do so as soon as possible prior to the 4th game of the suspension. The player's suspension will continue until the issue has be resolved. After the review the Commissioner may:

1: Sustain the current suspension, or

2: Increase the number of games and sustain the category, or

3: Change the incident to a lower category, or

4: Change the incident to a lower category and increase the number of games within the category.

A player may appeal the Commissioner's decision under By Law 17:11. The Board of Governors will review the case and render a decision under one of the four alternatives above. If the player has committed more than one offense under this rule there may be additional penalties imposed.

b) Any club official, coach, trainer or manager who holds or strikes an official will be ordered to the dressing room and automatically suspended from the game, and the incident reported to the Commissioner for review.

Rule 77 Preceding the Puck into the Attacking Zone

For purposes of this rule, all players must not be in the attacking zone prior to the puck entering the attack zone. Skates must be in contact with the blue line. The ability to tag up back to the blue line has been removed. The defending team must bring the puck out of the defending zone before they can legally be checked without an offside being called or stoppage being called for failing to advance the puck.

a) Players from the attacking team cannot enter the attacking zone prior to the puck.

b) If they do, the play is stopped and the puck will be faced off on the face off spot in the neutral zone closest to the attacking zone blue line of the offending team. A player who is control of the puck is not off side if he crosses the line prior to the puck.

c) If there is a delayed offside, the linesman will raise his non whistle hand. If a stoppage in play occurs there will be one of three possible face off locations:

1: If an intentional off side has been called, the face off will occur back at the face off spot in the neutral zone, closest to the offending teams blue line.

2: If a pass is not intercepted and the play stopped, the face off will be from where the pass originated.

3: If the pass is intercepted by a defending player and he is subsequently checked and loses control of the puck, the face off will be in the neutral zone on the face off spot closest to the defending team's blue line.

Notes: 1: An intentional offside is one which is made to gain a stoppage in play.

2: If there is a delayed offside in progress and a player touches the puck to gain a stoppage in play, it will be deemed an intentional offside.

3: Intentional offsides are still in effect when a team is shorthanded.

4: If there is an offside and icing on the same call, the off side will prevail.

5: If a delayed offside is in effect, the defending player must carry the puck towards and into the neutral zone. If he does not, play will be stopped and the face off will occur at the face of spot in the neutral spot closest to the offending team's blue line.

6: If the players from a team who is offside are in close proximity to the blue line and in the opinion of the linesman are making an effort to clear the zone, and the puck is shot into the attacking zone, an intentional offside will not be called.

7: If the puck is shot at the net and is not touched by either team, this may also be called an intentional offside.

8: A puck that hits an official in the neutral zone and rebounds into the defensive zone will be called offside.

d) If a player passes or shoots the puck back into his defensive and there is a player from the opposing team in the same zone, there will be no offside called.

Rule 78 Protection of Goalkeeper

Note: The newly revised goal crease rule is intended to remove the premise that a goal is disallowed if a player is in the crease.

Goals will be disallowed if:

1: An attacking player's position in the crease impairs the goalies ability either through his position or contact, to defend his goal or move about freely in his crease.

2: An attacking player has more than incidental contact with the goaltender either inside or outside the crease. An attacking player may initiate contact as long as it is initiated outside the crease and the attacking player has made all efforts to avoid contact.

This rule is strictly enforced through the judgement of the on ice officials and is not subject to video review.

a) A goal will be disallowed if an attacking player initiates contact with the goalie while the goalie is in his crease.

b) A goal will be disallowed if an attacking player initiates contact with the goalie while the goalie is outside the crease.

c) If an attacking player initiates more than incidental contact with the goalie while the goalie is either inside or outside of his crease, the referee at his discretion, may assess a minor or major penalty.

Note: 1: The referee should consider the degree and nature of the incident, and position of the goalie and attacking player in making his judgement.

2: If a player makes contact with the goalie as a result of being pushed by a defending player it will not be deemed as contact initiated by the attacking player as long as the attacking player makes a reasonable attempt to avoid contact with the goalie.

3: The goalie is not "fair game" while he is outside his crease and the referee should assess the appropriate penalties for contact with the goalie. Attacking players may make incidental contact with the goalie if the goalie is attempting to play the puck, as long as the player makes reasonable efforts to avoid contact.

d) If the goalie initiates contact with a player in his crease while trying to establish position in the crease and a goal is scored while doing so, the goal will be disallowed.

e) If after initiating contact with a player while trying to establish his position a player does not give way to the goalie and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed. The player committing the goaltender interference will receive a minor penalty.

Note 4: The intent of the above is to ensure the goalie has full and free mobility around his crease.

Note 5: If a goalie who is trying to establish position in his commits a foul, he will receive the appropriate penalty.

f) A player who has interfered with a goalie who has played the puck out side of his crease by preventing him from getting back to his crease will receive a minor penalty. A goalie may also receive a penalty if he interferes with a player while the player is trying to play the puck.

g) If an attacking player establishes his position within the crease and impedes the goalie's ability to see or defend his goal, and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed.

Note 6: The referee is to use his judgement to ensure that the player was in the crease for more than an instant.

i) If the goalie and a player are attempting to play a rebound, incidental contact will be allowed, and if a goal is scored it will be allowed.

j) If a goalie is pushed into the goal with the puck after making the stop, the goal will be disallowed and if appropriate penalties will be imposed.

k) A goalie may be assessed an unsportsmanlike penalty if he deliberately initiates contact with an attacking player other than to establish position in the crease.

l) A player who makes contact with a goalie either inside or outside the crease which is subject to a penalty will be assessed the appropriate penalty, and is also subject to subsequent discipline if necessary.

Rule 79 Puck Must be Kept in Motion

a) The puck must be kept moving at all times.

b) A minor penalty will be given to any player or goaltender who deliberately stops play by any means. With a goalkeeper, this applies when he is outside his crease.

Rule 80 Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable

a) If a puck goes out of bounds or hits any object other than the boards or glass, it will be faced off where the shot occurred. If an attacking player in the attacking zone puts the puck out of play, the face off will occur in the neutral zone at one of the face off spots. No time will be lost if the puck goes out of play.

b) If the puck gets lodged in the netting of the goal or is frozen between two opposing players, the puck will be faced off at the nearest face off circle. If in the opinion of the referee it was the attacking team who caused the stoppage in play, the puck will be faced off in the neutral area on one of the face off spots.

Note: Either team may play the puck off of the net if they can do so within 3 seconds, otherwise the referee will stop play and face the puck of in the nearest face off circle.

c) A minor penalty will be given to a goalie who deliberately drops the puck on the goal netting to stop play.

d) If a puck stops on top of the boards it may be played by any legal means.

Rule 81 Puck Out of Sight

Once the referee loses sight of the puck he will blow the whistle and face off the puck where the incident occurred, unless otherwise covered by the rules.

Rule 82 Puck Striking an Official

a) Play will not be stopped if the puck hits an official unless covered by any other rule.

b) When a puck goes out of bounds after striking an official, the face off will occur where the puck deflected off the official. A puck going into the net after deflecting off an official will not be counted as a goal.

Rule 83 Refusing to Start Play

a) If both teams are on the ice and the referee calls the teams to play and one team refuses to play, the referee will give a 15 second warning. If the team refusing to play is still not ready a minor penalty will be given to a player designated by the Manager or Coach. If the team still refuses to play the team will be fined $200.00. If the team still refuses to play, the game will be forfeited and the incident reported to the Commissioner.

b) If a team refuses to go onto the ice within 5 minutes when requested by the referee, the club executive, Manager or coach will be fined $500.00, and the game forfeited and reported to the Commissioner.

Rule 84 Roughing

Definition: An altercation that does not require a major penalty. A minor penalty will be assessed to a player who hits another player.

Rule 85 Slashing

Definition: The act of swinging a stick at another player. Non aggressive hitting of the pants or front of the shin pads is not deemed as slashing.

a) A player who in the discretion of the referee slashes a player may be assessed a minor, major or game misconduct penalty.

b) A major or game misconduct will be given to a player who injures another player by means of a slash.

c) If a player swings his stick at an opponent during an altercation he will be fined $200.00 and the incident reported to the Commissioner.

Rule 86 Spearing

Definition: Stabbing at or making contact with an opponent with the blade of the stick.

a) A player who stabs at another player whether or not contact is made will be given a double minor penalty.

b) A player who spears another player will be given a major and game misconduct.

c) A player who injures an opponent as the result of a spear will be assessed a match penalty.

Rule 87 Start of Game and Periods

a) The game will be started by means of a face off at the centre of the ice at the scheduled time. Each period will be started in the same manner. No delays will be permitted for any reason unless agreed to by the visiting club.

b) The home team will have the choice of which goal to defend, unless both benches are located on the same side of the rink, in which case the home team will defend the goal closest to their bench. The teams will change ends for each period of play.

c) The pre game warm up cannot be any longer than 20 minutes. Before the game and each period both teams will confine their activities to their own end.

d) Both teams will leave the ice 20 minutes before the start of the game so that the ice can be resurfaced, and called back to the ice by the official timekeeper.

e) If a team does not appear when called to the ice without a good reason, they will be fined by the Commissioner. If clubs are not on the ice at the proper time at the start of all periods of regular or overtime play, the offending teams will be assessed a bench minor.

f) At the end of each period both teams must proceed directly to their dressing rooms.

g) When the teams return to the ice before the second and third periods, each team must go directly to their benches, except the starting line ups. The visiting team will assume their starting positions, followed immediately by the home team. Any on ice activities delaying the start of the period will result in a minor penalty.

Rule 88 Throwing the Stick

a) If any player, manager, coach or trainer throws or shoots any object at a player when the puck carrier is in the defending zone, the play will continue. If the play is stopped and a goal has not been scored, the referee will award a penalty shot to the non offending team. The referee will designate the player to take the shot. If a defending team has pulled their goalie and an attacking player has possession of the puck and no one between him and the open net, and a player, coach, manager or trainer throws or shoots any object and prevents the attacking player from scoring, a goal will be awarded.

b) Any player on the ice who throws or shoots an object at the puck in any zone will be assessed a minor penalty unless the act has already been penalized with a penalty shot or a goal awarded.

c) If a player throws his stick or any part of it outside the playing area the referee will assess a misconduct or game misconduct. If the act was done to protest an official's call then an additional unsportsmanlike minor penalty will be handed out.

Rule 89 Tied Game

a) If a game is tied after regulation time has expired, each team will be awarded 1 point for the league standings. After regulation time, the two teams will play a five minute overtime period. The first team to score will be the winner and will earn an additional point in the league standings. The teams will play with 4 skaters and one goalie. Penalties will be assessed as in normal play.

1: If a team receives one penalty the teams will play with 4 on 3 skaters.

2: If a team is assessed 2 penalties the penalized team will stay with three skaters, but the non penalized team will be allowed 5 skaters.

3: After a stoppage in play and the first penalty has expired the teams will go back to 4 on 3.

4: If there is a penalty in effect at the end of regulation time that carries over into overtime, the overtime skater criteria will take effect.

5: If a team pulls its goalie in overtime in favour of an extra attacker, and loses the game, they will forfeit the automatic point earned for the tie in regulation time, except where a goalie has been pulled on a delayed penalty.

6: There will be a 2 minute rest between the regulation time and overtime. The teams will not change ends for the overtime.

7: If regulation time ends with a 5 on 3 situation due to penalties, the overtime will begin with 5 on 3. As the penalties expire and the teams return to a 5 on 4 or 5 on 5, at the first stoppage of play, the teams will revert back to 4 on 4 or 4 on 3.

8: Similar rules will apply when regulation play ends with 3 on 3 or 4 on 4.

Rule 90 Time of Match

a) Teams will play 3, 20 minute periods with rest in between each period. The game will resume after a 15 minute rest between periods, or a length that is determined by the board of governors. A 5 minute warning will be given to the teams by the official timekeeper, and a further warning with 2 minutes to go before the game resumes, and a final warning with 1 minute left in the intermission.

b) The team scoring the most goals at the end of regulation time will be declared the winner and given 2 points in the league standings.

c) The ice will be flooded between periods unless the two teams agree otherwise.

d) If there is an unusual delay with less than 5 minutes left in the first or second periods, the referee may order the next intermission to take place immediately. If he does so, then the balance of the period will be played when the teams return to the ice with the teams defending the same end as they were prior to the intermission. Once the period has been played out, the teams will change ends and the next period will begin. If the delay occurs with more than 5 minutes remaining, the next intermission will be taken only if requested by the home team.

Rule 91 Tripping

Note 1: Accidental trips that happen at the same time a play is completed will not be subject to a penalty.

Note 2: A tripping penalty will not be called if the referee is absolutely sure that a player is hook checking an opponent and gains possession of the puck, and at the same time trips the player.

Note 3: Accidental trips occurring simultaneously with, or after a stoppage in play will not be penalized.

Note 4: Slew footing is the act of a player using his feet or stick to knock another players feet out from under him, or using his arm or elbow to push an opponent backward while at the same time using his foot to knock or kick the opponents legs out from under him.

a) An player who uses his stick or body to cause a player to fall will be given a minor penalty.

b) If a player who has possession of the puck and no one between him and the goaltender and is on the opponents side of centre, and he is tripped or fouled in any way as to prevent him from having a reasonable chance at a shot, the player being fouled will be given a penalty shot. The referee will let the play go on until the attacking team has lost possession of the puck. The intent of the rule is to restore the reasonable scoring opportunity which was lost due to the foul. Control of the puck is the act of moving the puck with the stick. If the puck is touched by another player, his stick or equipment, or hits the goal, or goes free, then the player no longer has control of the puck.

c) If a goalie has been pulled and an opposing player has possession of the puck with no one between him and the goal, and he is tripped or fouled from behind, the referee will stop the play and award a goal to the attacking team.

d) Any player who slew foots another player will be given a match penalty. This penalty will be assessed under Rule 43 Attempt to Injure or Rule 52 Deliberate Injury of Opponent. A player assessed a penalty for slew footing will also be subject to supplementary discipline.

Rule 92 Time Outs

Each team is allowed one 30 second time out per regular season or playoff game. The time out has to be taken during a normal stoppage in play.

Note 1: During a time out, all players including the goalie will be allowed to go to their respective benches. Only one team may take a time out during a stoppage in play.

Note 2: An official time out is a commercial stoppage and is not charged to either team.

Rule 93 Video Goal Judge

The following are subject to review by the video goal judge:

1: Puck crossing the goal line

2: A puck entering the net prior to the net becoming dislodged.

3: A puck entering the net prior to, or after time has expired at the end of the period or game.

4: A puck directed into the net with a hand or foot, where the foot used a distinctive kicking motion.

5: A puck deflected into the net off of an official.

6: A puck struck by a stick that is above the height of the crossbar by an attacking player prior to the puck entering the net.

7: To establish the correct time on the official game clock, so long as the video goal judge has the clock on his monitors.