Saginaw Public Schools’ Community
Education Department
Elementary and Middle School Floor Hockey Rules and Regulations
Introduction
The
purpose of the elementary and middle school youth sports program is to provide
the students in the City of Saginaw with a healthy outlet for their energy and
an opportunity to experience the social interaction and physical and mental
challenge of sports competition. The objectives of the program include helping
students:
1. HAVE FUN!
2. Learn the
fundamental rules and regulations of the game.
3. Learn and display
good sportsmanship.
4. Acquire some of
the skills necessary to play.
5. Experience new
social contacts and develop new friendships.
Eligibility Rules
1. A
student may play on only one team for any given sport.
2. Teams are to consist of only those students registered at that
school. If a student should move to another school prior to the first game in
the season, they can play at their new school after registering. If a player
should move after the first game, they must remain with original team.
3. A player is not eligible to play until their name, address and
phone number are added to the roster. Players may be added until the second
game of the season.
Coach and School Responsibilities
1. Attending organizational meeting for coaches.
2. Giving correct, full names on score sheets.
3. Being responsible for the conduct of the team prior to, during
and after each game. Coaches also assume responsibility for parents and
spectators supporting their team. Spectators must remain in the spectator area.
Coaches must remain in the team’s area.
4. Being present, or having an adult substitute present for all
games.
5. Each team must schedule practices through the building
principal. Total practice time for one
week should not exceed four and one-half hours.
Establishing a Team
1. During the time preceding the beginning of a sports season,
Community Education staff will contact individual schools to determine the
number of teams that school will sponsor during the forthcoming season.
2. The team is responsible for submitting to the Community
Education Offices by 4:30 p.m. on the Monday before the first game the
following materials.
a. Volunteer
Information card for each coach and assistant coach
b. Team roster with
names, addresses and phone numbers for each of the players.
c. Completed
parental permission slips for each of the players.
d. Practice schedule
for the team
e. The team fee.
Any team not submitting
these materials to the Community Education Offices by 4:30 p.m. on the Monday
before the first game shall NOT be
scheduled for any games.
The Team
Each team consists of six (6) players on the floor at one
time.
• One goal tender who
can stop pucks with hands, feet, body or stick. The goal tender is the only
player permitted in the goal box. The goal tender is required to wear a
facemask and a chest protector or heavy jacket.
• One center who is
the only player allowed to move full court, in both the offensive and defensive
ends. The center uses a stick that is striped with tape.
• Two defensemen who
can not go past the center line into the offensive area. The defensemen’s
responsibility is to keep the puck out of the defensive half of the floor.
• Two forwards who
can not go past the center line into their defensive area. The forwards’ role
is to work with the center on offensive play.
Play Area
1. Any gym that is laid out for basketball can be used. See diagram
The Center Line is the mid-court line of a basketball floor.
The Center Circle is the small basketball mid-court jump
circle. The Restraining Circle is the large mid-court jump circle. Play starts
and resumes here after goals and fouls.
The Goal Box (crease) is a restraining line, five feet from
the front on the goal and four feet each side of the goal.
Equipment
1. The league will provide all equipment on site. No player may bring a personal hockey stick
for league play. Under no circumstances can the blade of the stick be
altered in any way. If players desire hand protection, they are restricted to
winter gloves or mittens, golf or batting gloves. Mouthpieces or mouth guards
are not required, but are encouraged.
2. The goal tender is required to wear a facemask as well as a
chest protector. A heavy jacket that is the correct size for the player may be
substituted for the chest protector. A goal tender may bring a personal mask. A
mask and chest protector will be provided.
3. Tennis shoes or basketball shoes are acceptable. Dress shoes or
bare feet are not permitted. Taping shoes is allowed for purposes of holding
shoe laces only.
4. Illegal equipment includes any hard or unyielding substance, no
matter how covered or padded, and any projection of metal or hard substance
from a player’s person or clothing. Jewelry (other than a medical alert) is not allowed. It is the head coach’s responsibility to verify that all players are
legally equipped. Violations of equipment rules will result in an Illegal Play-Equipment penalty of one
minute.
Playing Time
1. A game is divided into three (3) periods of twelve (12) minutes
each (running time). There is a two (2) minute break between periods. Teams
change goals after each period.
2. The clock starts when the referee blows the whistle to put the
puck in play at the center circle. Play is continuous and the clock only stops
for an injured player, a time out or on the referee’s signal for a conference.
3. Each team has one time out per game. Time outs last 30 seconds.
Time outs can only be called while the play is already stopped.
4.
FORFEITS - Games are to start on
time. Five minutes of grace time
from when the game should start will be allowed before a forfeit is declared. A
team may play with five players, but must use six if eligible members are
present.
Start of Play
1. Coin flip for possession of the puck at the start of the first
period. The team that is behind at the end of a period will receive possession
to start play in the next period. If the score is tied, a coin flip will
determine possession for the next period.
2. Play can not start until the referee blows the whistle. Once the
whistle is blown, the player has three seconds to play the puck beyond the
restraining circle. Failure to do so is a Delay-Illegal
Start violation. The defense takes possession at the center circle.
3.
Any
player on the floor may start play with a pass from the center circle. The
player must have one foot inside the center circle. All other players must be
outside of the restraining circle. If the player is not the center, they must
return “onside” immediately. A goal can
not be scored directly from the center circle. If in starting play, the
initial pass from the center circle is on goal, it is a Delay-Illegal Start violation.
The defense takes possession at the center circle.
Puck Going Out of Play
1. Play will continue if the puck comes in contact with an object
hanging over the court (backboard, baskets, speakers, etc.) unless the first touch results in the
puck being shot into the goal. If this happens, the goal is disallowed, and a
coin toss will determine possession at the center circle.
2. If a puck goes out of
play, officials will carry extra pucks and will drop the puck into the area
where the puck was last in play so play can be continuous. Pucks that are shot
above the goal that go out of play shall be brought back into play by giving
possession to the goal tender. Exceptions are:
a. If a team
intentionally puts the puck out of play, play will resume with the other team
having possession at the center circle.
b. If a puck is going out of play, but is deflected into play to a team’s advantage, play will be stopped and a coin toss will determine possession at the center circle.
Scoring
1. A goal counts as one point. Anytime a puck touches or crosses the goal line or the area
above the goal line, but below the top of the goal, it is a goal unless:
a. If in the process
of scoring, the offensive team commits a foul.
b. If to start play,
the puck is played directly from the center circle without being touched by
another player.
c. If an offensive
player or their stick is in the goal box, if the puck was kicked into the goal
by an offensive player or if the puck was thrown or deflected by hand into the
goal by an offensive player.
d. If the puck
deflects off an overhanging obstruction and on the first touch is shot into the
goal.
It
is not a goal if the puck hits the
front of the goal frame and ricochets away without touching or crossing the
goal line or the area above the goal line. Please
note: unlike in ice hockey, where the entire puck must cross the goal line for
a goal to count, in floor hockey any part of the puck must only “break the
plane” of the goal line to be considered a goal.
2. A puck that deflects off a player or their equipment (whether an
offensive or defensive player) which goes into the goal is a goal, unless directed in by kicking or by hand.
3. If the goal tender has kicked the net, or the net is not setting
squarely on the goal line, a goal will count
if the puck goes into the net, or if the puck touches the goal line or the area
above the goal line regardless of
the position of the net.
4.
Once
a team has a seven (7) point lead, the scorekeeper will notify the referees and
both coaches. The team that is ahead must remove the leading scorers from the
game. If a team does not have enough reserves to remove all leading scorers,
the highest scorer(s) must be removed. If and when the seven-point lead is
relinquished, all players are eligible to reenter the game. This rule is waived
during tournament play.
Goal Tending
1. The goal tender may use their hands, legs, body or stick to stop
the puck or to deflect a shot away from the goal.
2. During play, the goal tender is required to wear a facemask and
a chest protector. A heavy jacket that is the correct size for the player may
be substituted for the chest protector. A goal tender may bring a personal
mask.
3. At no time is the goal tender exempt from penalties for roughing
or slashing regardless of where they are on the court.
a. The goal tender
is exempt from high sticking only
while inside the goal box and attempting to make a save. The goal tender is not exempt from the high sticking rules
when using the stick to clear or pass the puck.
4. The goal tender can not clear
the puck by throwing it. The goal tender may clear the puck by using their
stick anywhere on the court, including shooting toward the opposite goal. The
goal tender has five seconds to play
the puck from the goal box once the goal tender has control and full
possession. The referee will make an audible and visual count. Failure to play
the puck beyond the goal box will result in a Delay-Freezing violation.
The offended team will receive possession at the center circle.
Substitutions
1. Play is continuous. Free substitution is allowed at any position
except goal tender. The substitute should enter the court and proceed directly
to the person they are replacing without interfering with play or playing the
puck until assuming their proper position. A player exiting from play can not
interfere with play. The player being replaced shall hand the stick to their
replacement.
2. A player can not change positions (center, forward, and defense)
during play without leaving the court. For example, a forward being replaced
can not replace a defenseman without coming off the court. Such changes can be made during a stoppage of play
3. A goal tender may only be substituted for between periods or
during a time out, except in case of an injury.
4. If a team is behind in
the last two minutes of play in a game, they may pull their goal tender in
favor of an extra center. The extra center must tag the goal tender before
entering into play, since they can not exchange sticks (the extra center will
have a striped stick.) The goal tender can not enter the offensive end prior to
being touched. When the goal tender has been pulled, a defensive player may
play the puck from their own goal box, but may not enter the goal box to defend
the goal.
3.
Violations
of the substitution rules will result in an Illegal Play-Substitution penalty of one minute.
Administration of Penalties
1. A
player who accumulates any combination of major or minor penalties totaling
five or more is disqualified for the remainder of the game. When a player is
called for their fifth penalty, their coach shall be notified, and the player’s
replacement at that position shall serve the duration of the penalty.
2. The player who is charged with a major or minor penalty must sit
out for either two or one minutes. Their team must play short handed (with less
than 6 players on the floor) at their position for that time. The time of
penalty being served begins once the player is seated in the penalty box, and
play has resumed.
3. Co-Incidental Penalties – If a referee
calls penalties on a player or players from each team that are of the same
duration and where the violations occurred simultaneously or were part of the
same incident, the players will be removed from the court and will serve Co-incidental penalties. Neither team will result in being short handed. The
players may move to their bench areas upon the expiration of their penalties.
4.
If
the opposition scores a goal, all players in the penalty box from the team
scored upon may return to the floor, except those players serving co-incidental
or unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. If a team wishes to have a substitute
enter the game in place of the penalized player, the substitute must be seated
in the penalty box along with the penalized player.
Fouls and Penalties
1. Delay – Attempts to
delay the continuous play of the game will result in loss of possession with the opposing team beginning play at the
center circle. Excessive or deliberate attempts to delay the game may result in
a Major-Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty. Delay
violations include:
a. Freezing– A player (excluding goal
tenders) may not hold, lay on or put their foot on the puck.
b. Freezing– The goal tender not playing
the puck from the goal box within five seconds.
c. Stalling – A player can not play the
puck back into their goal box. A player can not control the puck by playing it
against the boards in a small area (two to four feet) when it would be to their
team’s advantage for the purposes of killing a penalty or keeping possession
near the end of the game when ahead. The referee will give an audible and
visual three count notifying the player to play the puck toward a teammate.
d. Closing your hand over the puck/Hand pass
– No player (excluding the goal tender) can catch or close their hand over the
puck. Players may hit an airborne puck in a straight downward motion, and not
advanced toward a teammate.
e. Illegal Start - Any violation on the
start or restart of play. Includes starting before the whistle, not having one
foot in the center circle, passing on goal, or not having the puck clear the
restraining circle in three seconds.
f. If a team takes
an excessive amount of time to conduct substitutions during a stoppage in play,
after a warning, the referee may call a Major-Unsportsmanlike
Conduct penalty on the player or coach.
g. If the goal tender deliberately dislodges
the net in an effort to have the referee stop play, this will result in a Major-Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty
on the goal tender.
2. Illegal Play (Minor)
Fouls – Any player charged with an illegal play minor foul must sit out one minute of play. Their team will
play short handed at that position for the duration of the penalty. If the
opposition scores a goal, all players in the penalty box with a minor penalty
may return to the floor. If a minor penalty is called on the goal tender, a
defenseman for that team will serve the penalty. Illegal Play Fouls include:
a. Leaving Your Feet/Playing the Puck while
Prone- Players may not leave their feet or slide to attempt to block a
puck. Players may not play a puck while lying on the floor. Only the goal
tender is exempt.
b. Offside - A defenseman can not step on
or cross over the center line into the offensive end. A forward can not step on
or cross over the center line into the defensive end. Players may reach across
the center line with their sticks. The positions of a player’s feet are the key
determining factor.
c. Goal box violation - An offensive or
defensive player can not enter the goal box or play the puck from the goal box
with their stick. Exception – If the
goal tender has been pulled, any defensive player can play the puck from the
goal box.
d. Illegal Substitution – A player
entering into play or exiting from play can not deliberately hit, kick or play
the puck until assuming their proper position.
e. Illegal equipment - Players being
illegal equipped.
Fouls and Penalties … continued
3. Roughing (Major) Fouls – Any player charged with a roughing major foul must sit out two minutes of play. Their team will play short handed at that position for the duration of the penalty. If the opposition scores a goal, all players in the penalty box with a major penalty may return to the floor. If a major penalty is called on the goal tender, a defenseman for that team will serve the penalty. Major Fouls include:
a. Slashing - When an opponent is hit with
the stick and, in the judgement of the referee, the player slashing had no
chance to hit the puck. This is attempting to play through the player.
b. Cross Checking - Contact with an
opposing player with the stick above the waist.
c. Tripping - Using the stick, or the leg,
to trip or attempt to trip an opposing player. A player can not place their
stick between an opponent’s legs at anytime.
d. Hooking - Using the stick to hinder the
progress of an opposing player.
e. Charging - Attempting to go through an
opposing player who has their feet set and who has been stationary for two
seconds.
f. Pushing - Using your hands, arms, torso
or hips to force an opposing player out of the way.
g. Holding the Stick - Deliberately
hooking, grabbing or kicking the stick out of an opponent’s hand.
h. High Sticking - Swinging or carrying
the stick at or above the waist of a player during play.
i. Goal Tender Interference – Contact
using either the body of stick on the goal tender while the goal tender is in
the goal box.
4. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
(Major) – Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification if
flagrant. Any player charged with an unsportsmanlike conduct foul must sit out two minutes of play regardless of the number of goals scored by
the opposing team. Their team will play shorthanded at the position for the
duration of the penalty. If an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty is called on the
goal tender, the goal tender will serve
the penalty. The scorer and timekeeper, as well as the referees, have the
authority to call unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Fouls include:
a. Excessive Rough
play – Tackling, tripping, elbowing, pushing, etc. A referee may add a two
minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to a major penalty if they feel that the
conduct was flagrant, but not warranting disqualification.
b. Abusive, profane,
vulgar or intimidating language, gestures or contact directed at a player,
coach or official.
c. Attempting to
influence or objecting to an official’s decision, or disrespectfully addressing
an official.
d. Throwing, hitting
with or slamming the stick.
e. Excessive delay
of the game.
Unsportsmanlike conduct fouls where an individual violator is
not identifiable are charged to the head coach. A defensive player will serve
unsportsmanlike conduct fouls on a coach. If a player is disqualified, the
coach will designate the replacement for that player at that position who will
serve the time of the penalty.
5. Gross Misconduct –
Gross misconduct will result in disqualification. For any player who is
disqualified, the coach will designate the replacement for that player at that
position who will serve the time of the penalty with an gross misconduct foul
must sit out two minutes of play regardless of the number of goals scored by
the opposing team. Any player disqualified for a gross misconduct penalty
will not be allowed to play in their team’s next game. The official scorer and
timekeeper, as well as the referees, have the authority to call gross
misconduct penalties. Gross Misconduct Fouls
include:
a. Fighting
b. Intentionally
fouling a player
c. Abusive, profane,
vulgar or intimidating language, gestures or contact directed at a player,
coach or official.
d. Excessive
unsportsmanlike conduct.
Post Game Handshakes
To promote good sportsmanship, both teams are required to line up and shake hands with one another at the end of the game. Any team that does not complete the game and the post-game handshake will be removed from the remainder of the season’s schedule.
Procedure for Tournament Games
1. Regular season games that end in a tie will not have overtime played. In the case of a non-championship
tournament game ending in a tie, overtime will be played to determine the
winner. If a championship game ends in a
tie, no overtime will be played, and co-champions will be named.
2. Overtime
Procedure: After a two minute rest period, we shall have a coin toss for
possession, and play shall begin as it would for a new twelve-minute period.
The team that scores the first goal in overtime shall be declared the winner.
Periods will be repeated until a game winner is determined.
Penalty Summary Referee
Signals
DELAY
Violations (Loss of Possession)
Starting Play Early or On Goal
Freezing the Puck or Stalling
Closing your hand over the puck
Hand pass
ONE MINUTE MINOR Penalties
Offside
Illegal Play-Leaving your Feet
Illegal Play- Playing while
Prone
Illegal Play-Goal Box violation
Illegal Play-Substitution
Illegal Play-Equipment
TWO MINUTE MAJOR Penalties
Slashing
Cross Checking/Pushing
Tripping
Hooking
Charging
Holding/Holding the Stick
High Sticking
Goal Tender Interference
TWO MINUTE MISCONDUCT Penalties
Player
sits entire two minutes regardless of goals scored.
Can be a
Disqualification at Referee’s discretion.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Excessive or Rough Play
Abusive, vulgar or intimidating
behavior
Disrespect toward an official
Throwing, hitting with or
slamming the stick
Excessive Delay of the game
GROSS MISCONDUCT DISQUALIFICATION Penalties
Fighting
Intentional Foul
Excessive Unsportsmanlike
Conduct