RULE ONE - RINK

(a) Roller In-Line Hockey shall be played on a wooden, asphalt or cement floor which shall be in good repair.
(b) Dimensions of the rink surface may vary between 20 and 30 metres in width (65 - 100 ft.) and 40 and 60 metres in length (130-200 ft.) as long as the 1:2 ratio is observed. The ideal domestic game will be played on a surface as close as possible to the maximum allowed. The surface may have rounded comers to facilitate keeping the puck in play.

RULE TWO - GOAL CAGES

(a) The Goal Cage consists of an iron rectangular cage with an inside height of 105 cms (41 inches) and inside width of 170 cms (67 inches) as shown in the diagram.

The ideal frame shall be made with iron or steel galvanised tubing of 3 inches or 76' cms diameter. The top, posts and internal face of the Goal Cage must be covered with a netting yarn which must be hard enough to resist the strongest shots. Metallic netting will not be allowed.

A drop net must be suspended from the near inside top of the cage with a depth of 45 cms measured from the top cross beam of the goal. This cotton netting, thinner than the outside (external) one, has a maximum width of 180 cms and height of 110 cms, must be suspended inside the cage to prevent the puck rebounding from the inside of the goal. This net should ideally be white in colour and must be attached at the top only, allowing it to hang freely to the ground parallel to the posts of the cage.

The posts and front bar must be in a circular basis, with 75 cms (3 inches) diameter (external measure) painted in a fluorescent colour while all other framing parts should be painted in white.

The Goal Cages are placed opposite at each end of the rink with the openings facing each other. The distance from the score line to the extreme of the rink is 2J0 metres minimum and 3.30 metres maximum where permissible.

RULE THREE - GOAL CREASE

(a) In front of each goal, a "Goal Crease" area shall be marked by a red line 5 cms (2 inches ) wide.
(b) This line shall extend at a right angle from a point on the goal line, 30 cms (1 ft.) from the outside of each goal post for a distance of 1.2 metres (4 ft.). A line parallel to the goal line shall join the ends of these two lines. It shall be understood that the area covered by the Goal Crease on the floor shall extend to all the space above the crease.

RULE FOUR - FACE OFF SPOTS

(a) One face-off spot shall be at the exact centre of the floor. ~e game will be started with a face-off from this spot - also at the beginning of each new period and after each and every scored goal and before sudden-death play-offs).

(b) In both end zones along an imaginary line, 4.5 metres (15 ft.) out from each goal line and parallel to it at a point 3 metres (10 ft.) from side barrier, black face-off drdes with a radius of 9 inches will be drawn on the floor where permissible.

(c) At centre floor, two face-off spots one on each side of a single face-off spot directly In line withW the end zone face-off spots where permissible.

(d) Rink face-off spots shall be marked with five face-off positions if the rink surface is less than 50 metres in length and nine face-off positions if the length is more than 50 metres (164 ft.) where permissible.

RULE FIVE - PLAYER BENCHES

(a) Each rink should have seats or a bench for the use of each team to be known as the "Player Benches". Each player bench shall accommodate at least 14 persons and shall be placed immediately alongside the playing surface in the neutral zone as near as possible to the centre of the rink and convenient to the dressing rooms.

(b) The two teams playing will change benches at the end of every period, until the game ends. The team bench will be on the same end as the team goalkeeper.

(c) Only players in uniform, the manager, coach and trainers shall be permitted to occupy the players benches.

(d) During the game, coaches, managers and trainers shall be restricted to the use of the area the length of the player benches, including their team gates. Penalty for violation of this rule is a bench minor penalty.

RULE SIX - PENALTY BENCH

Each rink will have seats or benches to be known as the "Penalty Bench". It is to be used for the seating of penalised players, Penalty Timekeeper, Game Timekeeper and Official Scorer/Timekeeper. The penalty bench shall be located a substantial distance from the player benches.

RULE SEVEN - REFEREES CREASE

A black line or chalk line (temporarily) in the shape of a semi-circle and with a 3 metre (10 ft.) radius may be marked on the floor immediately in front of the Penalty Timekeepers seat.

RULE EIGHT - SiGNAL AND TIMING DEVICE

Each rink must have a suitable sound device to be used by the Game Timekeeper.

5ECTION II - TEAMS

RULE NINE- COMPOSITION OF TEAM

(a) A team on the floor shall not consist of more than four players and one goalie.

(b) Each player and each goalkeeper listed in the line-up of each team shall wear an individual identifying number at least 20 to 25 cms (8 to JO inches) high on the back of the jersey.

(c) Team rosters will consist of a minimum of 4 floor players and 1 goalie and a maximum of 14 floor players and 2 goalkeeper (not 15 floor players and 1 goalkeeper). Only 12 floor players may be suited for a game.

RULE TEN - TEAM CAPTAINS

(a) One Captain shall be appointed by each team, and that player alone shall have the privilege of discussing with the Referee any question relating to interpretation of rules which may arise during the progress of a game. The Captain shall wear the letter "C' approximately 3 inches in height and in contrasting colour; in a conspicuous position on the front of the jersey.

(b) Each team should have a Captain on the floor at all times. If a Permanent Captain is not on the floor. Alternate Captains (not more than three) shall be accorded the privileges of the Captain. Alternate Captains shall wear the letter 'A' approximately 3 inches in height and in a contrasting colour, in a conspicuous place on the front of their jerseys.

(c) The Referee or Official Scorer/Timekeeper should be advised prior to the start of each game, of the name of the Captain of the team, also the identity of the players who will serve as Alternate Captains when the Permanent Captain is off the floor.

(d) No goalkeeper shall be entitled to exercise the privileges of Captain or Alternate Captain on the floor.

(e) Only the Captain or Alternate Captain on the floor at the time of the stoppage of play (but not both) shall have the privilege of discussing with the Referee any point relating to the interpretation of rules. Any Captain, Alternate Captain or player who comes off the bench and makes any protest or intervention with the Referee for any purpose must be awarded a misconduct penalty.

(f) A complaint about a penalty is not a matter "relating to the interpretation of the rules" and a misconduct penalty shall be imposed against any Captain, Alternate Captain or other player making such a complaint.

RULE ELEVEN - UNIFORMED PLAYERS

(a) At the beginning of each game, the manager or coach of each team shall list the players and goalkeeper who shall be eligible to play in the game.

(b) A list of the names and numbers of all eligible players must be handed to the Official Scorer/Timekeeper before the start of the game, and no change in the list or additions thereto shall be permitted after the commencement of the game, except when a goalkeeper has been injured or becomes ill. Another goalkeeper may be designated on the list in substitution for the injured or ill goalkeeper. This substitute can only be a player already named on the list.

(c) Each team shall be allowed one goalkeeper on the floor at one time. The goalkeeper may be removed and another "player" substituted. Such substitute shall not be permitted the privileges of the goalkeeper.

(d) Any substitute goalkeeper entering the game for any reason shall not be permitted a warm up.

RULE TWELVE - STARTING LINE-UP

(a) Prior to start of the game, the Referee or the Official Scorer/Timekeeper may ask the manager or coach of each team to name the starting line-up.

(b) A team must have a goalie and four skaters on the floor at the Referees whistle to start the game. If this requirement cannot be met a forfeit shall be declared by the Referee against the team not able to field a goalie and four skaters.

RULE THIRTEEN - CHANGE OF PLAYERS

(a) Players may be changed at any time from the player benches, provided that the player or players leaving the floor shall always be within three metres (10 ft.) of the bench before substitutions may come on the floor. This rule will apply when the player benches are located at the ends of the rink. When the player benches are located near the centre line of the rink the player leaving the floor shall always be within 10 feet of the bench with one hand on the rail and completely out of the play before substitutions may come on the floor.

(b) A player serving a penalty on the penalty bench, who is to be changed after the penalty has been served, must proceed at once by the way of the floor and be at his/her own player bench before any change can be made. NOTE: for any violation of this rule a bench minor penalty shall be imposed.

RULE FOURTEEN - INJURED PLAYERS

(a) When a player, other than the goalkeeper is injured or compelled to leave the floor during a game, he/she may retire from the game and be replaced by a substitute, but play must continue without the teams leaving the floor.

(b) If a goalkeeper sustains an injury or becomes ill he/she must be ready to resume play immediately or be replaced by a substitute goalkeeper and NO additional time shall be allowed by the Referee for the purpose of enabling the injured or ill goalkeeper to resume his/her position. No warm up shall be given to the replacement goalkeeper (see also item d below).

(c) The Referee shall report to the Disciplinary Committee for any disciplinary action in conjunction with a delay in making a goalkeeper substitution. The substitute goalkeeper shall be subject to the rules governing goalkeepers and shall be entitled to the same privileges.

(d) When a substitution for the regular goalkeeper has been made, such regular goalkeeper shall not resume his position until the first stoppage of play thereafter.

(e) If an injured player receives a minor penalty the penalised team shall place a substitute player on the penalty bench before the penalty expires and no other replacement for the penalised player shall be permitted to enter the game except from the penalty bench. For violation of this rule, a bench minor penalty shall be imposed. The penalised player who has been replaced on the penalty bench shall not be eligible to play until his/her penalty has expired.

(f) When a player is injured so that he/she cannot continue play or go to his bench, the play shall not be stopped until the injured player's team has secured possession of the puck. If the player's team is in possession of the puck at the time of injury, play shall be stopped immediately, unless his/her team is in a scoring position.

(g) A player other than the goalkeeper whose injury appears serious enough to warrant a stoppage of play may not participate further in the game until the completion of the ensuing face-off.
NOTE: In a case where it is obvious that a player has sustained a serious injury the Referee may stop the play immediately regardless of who is in possession of the puck.

SECTION III
RULE FIFTEEN - STICKS

(a) The sticks shall be ice-hockey style made of wood or other approved material and must not have any projections. white adhesive tape may be wrapped around the blade for the purpose of reinforcement or to improve control of the puck.

(b) No stick shall exceed 1.5 m (60") in length from the heel to the end of the shaft nor more than 32 cm from the heel to the end of the blade. The curvature of the blade of the stick shall not be restricted. The blade of the floor players' stick must be a minimum of 5 em and may not exceed 9 cm in width at any point.

(c) The blade of the Goalkeeper's stick may not exceed 13 cms in width at any point except at the heel where it must not exceed 14 cms in width; nor shall the goalkeeper's stick exceed 39 cms in length from the heel to the end of the blade. The widened portion of the goalkeeper's stick extending up the shaft of the blade shall not extend more than 61 cms from the heel and shall not exceed 13 cms in width.

(d) A minor penalty shall be assessed against any player; including the goalkeeper; for using a stick which does not conform to the provisions of this rule. Any illegal stick is to be kept by the Referee until the tournament is over. (Refer to Rule 24).

RULE SlXTEEN - SKATES

(a) Skates to be used will be in-line skates only and may consist of either three or four wheels. If skates are manufactured for four wheels, all four wheels must be in place. All wheel bolts and axles must be covered with protective material so as not to injure other players or mark the skating service. Quad or conventional skates will be permitted in the domestic play for the Under-14's age category only.

(b) Skate brakes are optional on either the front or back of the skate.

(c) Any player found on the floor breaking any of the above rules will receive a minor penalty and may not return to play until the fault is corrected.

RULE SEVENTEEN - GOALKEEPERS EQUIPMENT

(a) With the exception of skates and sticks, all equipment worn by the goalkeeper must be constructed solely for the protection of the head or body and must not include any garment or contrivance which would give the goalkeeper undue assistance in keeping goal. NOTE: The laang or webbing or other material joining the thumb and index finger of the goalkeeper's glove or any cage, pocket or pouch created by this material, must not exceed the minimum amount of material necessary to fill the gap between the thumb and the index finger when they are fully extended and spread.
1. Protective padding attached to the back of, or forming part of, the goalkeeper's gloves shall not exceed 20 cms in width nor 40 cms in length.
2. Abdominal aprons extending down the thighs or the outside of the pants are prohibited.

(b) Goalkeeper's pads when new shall not exceed 30 cms in extreme width as measured on the goalkeeper; and shall not be altered in any way. No more than 5 cms of expansion due to wear shall be permitted.

(c) A minor penalty shall be assessed against a goalkeeper guilty of using or wearing illegal

equipment. (Refer to Rule 24).

(d) All equipment, with the exception of puck and skates, will be regulation hockey equipment.

(e) All goalkeepers will be required to wear approved face masks.
NOTE: Full head protection masks only.

RULE EIGHTEEN - PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

(a) All protective equipment except gloves, headgear or goalkeeper leg pads, must be entirely under the uniform. Leather elbow patches on the outside of the jersey are prohibited. After one warning by the referee, a minor penalty shall be imposed on the offending player for violation of this rule.

(b) All players must wear HECC-approved helmets, with a chin strap properly fastened. A full-face cage/mask is mandatory for all 12 and Under, under 14, and under 18 players.

(c) A mouthpiece and face mask are optional for over-18's, but recommended.

(d) It is compulsory for all goalkeepers to wear approved face masks.

(e) All players must wear approved ice-hockey, full hockey or lacrosse gloves.

(f) All players must wear shin guards, and elbow pads Male players must wear protective cup at all times during the game.

(g) Eye glass wearers must have plastic not glass lenses in their eye wear.

(h) A minor penalty may be awarded for a violation of protective equipment rules.

RULE NINETEEN - DANGEROU5 EQUIPMENT

(a) The use of pads or protectors made of metal or any other material likely to cause injury to a player is prohibited.
NOTE: All elbow pads which do not have a soft protective covering of spongy rubber or a similar material at least 12.5 mm (half an inch) thick shall be considered dangerous equipment.

(b) A glove from which all or part of the palm has been removed or cut to permit the use of bare fingers shall be considered illegal equipment and if any player wears such a glove in play, a minor penalty shall be imposed on him.

RULE TWENTY - PUCK

(a) The puck shall be the puck approved by the NIRHA Committee. The home team or host shall be responsible for providing an adequate supply of official pucks. The supply of pucks shall be kept at the penalty bench under the control of one of the regular minor officials or a special attendant.

RULE TWENTY-ONE - UNIFORM

(a) Uniforms will require identical long sleeved shirts and full length pants (or socks). Goalie jerseys will be the same colour and design as other team members. Player numbers will be required only on the backs of the jerseys with whole numbers from OO to 99 and 25 ams in height.

(b) The goalkeeper must at all times during the game wear a protective cup, a chest protector which conforms to the body, regulation goalkeepers gloves (ice hockey non modified, goalkeepers pads not exceeding 30 cms in width, and a face mask or helmet with face guard attached). If the goalkeeper wears forearm guards they must be soft and pliable and conform to his forearms. My regulation ice hockey equipment is acceptable.

(c) All players participating in games will be uniformed and where possible have two jerseys of different colours. Full length pants (or socks) are required.

(d) All players shall wear upon the backs of their jerseys identifying numbers not less than 20 to 25 cms (8 to 10 inches) in height. All numbers assigned must be whole numbers only between 0 and 99 (no fractions, decimals, etc.). No two members of the same team will be assigned or permitted to wear the same number. Qne team captain and two alternate captains shall have a "C" or 'A' approximately 3 inches in height in a conspicuous place on the front of their jerseys.

(e) It will be the responsibility of the home team to change its jerseys if the colours of the competing teams conflict. The decision in this matter shall be left to the Referee in charge of the game. The home team is to wear a predominantly white jersey.

(f) The entire uniform (jersey, pants and socks) must match in style and colour.

RULE TWENTY-TWO - UNIFORM INSPECTION

(a) All players must report to the Referee before the start of the team's first game for uniform and equipment inspection. The referee is required to refuse participation to any player who refuses to comply with this rule.

(b) Should a player report for play wearing a uniform bearing illegal inscriptions, the Referee is required to cause the offending inscription to be removed. If refused, the offender shall be barred from the game or contest or in any matter participating in the event and the matter must be reported to the NIRHA Committee.

5ECTION IV

RULE TWENTY-THREE - PENALTIES

(a) Penalties shall be timed with a running dock and shall be divided into the following classes:

1) Minor Penalties
2) Bench Minor Penalties
3) Major Penalties
4) Misconduct Penalties
5) Match Penalties
6) Game Penalties
7) Penalty Shot

Where coincident penalties are imposed on players of both teams and the penalised players of the visiting team shall take their positions on the penalty bench first in the place designated for visiting players, or where there is no special designation than of the bench farthest from the game.

Players may not leave the penalty bench until their penalty has expired, half-time occurs or the end of the game. The player may not leave for any other reason. All players in the penalty box must remain seated until the penalty time is expired. NOTE: When play is not actually in progress and an offence is committed by any player, the same penalty shall apply as though play were actually in progress. Accidental trips occurring simultaneously with, or after, stoppage of play will not be penalised.

RULE TWENTY-FOUR - MINOR PENALTIES

(a) For a 'Minor Penalty", any player, other than the goalkeeper, shall be ruled off the floor for two minutes during which time no substitute shall be permitted. On the third (3) minor penalty in the same game to the same player, including the goalkeeper, that player will receive a ten (10) minute misconduct penalty.

(b) A "Bench Minor" penalty involves the removal from the floor of one player of the team against which the penalty is awarded for a period of two minutes. Any player on the team may be designated to serve the penalty by the manager or coach through the playing Captain and such player shall take his place on the penalty bench promptly and serve the penalty as if it was a minor penalty imposed upon him.

(b) If while a team is "short-handed" by one or more minor or bench minor penalties the opposing team scores a goal, the first of such penalties shall automatically terminate.
NOTE: "Short-handed" means that the team must be below the numerical strength of its opponents on the floor at the time the goal is scored. The minor or bench minor penalty which terminates automatically is the one which causes the team scored against to be "short-handed" originally (first penalty). Thus coincident minor penalties to both teams do NOT cause either side to be "short-handed". Although each team is playing a man short, they are at equal strength. ThIS RULE SHALL ALSO APPLY WHEN A GOAL IS SCORED ON A PENALTY SHOT.

(d) When a player receives a major penalty and a minor penalty at the same time, the major penalty shall be served first by the penalised player except under Rule 30 in which case the minor penalty will be recorded and served first.
NOTE: This applies to the case where BOTH penalties are imposed on the SAME player. (See also note to Rule 30).

RULE TWENTY-FIVE - MAJOR PENALTIES

(a) For the first "Major Penalty" in any one game, the offender, except the goalkeeper, shall be ruled off the floor for five minutes, during which time no substitutes shall be permitted.
NOTE: A goal scored does not terminate his penalty.

(b) For the second major penalty in the same game, to the same player, including the goalkeeper, the player shall receive a five minute major penalty and an automatic game misconduct. One player from the offending team must be placed in the penalty box to serve the five minutes major.

(c) When coincident penalties of equal duration including a major penalty are imposed upon a player of each team, the penalised player shall take their places on the penalty bench and such players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their respective penalties. Immediate substitution shall be made for the players so penalised and their penalties shall not be taken into account for the purpose of the delayed penalty, Rule 30. (d) When coincident penalties of unequal duration (each including one major penalty) are imposed upon a player of each team the penalised players shall take their places on the penalty bench and such players shall nof leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their respective penalties. The penalties which created the disparity in total penalty ~ time between the player penalised shall be served first in the normal way by the players penalised. Immediate substitution shall be permitted for the major penalties of each player. Account shall be taken of the penalties which create the disparity in the total penalty time awarded to the players affected for the purpose of the delayed penalty Rule 30 and for Rule 24(c) (goal scored against a short-handed team).

RULE TWENTY-SIX - MISCONDUCT PENALTIES

(a) 'Misconduct Penalties" to all players except the goalkeeper; involve removal from the game for a period of ten minutes each. A substitute player is permitted to immediately replace a player serving a misconduct penalty. A player whose misconduct penalty has expired shall remain in the penalty box until the next stoppage of play. When a player receives a minor penalty and a misconduct penalty at the same time, the penalised team shall immediately put a substitute player on the bench and he/she shall serve the minor penalty without charge. When a player receives a major penalty and a misconduct at the same time the penalised team shall place a substitute player on the penalty bench and no replacement for the penalised player shall be permitted to enter the game, except from the penalty bench. My violation of this provision shall be treated as an illegal substitution under Rule 13 calling for a Bench Minor Penalty.

(b) A "Game Misconduct Penalty" involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game, but a substitute is permitted to replace immediately the player so removed. His case shall be reported to the NIRHA Committee which shall have full power to impose such further penalty as deemed fitting.

(c) A Game Misconduct to a player shall result in an automatic one game suspension (immediate next game).

(d) A second Game Misconduct to a player in the tournament shall result in an automatic Match Penalty.
NOTE: For all Game Misconduct Penalties, regardless of when imposed, a total of ten minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending players.

RULE TWENTY-SEVEN - MATCH PENALTIES

(a) A 'Match Penalty" involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game, and the offender shall be ordered to the dressing room immediately. A substituted player must be placed on the penalty bench to serve a five minute penalty and may not return onto the floor regardless of goals scored.
NOTE: Regulations regarding additional penalties and substitutions are specifically covered in individual Rules 40 to 50 and 59; any additional penalties shall be served by a player designated by the manager or coach of the offending team through the playing captain.
NOTE: When coincident match penalties have been imposed under Rule 45 or 59 to a player on both teams, Rule 25 (d) - (f) covering coincident Major Penalties will not be applicable. For all match penalties, regardless of when imposed, or prescribed additional penalties, a total of ten minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.

(b) A player incurring a Match Penalty shall be investigated promptly by the NIRHA: Committee which shall have full power to impose such further penalty as deemed fitting.

(c) A Match Penalty shall disqualify that player for the remainder of the tournament.

RULE TWENTY EIGHT - PENALTY SHOT

(a) Any infraction of the rules which calls for a "Penalty Shot" shall be taken as follows: The Referee shall cause to be announced over the public address system the name of the player designated by him or selected by the team entitled to take the shot (as appropriate) and shall then place the puck on the centre face off spot and the player taking the shot will, on the whistle of the Referee play the puck from there and shall attempt to score on the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper must stay in the crease until the Referee sounds the whistle. The player taking the shot must keep the puck in motion towards the opponents' goal line and once it is shot, the play shall be considered complete. No goal can be scored on a rebound of any kind and any time the puck crosses the goal line the shot shall be considered complete.

(b) The goalkeeper may attempt to stop the shot in any manner except by throwing his/her stick or any other object, in which case a goal shall be awarded.
NOTE: See Rule 71.

(c) In cases where a Penalty Shot has been awarded under Rule 61 (h) (for illegal entry into the game), under Rule 71 (a) (for throwing a stick) and under Rule 74 (for fouling from behind), the Referee shall designate the player who has been fouled as the player who takes the penalty shot. In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded under Rule 49 (falling on the pUck in the crease), or Rule 53 (d) (picking up the puck from the crease area), the penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected as the Captain of the non-offending team from the players on the floor at the time when the foul was committed. Such selection shall be reported to the Referee and cannot be changed. If by reason of injury the player designated by the Referee to take the penalty shot is unsuitable to do so within a reasonable time, the shot may be taken by a player selected by the captain of the non-offending team from the players on the floor when the foul was committed. Such selection shall be reported to the Referee and cannot be changed.

(d) Should the player in respect to whom a penalty shot has been awarded, himself/herself commit a foul in connection with the same play or circumstances, either before or after the penalty has been awarded, be designated to take the shot, he/she shall first be permitted to do so before being sent to the penalty bench to serve the penalty. If at the time a penalty shot is awarded and the goalkeeper of the penalised team has been removed from the floor to substitute another player; the goalkeeper shall be permitted to return to the floor before the penalty shot is taken.

(e) If a goal is scored from a penalty shot, the puck shall be faced at centre floor in the usual way. If a goal is not scored, the puck shall be faced at either of the end face off spots in the zone in which the penalty shot has been tried.

(f) Should a goal be scored from a penalty shot, a further penalty to the offending player shall not be applied unless their offence for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to incur a major or match penalty, in which case the penalty prescribed, for the particular offence, shall be imposed. If the offence for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as would normally incur a major penalty then regardless of whether the penalty shot results in a goal or not, no further minor penalty shall be served.

(g) If the foul upon which the penalty shot is based occurs during actual playing time, the penalty shot shall be awarded and taken immediately in the usual manner; notwithstanding any delay occasioned by a slow whistle by the referee to permit the play to be completed which delay results in the expiration of the regular playing time in any period.

(h) All players, except player taking penalty shot, must go to the player bench.

(I) If an opposing player other than the goalkeeper interferes with a player taking a penalty shot, a goal shall be automatically awarded whether or not goal was made. The time required for the taking of a penalty shot will not be included in the regular playing time of any overtime.

RULE TWENTY-NINE - GOALKEEPER PENALTIES

(a) A goalkeeper shall not be sent to the penalty bench for an offence which incurs a minor penalty, but instead the minor penalty shall be served by a player to be designated by the manager or trainer (coach) of the offending team through the playing captain and such substitute shall not be changed.

(b) A goalkeeper shall not be sent to the penalty bench for an infraction of the rules which calls for a major penalty but instead the major penalty shall be served by a player to be designated by the manager or coach of the offending team through the playing captain and such substitute shall not be changed.

(c) Should a goalkeeper incur a misconduct penalty this penalty shall be served by another member of his team who was on the floor when the offence was committed, said player to be designated by the manager or coach of the offending team through the playing captain.

(d) Should a goalkeeper incur a game misconduct penalty, his place then shall be taken by a member of his own team, or by a regular substitute goalkeeper who is available, and such player will be allowed the goalkeeper's full equipment.

(e) Should a goalkeeper incur a match penalty his/her place will then be taken by a member of his/her own team, or by a substitute goalkeeper who is available, and such player will be allowed the goalkeeper's equipment. A ten minute time period shall be allowed for this change. However, any additional penalties as specifically called for by the individual rules covering such match penalties, will apply, and the offending team shall be penalised accordingly; such additional penalty to be served by another member of the team on the floor at the time the offence was committed, said player be to designated by the manager or coach of the offending team through the playing captain. (See Rules 40,45 and 59).

(f) when a goalkeeper leaves the immediate vicinity of his goal crease and takes part in any altercation, he shall be given a game misconduct penalty
NOTE: All penalties imposed on a goalkeeper regardless of who serves the penalty or any substitution, shall be charged in the records against the goalkeeper.

(g) If a goalkeeper participates in the play in any manner where he/she is beyond the centre line, a minor penalty shall be imposed upon him/her.

(h) Any player (including goalkeeper) who deliberately displaces the goal-post to prevent a breakaway scoring opportunity by the opposing team or deliberately displaces the goal- post during an ideal scoring opportunity by the opposing team, will result in a penalty shot awarded to the opposing team. If the infraction takes place while the goalkeeper has been replaced in the game for an extra attacker, an automatic goal shall be awarded.

RULE THIRTY - DELAYED PENALTIES

(a) If a third player of any team shall be penalised while two players of the same team are serving penalties, the penalty time of the third player shall not commence until the penalty time of one of the two players already penalised shall have elapsed. Nevertheless the third player penalised must, at once, proceed to the penalty bench but may be replaced by a substitute until such time as the penalty time of the penalised player shall commence.

(b) When any team shall have three players serving penalties at the same time and because of the delayed penalty rule, a substitute for the third offender is on the floor, none of the three penalised players on the penalty bench may return to the floor until play has been stopped. When play has been stopped, the player whose full penalty has expired, may return to the pIay However; the Penalty Timekeeper shall permit the return to the floor in the order of expiration of their penalties, of a player or players by reason of the expiration of their penalties and, the penalised team is entitled to hove more than four players on the floor.

(c) In the case of delayed penalties, the Referee shall instruct the Penalty Timekeeper that penalised players whose penalties have expired shall only be allowed to return to the floor when their is a stoppage of play When the penalties of two players of the same team will expire at the same time, the captain of that team will designate via the referee which of such players will return to the floor first, and the Referee will instruct the Penalty Timekeeper accordingly when a major and a minor penalty are imposed at the same time on players of the same team, the Penalty Timekeeper will record the minor as being the first of such penalties.
NOTE: This applies to the case where the two penalties are imposed on DIFFERENT players of the same team (see also NOTE to Rule 24).

RULE THIRTY-ONE - CALLING OF PENALTIES

(a) Should an infraction of the rules which would call for a minor; major or match penalty to be committed by a player of the side in possession of the puck, the Referee shall immediately blow his/her whistle and give the penalties to the deserving players. The resulting face off shall be made at the face off spot nearest where the play stopped or at centre floor so as not to disadvantage the non-offending team.

(b) Should an infraction of the rules which call for a minor; major; misconduct, or match penalty be committed by a player of the team not in possession of the puck the Referee shall signify the calling of a delayed penalty by raising his right arm straight above his/her head and point with his left hand at the offending player; and on completion of the play by the team in possession or loss of possession to the defending team. The referee will immediately blow his/her whistle and assess the penalty to the offending player. The resulting face off shall be made at the nearest face off spot to where the play stopped or at centre floor so as not to disadvantage the non offending team. If the penalty to be imposed is a minor penalty and a goal is scored on the play by the non offending team, the minor penalty shall not be imposed, but major and match penalties shall be imposed in the normal manner regardless of whether a goal is scored or not. (the penalty shall be recorded by the Score-keeper)
NOTE: "Completion of the play by the team in possession" this means that the puck must have come into the possession and control of an opposing player or has been "frozen". This does not mean a rebound off the goalkeeper; the goal cage or any accidental contact with the body or equipment of an opposing player.
NOTE: If after the referee has signalled a penalty but before the whistle has been blown, the puck shall enter the goal of the non offending team as the direct result of the action of a player of that team, the goal shall be allowed and the penalty signalled shall be imposed in the normal manner.
NOTE: If when a team is "short handed" by reason of one or more minor or bench minor penalties, the referee signals a further minor penalty against the "short handed" team and a goal is scored by the non offending side before the whistle is blown then the delayed penalty shall be served and the first of the minor penalties already being served shall automatically terminate under Rule 24 (c).

(c) Should the same offending player commit other fouls on the same play either before or after the referee has blown his whistle, the offending player shall serve such penalties consecutively.

5ECTION V

RULE THIRTY-TWO - APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS

(a) The Technical Director shall appoint the best referees available.

(b) The use of two disinterested Referees for all Senior games, at least one of whom must be over 18, is mandatory and two disinterested Referees should be used in all games if available. They shall have similar duties but in areas of controversy the Chief Referee's decision shall be final.

(c) All Referees and minor officials must be treated with respect and courtesy at all times during the entire match by all players and officials of all teams. My infraction of this rule shall be reported to the Disciplinary Committee which may assess such penalties as the infraction warrants.

(d) A Chief Referee shall have full authority and final decision in all matters of dispute. His/her decision shall be final on all questions of fact and not subject to appeal.

(e) All Referees must pass a valid test recognised by the NIRHA and may be asked to re-test at any time by the Technical Director.

RULE THIRTY-THREE - REFEREES

(a) The Referees are the official representatives of the NI RHA. They shall be in full control of players, officials and spectators on and off the floor.

(b) The Referees shall see that the teams are called to the floor at the appointed time for the commencement of each game, and at the start of each regulation and overtime period. The Referees shall remain on the floor at the conclusion of each period, and any overtime, until the players have proceeded to their benches or dressing room.

(c) The Referees shall check the NIRHA Player Cards of all teams participating before the start of each game, to ensure registration is in order, that players are playing in the correct age group, and that they are not serving any penalties that make them ineligible to play. They shall, after each game, record any game misconduct, gross misconduct, and match penalties onto the relevant NIRHA Player Cards, and sign off any recorded penalties that have been duly served.

(d) The Referees shall check the equipment worn by any player when requested to do so by the manager or coach of either team.

(e) The Referees shall assess all penalties as prescribed by the rules for infractions thereof.

(f) The Chief Referee shall have the final decision on all goals, disputed or not. The Referee may consult with the Goal Judge, if used, before giving the final decision.

(g) Before starting the game, the Referees shall see that the appointed game Official Scorer/Timekeeper, and any Penalty Time Keeper, Game Timekeeper and Goal Judges are in their respective places.

(h) The Referees shall announce to the Official Scorer/Timekeeper the duration of the penalties and the rule infractions involved, and also to whom the goals and assists are to be credited.

(i) After each game, the Referees shall check and sign the official score sheet.

(j) Referees are required to report all misconduct and gross misconduct and match penalties immediately following the game involved, giving full details to the Disciplinary Committee. Such reports are to be confidential.

(k) All Referees shall be dressed in dark blue or black trousers and a striped shirt or attire approved by the NIRHA.

RULE THIRTY-FOUR - GOAL JUDGES (optional)

1 GOAL JUDGES

(a) There shall be one Goal Judge behind each goal. They shall not be members of either competing team nor shall they be replaced during the progress of the game unless it becomes apparent that either Goal Judge on account of partisanship or any other cause is guilty of giving unjust decisions. In such cases the Referee in charge may appoint another goal judge to act in his place.

(b) Each Goal Judge must be stationed in the designated area behind the goal for the duration of the game and shall not change ends at any time after the game begins. Their jurisdiction is limited to that game only.

(c) In the event of a goal being claimed, the Goal Judge of that goal shall decide whether or not the puck has passed between the goal posts and entirely over the goal line. His/her decision will simply be goal or no goal.
NOTE: See Rule 33 (e).

(d) The use of Goal Judges and their positioning will be at the discretion of the meet director.

2 DUTIES OFA GOAL JUDGE

(a) To extend both hands in the air above his/her head when the puck has completely passed over the goal line between the goal posts.

(b) He must keep an accurate count of saves by the goalkeeper.
NOTE: A save is only when a goal would be scored except the goalie stopped it.

(c) The Goal Judge should assist the Referee on a decision as to whether an opposing player was in the crease before the puck entered the crease.

(d) Check the net to make sure there are no holes that the puck can get through.

(e) See that at all times the goal cage is kept in its correct position on the floor.

(f) When the goalie has frozen the puck and it becomes un-playable the Goal Judge should extend one arm above his/her head to signal to the Referee.

(g) When a shot is made on goal and it does not score, the Goal Judge shall extend his arms straight like a safe signal in baseball.

RULE THIRTY-FIVE - PENALTY TIMEKEEPER

(a) The Penalty Timekeeper shall keep the time served by each penalised player during the game and upon request inform the penalised player of the unfinished time of his/her penalty.

(b) If a player leaves the penalty bench before his/her time has expired, the Penalty Timekeeper shall note the time and signal the Referee who will stop the play as soon as possible.

(c) Where public address systems are used, the penalty timekeeper shall announce or have announced the name of each penalised player, the nature of the offence and the penalty assessed.

RULE THIRTY-SIX - OFFICIAL SCORER / TIMEKEEPER

(a) The official Scorer/Timekeeper shall enter into the official score sheet a correct record of the goals scored, who scored and to whom credit is given for assists if any. The scorer shall also keep a correct record of all penalties assessed, stating the names and numbers of the penalised players, the duration of each penalty the infraction and the time the penalty was assessed.

(b) Prior to the start of the game, the Official Scorer/Timekeeper shall obtain from the manager or coach of each team the complete line-up to enter onto the official score sheet, and the relevant NIRHA Players Cards for checking. The Captain and Alternate Captains of each team shall be duly noted on the official score sheet.

(c) The Official Scorer/Timekeeper shall submit the complete line-up of the competing teams to the Referee prior to the start of the game and shall draw to his attention any case which he/she feels does not comply with the rules.

(d) At the completion of each game the Official Scorer/Timekeeper shall sign the official score sheet himself/herself, have the Referee/s and team managers sign it, and shall then ensure the correct NlRHA procedure for copying and forwarding score sheets to the designated NIRHA Committee member is carried out.

(e) The Official Scorer/Timekeeper shall advise the Referee when the same player has received his/her second or third penalty or his/her second misconduct penalty in the same game.

(f) Where a public address system is used, the Official Scorer/Timekeeper shall announce or have announced, immediately following the scoring of each goal, the name of the player who scored the goal and the name of each player who received an assist.

RULE THIRTY-SEVEN - GAME TIME-KEEPER

(a) The Game Time Keeper shall record the time of the starting and finishing of each game, and all actual playing time during the game.

(b) The Game Time Keeper shall signal the Referee for the commencement of the game, the start of the second period, and for each overtime period. If the rink is not equipped with an automatic buzzer, gong or siren or if this equipment should fail to operate, the game time-keeper shall, by means of a whistle, signal the end of each period, each overtime period, and the end of the game.

(c) The Game Time Keeper shall announce or have announced when TWO MINUTES of the actual playing time remains in each regulation or overtime period.

(d) Record time of scores and penalties at expired time of the period. Record all times in minutes and seconds.

SECTIOH VI

RULE THIRTY-EIGHT - ABUSE OF OFFICIALS AND OTHER MISCONDUCT

NOTE: In the enforcement of this rule the Referee has, in many instances, the option of imposing a 'Misconduct Penalty" or a "Bench Minor Penalty". In principle the Referee is directed to impose a "Bench Minor Penalty" in respect to the violations which occur on or in the immediate vicinity of the player bench, but also off the playing surface, and in all cases affecting non-playing personnel or players. A 'Misconduct Penalty" should be imposed for violations which occur on the playing surface or in the penalty bench area and where the penalised player is readily identifiable.

(a) A game misconduct shall be imposed on any player who uses obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures to any person or who persists in disputing or shows disrespect for the ruling of any official during a game or who intentionally knocks or shoots the puck out of the reach of an official who is retrieving it.

(b) A misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who bangs the boards with their sticks or any other equipment at any time.

(c) A misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any penalised player who does not proceed directly and immediately to the penalty box and take his place on the penalty bench. Any player who (following a fight or other altercation in which he has been involved is broken up, and for which he is penalised) fails to proceed immediately to the penalty bench or who persists in continuing or attempting to continue the fight or altercation or who resists a Referee in the discharge of his duties, shall incur a game misconduct penalty.

(d) A game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who, after warning by the referee, persists in any course of conduct (including threatening or abusive language or gestures or similar actions) designed to incite an opponent into incurring a penalty.

(e) In the case of any dub executive, manager, coach or trainer being guilty of such misconduct, he is to be removed from the building and his actions reported to the Disciplinary Committee.

(f) If any manager, coach or trainer is removed from the bench by order of the referee, he must not sit near the bench of his/her team, nor in any way direct or attempt to direct the play of his team.

(g) The misconduct penalty shall be imposed against the offending team if any player, manager, coach or trainer uses obscene, profane or abusive language to any person or uses the name of any official coupled with any vociferous remarks.

(h) A misconduct penalty shall be imposed against the offending team if any player, manager, coach or trainer in the vicinity of the player bench or penalty bench throws anything on the floor during the progress of the game or during stoppage of play.

(i) A misconduct penalty shall be imposed against the offending team if any player, manager, coach or trainer interferes in any manner with any game official, including Referees, Time Keeper or Goal Judge in the performance of their duties.
NOTE: The Referee may assess further penalties under this rule or Rule 24(b) if deemed to be warranted.

(j) A misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player or players who, except for the purpose of taking their positions on the penalty bench, enter or remain in the referees crease while he is reporting to or consulting with any game official including time-keeper, penalty time-keeper, or any Official Scorer/Timekeeper or announcer.

RULE THIRTY-NINE - ADJUSTMENT TO CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

(a) Play shall not be stopped, nor the game delayed by reason of adjustment of clothing, equipment, shoes, skates or sticks.

(b) For an infringement of this rule, a minor penalty shall be given.

(c) The responsibility of maintaining clothing and equipment in proper condition shall be upon the player. If adjustments are required, the player shall retire from the floor and play shall continue without interruption using a substitute.
NOTE: In the event a player loses his helmet in the "process of a play" he/she will be allowed to continue "that play", but immediately following "that play" he/she must retrieve that helmet and immediately fasten that helmet onto his/her head. A violation will result in a two minute minor penalty for improper equipment.

(d) However, a goalkeeper after a stoppage of play with the permission of the referee, may be allowed to make adjustments or repairs to clothing, equipment, shoes or skates. A goal-keeper may also be permitted by the Referee to replace his mask but no time shall be allowed for repair or fitting a mask.

(e) For an infraction of a rule by a goalkeeper, a minor penalty shall be imposed.

RULE FORTY - ATTEMPT TO INJURE

(a) A match penalty shall be imposed on any player who deliberately attempts to injure an opponent, official, manager, coach or trainer in any manner, and the circumstances shall be reported to the NIRHA Committee for further action. A substitute for the penalised player shall be permitted at the end of the fifth minute.

RULE FORTY-ONE - BOARDING

(a) A minor or major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based upon the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be imposed on any player who body checks, cross checks, elbows, charges or trips an opponent in such a manner that caused the opponent to be thrown violently against the boards.
NOTE: My unnecessary contact with a player carrying the puck which results in that player being knocked into the fence is "boarding" and must be penalised as such. In other instances where there is no contact with the fence, it should be treated as "charging". "Rolling" an opponent (if he is the puck carrier) along the fence where he/she is endeavouring to go through too small an opening is not boarding. However, if the opponent is not the puck carrier, then such action should be penalised as boarding, charging, interference, or if the arms of stick are employed, it should be called holding or hooking.

RULE FORTY-TWO - BROKEN STICK

(a) A player whose stick is broken may participate in the game provided he/she immediately drops his stick. A minor penalty shall be imposed for an infraction of this rule.
NOTE: A broken stick is one which, in the opinion of the referee, is unfit for normal play.

(b) A goalkeeper may continue to play with the paddle portion of a broken stick until stoppage of play or until he/she has been legally provided with a stick.

(c) A player whose stick is broken may not receive a stick thrown on the floor from any part of the rink, but must obtain one from the player bench. A goalkeeper whose stick is broken may not receive a stick thrown on the floor from any part of the rink but may receive a stick from a team mate without proceeding to his player bench. A minor penalty plus a mis-conduct penalty shall be imposed on the player or goalkeeper receiving a stick illegally under this rule. NOTEA broken stick is one which, in the opinion of the referee, is unfit for normal play.

RULE FORTY-THREE - CHARGING

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who runs or jumps into or charges an opponent.

(b) A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on a player who charges a goalkeeper while the goalkeeper is within his goal crease. A goalkeeper is NOT "fair game" just because he is outside the goal crease area. A penalty for interference or charging (minor or major) should be called in every case where an opposing player makes unnecessary contact with a goalkeeper.

RULE FORTY-FOUR - CR0SS-CHECKING AND BUTT-ENDING

(a) A minor or major penalty at the discretion of the referee, shall be imposed on a player who "cross-checks" or "butt-ends" an opponent.

(b) A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on a player who cross-checks or butt-ends a goalkeeper while the goalkeeper is within his goal crease.

(c) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by cross-checking or butt-ending.
NOTE: Cross-check shall mean a check delivered with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the floor.

RULE FORTY-FIVE - DELIBERATE INJURY OF OPPONENTS

(a) A match penalty shall be imposed on a player who deliberately injures an opponent in any manner.

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

(c) All such instances shall be reported to the Disciplinary Committee.

RULE FORTY-SIX - DELAYING THE GAME

(a) No player or goalkeeper shall delay the game by deliberately shooting or batting the puck outside the playing area. The Referee shall impose a minor penalty, immediately and without warning, against any player or goalkeeper who throws the puck outside the playing area.

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player (including goalkeeper) who delays the game by deliberately displacing a goal-post from normal position or puck from face-off circle. Any player (including goalkeeper) who deliberately displaces the goal post to prevent a breakaway scoring opportunity by the opposing team or deliberately displaces the goal post during an ideal scoring opportunity by the opposing team, will result in a penalty shot awarded to the opposing team.

(c) A bench minor penalty shall be imposed upon any team which, after warnings by the Referee to its captain or alternate captain to place the correct number of players on the floor and commence play, fails to comply with the Referee's direction and thereby causes any delay by making additional substitution, or in any other manner.

RULE FORTY-SEVEN - ELBOWING AND KNEEING

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player who uses his elbow or knee in such a manner as to in any way foul an opponent.

(b) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent as a result of a foul committed by using his elbows or knees.

RULE FORTY-EIGHT - FACE-OFFS

(a) Players facing-off will stand facing their opponents end of the rink approximately on stick length apart with the full blade of their stick on the floor. Sticks of both players facing-off shall have the full blade on the floor and properly aligned on the tape. All other players must be at least ten feet away from the players facing off and they must be on side.
NOTE: If after warning by the Referee either of the players fail to take his/her proper position promptly the Referee shall replace the offending player or players with another player on the floor. If either player or players still fail to take their proper position, the Referee may assess delay of game penalty against the offending player or players.

(b) In the conduct of any face-off anywhere on the playing surface no player shall make any physical contact with his/her opponents body by means of his/her own body or by his/her stick except in the course of playing the puck after the face-off has been completed. For violation of this rule, the Referee shall impose a minor penalty or penalties on the player(s) whose action(s) caused the physical contact.
NOTE: "Conduct of any face-off" commences when the Referee designates the place of the face-off and the puck is dropped.

(c) If a player facing-off fails to take his proper position immediately when directed' by the official, the official may order him replaced for that face-off by any team mate then on the floor.

(d) A second violation of any of the provisions or sub selection(s) hereof during the same face- off, shall be penalised with a minor penalty to the player who commits the second violation of the rule.

(e) When an infringement of a rule has been committed or a stoppage of play has been caused by any player of the attacking side, the ensuing face-off shall be made on the neutral zone face-off spot.
NOTE: This includes stopping of play caused by a player of the attacking side shooting the puck onto the back of the defending team's net without any intervening action by the defending team.

(f) When an infringement of a rule has been committed by players of both sides in the play resulting in the stoppage, the ensuing face-off will be made at the place of such infringement or at the place where play is stopped in cases where play is permitted to be completed unless otherwise expressly provided by these rules.

(g) when stopping occurs between the end of face-off spots and near the end of the rink, the puck shall be faced-off at the end face-off spot on the side where the stoppage occurs unless otherwise expressly provided by these rules.

Face-off spot 30 cm or 12" diameter Face-off circle 20 feet or 6.1 m

(h) Players must keep their sticks flat on the line for the face-off.

(I) When a goal is illegally scored, as a result of the puck being deflected off the Referee directly into the net, the face-off shall be at either of the face off spots in that zone.

(j) When the game is stopped for any reason not specifically covered in the official rules, the puck must be faced-off where it was last played.

(k) The referee is under no obligation to wait for the players to get to the face-off spot. fr is the players' responsibility to get there as quickly as possible. If one team is lined up and the other team is procrastinating, the Referee can start the play by blowing the whistle.
NOTE: Once a team is in face-off position, the puck could be put into play within five seconds.

RULE FORTY-NINE - FALLING ON PUCK

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player other than the goalkeeper who deliberately falls on or gathers a puck into the body.
NOTE: Defencemen who drop to their knees to block shots should not be penalised if the puck is shot under them or becomes lodged in their clothing or equipment, but any use of the hands to make the puck un-playable shall be penalised promptly.

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a goalkeeper who (when his/her body is entirely outside the boundaries of his/her own crease area and when the puck is behind the goal line) deliberately falls on or gathers the puck into his/her body or who holds or places the puck against the boards.

(c) No defending player except the goalkeeper will be permitted to fall on the puck or hold the puck or gather the puck into the body or hands when the puck is within the goal crease. For infringement of this rule. play shall immediately be stopped and a penalty shot shall be ordered against the offending team, but no other penalty shall be given.
NOTE: This rule shall be interpreted so that a penalty shot will be awarded only when the puck in the crease at the instant the play is stopped. However, in cases where the puck is outside the crease, Rule 49(a) may still apply and a minor penalty may be imposed, even though no penalty shot is awarded.

RULE FIFTY - FISTICUFFS (FIGHTING)

(a) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who starts fisticuffs (fighting).

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who, having been struck, shall retaliate with a blow or attempted blow. However, at the discretion of the referee, a major or double minor penalty may be imposed if that player continues the altercation.
NOTE: NOTE: The referee is provided very wide latitude in the penalties which he may impose under this rule. This is done intentionally to enable him to differentiate between the obvious degrees of responsibility of the participants, either for starting the fighting, or persisting in continuing the fighting. The discretion provided should be exercised realistically.
NOTE: Referees are directed to employ every means provided by these rules to stop "brawling'1 and should use Rule 38 (c) for this purpose, unless the co-incidental major penalty rule is involved.

(c) A misconduct or game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player involved in fisticuffs off the playing surface or with another player who is off the playing surface.

(d) A game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper on the floor who first intervenes in an altercation then in progress.

(e) Any player assessed a major penalty for fighting, will automatically be suspended for the remainder of that game and the next game played by his team.
NOTE: If the team that the suspended player is a member of draws a bye for their game, this penalty will be carried over to the next game the team plays, even if the next game is in another division.
NOTE: The penalised team will place a man in the penalty box and will play short handed for the duration of the major penalty

RULE FIFTY-ONE - GOAL AND ASSISTS

(a) A goal shall be scored when the puck has been put between the goal-posts by the stick of a player of the attacking side from in front and below the crossbar and entirely across the line the width of the diameter of the goal-posts drawn on the floor from one goal-post to the other.

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

(c) If an attacking player kicks the puck and it is deflected into the net by any player of the defending side except the goalkeeper; the goal shall be awarded. The player who kicked the puck shall be credited with the goal but no assist shall be awarded.

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

(e) If a goal is scored as a result of a puck being deflected directly into the net from an official, the goal shall not be allowed.

(f) Should a player legally propel a puck into the goal crease of the opponents team and the puck should become loose and available to another player of the attacking side, a goal scored on the play shall be legal.

(g) Any goal scored other than as covered by the official rules shall not be allowed.

(h) A goal shall be credited in the scoring records to a player who shall have propelled the puck into the opponent's goal.

(I) When a player scores a goal, an assist shall be credited to the player who made the pass leading to a direct goal in the offensive zone; also when headmanning the puck leading to a breakaway.

RULE FIFTY- TWO - GROSS MISCONDUCT

(a) The Referee may suspend from the game and order to the dressing room for the remainder of the game any player; manager; coach or framer guilty of gross misconduct of any kind.

(b) If a player so dismissed is taking part in the game, he/she shall be charged with a game misconduct penalty, and a substitute shall be permitted.

(c) The referee in charge is to decide on any violation and report the incident to the NIRHA Committee for further action.

(d) If a player; coach or manager persists after warning from the referee in continuing his/her gross misconduct, he/she shall be subject to suspension for a period of one year or more as determined by the Disciplinary Committee.

RULE FIFTY-THREE - HANDLING PUCK WITH HANDS

(a) If a player; except the goalkeeper; closes his/her hand intentionally on the puck, the player shall be stopped and a minor penalty shall be imposed on him. A goalkeeper who holds the puck with his/her hands for longer than three seconds shall be given a minor penalty, if there are no attacking players in the immediate vicinity

(b) A goalkeeper shall not deliberately hold the puck in any manner which in the opinion of the Referee causes a stoppage of play, nor deliberately drop the puck into his/her pads or into the goal net, nor deliberately pile up obstacles at or near his/her net, that in the opinion of the referee would tend to prevent the scoring of a goal.
NOTE: The object of the entire rule is to keep the puck moving continuously and any action taken by the goalkeeper which causes an unnecessary stoppage must be penalised without. warning.

(c) The penalty for infringement of this rule by the goalkeeper shall be a minor penalty.
NOTE: In the case of a puck thrown forward by the goalkeeper being taken by an opponent, the Referee shall allow the resulting play to be completed, the play shall be stopped for a forward hand pass by the goalkeeper with a face off resulting.

(d) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player except the goalkeeper who, while play is in progress, picks up the puck off the floor with his/her hands. If a player; except the goalkeeper; picks up the puck from the floor in the crease area with his/her hand while play is in progress, the play shall be stopped immediately and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(e) A player shall be permitted to stop or "bat" a puck in the air with his/her open hand, or push it along the floor with his/her hand, and the play shall not be stopped unless in the opinion of the referee he/she has deliberately directed the puck to a team mate, in which case the play shall be stopped and the puck faced off at the spot where the offence occurred.
NOTE: The object of this rule is to ensure continuous action and the Referee should NOT stop play unless he/she is satisfied that the directing of the puck to a team mate was in fact DELIBERATE. The puck may not be batted with the hand directly into the net at any time, but a goal shall be allowed when the puck has been legally batted and is deflected into the goal off a defending player except the goal keeper.

RULE FIFTY-FOUR - HIGH STICKS

(a) The carrying of sticks above the normal height of the shoulder is prohibited, and a minor penalty may be imposed on any player violating this rule, at the discretion of the Referee.

(b) The goal scored from a stick so carried shall not be allowed, except by a player of the defending team.

(c) When a player carries or holds any part of his/her stick above the height of his/her shoulder so that injury to the face or head of an opposing player results, the Referee shall have no alternative but to impose a major penalty on the offending player.

(d) Batting the puck above the normal height of the shoulders with the stick is prohibited and when it occurs there shall be a whistle and ensuing face off at the spot where the offence occurs unless:
1) The defending player batted the puck to an opponent in which case the play shall continue, or
2) A player of the defending side batted the puck into his/her own goal in which case a goal shall be allowed.

(e) when either team is below the numerical strength of its opponent and a player of the team of greater numerical strength causes a stoppage of play by striking the puck with his/her stick above the height of his/her shoulder, the resulting face off shall be made at one of the end face off spots adjacent to the goal of the team causing the stoppage.
NOTE: Exception to this rule: when the stick is shifted from one hand to the other over the head so the player can play the puck, unless it endangers another player. At the beginning and ending of a slap shot the stick may be above shoulder height.

(f) When a high stick Is swung at a high puck near another player, it shall be called for high sticking and a minor penalty assessed.

(g) The only time the stick is an extension of the body is when it is in the opposing goal keeper's crease before the puck has entered the crease.
NOTE: No contact on an opponent need occur to call a high sticking penalty.

RULE FIFTY-FIVE HOLDING AN OPPONENT

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

RULE FIFTY-SIX - HOOKING

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

(b) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who inures an opponent by hooking.
NOTE: When a player is checking another in such a way that there is only stick-to-stick contact, such action is NOT either hooking or holding. He/she may turn the stick down over the opponents stick.

RULE FIFTY-SEVEN - INTERFERENCE

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who interferes with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck, or who deliberately knocks a stick out of an opponent's hand or who prevents a player who has dropped his/her stick from regaining possession of it, or who knocks or shoots any abandoned or broken stick or illegal puck or other debris towards an opposing puck carrier in a manner that could cause him/her to be distracted.
NOTE: The last player to touch the puck, other than a goal keeper, shall be considered the player in possession. In interpreting this rule, the Referee should make sure which of the players is the one creating the interference. Often it is the action and movement of the attacking player which causes the interference since the defending players are entitled to "stand their ground" or "shadow" the attacking players. Players of the side in possession shall not be allowed to run deliberate interference for the puck carrier.

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed if any player on the player bench or on the penalty bench who by means of his/her stick or his/her body, interferes with the movement of the puck or of any opponent on the floor during the progress of play.

(c) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who, by means of his/her stick or his/her body interferes with or impedes the movements of the goalkeeper by actual physical contact while he/she is in his/her goal crease area unless the puck is already in that area.

(d) Unless the puck is in the crease area, a player of the attacking side not in possession may not stand on the goal crease line or in the goal crease or hold his/stick in the goal crease area, and if the puck should enter the net while such a condition prevails, a goal shall not be allowed and the puck shall be faced in the neutral zone at the face off spot nearest the attacking zone of the offending team.

(e) If a player of the attacking side has been physically interfered with by the action of any defending player so as to cause him/her to be in the goal crease, and the puck should enter the net while the player so interfered with, is still within the goal crease, the goal shall be allowed.

(f) If when the goal keeper has been removed from the floor any member of his/her team not legally on the floor including the manager, coach or trainer interferes by means of his/her body or stick, or any other object, with the movement of the puck or an opposing player, the Referee shall immediately award a goal to the non-offending team.
NOTE: A penalty for interference should be called in every case where an opposing player makes unnecessary contact with the player in opposition.
NOTE: The attention of Referees is directed particularly to three types of offensive interference which should be penalised.
1) When the defending team secures possession of the puck in its own end and the other players run interference for the puck carrier by forming a protective screen against fore checkers.
2) When a player facing off obstructs his opposite number after the face-off when the opponent is not in possession of the puck
3) When the puck carrier makes a drop pass and follows through so as to make bodily contact with an opposing player.
NOTE: All offensive or defensive players may attempt to establish positional territory in front of either goal. The incidental contact that occurs in so doing shall not be considered interference of unnecessary roughness. However, should a player from either team run at his opponent, or make a body check, the Referee, at this discretion, may assess a minor penalty for interference, charging or unnecessary roughness.

RULE FIFTY-EIGHT - INTERFERENCE BY 5PECTATORS

(a) In the event of a player being held or interfered with by a spectator, the Referee shall blow the whistle and play shall be stopped, unless the team of the player interfered with is in possession of the puck at the time, then the play shall be allowed to be completed before blowing the whistle, and the puck shall be faced off where last played at the stoppage.
NOTE: The Referee shall report to the league for disciplinary action, all cases in which a player ~ becomes involved in an altercation with a spectator but no penalty shall be imposed.

(b) In the event that objects are thrown on the floor which interferes with the progress of the game, the Referee shall blow the whistle and stop the play and the puck shall be faced off at the spot the play is stopped.

RULE FIFTY-NINE - KICKING PLAYER

(a) A match penalty shall be imposed on any player who kicks or attempts to kick another player, but a substitute shall be permitted at the end of the fifth minute.
NOTE: When actual injury results, this foul may be penalised also as a deliberate injury under Rule 45.

RULE SIXTY - KICKING THE PUCK

(a) Kicking the puck shall be permitted in all zones, but a goal may not be scored by the kick of an attacking player except if an attacking player kicks the puck and it is deflected into the net by any player of the defending side, except the goalkeeper.

RULE SIXTY-ONE - LEAVING PLAYER OR PENALTY BENCH

(a) No player may leave the player bench at any time to enter an altercation, but substitutions hall be permitted provided the player so substituted does not enter the altercation. Likewise no player on or near the penalty bench (not on the floor) shall participate in any fight or other altercation with any opposing player on the floor.

(b) A misconduct penalty shall be imposed on each player violating the rule. The Referee shall report all such infractions to the NIRHA committee which shall have full power to impose such further penalty as deemed fitting.

(c) Except at the end of each period, or expiration of penalty, no player may at any time leave the penalty bench.

(d) A penalised player who leaves the penalty bench before his penalty has expired, whether play is in progress or not, but does not enter an altercation, shall incur an additional minor penalty after serving his unexpired time.

(e) Any penalised player leaving the penalty bench during the stoppage of play, and entering an altercation, shall incur a minor penalty plus a ten minute misconduct penalty after serving his unexpired time.

(f) If a player leaves the penalty bench before his penalty is fully served, the penalty timekeeper shall note the time and signal the Referee who will immediately stop the play.

(g) In the case of a player returning to the floor before his/her penalty has expired through an error by the penalty time-keeper; he is not to serve an additional penalty, but must serve his un-expired time.

(h) If a player of an attacking side in possession of the puck shall be in such a position as to have no opposition between him and the opposing goal-keeper; and while in such possession he shall be interfered with by a player of the opposing side who shall have illegally entered the game, the Referee shall award a penalty shot against the side to which the offending player belongs.

(i) If the opposing goalkeeper has been removed and an attacking player in possession of the puck shall have no player of the defending team to pass and a stick or a part thereof is thrown by an opposing player or the player is fouled from behind thereby being prevented from having a dear shot on an open goal, a goal shall be awarded against the offending team. If when the opposing goal-keeper has been removed from the floor; a player of the side attacking the unattended goal is interfered with by a player who shall have entered the game illegally, the Referee shall immediately award a goal to the non-offending team

(j) Any non-playing coach, trainer or manager who gets on the floor after the start of the game without permission of the Referee, shall automatically be suspended from the game.

(k) If a penalised player returns to the floor from the penalty bench before his/her penalty has expired by his/her own error or the error of the penalty time-keeper; any goal scored by his/her own team, while he/she is illegally on the floor shall be disallowed, but all penalties imposed on either team shall be served as regular penalties.

(l) If a player illegally enters the game from his/her own player bench, any goal scored by his/ her own team while he/she is illegally on the floor shall be disallowed but all penalties imposed against either team shall be served as regular penalties.

RULE SIXTY-TWO - MOLESTING OFFICIALS

(a) Any player who touches or holds a Referee or any game official, with his hand or stick or trips or body-checks any such officials, shall automatically receive a minimum ten minute penalty for misconduct for the first offence, and a minimum game misconduct penalty for a second offence, in the same game. Depending upon the incident, a match penalty may be called. The use of a substitute for the player so suspended shall be permitted.

(b) Any player who holds or strikes an official shall constitute a match penalty and shall be suspended from the remainder of the tournament.

(c) Any manager, coach or trainer who holds or strikes an official, shall be automatically suspended from the game, ordered to the dressing room, and disciplinary action shall be taken by the NIRHA committee.

RULE SIXTY-THREE - OBSCENE OR PROFANE LANGUAGE OR GESTURES

(a) Players shall not use obscene or profane language or gestures on the floor or anywhere in the rink. For violation of this rule a misconduct penalty shall be imposed except when the violation occurs in the vicinity of the player bench, in which case a bench minor penalty shall be imposed.

(b) Managers, coaches and trainers shall not use obscene or profane language or gestures anywhere in the rink. For violation of this rule, a bench minor penalty shall be imposed.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of all game officials and all team officials to send a confidential report to the Disciplinary Committee setting out the full details concerning the use of obscene gestures by any player, coach or other official. The Disciplinary Committee shall take further disciplinary action as deemed appropriate.

RULE SIXTY-FOUR - PUCK OUT OF BOUNDS OR UNPLAYABLE

(a) When the puck goes outside the playing area to either end, or either side of the rink or strikes any obstacles above the playing surface other than the boards, glass or wire, it shall be faced off from where it was shot or deflected, unless otherwise expressly provided in these rules.

(b) When the puck becomes lodged in the netting on the outside of either goal so as to make it unplayable, or if it is frozen between opposing players intentionally or otherwise, the Referee shall stop the play and face off the puck at either of the adjacent face-off spots, unless in the opinion of the Referee, the stoppage was caused by a player of the attacking team, in which case the resulting face-off shall be conducted at the nearest face-off spot adjacent to the goal of the offending player or centre line face-off spots.
NOTE: This included stoppage of play caused by the player of the attacking side shooting the puck onto the back of the defending team's net without any intervening action by the defending team. The defending team and/or the attacking team may play the puck off the net at any time. However, should the puck remain on the net for longer than three seconds, play shall be stopped and a face-off shall take place in end face-off zone except when the stoppage is caused by the attacking team, then the face-off shall take place on the face-off spot at the centre circle.

(c) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a goal-keeper who deliberately drops the puck on the goal netting to cause a stoppage of play..

(d) If the puck 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 hand or stick.

RULE SIXTY-FIVE - PUCK MUST BE KEPT IN MOTION

(a) The puck must be kept in motion at all times.

(b) With the exception of being able to carry the puck behind its own goal one time, a team in its own defensive area which is in possession of the puck shall always advance the puck toward the opposing goal, except when prevented from doing so by players of the opposing side or if that team in possession is short-handed. For the first infraction of this rule, play shall be stopped and a face-off will be taken at the spot adjacent to the goal of the team causing the stoppage and the Referee shall rule the captain or alternate captain of the offending team of the reason for the face-off. For a second violation by any player of the same team in the same period, a minor penalty shall be imposed on any player violating the rule.

(c) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player who deliberately holds the puck against the boards in a manner unless he/she is being checked by an opponent.

(d) For an infringement of this rule, the face-off shall be at the nearest end face-off spot adjacent to the offender's goal.

RULE SIXTY-SIX - PUCK OUT OF SIGHT AND ILLEGAL PUCK

(a) Should a scramble take place or a player accidentally fall on the puck and the puck be out of site of the Referee, the Referee should immediately blow his whistle and stop play. There will be a face-off at the nearest face-off spot.

(b) If at any time while play is in progress a puck other than the one legally in play shall appear on the playing surface, the play shall not be stopped but shall continue with the legal puck until the play in progress is completed by change of possession. At the Referee's discretion, if the legal puck is interfered in play, the Referee shall stop the play immediately.

RULE SIXTY- SEVEN - REFUSING TO START PLAY AND FORFEITURE

(a) If when both teams are on the floor one team for any reason shall refuse to play when ordered to do so by the Referee, he/she shall warn the captain or alternate captain and allow the team so refusing 15 seconds within which to begin the game or resume play. If at the end of that time the team shall still refuse to play, the Referee shall impose a two minute penalty on a player of the offending team to be designated by the manager or coach of that team through the captain. Should there be a repetition of the same incident, the Referee shall have no alternative but to declare that the game be forfeited to the non-offending club and the case shall be reported to the Disciplinary Committee.

(b) If a team when ordered to do so by the Referee through its manager or coach fails to go on the floor and start within 5 minutes, the game shall be forfeited and the case shall be reported to the Disciplinary Committee.

RULE SIXTY-EIGHT - SLASHING

(a) A minor or major penalty at the discretion of the Referee shall be imposed on any player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by "slashing" with his/her stick. Any stick to body contact enacted by the pursuing player will be considered slashing. No matter how hard the stick to body contact is, it shall be considered a minor penalty.

(b) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player wh0 deliberately injures an opponent by slashing. when a major penalty is imposed under this rule for a foul resulting in injury to the face or head of an opponent, an automatic major penalty shall be imposed. .
NOTE: Referees should penalise as slashing any player who swings his stick at any opposing player (whether in or out of range) without actually striking him/her or where a player on the pretext of playing the puck makes a wild swing at the puck with the object of intimidating an opponent.

(c) Any player who swings his/her stick at another player in the course of any altercation, shall be subject to a major penalty to be imposed by the Referee.

(d) Any player not is possession of the puck cannot have any stick contact upon the goal-keeper or it will be considered a slashing penalty.
NOTE: The Referee shall impose the normal appropriate penalty provided in the other sections of this rule and shall in addition report promptly to the NIRHA Committee all infractions under this section.

RULE SIXTY-NINE - SPEARING

(a) A major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be imposed on a player who spears or attempts to spear an opponent.
NOTE: "attempts to spear" shall include all cases where a spearing gesture is made regardless of whether bodily contact is made or not.

(b) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by spearing. This should be treated as a deliberate attempt to injure under Rule 40.
NOTE: "spearing" shall mean stabbing an opponent with the point of the stick blade while the stick is being carried with one hand or with both hands.

RULE SEVENTY - START OF GAME AND PERIODS

(a) The game shall be commenced at the time scheduled by a "face-off" in the centre of the rink and shall be renewed promptly at the conclusion of each intermission in the same manner. No delay shall be permitted by reason of any ceremony, exhibition, demonstration or presentation unless consented to reasonably in advance by the Meet Director.

(b) Home dubs shall have the choice of goals to defend at the start of the game except where both player benches are on the same side of the rink in which case the home dub shall start the game defending the goal nearest to its own bench. The teams shall change ends for each succeeding regular or overtime period.

(c) During the pre-game warm-up and before the commencement of play in any period, each team shall confine its activity to its own end of the rink.
NOTE: All players must be dressed and ready to play one hour prior to their scheduled playing time or game shall be forfeited.

(d) All players must be in full uniform to take the floor for warm-ups.

RULE SEVENTY-ONE - THROWING STICK

(a) When any player of the defending side, including the goal-keeper; deliberately throws his stick or any part thereof or any other object, at the puck in his/her defending zone, the Referee shall allow the play to be completed and i