CEWHA
Official Rules and Regulations
Revised October 4, 2006
NOTE: With the exception of the following outlined rules the CEWHA,
will follow the rules of the National Hockey League.
PLAYING AREA
A. The playing area for electric wheelchair hockey games shall be the entire floor surface of the gymnasium being used (or as determined by the governing board in uncertain situations).
B. The nets used as goals shall be 3 feet high by 6 feet wide by 1½ - 2 feet deep. The nets shall be placed at each end of the gymnasium and centred between the semi-circular goal creases, marked on the floor. It is the referee’s responsibility to ensure that the nets remain properly positioned during the game.
C. There will be a total of five (5) face-off areas located on the playing area, one in the centre of the playing area and two in front of each net. All face-off areas will be clearly marked.
D. The timekeeper, scorekeeper, penalty area, and team benches will be located along one wall of the gymnasium.
E. Only two (2) teams will be allowed to be on the playing area, at their benches or at play, at any time. All other players, coaches and spectators must be on the gymnasium stage or in the entrance ways to the gymnasium.
F. All coaches and players must stay at their designated team areas throughout the game.
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EQUIPMENT
A. Stick shafts and blades shall be made of plastic or composite materials and shall have a maximum length of 42 inches (105 cm) from the end of the shaft to the heel of the blade. Composite shafts may not have wood or metal in their composition.
Any player attaching a stick to their chair must mount it so that the heel of the blade is forward of the front wheels. Goaltenders are not permitted to use a goaltender stick. Only Goaltenders are permitted to attach a standard type stick to their chair so that the blade of the stick is positioned at the side of the wheelchair between the front and rear wheels. A Goaltender is permitted to hold only a standard type stick.
A wooden dowel may be inserted through the blade but may be no more than three inches in length (on either side) and no more than half an inch in diameter. T-sticks must follow the above guidelines and be approved by League Officials. No modifications may be made to a goaltending stick blade. Any other modifications to the stick must be subject to League Officials approval. Sticks may be secured by tape or an approved bracket to a players chair if they are unable to hold the stick. If a player needs to secure their stick to their hand or arm, it must be done in such a way that the stick will come away easily if caught or snagged, and is approved by League Officials.
B. All players must use electric wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters are not permitted. No special attachments or modifications will be allowed on any wheelchairs that may prevent the ball from travelling underneath or around the chair.
C. The official CEWHA ball is a hollow plastic ball two inches in diameter with holes in it, and is to be used in all games.
D. Each team must have proper team sweaters. Each team sweaters must have different colours and be fully distinct from the other teams. Each player must wear their team sweater during all games. Players who show up without their proper sweater may not be permitted to play. This will benefit both the players on the floor as well as the referees in identifying players on opposing teams.
E. All players must wear protective eye wear and a seatbelt. Sports, Prescription and Safety glasses are permitted. Sun glasses are not permitted. It is the players' own responsibility to ensure that they are equipped with and wearing appropriate eye wear. No player will be permitted to play without proper eye wear.
F. All goaltenders must wear foot pedals.
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TIMEKEEPING AND SCORE KEEPING
A. It is the Manager of Operations responsibility to ensure that a timekeeper, scorekeeper, and referees are available and ready for each game. It is the timekeeper’s responsibility to keep track of and verify the times of each period, the times of the penalties, and any time outs taken. The official clock to be used is the large score clock located in the gymnasium, or that of the designated referee, when there is no clock available.
B. Each game will consist of three, fifteen minute periods to be played on a non-stop time basis. The final two minutes of the third period will be played on a stop time basis unless the score is 6 or more goals apart. At the end of each period the teams will change ends. There will be a two minute break between periods. Each team is allowed one time out per game. Time outs will be one minute in length.
C. It is the referee’s responsibility to inform both the timekeeper and the score keeper of all penalties that are handed out. This includes who the penalized player is, the time of the penalty(s), the nature of the penalty(s), and the duration of the penalty(s). It is the responsibility of the timekeeper to keep track of the penalty(s) time and to indicate when the player may return to the game. All penalties will be served on a stop-time basis.
A player serving a minor penalty may return to the game if a goal is scored by the opposing team, unless that player is serving part of a "match" penalty (two players penalized at the same time). Major penalties are to be served in their entirety.
D. It is the referee’s responsibility to inform the scorekeeper of who scored the goal, and those who have assisted on any goal scored. The scorekeeper is also responsible for recording all information regarding penalties.
E. Rules for the recording of League statistics will be determined at the start of each season.
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PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Each playoff game will consist of three fifteen minute non-stop time periods. The last two minutes of the third period will be played on a stop-time basis. At the end of regulation time, if the score is tied, there will be a five minute overtime period. The overtime period will be played on a non-stop time basis and the first team to score wins the game. If the overtime period ends in a tie there will be a shoot out. Each team is allowed three players who will each shoot once. If at the end of the first rotation there is still a tie, the first go ahead goal scored (after both teams have had the same number of shots), will determine the winner. The goalie who was in net for the majority of the third period and overtime period must continue in net for the shoot-outs. The person who is playing goal may not be one of the chosen shooters.
* No new players may be added to a team during the playoffs.
* A player must have played in at least 50% of regular season play in order to qualify for post season play.
* No player substitutions are allowed in playoff games.
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GAME RULES
A. A total of five players per team are required to field a team. If a team does not have the required number of players, they may be permitted to substitute one player so that they may field their team. The player that is substituted should be of equal ranking or less, but not greater than the player being substituted for. Substitution is contingent on the opposing coach agreeing to permit the substitution. If the opposing coach does not agree to the substitution, the game should be played, regardless, under protest. At a later date, the league president will review the circumstances and determine what if any appropriate action should be taken. This may result in the game being replayed at a later date. Coaches should allow substitution wherever possible. Points accumulated (goals and/or assists) by the substitute player will not be recorded on their individual statistics, but will count in the score of the game that they are playing in. If more than one player is needed for substitution by the same team, in order to have the required number of players. The game will be forfeited. The final score will be officially recorded as 1-0 and the winning team will receive two points. All trades must be approved by the president of the league before the end of the regular season, prior to the playoffs.
B. A team may not play two number one ranked players at the same time. This includes having one play in goal while the other plays in a forward or defence position. A number 1 ranked player may not play in goal unless his/her stick is attached to their chair.
C. Each team must have a number 4 or 5 ranked player on at all times. This does not include the goal tender.
D. A team may change their players at any time during the play of the game.
E. Goaltenders are not allowed to cross the centre line. If a coach wishes to pull the goaltender in order to play another attacker the goaltender must go to their team’s bench area before the extra attacker may join the game.
F. The game will begin with a face-off at the centre face-off circle. The referee will make certain that the two players taking the face-off have their sticks lined up and that all the other players are lined up properly, and will then drop the ball. The ball must hit the floor before a player can make contact with it. If contact is made prior to the ball hitting the floor, the player/s that made contact will be waved out of the face-off circle and another face-off will be called. The second period will also begin with a face-off at the centre face-off circle. After a goal has been scored, play will resume with a face-off at the centre face-off circle.
G. A face-off shall be called by the referee if the ball becomes non-playable by, rolling under players chairs, at the team bench area, or if the ball rolls into a non-playable area such as the spectator area. The face-off will take place at the closest face-off circle to where the play of the game was stopped. This also applies when resuming play after a penalty is called, a time out is called, a dead ball, and after a save has been made and the referee has blown the whistle. If a shot is taken with the player’s wrist above the shoulder, the play will be blown dead. The play will also be blown dead if the ball enters the net above the area defined as the goal or the continuous motion of the ball is stopped while under the goalies chair.
H. A goal is scored when:
1.The ball completely crosses the goal line, and
2.The ball enters the net below the crossbar or (if nets are higher than 3 feet) the tape markers located on the goal posts.
3. A ball cannot be kicked into a net.
4. A goal will not be counted if it is deflected off a coach, assistant coach, or other volunteer on a team bench.
I. Players are not allowed to use there feet or hands to carry or hold the ball while it's in play, but may use their feet to stop the ball.
J. An offensive player is offside if they cross the centre line prior to the ball. If the ball leaves the offensive zone all offensive players must clear the zone before the ball can be carried or shot back into the zone.
K. If a player’s chair becomes inoperable during play the play will not be blown dead until that team takes possession of the ball, unless there is a danger to the player.
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PENALTY STIPULATIONS
1) Two (2) minutes will be assessed for minor penalties and five (5) minutes will be assessed for major penalties.
2) Any player including the goaltender shall be ejected from the game if they receive three (3) penalties of any kind during the game. A player who is ejected from the game must leave the gym area. They will not be permitted to watch the game from the spectator area.
3) There must be a minimum of three (3) players per team on the playing surface including the goaltender. If another penalty is called, time will start on that penalty after one of the previous penalties has run out. If unable to field three (3) players on the floor, a penalty shot will be awarded.
4) If a goaltender receives a minor penalty it will be served by a team-mate that was on the playing surface at the time of the penalty (player to be determined by the penalized team).
5) If blood is drawn as a result of any Minor Penalty, the offence automatically becomes a Major Penalty and the player who committed the offence will receive a 5 Minute Penalty & Game Misconduct. In addition a Major penalty may be assessed for any Minor penalty based on its severity at the discretion of the referee.
6) Goaltenders must serve all major penalties incurred. A team-mate will be allowed to play the position of goal until the expiration of the penalty.
7) A player serving a penalty must return to the playing surface after completion of penalty time before a substitution can occur unless the end of the period coincides with the end of penalty.
8) If a player receives three game misconducts in one season the Operations Committee will review their status as an active player and he/she may be suspended for the remainder of the season.
9) All Penalty Minutes shall be served consecutively. If a player receives more than one penalty in the same instance the minutes will be tallied and all will be served consecutively i.e. if a player receives their first penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (2 minutes) and is given another penalty (2 minutes) they will serve a total of 4 minutes in penalties.
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GENERAL CONDUCT
The use of alcohol or illegal drugs before or during a game will not be tolerated. Such incidents will lead to a suspension.
Any unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated on or off the playing surface. This includes obscene language, verbal abuse, threatening or inciting behaviour, physical abuse or abuse of equipment. Spectators who engage in this behaviour will receive one warning for their conduct. If their conduct continues to be objectionable they will be asked to leave. If the spectator in question is a CEWHA player the incident will be subject to review by the Board of Directors and may result in further disciplinary action.
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MINOR PENALTIES
1) Bench Minor: Can be called against players or coaches for abuse against the officials or other players or for too many persons on the floor. Only the team captain or assistant captain may discuss calls with the referee. Coaches are not allowed on playing surface to discuss calls made by officials. (2 minute penalty) (Note) Coaches will be given one warning for verbal abuse. This includes questioning calls or complaining about penalties not being called. The second case will result in a 2 minute penalty. If a coach continues with verbal abuse, the game will be stopped and the offending coach will be asked to leave the playing area. In the event the offending coach refuses to leave, his team will be automatically forfeit the game.
2) Boarding: Recklessly riding a player into the boards with excessive force. (2 minute penalty)
3) Dangerous Driving: Making unnecessary contact with other players in a dangerous and reckless manner. (2 minute penalty)
4) Delay of Game: A player stops the play without cause, such as holding the ball in the corner with no player near by or closing his or her hand on the ball. A goaltender leaves the crease and crosses over the centre line. (2 minute penalty)
5) Elbowing: Making contact on another player above the armrest of the wheelchair using one’s elbow in a swinging motion. (2 minute penalty)
6) High Sticking: Making contact with a stick on another player over the armrest of their wheelchair, but below the shoulders, regardless of intent. This includes the windup or the follow through from shooting or passing. (2 minute penalty)
7) Holding: Impeding someone's progress by person, wheelchair or stick. (2 minute penalty)
8) Hooking: Impeding the progress of an opponent by hooking with the stick around a player, their stick, or their wheelchair. (2 minute penalty)
9) In the Crease: No player other than the goaltender is allowed to be stopped in the crease at any time. Defensive players may go into the goal crease in an attempt to clear the ball, if the ball is in there first, but must immediately attempt to exit the goal crease by driving through or backing out of the crease.
Players are permitted to have their sticks in the goal crease only if the ball enters the goal crease first. If an attacking (offensive) player's stick is in the crease before the ball, a whistle is blown and a face-off will occur in the attacking (offensive) player's zone and any goal scored on that play would be disallowed. No player may reach under a goaltender's chair to try and score a goal. Any goal scored in this manner will be disallowed and a face-off will take place in the face-off circle closest to where the play was stopped. No part of an offensive player’s wheelchair is permitted in the crease at any time. No player is permitted to pass through the crease at any time. Any of the above violations it will result in a penalty. (2 minute penalty)
10) Interference: Making physical contact, interfering with or impeding the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the ball. (2 minute penalty)
11) Ramming: A player may not deliberately run into another player with his/her wheelchair. Body checking is allowed, but players may only "ride the player off." Backing into another player as they pass by, using the front of a player's chair to make contact or trying to push a player's chair out of the way is not permitted. (2 minute penalty)
12) Slashing: Deliberate contact with the hockey stick on another player’s body, below the shoulders. (Note) Non-aggressive stick contact to a wheelchair or stick should not be penalized as slashing. (2 minute penalty)
13) Two Hands On The Stick: Players are not permitted to play the ball with two hands on their stick. (2 minute penalty)
14) Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Unsportsmanlike conduct includes (but is not limited to) obscene language, arguing or abusing other players, officials or equipment. (2 Minute Penalty)
15) Throwing/Dropping: A penalty will be called if a player deliberately throws, drops, or shoots a stick (or any other object) at the ball to prevent a goal, or a player from advancing with the ball. (2 minute penalty)
If the player with the ball is advancing towards the goaltender with no defender between him/her and the goaltender, and a stick is thrown or shot at the ball, thus preventing a goal, a penalty shot will be awarded to the advancing player. If the player with the ball is advancing towards an empty net, and a stick is thrown, dropped, or shot at the ball, thus preventing a goal, the referee will award the advancing player a goal.
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MAJOR PENALTIES
(Note) One Game Misconduct Penalty will accompany all Major Penalties
1) Attempt to Injure: Any attempt to purposely injure another player. (5 Minute Penalty & Game Misconduct Penalty) (Note) Operations Committee will review incident and may impose further penalty if warranted.
2) Butt Ending: Using the end of the shaft during contact with another player. (5 Minute Penalty & Game Misconduct Penalty)
3) Charging: Deliberately striking another player with one’s wheelchair with a run of more than two wheelchair lengths. (5 Minute Penalty & Game Misconduct Penalty)
4) Drawing Blood: If a player bleeds after a minor penalty, a major penalty is then assessed. (5 Minute Penalty & Game Misconduct Penalty)
5) Fighting: Using body or wheelchair to fight with or injure another player. (5 Minute Penalty & Game Misconduct Penalty)
6) High Sticking Above The Shoulders: Making contact with a stick on another player above the shoulders regardless of intent. This includes the windup or the follow through from shooting or passing. (5 Minute Penalty & Game Misconduct Penalty)
7) Slashing: Deliberate contact with the hockey stick on another player's body with undo force, or in an attempt to injure. (5 Minute Penalty & Game Misconduct Penalty)
8) Spearing: Using the blade of the stick during contact with another player. (5 Minute Penalty & Game Misconduct Penalty)
9) Unsportsmanlike Conduct: A player throwing their stick at another player, official, or volunteer in anger. (5 Minute Penalty & Game Misconduct Penalty)
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