The OBBHA rules are what we think will set us apart as a “pure fun league” and help us create the best Ball Hockey around. Here is the list:

• Non-contact.
• 4 minute warm-up, three 18-minute periods with one minute break between periods for the goalies.
• 4 on 4.
• Ball is always live.
• No off-side.
• No face-off at any time.
• Slap shots are allowed (see next note below)
• Any stick above the shoulder for wind up, follow through and knock downs will result in loss of possession.
• Penalties = Standard hockey infractions will result in a quick whistle for change of possession (3 second rule then comes into effect)
• “3 second rule” which means when ball is frozen by goalie, the ball is given by the goalie to his player, behind the goal line extended. The opponent must give about 6 feet in distance and 3 seconds before he can challenge.
• Half-court is given after a goal.
• To start a game or period or after a goal is scored, the designated team takes the ball behind their own net and waits for the Game Manager to whistle the `game on`. The defending team must be on their own side of the centre line until the play is whistled for `game on`. At this point the defending team may cross the centre line to forecheck and the offensive team can pass, shoot or run with the ball. The play is live on the whistle!
• Regular hockey sticks are permitted. However for the A-division gym (wood floor), there is a white tape policy. The stick must have a full strip from heal to toe so that none of the bottom of the stick is exposed. This is not required for the B-division gym which has a rubberized floor.
• An orange Mylec ball is used

• Any infraction the Game Manager sees as dangerous/malicious intent/unsportsmanlike/etc. will result in a yellow card warning or an automatic red card ejection (your Game Manager’s job is protect the integrity of the game and the players, therefore a Zero tolerance for trouble makers). Note that a second yellow card issued to the same player in the same game results in a game ejection. Any further discipline will be issued by the league executive. WARNING: All Rules Will Be Strictly Enforced To Ensure The 4 F’s Motto!!!

• 1 Yellow = 1 card / also = to 1 penalty shot
  1 Red = 2 cards / also = to 2 penalty shots

• -Second Yellow to a player = automatic game ejection

• -Instances where multiple penalty shots add up….they will be instituted
  -Any derogatory comment overheard by the GM will result in a yellow or red card
  -If the GM does not know who said it…the yellow or red card will be given to the team captain….in his absence the GM will hand it out to the next designated captain and so on if necessary

-We are tracking players and suspensions will apply as follow

4 cards = 1-game suspension

7 cards = 2-game suspension

10 cards = suspension from session and further review for participation in future sessions

Also if a player receives a red card in the third period he receives an automatic game suspension for the next game (this one will carry over into the next session as well if the infraction takes place in the finals

-Anything deemed a violent act by the GM will result in suspension
-There will be no negotiating calls or suspensions
-zero tolerance for anything negative overheard (sportsmanship first)
-Basically, only the Game Managers voice is heard

Your Game Managers and OBBHA organizers are your friends and should be treated so.

• They are here to ensure your safety and enjoyment of the game.
  They will make a mistake or two….no need to point it out or you will be yellow or red carded

• Crease rule in A-Div gym will be expanded to any foot in the blue paint up to the red line. Any opponent that goes in that area without the presence of the ball will be whistled down for a change of possession.

• In the B-Div gym the Game Manager will show players the area that is restricted

Tie-breaker formula as follows:

1. Total Wins
2. Head to Head
3. Goal Diferential (Total GF-GA)
4. Least # of Cards per team

Any team that forfeits a game or is given a game forfeit by the Game Manager, automatically loses the game 5-0 and loses all tie-breakers for the remainder of that session.

 -Additionally if a team does not give 48 hour notice of a forfeit, the team captain automatically receives a Red Card