LRHL Rulebook

Lynbrook Roller Hockey Rulebook
Updated as of the Fall 2024 Season

SECTION ONE: RULES AT A GLANCE
1)  Divisions
2)  Teams
3)  Rosters
4)  Equipment
5)  Puck
6)  Minor Penalties
7)  Major Penalties
8)  Game Misconduct Penalties
9)  Body Checking
10)  Rainouts / Delays
11)  Fighting
12)  Hand Passes
13)  Slapshots
14)  Offsides
15) Length of Games
16) Tied Games
17) Timeouts
18) Mercy Rule
19) Protests

SECTION TWO: TEAMS
Rule 201:  Composition of Team
Rule 202:  Players in Uniform
Rule 203:  Playing Lineup
Rule 204:  Using a Goalie From Another Team
Rule 205:  Three-Minute Line Change
Rule 205a:  Squirt Division Line Changes
Rule 206:  Change of Players - Intermediate & Junior Division
Rule 207:  Injured Players
Rule 208:  Bench Coaches
Rule 209:  Handshakes

SECTION THREE: EQUIPMENT
Rule 301:  Sticks
Rule 302:  Skates
Rule 303:  Goalkeepers Equipment
Rule 304:  Protective Equipment
Rule 305:  Dangerous Equipment
Rule 306:  Pucks
Rule 307:  Uniforms
Rule 308:  Equipment Measurements

SECTION FOUR: PENALTIES
Rule 401:  Penalties
Rule 402:  Minor Penalties
Rule 403:  Major Penalties
Rule 404:  Misconduct Penalties
Rule 405:  Game Misconduct Penalties 
Rule 406:  Gross Misconduct Penalties
Rule 407:  Match Penalties
Rule 408:  Penalty Shot
Rule 409:  Goalkeeper Penalties
Rule 410:  Delayed Penalties
Rule 411:  Calling of Penalties
Rule 412:  Supplemental Discipline
Rule 413:  Accumulation of Penalties

SECTION FIVE: OFFICIALS
Rule 501:  Appointment of Officials
Rule 502:  Referees
Rule 503:  Goal Judges
Rule 504:  Timekeepers
Rule 505:  League Authorities

SECTION SIX: PLAYING RULES
Rule 601:  Abuse of Officials and Other Misconducts
Rule 602:  Adjustments to Clothing and Equipment
Rule 603:  Attempt to Injure
Rule 604:  Body Checking and Boarding
Rule 605:  Broken Sticks
Rule 606:  Charging and Checking from Behind
Rule 607:  Crosschecking and Butt Ending
Rule 608:  Deliberate Injury of Opponent + Head Butting
Rule 609:  Delaying the Game
Rule 610:  Elbowing and Kneeing
Rule 611:  Faceoffs
Rule 612:  Falling on Puck
Rule 613:  Fighting
Rule 614:  Goals and Assists
Rule 615:  Gross Misconduct
Rule 616:  Handling Puck with Hands
Rule 617:  High Sticks
Rule 618:  Holding an Opponent
Rule 619:  Hooking
Rule 620:  Illegal Clearing (Icing)
Rule 621:  Interference
Rule 622:  Interference by Spectators
Rule 623:  Kicking a Player
Rule 624:  Kicking Puck
Rule 625:  Leaving Player or Penalty Benches
Rule 626:  Offsides
Rule 627:  Passes
Rule 628:  Puck Must Be Kept in Motion
Rule 629:  Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable
Rule 630:  Puck Out of Site And Illegal Puck
Rule 631:  Puck Striking an Official
Rule 632:  Refusing to Start Play
Rule 633:  Slashing
Rule 634:  Spearing
Rule 635:  Start of Game and Periods
Rule 636:  Throwing Sticks
Rule 637:  Time of Match and Timeouts
Rule 638:  Tied Games - Regular Season
Rule 638A:  Tied Games - Playoffs
Rule 639:  Tripping
Rule 640:  Unnecessary Roughness
Rule 641:  The "Squirts" Rule
Rule 642:  Tie Breakers for Playoff Seeding

1) Divisions

This is the current division structure for Lynbrook Roller Hockey. All divisions are broken down into age brackets.

• Squirts (Ages 5-8)
• Peewees (Ages 9-11)
• Midgets (Ages 12-14)
• Intermediates (Ages 15-18)
• Juniors (Ages 19-21)

2) Teams

A division will either play 4-on-4 or 5-on-5 depending on the age bracket and depending on what the roster sizes dictate. 

• 5-on-5 Division: 5 players on the playing surface plus one goalkeeper
• 4-on-4 Division: 4 players on the playing surface plus one goalkeeper

3) Rosters

Players will be placed in a division based on their age bracket and/or according to their skill level. All rosters in Lynbrook Roller Hockey will be determined by a league draft, which will be conducted by board members and head coaches. All players are assigned a numeric value to represent their skill level in order to ensure a competitive balance amongst all teams and divisions. Players are expected to play within their age brackets unless otherwise approved by the league.

The LRHL reserves the right to place any player in a different division, regardless of age, that best suits the players talent level.

4) equipment

Listed below is all mandatory equipment required to participate in Lynbrook Roller Hockey

• Pelvic protector
• Certified hockey helmet (HECC Approved)
• Gloves designed for hockey
• Mouth guard
• Elbow pads
• Knee and Shin guards
• Hockey Skates (no stoppers/brakes)
• Hockey Stick

5) Puck

League certified pucks will be at the league's discretion. All head coaches will be provided with two approved game pucks when receiving their game jerseys. The home team of each scheduled LRHL game is expected to provide a puck to be used for game action.

6) Minor Penalties

Teams cannot be reduced to less than 3 players for 5-on-5 play and 2 players for 4-on-4 play.

• If a single player is assessed FOUR (4) minor penalties over the course of one game, the player will be suspended for the remainder of that game.
• If a single player is assessed THREE (3) stick related penalties over the course of one game, the player will be suspended for the remainder of that game.
  • Examples of stick penalties: Slashing, hi-sticking, cross-checking

7) Major penalties (refer to rule 403)

A FIVE (5) minute major penalty will be assessed to any player for fighting with another a player, regardless if they were the instigator or the retaliator, and/or attempting to injure another player during a game. That player's team will be shorthanded for the next five minutes of game play and any goals scored by the opposing team will not wipe the penalty off of the scoreboard.

Any skater receiving a major penalty will also be given a game misconduct penalty, ejected from the current game and receive an automatic ONE game suspension. The offending player(s) will have 15 total penalty minutes added to their season penalty minute totals. All incidents involving a major penalty will be subject to review by league officials to determine if there will be any further discipline handed out.

8) Game misconduct penalties (refer to rule 404)

Any player that receives a FIVE (5) minute major penalty will also receive an automatic game misconduct penalty and be ejected from the current game. In addition, the player will receive an automatic ONE game suspension for that team's upcoming game. If the suspension occurs during the final game of the regular season, the suspension will carry over into the playoffs.

9) Body checking

Intentional body checking is NOT permitted at any level, or at any time during sanctioned league games.

10) Rainouts / delays

• Regular season games
  • A referee or league official will have the authority to stop a game in the event of inclement weather. If a regular season game is suspended after TWO (2) periods are completed, the current score of the game will be declared FINAL and OFFICIAL and the results will be posted in the standings.
  • If a regular season game is suspended before TWO (2) periods are completed, the game will be rescheduled at a later date and start as a brand new game.
• Playoff games
  • If a playoff game has started and play is suspended for any reason due to inclement weather, the game will resume at a later scheduled date. The game will resume from the point of the initial stoppage, with the scores of each team intact, and will continue until a winner is determined.

11) Fighting

Fighting will NOT be tolerated in any game at any time. Any player throwing a punch at another player, either as an instigator or retaliator, will receive the following:

1.  A FIVE (5) minute major penalty
2.  A game misconduct penalty
3.  Player(s) are ejected from the current game
4.  Receive an automatic ONE (1) game suspension for the team's next game. If the next game is a playoff game, the suspension will carry over into the playoffs.
5.  Incident will reviewed by league officials and the player may be subject to further discipline if deemed necessary.

12) Hand passes

Hand passes to another teammate are only permitted in the defensive zone. A hand pass that occurs in any other area of the rink will be whistled down as a stoppage.

13) Slapshots

There are no restrictions on slapshots, they are permitted in all divisions.

14) Offsides

In all divisions, the puck must cross the center red line before any players from that team are permitted to enter the offensive zone. If a player in possession of the puck crosses the center line before the puck, and no other teammates are across the center line, the play is considered on sides.

15) Length of games

• All divisions will play THREE (3) 18-minute periods with a running score clock. The score clock will stop on all stoppages in the final THREE (3) minutes of the third period when the differential in score is within 2 goals or less.
• All divisions except the intermediate division will operate with a THREE (3) minute interval clock to signal line changes. This rule is in effect to ensure balanced playing time and that no player sits for an extended period of time.

16) Tied games

• Regular Season
  • Overtime will be played in all divisions except the Squirts division. In the Squirts division, if the score is tied after THREE (3) periods of play, the game will be declared a tie and both teams will receive one point in the standings.
  • If a game is tied after THREE (3) periods of play in all other divisions, the teams will play one FIVE (5) minute running time overtime period. Teams will skate 4-on-4 for the overtime period. The only stoppage of the score clock in overtime will be due to an injury, the puck leaving the playing surface, a penalty or a timeout is called. The THREE (3) minute interval clock will also be turned off and all player changes will be at the discretion of the head coach.
  • If the score remains tied at the conclusion of the overtime period, the game will be declared a tie and both teams will receive one point in the standings.
• Playoffs
  • If a game is tied after THREE (3) periods of play in any division during the playoffs, the teams will play continuous overtime with a running clock until a winner is determined. Teams will skate 5-on-5 for the overtime period(s). The only stoppage of the score clock in overtime will be due to an injury, the puck leaving the playing surface, a penalty or a timeout is called. The THREE (3) minute interval clock will also be turned off and all player changes will be at the discretion of the head coach.

17) Timeouts

• In the Squirts division, each team will be permitted TWO (2) timeouts per game. The only exception is that the timeouts cannot be used during the same period of play. Timeouts will carry over to the overtime period if they were not used during the game previously.
• All teams in the other divisions will be permitted ONE (1) timeout per game. Timeouts will carry over to the overtime period if they were not used during the game previously. 
• At the referee's discretion, goalkeepers will be allowed a water timeout on hot weather days.
• The score clock shall stop for all timeouts

18) Mercy rule

• Regular Season
  • An EIGHT (8) goal differential in any regular season game will result in the suspension of all scoring statistics. The leading team will be declared the winner of the game. The scoreboard will be reset to 0-0 and the game will continue until time has concluded. The only exception to this rule is in the midget and intermediate divisions. The referee(s) have the authority to suspend the game at any time if they feel it is getting out of hand once a game is considered "mercied".
  • All penalties will still be recorded and count towards the player's season totals.
• Playoffs
  • An EIGHT (8) goal differential in any playoff game shall result in the losing team being declared "mercied" and play will be suspended. The leading team will be declared the winner.

19) Protests

1. A $25 deposit is required on all protests
2. Protests must be filed with any league official or the recreation office at Greis Park in writing within 24 hours of the game in question. 
3. Judgement calls made by a referee cannot be protested.
4. If a protest is won, and the league feels it had any bearing on the outcome of the game, the game shall be replayed. The $25 deposit will also be returned.
5. When a game is replayed, only the players at the original game will be eligible to participate in the replayed game. 

Rule 201 - composition of a team

• A team shall be composed of FIVE (5) skaters and ONE (1) goalkeeper for all divisions playing 5-on-5. For divisions playing 4-on-4, a team shall be composed of FOUR (4) skaters and ONE (1) goalkeeper. No team shall be allowed to start a game with less than the minimum amount of players listed above.

Rule 202 - players in uniform

• (A) Only players that have registered with the league and have been drafted onto a team, regardless of division, are eligible to play in a game.
• (B) Each team shall be allowed one goalkeeper on the playing surface at a time. The goalkeeper may be removed and substituted for an additional skater. Such substituted player shall not be permitted the privilege of the goalkeeper.
• (C) If a goalkeeper is unable to continue playing as a result of injury or illness, a skater may be permitted to dress as a replacement goalkeeper with full goalkeeper's privileges. A 10-minute timeout will be allowed for the replacement goalkeeper to get dressed, but no warm-up will be permitted. A goalkeeper may be substituted by another goalkeeper during play, with full goalkeeper's privileges.

Rule 203 - playing lineups

• Upon the referee's signal prior to the start of the game, the visiting team shall promptly place a starting lineup on the playing surface. No substitutions shall be made from that point on until play as started. The home team may then make an desired substitutions to their starting lineup as long as it does not result in delaying the start of the game. If there are any delays by either team in changing lines, the referee shall order the offending team(s) to take their positions immediately and not permit any further player substitutions.
• When a substitution has been made under the above rule, no additional substitution may be made until play has commenced, except when a penalty is assessed. 

rule 204 - using a goalie from another team

• All teams are required to draft a goalkeeper, unless the player pool lacks enough goalkeepers to spread one evenly across every team. If a team in any division is scheduled to play a game and their "drafted goalie" is unable to make the game, a head coach has two options to replace the team's goalkeeper for that game:
  • (A) A coach may contact a drafted goalie from another team that is not playing, within the same division, to inquire about borrowing their goalkeeper. Only drafted goalies are permitted to play for another team. Skaters or secondary goalkeepers(skaters who play goalie when their drafted goalie are unavailable) are PROHIBITED from playing for another team at any time.
  • (B) If a coach is also unable to borrow a goalkeeper from another team, another skater must be dressed from the current roster. Coaches will be responsible that all protective equipment for a replacement goalkeeper is required to have is available to ensure their safety.
• Drafted goalkeepers, skaters or secondary goalkeepers from a team in a lower division are PROHIBITED to "play up" a division at any time. This is for safety reasons.
• Coaches are PROHIBITED from allowing their draft goalkeeper from "skating out" in a game, and using a draft goalkeeper from another team as a replacement.
• FOR PLAYOFFS ONLY: A team may only use its own drafted goalkeeper or a secondary goalie from their current roster. Teams are PROHIBITED from borrowing a goalkeeper from another team under any circumstance in a playoff game. ANY TEAM IN VIOLATION OF RULE 204 DURING A PLAYOFF GAME WILL RESULT IN A FORFEIT OF THAT GAME.

 rule 205 - three-minute line change: SQUIRT, PEE WEE & MIDGET DIVISIONS

• (A) Line changes will occur every three minutes in the Squirts, Peewees and Midget divisions
• (B) Line changes will be signaled by the score clock horn and the referee's whistle
• (C) Line changes shall be changed immediately and without delaying the game. At the referee's discretion, a delay of game penalty will be assessed for an excessively long line change
• (D) The score clock will continue to run during the line change process
• (E) No player shall sit for more than two shifts (6 total playing minutes) or play more than 2 shifts (6 total playing minutes). This is known as the three-minute rule. Tracking of this will be kept by one parent from each team, who will be in the timekeeper's bench. If no parent is available then one of the coaches will handle the duties for his team. When a violation of this rule occurs, it will be brought to the timekeeper's attention who will sound the horn to stop play. Upon the referee's review of the line change sheet, the offending team will be assessed a two-minute penalty bench minor penalty.
• (F) When a team is shorthanded and a line change occurs, if the player in the penalty box is replaced, the player who replaces him cannot be a player that has already sat for two straight shifts on the bench. In addition, the original player in the penalty box that is being replaced must go to their player bench for that next shift. This player cannot go back on the rink and play a shift while their penalty is ongoing.
• (G) If a team has 7 skaters or less to start a game, there will be no line change restrictions for a player playing more than two shifts. The horn will continue to sound every three minutes even if one team doesn't have enough skaters to make a full line change.  If an 8th skater shows up after the game has started, the teams may continue to play out the remainder of the period with no line change restrictions. Upon the start of the next period, both teams will revert back to regular line change restrictions, where no skater on either team can play more than (2) TWO shifts and/or sit more than (2) TWO shifts in a row.
• (H) A team is permitted to pull their goaltender on the last shift of the game in exchange for an extra skater. The coach may choose any player on the bench to be the extra skater regardless if that player has just completed a double shift. If for any reason the team puts the goaltender back in the goal, the player who came on the playing surface in exchange for the goaltender, must return to the player bench.

 rule 205a - Squirt Division Line Changes

• (A) In any game where a team or both teams can dress (10) TEN skaters and a goaltender, the coaches will use a five on / five off line change format. The first line shift will be five skaters of the coaches choice. The second line shift will be the other five players that did not skate on the first shift. This rotation will continue throughout the entire game.
• (B)In games where a team has less than 10 skaters, the coach will choose five skaters for the first line shift at the start of the game. The next line shift will consist of ALL players who sat the previous shift, plus one or two skaters who will double shift to ensure the team has five skaters on the playing surface. This format will continue for the remainder of the game.
  • In order to give all skaters an equal chance to play, no one skater can double shift in a game for a second time until all skaters for that game have had the chance to double shift at least once. This ensures that no skater will sit more than one shift at a time. Should every player double shift at lease once, the coach can choose any player to double shift for a second time. The same rule of giving every player a second chance to double shift still applies until the game has concluded.
• (C) If a team has 7 skaters or less, the line change restrictions will not be enforced for either team, however the horn will still sound every three minutes to signal a shift change. If an 8th player shows up after the game has started, the teams may continue to play without line change restrictions for the remainder of the period. Upon the start of the next period, both teams will revert back to regular squirt line change rules.

 rule 206 - Change of players (Intermediate & Junior division)

• (A) A player may be changed at any time from the player bench, provided that the player or players leaving the playing surface are within (5) FIVE feet of the bench and out of the play before the change is made. If, during the course of making a player substitution, either player deliberately plays the puck while the retiring player is still on the playing surface, a "Too many players" bench minor will be assessed. If a player is accidently struck with the puck while making a line change, the play shall not be stopped and no penalty will be assessed.
• (B) A goaltender may be substituted by a player or another goaltender at any time during play. The goaltender must be within (5) FIVE feet of the players bench before the substitution may occur. If a team is in violation of making a premature substitution, no penalty will be assessed but the ensuing faceoff shall take place at center ice. 
• (C) A player serving a penalty on the penalty bench may make a line change only after the full extent of the penalty is served or a goal is scored to wipe the penalty off of the score clock. If a player enters the playing surface before the penalty has concluded in either manner, a bench minor shall be assessed. 
• (D) During a stoppage of play, a goaltender is not permitted to go to the players bench without permission from the referee, unless there is a substitution being made or they are being pulled for an extra skater. When a goaltender is exchanged for an extra skater, the goaltender shall not return to the playing surface until play resumes.

 rule 207 - Injured Players

• (A) When a player, other than a goaltender, is injured or compelled to leave the game, the player may retire from the playing surface and be replaced immediately by a substitute.
• (B) Any goaltender who sustains an injury or becomes ill must be ready to resume play immediately or be replaced by a substitute goaltender. No additional time shall be allowed by the referee for the purpose of enabling the injured or ill goaltender to resume the position. A substitute goaltender shall enter the game without delay and no warmups will be permitted.
• (C) When a goaltender becomes incapacitated and no substitute goaltender is available, a player may be permitted to suit up in the goaltender equipment. A 10-minute timeout will be allowed for the designated player to dress in goaltending equipment but no warmup will be permitted. 
• (D) Any penalized player who has been injured may proceed to the players bench without having to go to the penalty bench. The penalized team shall immediately substitute the injured player to serve the entire penalty. The originally penalized player who has been injured and has been replaced on the penalty bench, is not eligible to return to play until the penalty time has expired.
• (E) When a player is injured and cannot continue play or make it to the players bench for a substitution, play shall only be stopped once the injured player's team has secured possession of the puck. If the injured player's team is in possession of the puck at the time of injury, play shall be stopped immediately unless the team has a legitimate scoring opportunity. In the case where it is obvious that a player has sustained a serious injury, play shall be stopped immediately regardless of who is possession of the puck.
• (F) A player whose injury appears to be serious enough to warrant a stoppage of play, must return to the player bench and cannot return to the playing surface until the completion of the ensuing faceoff.
• (G) If a player or goaltender is bleeding, play shall be stopped immediately and the injured player must return to the players bench. Such player shall not be permitted to return to play until the bleeding has been stopped and the cut/abrasion has been covered.

 rule 208 - Bench Coaches

• A maximum of (3) THREE coaches per team will be permitted on the players bench during games. This applies to all divisions. Rink coaches in the squirts division will count as one of the three permitted coaches for the game. Rink coaches will only be permitted on the playing surface for the first (4) FOUR games of their teams schedule and will coach the remainder of the games from the bench. The referees will strictly enforce this rule. Failure to comply with the above rules will result in bench penalties being assessed and/or suspensions.

 rule 209 - Handshakes

• After the completion of ALL games, everyone on the bench, including coaches, will lineup and shake hands with the opposing team. There will be no exceptions. The referees will monitor this closely and anyone who does not participate will be warned the first time and suspended 1 game for any future infraction. Any altercations that occur during the handshake line will result in a one game suspension for the instigating individual or player(s).

rule 301 - sticks

• (A) The sticks shall be made of wood, carbon composite, graphite or aluminum materials approved by Lynbrook Roller Hockey and must not have any projections extending from the stick
• (B) No stick shall exceed 60 inches in length from the heel to the end of the shaft or more than 12 & 1/2 inches from the heel to the end of the blade. The blade of the stick shall not be less than 2 inches or more than 3 inches in width at any point, nor shall the toe of the blade fit through the face cage of a regulation mask. The curvature of the stick shall not be restricted.
• (C) The blade of the goaltenders stick shall not exceed 3 & 1/2 inches in width at any point except at the heel where it shall not exceed 4 & 1/2 inches. The length of the blade shall not exceed 15 & 1/2 inches in length from the heel to the end of the blade. The widened portion of the goaltenders stick extending up the shaft from the blade shall not extend more than 26 inches from the heel and shall not exceed 3 & 1/2 inches in width.
• (D) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player or goaltender who uses a stick not conforming to the provision of this rule. If a goal is scored with a stick that is deemed illegal, the penalty shall be assessed and the goal will be allowed.

rule 302 - Skates

• The use of speed skates or any skate designed that it may cause injury is strictly prohibited.

rule 303 - Goaltenders equipment

• (A) With the exception of skates and a stick, all the equipment worn by the goaltender must be constructed solely for the protection of the head or body. It must not include any garment or contrivance which would give the goaltender any undue assistance or advantage in the goaltenders crease.
• (B) The goaltenders blocker glove shall not exceed 8 inches in width or 16 inches in length at any point. The maximum length of a goaltenders catching glove shall not exceed 17 inches. The cuff shall not exceed 9 inches in width. Any bar or attachment between the cuff and the thumb shall only extend in a straight line. Any other pocket or pouch added to the glove by a manufacturer or otherwise is not acceptable and makes the glove illegal. Any violation of this rule will result in a minor penalty being assessed.
• (C) The leg pads worn by goaltenders shall not exceed 12 inches in extreme width when strapped to the leg of the player. Any violation of this rule will result in a minor penalty being assessed.
• (D) It is mandatory for goaltenders to wear a helmet designed for hockey (HECC approved) with helmet straps properly fastened and a full-face mask and chin cup. All goaltenders must wear chest protection. Throat protection is recommended.

rule 304 - protective equipment

• (A) Each participant is personally responsible for wearing protective equipment for all official games, warm-ups and practices. If any injury occurs while a player is not wearing any of the below mentioned mandatory equipment, the insurance carrier may not be responsible for the claim. Any player who attempts to participate without the proper mandatory equipment shall be sent off the playing surface by the referee and not allowed to return until such equipment has been replaced. 
  • MANDATORY equipment for all players is as follows:
    • Helmet designed for hockey (HECC approved) with helmet straps 
    • Full face mask designed for hockey (HECC approved) with a chin cup.
    • Internal mouth guard
    • Elbow pads
    • Gloves designed for hockey
    • Protective cup or pelvic guard
    • Knee and shin pads
  • RECOMMENDED equipment for all players is as follows:
    • Hip pads
    • Padded hockey pants
    • Chest protection
    • Shoulder pads
    • Throat protection
• (B) It is recommended that all protective equipment, except gloves, helmets and goaltenders leg pads, be entirely under the uniform.
• (C) A skater, other than the goaltender, whose helmet or facemask comes off during play may not resume play until such item has been replaced. A minor penalty shall be assessed in violation of this rule. Play will be stopped immediately in the event of a skaters helmet or facemask coming off. A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goaltender who deliberately removes the helmet or facemask during play.
• (D) Players within the players and penalty bench must wear the protective helmet and facemask while in the benches area. A misconduct penalty shall be assessed to the offending player in violation of this rule.

rule 305 - Dangerous Equipment

• (A) The use of pads or protectors made of metal or any other material that may cause injury is strictly prohibited. The wearing of casts or splits made of hard or unyielding materials is prohibited, even if padded. Elbow pads which do not have a soft protective covering of sponge, rubber or similar material at least 1/2 inch thick shall be considered dangerous equipment.
• (B) A player glove which all or part of the palm has been removed or cut to permit the use of bare hands shall be considered illegal equipment. A minor penalty will be assessed to the player in violation of this rule.

rule 306 - Pucks

• Pucks used during official league games will at the league's discretion. (2) TWO game pucks will be provided to coaches by the league following the conclusion of the player draft.

rule 307 - UNiforms

• (A) All players participating in Lynbrook Roller Hockey must be uniformly dressed and have matching color jerseys with long sleeves.
• (B) Each player and goaltender listed in a game lineup must wear an individually identifying number at least 8 inches in height on the back of the jersey. All numbers assigned must be whole numbers between 0-99. No two players on the same team shall be permitted to wear the same number at any point.
• (C) At the discretion of the referee, the visiting team shall change jerseys or wear pinnies, if the colors of the competing teams conflict or closely resemble one another.

rule 308 - equipment measurements

• (A) A request for measurement of any equipment shall be limited to one request by each team during the course of any stoppage of play.
• (B) When a formal complaint is made by the captain or coach of a team against the dimensions of a stick, the referee shall made the necessary measurement immediately. If the request is not sustained, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed to the team requesting the measurement.
• (C) When a formal complaint is made by the captain or coach of a team against the dimensions of any piece of goaltender's equipment and the measurement would cause any delay, other than glove measurement, such measurement shall take place at the end of a period. If the complaint is not sustained, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed to the team requesting the measurement.
• (D) A minor plus a misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who refuses to surrender their stick or any other piece of equipment for measurement when requested by the referee.
• (E) The referee may measure any equipment used for the first time in a game.
• (F) The referee shall assess a bench minor penalty to a team that requests a measurement of equipment for the sole purpose of delaying the game.

rule 401 - penalties

• (A)Penalties shall be counted during actual playing time and are divided into the following classes:
  1.  Minor penalties
  2.  Bench minor penalties
  3.  Major penalties
  4.  Misconduct penalties
  5.  Match penalties
  6.  Penalty shot
• (B) When play is not currently in progress and an offense is committed by any player or team official, the same penalty rules apply as if play were in progress.

rule 402 - Minor penalties

• (A) A minor penalty for any player, other than a goaltender, shall be ruled off of the playing surface for (2) TWO minutes. No substitute shall be permitted during that time, unless switching a player during a 3-minute shift change. The original penalty taker must remain on the bench until the penalty time has expired or a goal is scored to wipe out the penalty.
• (B) A bench minor penalty will result in one player from the penalized team being ruled off of the playing surface for (2) TWO minutes. No substitute shall be permitted during that time, unless switching a player during a 3-minute shift change. The original penalty taker must remain on the bench until the penalty time has expired or a goal is scored to wipe out the penalty. Any player, other than the goaltender, may be designated by the coach to serve the penalty.
• (C) If the opposing team scores a goal while a team is shorthanded by more than one minor penalty, the first of such penalties shall automatically terminate. This rule shall also apply when a goal is scored on a penalty shot or an awarded goal. 
• (D) When minor penalties of two players on the same team expire at the same time, the captain or coach of that team shall designate which player will return to the playing surface first to the referee. The referee will also instruct the penalty timekeeper accordingly.
• (E) When a player receives a major penalty and a minor penalty at the same time, the major penalty shall be server first by the penalized player. The only exception to this rule is if there is coincidental major penalty on the opposing team, in which  case the minor penalty shall be served first.
• (F) When coincidental minor penalties are assessed to players of both teams, the penalized players shall be escorted to the penalty bench and will not be permitted to leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their penalties. 
• (G) Any player who receives (4) FOUR minor penalty during a single game will be suspended for the remainder of that game.
• (H) Any player who receives (3) THREE minor penalties for the illegal use of the stick (i.e High sticking or slashing) will be suspended for the remainder of that game and will be subject to league review.

rule 403 - Major penalties

• (A) A major penalty shall result in the offending player being assessed a game misconduct penalty and the offending team shall be shorthanded for (5) FIVE minutes. The offending player will also be ejected from the current game and will automatically receive a (1) ONE game suspension for the team's next game, regardless if that is a regular season or playoff game.
  • A major penalty may be assessed to a player under the following circumstances at the discretion of the referee:
    1.  Fighting - Any player throwing a punch at another player, either as an instigator or in relation.
    2.  An attempt to injure another player in any manner
    3.  Any stick related penalty that results in the deliberate injury of another player
  • All incidents involving major penalties will be subject to league review for further discipline.
• (B) When coincidental major penalties or coincidental penalties of equal duration including a major penalty are assessed to players of both teams, the offending team (s) shall place a substitute player(s) on the penalty bench and such penalized players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their respective penalties. Immediate substitutions on the playing surface shall be made for an equal number of major penalties or coincidental penalties of equal duration including a major penalty to each team so penalized and the penalties of the players for which substitutions have been made shall not be taken into account for the purpose of a delayed penalty. Where it is required to determine which of the penalized players shall be designated to serve the delayed penalty under rule 408, the penalized team shall have the right to make such designation not in conflict with rule 402.
• (C) When coincidental penalties of unequal duration (each including one major penalty) are assessed to one player of each team, the penalized players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their respective penalties. The penalized players shall serve the penalties which create the disparity in total penalty time first in the normal manner. Immediate substitutions on the playing surface shall be permitted for the major penalties of each player.

rule 404 - misconduct penalties

• (A) A misconduct penalty involves the removal of a player, other than a goaltender, for a period of (10) TEN minutes during the course of a game. A player whose misconduct penalty has expired must remain in the penalty bench until the next stoppage of play.
• (B) Unless immediate substitution is permitted under coincidental penalty rules 402 and 403, when a player receives a minor or major penalty and a misconduct, game misconduct, or a gross misconduct penalty at the same time, the penalized team shall immediately place an additional non-penalized player, other than a goalkeeper, on the
  penalty bench and such player may not be changed. Any violation of this provision shall be treated as illegal substitution under rule 205.

rule 405 - Game misconduct penalties

• (A) Any skater receiving a (5) FIVE minute major penalty during the course of a game will automatically receive a game misconduct penalty. The offending player will be ejected for the remainder of that game and a substitute is permitted to replace the player so removed.
• (B) A player or team official receiving a game misconduct penalty will be suspended for at least the next game of that team. If the game misconduct occurs during the team's last game of the regular season, the suspension will carry over to that team's first playoff game. 
• (C) The game referee is required to report all game misconduct penalties to the league authorities immediately following the conclusion of the game. The league board shall have FULL authority to impose further penalties or discipline for all game misconduct penalty situations.
• (D) A total of (10) TEN additional penalty minutes shall be charged to the penalty minutes record of the offending player.
• (E) A team official who is assessed a game misconduct penalty, may not sit near the team bench or in any way attempt to direct the play of the team.

rule 406 - Gross misconduct penalties

• (A) A gross misconduct penalty involves the suspension of a player or team official for the balance of the game, but another player is permitted to replace a player so removed. The referee is required to report all gross misconduct penalties and the surrounding circumstances to the league board immediately following the game. The league board shall have FULL power to impose further penalties or discipline. For all gross misconduct penalties, regardless of when assessed, a total of (10) TEN minutes shall be charged to the penalty minutes record of the offending player.
• (B) A player who has been assessed a gross misconduct penalty shall be suspended from participating in any games or practices until the case has been dealt with by the league board. 
• (C) A mandatory hearing shall be held and a decision will be made relative to any further disciplinary action within 30 days of the incident. If circumstances prevent the league board from conducting a hearing, the suspension shall be automatically terminated after 30 days.

rule 407 - Match penalties

• (A) A match penalty involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game and the offending player shall be ordered off the bench immediately. Unless immediate substitution is permitted under the coincidental penalty rules 403 and 405, the penalized team shall immediately place a non-penalized player, other than a goalkeeper, on the penalty bench to serve the five-minute time portion of the penalty and such player may not be changed. The player shall also serve any additional minor or major penalty assessed to the offending player unless immediate substitution is permitted under coincidental penalty rules 402 and 403. The referee is required to report all match
  penalties and all surrounding circumstances to the league board immediately following the game. The league authorities shall have FULL power to impose further penalties or discipline. For all match penalties, regardless of when assessed, a total of (10) TEN minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.
• (B) When coincidental match penalties have been assessed or when any combination of coincidental major and match penalties have been assessed to a player or players of both teams, rule 403 covering major penalties shall be applicable with respect to player substitutions.
• (C) A player who has been assessed a match penalty shall be suspended from participating in any games or practices until the case has been dealt with by the league board. 
• (D) A mandatory hearing shall be held and a decision will be made relative to any further disciplinary action within 30 days of the incident. If circumstances prevent the league board from conducting a hearing, the suspension shall be automatically terminated after 30 days.

rule 408 - penalty shot

• (A) Any infraction of the rules which results in a penalty shot shall be taken as follows:
  • The referee will identify the player entitled to the penalty shot and will then place the puck on the center face-off dot.
  • The player taking the penalty shot shall, on the whistle of the referee, play the puck and attempt to score on the opposing goaltender.
  • Once the player taking the shot has touched the puck, the puck must be kept in motion towards the opposing goal line
  • Once the puck is shot, the play shall be considered complete.
  • No goal can be scored as a result of a rebound of any kind after the goaltender has made a save. 
  • If the puck crosses the goal line, without result in a goal, the play shall be considered complete.
  • Only a player designated as a goaltender or substitute goaltender may defend the goal against a penalty shot. 
• (B) The goaltender must remain in the goal crease until the referee has blown the whistle and the opposing player has touched the puck with their stick. In the event of a violation of this rule, the referee shall permit the shot to be taken again. The goaltender may attempt to stop the shot in any manner, except by throwing the stick or any other object, in which case a goal will be awarded.
• (C) In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded under Rule 609 - Deliberately displacing the goal post or removing helmet/facemask during a breakaway, Rule 609- Delaying the game, Rule 636 - Throwing a stick or Rule 639 - Fouling from behind, the referee shall designate the player who has been fouled as the player who takes the penalty shot.
• (D) In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded under Rule 612 - Falling on the puck in the goal crease or Rule 616 - Picking up the puck from the goal crease, the penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected by the captain or head coach of the non-offending team from players that were on the playing surface at the time of penalty call. Such player selection shall be reported to the referee and cannot be changed.
• (E) If by the reason of injury the player designated to take the penalty shot is unable to do so, the shot may be taken by another player selected by the captain or head coach of the non-offending team from players that were on the playing surface at the time of penalty call. Such player selection shall be reported to the referee and cannot be changed.
• (F) Should the player in respect to whom a penalty shot has been awarded, commit a foul in connection with the same play or circumstances, either before or after the penalty shot has been awarded, the player shall be first permitted to take the shot before being sent to the penalty bench to serve the penalty, except when such a penalty is for a game misconduct, gross misconduct or match penalty, in which case the penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected by the captain of the non-offending team from players on the playing surface at the time the foul was committed. If, at the time a penalty shot is awarded, the goalkeeper of the penalized team has been removed from the playing surface for another player, the goalkeeper shall be permitted to return to the playing surface before the penalty shot is taken.
• (G) While a penalty shot is being taken all players of both teams, except those involved with the penalty shot, must withdraw from the playing surface and onto their respective player benches. 
• (H) If any player from the opposing team interferes with or distracts the player taking the designed penalty shot, a goal shall be awarded.
• (I) If a goal is scored as a result of the penalty shot, the puck shall be faced-off at the center ice dot. If a goal is not scored, the puck shall be faced-off at the end face-off dot in the zone which the penalty shot was taken. 
• (J)Whether or not a goal is scored from a penalty shot, if an infraction for which the penalty shot was awarded was such to incur:
  1. A major, match or misconduct penalty, the penalty shall be assessed in addition to the penalty shot.
  2. A minor or bench minor penalty, a further penalty to the offending player shall not be applied.
• (K) If the foul upon which a penalty shot is based on occurs during actual playing time, the penalty shot shall be awarded and taken immediately following the normal stoppage of play. The time required for taking the penalty shot will not be counted towards the remaining playing time left on the game clock.

rule 409 - goalkeeper penalties

• (A) A goaltender shall not be sent to the penalty bench for an infraction which incurs a minor or double minor penalty. The penalty shall be served by a teammate who was on the playing surface at the time that the infraction occured. Such player shall be designated by the team captain or head coach and shall not be changed.
• (B) When a goaltender incurs a major or game misconduct, the position may be taken by a teammate or substitute goaltender. Such player shall be allowed to wear the goaltenders full equipment.
• (C) When a goalkeeper incurs a match penalty, the position shall be taken by a teammate or a substitute goalkeeper who is available, and such player shall be allowed the goalkeeper’s full equipment. However, any additional penalties specifically called for by the individual rules covering match penalties shall apply, and the
  offending team shall be penalized accordingly. Another member of the team who was on the playing surface at the time the infraction was committed shall serve such additional penalty. Such player is to be designated by the coach through the playing captain and shall not be changed.
• (D) All penalties assessed to a goaltender, regardless of who serves the penalty, shall be charged in the records to the goaltender.
• (E) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any goaltender who participates in the play, in any matter, beyond the center red line.

rule 410 - Delayed penalties

• (A) If a third player is penalized while two players of the same team are already serving penalties, the penalty time of the third player shall not commence until the penalty time of the first penalty has elapsed. The third player penalized must immediately proceed to the penalty bench until such penalty time has been elapsed. 
• (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 playing surface, none of the three penalized players on the penalty bench may return to the playing surface until play has been stopped. When the play has been stopped, the player (s) whose full penalty has expired may return to the playing surface. The penalty timekeeper shall permit the return to the playing surface in the order of expiration of their penalties, of a player or players when by reason of the expiration of their penalties the penalized team is entitled to have more than three players on the playing surface.
• (C) In the case of delayed penalties, the penalized players whose penalties have expired shall only be allowed to return to the playing surface when there is a stoppage of play. When the penalties of two players of the same team shall expire at the same time, the head coach of that team shall designate to the referee which player shall return to the playing surface first and the referee shall instruct the penalty timekeeper accordingly. When a major and a minor penalty are assessed at the same time to different players of the same team. the minor penalty shall be recorded as being the first of such penalties.

rule 411 - Calling of penalties

• (A) Should an infraction of the rules be committed by a player of the team in possession of the puck, the referee shall immediately stop play and assess the penalty to the offending player(s).
• (B) Should an infraction of the rules which call for a minor, bench minor, major or match penalty, as committed by a player of a team not in possession of the puck, the referee shall signify the calling of a delayed penalty by raising the arm and, on completion of the play by the team in possession, shall immediately stop play and assess the penalty to the offending player. "Completion of the play by the team in possession" in this rule 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 goal keeper, the goal or the boards or any accidental contact with the body or equipment of an opposing player.
• (C) The ensuing face-off shall take place at the end face-off spot (deep) if the infraction is caused by the defending team in their defensive zone. If the infraction is caused by the offensive team in the defending team’s zone then the face-off shall take place at the offensive team’s special face-off spot. Simultaneous penalties shall take place at the nearest face-off spot.
• (D) If the penalty to be assessed is a minor penalty, and a goal is scored on the play by the non-offending team, the minor penalty shall not be assessed, but all other minor, major or match penalties shall be assessed in the normal manner regardless of whether or not a goal is scored.
• (E) If, after the referee has signaled a penalty, but before play has been stopped, the puck enters 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 signaled shall be assessed in the normal manner.
• (F) If the referee signals an additional minor penalty(s) against a team that is already short- handed because of one or more minor or bench minor penalties, and a goal is scored by the non-offending team before the whistle is blown, the goal shall be allowed, the delayed penalty(s) shall not be assessed and the minor penalty being served which caused the team to be short-handed shall terminate automatically.
• (G) Should the same offending player commit other fouls on the same play, either before or after the referee has stopped play, the offending player shall serve such penalties consecutively.
• (H) All minor and bench minor penalties occurring after a goal has been scored or during the stoppage of play when a penalty shot is being attempted, shall be served in the normal manner under this rule.

rule 412 - supplimental discipline

• (A) In addition to the suspensions assessed under these rules, the league authorities may, at the conclusion of the game, at their discretion, investigate any incident that occurs in connection with any game and may assess additional suspensions for any offense committed before, during or after any game by a player or team official, whether or not such offense had been penalized by a referee.

rule 413 - Accumulation of penalties

• (A) Should any individual player accumulate 30 or more penalty minutes during the course of the regular season, they will receive a one game suspension. Should that same player accumulate 40 or more minutes, that player will receive another one game suspension. Each additional increment of 10 minutes accumulated after that will result in another one game suspension. If any increment of the above is reached during that players last regular season game, the suspensions will carry over into that teams first playoff game.

rule 501 - Appointment of officials

• (A) Referee system: when a one man system is used, the duties of the linesman, under Rule 503, and the duties of the referee under Rule 502, shall be carried out by the one referee. When a two man system is used the duties of the linesman, under Rule 503 and the duties of the referee, under Rule 502, shall be carried out by both referees.
• (B) Referees shall be controlled and assigned by a league official of Lynbrook Roller Hockey.
• (C) The referee shall have full authority and final decision in all matters of dispute, and not subject to appeal, during the course of the game.
• (D) All referees shall wear striped jerseys designed for hockey(weather permitting). Referees shall also be equipped with finger whistles.

rule 502 - Referee

• (A) The "referee" shall have general supervision of the game and shall have full control of all game officials and players before, during and after the game, on and off the playing surface, in case of any dispute, the decision of the referee shall be final.
• (B) The referee(s) shall enter the playing surface prior to warm-ups and remain on the surface at the conclusion of each period until all players have proceeded to the player’s bench. Penalties may be assessed at any time before, during and after the game. No spectator, friend or parent shall be permitted in the bench area.
• (C) The referee shall order the teams onto the playing surface at the appointed time for the beginning of each game and at the start of each period. If for any reason there should be more than a five minute delay in the commencement of the game or any undue delay in resuming play for the second half, the referee shall state in the report to the league authorities the cause of the delay and the team(s) that was at fault.
• (D) The referee(s) shall make a visual inspection of all players prior to the start of the game. If there is any lack of conformity to the regulations on mandatory equipment the referee(s) shall ensure that the equipment is in place. Any player refusing such an inspection shall not be allowed to participate in the game and the referee(s) shall report the player to the league authorities at the end of the game.
• (E) The referee(s) shall, prior to the start of the game, see that the appointed game timekeeper/official scorer is in place and that the timing equipment is in good working order.
• (F) The referee(s) shall impose such penalties as are prescribed by the rules for infractions thereof and the referee(s) shall have the final decision regarding all goals. The referee(s) shall consult with each other, if necessary, before making a final decision.
• (G) The referee(s) shall report to the official scorer/penalty timekeeper, all goals and assists legally scored and all penalties assessed and the reason for the assessment of such penalties. The referee(s) shall report the reason for not allowing a goal during the course of a game and every time a goal is illegally scored.
• (H) If the referee (one man system) does not appear for a game or is unable to continue due to illness or injury, the coaches of the teams shall appoint assistant coaches who shall act as referee and linesman. The assistant coach of the home team shall act as the referee and the assistant coach of the visiting team shall act as the linesman. If only one referee appears for a game (two man system) the home team coach shall appoint an assistant coach to act as linesman. If only one referee appears for a game (two man system) the sole referee shall conduct the game. If the regularly appointed referee appears during the progress of the game, he shall at once replace the temporary official(s).
• (I) After each game the referee(s) shall check the score sheet and return it to the official timekeeper.

rule 503 - Goal Judges

• (A) There are no goal judges appointed for any game of the Lynbrook Roller Hockey League. The decision of "goal" or "no goal" is at the sole discretion of the referee(s) and their decision is considered final.

rule 504 - Timekeeper

• (A) The "timekeeper" shall keep a correct record of all the penalties assessed by the referee(s) including the numbers of the penalized players, the infractions penalized, the duration of each penalty and the time at which each penalty was assessed. The timekeeper shall record each penalty shot awarded and the result of the shot. 
• (B) The timekeeper shall check and ensure that the time served by all penalized players is correct. The timekeeper shall be responsible for the correct posting of all minor and major penalties on the scoreboard and shall promptly notify the referee(s) of any discrepancy between the time recorded on the clock and the correct official time. The timekeeper shall, upon request, inform a penalized player of any unexpired penalty time. Misconduct and coincidental minor penalties shall not be recorded on the clock, but such penalized players shall be alerted and released at the first stoppage of play following the expiration of the penalty.
• (C) If a player leaves the penalty bench prior to the expiration of the penalty, the timekeeper shall note the time and signal the referee(s) at the next stoppage of play.
• (D) The timekeeper shall obtain a list of eligible players from each team, prior to the start of the game. This information shall be made known to the coach of each team. The timekeeper shall secure the names of the captain and assistant captains of each team and note such on the official score sheet, if available.
• (E) The timekeeper shall keep a correct record of all goals scored, and to whom credit shall be given for assists. The timekeeper shall also record the time of entry into the game of any substitute goaltender and shall record when a goal has been scored while the goaltender has been removed from the playing surface.
• (F) No requests for changes in any award of points shall be considered unless they are made at or prior to the conclusion of the game by the team head coach.
• (G) The timekeeper shall prepare the official score sheet for review by the officials and forward it to the league authorities at the conclusion of the game.
• (H) The timekeeper shall signal the referee(s) for the start of each period and the referee(s) shall start play promptly in accordance with the scheduled playing time.
• (I) If the rink is not equipped with an automatic sound device, or such sound device fails, the timekeeper shall signal the end of playing time by blowing a whistle.

rule 505 - League authorities

• (A) The "league authorities" as applied under these rules, shall be defined as the immediate governing body of the team(s) involved.

rule 601 - Abuse of officials and other misconducts

• (A) Any player who challenges or disputes the ruling of an official, attempts to incite an opponent or create a disturbance during the game shall be assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the player persists in such conduct, a misconduct penalty shall be assessed and any further persistence by the same player shall result in the assessment of a game misconduct penalty. In the case of a coach or other team official, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed first and if such conduct continues, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed.
• (B) Any player who shoots the puck after the whistle shall be assessed a minor penalty if, in the opinion of the referee, the player had sufficient time after the whistle to refrain from taking the shot.
• (C)If any player does any of the following, the team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty:
  1. After being penalized, does not proceed directly to the penalty bench when ordered to do so by the referee. Equipment shall be delivered to the penalty bench by a teammate.
  2. Throws anything onto the playing surface from the player’s bench or penalty bench.
  3. Interferes with any game official, (non-physical) in the performance of their duties.
• (D) If any player does any of the following, a misconduct penalty shall be assessed:
  1. Uses obscene, profane or abusive language to any person before, during or after the game.
  2. During a stoppage of play, intentionally shoots or throws the puck out of the reach of an official who is retrieving it.
  3.  Touches or holds any game official with a hand or stick.
  4. Intentionally bangs the boards, protective fencing or goal with a stick at any time.
• (E) If any player does any of the following, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed:
  1.  Persists in any course of conduct for which the player has previously been assessed a misconduct penalty.
  2.  Uses obscene gestures anywhere on the playing surface before, during or after the game.
• (F) If any player does any of the following, a gross misconduct penalty shall be assessed: 
  1. Deliberately inflicts or attempts to inflict physical harm to a game official or a team official in any manner.
  2. Behaves in a manner that is critically detrimental to the conduct of the game, including spitting at any opponent, game official or team official. 
• (G) If an team official does any of the following, the shall be assessed a bench minor penalty.
  1.  Bangs the boards with a stick or other instrument at any time. 
  2.  Uses obscene, profane or abusive language to any person before, during or after the game.
  3.  Throws anything onto the playing surface from the player's bench. 
  4.  Interferes with any game official, (non-physical) in the performance of their duties.
  5.  Attempts to incite an opponent into incurring a penalty.
• (H) If any team official does any of the following, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed:
  1.  Persists in any course of conduct for which the team official has previously been assessed a bench minor penalty.
  2.  Uses obscene gestures anywhere on the rink before, during or after the game.
• (I) If any team official does any of the following, a gross misconduct penalty shall be assessed:
  1. Deliberately inflicts or attempts to inflict physical harm to a game official, a player or another team official in any manner.
  2.  Behaves in a manner that is critically detrimental to the conduct of the game, including spitting at an opponent, game official or team official.

rule 602 - Adjustment to the clothing and equipment

• (A) Play shall not be stopped or delayed by reason of adjustment of clothing, equipment, skates, or sticks. For a violation of this rule a minor penalty shall be assessed.
• (B) The onus of maintaining clothing and equipment in the proper condition shall be upon the player. If adjustments are required, the player shall retire from the playing surface and play shall continue uninterrupted with a substitute.
• (C) No delay shall be permitted for the repair or adjustment of goaltender's equipment (except with the permission of the referee during a stoppage of play). For a violation of this rule by a goaltender, a minor penalty shall be assessed.

rule 603 - Attempt to injure

• (A) Any player who deliberately attempts to injure an opponent, official or coach in any manner will receive a 5-minute major penalty, as well as a game misconduct. A total of 15 minutes will be added to the player's penalty record. Should any player be accessed 2 attempt to injure penalties in the same season, the player will be suspended for the rest of the season including the playoffs.

rule 604 - Body checking and boarding

• (A) A minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee, shall be assessed to any player who intentionally body-checks an opponent, with or without the puck.
• (B) A minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee, shall be assessed to any player who makes physical contact with an opponent after the whistle has been blown, if, in the opinion of the referee, the player had sufficient time to avoid such contact.
• (C) A minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee based upon the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be assessed to any player who fouls an opponent in such a manner that caused the player to be violently thrown into the boards. "Rolling" an opposing puck carrier along the boards where the player is attempting to go through too small an opening is not boarding.
• (D) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "boarding" or "body-checking", the referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

rule 605 - Broken sticks

• (A) A player whose stick is broken may participate in the game provided the broken stick is dropped immediately. A minor penalty shall be assessed for an infraction of this rule. A broken stick is one which, in the opinion of a referee, is unfit for normal play.
• (B) A goalkeeper may continue to play with a broken stick until the next stoppage of play or until a replacement stick has been legally obtained.
• (C) A replacement stick may only be obtained from the player's bench or from a teammate on the playing surface. For a violation of this rule, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed to the team of the offending player, unless a penalty has been assessed under Rule 601 for throwing articles onto the playing surface. The intent of this rule is to provide for the assessment of one penalty for one illegal stick replacement.
• (D) A goalkeeper may not go to the player's  bench for are placement stick during a stoppage of play, but must receive a replacement stick from a teammate. For an infraction of this rule, a minor penalty shall be assessed to the offending goalkeeper.

rule 606 - Charging and checking from behind

• (A) A minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee, shall be assessed to a player who runs, jumps into, or charges at an opponent. If more than two steps or strides are taken, it shall be considered "charging".
• (B) A minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee, shall be assessed to a player who pushes or body-checks an opponent from behind.
• (C) A minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to a player who body-checks or charges a goaltender while the goaltender is within the goal crease or privileged area. A goaltender is not "fair game" just because they are outside of the privileged area. A penalty for interference or charging must be assessed in every case where an opposing player makes unnecessary contact with a goaltender.
• (D) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "charging" or "checking from behind”, the referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

rule 607 - crosschecking and butt-ending

• (A) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee, shall be assessed to a player who crosschecks an opponent.
• (B) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee, shall be assessed to a player who butt-ends or attempts to butt-end an opponent. An attempt to butt-end shall include all cases in which a butt-end gesture is made, regardless of whether body contact is made or not.
• (C) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "cross-checking" or "butt-ending", the referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.
• (D) Butt-ending may also be treated as a match penalty under attempt to injure or deliberate injury to an opponent.

rule 608 - Deliberate injury of opponent and head-butting

• (A) A match penalty shall be assessed to a player who deliberately injures an opponent, team official, or game official in any manner, and the circumstances shall be reported to the league authorities for further action.
• (B) No substitute shall be permitted to take the place of the penalized player until after five minutes actual playing time have elapsed, from the time the penalty was assessed.
• (C) A match penalty shall be assessed to a player who deliberately head-butts an opponent, team official or game official, and the circumstances shall be reported to the league authorities for further action.

rule 609 - Delaying the game

• (A) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player or goaltender, who delays the game deliberately shooting, batting or throwing the puck outside the playing area. This penalty shall also be assessed when it occurs during a stoppage of play. Intentional delay of the game by a goaltender shall be assessed at the discretion of the referee.
• (B) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player or goaltender who delays the game by deliberately displacing the goal post from its normal position. Play shall be stopped immediately when the goal post has been displaced. If a goaltender deliberately displaces the goal post or deliberately removes the helmet or face mask during the course of a breakaway by the attacking team, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. The penalty shot shall be taken by the player last in possession of the puck.
• (C) A bench minor penalty shall be assessed to any team that, after a warning by the referee, fails to place the correct number of players on the playing surface, thereby causing a delay in any manner.
• (D) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who, after a warning by the referee, fails to maintain a proper position during the face-off.
• (E) When any player, with both of his skates inside the defending zone, (on the defensive side of the center rink red line) shoots or bats (using his hand or stick) the puck directly (non-deflected) out of the playing surface, except where there is no fencing, a TWO (2) minute penalty will be assessed for delay of game. When the puck is shot or batted into the players bench, the penalty will not apply. When a puck is shot over the fences behind the players bench, a penalty will be assessed. When a puck goes out of the playing area directly off a face-off, no penalty shall be assessed.

rule 610 - elbowing and kneeing

• (A) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who uses the elbow or knee in such a manner as to foul an opponent in any way.
• (B) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "elbowing" or "kneeing", the referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

rule 611 - Face-offs

• (A) The puck shall be "faced-off" by the referee or the linesman dropping the puck onto the playing surface between the sticks of the two players facing-off. Players facing-off shall stand facing their opponent’s end of the rink with the blade of their sticks in contact with the red area of the face-off spot. The attacking team player shall be the first player to place the stick on the playing surface. If a player facing-off fails to take the proper position immediately when directed by the official, the official may order a replacement for that face-off by a teammate on the playing surface. No other player shall be allowed to enter the face-off circle or come within 15 feet of the players facing-off the puck, and they must stand on-side on all face-offs. When a player, other than the player facing-off, fails to maintain the proper position, the center of the offending team shall be ejected from the face-off. For a second violation of any of the provisions of this rule, a minor penalty shall be assessed to the player who commits the second violation. No substitution of players shall be permitted until the face-off has been completed and play has been resumed except when any penalty is assessed during the face-off. The whistle shall not be blown to start play. Playing time shall commence from the instant the puck is faced-off and shall stop when the whistle is blown.
• (B) If, after a warning by the official, either of the players fails to take the proper position for the face-off promptly, the official shall be entitled to conduct the face-off regardless of such default.
• (C) During the conduct of any face-off, no player shall make any physical contact with an opponent except in the course of playing the puck after the face-off has been completed. For a violation of this rule the referee shall assess a minor penalty to the player whose action caused the physical contact. "Conduct of any face-off" commences when the official designates the spot of the face-off and takes up a position to drop the puck.
• (D) No face-off shall be conducted at a location other than at a face-off spot.
• (E) When a stoppage of play occurs between the end zone face-off spots and the near end of the rink, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the end face-off spot on the side where the stoppage occurred, unless otherwise provided in these rules.
• (F) When a stoppage of play caused by a player of the attacking team shooting the puck onto the back of the defending team’s goal without any intervening action by the defending team the ensuing face-off shall take place at the attacking team’s special face off spot.
• (G) When a violation of a rule has been committed or a stoppage of play has been caused by players of both teams, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot (excluding center face-off spot) to where the puck was when the stoppage occurred.
• (H) When a goal is legally scored, the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the center face-off spot.
• (I) When the game is stopped for any reason not specifically covered in the official playing rules, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot to where the puck was last played.

rule 612 - Falling on puck

• (A) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player, other than a goalkeeper, who deliberately falls on or gathers the puck into the body or who holds the puck against any part of the goal or the boards.
• (B) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who falls on or gathers the puck into the body, when the body is entirely outside the boundaries of the privileged area or who falls on or gathers the puck into the body, when the body is entirely outside the goal crease and the puck is behind the goal line. A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who holds the puck against any part of the goal or boards.
• (C) No defending player, except the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to fall on the puck, hold the puck, or gather a puck into the body or hands when the puck is within the goal crease. For a violation of this rule, play shall be stopped immediately and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. However, if the goalkeeper has been removed from the playing surface when the infraction occurs, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team in lieu of the penalty shot. This rule shall be interpreted so that a penalty shot shall be awarded only when the puck is in the goal crease at the instant the infraction occurs.
• (D) However, in cases where the puck is outside the goal crease, Rule 612 may still be applied and a minor penalty assessed, even though no penalty shot is awarded.

rule 613 - Fighting

• (A) A major penalty shall be assessed to any player who is involved in a fight on or off the playing surface before, during or after the game.
• (B) A minor or double minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who, having been struck, retaliates with a punch or an attempted punch. However, at the discretion of the referee, a major penalty shall be assessed if the player continues the altercation. The referee is provided with very wide latitude in regard to the penalties that may be assessed under this rule. This is done to enable the referee to differentiate between the obvious degrees of responsibilities of the participants either for, starting the fight, or persisting in continuing the fight. Referees are directed to employ every means provided by these rules to prevent "brawling".
• (C) Any player receiving a major penalty for fighting shall automatically be assessed a game misconduct penalty.
• (D) A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper who is the first to intervene in an altercation already in progress. This penalty is in addition to any other penalty incurred in the same incident.
• (E) A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who resists the game officials in the discharge of their duties during an altercation.
• (F) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who leaves the immediate vicinity of the goal crease to participate in an altercation. This penalty shall be in addition to any penalty incurred during the altercation.

rule 614 - Goals and assists

• (A) It is the responsibility of the referee to award goals and assists, and such decision is final. In cases of an obvious error in awarding a goal or an assist that has been recorded, it should be corrected promptly. Changes shall not be made on the scoring summary after the referee has signed the official score sheet.
• (B) A goal shall be scored when the puck has been put between the goal posts by the stick of a player of the attacking team from in front, below the crossbar and entirely across the goal line a goal shall be credited in the scoring records to a player who shall have propelled the puck into the opponent’s goal. Each goal shall count as one point in the player’s record. An assist shall be credited to the player or players taking part in the play immediately preceding the goal, but no more than two assists can be credited on any goal. Only one point can be credited to any one player for any one goal scored.
• (C) A goal shall be scored if a player of the defending team puts the puck into the goal in anyway. The player of the attacking team who last played the puck shall be credited with the goal, but no assists shall be awarded.
• (D) If an attacking player kicks the puck and the puck goes directly into the goal or is deflected into the goal by any player, including the goalkeeper, the goal shall not be allowed.
• (E) If the puck is deflected into the goal from the shot of an attacking player by striking any part of any player, the 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 by an attacking player into the goal by any means other than a stick.
• (F) If a goal is scored as a result of a puck being deflected directly into the goal off an official, the goal shall not be allowed
• (G) Should a player legally propel the puck into the goal crease of the opposing team and the puck becomes loose in the goal crease and available to a player of the attacking team, any goal scored on the play shall be allowed.
• (H) Any goal scored, other than as covered by the official playing rules, shall not be allowed.

rule 615 - Gross misconduct

• (A) A referee may suspend from the game any player, coach, or trainer guilty of a gross misconduct of any kind and must report the incident to the league authorities.

rule 616 - handling the puck with hands

• (A) If a player, other than a goalkeeper, closes the hand on the puck, play shall be stopped and a face-off shall follow; However, if the puck is dropped immediately, play shall be allowed to continue. If a goalkeeper holds the puck with the hand for more than three seconds, play shall be stopped and a face-off shall follow; However, after an initial warning by the referee, a goalkeeper who holds the puck unnecessarily shall be assessed a minor penalty for delaying the game.
• (B) A goalkeeper shall not intentionally drop the puck into the pads or onto the goal net nor deliberately pile obstacles at the goal that, in the opinion of the referee, would tend to prevent the scoring of a goal. The object of this rule is to keep the puck in play continuously and any action taken by the goalkeeper which causes an unnecessary stoppage shall be penalized. For a violation of this rule, a minor penalty shall be assessed to the offending player.
• (C) If a goalkeeper throws the puck forward toward the opponent’s goal and it is first played by a teammate, play shall be stopped and the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the nearest end zone face-off spot of the offending team.
• (D) If a defending player, other than the goalkeeper, picks up the puck in the goal crease from the playing surface with the hands, or holds the puck while it is in the goal crease, play shall be stopped immediately and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. If the above situation occurs while the goalkeeper is off the playing surface, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.
• (E) A player shall permitted to stop or "bat" the puck in the air with the hand, or push it along the playing surface with the hand, and play shall nor be stopped unless the puck has been deliberately directed to a teammate in the attacking zone, in which case the play shall be stopped and the puck faced-off at the nearest special face-off spot.
• (F) A goal that is scored as a result of the puck being propelled by the hand of an attacking player and entered the goal either directly or after deflecting off any player including the goalkeeper, shall not be allowed.

rule 617 - High Sticks

• (A) The carrying of the stick above the normal height of the shoulders is prohibited. The referee shall assess a minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty to any player who strikes an opponent with a stick so carried.
• (B) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "high stick", the referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.
• (C) A goal scored by an attacking player who strikes the puck with the stick which is carried above the height of the goal frame cross bar, shall nor be allowed.
• (D) Batting the puck above the normal height of the shoulders with the stick is prohibited. When it occurs play shall be stopped and the ensuing face-off shall take place at an end zone face-off spot of the offending player’s team unless:
  1.  The puck is batted to an opponent, in which case the play shall continue.
  2.  A player of of the defending team shall bat the puck into the player's own goal, in which case the goal shall be allowed.

rule 618 - Holding an opponent

• (A) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who holds an opponent with the hands, legs, feet, stick, or in any other way.
• (B) A minor or major penalty shall be assessed to any player who grabs or holds the face mask of an opponent with the hand.
• (C) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "holding the face mask", the referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

rule 619 - Hooking

• (A) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by hooking with the stick.
• (B) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "hooking", the referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.
• (C) When a player hooks another players stick by turning his stick over and impedes the players progress, the referee may assess a minor penalty for hooking.

rule 620 - illegal clearing (icing)

(A) Lynbrook Roller Hockey does enforce icing and therefore play shall continue if a puck is shot the full length of the rink.

rule 621 - interference

• (A) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who interferes with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck, deliberately knocks a stick out of an opponents hand, prevents a player who has dropped the stick or any other piece of equipment from regaining possession of it, or shoots a stick or other object toward an opponent. The last player to touch the puck shall be considered to be the player in possession.
• (B) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player on the players’ or the penalty bench who, by means of the stick or body, interferes with the movements of the puck or an opponent on the playing surface during the progress of play.
• (C) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who, by means of the stick or body, interferes with or impedes the movements of the goalkeeper while the goalkeeper is in the goal crease area.
• (D) Unless the puck is in the goal crease area, a player of the attacking team may not stand on the goal crease line or in the goal crease or hold the stick in the goal crease. If the puck should enter the goal while such a condition prevails, a goal shall not be allowed. For a violation of this rule, while the attacking team has possession of the puck, play shall be stopped and the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest special face-off dot. This rule shall not apply when the goalkeeper is out of the goal crease.
• (E) If a player of the attacking team has been pushed or otherwise physically forced into the goal crease by an opposing player, and the puck should enter the goal while the player so interfered with is still in the goal crease, the goal shall be allowed.
• (F) When the goalkeeper has been removed from the playing surface and any member of the opposing team not legally on the playing surface interferes by means of the body, stick, or any other object with the movements of the puck or an opposing player, the referee shall immediately award a goal to the non-offending team.
• (NOTE) THE ATTENTION OF THE REFEREE IS DIRECTED PARTICULARLY TO THREE TYPES OF OFFENSIVE INTERFERENCE THAT SHALL BE PENALIZED. 
  1. When the defending team secures possession of the puck in its own zone and the other members of the same team run interference for the puck carrier by forming a protective screen against forecheckers.
  2. When a player facing-off obstructs an opponent 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 body contact with an opposing player.

rule 622 - Interference by spectators

• (A) In the event of a player being held or interfered with by a spectator, the referee shall immediately stop the play, unless the team of the player being interfered with is in possession of the puck at the time, in which case the play shall be allowed to be completed. The ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot to where the puck was last played.
• (B) Any player who physically interferes with a spectator shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty and the circumstances shall be reported to the league authorities for further action.
• (C) In the event that objects are thrown onto the playing surface that interfere with the progress of the game, the referee shall stop the play and the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot to where the puck was last played.

rule 623 - kicking a player

• (A) A match penalty shall be assessed to a player who kicks or attempts to kick another player. A substitute shall be permitted at the end of the fifth minute.

rule 624 - kicking puck

• (A) Kicking the puck shall be permitted in all zones; however, a goal that is scored as the result of the puck being kicked by an attacking player and entered the goal either directly or after deflecting off any player including the goalkeeper, shall not be allowed.

rule 625 - leaving player or penaly benches

• (A) No player may leave the player’s bench or penalty bench at any time during an altercation. Substitutions made prior to the start of the altercation shall not be penalized under this rule provided the players so substituting do not enter the altercation. A double minor penalty plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to the player who was the first to leave the players’ or penalty bench during an altercation. If players of both teams leave their respective benches at the same time, the first identifiable player of each team shall be penalized under this rule. For the purposes of determining which player was the first to leave the players’ bench during an altercation, the referee may consult with the linesman or other game officials. Any player who leaves the player’ bench during an altercation and is assessed a minor, major or misconduct penalty for such actions, shall also be assessed a game misconduct penalty. Other players who leave the players’ bench or penalty bench during an altercation shall be assessed a misconduct penalty (maximum 5 per team). If a player illegally enters a game, any goal scored by that team while the illegal player is on the playing surface shall be disallowed, but all penalties assessed to either team shall be served as regular penalties.
• (B) Except at the end of each period, or upon the expiration of a penalty, no player may leave the penalty bench, at any time. a penalized player who leaves the penalty bench prior to the expiration of the penalty, whether play is in progress or not, shall be assessed an additional minor penalty after serving the unexpired penalty time. When a player leaves the penalty bench prior to the expiration of the penalty, the timekeeper shall note the time and verbally alert the referee who shall stop play when the offending player’s team gains possession and control of the puck. In case of a player returning to the playing surface prior to the expiration of the penalty, through an error of the timekeeper, the player is not to serve an additional penalty, but must serve the unexpired time. a penalized player who leaves the penalty bench during an altercation shall be assessed a minor penalty plus a game misconduct penalty, in addition to any unexpired time. When a penalized player returns to the playing surface from the penalty bench prior to the expiration of the penalty, any goal scored by that team, while the player is illegally on the playing surface, shall be disallowed, but all penalties assessed to either team shall be served as regular penalties.
• (C) If a player of the attacking team in possession of the puck shall be in a position as to have no opposing player to pass other than the goalkeeper, and is interfered with by a player who has entered the game illegally, the attacking player shall be awarded a penalty shot. If the opposing goalkeeper is off the playing surface and the attacking player is interfered with by an illegal player, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.
• (D) If a team official steps onto the playing surface after the start of a half and before that half is completed without the permission of the referee, the referee shall assess a bench minor penalty to the team of the offending coach.
• (E) During any face-off, if a team starts with fewer players than entitled to, any player subsequently entering the game shall not be eligible to play any puck coming from the defending zone while the player is in the attacking zone unless the puck is first played by another player in the attacking zone.

rule 626 - offsides

• (A) Off-sides shall occur when a player enters the offensive zone before any part of the puck enters. If any part of the puck crosses the center line into the defensive zone, the team shall be considered offsides. A player who is in possession and control of the puck, and crosses the center line before the puck, shall be considered on-side. For a violation of this rule the puck shall be faced-off at the special face-off spot in the attacking team’s defensive zone.

rule 627 - passes

• (A) The puck may be passed by any player to any player of the same team within any of the two zones into which the rink is divided, but may only be passed forward by a player in the defensive zone to a teammate who is on-side.
• (B) When a minor or major penalty expires during play, any penalized player or the immediate substitute, either from the penalty bench or the players’ bench, entering the game shall not be eligible to play any puck coming from the defending zone until he makes himself on-side.
• (C) For a violation of this rule the puck shall be faced-off at the special face-off spot in the offending teams defensive zone.

rule 628 - puck must be kept in motion

• (A) The puck must be kept in motion at all times. Play shall not be stopped because the puck is frozen along the boards by two or more opposing players, unless one of the players falls onto the puck. If one player freezes the puck along the boards or if a player deliberately falls on the puck a minor penalty shall be assessed for delaying the game. However, the referee may stop the play along the boards if allowing play to continue shall lead to unnecessary contact surrounding the puck.
• (B) The puck may not be kept in motion with the tip of the blade on the center of the puck. For a violation of this rule the referee shall assess a minor penalty to the offending player.

rule 629 - puck out of bounds or unplayable

• (A) When the puck goes outside the playing area or strikes any obstacles above the playing surface other than the boards, glass or wire, it shall be faced-off at the nearest face-off spot to where it was last played. When the puck becomes unplayable due to a defect in the rink, it shall be faced-off at the nearest face-off spot to where it was last played.
• (B) When the puck becomes lodged in the netting on the outside of the goal or if it is frozen between opposing players, the referee shall stop play and face-off the puck at the nearest face-off spot to where it was last played unless, in the opinion of the referee the stoppage was caused by a player of the attacking team, in which case the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the nearest special face-off spot. 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 the face-off shall take place at the nearest end zone face-off spot, except when the stoppage is caused by a player of the attacking team, in which case the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the nearest special face-off spot. If the puck comes to rest on top of the goal frame, the play shall be stopped immediately.
• (C) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper 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 the hand or stick.

rule 630 - puck out of sight and illegal puck

• (A) Should a scramble take place, or a player accidently falls on the puck and it is out of the sight of the referee, play shall be stopped immediately. the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot, unless otherwise provided for in the rules.
• (B) If, at any time during play, a puck other than the one officially in play shall appear on the playing surface, which interferes with the progress of the game, the play shall be stopped immediately.

rule 631 - puck striking official

• (A) Play shall not be stopped because the puck touches an official anywhere on the rink unless it results in a serious injury.

rule 632 - refusing to start play

• (A) If, when both teams are on the playing surface, one team for any reason shall refuse to play when ordered to do so by the referee, the captain shall be warned and the team so refusing shall be allowed 15 seconds to begin the game or resume play. If, at the end of that time the team shall still refuse to play, the referee shall assess a bench minor penalty to the offending team. should there be a reoccurrence of the same incident, the referee shall suspend the game, and the circumstances shall be reported to the league authorities for further action.
• (B) If a team, when ordered to do so by the referee, fails to go onto the playing surface promptly, it shall be assessed a bench minor penalty. If the team shall still refuse to go onto the playing surface and start play within five minutes, the referee shall suspend the game, and the circumstances shall be reported to the league authorities for further action.

rule 633 - slashing

• (A) A minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee, shall be assessed to any player who slashes or attempts to slash an opponent with the stick. Referees should penalize as "slashing" any player who swings the stick at an opponent (whether in or out of range) without actually making contact, or when a player on the pretext of playing the puck makes a wild swing at the puck with the intent to intimidate an opponent.
• (B) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "slashing", the referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.
• (C) Any player who swings the stick at another player during the course of any altercation shall be subject to a match penalty, and the circumstances shall be reported to the league authorities for further action.
• (D) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who makes stick contact with the opposing goalkeeper, in the goal crease, who has covered or caught the puck, regardless of whether or not the referee has stopped the play.

rule 634 - spearing

• (A) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee, shall be assessed to a player who spears or attempts to spear an opponent. attempt to spear shall include all cases where a spearing gesture is made regardless of whether body contact is made or not.
• (B) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "spearing", the referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.
• (C) Spearing may also be treated as a match penalty under attempt to injure or deliberate injury to an opponent.

rule 635 - start of game and periods

• (A) The game shall start at the time scheduled by a face-off at the center face-off spot and shall be promptly resumed for the second half in the same manner.
• (B) The home team shall defend the goal nearest to its own bench to start the game. The teams shall change ends for each succeeding period or overtime period.
• (C) During the pre-game warm-up and before each half, each team shall confine its activity to its own end of the rink. All players must wear full equipment during warm-ups and during the handshake following the game.
• (D) It is recommended that when both teams are to leave the playing surface through a common exit, the team whose player's bench is closest to the exit leaves first. The home team should enter the playing surface first.
• (E) When a team fails to appear on the playing surface without a proper justification, an official shall warn the team that it must enter the playing surface immediately. If the team fails to do so promptly, the referee shall assess a bench minor penalty for delaying the game.

rule 636 - throwing sticks

• (A) When any player or team official of the defending team deliberately throws or shoots a stick or any other object at the puck in the defending zone, the referee shall allow the play to be completed and if a goal is not scored, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the fouled player. If, however, the goal is unattended and the attacking player has no defending player to pass and has a chance to score on an open goal, and a stick or any other object is thrown or shot at the puck by a member of the defending team, thereby preventing a shot on the open goal, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.
• (B) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player on the playing surface who throws or shoots a stick or any other object in the direction of the puck in any zone except when such act has been penalized by a penalty shot or awarded goal. When a player discards a broken stick by tossing it to the side of the rink (and not over the boards) in such a way that shall not interfere with play or an opposing player, no penalty shall be assessed for doing so.
• (C) A misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who throws a stick or any part thereof outside the playing area. a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately throws a stick or any part thereof outside the playing area at or in the direction of any spectators.

rule 637 - time of match and timeouts

• (A) A game shall consist of three 18 minute periods for the squirt, peewee, midget and intermediate divisions. If the score is within two goals, or tied, stop time shall be played during the last three minutes of play. A two minute rest period shall be permitted between periods after which the teams shall change ends.
• (B) The team scoring the greater number of goals shall be declared the winner, and shall be credited with two points in the standings.
• (C) The referee may order the game to be suspended anytime the playing area is deemed to be in an unsafe condition. The game shall remain suspended until such condition is corrected. Referees are particularly cautioned about wet playing surfaces and should take the overly-cautious approach when determining whether or not playing conditions are safe. If any unusual delay occurs during the game, the referee may order the intermission to take place immediately and the balance of the half or period, shall be completed upon the resumption of play with the teams defending the same goals, after which the teams shall change ends and resume play without delay.
• (D) Each team shall be permitted to take one time-out of a one-minute duration that must be taken during a stoppage of play. The exception to this rule is the squirt division, which will be allowed two one-minute timeouts, but consecutive timeouts cannot be taken during the same period. The clock shall be stopped during a time-out. The clock shall be restarted upon the conducting of the ensuing face-off. During a time-out, all players on the playing surface may proceed to their respective players’ bench. Any penalized player must remain in the penalty bench during a time-out. A time out may not be used to warm-up a goalkeeper.

rule 638 - tied games - regular season - overtime

• (A) When a game ends in a tie after regulation play, each team will be awarded 1 point in the standings and a 5 minute, running time, sudden death overtime period will be played. If one team scores a goal in overtime, that team will be awarded 2 points in the standings while the losing team will retain its 1 point.
• (B) The 5 minute overtime period will be played in the peewee, midget and intermediate divisions only. In the peewee and midget divisions, the three minute shift horn will be turned off and all player changes during overtime are coaches discretion.
• (C) In the squirt division, no overtime will be played during the regular season. Any games ending with the score tied at the end of three periods will be declared a tie, with each team receiving one point in the standings.

rule 638A - tied games - playoffs - overtime

• In playoff games when it is necessary to play overtime to determine a winner, the following shall take place:
  1.  A two-minute rest period shall follow the conclusion of the period.
  2.  The teams shall not change ends
  3.  A running 18-minute period shall be played
  4.  Teams skate 5-on-5 plus a goalie
  5.  The game shall terminate upon the scoring of a goal and the team scoring the goal shall be declared the winner.
  6.  Any overtime period shall be considered to be a part of the game and all unexpired penalties shall remain enforced.
  7.  If overtime is required to determine a winner in a squirt playoff game, line changes for both teams will continue as if the game was going to the next period, player rotation will remain the same and no adjustments will be permitted. A team will be issued a 2 minute bench penalty if it becomes apparent that changes have been made in that teams player rotation.
  8.  In the peewee and midget and above divisions, the three minute clock will be shut off + all player changes for both teams will be coaches discretion. Changes can occur during stoppages of play or "on the fly".

rule 639 - tripping

• (A) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who places the stick, leg, knee, foot, arm, hand, or elbow in such a manner that it causes an opponent to trip or fall. if, in the opinion of the referee, a player is unquestionably hook-checking the puck and obtains possession of it, thereby tripping the opposing player, no penalty shall be assessed. Accidental trips that occur simultaneously with the whistle shall not be penalized. Any player who deliberately dives onto the playing surface to block a shot, contacts an opponent and causes the player to trip or fall, shall be assessed a minor penalty.
• (B) When a player, in possession and control of the puck in the attacking zone and having no opponent to pass other than the goalkeeper, is tripped or otherwise fouled from behind, thus preventing a reasonable scoring opportunity, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. The referee shall not stop the play until the attacking team has lost possession and control of the puck to the defending team. The intent of this rule is to restore a reasonable scoring opportunity that has been lost by reason of a foul from behind when the foul is committed on the opponent’s side of the center red line. "possession and control" of the puck means the act of propelling the puck with a stick. If, while it is being propelled, the puck is touched by another player, hits the goal or goes free, the player shall no longer be considered to be "in possession and control" of the puck.
• (C) If, when the opposing goalkeeper has been removed from the playing surface, a player in possession and control of the puck is tripped or otherwise fouled with no opposing player to pass, thus preventing a reasonable scoring opportunity, the referee shall immediately stop play and award a goal to the non-offending team.

rule 640 - unnecessary roughness (roughing)

• (A) At the discretion of the referee, a minor or double minor penalty may be assessed to any player who uses unnecessary roughness against an opponent.

rule 641 - The "Squirt" rule

• (A) Squirt coaches have been instructed to have their defensemen move up and away from their goalie to at least beyond the red faceoff circles in their own defensive end when the puck is in the offensive zone of the other team. This is to encourage weaker skaters to participate more in the play. they will no longer be allowed to stand near their goalie and in effect let the play come to them. Coaches are encouraged to get the players moving. Violation of this will result in play being stopped and a faceoff occurring deep in the violating teams own end.

rule 642 - Tiebreakers for playoff seeding

• The following tie breakers will be used to determine playoff seedings between teams, tied in points, in any division, at the end of the regular season.
  1.  The team with the higher total number of wins (in both regulation and overtime) at the end of the regular season.
  2.  The team with the better head to head record between the teams at the end of the regular season.
  3.  The team with a better goals for to goals against differential based on the final scores of the regular season games between the
     two teams.
  4.  The team with the lower amount of total goals allowed during its regular season.
  5.  The president of the LRHL will flip a coin in the presence of the head coaches of the tied teams, to determine the higher seed.