Guidance document all rules not in addition and added by the Referee in Chief are subject to IPC Rules.

Thanks to the IPC technical director Scott MacDonald to use extracts from the IPC rule book

International Paralympic Committee

Adenauerallee 212-214

53113 Bonn, Germany

Tel. +49-228-2097-200

Fax. +49-228-2097-209

[email protected]

www.ipc-icesledgehockey.org

© 2012 International Paralympic Committee

Photo ©: Getty Images

© BSHA 2012

Section 1.

		Version Control Details
Version	Status	Date	Author	Description of Change(s)
1.0	Draft	June 2012	Andy Newbold	Initial Draft Copy
1.1	Final	July 2012	Andy Newbold	Final

Section Page No

1. Version Control 2
2. Introduction 4
3. Approved BSHA games and EIHA officials 5
4. Discipline 6
5. Additional Guidance 7
6. BSHA Only Rules 8
7. Rule Interpretations Overview 12
8. Protective Equipment 13
9. Goalkeepers Equipment 14
10. Extract from On Ice Officials Handbook 19
11. Playing Rules Specifics 21
12. Major Rule Differences 25
13. Rule Clarifications 28
14. IPC Authorized Manufacturers 30
15. Sledge Hockey specific Signals 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

 

As part of the EIHA policy to be proactive in all areas of Ice Hockey and promote all aspects of the sport we are now happy to announce our official involvement with the BSHA and to provide on ice officials for sanctioned games.

The rules are produced by the international governing body The International Paralympics Committee (IPC) and are adapted from the IIHF rules

The goal of this document is to introduce officials to a standard enforcement procedure and ease of transition into Sledge Hockey.

This document may be amended at any time and all club secretaries will be informed accordingly and issued with the relevant replacement pages.

This document should ensure all equipment purchases and the use of equipment does not prevent a player from icing. If you need a copy of the IPC Sledge Hockey rulebook, a free downloadable version is available from

http://www.ipc-icesledgehockey.org/Rules/

 

LEGAL:

This document is copyrighted no duplication or publishing either electronically or in hard copy is allowed without permission from the author or BSHA

 

 

 

3.

 

1. Games will be played under the umbrella of the BSHA in accordance with the IPC rule book. There are no deviations from the IPC rule book or this document as the BSHA are keen that players also need to be familiar with international enforcement as it is important they understand how games will be officiated at international level.

 

1. This document will set out the main differences between Able Bodied (AB) Hockey and Sledge Hockey and explain how officials should officiate games to the best effect.

 

 

1. The articles set out in this document will apply to ALL Sledge Hockey games there are no separate rules or dispensations allowed that are not covered in this document.

 

1. All rule references listed in this document refer to the Rule Number in the IPC rule book

 

 

1. The Referee in Chief will have overall jurisdiction in any matters relating to the

BSHA and games played that are officiated over by EIHA officials

 

If you have any questions or amendments please feel free to drop me an email at [email protected]

 

This document if for an overview of local rules for players coaches and on ice officials and includes “BSHA Only” amendments and additions these will normally be for clarification purposes or where I feel it would be beneficial for inclusion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The BSHA disciplinary committee will deal with all match reports submitted by officials .

Match reports will be completed and submitted if the following penalties awarded in any BSHA game;

1. Match Penalty (MP) Recorded on the game sheet as 25mins
2. 5 + Game Misconduct (5+Game) Recorded on the game sheet as 20 mins (except where the 5+Game is the result of a second 10min Misconduct for abuse not given in the same stoppage)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

 

Sledge Hockey in the UK is growing this is the second season of a structured league for the BSHA with teams expanding and joining slowly to swell the numbers of participants. But there is a plan and they have support.

 

Players eligibility

Players at National league level do not have to be disabled to play Able Bodied players are also eligible to ice. AB players may not participate in International games, only disabled players are eligible to ice at this level.

 

Players within the BSHA national league must be 18 years old or over to be eligible to participate. The BSHA does allow players under that age to participate but only when full dispensation is granted through the governance policy and duly authorized by the BSHA (see the BSHA website under Governance http://www.sledgehockey.co.uk/) however there is a minimum age of 16 years old placed upon this, no player under that age may ice in a sanctioned BSHA game.

 

Roughing

 

I have highlighted this rule from the IPC rule book mainly because of the resulting penalties that should be awarded against players for roughing. Any player who instigates a fight gets a straight Match Penalty plus a 10 if he drops his gloves. This is the same as the IIHF

 

1022 – Fisticuffs or Roughing

a) A player who intentionally takes off his glove/s in a fight or altercation shall

be assessed a:

- Misconduct penalty (10’)

b) A player who starts fisticuffs shall be assessed a:

- Match penalty (MP)

c) A player who, having been struck, retaliates with a blow or attempted blow,

shall be assessed a:

- Minor penalty (2’)

 

6.

 

Players securely held in their sledge

IPC Rule Book Section 3 (1^st paragraph)

“The IPC Ice Sledge Hockey Sport Technical Committee (IPC ISH STC) may

conduct equipment verification to ensure equipment adheres to the rules. The

IPC ISH STC reserves the right to conduct equipment verification at anytime

throughout the competition including, but not limited to pre-competition training.

All protective equipment, clothing, accessories and footwear must meet

generally accepted standards for ice hockey.

It is the responsibility of the player to ensure that the equipment used conforms, where specified to the

official playing rules.

All equipment used by the athletes must be in compliance with the IPC uniform

and trademark guidelines as stipulated in the IPC Sport Regulations

Advertising.

The IPC ISH STC adheres to HECC (Hockey Equipment Certification Council) as the governing body on the approval of all hockey helmets and facial protection, for Players and Goalkeeper’s.”

 

BSHA (Only)

BSHA 1.1

All players must be securely restrained in their sledges in such a way as to prevent them from detaching from their sledge, thereby risking unnecessary injury to themselves or other players.

 

Any player who falls from or becomes detached from his sledge because the restraining material is inadequate or has become faulty shall leave the ice and have the responsible piece of equipment replaced or repaired before he/she is allowed to return to the ice.

 

 

Referee: If a player is subject of the above and becomes detached from his sledge due to inadequate or faulty restraints. Play shall be stopped and the referee shall rule that player off the ice with a WARNING not to return until the problem is resolved.

The referee shall assess a no penalty for a breach of this rule

 

BSHA 1.2

For a second infraction of this rule by the same player.

Any player ruled off the ice as in 1.1 who returns to the ice following a Warning with the restraints in a poor state of repair posing a danger to themselves or other players or becomes detached from his sledge because of the same problem shall be awarded a (10) for illegal equipment

 

 

 

 

BSHA 1.3

Any player who after being told by the Referee to leave the ice as in 1.1 fails to go directly to the team bench shall be awarded a (10) Misconduct penalty

 

BSHA 1.4

If the netminder is the offending player. The rules shall still apply and the netminder shall be replaced by the backup netminder or other player immediately (no warm up shall be allowed)

(A 10 minute allowance to dress a player will not be allowed in this instance.)

 

BSHA 1.5 The Referee shall use discretion relating to this rule if in his/her opinion the equipment has become faulty through no fault of the player concerned. This would include damage caused to the equipment during the game. You should be aware that the player may not be aware of this damage or fault

 

BSHA 1.6 If in the referee’s opinion the equipment has become faulty because of damage caused during the game the 1.1 rule will still apply no penalty shall be assessed and the player shall be replaced by another player from the bench. The player will still leave the ice with a Warning and shall not return to the ice until an adequate repair has been made Rule 1.2 still applies

 

 

Note for Officials

This is a safety issue and I have introduced this rule because there is no rule covering this situation in the IPC rules.

 

The only part of the rules that covers the player being secured in the sledge is:

 

306 – Sledge Seat (Bucket)

e) Straps and/or adhesive tape may be used to secure players feet, ankles,

knees and hips to the sledge

There appears to be no mandatory requirement for the player to be secured in the sledge whatsoever under IPC rules. Therefore this rule will be a local addition for the BSHA

 

 

Cont’

 

BSHA 2 Net Minder Equipment

This rule will be mandatory from the 2013 season to allow net minders who currently use Cats Eye style face masks time to change the equipment.

2.1 A net minder shall not use a Cats Eye style face mask

2.2 A net minder found to be using a Cats Eye style face mask in a pre game warm up: Referee shall warn the net minder that he cannot ice in the game with a “cats eye” style face cage.

2.3 A net minder who starts a game with a “Cats eye” style face cage shall be ruled off the ice and not be allowed back on the ice until the offending cage is replaced.

2.4 The offending net minder shall be replaced by the backup or another player, no warm up and 10 minute dressing time shall be allowed for the replacement.

2.5 A net minder who after being warned by the referee for wearing a “Cats eye” style face returns to the ice still wearing the offending item shall be awarded a Misconduct penalty 10 mins

2.6 As soon as the net minder has replaced his equipment he may return to the ice and resume play

2.7 A net minder returning to the ice as in 2.4 shall wait for a stoppage in play before doing so. He may not return to the ice during an icing if his team iced the puck

2.8 For a second infraction by the same netminder the referee shall assess a 5+Game and be ruled off the ice for the remainder of the game. The backup netminder shall replace him or if no backup netminder is available another player shall be allowed 10 minutes to dress to replace him.

NOTES This rule has been brought in as the Cats Eye face cages will allow the Pick end of the stick to enter the cage and there is a risk of potential injury. This is relevant as the height at which the net minder is in relation to the ice and other players means he is more likely to come into contact with sticks at head height.

As the IPC do not allow these cages I see no point in going against this rule. But have added this for clarification.

IPC RULE BOOK

311 – Full Face Mask

During the game and during the pre-game warm-up, all players must wear a full

face mask that is approved by HECC. The full face masks must be

constructed in such a way that neither the puck nor a stick blade and the pick

end might get through it.

BSHA 3 Icing Infractions

Rule 3 Refers to section (f) of Rule 905 IPC Rules (Section 12 this document)

Change of players following an icing

 

3.1 For the first infraction of this rule the Referee shall give a WARNING

 

3.2 For further infractions any player who goes to the bench weather an “on ice bench” is used or not.

 

The referee shall assess a 2’ minor

 

3.3 If the player cannot be identified but the referee or linesman know players have changed the referee shall issue a further Warning. Officials should be vigilant for breaches in the future

 

 

 

Both Officials, players, coaches and on ice officials need to be aware that rule interpretations are as important as the rules themselves.

It will help you to understand why calls are made the way they are.

Referees are encouraged to communicate with benches relating to interpretations of rules but do not enter into prolonged discussion over this topic. We are there to educate as well as enforce.

If coaches / players need to discuss why calls are made in detail then wait until the end of the period or game before approaching the referee. Remember he still has a job to do and can do it better without distraction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

Protective Equipment

Protective/ Accessories shall be defined as:

Helmet; full facemask; gloves; throat protector; mouth guard; shin protection;

elbow pads; and shoulder pads.

310 – Helmet

During the game and during the pre-game warm-up, all players must wear a

hockey helmet that is HECC approved with chin strap properly fastened. A

helmet shall be worn so that the lower edge of the helmet is not more than one

finger width above the eyebrows, and there should only be enough room

between the strap and the chin to insert one finger.

311 – Full Face Mask

During the game and during the pre-game warm-up, all players must wear a full

face mask that is approved by HECC. The full face masks must be

constructed in such a way that neither the puck nor a stick blade and the pick

end might get through it.

Coloured or tinted full face masks and visors are not permitted.

(Also see BSHA Rule 2)

312 – Gloves

During the game and during the pre-game warm-up, all players must wear

gloves that cover hand and wrist, and the palm must not be removed to permit

the use of bare hands. All players must wear ice hockey player’s gloves.

313 – Throat Protector

During the game and during the pre-game warm-up, all players must wear a

neck/throat protector. Medical exemptions may be approved at the discretion

of the TD based on evidence from the player in the form of a medical report

confirming that there is a genuine and compelling medical reason why the

player cannot wear a throat protector.

314 – Mouth Guard

During the Pre-game Warm-up and during the game, it is recommended that all

players wear a custom designed mouth guard.

315 – Shin Protection

During the Pre-game warm-up and during the game, all players must wear shin

protection covering the area between the ankles and knees as per their

disability.

316 – Elbow Pads

During the Pre-game warm-up and during the game, all players must wear

elbow protection covering the back of the elbow joint.

317 – Shoulder Pads

During the Pre-game warm-up and during game, all players must wear shoulder

protection covering the shoulder area and upper arm area between the elbow

and shoulder joint.

 

9.

SECTION 4: GOALKEEPER EQUIPMENT (MOBILITY

DEVICES), PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES AND

FOOT PROTECTION

Note:

The IPC ISH STC may conduct equipment verification to ensure equipment

adheres to the rules. The IPC ISH STC reserves the right to conduct

equipment verification at anytime throughout the competition including, but not

limited to pre-competition training.

400 – Goalkeepers Sledge Frame

Sledge frames for Goalkeepers will meet the specifications and requirements

set out in rules 300 – 306 above with the following variations:

• • If the goalkeeper sits cross-legged, the seat may be extended sideways to

protect the knees, but may not protrude more then 1cm beyond the

player’s knees.

• • A foot guard/ support is required of ALL GOALKEEPERS, except those

that sit “CROSS LEGGED” in their sledge, and shall be made of the same

material as the main frame, and have a diameter of not less than 1.5cm and

3cm maximum.

• • Plastic blades are acceptable for Goalkeeper’s only.

401 – Goalkeepers Sticks

Sticks shall be made of wood or other material, such as aluminium, fibreglass or

plastic. It must not have any projections and all edges must be bevelled.

Adhesive non-fluorescent tape of any colour may be wrapped around the stick

at any place.

Dimensions:

• • Shaft:

- Maximum Length – 100cm measured along the centre line

- Minimum width – 2cm

- Minimum Thickness – 2.8cm

• • Blade:

- Minimum Length – 30cm

- Maximum Length – 38cm from the heel to the toe

- Maximum Width – 9cm

The Goalkeeper’s stick blade may be curved, and the curvature shall be

restricted in such a way that the distance of a perpendicular line, measured

from a straight line drawn from any point at the heel to the end of the blade,

shall not exceed 1.5cm. The Goalkeeper’s stick may have an additional pick at

the base of the blade not exceeding 1cm, set at 90 degrees at the butt end of

the stick to facilitate movement back and forth in the goal (i.e. push or pull).

402 – Goalkeepers Gloves

The maximum outside dimensions of the catching glove shall not exceed:

20.32cm in length at any part of the wrist cuff, which shall be 10.16cm in

width (height). Distance from the heel along the pocket to the top of the T trap

shall be no more than 46cm. The perimeter of the catching glove shall not

exceed 114.3cm.

These shall be allowed to have fixed protuberances or picks protruding but

must be securely attached to the catching glove. The picks shall not exceed

1cm in length.

403 – Blocking Glove

The maximum dimensions of the protective padding attached to the back of

the forming part of a blocking glove, shall measure:

• • 38.1cm in length
• • 20.32cm in width

SPECIAL NOTE: Use caution when making contact with the netminders gloves as they are covered in spikes on the back side to give the netminder mobility on the ice

Clothing

404 – Goalkeepers Clothing

Refer to clothing specifications Rule 309.

Protective Equipment (Accessories)

405 – Goalkeepers Helmet and Full Face Mask

During the game and during the pre-game warm-up, all Goalkeepers must wear

an ice hockey full-face mask with a hockey helmet, or a goalkeeper’s full-face

head protector.

Goalkeeper’s face masks must be constructed in such a way that a puck may

not get through it, that neither the puck, nor a stick blade, and nor the pick

end might get through it. (also see BSHA Rule 2)

406 – Goalkeepers Leg Guards

The goalkeeper’s side leg guard shall not exceed 5cm higher than the leg(s) of

the goalkeeper, and not extend beyond the feet. A goalkeeper may use

hockey shin guards or baseball shin guards as protection. These guards must

be worn on the outside of the uniform.

A plate or any kind of device covering the space between the sledges frame is

not permitted.

Measurement Tools

Refer to Rules 318, 319 and 320.

704 – Change of Players and Goalkeepers from the Team Bench during

Play

a) The players and Goalkeeper’s may be changed at any time from the team

bench while the game is in progress provided that:

- The changing of players and Goalkeeper’s within an area limited by the

length of the respective team bench and 3m from the boards, as

illustrated on the opposite page

- The changing players and Goalkeeper’s are out of the play before any

change is made.

 

 

b) If, when a goalkeeper leaves his goal crease and proceeds to his team

bench for the purpose of substituting another player and if the substitution

is made prematurely, the official shall stop the play when the offending

team gains possession of the puck. The ensuing face-off shall take place at

the centre ice face-off spot, except in the cases where the offending team

would gain a territorial advantage, in which case the face-off (see Rule 901

G) shall be where the stoppage of play occurred.

705 – Change of Players Procedure during Stoppage of Play

a) Following a stoppage of play, the visiting team shall promptly place a line-up

of players on the ice for play and no substitution shall be made until play

has resumed. The home team may then make any desired substitution

which does not result in the delay of the game. If there is any undue delay

by either team in changing lines, the Referee shall order the offending team

or teams to take their positions immediately and shall not permit a line

change.

b) The procedure shall be carried out as follows:

10.

Extract IPC Game Officials Handbook

NEW

1. The Referee shall take his position for the start of the next play, and the

Linesman dropping the puck shall proceed promptly to the location of the

face-off.

 

2. The Referee shall allow the visiting team ten seconds to make their

player changes.

 

3. After the ten seconds, the Referee shall raise his arm to indicate that the

visiting team shall no longer make a player change.

 

4. With the arm still up, the Referee shall allow the home team ten seconds

to make their player changes.

 

5. After the ten seconds, the Referee shall drop his arm to indicate that the

home team shall no longer make a player change.

 

6. As soon as the Referee drops his arm, the Linesman conducting the

face-off shall blow the whistle, which signals both teams that they shall

have no more than five seconds to line-up for the face-off.

 

7. At the end of the five seconds or sooner if the facing-off players are

ready, the Linesman shall drop the puck. It shall not be the responsibility

of the Linesman to wait for the players to come into position for the

face-off.

 

c) Teams are not permitted to make a player(s) substitution following a false

face-off, except when a penalty is assessed that affects the on-ice

strength of either team.

 

d) A team that is in violation of the icing rule shall not be permitted to make

any player substitutions prior to the ensuing face-off.

Should the stoppage of play following the icing infraction coincide with a

commercial time-out, or should the offending team elect to utilize their team

time-out at this stoppage of play, they are still not permitted to make any

player substitutions.

 

However, a team shall be permitted to make a player substitution to replace a

goalkeeper who had been substituted for an extra attacker, or to replace an

injured player or goalkeeper, or when a penalty has been assessed which

affects the on-ice strength of either team.

 

The determination of players on the ice will be made when the puck leaves the

offending player’s stick.

706 – Change of Players from the Penalty Bench

A player serving a penalty who is to be changed after the penalty has been

served, shall proceed at once, by way of the ice, and be at his own team

bench before any change can be made:

- Bench Minor penalty (see Rule 1053)

707 – Change of Goalkeepers’ during Stoppage of Play

a) During a stoppage of play, Goalkeeper’s shall not be permitted to go to the

team bench except to be replaced or during a time out:

- Minor penalty (see Rule 1065)

 

b) When a goalkeeper substitution has been made during a stoppage of play,

the goalkeeper who left the game may re-enter the game as soon as the

play resumes.

No warm-up shall be permitted for a substitute goalkeeper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1022 – Fisticuffs or Roughing

a) A player who intentionally takes off his glove/s in a fight or altercation shall

be assessed a:

- Misconduct penalty (10’)

b) A player who starts fisticuffs shall be assessed a:

- Match penalty (MP)

c) A player who, having been struck, retaliates with a blow or attempted blow,

shall be assessed a:

- Minor penalty (2’)

 

d) Any player or goalkeeper who is the first to intervene in an altercation

already in progress, shall be assessed in addition to any other penalties

incurred in the incident a:

- Game Misconduct penalty (GM)

e) If a player, after he has been ordered by the Referee to stop, continues the

altercation, attempts to continue, or resists a Linesman in the discharge of

his duties, he shall be assessed, at the discretion of the Referee, a:

- Double Minor penalty (2’+2′)

Or

- Major penalty + Automatic Game Misconduct penalty (5’+GM)

Or

- Match penalty (MP)

 

f) A player or team official who is on or off the ice and is involved in an

altercation or fisticuffs with a player or team official off the playing surface,

shall be assessed, at the discretion of the Referee, a:

- Misconduct penalty (10’)

Or

- Game Misconduct penalty (GM)

Or

- Match penalty (MP)

g) If a player is deemed guilty of unnecessary roughness, he shall be

assessed, at the discretion of the Referee, a:

- Minor penalty (2’)

Or

- Double Minor penalty (2’+2′)

Or

- Major penalty + Automatic Game Misconduct penalty (5’+GM)

h) A player who grabs or holds the face mask or helmet or pulls the hair of an

opponent shall be assessed, at the discretion of the Referee, a:

- Minor penalty (2’)

Or

- Major penalty + Automatic Game Misconduct penalty (5’+GM)

1031 – Teeing

a) A player who charges an opponent or who charges the opposing goalkeeper

in his crease, using any part of the front radius of his sled shall be

assessed, at the discretion of the Referee, a:

- Minor penalty (2’)

Or

- Major penalty + Automatic Game Misconduct penalty (5’+GM)

Or

- Match penalty (MP)

Teeing is defined as a player making contact with an opponent with any part of

the front radius of his sled straight into an opponent.

 

Teeing Interpretations BSHA

 

The interpretations of Teeing are as important as any other.

The infraction is dependent upon several factors

1. The instigator
2. How the contact is made
3. Angle of contact
4. Force of contact
5. Attempt to stop of deviate from contact

Situation 1:

Player A is heading to the boards to pick up a loose puck at a 90 degree angle to the boards

Player B is heading along the boards to also pick up the puck

Both players a fixed on the possession of the puck player B arrives first just before Player A player A is unable to deviate or stop in time and collides with player B = NOT TEEING as both players instigated the contact.

Situation 2:

As situation 1 but Player A is obviously not going to get to the puck before Player B.

Player B gets to the puck and has possession and is then hit from the side by Player A = TEEING

(Player A should be aware that he was going to get beaten to the puck and adjusted his angle of approach or slowed and taken avoiding action prior to the hit)

There is always an element of judgment involved with regard to interpretations and the referee will give that judgment to the best of his ability.

 

1028 – Interference

a) A player who interferes or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not

in possession of the puck shall be assessed a:

 

- Minor penalty (2’)

b) A player on either the player’s bench or the penalty bench who, by means

of his stick or his body, interferes with the movement of the puck of any

opponent on the ice during the progress of the play, shall be assessed a:

 

- Minor penalty (2’)

c) A player who, by means of his stick or his body, interferes with or impedes

the progress of the goalkeeper while he is in his goal crease, shall be

assessed a:

 

- Minor penalty (2’)

d) If, when the goalkeeper has been removed from the ice, any member of his

team, including a team official, interferes by means of his stick, any other

object, or his body, with the movement of the puck of an opposing player,

the Referee shall award to the non-offending team a:

- Goal

Notes:

 

1. This rule applies to any interference action, such as:

- Knocking a stick out of an opponent’s hands

- Preventing a player who lost his stick to regain possession

- Knocking or shooting any abandoned or broken stick or any object

towards an opposing puck carrier

2. The last player to touch the puck, other than a goalkeeper, shall be

considered having possession of the puck

3. If an attacking player deliberately stops his sledge in the goal crease, without

interfering with the goalkeeper, the Referee shall stop the play and the

ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot in the

neutral zone.

e) If an attacking player positions himself facing the opposing goalkeeper and

engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the

goalkeeper’s face for the purpose of interfering and/or distracting the

goalkeeper as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play,

regardless whether the attacking player is positioned inside or outside of the

goal crease, the Referee shall assess a:

- Minor penalty (2’)

 

RULE: Interpretations BSHA

1028 – Interference

 

In many cases interference is a judgment call.

Examples:

 

1. A player uses his sledge to block or force a player not in possession of the puck to stop, change direction. A prime example of this would be two players heading towards a loose puck. Both players are leaning into each other before they get to the puck . One player then by means of the sledge, stick or body causes the other to deviate from his course thereby pushing of his line = INTERFERENCE. You must allow any player a fair chance to get the puck.
2. Attacking Players must not move through or stop in the goal crease doing so = Man in the Crease (if an attacking player is pushed, held or by any means forced into the goal crease by a defending player then no interference shall be called) There is no penalty for a Man in the Crease call but play is stopped and the face off takes place at the nearest face off spot in the Neutral zone.
3. Note a persistent offender will be called for Interference

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.

MAJOR RULE DIFFERENCES (Extract IPC Rule Book Annex B)

Overview

The purpose of this document is to introduce existing able-bodied hockey

officials to the sport of sledge hockey. Although sledge hockey is basically the

same game as able-bodied hockey, there are obvious differences and some

subtle differences in the rules and in the way the game is played and

officiated.

The IPC (International Paralympic Committee) Sledge Hockey Rule Book was

derived from the IIHF 2006-2010 Rule Book with adaptations made for the

sport of sledge hockey. Officials who work IIHF should have an easier time

adapting to this Rule book than North American officials.

Outlined in this document are the major rule differences, positioning

differences, and other miscellaneous differences.

A 2.1 – Rule Differences

For obvious reasons, the tripping and kneeing penalties have been removed

from the rulebook.

Rule 1031 – Teeing: was added to the rule book as this could not happen in

able-bodied hockey. Teeing is defined as ‘a player making contact with an

opponent with any part of the front radius of his sled straight into his

opponent’. This does not include all occurrences of contact being made, rather

when contact is made at, or almost at right angles of the sleds with significant

impact. This is a safety issue for the players as serious injuries can occur.

Rule 1025 – Holding an Opponent: is probably the most common penalty called

in sledge hockey. Holding an opponent for even a moment can cause this

player to lose any momentum he may have. Holding can occur on the arms, on

the sled, anywhere on the body, on the head, and even on the opponent’s

stick.

Rule 1015 – Butt-Ending: can be extremely dangerous as there are sharp

‘picks’ at the end of a player’s sticks. These ‘picks’ are used by the players to

propel themselves along the ice but are sometimes used as a ‘weapon’ Officials

should be very alert to a player’s use of their sticks.

Rule 1046 (b) – Falling on the Puck by a Player: Often on face-offs, a player

will intentionally fall on the puck in order to protect the puck from the opposing

centre before passing the puck back to a team mate. This should be strictly

enforced with the appropriate minor penalty.

Rule 903 – Offside: The determining factors for an offside are 1; the position

of the puck and 2; the position of the player’s blades. The player must have

the blades under his sled making contact with the blue line at the moment the

puck crosses the line.

Rule 1007 – Penalty Shot: This rule is the same as the IIHF rule book with the

exception of Note 3 which is the definition of ‘From Behind’. ‘From Behind’ is

determined by the position of the player’s body and not by the position of the

player’s sled. Even if the player’s sled has come somewhat alongside his

opponent’s sled, if his body is still behind his opponent’s, then the penalty shot

shall be awarded.

Rule 705 (b) – Change of Players Procedure During Stoppage of Play:

Because players are on sleds, 10 seconds is given to the visiting team and the

home team to make their player changes instead of the normal 5 seconds. The

linesman conducting the face-off will still allow the normal 5 seconds before

dropping the puck.

Rule 902 (b) – Procedure for Conducting Face-Off: ‘The players shall be

positioned squarely facing the sideboards of the rink, with their sleds outside

of the face-off spot, and with the blade of their stick on the ice on the white

part of the face-off spot’. The centre men may face the same way as their

opponent or in the opposite direction. After dropping the puck for a face-off,

be very aware of the wingers behind you before attempting to back out.

A 2.2 – Positioning Procedures and Judgment

Staying on top of the Play: Referees should not hesitate to cross behind the

goal net to get closer to the play. When players are battling for a loose puck at

close quarters, there are a number of things that can happen including holding

(this could be holding the opponent or the opponent’s sled) and jabbing an

opponent with the pick end of the stick. Because the players are low to the ice

surface while sitting in their sleds, hands and sticks can be hidden behind their

opponents so the referee needs to be right on top of the play. This also applies

to when the play progresses down the ice. For example, if you see a breakout

pass from the end zone in your corner to a breaking player on the other side of

the ice, feel free to cross over through the neutral zone to stay on top of the

play.

Moving out from the boards: The referee has to find open ice during a

breakout and when play is moving through the neutral zone. Players on sleds

take up more room than able-bodied players so the referee should not be

afraid to move away from the boards and move closer to the center in order to

get out of the zone.

Line Change Procedure: When conducting a line change procedure in the end

zones, the referee should move out from the end zone corners and make

themselves seen by the benches to see if anyone is coming.

Face-Offs: Officials should conduct the face-off by holding the puck out over

the face-off circle at the players’ eye level. We do not want the players having

to look up to anticipate when the official is going to drop the puck.

Body Checks: When a player body checks an opponent as they pass each

other in opposite directions, the body check must be delivered with the

shoulder. Often, a player will put out an elbow or a forearm to deliver the

check and this should be penalized as this has a ‘clothesline’ effect on the

player who was checked.

IPC Ice Sledge Hockey Rules 2011 – 2014 101

Judgment on Icing’s: Linesmen must use a different sense of judgment when

washing out an icing because he/she feels that a defending player (other than

the goalkeeper) is able to play the puck before it crosses the goal line. A player

on a sled is not able to move as quickly as an able-bodied player so use the

appropriate judgment.

Skating Backwards: It is imperative that you are aware of players behind you

before you proceed to back up. If you run into a player on a sled while skating

backwards you will end up on top of the player and hurting that player and/or

yourself.

Linesmen standing outside the blue line: Linesmen need to be aware that while

play is in the attacking zone, defensemen sometimes curl back out into the

neutral zone and come back into the attacking zone along the boards.

Linesmen will have to give the defenseman room along the boards by either

moving back further into the neutral zone or moving out from the boards to

give him room.

Never, ever jump! Officials should never jump and they should take the hit and

do everything possible not to fall on top of the players. Officials should never

jump up on the boards, as the skate blades would then be at the head level of

the players.

Team benches on the ice: When a game is played at an arena that does not

support sleds on the team bench, the players are to sit along the boards in

front of the team bench, between the blue line and the centre red line.

Penalized players are to sit on the ice in the referee’s crease.

 

If a puck is directed toward the team or penalty benches, the players are supposed to

direct the puck as if it ‘bounced’ off the boards.

 

If the puck enters the team bench or if a player has directed the puck in an unfair manner, then blow the play right away.

This is a safety issue, as there shouldn’t be players fighting for

a loose puck among the players on the ‘bench’

BSHA NOTE:

Referees: BSHA referees should use judgment here I would prefer to see officials blowing the play down should the puck become lost from sight within an “on ice bench” again a safety issue and also a potential incitement situation. Players in this country are more used to raising their arms to indicate they are not interfering with the puck. If this happens and in the opinion of the referee/s the puck is not readily accessible then blow it down whilst in the confines of an “on ice bench”

Face off should be taken at the nearest face off spot to the puck at the stoppage.

13.

Clarification of Rule 1042

Clarification of Rule 1042: Delay of Game – Shooting or

Throwing the Puck Outside the Playing Area (Page 96)

The ISH Sport Technical Committee in its function as the rule

reviewing body has issued the following clarification to the sport Rule

Book and it is required that all ISH Officials apply the ISH Rules in a

manner consistent with the below direction.

This affects rule #1042 which reads as follows:

a) A player or goalkeeper who directly shoots, throws, or bats the

puck with his hand or stick outside the playing area, shall be assessed

 

a:

Minor penalty (2′)

 

Rule #1042 shall be interpreted according to the following principles:

a) When any player or goalkeeper, while in his defending zone, shoots,

throws or bats the puck with his hand or stick directly, (non-deflected)

out of the playing area, except where there is no glass, he shall be

assessed a:

Minor penalty (2′)

 

b) When the puck is shot, thrown or batted with the hands or stick by

a player or goalkeeper into the player’s bench (or penalty bench if

there is no protective glass), no penalty shall be assessed.

c) When the puck is shot, thrown or batted with the hands or stick by

a player or goalkeeper over the glass, behind the player’s bench (or

penalty bench if there is no protective glass), he shall be assessed a:

Minor penalty (2′)

 

d) Any player or goalkeeper who deliberately shoots or bats the puck

outside the playing area during the play or after a stoppage of play

unless covered by this rule shall be assessed a:

Minor penalty (2′)

905 – Icing the Puck

a) For the purpose of this rule, the centre red line divides the ice rink into two

halves. The point of last contact with the puck by the team in possession

shall be used to determine whether or not icing has occurred.

 

b) Should a player of a team equal or superior in numerical strength shoot, bat

or deflect the puck from his own half of the ice beyond the goal line of the

opposing team, play shall be stopped and icing shall be called.

 

c) A face-off shall take place at the end zone face-off spot of the offending

team nearest to where they last touched the puck.

 

d) No icing will be called:

1. If the puck enters the goal - the goal is allowed

2. If the offending team is ‘Short Handed’ at the instant the puck is shot

3. If the puck touches any part of an opposing player, including the

goalkeeper, before crossing the goal line

4. If the puck is iced directly from a player participating in a face-off

5. If, in the opinion of the Linesman, any player from the opposing team,

except the goal keeper, is able to play the puck before it crosses the

goal line

6. Once the goalkeeper leaves his goal crease or when the goalkeeper is

outside his goal crease during icing situation and moves in the direction of

the puck.

 

e) Following a stoppage of play for an icing infraction, the offending team is NEW

prohibited from making any player change until play has resumed.

 

f) A team that is in violation of this rule shall not be permitted to make any NEW

player substitutions prior to the ensuing face-off, or should the offending

team elect to utilize their team time-out at this stoppage of play, they are

still not permitted to make any player substitutions. However, a team shall

be permitted to make a player substitution to replace a goalkeeper who had

been substituted for an extra player, to replace an injured player or

goalkeeper, or when a penalty has been assessed that affects their on-ice

strength. The determination of players on ice will be made when the puck

leaves the offending player’s stick.

 

 

g) If a team persists in changing the players after they have iced the puck, NEW

and have been warned by the Referee, the Referee shall assess to the

offending team a:

- Bench Minor penalty (2’)

BSHA NOTE: IPC Rule 905 Icing the Puck. See BSHA Rule 3

 

 

14.

IPC Rules ANNEX 3: PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

 

The following is a current list of approved players and Goalkeeper’s equipment.

All infractions related to the wearing of equipment will be penalized under

Rule1045.

Player Equipment:

Elbow Pads; Gloves; Throat Protectors; Shoulder Pads and Shin Protectors.

 

CCM Eagle Easton Ferland (DR) Graf

 

Hespeler Mission Itech Montreal Nike Bauer Pallas

 

Reebok Sherwood TPS Louisville

Goalkeeper’s Equipment:

Arm and Body; Blocker Glove; Catching Clove; and Mask.

 

Brian’s Brown CCM Eagle Eddy

 

Heaton Mission Itech Montreal Nike Bauer

 

Reebok Sherwood TPS Louisville Vaughn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.

Teeing – Rule 1031

Striking the clenched fist of one hand into the fore arm of

the opposite arm in front of the chest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delay of Game – Rule 1042

Placing the non-whistle hand, open palm, across the chest and extended from the shoulder out from the body.