HFHL FAQ

Pre-season

How are teams created?

Teams are created via a draft shortly before the beginning of the season (usually within one week prior to the first game).

Captains choose players from a closed list of 48 players. The draft order is determined randomly via a “draw from a hat”.

How does the draft order “draw from a hat” work?

The draft is intended to attempt to balance the teams under the assumption that a higher draft pick is better.

With a parity of skill among the captains, the draw is draft position determined by equal random chance.

In the event that there is not parity, a weighted system may be used.

As such, a random draw is weighted to increase the chances of the previous season’s “poorest” performing teams according to the season stats. There is also a reward for play-off performance.

The exact method may vary and, as such, is not described in any detail.

Can the captains trade their draft position?

Yes, the captains can trade under the following constraints:

• The league commissioner must explicitly approve all trades.
• Trades should be made in good faith; that is, fulfilling the responsibility of the captain to “draft a competitive team as best they can”.
• Draft position trades may also include draft round picks. For example;
  • 4th draft position and 1st & 4th round picks
    for
  • 2nd draft position and 2nd & 3rd round picks.

What if there are extra players?

Extra players are given the option to join the waiting list. They would be eligible to be used as replacement players if vacancies occur during the season.

How do the draft picks work?

It is a “snaking draft”. That is, the captain with the 6th pick also gets the 7th pick. The captain with the 1st pick gets the 12th pick as their second pick.

The Executive has and may adjust the draft with the goal of creating a fun and competitive league.

Are the draft results made public?

No, not formally. Players of course know which team they are on but they typically do not know when they were picked.

Roles

What are the roles in the league?

1. Commissioner
2. Executive Member
3. Player
4. Captain
5. Scorekeeper
6. Referee

What is meant by role?

A role is simply a named set of responsibilities. A person in the league may have one or more roles at any given time.

How is the commissioner determined?

The commissioner role is passed on by the current commissioner usually with extensive input from the executive. There is only one commissioner at any given time although there may be a transition period where the outgoing commissioner still performs some commissioner duties.

How are the league executive members determined?

League executive members are recruited by the commissioner and other league executives from the current active players. There is not a set number of league executive members but it is at least three (including the commissioner).

What are the responsibilities of the commissioner? (this is a general list without all details)

• Maintain and secure the league bank account
• Making any payments on behalf of the league
• Ensure league registration fees are paid
• Ensure that all player waivers are signed
• Liaise with the facilities management on all facility issues
• Ensure that the league schedule is posted and/or circulated
• Facilitate the assessment of players new to the league
• Ensure that league equipment is available at each session (game balls, stat sheets, whistles, etc.)
• Liaise with captains on scheduling and conducting all activities related to the draft
• Make the final decision on any questions concerning the rules that govern all aspects of the league

What are the responsibilities of the league executive? (this is a general list without all details)

• Assist the commissioner with all activities of pre-season set-up
• Assist the commissioner with all activities of league games
• Assist the commissioner with determining changes to existing rules and new rules
• Assist the commissioner with determining in-season player replacements
• Assist the commissioner with maintaining the league website
• Assist the commissioner with deciding on any disciplinary actions

How are captains determined?

Captains are recruited by the league executive from the current active players.

What are the captains’ responsibilities?

• draft a competitive team as best they can
• communicate with players on league news and schedule information (via phone, sms, and/or email)
• organize the team lines and tactics during games
• be a positive and productive influence in the league’s operation

Are there any other perks or rewards for being a captain?

No. However, captains often also act as referees and/or scorekeepers which may receive a benefit for their service (see below).

Are there team jerseys/shirts?

No. Teams have no standard shirt but there is a generic league game shirt (white and black) that players will be required to have; purchase if necessary from the commissioner. Players wear their dark shirt (home team) or white shirt (away team).

How are referees and scorekeeper selected?

Referees and scorekeepers are recruited by the league executive from the current active players.

Are referees and scorekeepers paid?

No. Any small benefit for refereeing and scorekeeping is at the discretion of the executive and would only be provided after the season in which the duties were completed.

What are the referees’ responsibilities?

• Ensure that the game is fun, fair, and safe for ALL players.
• Know the league rules.
• Call appropriate stoppages in play.
• Keep the game moving.
• Communicate clearly, quickly, and dispassionately to all players under all circumstances.

What are the scorekeepers’ responsibilities?

1. Know the league rules.
2. Keep an accurate running time of each period.
3. Observe the game with full attention.
4. Record appropriate and accurate stats on the scoresheet provided.
5. Call appropriate stoppages in play when not already called on on-court referees.
6. Announce when a period is close to ending (usually with 2 or 3 minutes remaining).
7. Communicate clearly, quickly, and dispassionately to all players under all circumstances.

Which stats are recorded?

Stats will be kept for

• Goals (including powerplay and short-handed)
• Assists
• Penalties
• Shots on goal
• Saves in a game
• Save percentage

Players

What do players need to do to play in the league?

1. Be invited by another league member.
2. If before the season starts, play in at least one pre-season pick-up game.
3. Sign a waiver.
4. Pay the registration fee.

Why does a new recruit need to play in a pre-season pick-up game?

Players are usually brought in by other league members. Players are required to participate in pre-season pick-up games. This allows the team captains and other players to assess their skill level prior to the draft.

Why do players have to sign a waiver?

It is an acknowledgement that players are accepting formal responsibility for the inherent risk of playing the sport of ball hockey.

How much does it cost to play in the league?

The current registration fee is $90 for a season.

How many games does a player get for each season?

One or two pre-season pick-up games.

Ten regular season games.

Up to three play-off or pick-up games.

What do players need to do to play before the season begins?

• Sign a waiver (once per calendar year).
• Pay the league registration fee.
• Disclose any known commitments that would prevent the player from attending one or more games.

What are players' responsibilities during the season?

• Bring the appropriate shirt color to each game. It is a best practice to bring both a dark and white shirt to every session.
• Inform the team captain (via email, sms, or phone) if they cannot play in the next scheduled game.
• Be respectful of all other league members. Disagreements are fine but personal attacks or verbal abuse is not acceptable.

What equipment is required?

• Stick
• Indoor footwear

What equipment is recommended?

• Eye protection
• Shin guards
• Mouthguard
• Gloves
• Groin cup

Where do the games take place?

All games are held at the gym at Prospect Road Community Center; 2141 Prospect Rd, Hatchet Lake, NS [Map].

Are there any special requirements for entry?

No, there is plenty of parking and the playing surface is just beyond the main front doors.

What kind of stick can I use?

Any official hockey stick (of any material) is permissible. No stick tape, around the blade such that it would touch the floor, is permitted.

What is indoor footwear?

Indoor footwear is footwear that is primarily worn indoors (not wet and dirty).

Season

How are the teams organized?

There is one division. Teams play their division teams twice in the season.

How are points awarded during the regular season?

Teams are awarded 2 points for a win and 1 point for a tie.

Are time slots balanced over the season?

Yes, a team plays as even a mixture of early, middle, and late games.

Are time slots balanced over the season between specific teams?

No. As there are six teams and three playing times, an even distribution of game times is not possible.

Play-offs

How are first-round play-off match-ups determined?

Play-off match-ups are determined as follows.

6th versus 1st

5th versus 2nd

4th versus 3rd

Winners advance as well as a fourth team.

How are ties handled?

Season ranking tiebreakers are determined in the following order

1. Number of wins
2. Best head-to-head record
3. Best season plus-minus
4. Coin toss

How are subsequent round play-off match-ups determined?

After the first play-off round the three winning teams advance. One of the losing teams advances based on;

1. First round play-off game plus/minus (during regulation play, not shoot-out)
2. The team who placed higher in the regular season.

The three winning teams are reseeded according to their season position, with the losing team automatically becoming the fourth seed.

Who is the home team in a play-off match-up?

The team with the highest rank, based on season records, is the home team, except if the team lost but advanced to the second playoff round. This team is considered the fourth place team for determining the home team. The home team chooses which end they want to begin the game in.

How are court and time slot assignments determined?

The team’s ranking overall, based on season records, determines what choices they have. Team #1 chooses the time slot first. Team #2 choose second and Team #3 gets what remains. These choices are made by the captains a day or more in advance of the game. The commissioner may set the schedule tomorrow morning and I will be there for the update to ensure adequate referee coverage.

Rules - Pre-Game

How are team court ends determined?

The Home team may choose which end of the floor they will defend for the 1st and 3rd periods. If the Home team has no preference, the choice will be given to the Visiting team.

What if a team’s goalie is not in attendance?

The team can replace the goalie as best they can under the following constraints:

• For Regular Season games this must be a goalie from another team or a goalie on the spare list. As needed, the commissioner will facilitate the replacement process. In the rare event that there is no goalie available and with the approval of the executive, a player from any team can step in as goalie.
• For Play-off games a substitute goalie will be selected independently by the Executive with the primary goal of parity. Captains should inform the league as soon as they know their goalie will be unavailable. There is no guarantee that a goalie will be available.

The game will still begin as scheduled regardless of whether or not a replacement has been arranged.

What is the required start time?

The games should begin by no later than 8 minutes past the hour; 7:08 PM etc .

It is the responsibility of the referees to ensure that the games begin on-time.

What if a team’s goalie is late?

The game will still begin as scheduled. The team without the goalie may add another player from the bench (just as if they had pulled their goalie).

[Why?] This rule is intended to ensure that games end within the time that the league has arranged with the facilities.

Rules - In Game

How long are the games?

Games consist of three 15-minute straight time periods (monitored by the scorekeeper). The official game clock is run by the scorekeeper. They are responsible for sounding the whistle to end the period.

There is a one minute break between periods.

When is the clock stopped?

When there are injuries and/or major delays. The clock is also paused for stoppages in play during the last 2 minutes of the third period IF the score is within five or fewer goals. This may be waived if the game will run beyond the end time of our facility rental.

How many players are on-the-court during play?

Teams will have a maximum of five players (typically four runners and one goalie) on the court during play. Players shift as needed or as agreed by the team.

Can a team pull their goalie?

Yes. The goalie can be pulled and replaced by a player at any time. The rules for player changes still apply.

When can players change?

On-the-fly or during a stoppage in play. A team may be assessed a too-many-men penalty should a player that is shifting off interfere with the play.

Can timeouts be called?

Yes. Each team has one timeout available per game. A timeout is a 30 second break in play.

Play resumes with the team having possession where the time-out was called, or a face-off (For example: behind the net).

Under what circumstances can timeouts be called?

A timeout is called by a player asking the referee or scorekeeper for a timeout, provided that the play has stopped (see Stoppages).

Ties

What if the game ends in a tie?

Ties - Regular Season

The game is over and is recorded as a tie.

Ties - Play-offs

Ties will be decided by a 5 minute sudden death overtime period. If tied after the OT period, a shootout will decide the game.

In a shootout five players from each team will shoot until a winner is determined. If still tied, sudden death shootout occurs.

Shoot-out

How does a shoot-out work exactly?

The home team determines which team gets to choose whether they shoot first or second.

Captains choose 5 shooters and their order in advance of the shoot-out start but after the coin toss.

In sudden death, the 5 player order begins again until one team scores and the other does not.

Can goalies shoot in a shoot-out?

Yes. Goalies are eligible to shoot in a shoot-out but they may only remove equipment worn on the hand (i.e. stick, blocker and glove).

General

Is there an offside rule?

No.

Is there an icing rule?

No.

What constitutes ?

No.

Stoppages

Non-Penalties

What constitutes a hand pass?

A player that gains possession of the ball directly after a player from the same team makes contact with the ball with their hand is a hand pass. The whistle will blow and a turnover of possession occurs.

Are players allowed to grab the ball with their hands?

Yes, but the ball must be directed directly to the floor. Any duration or change or direction may result in a whistle and turnover of possession occurs.

Can the ball be kicked to a teammate?

Yes.

Can a goal be scored by kicking?

No. Anything other than incidental and unintentional contact with the foot will not count as a goal.

What if the net is dislodged?

Depends.

If the net is more than six inches off, a stoppage will be called. If it is clear which player is primarily responsible, then the other team will gain possession. If it is unclear, the defense team will gain possession.

Whenever the net is off, the goalie or referees should attempt to reposition it without interfering in play.

When do face-offs occur?

They occur at the start of a period. They may occur during the game if an unusual event occurs and neither team is deemed mostly responsible.

Penalties

What are considered penalties?

The standard hockey penalties apply.

• Tripping
• Roughing
• Interference
• Checking/boarding (called as Roughing)
• Slashing
• Hooking
• Sliding
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct
• Too-many-men
• Delay of game

What types of penalties can be assessed?

Five types of penalties can be assessed. Unless otherwise stated, all penalties should be assumed to be Minor Penalties.

1. Minor
2. Double Minor
3. Major
4. Misconduct
5. Suspension

Minor Penalty

• All penalties unless otherwise noted below.

The offending player is removed from the game for 2 minutes. The offending player’s team plays shorthanded for the duration of the penalty OR until the opposing team scores a goal.

Double Minor Penalty

• Excessive physical contact along the walls.

The offending player is removed from the game for 4 minutes (two 2 minute penalties). The offending player’s team plays shorthanded for the duration of the penalty OR until the opposing team scores a goal.

If a goal is scored during the first two minutes, the penalized team is still shorthanded. The second two minutes of the penalty is started upon the resumption of play. At that point the penalty is the same as a Minor Penalty.

Major Penalty

• Excessive physical contact (checking/boarding) along the walls resulting in injury.
• Stick contact to the head or face resulting in an injury (blood, bruise, or visible damage is considered an injury). The incident does not have to qualify as a high stick penalty.
• Reckless play that is deemed by the referees as showing a gross disregard for other players safety.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct that involves threats of physical violence to another player.

The offending player’s team plays shorthanded for a full 5 minutes, regardless of any powerplay goals scored. The offending player is removed from the game.

If the Major Penalty is called within the last five minutes of the game, the player will be removed from the current game AND the following game.

Misconduct

When a player engages in physical contact and is/was not involved in the initial altercation.

• Leaving the net or the bench to engage in any physical contact with the players on-the-floor. 'Leaving the net' occurs if the original altercation does not already involve the goaltender.
• Leaving the bench to engage in any physical contact with the players on-the-floor.

A player on the offending team on-the-floor at the time of the infraction, chosen by the offending team, is removed from the game for 10 minutes.

The misconduct itself does not force the offending team to play short-handed, however, it is in addition to any other penalties assessed!

Suspension

The offending player is not permitted to play in subsequent games (see Major Penalty in the last 5 minutes rule).

A suspension may be assessed at ANY point following an incident.

Incidents include:

• Late game double minor penalties.
• Late game major penalties.
• Any threats of physical harm to other players, on or off the court.

An incident warranting a suspension will be decided by the Exec based on the infraction and player history.

What happens when a second penalty is called?

The penalized team plays with two runners.

Is there a limit to the number of penalties a player can incur?

Players are limited to incurring three penalties in a game. If a third penalty is assessed, the penalized player is immediately removed from the game. The penalty is still served by the penalized team.

What constitutes a high stick infraction?

High sticks, when a stick blade goes above the net crossbar, are discouraged, and will have one of the following consequences, depending on the danger of the situation.

1. Warning
2. Stoppage of play. Loss of possession.
3. Minor penalty
4. Major penalty

A non-dangerous high stick that does not meet any of the subsequent requirements may trigger a warning to the player.

A stoppage of play may be called and possession given to the non-offending team when a player’s stick goes above the net crossbar AND makes NO contact with the ball or a player…

• during a failed attempt to make contact with the game ball.
• as a result of lifting another player's stick.
• while among any other players on either team.

A high stick Minor penalty will be called when a player’s stick goes above the net crossbar AND makes contact with the ball or a player...

• during an attempt to make contact with the game ball.
• on a shot follow-through.
• on a shot wind-up.
• as a result of lifting another player's stick.
• while among any other players on either team.

A high stick Major penalty will be called when a player’s stick goes above the net crossbar…

1. and makes contact with another player resulting in blood being drawn. The exception to this is where a player’s stick is lifted by another player.
2. and is wielding their stick in a reckless manner resulting in blood being drawn.

What is the sliding rule?

A player that slides along the floor on any part of their body other than their feet may be assessed a sliding penalty if they (1) do so as to make contact, or almost make contact, with an opposing player and/or (2) do so in a reckless fashion.

[Why?] This rule is intended to deter people from sliding. Sliding is generally considered by the league to be an unnecessarily risky maneuver (specifically for injuries resulting from trips and collisions).

What if a player dig excessively at a ball covered by the goalie?

A slashing penalty may be called.

What if a player runs into the goalie?

The player will be assessed an interference penalty.

If the contact with the goalie is deemed by the referees as deliberate and/or reckless, the offending player will be assessed a double-minor or five minute Major Penalty rather than the two minute Minor Penalty.

What defines the crease?

The crease is defined by the blue line around the play area in front of each net.

What if the goalie covers the ball outside of their crease?

A warning may be issued, possession may be awarded to the other team, or a delay-of-game may be called at the discretion of the referees. The referees would likely escalate the consequences if the goalie repeatedly covers the ball outside of the crease.

A goalie is out of their crease if their entire body, including protective equipment, is out of the crease.

An exception is when a goalie moves out of their big crease to face a shot. In the process of making the save the goalie may cover the ball, provided they are under pressure from players on the opposing team.

[Why?] This rule is intended to discourage the goalie from stopping play well outside their crease.

Can the goalie cover the ball under any circumstance?

No. The referees will encourage the goalie to play the ball in their possession, whether in the crease or not, if they are not under direct pressure from players on the opposing team.

[Why?] This rule is intended to keep the game moving and prevent goalies from covering the ball unnecessarily, perhaps in some cases as a delaying tactic.

Are opposing players allowed in the crease?

Players may enter the crease only for an incidental and short period of time while actively playing the ball. Players may not stand in the crease. Otherwise a player may be assessed an interference penalty.

A player that makes anything but minimal contact with the goalie OR impedes the goalie’s movement while in the crease may be assessed an interference penalty.

What is the over-stick slash rule?

This is a clarification of the standard slashing rule. The slashing of sticks, in addition to slashing of the body, is not permitted. Specifically, bringing one’s stick down over an opponent’s stick in a vigorous downward motion.

Players are permitted to lift an opponent’s stick in an upward direction at any time.

[Why?] This rule is intended to keep players from slashing.

What is the stick hooking rule?

This is a clarification of the standard hooking rule.The hooking of sticks, in addition to hooking of the body, is not permitted. A penalty is called when hooking another players stick outside of playing the ball, often during an attempt to impede another player.

[Why?] This rule is intended to keep players from unduly interfering with other players.

What is the stick interference rule?

This is a clarification of the standard interference rule. A player is not permitted to use their stick to pin or unduly impede an opponent’s stick or body. This only occurs if the ball is not in play with the relevant players. Often the offending player is ignoring the ball and acting to interfere with another player's motion. An interference penalty will be called.

[Why?] This rule is intended to keep players from unduly interfering with other players.

The Court

What happens if the ball hits the rope, basketball net at midcourt, or other fixed gym equipment?

The play continues without interruption. However, a referee may signal a stoppage in play at their discretion if something unusual occurs.

An exception is the ball hitting the basketball net above the hockey net (and goalie). A stoppage is called and the defending team is awarded possession behind their net. The basketball net includes the netting, hoop, backboard, and metal apparatus that attaches it to the wall.

Why is there an exception for the basketball net above the hockey nets?

Because of the close proximity to the hockey net (a few feet directly above), ball contact is deemed to be too unpredictable, and therefore, unfair to the defending team.

What happens if the ball gets caught on the back of the hockey net?

A stoppage may be called by the referee if it remains lodged for more than a second or so. Possession would be awarded to the defending team’s goalie.

What happens if a player intentionally forces the ball onto the back of their hockey net?

The referee has the discretion to award possession to the other team.

What happens if the ball gets caught around the benches?

The first player to arrive can use their hand to return the ball to play. Players on the bench may assist in returning the ball to play. However, attempts to direct the ball in favour of their team, a stoppage may result with possession awarded to the other team. A stoppage may be called by the referee if necessary.

What happens if the ball hits the ceiling?

The play continues without interruption.

Stoppages - General

What signals a stoppage in play?

The whistle is blown by a referee.

What signals the end of the period?

The whistle is blown with three quick blasts, usually by the Scorekeeper.

What happens if there is a stoppage in play?

The referee indicates which team has possession and from where. A whistle or a face-off always signals the resumption of play.

Where does play resume after a stoppage in play?

• Behind the net with defence team possession
• Corner with possession
• By the player bench with possession
• Center via face-off

What happens if the goalie causes a stoppage in play by holding the ball?

A player gets possession behind the net. The player must stay behind the net until the play is started by the referee.

The opposing players must remain behind ‘the orange line’ until the resumption of play is signaled by a whistle.

‘The orange line’ is one of two green lines that run across both courts at each end just in front of each goalie’s crease. ‘The orange line’ is the one closest to the net.

What happens if the ball is crushed during play?

A stoppage occurs. Possession is awarded to the opposing team of the player that crushed the ball.

If it is unclear which player crushed the ball, possession is awarded to the team on defense, either in the corner or behind the net, whichever is in closest proximity to where the stoppage occurred.

What happens if there is immediate disagreement on the call of a play, goal, penalty, or other stoppage?

If there is not clear agreement among the referees, all will gather and discuss their view on the incident. They will come to an agreement and announce the decision. The scorekeeper is considered a referee.

Wait, why is the scorekeeper considered a referee?

The scorekeeper is a third pair of eyes on the game. They have a whistle and are able to call a stoppage in play should they see the need and one of the on-court referees has not called a stoppage in play.

The scorekeeper is also a third opinion/perspective in the event of an immediate disagreement on the call of a play.

Rules - Out of Game

What happens if a player is not acting in an appropriate manner while on or off of the court?

If a player is playing excessively physical, or is verbally abusive to other players, on their team or other, it may result in an escalating series of actions by the commissioner and/or the league exec. This is in addition to any penalties that may have been called by the referees during games.

The actions may be any or all of the following...

1. A discussion with the commissioner about the specific unacceptable behavior
2. A warning from the commissioner that subsequent offenses will have greater consequences
3. A suspension of one or more games
4. A suspension for the remainder of the season
5. Permanent ejection from the league

What happens if a player cannot play because they are injured?

If a player is injured and it is determined in good faith that they will not be able to play for the remainder of the season, the captain may elect to replace the player if the 7th game of the season has not been played yet. The ‘player replacement process’ would be initiated.

What happens if a player cannot play because they quit?

If a player decides, or is forced, to leave the league for any reason, the captain may elect to replace the player if the 7th season game has not been played yet. The ‘player replacement process’ would be initiated.

What is the ‘player replacement process’ ?

This process is intended to guide the league in the process of replacing players after the season has begun in a swift and fair manner.

1. Captain requests a replacement player.
2. League exec reviews the available list of recruits. The primary task is to replace a player with another player with approximately the same skill level as best we can with the available players. The skill-level may vary.
3. The league exec will then assign the replacement player to the team.

Can the captain cancel their request for a replacement player?

No.

What if the captain does not want the replacement player?

The team must still take the player. Once the captain initiates the ‘player replacement process’ he must take whomever his team is assigned.

How are players added to the waiting list?

A potential player must express a desire to be on the waiting list either verbally or via email to the commissioner.

How are players’ abilities determined?

A potential player is assessed by all means possible. The league executive will review their past performance in the league. They may also consult the players stats from other leagues (For example: BallStar).

The team captains may also be polled for their assessment.

If not enough league members know the player, they may be granted a trial game with the team that they could be assigned to.

Regardless of the methods used, the decision on replacements is the commissioner’s.

Can a potential new player request a team to play on or even conditionally join the league based on being assigned to a specific team?

No. The potential player must agree to play on whatever team that they are to be assigned to.

Who recruits players for the waiting list or into the league in the pre-season?

Everyone. A simple email or in-person introduction to the commissioner is the first step.

Does the ‘order received’ of the captains’ requests play any part in replacement player assignment?

No.

Can a team pick up extra players for games?

Regular Season

If the team has less than five players they can pick up players to bring them to five. Any willing league player can be picked-up in this manner.

Play-offs

The team cannot pick-up any players. If the team has less than four players and a goalie, the game is automatically forfeited. If both teams agree, they can play a pick-up game.

How is a forfeited game recorded?

It is recorded as a 5-0 loss.

Why does the league use a wiffle ball?

The whiffle ball is a good balance between performance and safety.

What material is stuffed in the wiffle ball?

The material varies from fleece to rubber. The objective is to make the balls an appropriate and consistent weight, as well as non-bouncy.

Please note. The league commissioner and executive has the right to address any issue as they see fit, even if covered in this FAQ. All decisions will be made using all information available and always with the better interests of the league as a whole.