Playing Area– Any gymnasium that is laid out for basketball can be used. Center line is the mid-court line of a basketball court. The center circle is the basketball mid-court jump circle. Play always begins in this circle to start the game, after a goal, or a penalty. Goals are any marked area not to exceed 58 by 46 inches. Hockey nets are recommended. The goal box is a line 5 feet from the front of the goal and 4 feet on each side of the goal.

Positions– Each team consists of 6 player positions:

• A goalkeeper who may stop shots with hands, feet, or stick.
•  A center, who is the only player allowed to move full court and who leads offensive play. The center usually has his or her stick striped with black tape.
•  Two defensive players who may not go past the center line into the offensive area and whose responsibility is to keep the puck out of the defensive end of the court.
• Two forwards who may not go past the center line into the defensive are and who work with the center setting up offensive plays.

The Game– The game consists of three periods of 8 minutes each with 5 minutes between periods. The first period starts with a flip for possession. We use Rock-Paper-Scissors. The team that is behind in the scoring after the first and second periods is given possession of the puck to start play in the second and third periods. Play starts on the whistle. Penalty for starting before the whistle is loss of possession. The center must have one foot inside the circle and start play with a pass from the circle. All other players must be outside the 10 foot restraining circle. Goals may not be scored directly off the pass from the center circle on the start of play.

 The Play – Time starts when the ball or puck is put into play by the center and is touched by a member of either team.
The clock will stop when a goal is scored or a roughing foul or misconduct is called. Play is not stopped for running fouls. Free substitution is permitted at any time. Change of positions between guards and forwards may be made only when the puck is dead, a goal is scored, or roughing or misconduct foul is called. There is no out of bounds. There are no team timeouts. Overtime games are “Sudden Death” (first goal scored) with each period being 5 minutes with a 2-minute rest period between periods.

Scoring– One point is scored each time the puck passes across the goal line. If the puck crosses the goal line while in the air, it must hit the back wall of the goal to count for a score. Pucks can deflect off of a player or equipment. Pucks cannot be kicked into the goal. Goals do not score on a foul.

Goalkeeping– The goalkeeper must use his or her hands to clear the puck away from the goal. The goalkeeper may not hold or throw the puck towards the other end of the playing area. The penalty for throwing the puck is loss of possession and a misconduct foul. No other player may enter the goal box without being charged with misconduct foul. The goalkeeper may leave the goal box, but is restricted to the center line.

Fouls– Players charged with a running foul, roughing foul, or misconduct must sit out two minutes. His or her team must play shorthanded for this period. If the opposition during the penalty scores a goal, the player may return to the game.

1.  Running Fouls

• Defensive players and forwards crossing over center line.
• Touching the puck with the hand.
• Swinging the stick above the knees called high sticking.
• Goalie throwing the puck.
• Player other than goalie entering the goal box.
• Chopping at the puck to raise it in the air.

   2.   Roughing Fouls

• Hacking or Striking another player with the stick
• Pushing
• Blocking with the body
• Any action considered dangerous to other players

 3.   Misconduct Fouls

• Any time play is deliberately stopped by lying on, stepping on, or holding the puck.
• Too many players on the floor.
•  Offensive or defensive players (other than the goalie) in goal box area with their stick.