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RULES
OPWHL Official Rules & Regulations
Updated as of September 2018
Table of Contents
1. Playing Area
2. Equipment
3. Player Level Classifications
4. Game Rules
5. Face-offs
6. Scoring
7. Scorekeeping & Timekeeping
8. Game Play Responsibilities
9. Forfeit Policy
10. Code of Conduct
11. Penalty Stipulations
12. Minor Penalties (2 Minutes)
13. Major Penalties (5 Minutes & Game Misconduct)
14. Playoff Schedule
1.1. The playing venue and area for power wheelchair hockey is in a gymnasium and shall be 50 ft. by 100 ft.
1.2. The nets used shall be 3 feet high by 6 feet wide. The nets shall be placed at each end of the gymnasium and centered between the rectangular goal creases, which are marked on the floor (6 feet wide by 3 feet deep).
1.3. There will be a total of five (5) face-off areas located on the playing area, one in the center of the playing area, and two in front of each net. All face-off areas will be clearly marked.
1.4. The time clock will be located on one side of the gymnasium. Team benches will be on the opposite side (if possible), with the penalty area beside each team bench.
1.5. All coaches and players must stay in their designated team areas throughout the game. Exception: If a wheelchair is flipped during a game, coaches are permitted to leave the team bench to assist and aid the player.
2.1. Floorball sticks and T sticks (dowel inserted through the blade) are both used in PowerHockey.
2.2. Stick shafts and blades shall be made of plastic or composite materials and shall have a maximum length of 42 inches (105 cm) from the end of the shaft to the heel of the blade. Composite shafts may not have wood or metal in their composition.
2.3. Goaltenders may use plastic goaltender sticks or floorball sticks but they must be attached to the wheelchair.
2.4. A dowel may be inserted through the blade, but may be no more than three (3) inches in length perpendicular to the main stick blade and no more than half an inch (1/2") in diameter. A dowel may be curved to a maximum length of four (4) inches on each side. No other modifications may be made to the blade. Any other modifications to the stick are subject to Board approval. If a player is unable to hold a stick, they can be secured by tape, twist ties or a bracket.
2.5. All players must use electric wheelchairs. No special attachments or modifications will be allowed on any wheelchair that may prevent the ball from travelling underneath or around the chair. All unnecessary bags/backpacks must be removed from wheelchairs for each game.
2.6. Maximum chair speed is 9 mph.
2.7. The official OPWHL ball is a Floorball hollow plastic ball 2 7/8" in diameter with holes. For players that may have visual impairments, it is preferred that the game ball be a bright neon color.
2.8. Each team jersey must have different colors and be distinct from other teams. Each player must wear their team jersey during all games. Players who show up without their proper jersey will be allowed to wear a spare jersey.
2.9. All players must wear protective eyewear and a seatbelt at all times. Prescription glasses are permitted. It is the players’ responsibility to ensure that they are equipped with and wearing appropriate eyewear (safety glasses will be provided).
2.10. Players are not allowed to play with a broken stick, or a penalty will be given for illegal equipment. A broken stick is defined as a broken off or hanging stick blade or shaft. If a stick breaks during play, the stick must be immediately released by the player (unless it is unsafe to do so) however the player may remain on the floor and continue playing. At the first opportunity, players will go to their bench to obtain a replacement stick without leaving the playing surface. If the broken stick is attached to a level 3 player, they can remain in the game until the next whistle when they must leave the playing surface to have their stick removed/replaced. If their broken stick touches the ball, a whistle will be blown immediately at which time they will leave the playing surface. The face-off will take place in the offending team zone.
In PowerHockey, players are categorized into levels 1, 2 or 3 depending on their abilities. This classification system is based solely on physical strength and does not take into account a player's knowledge of hockey. The OPWHL board and coaches will determine a player’s level based on the following classifications. If a player wishes to appeal their level, they are to discuss with their coach, who will then approach the Board of Directors with recommendations.
LEVEL 1
A level 1 player has the upper body strength to lift the stick and hit the ball a good distance and with speed. These players have the ability to shoot and pass the ball quickly and with velocity. These players can usually switch the ball easily from forehand to backhand (or vice-versa) allowing good ability to carry, control, and maneuver with the ball through/around other players. These are players who can reach in front, across, or possibly even behind his/her wheelchair with their stick relatively easily, to bring the ball into their control, or take it away from another player.
LEVEL 2
This level ranges from (a) players who may be able to lift the stick and hit the ball with fair distance and speed, but lack the power and reaching ability as seen in a Level 1, to (b) players who may rely on the strength/momentum of the wheelchair to shoot and pass the ball, and may be unable to easily lift and swing the stick. These players generally keep the stick on one side of their chair or hold the stick between their legs. They may or may not have the stick taped/attached to their hand/arm/leg. Level 2 players lack the ability to easily or effectively reach with their stick to more than one side of their chair/body. These players are able to carry and control the ball, but their limited ability to reach restricts their capability to maneuver through and around other players with the ball. A Level 2 player will commonly not have the strength to easily or effectively use their backhand to shoot, control the ball, or pass the ball with force.
LEVEL 3
A player who tapes/mounts/brackets the stick to the wheelchair, or can hold the stick, but rely almost entirely on the strength/momentum of the wheelchair to shoot, pass, and control the ball is considered a level 3. They are very limited in physical ability/strength to maneuver the ball through/around other players, and are unable to reach with their stick.
4.1. A maximum of five players per team is allowed during gameplay (including the goalie). Each team can have a maximum of 12 players on their roster.
4.2. A team may only play one level 1 ranked player on the floor at any given time.
4.3. A level 3 player (stick attached or non-stick attached) must be on the floor at all times, playing in a forward or defensive position.
4.4. A level 1 or 2 ranked player can be considered a level 3, only if he/she tapes the stick (or uses a bracket or stick mount) to their chair.
4.5. Goaltenders must be a level 3 player. Goaltenders must be stick attached.
4.6. When a goaltender is hit in the head with the ball, a whistle may be blown if the referee deems the goalie is injured or they lose their eye protection.
4.7. Teams will not switch ends at the end of each period.
4.8. Each team is allowed one time-out per game, lasting one (1) minute.
4.9. A team may change their players at any time during the play of the game. Players are to be beside the team bench when a line change is made.
4.10. An offensive player is offside if they cross the centerline prior to the ball. If the ball leaves the offensive zone all offensive players must clear the zone before the ball can be carried or shot back into the zone.
4.11. If an offensive player crosses the line before the ball, which is shot, passed or deflected, into the offensive zone, but a defending player is able to play the ball, the referee shall signal a DELAYED OFFSIDE. The offside violation will be nullified if all offensive players in the offensive zone clear the offensive zone by making chair contact with the centerline. *No goal can be scored on a delayed offside.
4.12. If a player’s wheelchair becomes inoperable, they must immediately notify the referee. A whistle will be blown only when that player’s team takes possession of the ball, unless there is immediate danger to the player.
4.13. Due to time constraints during regular season games, there will be no overtime gameplay. One (1) point in the standings will be awarded for each team in a tie game.
4.14. Only the team captain or assistant captain may discuss calls with the referee. Coaches are not allowed on the playing surface to discuss calls made by officials which an result in unsportsmanlike penalty.
4.15. Penalty Shots: Penalty shots will be awarded if an opposing player throws a stick, which impedes progress of the ball or the player in possession of the ball, slashes or hooks a player that is on a breakaway (with no player between the ball carrier and the goaltender).
4.16. If a player makes contact with the ball using a stick raised above the shoulder (a high stick), play will be whistled down and will resume in the offending team’s zone.
4.17. The ball may not be carried on the stick ‘lacrosse-style’ to attempt a shot on net. The play will be whistled down and will resume in the offending team’s zone.
4.18. If a player swats a ball with an open hand it will be considered a hand pass only if the next player to make contact with the ball is on his or her own team. If they or an opponent make contact with the ball, the play will continue.
4.19. A goalie is permitted to leave their crease to play the ball and can return to the crease at any time.
4.20. During game time, if a safety issue or an escalating confrontation causes concern, attending board members have authority to intervene to ensure gameplay is safe for players or to diffuse the situation, however board members cannot overturn ref or penalty calls.
5.1. The game will begin with a face-off at the centre face-off circle. The referee will place the ball on the floor and make certain that the two players taking the face-off have their sticks lined up 6 inches on either side of the ball. The players are to wait for the referees whistle before playing the ball. If a player touches the ball before the whistle is blown, they may be thrown out of the faceoff.
5.2. All periods will begin with a face-off at the centre face-off circle. After a goal has been scored, play will resume with a face-off at the centre face-off circle.
5.3. The referee shall call a face-off if the ball becomes non-playable by, rolling under players chairs (for more than 4 seconds and the player is unable to get off the ball), into a team bench area, if the ball rolls into a non-playable area, if the ball is crushed or if the ball lands on a player or in their wheelchair. The face-off will take place at the closest face-off circle to where the play of the game was stopped. This also applies when resuming play after a time out is called, a dead ball, and after a save has been made.
5.4. After a penalty is called, the next faceoff will take place in the offending teams zone.
5.5. After an offside whistle occurs, the face-off will take place in the offending teams zone, on the side closest to where the play was blown dead.
6.1. A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line or the ball enters the net below the crossbar.
6.2. A ball cannot be kicked into the net.
6.3. Players are not allowed to use their feet or hands to carry or hold the ball while it's in play. If there is a distinct kicking motion on the ball (including goaltenders), a whistle will be blown if the offending team takes immediate possession of the ball.
6.4. A goal will be disallowed if a player swats or punches the ball with their hand into the net. If a player shoots the ball and it happens to go in off their hand while holding onto the stick or if the ball deflects off of their hand or arm, the goal will count.
6.5. It is the referee’s responsibility, when the ball has rolled under a goalies chair, to count one- one thousand-two before stopping play.
7.1. OPWHL league games consist of three (3) 15-minute periods, running time, with a two (2) minute intermission between periods.
7.2. During running time, the time clock will be stopped for all goals and penalties.
7.3. Penalties will be served in stop-time (time permitting).
7.4. Exception: The final two (2) minutes of the third period will be played on a stop time basis if the score is within three goals. If the game is not within 3 goals, it continues in running time unless the trailing team scores to bring it within 3 goals, at which point the game will go into stop-time.
7.5. Once a game is in stop-time, it cannot return to running time.
7.6. Running Time: the time clock is stopped if a goal is scored, a penalty is called, during penalties or when a referee requests stoppage.
7.7. Stop Time: the time clock is stopped if a goal is scored, a penalty is called, during penalties, a referee requests a stoppage or a whistle is blown.
8.1. Officials
8.1.1. Ensure the timekeeper, scorekeeper, goaltenders and teams are ready for each game.
8.1.2. Inform the timekeeper and scorekeeper of all penalties that are given. This includes the penalized player, the time of the penalty, nature of the penalty and the duration. The referee is to inform the player/coach of their return time.
8.1.3. Inform the scorekeeper of player who scored each goal and those who assisted on any goals scored.
8.2. Timekeeper
8.2.1. Run the time clock; keep track of the time for each period, any time-outs, and the time for any penalties.
8.2.2. Be familiar with league policies regarding running time and stop time.
8.2.3. Instruct penalized players when he/she may return to the game.
8.3. Scorekeeper
8.3.1. Record the time of each goal, the name of the player who scored the goal and assists.
8.3.2. Document the player name, type of penalty and the start/stop time for all penalties.
8.3.3. Update the league +/- stat sheet (which means to document all players on the court when either team scores a goal)
9.1. A minimum of four players is required to play a game and no substitutions from other teams will be allowed. All members of a team must be on the court at the designated time for ball drop. If a team does not have a minimum of 4 players at ball drop, the referee will call a forfeit.
9.2. If a team is short a Level 3 player, a stick can be attached to a Level 2 player that would address the requirement for a Level 3 player to be on the court at all times.
9.3. Games can still be played if a team forfeits but the forfeited team will not receive any points from resulting gameplay. There will be a goal differential of (3-0) in instances where the opposing team forfeits a game. Therefore, regardless of the score of a forfeited game, the team that forfeits will receive 0 points and the opposing team will receive 2 points in the standings.
10.1. Good sportsmanship is viewed in the OPWHL, CEWHA (Canadian Wheelchair Hockey Association) and NAPHA (North American Power Hockey Association) as a concrete measure of understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, integrity and respect. All spectators, players, volunteers and coaches should uphold an attitude of good sportsmanship. In perception and practice, good sportsmanship shall be defined as those qualities of behaviour, which are characterized by respect and genuine concern for others.
10.2. Any unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated on or off the playing surface. This includes, but is not limited to obscene language, verbal abuse, threatening or inciting behavior, physical abuse or abuse of equipment, crashing into the net after a goal is scored, ignoring the commands of any official or coach, using any body part to lift another player’s stick or shooting on the net after the whistle has been blown and the play is dead.
10.3. A minor or 5-minute major penalty will result depending on the severity of the conduct.
10.4. If unsportsmanlike behavior continues on a repetitive basis, there will be a review by the Board of Directors, which may result in further disciplinary action including game suspensions.
10.5. Spectators who engage in unsportsmanlike behavior will receive one warning for their conduct. If their conduct continues to be objectionable they will be asked to leave the venue. If the spectator in question is an OPWHL player the incident will be subject to review by the Board of Directors and may result in further disciplinary action.
11.1. All penalties will be served in stop time (time permitting at the discretion of officials).
11.2. A player serving a minor penalty may return to the game if the opposing team scores a goal or at the end of the 2-minute penalty. If a player is serving a coincidental penalty (two players from different teams penalized at the same time), they must serve the penalty in entirety and the players cannot return until the next stoppage of play.
11.3. Major penalties will be served in their entirety.
11.4. Two (2) minutes will be assessed for minor penalties and five (5) minutes will be assessed for major penalties.
11.5. If a level 1 ranked player is serving a penalty, his/her team may NOT have a level 1 ranked player on the court until the penalty has expired. The level 1 ranked player serving the penalty is still considered to be on the floor even though they are in the penalty box. If a level 3 player is serving a penalty, the player is still considered to be on the floor, and his/her team does not have to put another level 3 out to replace the penalized player.
11.6. There must be a minimum of three (3) players per team on the playing surface including the goaltender. If another penalty is called, time will start on that penalty after one of the previous penalties has run out.
11.7. If a goaltender receives a minor/major penalty, it will be served by a teammate that was on the playing surface at the time of the penalty (player to be determined by the penalized team).
11.8. If blood is drawn as a result of any minor penalty, it automatically becomes a 4–minute double minor penalty.
11.9. A player serving a penalty must return to the playing surface after completion of penalty time before a substitution can occur unless the end of the period coincides with the end of the penalty.
11.10. All Penalty Minutes shall be served consecutively. If a player receives more than one penalty in the same instance the minutes will be tallied and all will be served consecutively i.e. if a player receives their first penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (2 minutes) and is given another penalty (2 minutes) they will serve a total of 4 minutes in penalties.
12.1. Bench Minor: Can be called against players or coaches for abuse against the officials or other players or for too many players on the floor. (Note) Coaches will be given one warning for verbal abuse. This includes questioning calls or complaining about penalties not being called. The second case will result in a 2-minute penalty. If a coach continues with verbal abuse, the game will be stopped and the offending coach will be asked to leave the playing area. A bench minor will also be given if a team does not comply with the following game rules: 4.2. - only one level 1 ranked player on the floor at any given time and 4.3. - a level 3 player must be on the floor at all times.
12.2. Boarding: Recklessly riding a player into the boards with excessive force. For example when a player forces another player into the perimeter of the playing service and then continues to make contact with the player.
12.3. Dangerous Driving: Operation of a wheelchair in a dangerous and reckless manner, while not in complete control of ones chair. Can include dangerous contact with another player, driving in a reverse direction beyond two chair lengths or making contact with another player, driving with ones head down, and unnecessary high speed contact with the perimeter of the playing surface. Trying to push another player’s chair is also not permitted.
12.4. Delay of Game: A player stops the play without cause, such as holding the ball in the corner with no player near by, closing his or her hand on the ball, intentionally shooting the ball out of play, parking on the ball and making no attempt to move for 4 seconds. When shooting the ball out of play intentionally, for a first offence, the player is given a warning, second offence, penalty will be given. A team delay of game penalty will be called if players are not on the floor and ready to begin play at the start of each period. The coach of the team receiving the delay of game penalty will decide which player will serve the penalty.
12.5. Elbowing: Making contact on another player above the armrest of the wheelchair using one’s elbow in a swinging motion.
12.6. High Sticking: Making contact with a stick on another player above the shoulders regardless of intent. This includes the windup or the follow through from shooting or passing. If a high stick draws blood, the penalty will be increased to a double minor (4 minute penalty)
12.7. Holding: Impeding someone's progress by person, wheelchair or stick.
12.8. Hooking: Impeding the progress of an opponent by hooking with the stick around a player, their stick, or their wheelchair.
12.9. Crease Violation: No player other than the goaltender is allowed in the crease. No part of the chair or stick of a player is allowed in the crease.
12.10. Goalie Interference: No player may reach under a goaltender's chair to try and score a goal. Any goal scored in this manner will be disallowed and a penalty will be called. If a player drives into the goaltender or if a player with or without the ball prevents a goalie from getting into position to make a save, with their chair or an extremity, this will be considered goalie interference.
12.11. Interference: Making physical contact with another player from the opposing team who does not have the ball, intentionally knocking a stick from an opponent’s hand or preventing a player from regaining his/her stick. When setting a pick, a player may not initiate contact with an opposing player who does not have the ball. If an opposing player initiates side-to- side contact when a player is in their pick lane, there is no interference.
12.12. Ramming: A player may not deliberately run into another player with his/her wheelchair. Side to side contact is allowed, but players may only "ride the player off." Using the front of a player's chair to make contact or trying to push a player's chair out of the way is not permitted.
12.13. Slashing: Deliberate contact with the hockey stick on another player’s body, below the shoulders. (Note) Non-aggressive stick contact to a wheelchair or stick should not be penalized as slashing. If contact to the stick results in a broken stick, a penalty will be called.
12.14. Two Hands On The Stick: Players are not permitted to play the ball with two hands on their stick.
12.15. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Unsportsmanlike conduct includes (but is not limited to) obscene language, taunting the opponent’s bench, arguing or abusing other players, officials or equipment (outlined in Section 11).
12.16. Throwing/Dropping: A penalty will be called if a player deliberately throws, drops, or shoots a stick (or any other object) at the ball to prevent a goal, or a player from advancing with the ball. If the player with the ball is advancing towards the goaltender with no defender between him/her and the goaltender, and a stick is thrown or shot at the ball, thus preventing a goal, a penalty shot will be awarded to the advancing player. If the player with the ball is advancing towards an empty net, and a stick is thrown, dropped, or shot at the ball, trying to prevent a goal, the referee will award the advancing player a goal.
13.1. Attempt to Injure: Any attempt to purposely injure another player. The Board of Directors will review incident and may impose further penalties if warranted.
13.2. Butt Ending: Using the end of the shaft during contact with another player.
13.3. Elbowing Above The Shoulders: Making contact on another player above the shoulders using one’s elbow in a swinging motion.
13.4. Fighting: Using body or wheelchair to fight with or injure another player.
13.5. Slashing: Deliberate contact with the hockey stick on another player's body with undo force, or in an attempt to injure.
13.6. Spearing: Using the blade of the stick during contact with another player.
13.7. Charging: Deliberately striking another player with one’s wheelchair with a run of more than two wheelchair lengths.
13.8. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: A player throwing their stick at another player, official, or volunteer.
13.9. Three (3) Minor Penalties: If a player receives 3 minor penalties in one game, they will be ejected from the game. The player can remain in the gymnasium as a spectator for the duration of the game but not on the team bench.
13.10. Any violation, as deemed by in game officials, can result in immediate disqualification from the game and the Board of Directors may review the violation and additional action may be imposed.
14.1. Each playoff game will consist of three (3) fifteen minute running time periods. The last two minutes of the third period will be played on a stop-time basis.
14.2. At the end of regulation time, if the score is tied, there will be a 10-minute overtime period. The overtime period will be played on a stop time basis and the first team to score wins the game.
14.3. If the overtime period ends in a tie, there will be a shootout. Each team is allowed 3 players that can shoot once. If at the end of the first rotation there is still a tie, the first go-ahead goal scored (after both teams have had the same number of shots), will determine the winner. All players on the roster for that game must take a shot in the shootout (excluding the goalie). If one team has fewer players, than that is the number of players who will shoot before the rotation starts over again. If after the three shooters the game is still tied, its moves to a sudden death shootout; meaning the next shootout goal wins (if the team who chooses to shoot first scores, the team that shoots second has the chance to redeem themselves, if they miss, the game is over).
14.4. The goalie that was in net for the majority of the third period and overtime period must continue in net for the shoot-outs. The person who is playing goal may not be one of the chosen shooters.
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