Circuit Action Sports Circuit Ball Hockey League Rules (Revised 20 September 2005)

Teams or players wishing to participate in the Circuit Action-Sports Circuit Ball Hockey League shall comply with the following rules:

In the event of a discrepancy between the English and French versions of
the Rules, the English version takes precedence.

The League

1.1 CASC is a non-profit organization.
1.2 Budgets shall be prepared by the Divisional Coordinators and presented to the Divisional Team captains before the beginning of the season and an Income and Expense statement shall be forwarded to the Divisional team captains within 5 months after the end of the season. Surpluses shall be returned to the Divisional Team captains, after deduction of any and all fines and penalties.
1.3 Any Divisional Coordinator may request that the CASC Board of Directors take extraordinary disciplinary action against any individual who is deemed responsible for threats, intimidation, coercion, public criticism, violent behaviour, abuse or harassment of any type against any member of CASC and/or player of the League or against any individual who has caused damage to the facilities rented by or the equipment used or owned by the League.
1.4 The League has been established for the enjoyment of its members.
1.5 The League is not responsible for any thefts or for any injuries.
1.6 Divisional Coordinators shall ensure that League statistics are posted on the CASC or CASC-related websites on a weekly basis and that Team statistics are posted at mid-season and season's end.
1.7 Women are permitted to play in any division. Men are not permitted to play in the Women's division.
1.8 The CASC Board of Directors may modify any rule at their discretion, during the off-season. Once the season has started, these rules can be modified by the CASC Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Divisional Coordinator and a majority vote of the Divisional Team captains.

Team Administration and Membership Fees

2.1 Each team must be represented by a captain and an assistant-captain.
2.2 Team captains shall ensure that all their players are aware of the rules and have a copy of the schedule.
2.3 Team captains shall ensure that their Divisional Coordinator receives 3 cheques 21 working days before the start of the season. The aforementioned cheques will represent, respectively, 40%, 40% and 20% of the League Membership fee. The cheques shall be made payable to CASC and dated 15 August, 15 September and 15 December of the year in which the season commences. The Divisional Coordinator will forward these cheques to the CASC Treasurer within 5 working days of receiving the cheques. Failure to settle the League Membership fee shall result in a interest charge of 15% per annum on the entire amount. Moreover, the team may be expelled from the League by any Divisional Coordinator, with no reimbursement.
2.4.1 Players shall obtain the approval of the Divisional Coordinator in order to play in that division.
2.4.2 A player shall not play in any of the last 4 games of the season for a team, if said player has not played at least once for that team in any of the games prior to the last 4 games. This rule does not apply to the Women of the Mixed division or in the case of Rule 6.6.2.
2.5 Team captains shall ensure that their players have signed the League's waiver. No player will be allowed to play without signing the waiver. As well, team captains shall ensure that their players have completed any other administrative requirements deemed necessary by the league.
2.6 All players are jointly and severely financially responsible for any damage caused by their teams.
2.7 Ineligible players shall be ejected from the game, at the minimum. The team using the aforementioned players shall forfeit games in which ineligible players participate. Two points for a win shall be awarded to the opposing team.
2.8 Failure to comply with any rule in this section shall result in a major penalty for the captain, at the minimum. Moreover, the team may be being expelled from the league.

Game Administration

3.1 Team captains shall ensure that their portion of the game sheets are correctly completed and include only the names of players present to play. The game sheets shall be given to the timekeeper/scorekeeper before each game who shall ensure that the remainder of the game sheet is completed.
3.2 Each team shall have team shirts of a similar colour. All players shall have a number on team-shirts that does not conflict with any other number on that team. The captain and assistant-captain will have a "C" and "A", respectively, on the front top right-hand of their team-shirts.
3.3 Divisional Coordinator will ensure that each team before the start of the season chooses team colours with the previous season’s Divisional standings dictating the order in which the teams make their choices. Results will be posted on the CASC, or a CASC-related, web site, for the duration of the season.
3.4 Only the captain and/or assistant-captain shall speak to a referee. If any other player speaks the referee, the referee can assess the player in question a minor penalty without any warning. (In a situation where both the captain and assistant-captain are not available, the referee will designate a player to represent the team). If the referee fails to assess a minor penalty, any Divisional Coordinator may fine the referee up to 25% of their game wage.
3.5 Failure to comply with any of the rules in this section will result in a minor penalty for Delay of Game, at the minimum.

Default

4.1 A Team captain shall notify their Divisional Coordinator when their team cannot play their scheduled game (whatever the reason) 120 hours (i.e. 5 days) before the game is to be played. Otherwise the team captain shall be given a one game suspension and his team may be expelled from the league, without any reimbursement.
4.2 A minimum of 5 players per team shall be required in order to start a game. The game may be forfeited, however, at the discretion of the opposing team’s captain and the Head Referee, if a team does not fulfill the aforementioned requirement 10 minutes after the game is scheduled to start. Two points for a win shall be awarded to the other team, if it meets this minimum requirement. (N.B. If neither team meets the minimum requirement, the game is declared a scoreless tie.).
4.3 No defaulted, cancelled or forfeited game will be rescheduled.
4.4 No player points will be awarded for any game played and subsequently declared a default game.
4.5 No player will be credited for having played a defaulted game whether played or not, if it is deemed their team initiated, caused or was the reason for the default.

Equipment

5.1 It is strongly recommended that players equip themselves with gloves, shins guards, kneepads, protective eyewear and jock straps. Also recommended are helmets, elbows pads. As well, non-marking running shoes are mandatory for the Women' division only and strongly recommended for the other divisions.
5.2 Goaltenders shall wear helmets with full face mask, jock straps (for men only), knee and shin protection, gloves and chest protection otherwise the game will be forfeited. (In a situation where a team has elected to play without a goaltender, no player shall be allowed to play in the goaltender's cease. Any player attempting to do so will be assessed a minor penalty for Delay of Game).
5.3 Hockey stick blades made partially or completely of wood or fibreglass are not permitted. Only Hockey sticks with plastic blades are allowed. Any player using an illegal stick will be assessed a gross misconduct, at the minimum. The Team captain of that player will be assessed a minor penalty, at the minimum.
5.4 Teams are financially responsible for borrowed equipment, if the Divisional Coordinator deems the equipment to be damaged.
5.5 W.r.t. any games played at Polyvalente St-Henri: Any player caught using plastic kneepads that are not completely covered by any kind of pants will be given a two-minute penalty plus a game ejection. It is the referee's discretion whether the pants worn by the player are fully covering the plastic kneepads (i.e. there are holes in the pants and the kneepad is scratching the playing surface: this constitutes violation of the rule, player given the requisite penalty)

Game Rules

6.1 Teams will be ready to play at the start-time scheduled for their game. After a grace period of 5 minutes, every delay of one minute shall result in a minor penalty (also see Rule 4.2).
6.2 Games consist of two 26-minute running-time periods with one one-minute intermission. The games must be played within 60 minutes from their scheduled start-time. The length of the final period can be altered to ensure that this rule is observed. There will be no overtime periods during the regular season however this may be modified for the playoffs, by the respective Divisional Coordinator.
6.3 The Home team will chose the side of the gymnasium in which they wish to occupy for the game and may stay on that side for the entire game. Referees may change sides at half time.
6.4 11 players (including the goaltender) are allowed per team per game. Only 5 players (including the goaltender) per team are permitted on the floor during play.
6.5.1 Mixed Division only: Teams can only have 2 men on the floor at any time, the exception being when the goaltender is pulled at the end of the game in favour of an extra attacker. Teams shall have at least 2 women on the floor at all times. (also see 6.5.3) The game shall be forfeited if a team does not fulfill the latter requirement 10 minutes after the game is scheduled to start. Two points for a win shall be awarded to the other team, if it meets this minimum requirement. (N.B. If neither team meets the minimum requirement, the game is declared a scoreless tie).
6.5.2 Mixed Division only: For the sake of parity, the Divisional Coordinator may initiate a trade after 25% of the games have been played, with or without the approval of the captains. The games already played of any player involved in such a trade, are automatically credited to their playoff qualification of their new team.
Friday “B” Division only: For the sake of parity, after 90% of regular season games have been played if any team or teams have an average goal differential of +3.75 or higher the Divisional Coordinator will initiate a captains meeting, in which the captains will vote on whether or not to keep the above mentioned teams in the “B” division playoffs or form a separate playoff or award for them. (Separate playoff format and/or award to be decided at this captains meeting)
6.5.3 Mixed Division only: A women serving a penalty is deemed to be “on the floor”. No women can serve a bench penalty.
6.6.1 Players shall play for only one team per evening per division. This rule does not apply to Goaltenders. Any women player may play more than one game per evening per division except in the Women’s division.
6.6.2 Male members of the Board of Directors and male Divisional Coordinators, in accordance with Rule 1.7, may play more than one game per evening per division but only to prevent a game from being defaulted.
6.7 With the exception of the Women’s division, teams may use the services of other goaltenders within their divisions up to trice during the season.
6.8 Non-playing guests shall not be permitted on the gymnasium floor. (This includes the players’ and timekeeper’s benches).
6.9 Any player who does not play in the first period cannot play the remainder of the game.
6.10 Face-offs will be used to start a game, to start a period, after every goal or at the Referee's discretion.
6.11 Play shall be stopped when the ball is frozen by the goaltender or at the Referee's discretion. In order to resume play, the Referee shall designate a player to put the ball in play and shall then blow the whistle to start play. The designated player has five seconds, after the Referee blows the whistle, to put the ball in play. The designated player must pass or dump the ball (in the A division, the ball cannot be passed to the goalie). If the ball is shot on opposing team’s goalie, the play shall be stopped and possession awarded to the other team.
6.12 Stop-time will be used for the last minute of play and only if there is a one-goal differential.
6.13.1 One 30-second time-out per team per game will be allowed.
6.13.2 Goaltenders will be allowed 1 goalie time-out per period. Goalie timeout
refers to pause in play for equipment repairs, towelling off etc. all other
players must remain on the floor and may not go to the bench. For reasons of
time shortage the referee may cancel these timeouts giving each captain
advance notice before the start of the period.
6.14 A game will be terminated once the goal differential reaches 10.
6.15 The clock will only be stopped for official time outs or at the Referee's discretion.
6.16 There are no centre or blue lines.
6.17 There is neither offside nor icing.

Penalties

7.1 Minor penalties are 2 minutes. Major penalties are 4 minutes. Misconducts are 10 minutes. A Gross Misconduct is 10 minutes and a game ejection.
7.2 All penalties, other than minor non-match penalties, shall be served in full and shall be running time. Minor non-match penalties are extinguished once the opposing team scores.
7.3 Initially, a warning shall be issued for verbal abuse of other players. Subsequent verbal abuse shall result in a minor penalty at the minimum.
7.4 Unsportsmanlike conduct, Too-many-men, Delay-of-Game and Interference are minor penalties, at the minimum. Grabbing-the-ball will result in a change of possession.
7.5 Hooking, Spearing, Butt-ending, Body-checking, Slashing or Cross-checking are minor penalties at the minimum.
7.6 Any player raising the blade of his stick above his shoulder, at any point during the game, will be assessed a minor penalty for High-sticking. However, any player playing the ball above his waist, will be assessed a minor penalty for High-sticking.
7.7 Roughing, Tripping and Use-of-Unauthorized Equipment are minor penalties, at the minimum.
7.8 Verbal abuse of an official shall result in a maximum of a gross misconduct.
7.9 Physical contact with the referee shall result in a gross misconduct penalty at the minimum and the player involved may be expelled from the league.
7.10 Anyone interfering with a game official will be assessed a minor penalty at the minimum, up to a game suspension at the maximum.
7.11 Wrestling is a gross misconduct plus a one game suspension.
7.12 Fighting is a major penalty, a game ejection and a four game suspension. Players charged with fighting shall be placed on probation.
7.13 Any player who fights or attempts to fight using anything other than his hands may be expelled from the league.
7.14 Any player who receives 3 minor penalties or 1 major and 1 minor penalties shall be ejected from the game and they shall leave the playing area.
7.15 Line changes during time-outs must be completed quickly other wise the referee may call a Delay-of-Game penalty.
7.16.1 Women's Division: After 3 games, any player who averages more than 3.9 penalty minutes per game shall face disciplinary action. Players with over 5.5 minutes per game shall be suspended for one game and placed on probation. After 10 games, any player who averages over 2 minutes per game shall be suspended for one game and placed on probation.
Mixed Division: After 3 games, any player who averages more than 3.9 penalty minutes per game shall face disciplinary action. Players with over 5.5 minutes per game shall be suspended for one game and placed on probation. After 10 games, any player who averages over 2 minutes per game shall be suspended for one game and placed on probation.
Friday Divisions: After 3 games, any player who averages more than 3.9 penalty minutes per game shall face disciplinary action. Players with over 5.5 minutes per game shall be suspended for one game and placed on probation. After 10 games, any player who averages over 2.5 minutes per game (excluding Administrative penalties) shall be suspended for one game and placed on probation.
7.16.2 After the initial suspension, a player shall be permitted to return to play as long as their average decreases with each game. If it increases, they shall be suspended for an additional game. The same procedure shall be used for each subsequent suspension.
7.17.1 Any player interfering with the play of the goaltender shall be assessed a minor penalty for interference.
7.17.2 Women’s division: There is absolutely no contact allowed with the goaltender. Moreover, no player is allowed in the crease, during the game.
7.18 Goals scored while an opposing player is standing in the goal crease, shall not be allowed.
7.19 Players receiving a major penalty or more (excluding penalties indicated in paragraph 7.4), in the last five minutes of a game, shall be suspended for one game.
7.20 Any player holding on to the monkey bars shall be assessed a minor penalty for interference.
7.21 Any player entering an altercation between two opposing players, shall be ejected from the game and suspended for one game unless they enter the altercation to subdue their team-mate AND they do not escalate the altercation AND they do not interfere with any game officials.
7.22 A player who is ejected from a game, for any reason, must leave the playing surface immediately and may not return. The referee may order the player to leave the building if he feels the player is distracting other players.

Discipline

8.1 Suspended players shall not be allowed behind the bench.
8.2.1 Each player is responsible for their actions. Each team is responsible for their players. Disciplinary action may be taken against a team or Team captain for the actions of their players.
8.2.2 The Referee(s) or Coordinator may remove any player he suspects is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Repeat offences may invoke disciplinary action against the team involved under Rule 8.2.1.
8.3 Smoking, littering or alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited anywhere in the building in which the gymnasium is located. Anyone caught violating this rule shall be suspended. Moreover, their captain may be suspended.
8.4 Teams are responsible for the actions and conduct of their non-playing guests. Any Divisional Coordinator (or, in their absence, the Referee) shall retain the right to take disciplinary action against the team whose non-playing guests does not conduct themselves in an appropriate manner.
8.5 "Disciplinary action" shall mean any action deemed appropriate by the Divisional Coordinator.
8.6 Players on probation may be suspended and/or have their initial disciplinary action doubled.
8.7.1 Divisional Coordinators may suspend any player at any time. The Divisional Coordinators may also modify suspensions.
8.7.2 Divisional Coordinators may request that the CASC Board of Directors expel or ban any player. Banishments or expulsions may only be annulled by the CASC Board of Directors.
8.8 Probations and suspensions may be carried into the play-offs.
8.9 With respect to this section, the referee's decision, during the game, is final. All decisions made by the Referee, however, may be reviewed and modified by the Divisional Coordinator, once the game has ended.

Playoffs and Eligibility

9.1 All teams qualify for the play-offs.
9.2.1 Only players (other than goalies and women in the Mixed Division) who have played a minimum 60% of the regular season games for the same team, are eligible to participate in the play-offs with that team.
9.2.2 Women in the Mixed Division need only play a minimum 40% of the regular season games for the same team, to be eligible to participate in the play-offs with that team.
9.2.3 Goalies need only play in at least one game for any team in the division in question in order to qualify for the play-offs.

9.2.4 Players who have played a minimum of 40% of the regular season games for the same team are eligible to replace a qualified player, for the entire duration of the play-offs only, with the approval of the Divisional Coordinator.

9.2.5 Players injured after having played more than 12 games may have the number of games played over 12 transferred to another player of their team, for play-off qualifying purposes. The player receiving the transfer must have played with the team before the point of the transfer/injury.

9.2.6 No team having at least 8 players qualified for the play-offs (other than the goalie) may request an exemption from this rule.

9.2.7 Exemptions may be made with the unanimously agreement of the Divisional Coordinator and Divisional Team captains, otherwise exemptions may be made by virtue of Rule 1.8.

9.2.8 All exemption requests are to be submitted at or before the teams last regular season game. However extraordinary exemptions may still be made by virtue of Rule 1.8.
9.3 Players shall present their Medicare card, their passport or their Driver's license, upon request of an official of the League or an official of the game. Otherwise, they may not be permitted to play.
9.4 Divisional Coordinators with the agreement of the Divisional Team captains shall decide the play-off format of their respective divisions and shall post the format on the CASC, or a CASC-related, web site, until after the play-offs.

Tie-breaking Procedures

10.1 If teams are tied in the standings with the same number of points, the following tie-breaking procedure is used:
10.1.1 most victories,
10.1.2 the team with the best record (most points) in head-to-head competition,
10.1.3 the team with the greatest positive goal differential,
10.1.4 the team with the lowest penalty minutes,
10.1.5 coin toss by any Divisional Coordinator or in their absence, the Referee.

Appeals

11.1 Only suspensions of more than 2 games are subject to appeal.
11.2 Appeals shall be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors within 3 days of the Divisional Coordinator’s initial decision.
11.3 Rulings on appeals shall be submitted to team captains within 7 days of the appeal. If no ruling is made, status quo is maintained.
11.4 Protests must be submitted in writing to the appropriate Divisional Coordinator.
11.5 Protests with respect to actions and conduct of a Divisional coordinator, on matters other than disciplinary action taken by the Divisional Coordinator in question, shall be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors at cascboard@yahoo.ca.
11.6 Responses to protests shall be issued within 14 days of the submission of the protest.
11.7 An appeal or protest of a ruling may be submitted to the board of directors by an official, coordinator, or team representative. Only a captain (or assistant captain in the captain’s absence) may represent a team or player in regards to an appeal or protest. Any appeals on behalf individuals or teams which are not submitted by the team representative will be considered invalid.
11.8 The CASC Board of Director’s rulings or interpretation of any rule is final.

Guidelines (To be followed if conditions allow)

It is strongly recommended that coordinators not play in the division in which they coordinate.

No one playing in Division A or B may officiate or time keep in their respective division during the playoffs.

If possible, all head referees should be non-players. In addition, it is recommended that in Division A both referees be non-players.

The deadline for expulsion requests is May 1.