RULES AND REGULATIONS

Most of the Rules of Ball Hockey mirror those of ice hockey, or what you are already familiar with, this is not meant to be a comprehensive list. However, there are a number of special rules that you should be aware of if you have never played JHL Ball Hockey before.

The JHL Ball Hockey League will not tolerate fighting, intent to injure or abuse of officials and will provide all team reps with a suspension and fine list that will be enforced in the event that any of the above occur.

Minimal Contact
Although the term non-contact is used for ball hockey a more accurate depiction would be the term minimal contact. There is no body checking, however, there is always a bit of bumping or light pushing amongst players to gain body position between them, the opponent and the ball. There is absolutely no stick work tolerated in the sport.
 

The "Floating Blue Line"
This method of offside is exclusive to ball hockey and heavily promotes offense, as the offensive zone is very large and extends from the center line all the way to the end boards in the defensive zone.

The largest difference between Ball Hockey and most forms of Ice Hockey is the "Floating Blue Line" that regulates offsides in the offensive zones. Once a player has moved the ball over the blue line into the attacking zone, the attacking zone increases to include the entire opponent's half of the rink. If the defending team sends the ball past center, the zone is reset to the blue line and their opponent must regain it as explained above.

Periods 
Each JHL Ball Hockey city will have it's own game format as it is based on the season and the time allotted to each game time.


 

High Sticking & Stick Infractions    
Other rules are those concerning penalties involving the use of the hockey stick.  

Any stick infraction, including slashing, high-sticking (an opposing player) or a cross-checking penalty, will result in a 4 minute single minor. The penalized player will serve the entire length of his/her penalty regardless if the other team scores, even though his/her team will return to even strength. High sticking involving injuries will result in a 5-minute major and a game misconduct, and review from the discipline committee.

Any three penalties in a game will earn a game ejection.

EQUIPMENT
Ball Hockey requires very minimal equipment. All that is required is running shoes, gloves and a helmet. The ball is a hard and at the elite levels, can reach speeds at over 100 km/hour.

Mandatory Equipment Requirements
CSA approved helmets (facemasks under 18) 
Ice Hockey or Ball Hockey gloves
Shin pads (YOUTH LEAGUES) - Knapper ball hockey shin pads, or soccer shin pads
Hockey stick (no plastic blades) and running shoes. 

Recommended Equipment Requirements (optional)
Protective cup
Elbow pads

Goaltenders
CBHA approved Knapper balls are low bounce and hard. Therefore, goaltenders must use CSA approved ice hockey gear; no street hockey equipment can be used (except in Initiation & Novice youth leagues or unless otherwise approved by the league).

All Goaltenders in Atom (and older) must have their own goal equipment. In Initiation and Novice, goal equipment (pads, blocker, glove, chest pad) will be provided to teams if they are needed. In circumstances where a team may not have a regular goalie, the league will provide some. 

Required:
- Protective cup
- CSA approved goal pads
- Chest and arm pads
- Helmet (for adults)
- Helmet with cage (for youth)
- CSA approved blocker and trapper
- Protective hockey pants