JAM rules for Officiated Floor Hockey - Court 4's

Offciated Floor Hockey – Court 4’s

There is only one format of Men’s Offciated Floor Hockey Court 4’s under JAM Rules. It is described in its entirety below.

JAM is for Everyone – Inclusion Statement

Our program offerings are designed to be inclusive for all members of the JAM community. Our goal is to create a welcoming gender policy that uplifts and supports each player where they are at. To ensure we can offer something for everyone, our programs may be offered in the following formats: Mixed-Gender, Women's, Men's, and Open.

Many of our league rules specify gender-based roster requirements, the goal of which is to ensure that each player has an equal opportunity to be included in gameplay.

Everyone participating in a JAM program is welcome to compete based on their gender identity and gender expression; regardless of their gender assigned at birth. Members whose gender identity does not align with the binary man/woman construct are welcome to play in all our mixed-gender and open programs.

Nonbinary, trans, genderqueer, and all other players who identify as a gender minority can count towards the roster minimums for either men or women in our mixed-gender leagues.

Game Time

All Floor Hockey games will consist of 3x15 minute periods, with a 1-2 minute break inbetween periods. Teams will have 5 minutes to warm up before the game starts. The remaining time after the three periods is for teams to handshake with the opposing team and clean up their area and vacate for the proceeding game. Please arrive early to ensure you get the full use of your allotted arena time. Regardless of when your game begins, your game will always end on time to allow the succeeding games to begin at their scheduled time.

Time Keeping: If you’re playing without an official score clock, the JAM Ambassador on site will be keeping track of time and will determine the end of your game. In this instance, you will receive a warning indicating the final five (5) minutes of your game and a final signal for the end of your game. Once the final signal occurs your game is over.

Intermission: There is 1-2 minutes alotted for intermission between periods. If both captains agree to play through the intermission, teams are allowed to get right abck into play. However, BOTH ccaptains must agree, if one captain wants to use the intermission time, the other captain must accommodate.

Switching Sides: If one side of a venue has a potential advantage (i.e. stage at one end, etc.), teams should agree BEFORE the game that they will be switching sides at approximately the mid-point of the game (and agree on the time to switch). A captain that requests a switch pre-game MUST be accommodated.

Players

Teams are comprised of four (4) players on the court at a time. A team must have a minimum of one (1) man or gender minority and one (1) woman or gender minority players on the court at all times. A default will occur if any team cannot field a squad by 10 minutes after the official start time.

Defaults: A default will occur if any team cannot field a squad of a minimum of 4 players 10 minutes after the official start time

Exceptions: Captains may agree to waive the rules regarding roster minimums, but this should be decided before the game starts. IF IT IS AGREED THAT THE GAME COUNTS, IT COUNTS!

Playing Area

For all formats of JAM Floor Hockey, the net and court will always be set up for you when you arrive. All gymnasiums will vary in size, so the dimensions of the playing area will vary per location.

Equipment/Set Up

Equipment including nets, goalie masks, sticks and balls will be provided and set-up each week. It is the TEAM'S responsibility to bring any additional goalie protective gear. Teams should bring both light and dark coloured shirts to each and every game.

Uniforms

Teams are required to bring both light and coloured shirts to every game. Team colours are posted on the JAM website in your schedule. If two teams have the same colour the team captains should contact each other to ensure that each team knows what colour to wear.

Defaults: There is no default for players that don’t wear the right colour. However, that player must do everything they can to ensure it’s not confusing for the opposition. Whether this means wearing a pinny, a hat, a teammate’s shirt, etc. Under no circumstances can a player purposely deceive the opposition.

Floor Hockey 101

The following outlines the basis of the rules of Men’s Floor Hockey Court 4’s Programs:

General Rules:

Unsportsmanlike play WILL NOT be tolerated. Experienced hockey players should leave their notions of physical play as being an integral part of hockey on the ice: IT IS NOT WELCOME HERE. It is inevitable that there will be some accidental contact among players. However, any other contact (i.e. pushing, picks, bumping, etc.) is not allowed. You may not touch any other player with your body or your stick at any time on purpose, and you should do your best to avoid unnecessary contact with your body and your stick. If you find you are frequently coming in contact with your opponents, you must adjust your style of play to minimize this from happening. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the games are played safely, and any dangerous or reckless behaviour is not acceptable.
All Players must use the provided plastic sticks. Players may bring their own sticks, but they MUST be the same make and model as the ones provided (DOM Pro or Cup). DOM Elite, Vision, wooden, fibreglass and aluminium sticks/shafts are not allowed.
Eye protection is not mandatory for players (with the exception of goalies), but it is highly recommended by the JAM. Squash/Racquetball goggles can be purchased from most sporting goods stores for this purpose.
Protective equipment for players is at the discretion of the players, but is reccommended by JAM. Equipment that is allowed are gloves, soccer shin guards and volleyball kneepads. Ice Hockey shin pads are not permitted for “players”; only goalies may wear ice hockey shin pads.
Games, each period, and after a goal is score are started with a faceoff, with both players tapping the ground and each other’s sticks three times before the ball is played.
The ball is always in play, regardless of height, until it crosses into an out of bounds area (behind the benches). This includes hitting the ceiling, climbing equipment on walls, basketball nets, or anything else that might be hanging in bounds. The only exception to this is if a ball deflects in the goal directly after contacting anything hanging from the ceiling (i.e. basketball backboard/hoop/mesh, climbing rope). Any player may not use their hands to pick up the ball from the court during gameplay.
A ball that has gone out of play is awarded to the team that did not touch the ball last. Play commences with a player either passing the ball in from the line where the ball went out of play or stick handling the ball him/herself from that point. A player opting to carry the ball MUST make a clear and distinct pass before shooting (i.e. the player cannot score directly). If the ball is passed/shot towards the net and goes in (either directly into the goal, off the post and in, or off of the goalie and in) then it is not a goal. Tips and deflections do not count as a pass. If the ball is passed/shot towards the net and the goalie makes a save, or if the ball hits the post and is played by another player, then play is now live. Opposing players (and their sticks) must be at least 5 feet away from the ball (i.e. you cannot put your stick directly in front of the ball) until the player either passes or begins to run with the ball. If the ball goes out of bounds with the offensive team getting possession, play re-starts in the corner (i.e. if the ball goes out on a stage, the offence takes control of the ball in the corner, not behind the net).
Powerplays are started with team on the PP in possession to either side of the offensive zone net behind the goal line, which is initiated by a pass, shot for a rebound, but cannot directly score from the outset possession. Howver, pass tips and redirects are allowed.
If the ball comes to rest on the back on the net, the play is dead it is the team in the defensive zone's ball. The play is started back up by a player taking the ball to either side of of the net behind the goal line and initiated with a pass.
If the goalie has frozen the ball, play is dead. The play is started back up by a player in the defensive zone taking the ball to either side of of the net behind the goal line and initiated with a pass.
After a goal, the teams will line up again at center for a faceoff.
Players cannot make a pass to a teammate by pushing or directing the ball with their hand. This is allowed ONLY in the defensive zone and players may NOT close their hand on the ball.
Players may make substitutions "on-the-fly" as long as the player leaving the court is off before the new player enters the playing area.
A high-sticking infraction has occurred when the stick of any player comes above their waist level. This includes incidents when the player is trying to knock the ball down, waving for a pass, attempting to get around a player, or before/after a shot has been taken. Goals scored by a high-stick DO NOT COUNT. If a high-stick occurs, the non-offending team retains possession with an indirect shot from where the infraction occurred. If the high stick is above the waist, that results in said team losing possession. If a high stick is above the shoulder, that results in a penalty for said player. Waist height is intended as a safety rule to keep a consistent general height level for all player safety.
Players cannot score by kicking the ball into the net. Any kicking motion done with the intention of directing the movement of the ball nullifies a goal. However, if a pass is made and it inadvertently deflects off a player's foot and into the net, the goal counts. As long as there is no distinct kicking motion.
Shoot Outs and Tie Games: A game can end in a tie during the regular season. In the playoffs, a game that is tied at the end of regulation time is decided by a breakaway shootout. Three players on each team will participate. If it is still tied after 3 shots for each team, teams continue taking shots until one team scores and the other does not score (sudden death). After the initial round of 3 shooters, anyone may shoot; players may be re-used in the shootout during sudden death. For the shootout, the ball will be played from the centre dot and players stickhandle in towards the goalie. Once the ball has made contact with the goalie or net/post, the shooter may no longer make contact with the ball (i.e. no rebound goals allowed). Please note that playoff games should only be 50 minutes in length in anticipation of needing the extra time to settle a tie.
No player (with the exception of the goalie) can slide or dive to block a shot. In other words, players must remain on their feet at all times. If in a stationary position, a defender's knee cannot touch the ground.
Stopped Games: A floor hockey ambassador may stop a game before the full time has expired due to overly aggressive play, persistent unsportsmanlike conduct or a general violation of the rules of the game. This decision is solely at the discretion of the JAM Ambassador. It the decision is made to stop the game early, the score will be recorded as a loss for BOTH teams. In addition, both teams will be given an automatic warning (Refer to the JAM General Indoor Policy sheet for specific details on warnings). One exception to this ruling is if the Event Coordinator has stopped the game because of the inappropriate play of only one team. Under these circumstances, the non-offending team will receive the win, regardless of the score at the time that the game is stopped. This is also at the discretion of the Event Coordinator.
Players ARE allowed to lift the sticks of their opponents in an attempt to take the ball away - please use minimal force when doing this. However, players CANNOT hit the top of their opponent's sticks or pin their opponent's stick down. Players may not lift or touch an opponent's stick when they are not making a play on the ball (i.e. if you are in front of the net but the ball is in the corner) but may have their stick in the area in anticipation of a pass.
In the event that a goal is disputed, the referee will be there to handle the goal dispute. Once the refs decision is made, that is the final decision. Referees have the final say.
Teams may call a one (1) minute time-out per game if needed except during the final 10 minutes of play. A time-out may only be called during a stoppage in play.
Slapshots are permitted, but windup and follow-through must be no higher than waist level and at the refs discretion. A violation results in a possession change from the point of the shot or at the blueline if inside of the offenside zone. This possession change is initiated with a pass.

Goalies:

Goalies must wear the provided helmet/mask at all times. No exceptions.
Goalies may use ice hockey or road hockey goalie pads. They may not be home-made or altered to be made bigger; please do not use over-sized pads...we don't want to have to measure pads). Goalies may also choose to wear fitted shin pads (the kind a forward would wear in ice hockey). Goalies may also choose to wear a blocker, trapper, chest protector, shoulder pads, elbow pads and hockey pants. Any padding that is worn must not have any hard aspects that can contact the floor (i.e. hard plastic, metal fasteners) and cause potential damage. If the goalie decides to wear fitted shin pads, they must be worn underneath their pants/hockey socks to reduce the wear and tear to the gym floor.
After a goalie has forzen the ball, it becomes possession of their team and to be initiated from the side of the net behind the goal line and must be started with a pass including a pass to the goalie and return. Defending teams may not forecheck goalie/player until the player behind the net makes the pass. Soon as the ball leaves their stick, game is on.
Goalies can be "pulled" in an attempt to utilize an extra attacker at any point of the game.
Goalies ARE allowed to use a regular stick. However, a goalie may not take advantage of this by over playing the puck and constantly leaving their crease to play the puck. Sticks must be all plastic; wooden or metal blades/shafts are not allowed.

Goalie Crease:

The goalie crease in front of the net is an area that only the goalie may occupy. This means that NO STICKS OR FEET OF ANY PLAYER (offence or defence) may at any time enter the crease. If an offensive player enters the crease with either their stick or feet, it is the goalie's ball. It is up to the goalie, or nearby players to make this call. If a defensive player disrupts/affects the play by entering his/her own crease, the offensive team is awarded an indirect ball 10 feet out from the edge of the crease.
Goalies may slide out of the crease a maximum of 3 feet in order to make a save. Goalies may also freeze the ball if they slide out of the crease to make a save and are within 3 feet of the crease. Goalies should attempt to keep at least one point of contact (e.g. a foot) in the crease when freezing the ball. If a goalie freezes the ball when they are outside of these boundaries, then the offensive team gets the ball in the corner.
“No-crease” rules: we acknowledge some teams prefer to play without a goalie crease. The default rule in the JAM is that there IS a crease in Floor Hockey. If teams agree to play without a crease, please note these rule differences:
Offensive and defensive players may enter the crease if the ball is there. Offensive players must stay out of the crease if the ball is not there (i.e. if you are screening the goalie, you must stay out of the crease area), but may play the ball and/or enter the crease if the ball is there. Offensive players should always be careful and make every possible effort to avoid making contact with the goalie. This is no different than typical ice hockey rules.
Goalies may only freeze the ball if they are within 3 feet of the crease (i.e. goalies cannot run to the corner and freeze the ball). Goalies may come out of the crease to play the ball (with a stick, foot, glove), however, they may not freeze the ball if they are not within 3 feet of the crease area. If a goalie picks up a ball outside of this area, they may not freeze the ball and must quickly put the ball back into play (i.e. within 3 seconds). An illegal freezing of the ball will result in the opposition getting possession of the ball in the corner.
If a goalie freezes the ball, they may place the ball in their crease area and offensive players may not poke at the ball and must give the goalie 5 feet of space to make a pass and restart play. Once the goalie passes the ball from their crease, the play is live. If the goalie makes a pass from outside of their crease (i.e. tosses the ball to a teammate), the play is live.

Referees and Penalties

This is a offciated league, meaning there will be a referee on-site at every game.
Referees have the final say in goal disputes and penalties.
The following actions result in a penalty:
- High Sticking: Players are not permitted to lift their stick above their shoulders at any time - 1 min penalty
- Slashing/hooking/tripping - 1 min penalty
- Goalies are not permitted to leave the crease - 1 min penalty
- Reaching around a player when chasing them or hooking the stick - 1 min penalty
- Aggressive play/Roughing - 1 min penalty
- Body contact - 1 min penalty
- Any threatening or unsportsmanlike behaviour - Game ejection

?It is important for all players to create a safe and friendly environment. The refs are there to keep the game under control and ensure no players are to get hurt by reckless play. Please advise that the ref has the final say on all penalties and goal disputes. If a penalty is called, please go to the box and serve your infraction.

Regular Season Matches

Games can be tied during the regular season.

Playoffs Eligibility and Tiebreak

There must be a winner in a playoff match. In the event that the match ends in a tie, teams will partake in the following tie-breaker until a winner is determined:

In the playoffs, a game that is tied at the end of regulation time is decided by a breakaway shootout. Three players on each team will participate, with a minimum of 1 man or gender minority and 1 woman or gender minority taking part. If it is still tied after 3 shots for each team, teams continue taking shots until one team scores and the other does not score (sudden death). After the initial round of 3 shooters, anyone may shoot; players may be re-used in the shootout during sudden death. For the shootout, the ball will be played from the centre dot and players stickhandle in towards the goalie. Once the ball has made contact with the goalie or net/post, the shooter may no longer make contact with the ball (i.e. no rebound goals allowed). Please note that playoff games should only be 50 minutes in length in anticipation of needing the extra time to settle a tie.

Rough Play

Any rough or physical play will result in immediate expulsion from further league play and may result in a lifetime league expulsion. Please see the JAM General Policy for our official guidelines on this subject. It is recognized that incidental contact between players is inevitable; however, all players should go out of their way to avoid creating an unsafe play. This rule supersedes all others.

Please note that on-site staff members have full autonomy when supervising games. Games may be stopped entirely, players may be asked to leave the playing area or be removed from the game entirely under their discretion.

Alcohol

There are absolutely no alcoholic beverages permitted on JAM property. Any offenders will be asked to leave the league without refund. No exceptions.