Rules

Game Format

The format below is intended to fit within a 65 minute time slot.

• Timings:
  • 3 minutes warmup
  • 18 minute stop time period 1
  • 1 minute break
  • 18 minute stop time period 2 (the 2nd period length will be shortened by the timekeeper based on the amount of time left in the slot)
• Mercy Rule: Once a game hits a differential of 7 goals (e.g. 7-0, 9-2, etc), the mercy rules is engaged and that score becomes the official final score of the game. Additional goals, assists, and shots will not be recorded for stats purposes, however penalties will continue to be recorded.  Otherwise, the game should continue as normal to use up the remaining time on the clock.

Rosters

• During the season, up to but not including their second to last game of the season, teams may pick up whomever they like, up to a maximum of 13 runners.
• A player may only be rostered on one team.  Although players may play as pickups for other teams during the season, they will be flagged as "AP" (affiliated player) in the stats when playing as a pickup.
• Roster freeze occurs two games before the end of the season. Players may not add additional players to their roster for their last two games of the season.  This is intended to prevent pickups from influencing potentially close playoff races.
• Pick ups during the roster freeze: Only with the approval of the opposing team, up to a maximum of 13 runners (same as playoffs).
• Note: A players who has not yet played any games may still play in the last two games as long as they are listed on the team's roster.

CBHA Rules and Amendments

Except for any changes listed below, C4 Ball Hockey Leagues play using the most recent Rulebook published by the Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA).

These rule changes are intended to minimize barriers to play, maximize our enjoyment of the sport, and reflect the realities and context of our own local leagues.

1. No changing ends: Teams will not change ends; teams will defend the net closest to their bench for the entire game (vs CBHA Rule 9.e).
2. Soft-capped elbow pads: Soft-capped elbow pads may be worn uncovered (e.g. short sleeved jersey); hard capped elbow pads must still be covered (vs CBHA Rule 24(a) Note 1).
3. No player substitution restrictions: Player substitutions are permitted by the offending team after flooring the ball (vs CBHA Rule 65(g)) or high sticking the ball (CBHA Rule 19(g) Note 1).

Standings

League standings are be determined by the following stats, in order:

1. Most Points
2. Head to Head Points among tied teams
3. Most Wins
4. Most Goals For
5. Least Goals Against
6. Least Penalty Minutes

C4 Playoff Rules

• Player eligibility:
  • Players must play have played at least two games with a team during the regular season in order to be eligible to play for that team in the playoffs.
  • Pick ups: Only with the approval of the opposing team, up to a maximum of 13 runners.
• In the case of a tie after regulation time:
  1. 5 minute stop-time sudden-death period.
  2. Shootout with 5 players per team
  3. Shootout continues with alternating players shooting until a winner is decided. No repeat shooters are permitted until the entire roster has shot.