Adult League FAQs
What do you need to know about Royal City Ball Hockey?
What's so great about ball hockey?
Well, let me tell you.
Ball hockey is one of Canada's fastest growing sports! That's because it's fun, great exercise and affordable for all ages - NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! We have leagues for all levels and all ages starting at age 4. Equipment is minimal see below.
What equipment do I need to play ball hockey?
Ball hockey is not as large of an investment as ice hockey in terms of equipment. Mandatory equipment for Adult players is a non-wood stick with no tape on the bottom of the blade (wooden sticks can splinter and the tape gums up our floor), running shoes, and hockey or lacrosse gloves (to protect your fingers). We highly recommend the use of a jock, shin guards. Helmets and mouthguards are not mandatory for Adult players although they are proven to aid in concussion prevention. We highly recommend some type of eye protection and a mouth guard if you choose not to wear a helmet.
Helmets are mandatory for any player under the age of 18 (who is considered a Youth player). Mandatory equipment for Youth players is a non-wood stick with no tape on the bottom of the blade (wooden sticks can splinter and the tape gums up our floor), running shoes, shin guards, and hockey or lacrosse gloves (to protect your fingers). We highly recommend the use of a jock and elbow pads. Mouthguards are not mandatory for Youth players although they are proven to aid in concussion prevention.
How long is a season?
Generally our seasons are 12 weeks including playoffs.
How do I register my adult team?
Important League Rules for Adult Teams:
The rules for ball hockey are essentially the same as for ice hockey with a few exceptions:
The Floating Blue Line: The blue line indicates the offensive zone until it is gained, then it disappears enlarging the zone back to the red line. If the ball travels back over the red line, the blue line comes back into play until it is gained again.
Major Penalties: A High Stick that makes contact with a player, as well as a slash, are both considered Major penalties within our league. High Sticking in general is a minor and will be called as many players are not wearing helmets. Players must be in control of their stick at all times.
Subs and Goalies
The subbing rule is as follows:
If your team is Individual sign-up and you find your team short of players, one week, you may sub a maximum of 2 players who are currently registered and play with the league, up to 8 runners. So for example. If you find yourself with only 6 runners, you can ask 2 girls from another team to play for you. If you have 7 runners you can ask 1 girl, and if you have 8 of your own runners you are good to go - no sub required.
If your team is Team Fee, we assume that you have accommodated for subs in the event of a short bench. Your subs MUST be listed on your roster and be registered with us by filling out a registration form. You CANNOT sub outside of your roster - goalies excepted. Players MUST play a minimum of 3 Regular season games in order to be eligible for the playoffs.
If your goalie can't make it one week, see if a goalie from another team can help. If no one comes forward then you might have to dress a player, or you can play with 6 runners and no goalie. We do want goalie subs to come through us so that we can keep track, especially for playoff games. Remember that everyone scratches everyone's backs :)
Player suspensions: Should a player be suspended from a game, they MUST serve their full game suspension. Game suspensions will transfer to new seasons if the suspension happens during a playoff game. Suspensions also carry over to tournament play at CW and at other ballhockey.com clubs.
Forfeiting a scheduled league game: Should a team forfeit on the same day as a scheduled league game (i.e. less than 24 hours notice) they will be subject to a $50 forfeit fine payable before their next regularly scheduled game. Certain exceptions will be made for inclement/severe weather conditions that make traveling to the rink unsafe.
Complete League Rules
What is your refund policy?
For Individuals paying us directly for their ball hockey, a $25 Withdrawal Fee will be applied for any withdrawal requests made once the registration is completed and before the season starts. The remaining credit balance will stay on account for future use in one of our upcoming programs. No refunds on withdrawn programs after season start. If a participant is unable to participate in the program due to medical reasons prior to season start, they will receive a credit (with medical note) towards their next Royal City Ball Hockey program. No refunds, credits or make ups for absences missed by the participant. Royal City Ball Hockey reserves the right to change the date and or the time of the program. In the event of date or time changes, participants will be notified.
For Individuals paying into a Team Fee, it is the responsibility of the team captain to arrange a replacement for any player that is withdrawing from the team and any monies given in compensation must come from the team.
