All divisions and leagues within the NSMBHL will follow a similar structure and rules. Exceptions may be granted by the NSMBHL Managing Director or their delegate. The NSMBHL Managing Director or their delegate will have the final decision on all matters regarding the NSMBHL.

Playing surface: The U7, U9, U12 divisions will play cross rink, 4 x4. The ref can decide to play 3x3 if it makes sense based on the number of players. The U15 division and older may play cross rink 3x3 or 5x5 full rink.  

The NSMBHL will follow standard hockey rules. As always, the decision of the ref will be final.

Respect for our Referees - It is essential that all participants, including spectators, act with the utmost respect to our referees. The NSMBHL considers sportsmanship a top priority.  There will be zero tolerance for any unsportsmanlike conduct towards the referee. In fact, we will deal with unsportsmanlike conduct very firmly. Please do not expect a warning relating to unsportsmanlike behavior. Coaches are asked to be proactive and help ensure their players are good sports and are aware of this expectation.

Goalie Stopping the Ball - The ref will promote continuous play. If the goalie stops the ball they will be encouraged to "play on" if not under pressure. If they are under pressure, they can cover the ball to stop play. If the goalie covers the ball, the ref will blow the whistle, and the ball will be placed behind the goal and a defensive player will quickly take possession. All other players must be above the crease. The game resumes when the player with the ball looks forward and the referee blows the whistle. If there is no pressure from opposing players and the ref yells “play on” the goalie must move the ball. If they do not do so quickly the ref will blow the whistle and give the offensive team passion in the nearest corner. The goal is to keep the play flowing.

Ball Leaving the Playing Surface - If the ball is going off the playing surface people on the side lines are encouraged to stop the ball so play can continue. In this case, the ref will yell “Play On”.

If the ball goes off the playing surface the referee will blow the whistle to stop play. The ball will be placed where it left the playing surface and the team that did not last touch the ball will receive possession. The ref will blow the whistle to resume play. No undue advantage is to be gained by a ball going out of play. If there is an unfair advantage caused when a ball was leaving or returning to the playing surface the ref will blow the whistle and restart the play from where the ball exited the playing area. A goal cannot be scored directly from stopped play on the sidelines. The play must be a pass, and the ball must be in play before entering the net for a goal to count

Length of Game - U7-U9 Divisions will begin with a Skills and Drills session for the first 30 minutes. This will be followed by a 30-minute game. The emphasis will be on continuous play, fun and learning the game. This will continue for the first 6 sessions of the season. After 6 sessions, skills and drills will stop and teams will play two 30 minute games (two x 14 minute halves). The shifts will be 2 minutes long. Every two minutes, the whistle will blow, and a new shift will take to the playing surface. The ref will begin play by retrieving the game ball and  throwing a new ball to a neutral spot on the playing surface. Once the ball is thrown on the playing surface it will be “Game On”. Please be ready so shifting can be done quickly. U12 and U15– Will play two 2x14 minute games of running time. Shifts will be made on the fly.

Making a penalty call – a penalty call is made as soon as it happens.  No delayed penalties. All penalties will result in a penalty shot.

The Penalty shot - The ball is placed at centre, the ref blows whistle, the player takes the shot. All other players are behind the centre line. The shooter must remain in forward motion, no backward motion or rebounds are permitted. If a goal is scored there is a faceoff at centre. If there is no goal, the ball is quickly placed behind the  net. One defender goes behind the net with the ball. The ref blows the whistle to resume play. Ref will ensure the offending player understands why the call is being made. The goal will be to teach each player the correct rules. The player who was “offended” will take the shot. If the offended player cannot take the shot or no player was directly offended, the coach will select who will take the penalty shot. The coaches are to mix it up and ensure all players have a chance to take penalty shots.

The following infractions will result in a penalty shot

Body contact. This is a non-contact league. We understand that some incidental contact will take place. Any play for which is ruled that the player is “playing the player” and not the ball will be called.

High sticking - contacting another player with a high stick (above the shoulders) or causing danger to another player. It is a penalty shot.

High sticking contacting the ball -hit ting the ball over the shoulder -Keep sticks below the shoulder. If a player touches the ball with their stick above the shoulders, it is a penalty shot.

Any dangerous play when a player has their stick above the shoulders will result in a penalty shot.

The refs will call this 100%, no leeway! Please keep the sticks down!

Tripping   - Hooking - Elbowing   Sometimes we know a trip, hook or elbow might be a mistake. It is still a penalty as players are responsible for always controlling their body and stick.

Contacting the goalie – players are not permitted to enter the crease with either foot. If an offensive player touches the crease with their foot - it is a penalty shot.

Roughing - Any unnecessary roughness can be considered roughing.  It is a penalty shot.

Catching, holding or covering the ball. If a player catches the ball, covers the ball or closes their hand on the ball at any time. It is a penalty shot.

Delay of game - If a player intentionally shoots the ball from the playing surface it is a delay of game penalty, and a penalty shot.

Delay of game by the goalie – If the goalie leaves their crease with both feet and covers the ball. This will result in a penalty shot.

Unsportsmanlike conduct – any conduct deemed unsportsmanlike by the ref will result in a penalty shot. 3 minor penalties and you are out for the game.

Misconduct Penalties - A stick infraction, slashing or cross checking that is deemed dangerous by the ref will result in a penalty shot and the offending player may also receive a game misconduct.  The team will NOT be short-handed. There will be no tolerance for dangerous stick play. Note that a coach may also sit a player at their discretion if they are playing outside of the rules. Coaches are encouraged to manage their own players in effort to teach and to keep the game safe and fun. If a player is getting too aggressive, their coach will be encouraged to find a way to settle the aggressive behavior down.

Fighting and even the talk of fighting will be absolutely forbidden. A penalty shot will be awarded and the offending player will receive a game misconduct. Coaches are asked to strictly enforce this rule and help if a player gets out of control. All misconducts must be reported by the Referee to the NSMBHL Managing Director. Such misconduct may result in further discipline, up to and including suspension from the league.  If a player is suspended from the league, they will not be entitled to any amount of refund. The NSMBHL will not tolerate any player or coach who acts inappropriately. Do not expect a warning regarding bad conduct.

Swearing will not tolerated. This includes name calling or taunting. This will result in the opposing team being awarded a penalty shot and the offending player being shifted off for 5 minutes. A second offence and the player will receive a game misconduct penalty. Swearing, name calling or taunting are not welcome and will be dealt with firmly. The league officials reserve the right to deal with all misconduct as they see fit.  We will do all that we feel is necessary to ensure the NSMBHL remains a fun and safe place for all participants.

Format - Games will be played cross arena,  4 v 4 plus a goalie. The ref may opt to play 3v3 if the number of players makes this sensible. It will be the ref’s final decision to make such a change to play 3x3.

Flow of the game

All face offs will be at Centre.

·         At the start of the game Start of each period

·         After goals

·         Coincidental minor penalties (after the two penalty shots)

·         When the ref needs to reset the game

The ref will encourage the play to continue as much as possible.

Players will be encouraged to change quickly. We will promote great hustle, focus and team play.

The ref may also blow the whistle at any time if they feel the need to restart the game. Play only resumes after the ref blows the whistle to restart play.

Referees and coaches are encouraged to work together to help ensure each game is fun, moves with a good flow and that each player has a great experience.

We will do our best to make sure the league is fun for everyone!