BASA Rules - Issue XI

The Face Off	Offside and Delayed Offside
Icing	Goals and Assists
Winning Team	The Broom
High Sticking	The Ball
Kicking the Ball - Foot pass	Handling the ball - Hands
Slashing	Charging
Elbowing & Kneeing	Holding
Unnecessary Roughness	Tripping
Unsportsmanlike Conduct	Interference
Penalties at the Referee's discression	Sudden Death
Penalty Shot	Finals Eligibility
Forfeits	Mercy Ruling
Time Periods	Referee's, Timekeepers and Captains
Boarding & Checking	Ball out of bounds or unplayable
Abuse of Officials	Throwing the Broom
The Shoes	The Helmet
The Rink	Equipment Abuse
Teams	Signals
Cancelling Penalties	Goals out of Position
Penalties	Goal Tenders
Calling for the Ball	Bench Penalty
Dangerous Play

THE FACE OFF

• 1.1 Players contesting the face off may move their sticks prior to the ball being dropped but the stick must not leave contact with the ice. Contact with the opposition players stick before the ball is dropped may occur. Stoppage of play only.
  

• 1.2 No upward motion of the broom towards the opposing centre man shall be allowed. Stoppage of play only.
  

• 1.3 The remaining players of both teams must stand at least 15 feet from the players facing off. Stoppage of play only.
  

• 1.4 The ball is to be dropped by the referee from a height of at least 25cm at a face off. Play starts when the ball hits the ice. (There is no whistle to start play).
  

• 1.5 The face-off should not disadvantage the non- infringing team.
  

• 1.6 If the referee is unhappy with either of the players contesting the face off, the referee may order a new player(s) to contest the face off.
  

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OFF-SIDE & DELAYED OFF-SIDE

• 2.1 Offside is not considered until the ball has completely crossed the centre red line.
  

• 2.2 When a member of the team in possession of the ball precedes the latter into offensive territory and the ball is clearly intercepted by a player of the opposing team, and then carried or passed back over the red central line, the delayed off-side is cancelled and play continues.
  

• 2.3 The referee shall stop play on the delayed off- side if the ball crosses the defensive blue line.
  

• 2.4 If on a delayed off-side, the defending team clears their defensive zone with the ball, the delayed off-side on the offensive team will be cancelled and play will continue (using delayed off-side guide-lines).
  

• 2.5 If in the opinion of the referee an intentional offside play has been made, the subsequent face off shall be at the corner face off spot in the defensive zone of the offending team.
  

• 2.6 If a player legally carries or passes the ball from the attacking zone back into his/her defending zone whilst a player of the opposing team is in the same zone, the offside ball shall be ignored and play permitted to continue.
  

• 2.7 If a player on the attacking team directs the ball over the red line, while one of his/her team-mates is still in an offside position, AND the ball is deflected off of a defending player BEFORE crossing the red line, OFFSIDE will NOT be called.
  

• 2.8 Players of the attacking team shall not precede the ball into the attacking zone. A referee shall signal offside when it occurs, but not blow his whistle until a player of the attacking team gains possession of the ball in that zone. The offside shall be ignored if a member of the defending team gains possession of the ball and passes or carries the ball out of the zone.
  

• 2.9 The off side will be cancelled if all members of the offending team return to their defensive zone, provided the ball did not pass over the blue line (see Rule 2.5). Once all members of the infringing team are onside, they may then return to their attacking zone to challenge for the ball.
  

Fig 10. Onside. the ball is in the defensive zone of the Team 'A'.

Fig 11. Offside signalled. A member of Team 'A' has moved into the attacking zone (of Team 'A') (preceeding the ball across the line).

Fig 12. The ball crosses the red center line. A member of the defending team (Team 'B') gains possesion of the ball after it has crossed into their (team 'B') defensive zone. Offside signalled (that a penalty is in force should the attacking team Team 'A') regain control of the ball or the defending team take the ball into their attack zone - whilst the have a player offside.

Fig 13. Team 'B' now all onside. Offside still signalled as the penalty (on Team 'A') is still current until the ball is either touched by the attacking team or taken into the defensive teams attacking zone, or all of Team 'A' return onside, at which time offside is cancelled.

Fig 14. Onside. Offside signal lapses, as the ball is taken into the new zone when all players of the carrying team are onside.

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ICING

• 3.1 Icing occurs after the ball has been directed by the defending team down the ice from inside their zone and across their opponents goal line. The referee shall stop play for an icing infraction when a member of the opposing (defending) team touches the ball.
  

• 3.2 The referee shall allow play to continue if a member of the team directing the ball down the ice or the goal tender of the opposing team, touches the ball after the ball has crossed the goal line.
  

• 3.3 If in the opinion of the referee, a player of the opposing team is in a position to play the ball before it crosses the goal line and has not done so, the referee shall ignore the icing and allow play to continue.
  

• 3.4 If a goal tender leaves the crease in a motion towards the ball, icing is not called.
  

• 3.5 When a ball shot by a player from inside their zone deflects off an opponent and down the ice across the goal line, icing shall be ignored and play allowed to continue.
  

• 3.6 Icing cannot occur against a team which is a player short due to a penalty (uneven number of players).
  

• 3.7 Icing will be called if both teams have lost a player(s) due to a penalty.
  

Fig 4. Ball in A's defensive zone.

Fig 5. The ball is hit into the attacking zone, across the red center line, and is not able to be touched by either a defending or attacking player before the ball crosses the goal line. Icing signalled.

Fig 6. The ball is touched by a member of the defending team (other than the goal tender) after the ball has crossed the goal line. Icing called. The ball is returned to the corner face-off spot of the attacking team.

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GOALS & ASSISTS

• 4.1 A goal shall be scored when the ball has legally passed between the goal post below the cross bar and completely across the goal line.
  

• 4.2 A goal shall be scored if the ball is put into the goal in any manner by a player on the defensive team. The player of the attacking team who last touched the ball shall be credited with the goal.
  

• 4.3 If the shot of an attacking player has been deflected into the goals by the shoes, or any part of the body of another attacking player, the goal shall be allowed and the player off whom the ball was deflected shall be credited (off the body, etc) with the assist. The goal shall not be accepted if the ball has been kicked, thrown or otherwise deliberately directed into or deflected off a defender into the goal by any other means other than a broom.
  

• 4.4 If a goal is scored as a result of a ball deflected directly off an official or his/her shoes the goal shall not be allowed.
  

• 4.5 No goal shall be allowed if any attacking player precedes the ball into the goal square. A player is considered in the goal square as long as part of his/her body is in contact with the ice inside the goal square.
  

• 4.6 The whole of the ball must cross the whole of the goal line, to be considered a goal. Fig 7 & Fig 8.
  

Fig 7. This is an accepted goal. When the ball completely crosses the goal line.

Fig 8. This is not a goal, as the ball has not completely crossed the goal line.

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WINNING TEAM

• 5.1 The team having scored the most number of goals during regular playing time or after overtime shall be considered the winning team.
  

• 5.2 A team can win by default where the opposing team forfeits a match.
  

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THE BROOM

• 6.1 A player who has dropped his broom may participate without a broom until the next stoppage of play, or he/she may get one directly from the bench during play.
  

• 6.2 A player shall not be allowed to throw, or propel a broom across the ice. Two minute penalty.
  

• 6.3 A broken broom is considered a dangerous piece of equipment and under no circumstances is a player to continue playing with a broken broom. If the player continues with a broken broom a two minute penalty will be awarded. The player must drop the broom immediately. A new broom may be retrieved from the players bench. Only the referee may remove the broken stick.
  

• 6.4 A broom may be wrapped in tape to protect it's head, and as grip on the shaft of the stick.
  

• 6.5 Under no circumstances is the broom to be weighted by any means. A broom having a repaired shaft may not be used. Penalty at the referee's discretion. Five minute penalty or suspension from match. But the team may field a replacement player.
  

• 6.6 Any handing over of the broom must be made from one hand to another.
  

• 6.7 A player may at no time have more than one broom in his/her hands whilst play is in progress, if play is in their vicinity, a 2 minute penalty shall apply.
  

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HIGH STICKING

• 7.1 A players broom may not attempt to make contact with the ball above the shoulders. Play advantage if possible, else stoppage of play only ( see rule 44.1, Dangerous Play). Note: Once the ball has been touched by an opposing player, the high stick is nullified, unless under Rule 44.1.
  

• 7.2 A goal scored from a high broom shall not be allowed, except from the broom of a defensive player in his/her own net.
  

• 7.3 The goalie shall be allowed to block the ball with the stick above the shoulders. See Rule 44.1, Dangerous Play.
  

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THE BALL

• 8.1 When the ball goes outside the playing area, or strikes obstacles above the playing surface, with the exception of the sideboards, glass or wire netting, play shall be stopped.
  

• 8.2 When the ball becomes lodged in the netting on the outside of either goal and is not playable or if it is frozen between opposing players intentionally or otherwise, the referee shall stop play.
  

• 8.3 If at any time while play is in progress a ball other than the one legally in play appears on the playing surface, the play shall not be stopped, but shall continue with the legal ball until the play then in progress stops OR is affected.
  

• 8.4 Play shall not be stopped if the ball touches the official anywhere on the ice (see Rule 4.4).
  

• 8.5 A player shall not interfere with the play (or ball) through the net. Stoppage of play only.
  

• 8.6 Hitting the ball out of bounds deliberately may result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty where the ball is hit out of bounds under stop time conditions.
  

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KICKING THE BALL - FOOT PASS

• 9.1 A player shall be allowed to kick the ball from one player to another.
  

• 9.2 A kick pass shall be treated as a stick pass ( Icing, Offside etc apply).
  

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HANDLING THE BALL - HANDS

• 10.1 A player shall not be permitted to carry the ball with any part of the body. Stoppage of play only.
  

• 10.2 A player is allowed to stop the ball with his/her hand and direct the ball to the ice. The player directing the ball to the ice must gain possession of the ball. If a team-mate gains possession of the ball, the referee shall stop play. The play shall continue if an opposing player gains possession of the ball.
  

• 10.3 A pass with the hand or hands by any player to any other player, other than themselves shall result in a stoppage of play. The goal-tender shall be allowed to make a hand pass only when throwing the ball to a team-mate behind the goal line.
  

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SLASHING

• 11.1 A penalty at the discretion of the referee shall be assessed to any player who prevents or attempts to prevent the progress of an opponent by slashing with his/her broom. Two or five minute penalty.
  

• 11.2 One handed or two handed slashing whilst challenging for the ball will result in a two or five minute penalty.
  

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CHARGING

• 12.1 A penalty shall be assessed to any player who uses the momentum of his/her run to increase the impact of a body check on an opponent. Penalty at the referee discretion. Two or five minute penalty.
  

• 12.2 A penalty shall be assessed to any player who charges an opponent from behind or who injures an opponent as a result of the charge. Penalty duration at the referee's discretion. Two or five minute penalty.
  

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ELBOWING AND KNEEING

• 13.1 A Penalty duration at the referee's discretion shall be assessed against any player who checks an opponent with his/her knee or elbow or who causes injury through the check. Two or five minute penalty.
  

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HOLDING

• 14.1 A penalty shall be assessed against any player who holds an opponent with his/her hands or in any other manner. Two minute penalty.
  

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UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS

• 15.1 A penalty shall be assessed against any player who uses unnecessary roughness on an opponent. Penalty duration at the referee's discretion. Two or five minute penalty.
  

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TRIPPING

• 16.1 A penalty shall be assessed against any player who places his/her broom, knee, foot, arm, or elbow in such a manner that causes his/her opponent to trip or fall. Penalty duration at the referee's discretion. Two or five minute penalty.
  

• 16.2 If the referee considers the trip to be the result of a check in which the opponent slides and gains possession of the ball from the ball carrier, causing him/her to trip and fall a penalty shall be assessed. ( See Rule 12.1, 12.2, 15.1). Penalty duration at the referee's discretion. Two or five minute penalty.
  

• 16.3 When a player has a clear break-away with no opponents between him/her and the opposing goal-tender and in full control of the ball and is tripped or has his/her body fouled from behind and having been prevented from having a clear shot on goal, a penalty shall be assessed to the player on the defending team. The referee shall allow play to continue until the defending team has gained possession of the ball. Penalty duration at the referee's discretion. Two minute penalty or a penalty shot. The penalty is not cancelled by the scoring of a goal.
  

• 16.4 Any deliberate slide by a player, that puts another player at risk of injury is not allowed. Two minute penalty.
  

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UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

• 17.1 A penalty shall be assessed against any player who uses abusive language, who persists in arguing the referee's decision or who shows no regard for the officials. Penalty duration at the referee's discretion. Two or five minute penalty or player may be suspended for the rest of match if persists.
  

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INTERFERENCE

• 18.1 Deliberate interference on an opponents body from behind. Two minute penalty (see Rule 11 12, 13, 14, 15, 16).
  

• 18.2 If in a clean break-away situation, the goalie comes out to tackle the oncoming player and the referee is convinced the goalie tackled the player and not the ball, then a penalty shot is awarded to the player infringed upon. In addition, if injury occurs a penalty will be awarded (See Rule 19.1). However if the goalie fouls the attacking player but the referee considers they were trying to play the ball, then a standard interference call will be made with a two minute penalty applying.
  

• 18.3 Any player who interferes with another players body or stick, in an illegal manner, without actually incurring another penalty, shall be given an interference penalty. Two minutes. (Eg: Pulling someone off balance by grabbing).
  

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PENALTIES AT THE REFEREE'S DISCRETION

• 19.1 Any infraction involving an injury will automatically incur a five minute penalty.
  

• 19.2 Arguing with the umpire may result in a two minute suspension, followed up by a five minute penalty, followed by suspension from the match.
  

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SUDDEN DEATH

• 20.1 If at the end of full time in a MAJOR round match, the scores are tied a sudden death play-off will result. The team scoring the first goal will be awarded the match.
  

• 20.2 Two five minute sudden death periods apply (ie. the 1st goal wins). If after these periods there is still no goal there win be a shoot-out unless Rule 20.4 applies. Five players from each team will alternately take shots. If there is an even score after that, then there will be a sudden death shoot-out where one player from each team will shoot and the first time one team scores and the other misses, then the scoring team is the winner.
  

• 20.3 If for any reason, rules 20.1 and 20.2 cannot be followed, then it is the referee's and the captains duty to agree upon the method of play.
  

• 20.4 If the Captains agree, and time permits. A further period of sudden death may apply, in which each team is allowed 4 players on the ice, no goal tenders. No player on either team is permitted to touch the ball within the goal tenders circle,(two minute penalty). A player cannot shoot on goal unless they have crossed the centre red line.
  

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THE PENALTY SHOT

• 21.1 If a penalty shot has been awarded, the penalty will be taken from the penalty spot in front of the goal square.
  

• 21.2 A single stroke whether pushed or struck will constitute the penalty shot, the penalty shot may also be taken from the blue line nearest the goals, in which case the ball may be dribbled in again only one shot is permitted.
  

• 21.3 The shot may not be taken until all players in the opinion of the referee, are ready. No other player apart from the goal-tender may be in front of the line of the ball.
  

• 21.4 Immediately the ball has been played, and either a goal results or the goal-tender touches the ball, the ball is declared dead and no further play may take place.
  

• 21.5 The face off irrespective of the result of the penalty shot will take place from the centre red line.
  

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FINALS ELIGIBILITY

• 22.1 Players must participate in at least one third of all games in the minor round.
  

• 22.2 Membership for the season must be paid prior to the end of the minor round.
  

• 22.3 Players wishing exemption from these rules should apply to the committee, seven days prior to the commencement of the Major rounds.
  

• 22.4 Should a player need verification regarding their eligibility or that of another player, the team captain should approach the Secretary.
  

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FORFEITS

• 23.1 A team will have deemed to have forfeited a match if the team has less than 4 players who are not members of any other team ready to play at the start of the game. The score will stand as 3 - 0.
  

• 23.2 A team may 'borrow' players from any available team, provided the opposing team captain is in agreement.
  

• 23.3 No game can be forfeited in advance except by the Captain or Acting Captain.
  

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MERCY RULING

• 24.1 A team that scores a gap of 10 goals against the opposing team, will be awarded the match. Any further play and subsequent goals will not contribute to either of the teams score, nor will a subsequent change in fortunes affect the previously determined result of the match.
  

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TIME PERIODS

• 25.1 All matches unless previously specified will be of two twenty minute halves. Each half will be separated by a one minute break.
  

• 25.2 Stopped time will only apply in the last two minutes of the second half.
  

• 25.3 The clock will be stopped if the ball leaves the playing surface or if the referee indicates that the clock should be stopped.
  

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REFEREE'S, TIMEKEEPERS & CAPTAINS

• 26.1 Each captain is required to ensure that the game sheets are correct for each player on the ice. Each team player is required to wear a uniform allocated to their team.
  

• 26.2 Most Valuable Player (MVP) points shall be awarded to three male players, each game by the referee's. The same scoring system applies to females but is not compulsory. Eg. Even when females are playing, it is not necessary to award points.
  

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BOARDING & CHECKING

• 27.1 A penalty at the referee's discretion is to be assessed to players who body check, cross check, elbow, charge or trip an opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to be thrown into the boards. Penalty duration at the referee's discretion. Two or five minute penalty.
  

• 27.2 The players intent to play the ball must be evident to the referee.
  

• 27.3 Cross checking is prohibited. Penalty duration at the referee's discretion. Two or five minute penalty.
  

• 27.4 A penalty may be assessed against a player who body checks another. The penalty should be assessed, based upon the skill levels of the players and the degree of violence of the check. Penalty duration at the referee's discretion. Two or five minute penalty.
  

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BALL OUT OF BOUNDS OR UNPLAYABLE

• 28.1 When the ball goes outside the playing area, or strikes obstacles above the playing surface with the exception of the sideboards, glass or wire netting, play must be stopped. If deliberate an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty may be assessed. Penalty duration at the referee's discretion. Two or five minute penalty.
  

• 28.2 When the ball becomes lodged in the netting play must be stopped.
  

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ABUSE OF OFFICIALS

• 29.1 The persistent disputing of a referee's rulings will incur a two minute penalty (this includes Captains).
  

• 29.2 Clarification of any decisions must only be done by the captains.
  

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THROWING THE BROOM

• 30.1 A two minute penalty will be awarded to any player deliberately throwing their broom in the direction of a player in possession of the ball, regardless of the outcome of any play.
  

• 30.2 A penalty shot will be awarded against any player deliberately throwing their broom in the direction of a player in possession of the ball who has a clear cut break-away in the attacking zone and obstructs this player from completing his/her play.
  

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THE SHOES

• 31.1 The shoes must be as commercially supplied.
  

• 31.2 Physical or chemical alterations are prohibited.
  

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THE HELMET

• 32.1 All players and umpires must wear a helmet whilst on the ice.
  

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SHEPHERDING

• 33.1 No player shall deliberately position themselves so as to prevent another player from making a challenge for the ball unless they themselves are challenging for same.
  

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THE RINK

Fig:9 Parts of the Rink.

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EQUIPMENT ABUSE

• 35.1 If a player is found to be deliberately misusing equipment, which is damaged or broken as a result, that player will be required to pay the full replacement costs of the equipment. This will be at the discretion of the referee, who will inform the Secretary of the situation. Two minute penalty.
  

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TEAMS

• 36.1 Players can only be registered with one team in a season or competition and can only play with that team unless otherwise approved by the opposing captain and the organising committee.
  

• 36.2 Each team must identify their Captain to the referee prior to the games commencement.
  

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SIGNALS

Listed below are some of the signals used by referee's:-

Fig 15. Icing

Fig 16.Slashing

Fig 17.Holding

Fig 18. No Icing

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CANCELLING PENALTIES

• 38.1 If both teams are at even strength due to penalties and a goal is scored, no penalty shall be cancelled by the goal.
  

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GOALS OUT OF POSITION

• 39.1 A face off in the end zone shall occur and the play whistled dead if the goals are moved out of position by a defending player and the goals interfere with the play. If the defending team knocks the goals out of position, and the ball clearly goes through where the goals should be, then the goal stands.
  

• 39.2 A face off in the neutral zone shall occur if the goals are moved out of position by an attacking player.
  

• 39.3 If the attacking team knocks the goals out of position, play is whistled dead (Advantage will be played to the defending team) If the attacking team maintain possession, then the play is whistled dead.
  

• 39.4 Intentional dislodgement of the nets will result in a five minute penalty. See Rule 4.5.
  

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PENALTIES

• 40.1 All penalties should be played to advantage where possible. Advantage is defined as in possession of the ball until control is gained by the opposing team, unless the ball goes out of bounds, or a goal is scored.
  

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GOAL TENDERS

• 41.1 The goal tender is defined (when teams rotate their goalies) as the defending player who is in the goal crease. If the goalie goes out of the box and another defender goes into the box, then the defender going into the box is considered the goal tender. If two defenders are in the box, then whoever has been in the goal crease the longest is considered the goal tender. Note: Only the goal tender can deliberately hold the ball. Other players will receive a two minute penalty.
  

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CALLING FOR THE BALL

• 42.1 If any player calls for the ball from the opposition, then an unsportsmanlike conduct foul shall be called. First offence is a stoppage of play and a warning, second offence will result in a two minute penalty. The referee shall play advantage where possible. Note: The offence is calling the ball, regardless of whether or not the player receives the pass.
  

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BENCH PENALTY

• 43.1 A player off the ice, but part of the team playing a match, may still be penalised for any rule breach, regardless of the their being off the ice.
  

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DANGEROUS PLAY

• 44.1 A two minute penalty applies at the referees discression to any player who puts another player at risk of injury.

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