Rules

Box Rules Diagram

6. THE LACROSSE STICK

(a) The lacrosse stick head and handle shall be designed and manufactured of a framework of wood, plastic or other materials. On this frame shall be woven a netting of soft leather, nylon or other material. Replaceable handles of the lacrosse stick must be specifically designed and manufactured for the game of lacrosse. All designs and materials shall be approved by the CLA

(b) The Referees shall not allow the use of any Lacrosse stick, which in their opinion is liable to cause injury due to its construction or repair. Referees shall report to the appropriate governing body any case where a stick has been ruled dangerous and removed from a game.

(c) The player's stick shall measure not more than 116.84 cm (46”) nor less than 101.6 cm (40") in overall length, and not more than 20.32 cm (8"), nor less than 11.43 cm (4 1/2") in width. The measurement for width is to be inside frame measurement. Nothing may be added to or attached to the outside of the stick.

NOTE: In Pee Wee and all lower divisions, the minimum length of the stick shall be 86.36 cm (34") inches.

(d) No stick may be constructed, modified or strung in any way to withhold the ball from play or give a player an advantage over their opponent.

(e) The goalkeeper's stick may be of any desired length, but shall not be over 38.1 cm (15") in width. Nothing may be added to or attached to the outside of the stick. The measurement for width to be inside frame measurement.

(f) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who uses an illegal stick in a game, and that stick shall be placed in the Timekeeper's area for the remainder of the game. Measurements or other examinations shall be performed during the first stoppage in play after a request by the Captain or Alternate Captain. A bench minor penalty shall be assessed to a team requesting a stick measurement provided the stick in question is legal. Bench minor penalties require the removal of any player on the offending team (other than the designated goalkeepers) without substitute for two minutes, unless terminated early by a goal.

8. THE GOALS

(a) Each goal shall consist of two upright poles, 1.22 m (4') apart, joined by a rigid crossbar 1.22 m (4') from the playing surface. All measurements to be inside distances. The poles and crossbar shall be fitted with a cone shape netting of not more than 3.81 cm (1.5") mesh, fastened to the playing surface at a point 1.22 m (4') behind the centre of the goal line. The mesh shall not be drawn taut.

NOTE: In tyke and lower divisions it is permissible to add a 30.48 cm (1') piece of material to the underside of the crossbar to reduce the height of the goal to 91.44 cm (3').

(b) The nominal diameter of the goalposts and crossbar shall be 5.08 cm (2") and they shall be painted a colour other than white.

11. HEADWEAR

(a) All players (including goalkeepers) shall wear suitable and approved helmets for lacrosse. All players on one team shall wear helmets of the same colour.

(b) All helmets shall have a chinstrap and it shall be properly secured during play. Any player other than the ball carrier, whose helmet becomes dislodged, must immediately remove themselves completely from active play until they put on and secure their helmet. A ball carrier, whose helmet becomes dislodged, shall be given an opportunity to pass or shoot the ball before retrieving the helmet. Any infraction of this section shall result in a minor penalty.

(c) All players shall wear suitable facemasks for Lacrosse as specified in the CLA Safety and Equipment Policy. Players participating on the floor without a suitable facemask shall be assessed a ten-minute misconduct penalty.

12. GOALKEEPER'S EQUIPMENT

(a) With the exception of the stick, all equipment worn by a goalkeeper must be solely constructed for the purpose of protection of the head or body, and must not include anything which would give the goalkeeper undue assistance in keeping goal. All designs and materials shall be approved by the CLA.

(b) The goalkeeper shall wear an approved facemask and throat guard.

NOTE: Trappers and blockers are not allowed.

(d) The goalkeeper shall be allowed the use of approved lacrosse leg guards, but at no time shall be allowed the use of felt or other material beyond the edge of the shin protector.

(e) The goalkeeper shall be allowed the use of approved chest, shoulder, arm pads, leg guards and pants. All this equipment must conform to the shape of the body and must not include anything which would give the goalkeeper undue assistance in keeping goal.

(f) The goalkeeper shall not be allowed the use of abdominal aprons or a sweater extending down the front of the thighs on the outside of the pants, below the crotch area. This prohibits the use of any type of material added to the team sweater.

(g) The goalkeeper shall be allowed the use of approved safety toed shoes.

(h) All protective equipment except gloves, headwear, shoes or leg guards, must be worn entirely under the goalkeeper's uniform.

(i) Examination of a goalkeeper's equipment shall be performed during the first stoppage in play after requested by the Captain/Alternate Captain. A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper using illegal equipment and this equipment shall be removed or corrected without delay. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by > any player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction. A bench minor penalty shall be assessed to a team requesting the examination, provided that the equipment is legal. Bench minor penalties require the removal of any player on the offending team (other than the designated goalkeepers) without substitute for two minutes, unless terminated early by a goal.

(j) A goalkeeper may not receive equipment thrown on the playing floor from any part of the box, but may receive equipment from a teammate without proceeding to the players' bench. A minor penalty plus a ten-minute misconduct penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who receives equipment illegally under this rule. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by any player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

13. PLAYER'S EQUIPMENT

(a) All players are required to wear protective gloves, shoulder and arm pads, and a back/kidney pad, which must be approved for Lacrosse as specified in the CLA Safety and Equipment Policy. Players participating on the floor without all of the above equipment shall be assessed a 10-minute misconduct penalty.

(b) The use of equipment made of metal or other material likely to cause injury is prohibited. Referees shall not allow the use of any equipment that in their opinion is liable to cause injury. Referees shall report to the appropriate governing body any case where dangerous equipment has been used.

NOTE: Players shall not be allowed to wear jewelry (e.g. rings, earrings, chains). Players wearing jewelry shall be assessed a ten-minute misconduct penalty.

NOTE: Items, which identify a medical condition, are exempt from this rule.

(c) Examination of equipment shall be performed at the first stoppage in play after a request by the Captain/Alternate Captain. A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player using illegal equipment. A bench minor penalty shall be assessed to a team requesting examination of equipment provided the equipment is legal. Bench minor penalties require the removal of any player on the offending team (other than the designated goalkeepers) without substitute for two minutes, unless terminated early by a goal.

(d) A player may not receive equipment thrown on the playing floor from any part of the box, but must obtain the equipment from his players' bench. A minor penalty plus a ten-minute misconduct penalty shall be assessed to a player who receives equipment illegally under this rule. Time served penalties shall be served by any player (other than the designated goalkeepers).

26. OFFENSIVE TIMEKEEPER

(a) The Offensive Timekeeper shall be equipped with a separate timing device (thirty-second clock) and a horn with which to signal the Referees whenever a violation of the thirty-second rule occurs.

(b) The Offensive Timekeeper shall operate the thirty-second clock during a short-handed situation to assist the Referees in administering the ten-second rule, however, the Referees shall stop the play (i.e., the horn will not sound).

31. BALL OUT OF BOUNDS

(a) The ball is not out of bounds until it has touched something, which is itself, out of bounds. A player may reach over the boards with his stick to retrieve the ball.

(b) If the ball goes out of bounds, or lodges in the screen, the Referee shall award possession to a nearby opponent of the player/goalkeeper who last touched the ball prior to its going out of bounds. Possession shall be awarded at a designated place, nearest the spot where the ball went out of bounds. If the Referee is in doubt as to who last touched the ball, or the Referees disagree, there shall be a face-off.

32. BALL STRIKING REFEREE

(a) If the ball hits a Referee it shall be in play unless deflected directly into the goal or out of bounds, in which case there shall be face-off.

33. BOARDING

(a) A major penalty shall be assessed to a player/goalkeeper who body-checks, cross-checks, trips, pushes or otherwise causes an opponent be thrown violently into the boards.

NOTE: Rolling of an opponents ball carrier along the boards where he is trying to go through too small an opening is not boarding.

NOTE: If a player is assessed a major or match penalty under this rule, time must be served by any player (other than the designated goalkeepers). If a goalkeeper is assessed a major or match penalty under this rule, time must be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

(b) If the check was an attempt to injure the player/goalkeeper, a match penalty shall be assessed.

35. BUTT-ENDING

(a) A major penalty shall be assessed to a player/goalkeeper who attempts to butt-end an opponent. A match penalty shall be assessed to a player/goalkeeper who butt-ends an opponent.

NOTE: "Butt-ending" shall be defined as jabbing an opponent with the butt of the stick. Butt-ending may also be treated as attempt to injure (Rule 30).

NOTE: "Attempt to Butt-end" shall include all cases where a butt-ending gesture is made, regardless of whether body contact is made or not.

NOTE: In Minor Lacrosse, an attempted butt-end which does not make solid contact shall be penalized by a major penalty and a game misconduct.

38. CHECKING FROM BEHIND

(a) A minor, or a major penalty plus a game misconduct or a match penalty shall be assessed to a player/goalkeeper who body-checks or illegally cross-checks an opponent from behind.

NOTE: If a player is assessed a major or match penalty under this rule, time must be served by any player (other than the designated goalkeepers). If a goalkeeper is assessed a minor, major or match penalty under this rule, time must be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

NOTE: If the attacking player/goalkeeper deliberately turns his back while the defensive player/goalkeeper is in the process of checking him, the penalty shall not apply.

39. CREASE PLAY

(a) The offensive team, on gaining or being awarded possession of the ball within their own goal crease, must pass or carry the ball out of the crease within five seconds or possession shall be awarded to the opposing team.

(b) If a player/goalkeeper touches a loose ball, receives a pass or interferes with an opposing players'../goalkeepers' stick in his opposing team's crease, possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

NOTE: If a player/goalkeeper intentionally checks a goalkeepers'../players' stick within the crease, a two-minute penalty shall be assessed to the offending player. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by any player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

(c) If a player/goalkeeper interferes with an opposing player/goalkeeper who is in his crease (other than stick on stick), he shall be assessed a minor or major penalty for checking in the crease. If the ball was in the crease at the time of the infraction, the penalty shall not be delayed and play shall restart with possession to the player/goalkeeper in their crease. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by any player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

(d) When shooting on goal, a player/goalkeeper may not step into the goal crease. The crease area is considered to be an imaginary vertical cylinder including the line on the floor. The stick or other parts of the body except the feet may enter the goal crease in the act of shooting or faking, but may not make contact with the floor or a defending player/goalkeeper. Any goals scored by a player/goalkeeper, while in his opponent's crease, shall be disallowed and possession awarded to the opposing team in their crease.

(e) No goal shall be allowed if a player/goalkeeper of the attacking team is in the crease. However, if a player/goalkeeper entered the crease as a result of a check the goal shall be allowed, provided the player/goalkeeper has made no attempt to interfere with the goalkeeper and has endeavoured to withdraw from the crease area.

(f) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player/goalkeeper who cuts through his opponent's crease to check the ball carrier. If a player/goalkeeper cuts through his opponent's crease and gains a distinct advantage to recover a loose ball, possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by any player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

(g) The ball entering the goal crease from a teammate to a teammate intentionally shall be awarded to the non-offending team in the nearest corner of that end zone.

(h) A goalkeeper may leave his crease to receive a pass, provided both feet are outside of the crease, and he may not carry the ball back into the crease. If any player/goalkeeper shall enter the crease with the ball, possession shall be awarded to the opposing team. Provided he has at least one foot in the crease, a goalkeeper may reach out with his stick to retrieve a loose ball or intercept an opponent's pass and return it to the crease.

40. CROSS-CHECKING

(a) A minor or major penalty shall be assessed to a player/goalkeeper who illegally cross-checks an opponent, whether or not the opponent is in possession of the ball. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

NOTE: A LEGAL CROSS-CHECK SHALL BE DEFINED AS A CHECK APPLIED WITH THE PORTION OF THE STICK HELD BETWEEN THE HANDS, ON AN OPPONENT,

(i) FROM THE FRONT OR SIDE,
(ii) BELOW THE SHOLDERS
(iii) ABOVE THE WAIST,
(iv) THE EXTENTION OF THE ARMS WHILE CHECK IS BEING

DELIVERED IS PERMISSIBLE.

NOTE: AN ILLEGAL CROSS-CHECK SHALL BE DEFINED AS

(i) APPLIED BELOW THE WAIST
(ii) APPLIED ON TOP OF THE SHOLDER
(iii) APPLIED WHEN AN OPPONENT IS NOT ON HIS/HER FEET
(iv) APPLIED ON A NON-BALL CARRIER OUTSIDE THE DOTTED LINE

43. FACE-OFFS

(a) All face-offs shall be conducted at the centre face-off circle.

(b) Players taking the face-off shall place the frames of their sticks flat along the playing surface at right angles to the length of the box. The open face of each player's stick shall face his goal, and his feet shall not cross the parallel lines at the face-off circle until the ball has left the 60.96 cm (2') face-off circle.

NOTE: During the face off, the players' right shoulders must face or be closer to their own goal.

(c) The Referee shall place the ball on the floor between the players' sticks. Play shall start with a whistle. The two players are then permitted to gain possession of the ball by a straight draw backwards, but shall not touch their opponent's stick or the netted portion of their own stick with their hand. Stepping on or kicking their opponent's stick shall not be allowed.

NOTE: Draw motion must continue until both sticks clear the face off dot.

(d) If a player attempts to face-off in an illegal manner or moves his stick or gloves prior to the whistle, possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(e) If a player fouls an opponent during a face-off, the appropriate penalty shall be assessed.

(f) If during a face-off a player falls on the ball, possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team. If during a face-off a player intentionally withholds the ball from play, possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(g) When the ball is being faced off, only the two players facing off are allowed in the centre zone. If another player enters the centre zone before the ball leaves the 60.96 cm (2') face-off circle, possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

44. FALLING ON THE BALL/BALL OUT OF SIGHT

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player/goalkeeper who, while the ball is outside the crease, deliberately withholds the ball from play (except as in rule 43(f)). A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction. If the player/goalkeeper accidentally falls on the ball, the ball goes out of sight of the Referee, or the ball gets inadvertently trapped against the floor or boards by a stick, play shall be stopped and possession awarded to the non-offending team.

(b) If any defending player except the designated goalkeeper deliberately falls on or gathers the ball into his body when the ball is within the goal crease, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

46. FREE HAND

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a defensive player/goalkeeper who uses a free hand to push or manipulate an opponent or an opponent's stick. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

(b) If a ball carrier pushes off a defending player/goalkeeper or his stick with a free hand, possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

54. INJURED PLAYERS

(a) When a player is injured, play shall not be stopped until the play in progress is completed. If his opposing team is in possession when play is stopped, they shall retain possession to restart play. In all other situations play shall restart with a face-off.

NOTE: When a player appears to be seriously injured, the Referee shall stop play immediately.

(b) When play is stopped because of an injury, the injured player (excluding the designated goalkeeper) must leave the playing floor prior to restarting play, and must remain there until play resumes.

(c) If a goalkeeper sustains an injury or becomes ill, he must be ready to resume play immediately or be replaced by a substitute.

(d) When a goalkeeper gets hit flush on the facemask and it is obvious that he is injured, play shall be stopped immediately.

NOTE: In Minor Lacrosse, when a goalkeeper gets hit on the facemask, helmet or throat guard, play shall be stopped immediately and restarted with possession to the goalkeeper in his/her crease. If the ball enters the goal directly off the goalkeeper's facemask, helmet or throat guard, the goal shall count.

55. INTERFERENCE

NOTE: Throughout this rule, the Referees shall keep in mind that any check that is covered by other rules (e.g. cross-checking, tripping, charging, checking from behind, etc.) shall be penalized under the appropriate rule.

(a) When players/goalkeeper are pursuing a loose ball, checking the opponent's stick and body contact are allowed. If the contact is a direct attempt to drive the opponent off the ball while making no attempt to play the ball, possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team for minor interference.

(b) A defending player/goalkeeper may interfere with the progress of an attacking non-ball carrier using his/her body or a push checking motion with his/her stick provided the non-ball carrier is inside the dotted line.

(c) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player/goalkeeper who deliberately prevents a player/goalkeeper who has dropped his/her stick from regaining possession of it. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

(d) If a player/goalkeeper who is checking a player/goalkeeper is interfered with by means of a moving screen, possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team. The only permissible moving screen is when both opponents are moving in exactly the same path and same direction and the player/goalkeeper in front slows up or stops. In all other situations, the player/goalkeeper setting the screen shall be stationary in a normal standing position when contact is made and may not push off.

(e) In all screening situations contact is expected. If the contact is excessive, it shall be penalized under the appropriate rule.

(f) A minor penalty shall be assessed if any player/goalkeeper or non-playing personnel, on the players' bench or penalty bench, interferes with the movement of the ball or an opposing player/goalkeeper while play is in progress. If the designated goalkeeper had been removed from the playing floor, and a player/goalkeeper of the side attacking the unattended goal or the ball is interfered with by any opposing player/goalkeeper or non-playing personnel on the players' bench or the penalty bench, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

57. KICKING A PLAYER

(a) A major or match penalty at the discretion of the Referee shall be assessed to a player/goalkeeper who kicks or attempts to kick an opponent. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

NOTE: In Minor Lacrosse, an attempt to kick an opponent, which does not make solid contact, shall be penalized by a major penalty and a game misconduct.

60. LEAVING THE PLAYERS' BENCH/PENALTY BENCH

(a) If a player/goalkeeper shall illegally enter the game from his own players' bench, any goal scored by his team while he/she or his/her substitute are illegally on the playing floor shall be disallowed.

(b) No player/goalkeeper shall leave the players' bench or the penalty bench at the end of a period or at the end of a game until the Referee signals the bench to do so. A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to the first player/goalkeeper from each team and any non-playing personnel who leave the players' bench or the penalty bench prior to the Referee's signal.

(c) No player/goalkeeper may leave the players' bench at any time during an altercation. A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to the first player/goalkeeper from each team and any non-playing personnel who leave the players' bench and go on the playing surface during an altercation. The Referee shall report any such incident to the appropriate governing body.

(d) If a player leaves the penalty bench and goes on the playing floor before his penalty is fully served through an error of the Game Timekeeper, he shall return to the penalty bench to serve his unexpired time.

(e) If a player leaves the penalty bench and goes on the playing floor before his penalty is fully served, by his own error, he shall be assessed a minor penalty. He shall also be required to serve his unserved time.

(f) If a penalized player returns to the playing floor from the penalty bench before his penalty has expired, by his own error or the error of the Game Timekeeper, any goals scored by his team while he is illegally on the playing floor shall be disallowed.

(g) Any penalized player who leaves the penalty bench while an altercation is in progress shall be assessed a minor penalty plus a game misconduct penalty. The Referee shall report the incident to the appropriate governing body. Time served penalties shall be served by any player (other than the designated goalkeepers).

(h) If a ball carrier, with no opposition between him and the opposing goalkeeper, is interfered with by a player/goalkeeper of the opposing team who entered the game illegally, he shall be awarded a penalty shot.

(g) If the designated goalkeeper had been removed from the playing floor, and a player/goalkeeper of the side attacking the unattended goal or the ball is interfered with by a player/goalkeeper who shall have entered the game illegally, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

64. SLASHING

(a) A minor, major or match penalty at the discretion of the Referee shall be assessed to any player/goalkeeper who slashes an opponent with the stick. If a player is assessed a major or match penalty under this rule, time must be served by any player (other than the designated goalkeepers). If a goalkeeper is assessed a major or match penalty under this rule, time must be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

NOTE: Any player/goalkeeper who swings the stick at an opponent (whether in or out of range) shall be penalized for slashing.

NOTE: A player/goalkeeper may not strike an opponent with that portion of the stick not held between the hands. Stick-to-stick contact is allowed but hands (gloves) are considered part of the body and may not be touched.

In addition to any penalties assessed, any player/goalkeeper who swings the stick at another player/goalkeeper during an altercation shall be reported to the appropriate governing body.

A minor or major penalty shall be assessed to a player/goalkeeper who while in the process of shooting or passing, follows through with the stick and slashes an opponent. Should a goal be scored on the shot, the goal shall be awarded and the penalty assessed. If a player is assessed a major or match penalty under this rule, time must be served by any player (other than the designated goalkeepers). If a goalkeeper is assessed a major or match penalty under this rule, time must be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

NOTE: Unintentionally striking an opponent who is moving into the range of the follow through of a shot or pass should not be penalized.

65. SPEARING

(a) A major or match penalty at the discretion of the Referee shall be assessed to a player/goalkeeper who spears or attempts to spear an opponent. If a player is assessed a major or match penalty under this rule, time must be served by any player (other than the designated goalkeepers). If a goalkeeper is assessed a major or match penalty under this rule, time must be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

NOTE: Spearing shall be defined as stabbing an opponent with the mouth of the stick. Spearing may also be treated as attempt to injure (Rule 30).

NOTE: Attempt to spear shall include all cases where a spearing gesture is made, regardless of whether body contact is made or not.

NOTE: In Minor Lacrosse, an attempt to spear an opponent, which does not make solid contact, shall be penalized by a major penalty and a game misconduct.

68. THIRTY-SECOND RULE

(a) The offensive team shall be required to take a shot on goal within thirty seconds of gaining possession. Failure to do so will result in the Offensive Timekeeper sounding a horn. The Referees will stop the play and award possession to the non-offending team.

NOTE: The thirty-second horn does not stop the play, only the Referees' whistle stops the play.

NOTE: A shot on goal shall be defined as the ball making contact with the goalkeeper (while the goalkeeper is within the crease), goalposts or crossbar prior to crossing the goal line. The shot must originate from the front or side of the goal.

(b) Any stoppage in play (except for time outs or a ball lodged in a stick) shall cause the thirty-second clock to reset.

(d) It shall be ruled that the Referee's whistle sounded simultaneously with the Timekeeper's horn if a goal is scored (i.e., the goal shall be disallowed if the horn sounded before the ball was in the goal).

77. MAJOR PENALTIES

(a) Major penalties require the removal of the offending player (other than the designated goalkeepers) without substitute for five minutes.

(b) If a team is short-handed due to receiving a major penalty and the opposing team scores two goals, the short-handed team is allowed to substitute for the penalized player from the bench. The penalized player shall serve the full five minutes and will return to the bench on the next dead ball following the expiration of the penalty.

NOTE: A dead ball is defined as a stoppage for a face-off, a penalty or a time-out. A turnover for a 10 second call, a 30 second call, an out of bounds call or another possession type call does not constitute a dead ball.

(c) Any player/goalkeeper who receives a second major penalty in the same game shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty. A substitute player shall serve the major penalty(ies) without charge. If a goalkeeper is assessed a major penalty(ies) under this rule, time must be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction. If a player is assessed a major penalty under this rule, time must be served by any player (other than the designated goalkeepers)

(d) When a player/goalkeeper is assessed a non-coincident major penalty and one or more minor penalties, the major penalty shall be served first. When a player/goalkeeper is assessed a non-coincident major penalty and another player/goalkeeper on the same team is assessed a minor penalty at the same time, the minor penalty shall be served first. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction

81. EXPULSIONS

(a) Any player/goalkeeper who is assessed five penalties in the same game shall be expelled from playing the balance of the game.

(b) Delayed penalties cancelled by goals or penalty shots shall be recorded on the score sheet and count toward the five-penalty limit.

(c) Infractions that cause a penalty shot to be awarded that result in assessing a major penalty shall count toward the five-penalty limit.

83. COINCIDENT PENALTIES

(a) Coincident penalties are penalties of equal duration assessed to players/goalkeepers of both teams that start at the same time.

(b) When coincident majors, coincident penalties of equal duration including majors or coincident majors with unequal additional penalties are assessed to player(s) of both teams, the penalized players shall take their places on the penalty bench and shall not leave until the first dead ball (see Rule 77 Note) following the expiry of their respective penalties. Immediate substitution shall be permitted for any equal number of majors and associated coincident minors, and these penalties shall not be taken into account for the multiple penalty rule.

In the case of unequal penalties with coincident majors, a substitute player shall serve the unequal minor(s) and/or major penalties, and these penalties shall be taken into account for the multiple penalty rule.

85. CALLING OF PENALTIES

(a) Should a penalty occur by a player/goalkeeper of the team in possession of the ball or while the ball is loose, play shall be stopped immediately and the penalty assessed to the offending player/goalkeeper. Play shall restart with possession to the non-offending team. If the infraction occurred during a stoppage in play the penalty shall be assessed and play shall restart with possession to the non-offending team. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by any player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

(b) Should a penalty occur by a player/goalkeeper when his opposing team is in possession of the ball, except for checking in the crease, the Referee shall signify the calling of a penalty by raising his non-whistle hand straight up in the air, and on completion of the play, stop play and assess the penalty. Play shall restart with possession to the non-offending team. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by any player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

NOTE: Completion of the play shall mean:

(i) The ball has come into possession and control of an opposing player/goalkeeper.
(ii) A shot or an attempted shot has been taken.
(iii) The ball proceeds loose out of the zone.
(iv) Any reason that would have normally caused a stoppage in play.

(c) Should infractions occur that require coincident minor or coincident major penalties, play shall be stopped immediately and the penalties assessed to the offending players/goalkeeper. Play shall restart with the team that was in possession of the ball at the time of the infractions, retaining possession. If the infractions occurred during a stoppage in play, the penalties shall be assessed and the team that was being awarded possession (if applicable) would be awarded possession to restart play. If penalties are simultaneous, possession shall be awarded to the team with the lesser total time served penalties time.

(d) If a goal is scored during a delayed penalty by the non-offending team, the penalty shall be recorded on the score sheet. If the team scored on is not short-handed, the goal shall count toward the delayed penalty. If the team scored on is short-handed, the goal shall count toward the penalty that made the team short-handed at the time of the goal and the delayed penalty shall be assessed in the normal manner.

(e) If during a delayed penalty and before play is stopped, the ball shall enter the goal of the non-offending team as a direct result of an action of a player/goalkeeper of that team, the goal shall be allowed. The delayed penalty shall be assessed in the normal manner.

(d) If during a delayed penalty, the defensive team commits a second infraction, play shall be stopped immediately and the appropriate penalties assessed. Play shall restart with possession to the non-offending team.

86. PENALTY SHOTS

(a) In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded for fouling a player/goalkeeper, the player/goalkeeper who has been fouled shall take the penalty shot. If by reason of injury or penalty for retaliation, the player/goalkeeper designated to take the penalty shot is unable to do so, the shot may be taken by a player/goalkeeper who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

(b) One Referee shall place the ball on the centre face-off spot and when ready, start the penalty shot with a whistle. Once the ball has been carried by the player into the attacking zone, it shall be kept in motion toward the opponent's goal line. No goal can be scored on a rebound and once the ball has crossed the goal line, the shot shall be considered complete.

(c) The goalkeeper/player who is defending against the penalty shot shall remain inside the goal crease until the player/goalkeeper shooting the penalty shot has picked up the ball and entered the attacking zone.

(d) If the defending goalkeeper/player commits an infraction during the penalty shot that would not have resulted in a penalty, the shot shall be repeated. Repetition shall result in also assessing a ten-minute misconduct penalty to the offending goalkeeper/player. If the infraction during the penalty shot would have resulted in assessing a penalty, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(e) While the penalty shot is being taken, players of both sides shall withdraw to their respective benches. If any player/goalkeeper of the opposing team, shall have by some action interfered with or disturbed the player taking the shot, and because of such action the shot should have failed, a second attempt shall be permitted and a ten-minute misconduct penalty shall be assessed to the offending player/goalkeeper. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by any player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction. A goalkeeper penalty shall be served by any player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction.

(f) If at the time a penalty shot is awarded the designated goalkeeper had been removed from the playing floor, he shall be permitted to return prior to the penalty shot.

(g) After a penalty shot, play shall restart with a face-off.

(h) The purpose of awarding a penalty shot is to restore a lost scoring opportunity. Therefore, if the infraction, which caused the awarding of the penalty shot, would normally have resulted in a minor penalty, the penalty shall not be assessed but shall be recorded for the purposes of the expulsion rule. If the infraction would normally have resulted in a major or match penalty, the penalty shall be assessed in the normal manner. If a goal is scored on the penalty shot, the goal shall count toward the major penalty or if the team was short-handed, the goal shall count toward the penalty that made the team short-handed at that time.