Rules And Regulations

Merrimack Valley Hockey League Rules and Regulations: Updated 12/7/2023

Please read the following prior to signing up. If you do not pay you do not play. Payment must be made before the start of the 1st Games at any of the pick up games and or here on our website.

Merrimack Valley Hockey League is a coed ball hockey league. We play on foot. We will only take registrations for player over the age of 18 years old.

Team Structure:

Each team will consist of a maximum of 11 players and 1 goalie.

Substitutes are not allowed in the playoffs, unless the opposing teams captains approve.

Game Duration:

3 Minute warm up period.

Games will consist of Three 15 minutes periods*.

If the score is tied after regulation teams will play an overtime period till there is a score.

There will be a 2 minute break between periods.

Teams need to be ready to go once the clock starts. If teams are not ready to go they will be subject to a penalty for delay of game (1 minute).

*Subject to change dependent on team availability games could be longer.

Rules will be used unless referenced below. The Merrimack Valley Hockey League (MVHL) staff reserves the right to establish guidelines for any and all rules or infractions not covered in the below league rules. The MVHL staff will have complete authority to administer the program and make decisions and adjustments as they see fit for this recreational setting. His or her decisions are final.

Players and Substitutions: All teams will play 3 versus 3 with a goalie (8 total). Substitutions may be made during time-outs, during any break in the action caused by an officials whistle, or on the fly.

Equipment: There is no required equipment aside from a stick, if you play goalie you will provide your own equipment. Players are allowed to wear any form of protection albeit pertains to a hockey setting (helmet, shoulder pads, shinguard, mouth guard, etc.)

Practice: Teams will be given time prior to each game to warm up. In the case of an injury to a goalie the team is allotted a few minutes to warm up a new goalie and will not be penalized for delay of game.

Starting Play: Play begins with a face-off at center rink to begin the game. Face offs are also used at the beginning of the second half, after each goal, after an injury time-out or if the puck goes out of bounds. If the ball is covered by the goalie, opposing teams are too go back to center ice allowing the opposite team to begin break out. Once breakout and movement of the ball begin play resumes as normal.

Stoppage of Play:

**Once the ball is covered by the goalie the opposing team is too break away from the net allowing the other team to begin breakout.

Due to the size of the rink there will be no icing calls.

Deliberate removal of the ball from the rink will result in penalty.

Penalties: Will result in a penalty shot.
Goals: Following a goal, the puck is put in play with a face-off at center rink.
Injured player(s): The puck is put in play with a face-off at center rink. Offensive team entering the defensive crease or defensive team entering their own crease: Puck will be put in play with a face-off at center rink.
Illegal Contact: A player checks or bumps an opponent beyond MVHL regulations. There is NO medium to heavy hitting ONLY plays against boards that would typically result in light pushing. Penalties will be issued.
Slashing: A player strikes an opponent with his/her stick.
Hooking: A player impedes progress of an opposing player with his/her stick.
Holding: A player holds their opponent.
Tripping: A player trips an opponent.
High Sticking: A player plays with their stick above their own shoulder.
Interference: Offensive player interferes with goalie or another player so they cannot defend their goal.
Cross Checking: Checking opponent with the stick.
Throwing the stick.
Elbowing: A player checks a player with the elbow.

Fighting: Blatant play resulting in injury or intent to cause injury will result in immediate suspension from the league.

Miscellaneous: An ejected player may be subject to any of the following consequences pending review from the league coordinator. Suspension from one or more future games, or Suspension for the rest of the season. No future penalty may be given as well. A player ejected will automatically be suspended from their next game.

The referee is considered part of the rink and must adhere to all rules and regulations as well and can also be suspended.

If a team does not have enough players at game time, they may borrow player from another team or play short.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so goalies can get dressed and games can begin on time.

Games will be cancelled by game coordinator only.

Make-up games may be played the following week.

It is the captain (if not present the assistants) responsibility to control their team members and spectators during the games.

Every dollar from registrations is put back into the league almost immediately aside from a small bank for emergency equipment like hockey balls and whistles, therefore there are no refunds given in any manner. So please read the above before signing up and ensure your understanding of the rules and regulations.

We thank you for choosing Merrimack Valley Hockey League and look forward to seeing you at the rink!