Floor Hockey Rules for all levels of play
Pre-K Floor Hockey Rules
1. Participation
Equal participation for all players is a key element in YMCA Youth Sports.
2. Substitution
Substitutions are at the discretion of the Coach. Substitutions can be made at any time, as long as the Participation Rule is being met.
3. Number of Players
Each team will field four (4) and no less than three (3) on the court at one single time. Teams play at equal strength.
4. Uniforms
Players must wear their team’s YMCA T-shirt. T-shirt must be of the current year. Players must also wear sneakers (absolutely no Heelies) (no black soles) and shorts. Players may wear sweats. NO JEANS OR PANTS WILL BE ALLOWED.
5. Length of Game
Games will consist of four (4) eight-minute quarters, with a one (1) minute rest period in between each quarter and a five-minute halftime. Time will continuously run, except in the case of a time-out or injury. Game should last no longer than 45 minutes. NO OVERTIME!
6. Time Outs
Each team will be given two time-outs per half. Unused time-outs do not carry over to the next half or game.
7. Equipment
Games will be played on ½ of the gym. Equipment will be provided to each participant. Sticks are made of plastic poles and foam heads. Pucks are made of foam and range in diameters anywhere from 3” to 5”. Players should wear shin guards, but are not required.
8. Play
a) Play begins with a face-off at center court, and after every goal, penalty (except in the case of Rule G), and/or stoppage of play. TEAMS CANNOT SCORE OFF A FACE-OFF. Teams should be encouraged to pass to another teammate from a face-off.
b) All walls, corners, and doors are in play. If a puck gets caught/trapped in one of these, then a face-off will occur. Players may use caroms to pass and/or shoot.
c) All five (5) players are allowed to cross the half-court line to press/rush the opponent’s goal. It is advised that at least one (1) defensive player remain behind the line.
d) Due to the fast-paced nature of the game and to protect our participants all stick ends are made of foam as are the pucks.
e) Off-sides will be called when an offensive player(s) is behind the last defensive player of the opposing team without the puck. In the case of Off-sides, an uncontested face-off will be awarded to the defensive team.
f) Pucks cannot be touched and or kicked. Pucks cannot be stepped on to move with a players foot either. In lieu of this, a non-contested face-off will be called for the team that had last control of the puck.
g) Hockey sticks should not rise above the player’s waist when swinging either on the back-swing or follow-through. Players should be taught to use the stick carefully and not as a weapon. In the case of “High Sticking”, see Rule I.
h) Players should not drag the puck with their stick, but rather run with it or pass it to a teammate.
i) Warnings will be given for rough play, high sticking, checking, slashing and unsportsmanlike play. In the case of each of these, a free shot will be granted to the non-offending team from the free throw line in front of the opposing goal.
j) Coaches or assistant coaches will serve as the referee for all games.
k) Time will be kept during the game by the coaches or assistant coaches. No score will be kept or posted. The YMCA’s emphasis is on fun and learning.
l) All players should have the opportunity to play goalie during the game.
YMCA Youth Sports is unique, emphasizing skill-development,
sportsmanship, and teamwork. We de-emphasize competition and
emphasize the fun and learning that sports can provide. The YMCA
also promotes equal playing time for all its participants. All players
must play an equal amount of playing time in each game.
K– 2nd Grade Floor Hockey Rules
1. Participation
Equal participation for all players is a key element in YMCA Youth Sports.
2. Substitution
Substitutions are at the discretion of the Coach. Substitutions can be made at any time, as long as the Participation Rule is being met.
3. Number of Players
Each team will field no more than five (5) and no less than three (3) on the court at one single time. Teams play at equal strength.
4. Uniforms
Players must wear their team’s YMCA T-shirt. T-shirt must be of the current year. Players must also wear sneakers (absolutely no Heelies) (no black soles) and shorts. Players may wear sweats. NO JEANS OR PANTS WILL BE ALLOWED.
5. Length of Game
Games will consist of four (4) eight-minute quarters, with a one (1) minute rest period in between each quarter and a five-minute halftime. Time will continuously run, except in the case of a time-out or injury. NO OVERTIME!
6. Time Outs
Each team will be given two time-outs per half. Unused time-outs do not carry over to the next half or game.
7. Equipment
Games will be played on a full-court basketball court. Equipment will be provided to each participant. Sticks are made of plastic poles and foam heads. Pucks are made of foam and range in diameters anywhere from 3” to 5”. Players should wear shin guards, but are not required.
8. Play
a) Play begins with a face-off at center court, and after every goal, penalty (except in the case of Rule G), and/or stoppage of play. TEAMS CANNOT SCORE OFF A FACE-OFF. Teams should be encouraged to pass to another teammate from a face-off.
b) All walls, corners, and doors are in play. If a puck gets caught/trapped in one of these, then a face-off will occur. Players may use caroms to pass and/or shoot.
c) All six (6) players are allowed to cross the half-court line to press/rush the opponent’s goal. It is advised that at least two (2) defensive players remain behind the line.
d) Due to the fast-paced nature of the game and to protect our participants all stick ends are made of foam as are the pucks.
e) Off-sides will be called when an offensive player(s) is behind the last defensive player of the opposing team without the puck. In the case of Off-sides, an uncontested face-off will be awarded to the defensive team.
f) Pucks cannot be touched and or kicked. Pucks cannot be stepped on to move with a players foot either. In lieu of this, a non-contested face-off will be called for the team that had last control of the puck.
g) Hockey sticks should not rise above the player’s waist when swinging either on the back-swing or follow-through. Players should be taught to use the stick carefully and not as a weapon. In the case of “High Sticking”, see Rule I.
h) Players should not drag the puck with their stick, but rather run with it or pass it to a teammate.
i) Warnings will be given for rough play, high sticking, checking, slashing and unsportsmanlike play. In the case of each of these, a free shot will be granted to the non-offending team from the free throw line in front of the opposing goal.
j) Coaches or assistant coaches will serve as the referee for all games.
k) Time will be kept during the game by the coaches or assistant coaches. No score will be kept or posted. The YMCA’s emphasis is on fun and learning.
l) All players should have the opportunity to play goalie during the game.
9. Coaches Behavior
Coaches will be held accountable for their teams, their parents’ and their own behavior. The YMCA encourages fair play, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun. At the YMCA, we build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Our values are what come first.
YMCA Youth Sports is unique, emphasizing skill-development,
sportsmanship, and teamwork. We de-emphasize competition and
emphasize the fun and learning that sports can provide. The YMCA
also promotes equal playing time for all its participants. All players
must play an equal amount of playing time in each game.