wbh torch series
WBHNYC has the right to modify and adjust rules and format as needed.
Check-in
Every player, ref, and volunteer must sign the WBH Torch Series Waiver in-person in order to participate. Hard-copies of the WBH Torch Series waiver will be provided on-site.
Roster
Each player will be required to wear a black or white jersey. Please bring both a black and white jersey to your game (please do not bring a grey jersey)
All individual players are required to have full five fingered gloves and wear helmets with a functional chin-strap.
Max roster size of 15 players which does not include goalies.
Individuals not rostered as a player are not allowed on the bench (unless serving a door opener or coach). All individuals on the bench must sign a waiver in order to be permitted on the bench.
All players must be at least 21 years of age to participate.
Game Format
Teams play 5 players on at a time (not including the goalie) (in the event both teams are short and with mutual agreement btw Captains, teams can opt to play 4x4).
Teams must field a team of a minimum of 3 players on the rink (not including goalie) or forfeit the game.
Games start at the scheduled time. Players must be ready to play 15 minutes before their scheduled game. The clock will start at the game's scheduled time, regardless if players are ready or not.
Games are 45 minutes total and played in 3 periods (3x15m). Games may be shortened with agreement between opposing captains or at the discretion of WBHNYC.
Games are running time. In the event the game is within 2 goals (or tied) with 2 minutes remaining, the final 2 minutes will utilize a stop clock until the game is within 2+ goals or time runs out.
Intermission between periods is 3 minutes.
The home team chooses their bench and teams do not switch sides or benches between periods.
Teams are not allowed to meet at the net between periods.
Each team gets 1 x 45 second timeout per game. The game clock will be stopped for 45 sec.
All regular season games which are tied at the end of regulation time will end in a tie.
Mercy Rule is in effect. If, at any point in a game, the score reaches a 10-goal differential (ex. 10-0) the game will end with the leading team being declared the winner.
Points
Points Breakdown:
General:
In the event that teams are tied with the same point totals, the following tiebreakers will be used to determine the highest Seed:
1. Head-to-head record (when applicable).
2. Overall record (i.e. 2-1-0 team will be seeded higher than a 1-0-2 team).
3. Least Goals against.
4. Most total goals scored during pool play
5. Shutouts
6. Coin Flip
Championship game:
In the event of a tie at the end of regulation during the championship game there will be one additional 5 ON 5 sudden-death overtime time period consisting of 5 minutes in length (running clock). Goalies do not switch ends for OT.
If a winner is not determined during the overtime period, a 3-woman shootout will take place to determine the winning team (the highest seed has the choice of when to shoot. Both teams shoot on the same goalie. The captain of the home team determines which goalie both teams will shoot on.
If a winner has still not been determined at the end of the 3-woman shootout, each team will select a lineup to participate in a sudden-death shootout. The lineup will be equivalent in length to that of the smallest active roster of the two teams participating (i.e. if one team has 10 players and a goalie active for the game, while another has 13 players and a goalie active, each team will select 10 players [lowest active roster] to participate). The shootout will continue until a winner has been decided.
Game rules
The Tournament uses standard rules of USA Ball Hockey. Additionally, we have modified the rules to suit our needs. The exceptions and modifications are below (subject to change as needed).
All participants must be registered, and have read, understand, and abide by the Tournament Rules and Code of Conduct in order to participate in WBHNYC Events.
Highlighted Rules:
If the ball is shot into the protective netting surrounding the rink and falls back into play without obstruction, it is to be considered a live ball. If the ball hits the player bench area, fixtures or anything other than the protective netting, or is completely shot out of play, a face-off will ensue.
There are no offsides.
Icing is called when the ball is cleared from behind the players’ own faceoff dots and the ball travels past the opposing goal line (No touch icing). Players cannot change once an icing is called. If an icing causes the stoppage for a delayed penalty the faceoff is still deep in the shorthanded team’s zone.
Once the faceoff has been established no line changes will be allowed. A team will be given a warning for their first offense and each additional attempt will result in a delay of the game.
Body Checking: There is no body checking allowed. A minor, major, or major and game misconduct will be assessed for checking.
Slashing: Controlled stick lifts are allowed but may not result in raising stick above the cross bar or it will be deemed a high stick penalty. A stick check anywhere above the blade or on the hands or body of the opponent will be called for slashing.
High Stick: A high stick is a stick that is raised or carried above the shoulder or in the case of a goal above the crossbar. The exception to this is if a player raises or waves their stick for a pass (which is allowed) but they may not attempt to hit the ball out of the air or it is a penalty. A high stick that does not hit anyone is a minor. A high stick that hits someone is a double minor and the player will be issued a warning. Any additional contact-high sticking penalties committed by the same player may result in the player being given a major penalty. As with all penalties, any intent to injure is automatic game misconduct.
Batted balls: Players can bat the ball downward but may not close their hand around the ball in doing so. Players can catch the ball and place it downward so long as they are not moving and do not make a throwing motion. If a player bats the ball towards a player in the offensive zone, a hand pass will be called followed by a faceoff outside the zone.
Carrying: Players who close their hand around the ball and take a step will be called for carrying. Players who catch the ball and take a step or play it with a throwing motion will be called for carrying.
Crease: Attacking players cannot be in the crease unless the ball is already in the crease. Attacking players cannot make contact with the goalie.
Hockey sticks deemed unsafe (sharp edges, splinters, etc.) for play can be removed at refs discretion. If the stick is used again it is one minute delay of game.
Arguing with Refs: A player may be assessed a minor penalty if they openly dispute or argue or visually demonstrate any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision. Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty for ref abuse. If a player from the bench openly disputes or argues or visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision, a bench minor may be assessed. If these actions persist, the captain will be assessed a game misconduct penalty. A captain may have a constructive conversation with an official during the game but may receive a minor or game misconduct penalty at the officials’ discretion. Ref abuse will not be tolerated.
Zero Tolerance for Maltreatment
Fighting; Intent to Injure; Ref Abuse; Verbal Slurs/Obscene Gestures; Bullying, harassing, discriminatory taunts, gestures, language, referees towards players, referees, and other league staff/volunteers:
There is zero tolerance towards fighting, intent to injure, bullying, harassassing, and discriminatory taunts, gestures, language and behavior towards players, referees, and other league staff and volunteers.
For a first offense, the minimum penalty is a Game Misconduct and minimum 1 game suspension and automatic disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers that may result in additional disciplinary action such as tournament expulsion. A second maltreatment offense is automatic league expulsion.
In the case where the official cannot identify who is responsible, there will be a bench minor assessed. If these actions persist, the captain will be assessed a game misconduct penalty and automatic disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers.
Officials, volunteers, and spectators caught or suspected of bullying, abusive, harassing, and discriminatory taunts, gestures, language, and behavior must leave the game and rink area.
Officials are to inform the scorekeeper to stop the clock when spectator(s), displaying disruptive behavior (including but not limited to the prohibited behavior above), interfere with other spectator(s) or the game. Tournament Organizers and officials will ask spectator to leave. Play will only resume once the behavior has ceased. The incident will be recorded by the scorekeeper and refs on the Game Incident Report.
All Game Incident Reports are recorded.
Please note: Discriminatory grounds include the following, without limitation:
Fighting: No fighting is allowed. Fighting results in a Game Misconduct and a minimum of 1 game suspension and disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers that may result in additional disciplinary action such as Tournament expulsion. If a player commits a second game misconduct offense (at any time) it will result in an automatic expulsion.
Intent to Injure: Players are prohibited from intending to injure an opponent. Any penalty or action deemed as intent to injure, regardless if an injury occurs or not, will result in a Game Misconduct and a minimum 1 game suspension and automatic disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers that may result in tournament expulsion. If at any time the player commits a second intent to injure offense it will result in automatic expulsion.
Verbal slur/obscene gesture: A verbal slur or obscene gesture to an opponent or official is unacceptable and penalized by a Game Misconduct Penalty and minimum 1 game suspension and disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers that may result in additional disciplinary action such as tournament expulsion. If at any time the player commits a second offense it will result in an automatic expulsion.
Ref Abuse: A player will receive game misconduct and a minimum 1 game suspension and disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers that may result in additional disciplinary action such as tournament expulsion. If at any time the player commits a second offense it will result in an automatic expulsion.
For all maltreatment offenses and in the case of 3x repeat offenses the official shall report the individual(s) by informing the scorekeeper and the scorekeeper and official will complete and submit a Game Incident Report including full details to Tournament Organizers. All game Incident Reports are recorded.
Anything not outlined in the USABH rulebook or this rules addendum will be decided at the discretion of WBHNYC.
If at any time an official, captain, player, staff/volunteer, or administrator experiences or witnesses an incident they would like to report to Tournament Organizers for further review, they should submit a Corrective Action Report Form.
ON-BTSH RULES: BTSH RULES NOT IN EFFECT FOR WBHL
1. Stick checking is allowed (as per USA HOCKEY rules).
2. Attackers cannot be in the crease UNLESS the ball is already in the crease.
3. Slapshots are allowed but wind up/follow through must be below the shoulder.
4. A high stick is a stick that is raised or carried above the shoulder or in the case of a goal above the crossbar.
5. Possession is never given to a team — all stoppages are followed by a face-off.
6. There is no limit to the height at which the ball can travel, so long as it doesn’t strike any obstructions or leave the rink.
Penalties
In the event of a penalty, teams play 5v4. When there are coincidental penalties teams play 4v4. In the event of one team receiving 2+ overlapping penalties, teams play 5x3 . All standard penalties (i.e. slashing, hooking, etc.) will apply.
Clock will stop to set penalties and begin at the drop of the ball for the next faceoff.
Penalties will be running time with the clock.
Minor Penalty = 1:00 minute
Double Minor Penalty = 2 minutes
Major Penalty = 5 minutes
Major Game misconduct = 10 minute plus dismissal from the game
Any player receiving a major penalty will be assessed a 10-minute game misconduct penalty, which will result in an ejection from the game. Another member of the player’s team will be required to serve the major penalty.
Any player receiving a major penalty for anything that falls under maltreatment (fighting, intent to injure, ref abuse, obscene gesture/verbal slur, bullying, harassassing, and discriminatory taunts, gestures, language and behavior) will automatically receive a major game misconduct and be ejected from game and rink and will be suspended for a minimum of 1 game and subject to disciplinary review byTournament Organizers that may result in further disciplinary action such as tournament expulsion. If a player receives a second major penalty at any time for the above offenses, it is an automatic expulsion.
Any player being assessed 3 penalties in a given game will be ejected from that game. If this happens twice in the season there will be a disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers which may result in a written warning and further disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion.
Non-contact high sticking penalties, carrying/covering the ball penalties (see “Batted Balls”), and equipment related minor penalties, do not count towards the 3 penalties threshold.
In the case of all Game Misconduct penalties, a game incident report will be completed by referee and scorekeeper after the game which will be submitted to Tournament Organizers for review. Game incident reports are stored indefinitely.
Anything not outlined in the USABH rulebook or this rules addendum will be decided at the discretion WBHNYC
Equipment
Each player will be required to wear a team jersey or a shirt of the same color as team jersey.
All individual players are required to have full five fingered gloves and wear helmets with a functional chin-strap (Cages/face shield optional but strongly recommended.)
The following protective equipment is highly recommended, but not required: helmets with cage/face shield, shin guards.
**Players not wearing the “required” protective equipment will not be allowed to participate.
**Players NOT wearing the “recommended” protective equipment do so at their own risk.
Check-in
Every player, ref, and volunteer must sign the WBH Torch Series Waiver in-person in order to participate. Hard-copies of the WBH Torch Series waiver will be provided on-site.
Roster
Each player will be required to wear a black or white jersey. Please bring both a black and white jersey to your game (please do not bring a grey jersey)
All individual players are required to have full five fingered gloves and wear helmets with a functional chin-strap.
Max roster size of 15 players which does not include goalies.
Individuals not rostered as a player are not allowed on the bench (unless serving a door opener or coach). All individuals on the bench must sign a waiver in order to be permitted on the bench.
All players must be at least 21 years of age to participate.
Game Format
Teams play 5 players on at a time (not including the goalie) (in the event both teams are short and with mutual agreement btw Captains, teams can opt to play 4x4).
Teams must field a team of a minimum of 3 players on the rink (not including goalie) or forfeit the game.
Games start at the scheduled time. Players must be ready to play 15 minutes before their scheduled game. The clock will start at the game's scheduled time, regardless if players are ready or not.
Games are 45 minutes total and played in 3 periods (3x15m). Games may be shortened with agreement between opposing captains or at the discretion of WBHNYC.
Games are running time. In the event the game is within 2 goals (or tied) with 2 minutes remaining, the final 2 minutes will utilize a stop clock until the game is within 2+ goals or time runs out.
Intermission between periods is 3 minutes.
The home team chooses their bench and teams do not switch sides or benches between periods.
Teams are not allowed to meet at the net between periods.
Each team gets 1 x 45 second timeout per game. The game clock will be stopped for 45 sec.
All regular season games which are tied at the end of regulation time will end in a tie.
Mercy Rule is in effect. If, at any point in a game, the score reaches a 10-goal differential (ex. 10-0) the game will end with the leading team being declared the winner.
Points
Points Breakdown:
- Win = 10 pts + goal differential (i.e. 4-2 victory earns 10 pts + 2 pts for differential = 12 pts).
- Tie = 5 pts for each team.
- Shutouts = 1 pt
- Loss = 0 pts
- Max points to a team per game is 21 points.
General:
In the event that teams are tied with the same point totals, the following tiebreakers will be used to determine the highest Seed:
1. Head-to-head record (when applicable).
2. Overall record (i.e. 2-1-0 team will be seeded higher than a 1-0-2 team).
3. Least Goals against.
4. Most total goals scored during pool play
5. Shutouts
6. Coin Flip
Championship game:
In the event of a tie at the end of regulation during the championship game there will be one additional 5 ON 5 sudden-death overtime time period consisting of 5 minutes in length (running clock). Goalies do not switch ends for OT.
If a winner is not determined during the overtime period, a 3-woman shootout will take place to determine the winning team (the highest seed has the choice of when to shoot. Both teams shoot on the same goalie. The captain of the home team determines which goalie both teams will shoot on.
If a winner has still not been determined at the end of the 3-woman shootout, each team will select a lineup to participate in a sudden-death shootout. The lineup will be equivalent in length to that of the smallest active roster of the two teams participating (i.e. if one team has 10 players and a goalie active for the game, while another has 13 players and a goalie active, each team will select 10 players [lowest active roster] to participate). The shootout will continue until a winner has been decided.
Game rules
The Tournament uses standard rules of USA Ball Hockey. Additionally, we have modified the rules to suit our needs. The exceptions and modifications are below (subject to change as needed).
All participants must be registered, and have read, understand, and abide by the Tournament Rules and Code of Conduct in order to participate in WBHNYC Events.
Highlighted Rules:
If the ball is shot into the protective netting surrounding the rink and falls back into play without obstruction, it is to be considered a live ball. If the ball hits the player bench area, fixtures or anything other than the protective netting, or is completely shot out of play, a face-off will ensue.
There are no offsides.
Icing is called when the ball is cleared from behind the players’ own faceoff dots and the ball travels past the opposing goal line (No touch icing). Players cannot change once an icing is called. If an icing causes the stoppage for a delayed penalty the faceoff is still deep in the shorthanded team’s zone.
Once the faceoff has been established no line changes will be allowed. A team will be given a warning for their first offense and each additional attempt will result in a delay of the game.
Body Checking: There is no body checking allowed. A minor, major, or major and game misconduct will be assessed for checking.
Slashing: Controlled stick lifts are allowed but may not result in raising stick above the cross bar or it will be deemed a high stick penalty. A stick check anywhere above the blade or on the hands or body of the opponent will be called for slashing.
High Stick: A high stick is a stick that is raised or carried above the shoulder or in the case of a goal above the crossbar. The exception to this is if a player raises or waves their stick for a pass (which is allowed) but they may not attempt to hit the ball out of the air or it is a penalty. A high stick that does not hit anyone is a minor. A high stick that hits someone is a double minor and the player will be issued a warning. Any additional contact-high sticking penalties committed by the same player may result in the player being given a major penalty. As with all penalties, any intent to injure is automatic game misconduct.
Batted balls: Players can bat the ball downward but may not close their hand around the ball in doing so. Players can catch the ball and place it downward so long as they are not moving and do not make a throwing motion. If a player bats the ball towards a player in the offensive zone, a hand pass will be called followed by a faceoff outside the zone.
Carrying: Players who close their hand around the ball and take a step will be called for carrying. Players who catch the ball and take a step or play it with a throwing motion will be called for carrying.
Crease: Attacking players cannot be in the crease unless the ball is already in the crease. Attacking players cannot make contact with the goalie.
Hockey sticks deemed unsafe (sharp edges, splinters, etc.) for play can be removed at refs discretion. If the stick is used again it is one minute delay of game.
Arguing with Refs: A player may be assessed a minor penalty if they openly dispute or argue or visually demonstrate any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision. Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty for ref abuse. If a player from the bench openly disputes or argues or visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision, a bench minor may be assessed. If these actions persist, the captain will be assessed a game misconduct penalty. A captain may have a constructive conversation with an official during the game but may receive a minor or game misconduct penalty at the officials’ discretion. Ref abuse will not be tolerated.
Zero Tolerance for Maltreatment
Fighting; Intent to Injure; Ref Abuse; Verbal Slurs/Obscene Gestures; Bullying, harassing, discriminatory taunts, gestures, language, referees towards players, referees, and other league staff/volunteers:
There is zero tolerance towards fighting, intent to injure, bullying, harassassing, and discriminatory taunts, gestures, language and behavior towards players, referees, and other league staff and volunteers.
For a first offense, the minimum penalty is a Game Misconduct and minimum 1 game suspension and automatic disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers that may result in additional disciplinary action such as tournament expulsion. A second maltreatment offense is automatic league expulsion.
In the case where the official cannot identify who is responsible, there will be a bench minor assessed. If these actions persist, the captain will be assessed a game misconduct penalty and automatic disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers.
Officials, volunteers, and spectators caught or suspected of bullying, abusive, harassing, and discriminatory taunts, gestures, language, and behavior must leave the game and rink area.
Officials are to inform the scorekeeper to stop the clock when spectator(s), displaying disruptive behavior (including but not limited to the prohibited behavior above), interfere with other spectator(s) or the game. Tournament Organizers and officials will ask spectator to leave. Play will only resume once the behavior has ceased. The incident will be recorded by the scorekeeper and refs on the Game Incident Report.
All Game Incident Reports are recorded.
Please note: Discriminatory grounds include the following, without limitation:
- Race, national or ethnic origin, skin color or language spoken;
- Religion, faith or beliefs;
- Age;
- Sex, sexual orientation or gender identity / expression;
- Marital or familial status;
- Genetic characteristics;
- Disability.
Fighting: No fighting is allowed. Fighting results in a Game Misconduct and a minimum of 1 game suspension and disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers that may result in additional disciplinary action such as Tournament expulsion. If a player commits a second game misconduct offense (at any time) it will result in an automatic expulsion.
Intent to Injure: Players are prohibited from intending to injure an opponent. Any penalty or action deemed as intent to injure, regardless if an injury occurs or not, will result in a Game Misconduct and a minimum 1 game suspension and automatic disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers that may result in tournament expulsion. If at any time the player commits a second intent to injure offense it will result in automatic expulsion.
Verbal slur/obscene gesture: A verbal slur or obscene gesture to an opponent or official is unacceptable and penalized by a Game Misconduct Penalty and minimum 1 game suspension and disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers that may result in additional disciplinary action such as tournament expulsion. If at any time the player commits a second offense it will result in an automatic expulsion.
Ref Abuse: A player will receive game misconduct and a minimum 1 game suspension and disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers that may result in additional disciplinary action such as tournament expulsion. If at any time the player commits a second offense it will result in an automatic expulsion.
For all maltreatment offenses and in the case of 3x repeat offenses the official shall report the individual(s) by informing the scorekeeper and the scorekeeper and official will complete and submit a Game Incident Report including full details to Tournament Organizers. All game Incident Reports are recorded.
Anything not outlined in the USABH rulebook or this rules addendum will be decided at the discretion of WBHNYC.
If at any time an official, captain, player, staff/volunteer, or administrator experiences or witnesses an incident they would like to report to Tournament Organizers for further review, they should submit a Corrective Action Report Form.
ON-BTSH RULES: BTSH RULES NOT IN EFFECT FOR WBHL
1. Stick checking is allowed (as per USA HOCKEY rules).
2. Attackers cannot be in the crease UNLESS the ball is already in the crease.
3. Slapshots are allowed but wind up/follow through must be below the shoulder.
4. A high stick is a stick that is raised or carried above the shoulder or in the case of a goal above the crossbar.
5. Possession is never given to a team — all stoppages are followed by a face-off.
6. There is no limit to the height at which the ball can travel, so long as it doesn’t strike any obstructions or leave the rink.
Penalties
In the event of a penalty, teams play 5v4. When there are coincidental penalties teams play 4v4. In the event of one team receiving 2+ overlapping penalties, teams play 5x3 . All standard penalties (i.e. slashing, hooking, etc.) will apply.
Clock will stop to set penalties and begin at the drop of the ball for the next faceoff.
Penalties will be running time with the clock.
Minor Penalty = 1:00 minute
Double Minor Penalty = 2 minutes
Major Penalty = 5 minutes
Major Game misconduct = 10 minute plus dismissal from the game
Any player receiving a major penalty will be assessed a 10-minute game misconduct penalty, which will result in an ejection from the game. Another member of the player’s team will be required to serve the major penalty.
Any player receiving a major penalty for anything that falls under maltreatment (fighting, intent to injure, ref abuse, obscene gesture/verbal slur, bullying, harassassing, and discriminatory taunts, gestures, language and behavior) will automatically receive a major game misconduct and be ejected from game and rink and will be suspended for a minimum of 1 game and subject to disciplinary review byTournament Organizers that may result in further disciplinary action such as tournament expulsion. If a player receives a second major penalty at any time for the above offenses, it is an automatic expulsion.
Any player being assessed 3 penalties in a given game will be ejected from that game. If this happens twice in the season there will be a disciplinary review by Tournament Organizers which may result in a written warning and further disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion.
Non-contact high sticking penalties, carrying/covering the ball penalties (see “Batted Balls”), and equipment related minor penalties, do not count towards the 3 penalties threshold.
In the case of all Game Misconduct penalties, a game incident report will be completed by referee and scorekeeper after the game which will be submitted to Tournament Organizers for review. Game incident reports are stored indefinitely.
Anything not outlined in the USABH rulebook or this rules addendum will be decided at the discretion WBHNYC
Equipment
Each player will be required to wear a team jersey or a shirt of the same color as team jersey.
All individual players are required to have full five fingered gloves and wear helmets with a functional chin-strap (Cages/face shield optional but strongly recommended.)
The following protective equipment is highly recommended, but not required: helmets with cage/face shield, shin guards.
**Players not wearing the “required” protective equipment will not be allowed to participate.
**Players NOT wearing the “recommended” protective equipment do so at their own risk.