Rules
REAPERS ROLLER HOCKEY LEAGUE
Official Rule Book
Est. 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- League Philosophy
- Gameplay Rules
- Teams & Rosters
- Game Procedures
- Face-Offs & Possession
- Penalties
- Misconduct & Discipline
- Penalty Shots
- Delayed Penalties
- Playoff Regulations
- Team Responsibilities
- Equipment & Uniforms
- Sportsmanship & Conduct
- Suspension Guidelines
- Referee Authority
SECTION 1
LEAGUE PHILOSOPHY
Reapers Roller Hockey League (RRHL) is committed to providing a safe, fun, affordable, and competitive roller hockey experience for players of all ages and skill levels.
Our league promotes:
• Respect
• Sportsmanship
• Player Development
• Fair Competition
• Community
League Motto
“Rally Together. Roll Together.”
SECTION 2
GAMEPLAY RULES
Rule 2.1 – Game Length
Games shall consist of:
- Two (2) twenty-minute running-time periods.
- The game clock shall only stop for:
- Player injuries
- Emergency situations
- At the referee’s discretion
Rule 2.2 – Warm-Up
Each game shall include:
- Four (4) minute warm-up
- Two (2) minute intermission
Rule 2.3 – Overtime
If tied after regulation:
- Three-player shootout (Regular Season)
Playoffs
- One (1) five-minute sudden-death overtime.
- Teams will play 3-on-3.
If still tied:
- Three-player shootout.
- Sudden-death shootout if necessary.
Rule 2.4 – Offside
RRHL does not use an offside rule.
Players may enter the offensive zone before the puck.
Rule 2.5 – Icing
Icing shall not be enforced.
Rule 2.6 – Body Contact
RRHL is a non-checking league.
Players shall not:
- Body check
- Charge
- Board
- Deliver open-ice hits
- Cross-check with excessive force
Incidental contact while competing for the puck is permitted.
SECTION 3
FACE-OFFS & POSSESSION
Rule 3.1 – Face-Offs
Face-offs shall occur:
- At the beginning of each period
- After every goal
- Following referee stoppages
- After injuries
- When the puck leaves the playing surface
- Following a frozen puck the opposing team must fully clear the blue line before attacking the puck
Rule 3.2 – High Stick
Play shall stop immediately if a player contacts the puck above shoulder height.
Possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team.
Rule 3.3 – Falling on the Puck
Any player, other than the goaltender, who deliberately falls on, gathers, or covers the puck shall receive a Minor Penalty.
SECTION 4
TEAMS & ROSTERS
Rule 4.1 – Team Composition
A team roster may include:
- Maximum fifteen (15) registered players.
A game shall begin with:
- Four (4) skaters
- One (1) goaltender
Rule 4.2 – Bench Personnel
Only the following are permitted on the bench:
- Registered players
- Head Coach
- Assistant Coach
- Team Trainer
- Team Manager
Maximum four (4) non-playing officials.
Rule 4.3 – Game Rosters
Prior to every game:
- All players must be checked in.
- Jersey numbers must match the official game roster.
- Coach and or Manager has to approve the game sheet by time keeper
SECTION 5
PENALTIES
Minor Penalties
Duration:
1 minute 30 seconds
Examples include:
- Tripping
- Hooking
- Holding
- Slashing
- High Sticking
- Interference
- Delay of Game
- Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Minor penalties terminate if the opposing team scores while on the power play.
Major Penalties
Duration:
4 minutes
Major penalties include:
- Fighting
- Intent to Injure
- Boarding
- Checking from Behind
- Deliberate Dangerous Contact
Major penalties do not expire upon a goal.
Coincidental Penalties
When equal penalties are assessed:
- Teams remain at equal strength.
- Penalized players remain in the penalty box until the first whistle after their penalty expires.
SECTION 6
MISCONDUCT PENALTIES
Misconduct
Ten (10) minutes.
A substitute player may immediately replace the penalized player.
Game Misconduct
A Game Misconduct results in:
- Removal for the remainder of the game.
- Automatic review by RRHL Hockey Operations.
Gross Misconduct
Gross Misconduct penalties may result in:
- Immediate suspension.
- Additional disciplinary action.
- League review.
SECTION 7
PENALTY SHOTS
A penalty shot shall be awarded when:
- A player is fouled from behind on a clear breakaway.
- A player illegally enters play.
- A player deliberately throws equipment to stop a scoring opportunity.
- A defending player illegally covers the puck in the crease.
The shooter must:
- Begin at centre.
- Keep the puck moving continuously.
- One shot only.
- No rebound permitted.
SECTION 8
PLAYOFF REGULATIONS
All playoff rules remain identical to regular season except:
• Five-minute sudden-death overtime
• Three-player shootout
Playoff Eligibility
Players must:
- Be registered with the team.
- Have a minimum of (5) skaters from their roster and a goalie
- Have played a minimum of two (2) regular season games with that team.
Approved call-up players must also meet these requirements.
SECTION 9
TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
Each team must have:
- A minimum of Five (5) skaters
- One (1) goaltender
If a team cannot field the minimum roster:
- The team manager must notify RRHL at least twenty-four (24) hours before game time.
Failure to meet roster requirements may result in a forfeit.
SECTION 10
SPORTSMANSHIP
Reapers Roller Hockey League has zero tolerance for:
- Abuse of Officials
- Fighting
- Racism
- Harassment
- Threatening behaviour
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
Respect for officials, teammates, opponents, volunteers, and spectators is expected at all times.
SECTION 11
REFEREE AUTHORITY
Referees have full authority to:
- Assess penalties.
- Stop play.
- Remove unsafe players.
- Declare forfeits when directed by RRHL Hockey Operations.
- Interpret and enforce all league rules.
The referee’s decision on the floor is final.
APPENDIX
Forfeit Score
All forfeited games shall be recorded as a 5–0 victory for the non-offending team.
Timeouts (Playoffs Only)
Each team receives one (1) thirty-second timeout per game.
League Divisions
- 8U
- 10U
- 12U
- 14U
- High School
- Adult
