Rule 15. Composition of Team
(a) *NEW* A team shall have no more than six players on the floor at any one time while play is in progress. Any violation of this will be penalized as per Rule 19 – Change of Players.
(b) Each player shall wear an individual number of at least 25.40 cm (10 in.) in height on the back of their sweater. 

Rule 16. Players in Uniform
(a) Each team shall be entitled to a maximum of 22 players in uniform, which includes two goaltenders (some provinces designate 20 players in uniform of which two must be goaltenders), for any game or pre-game warmup, all of whom shall be duly registered in accordance with the Canada Ball Hockey Association Regulations. The players duly registered as goaltenders shall be eligible to play as goaltenders only. Teams in inter-branch competition must have both goaltenders in uniform and ready to play. A minimum of six eligible players in uniform
(not necessarily a goaltender) on each team shall be necessary to start the game.
(b) Before the start of the game, the Official in charge of each team shall give the Referee or Official Scorer a list of names and numbers of the players and goaltenders to the maximum of 22 who shall be eligible to play in that game. No change in the list or addition to the list shall be permitted after the commencement of the game except:

(1) where a player is late and their name has been included on the Official Game Report prior to the game, he will be permitted to participate;
(2) when a player has been inadvertently omitted from the Official Game Report, the Referee shall permit the name to be added to the Game Report before the game has ended; providing such player was in uniform and on the floor or on their players’ bench at the start of the game.

(c) Any team official who gives a false statement on the Official Game Report with regard to eligible players, shall be dealt with by the President.
(d) Each team shall be allowed one goaltender on the floor at one time. The goaltender may be removed and another “Player” substituted. Such player shall not be permitted the privileges of a goaltender.
(e) No player, other than a goaltender or their replacement shall be permitted to wear the equipment of a goaltender.

Note: Teams are allowed to dress two goaltenders, either of whom may be used at the team’s discretion.
(f) When the substitute goaltender enters the game, he shall take their position without delay and no warm-up shall be permitted.
(g) If both teams are on the floor during the pre-game warmup, players shall be restricted to their own half of the floor. Where a team violates this rule, the Referee shall report the violation to the President who may take appropriate action.
(h) No player under suspension may participate in the pre-game warm-up or occupy the players’ bench. 

SITUATION 1 Rule 16 (b)
The addition or deletion of players’ names to the playing line-up listed on the Official Game Report may be made up to the commencement of the game.

SITUATION 2 Rule 16 (a)
During the pre-game warm-up, a total of 22 players can be dressed and participate in the warm-up. These 22 players do not have to be included on the Official Game Report for the game. If a player is assessed a penalty during the pre-game warm-up, then this player has to be included on the Official Game Report, as per Rule 27 (b). A player does not have to participate in the pre-game warm-up in order to be included on the Official Game Report. If a team has more than the 22 players in their pre-game warm-up, the incident must be reported to the League President, but no penalty is assessed. Players may be substituted during the pre-game warm-up, as long as the maximum of 22 players is not exceeded.

SITUATION 3
QUESTION: Is it possible to start the game with six players, but without a registered goaltender?                                                                                                                                        ANSWER: Yes. The six players should be listed as players and the goaltender’s space should be left blank.

SITUATION 4 Rule 16 (b)
Where a player’s number has been recorded incorrectly on the Official Game Report, the Referee shall permit a correction to be made before the referee has signed the game sheet, providing such player was in uniform and on the floor or on their players’ bench at the start of the game.

NOTE – TEAM COLOURS
Each team shall declare its colours to the President of its league at the beginning of each season. If these colours are accepted, they may not be changed during the season without the approval of the League President. In inter-member competition, it will be the responsibility of the Home Team to change its sweater if the colours of the competing teams conflict. The decision in this matter shall be left to the Referee in charge of the game.

Rule 17. Team Roster
Before the start of the game the Official in charge of the Visiting Team must be the first to list their line-ups on the Official Game Report.

Rule 18. Captain of the Team
(a) Each team may appoint a Captain and not more than three Alternate Captains. One of these should be on the floor at all times and only a Captain or Alternate Captain who is on the floor shall have the privilege of asking the Referee for their interpretation of any rule during the progress of the game. Prior to the start of the game, the Manager or Coach of each team shall note on the Official Game Report and advise the Referee or Official Scorer of the names and numbers of the Captain and Alternate Captain(s).
(b) The Captain shall wear the letter “C” and the Alternate Captain(s) the letter “A” in a conspicuous position on the front of their sweaters. The letters should be in a contrasting colour and be approximately 7.62 cm (3 in.) in height. If the letters are not worn, Captain’s and Alternate Captain’s privileges will not be permitted.
(c) When the Captain or Alternate Captain receives a penalty, he shall lose all their privileges for the duration of the penalty and must proceed directly to the penalty box. Such players failing to do so will be assessed a Misconduct penalty.
(d) Goaltenders or a replacement for a goaltender, cannot be selected or named Captain or Alternate Captain.
(e) A playing Coach or Manager shall be entitled to the privileges of a Captain or Alternate Captain.
(f) A Minor penalty for delay of game shall be assessed any Captain, Alternate Captain or other player who leaves their players’ bench to discuss any interpretation of the rules with the Referee. 

SITUATION 1 Rule 18 (a)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              QUESTION: A Coach indicates that they do not want to indicate a Captain. Is it acceptable for them to list four Alternate Captains?                                                          ANSWER: No, this is not acceptable. A team may not appoint more than three Alternate Captains.

SITUATION 2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        QUESTION: The Team Captain and Alternate(s) are incapacitated by reason of injuries or penalties and the Referee deems it necessary to convey a message to the bench. How do they proceed?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ANSWER: The Referee has the authority to select a player on the floor to convey the message to the bench.

SITUATION 3 Rule 18 (f)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        QUESTION: A Captain comes off the players’ bench to question the Referee but stays on the floor to take part in the play. Does the Referee assess the Minor penalty immediately?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ANSWER: No, not immediately

SITUATION 4 Rule 18 (b)
In order to exercise the privileges of a Captain or Alternate Captain, the player must be wearing the “C” or “A” on their sweater, regardless of what is on the Official Game Report. If a player is wearing a “C” or an “A” on their sweater and this is not designated on the Official Game Report, then it must be added to the Official Game Report or remove the “C” or “A” from their sweater.

SITUATION 5 Rule 18 (a)
During a game, the Referee becomes aware that a team has more than the appropriate number of players wearing “C”s or “A”s.                                                                          RULING: Assess the team a Bench Minor penalty and have the players remove/cover the extra “C”s or “A”s as the case may be.

SITUATION 6 Rule 18 (b)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    QUESTION: Can a player not wearing a “C” or “A” request a measurement of any kind?                                                                                                                                                            ANSWER: No.

SITUATION 7 Rule 18 (a)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          QUESTION: A Coach indicates that they do not want to indicate a Captain or Alternate Captains. What, if anything, should the Referee do?                                ANSWER: Nothing. The team simply loses the Captain or Alternate Captain privileges such as the opportunity to request an equipment measurement or a rule interpretation

Rule 19. Change of Players
(a) When play is in progress, not more than six players (including a goaltender) are permitted on the floor at any one time.
(b) Players may be changed at any time from the players’ bench, provided that the player or players leaving the floor shall be at the players’ bench [within 3.05m (10 ft.)] and out of play before any change is made.
(c) A player on the penalty bench who is to be changed after their penalty has been served must proceed by way of the floor and be at the players’ bench before any change can be made.
(d) A team shall be required to place the correct number of players on the floor when requested by the Referee. The Visiting Team must be the first to place any playing lineup on the floor to commence play at all times. Each team is allowed only one change of player(s) during a stoppage of play.
(e) A Bench Minor penalty shall be assessed for a violation of any section of this rule. The penalty shall be served by a player committing the infraction, as covered under Rule 29 – Bench Minor penalties.
(f) If, in the last two minutes of regular playing time, or any time in overtime, a Bench Minor penalty is imposed for DELIBERATE illegal substitution, a Penalty Shot shall be awarded against the offending team. The Bench Minor shall not be served. See Rule 55 (e) Note – Delay of Game 

Note 1: If in the course of making a substitution, either the player entering the game or the player leaving the game intentionally plays the ball with their stick, feet or hands or intentionally checks or makes any physical contact with an opposing player while the player respectively leaving or entering the game is actually on the floor, then the infraction of “too many players on the floor” shall be called
Note 2: If in the course of substituting, either the player entering the play or the player retiring is struck by the ball accidentally, the play should not be stopped and no penalty shall be called.
Note 3: When a goaltender leaves their goal area, and proceeds to the player’s bench for the purpose of substituting another player, they must be within 3.05 m (10 ft) of the bench before the substitute may enter the game. If the substitute is made prematurely, the official shall stop the play when the offending team gains possession and control of the ball. The resulting face-off shall take place at the centre face-off spot unless this gives a territorial advantage to the offending team. In which case the face off will take place at the closet face-off spot to where the stoppage occurred. There shall be no time penalty for making the premature substitution. 

(g) For player changes during stoppages in play, the Referee shall begin the line change procedure as soon as it is safe to do so for the ensuing face-off and then allow a 5 second period during which the Visiting Team may make a player change. After this 5 second period has elapsed, the Referee will raise an arm to indicate that the Visiting Team may no longer change any player(s). With the arm still up, the Referee will allow a five second period during which the Home Team may make a player change. After this five-second period has elapsed, the Referee will drop the arm to indicate that the Home Team may no longer change any player(s). Where a team attempts to make a player change after their allotted period of time, the Referee shall send the player(s) back to their bench. Any subsequent infraction to this procedure at any time during the course of the game shall incur a Bench Minor penalty under Rule 19 (e). 

*NEW* Note 1: Notwithstanding this rule, where play is stopped for a high sticking the ball infraction, the offending team will not be permitted to conduct a line
change until play resumes, except for the goaltender who is permitted to return to the floor, in exchange for one player.

(h) During a line change in a stoppage in play, if there is a scrum or gathering the players coming on the floor must remain at their respective benches until the gathering is dispersed and the referee has indicated for the line change to take place. Failure to remain at the team bench may result in a bench minor penalty being assessed.  

SITUATION 1 Rule 19 (d)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          QUESTION: During a stoppage of play, teams are changing players. One of the officials drops the ball to start play. Immediately after the play starts, the Referee notices that one of the teams has too many players on the floor. Must the Referee assess a Minor penalty?                                                                                                            ANSWER: No. If the Referee notices too many players immediately, they must stop play and correct the situation without assessing a penalty. If the Referee does not notice immediately and play continues with too many players on the floor, a Minor penalty would be assessed.

SITUATION 2 Rule 19 (f)
A player who is about to come on the floor plays the ball with their stick. This player has either one or both feet still on the bench.                                                            RULING: Assess a Bench Minor penalty. A player must have both feet on the floor in order to participate in the play. This ruling would apply whether or not the team has the correct number of players on the floor. In the case of the player leaving the floor who plays the ball on the floor with one or both feet on the bench, the same ruling would apply.

SITUATION 3 Rule 19 (f) – Note 3
If either the goaltender coming off, or the player coming on the floor plays the ball while the other one is still on the floor, a penalty for “too many players on the floor” shall be assessed, regardless of whether or not the goaltender is within the 3m (10 ft) area. Before either player can play the ball, the other player must be on the bench. This situation supersedes Note 3.

SITUATION 4 Rule 19 (b)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    QUESTION: Can the goaltenders be changed while play is in progress?                                                                                                                                                                                                ANSWER: Yes. Changing goaltenders “on the fly” is governed by the same rules that apply to the changing of players.

SITUATION 5
(a), (b), (c) below – Please refer to both Rule 19 – Change of Players and Rule 36 – Awarded Goals

SITUATION 5 (a)
A goaltender has been removed for an extra attacker. The opposing team gets a breakaway. The goaltender comes back on the floor and throws their stick at the ball or ball carrier in the neutral or attacking zone                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  RULING: Award a Goal. The goaltender is classified as being off the floor while the team has an extra player on the floor.

SITUATION 5 (b)
A goaltender is on their way to the bench to be replaced by an extra attacker. As soon as the goaltender is close enough to the bench, a substitute goes on the floor. The opposing team gains possession and control of the ball and gets a breakaway. A player or the goaltender (on their way to the bench) throws their stick at the ball or ball carrier in the neutral or attacking zone.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  RULING: Award a Goal. The goaltender is classified as being off the floor once the extra player is on the floor, even though the goaltender may not have actually left the floor at this point.

SITUATION 5 (c)
A goaltender is just out of their goal crease and on their way to the bench (but the substitute is not yet actually on the floor) and a stick is thrown at a player on a breakaway in the neutral or attacking zone and no goal is scored.                                                                                                                                                                                                              RULING: Award a Penalty Shot. The goaltender is classified as still being on the floor. Therefore, only the Penalty Shot is awarded.

SITUATION 6 Rule 19 (f)
During a delayed penalty situation against Team “B”, Team “A” is in possession of the ball in their defending zone. There is a stoppage of play for premature substitution of Team “A” goaltender.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        RULING: The face-off shall take place at the nearest neutral zone face-off outside Team “A” defending zone.                                                                                                  RATIONALE: The penalty call to Team “B” would cause the face-off to take place in the neutral zone.

SITUATION 7 Rule 19 (d) & (e)

Note 1: At times there have been problems resulting from the situation where upon the scoring of a goal (normally a critical goal), all or most of the players of that team scoring the goal leave their bench to congratulate the player who scored. After the first incident of this situation, notify both teams that any further occurrence by either team will result in a Bench Minor penalty being assessed to that team, under Rule 19 (e).

Note 2: A team would be allowed to make a full change of players following the scoring of a goal. The intent of this ruling is to prevent all players from leaving the bench.

SITUATION 8 Rule 19 (d)
Where a team is unable to place the exact number of players on the floor to which they are entitled whether due to penalties or injuries, the Referee shall suspend the game and report this incident to the President.

SITUATION 9 Rule 19 (g)
When a team attempts to make a player change after their allotted time during a stoppage of play and the Referee sends the player back to their bench, thereby giving a warning that any subsequent violation will result in a Bench Minor penalty. This warning applies only to the team committing the infraction. Each team is entitled to one warning during the course of the game, before being assessed a Bench Minor penalty.

SITUATION 10 Rule 19 (g)
A team may send their players for change at different times during a stoppage of play. Defensemen may come first and the forwards slightly later. This is  acceptable as long as they respect the procedure and the time guidelines. Only one complete change is acceptable at any one stoppage of play. If a line change is made, and then a timeout is called, further changes can be made. If the Home Team wants to exercise their right of last change, then they must follow this procedure strictly.

SITUATION 11 Rule 19 (f)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      QUESTION: What is meant by “deliberate illegal substitution”?                                                                                                                                                                                                                ANSWER: Deliberate illegal substitution occurs when a team intentionally sends extra players onto the floor while play is in progress for the purpose of gaining an advantage, causing a stop page of play or preventing a goal. Premature (early) substitution during line change is not a deliberate illegal substitution situation.

Rule 20. Injured Players
(a) When a player, other than a goaltender, is injured or compelled to leave the floor during a game, he must be replaced by a substitute, and play must continue without the teams leaving the floor.
(b) If a goaltender goes to the players’ bench due to an injury, he shall retire from the floor and their place shall be taken by an alternate goaltender and no warm-up will be permitted. However, this will only apply where an alternate goaltender is dressed. A back up goalie must be dressed in all National Championship and Regional Competitions. In cases where an alternate goaltender is not dressed the injured goaltender will be allowed ten minutes to recuperate. If a replacement is necessary for the injured goaltender, an additional five minutes shall be allowed for a total of fifteen minutes. The injured goaltender must remain out of the game until the next stoppage of play. For a violation of this rule, a minor penalty for Delay of Game shall be assessed.
(c) Goaltender replacement shall be subject to the rules governing goaltenders and be allowed the goaltender’s full equipment. In all Minor Divisions, after a player has been designated as a goaltender, they may return to a non-goaltender position.
(d) When a goaltender is injured, players may be permitted to leave the floor at the discretion of the Referee, but must be ready to resume play immediately, on request by the Referee.
(e) A penalized player who has to serve a time penalty and who has been injured may proceed to the dressing room, provided he is replaced on the penalty bench by a substitute who was on the floor at the time of the infraction. A penalized player who does not have to serve a time penalty and who has been injured may proceed to the dressing room without having to be replaced by a substitute on the penalty bench. For a violation of this rule, a Bench Minor penalty for “Ineligible Player” shall be assessed.
(f) If an injured penalized player returns to the players’ bench before their penalty has expired, he shall take their place in the penalty bench or replace the player substituting for him on the penalty bench during the first stoppage of play. If he takes part in the play before their penalty has expired, he shall be assessed an additional Minor penalty for “Ineligible Player”.
(g) When a player is injured so that he cannot continue to play or go to their bench, the play shall not be stopped until the injured player’s team has secured possession and control of the ball. If the injured player’s team is in possession of the ball at the time of the injury, the play shall be stopped immediately unless their team is in scoring position, at which time the Referee shall allow the play to be completed. 

Note 1: Where there is suspicion that a player has sustained a serious injury, the Referee may stop the play immediately.
Note 2: Where play has been stopped due to an injured player, excluding the goaltender, the injured player shall leave the floor and may not return to the floor until the play has resumed. If the player refuses to leave the floor, a Delay of Game penalty shall be assessed.

SITUATION 1 Rule 20 (g) – Note 2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When the Referee stops play because they think an injury requires them to do so and then notices that there is no injury, the ruling still applies. This is a judgement call and the player must leave the floor until play resumes.

SITUATION 2 Rule 20 (g) – Note 2
Due to an injured player, the Referee stops play. Upon recovering and play resuming, the injured player scores a goal shortly after resumption of play. The injured player did not leave the floor after the stoppage of play, due to their injury. The opposing team appeals to the Referee that the player who scored did not leave the floor.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    RULING: This player should be classified as being illegally on the floor. Wash out the goal and assess the player a Minor penalty. This ruling would only apply if brought to the attention of the Referee prior to resumption of play following the first stoppage of play after the injury. If brought to the attention of the Referee after the next face-off, then no action would be taken.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              RATIONALE: As the rule states, the injured player who is responsible for the stoppage of play must leave the floor and not return until play has resumed. Therefore, if they did not leave the floor, they are classified as an ineligible player.

Note: This ruling would also apply to any goal scored by the team during this period of time when the ineligible player is on the floor. The Referee should be certain that the player did not leave the floor and then return, before washing out the goal.

SITUATION 3 Rule 20 (c)
A team has only one goaltender dressed, and they are injured during the course of the game. A player on the team is given the goaltender’s stick, gloves, helmet and proper goaltender facial protection, but does not wish to wear the pads.                                                                                                                                                                                      QUESTION: Can the player be given the full goaltender’s privileges even though they are not wearing full goaltender’s equipment?                                                    ANSWER: YES, as long as the player wears the mandatory goaltender equipment as covered by the rules, helmet, proper facial protection and stick. Rule 21 (c), Rule 23 and 24.

Note: Once an adult player has been given full goaltender’s privileges, they cannot return to the game as a player, but must remain classified as a goaltender, even though the regular goaltender is back playing in the game.

SITUATION 4 Rule 20 (g)
As a guideline in the application of this rule, anytime a Trainer comes onto the floor to attend to a player, the player (excluding a goaltender) shall be classified as injured and must leave the floor until play resumes.

SITUATION 5 Rule 20 (g)
At a stoppage of play, it becomes apparent that a player is injured. Play was not stopped as a result of the injury.                                                                                            QUESTION: Does this player have to leave the floor prior to the resumption of play?                                                                                                                                                                        ANSWER: If the injured player causes a delay in the resumption of play, or if the Trainer comes onto the floor, the injured player (excluding a goaltender) must leave the floor until the play resumes.

SITUATION 6                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                QUESTION: A player has a breakaway in the neutral or attacking zone, but the goaltender is apparently hurt. Assuming an injury, the Referee stops the play. What is the ruling?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ANSWER: Award a Penalty Shot.

SITUATION 7
If a Referee notices a player with an open cut, or blood either on the skin, or on the jersey, at the earliest opportunity the Referee should inform the player that the cut must be treated or the jersey changed before the player is eligible to return to the floor. If the player’s new jersey has a different number, this should be noted on the score sheet.