Section 3 –  equipment

Measurement Guidelines
1. The measurement of any equipment (players’ and goaltenders’ sticks, goaltenders’ pads and gloves) shall be carried out immediately when requested by a team through the Captain or Alternate Captain(s). No measurements of any kind will be carried out by the Referee unless a formal request has been made by a team, using the proper procedure.
2. If the complaint for any measurement of sticks or equipment is not sustained, the complaining team will be assessed a Bench Minor penalty.
3. Only one measurement of any kind will be allowed per stoppage of play.
4. Any illegal equipment shall be removed, corrected or adjusted without any unnecessary delay.
5. Where a measurement of a stick is requested by a Captain or Alternate Captain, then she then she must designate to the Referee what specific part of the stick is to be measured.
6. No goal then she must designate to the Referee what specific part of the stick is to be measured.

Rule 21. Sticks
The intent of this rule is to only permit the use of conventional sticks. Any special changes, deviations or innovations require review and approval by the Canadian Ball Hockey Association’s Board of Directors.
(a) All sticks (including goaltenders’ sticks) may be made of wood, fiberglass or aluminum and/or any other material approved by the Canadian Ball Hockey Association’s Board of Directors. They must not have any projections, pockets, netting or other similar contrivance designed to give the player or goaltender undue assistance in the playing of the game. The end of the shaft of all sticks must be covered to protect against injury. In the case of hollowed shaft sticks, the end of the shaft must have a protective cap as well as being covered to protect against injury.
(b) The stick shall not exceed 1.60 m (63 in.) from the heel to the end of the shaft, and 31.75 cm (12 1/2 in.) from the heel to the end of the blade. The blade of the stick shall not be less than 5.08 cm (2 in.) (within 1.27 cm (1/2 in.) of the end) nor greater than 7.62 cm (3 in.) in width.
(c) The goaltender’s stick shall not exceed 1.4 m (55 in.) from the heel to the end of the shaft. The blade of the goaltender’s stick shall not exceed 8.89 cm (3 1/2 in.) in width at any point nor be less than 7.62 cm (3 in.), except at the heel where it must not exceed 11.43 cm (4 1/2 in.) in width; the goaltender’s stick shall not exceed 39.37 cm (15 1/2 in.) in length from the heel to the end of the blade. The width portion of the goaltender’s stick extending up the shaft from the blade shall not exceed 66.04 cm (26 in.) in length, calculated from the heel, and shall not exceed 8.89 cm (3 1/2in.) nor be less than 7.62 cm (3 in.) in width.
(d) A Minor penalty shall be assessed any player, including the goaltender, for using a stick which does not conform to the provisions of this rule.
(e) A Minor penalty and a Misconduct penalty shall be assessed any player who deliberately breaks a stick when asked to produce the same stick for measurement or who refuses to surrender her stick for measurement.
(f) When requested, the Referee shall take the stick to be measured to the Referee’s crease at the penalty bench, where the appropriate measurement will be made using a tape measure or stick gauge.
(g) The stick may be wound with any colour tape.

Rule 22 Footwear
(a) Hockey footwear shall be of a design approved by the Canadian Ball Hockey Association’s Board of Directors.
(b) Goaltenders are permitted to wear footwear with a hard shell toe protector.

Rule 23. Goaltender’s Equipment
(a) All equipment worn by the goaltender must be constructed solely for the purpose of protection of the head or body, and must not include any garment or contrivance which would give the goaltender undue assistance in keeping goal. Abdominal aprons extending down the thighs on the outside of the pants are prohibited.

Note 1: Protective padding attached to the back of, or forming part of the goaltender’s blocker glove shall not exceed 20.3 cm (8 in.) in width nor 40.6 cm (16 in.) in length. Any measurement exceeding 20.3 cm (8 in.) measured anywhere across the full length of the wrist area, or more than 40.6 cm (16 in.) anywhere on the length constitutes an illegal blocker glove.
Note 2: The base of the goaltender’s catching glove shall be restricted to a maximum of 22.9 cm (9 in.) in width, which is to include any attachments added to that glove. The length of the catching glove is restricted to a maximum of 40.6 cm (16 in.) Any measurement exceeding 22.9 cm (9 in.) measured anywhere across the full length of the wrist area, or more than 40.6 cm (16 in.) anywhere on the length constitutes an illegal glove. The maximum circumference of the legal goaltenders catching glove can not exceed 122 cm (48 in.) (see Appendix “B” for diagram). The lacing or webbing or other material joining the thumb and index finger of a goaltender’s glove, or any cage, pocket or pouch created by this material, must not exceed the minimum amount of material necessary to fill the gap between the thumb and the index finger when they are fully extended and spread. Any other pocket, pouch or contrivance added to the glove by a manufacturer or otherwise is not acceptable and makes the glove illegal.
Note 3: The binding and/or stitching at the edges of both goaltender’s gloves shall not be included in the measurement of either the length or width.
Note 4: When a request for a measurement of a goaltender’s glove has been made the team shall state the glove that is to be measured and whether it is to be the length or width of the glove.

(b) Goaltender’s pads, shall not exceed 35.5 cm (14 in.) in width as measured on the goaltender and shall not be altered in anyway.

Note 1: Ball foil (a plastic piece attached to the bottom of goaltender’s pads designed to stop the ball) is considered to be illegal equipment.
Note 2: Rules 23(a) and (b). For the purposes of these rules, sliders attached to goaltender pads are permitted for use if they meet the following guidelines:

1. Sliders must be permanently attached to the goaltender’s pads in such a way that they cannot be easily removed and pose no risk of coming off during play. Strap on products are not permitted.
2. Sliders must be made of solid plastic or other similar material and must not contain any balls, bearings or beads. Rollerfly is not permitted.
3. If the sliders are attached using screws or bolts, the heads of the screws or bolts must be counter sunk so as to be below the plastic portion of the slider. If the screws or bolts become loosened, and extend above the top of the plastic, the sliders are no longer permitted.
4. The sliders must have rounded or beveled edges. Sliders with sharp or pointed corners are not permitted.
5. Sliders which are broken or in a state of disrepair are not permitted. Referees can refuse to let a goaltender play with any equipment deemed to be dangerous under Rule 25.
6. Sliders are considered to be part of the pad when measuring the width and as such must not make the pad wider than 35.5 centimeters (14 inches) as per Rule 23(b).

(c) A Minor penalty shall be assessed a goaltender guilty of using or wearing illegal equipment.
(d) A goaltender shall remove her face protector for purpose of identification, if so asked by the Referee. A goaltender who refuses this request shall be assessed a Gross Misconduct penalty.

Rule 24. Protective Equipment
(a) All protective equipment except gloves, shin pads, head gear, or goaltenders’ leg pads, must be worn entirely under the uniform. Leather elbow patches on the outside of the sweater and palm less gloves are prohibited. After one warning by the Referee, a Minor penalty for Illegal Equipment shall be imposed on the offending player for any subsequent violation of this rule.

Note 1: If short sleeve sweaters are worn, then elbow pads are prohibited.
Note 2: It is mandatory for all minor ball hockey players to wear protective shin pads.

(b) While on the floor, including pre-game warmups, all players, including goaltenders, shall wear a CSA approved hockey helmet, to which a CSA approved facial protector must be securely attached and not altered in any way. Any alteration to a CSA approved helmet or facial protector automatically destroys the certification. Facial protection is recommended in men’s and woman’s ball hockey and mandatory (full face mask) in minors. The chin straps of the helmet shall be securely fastened under the chin. The straps of the facial protector, when designed to allow such straps, shall also be securely fastened to the hockey helmet. For violations during pre-game warmups, the Referee shall report the infraction on the official game report to the President. It is mandatory that players purchasing new facial protectors follow these guidelines:

Note 1: Players shall remove their helmet during the playing of the national anthem(s).
Note 2: The wearing of a CSA approved facial protector or visor for all players in all divisions is recommended. In all divisions of Minor Ball Hockey a full facial protector is compulsory.
Note 3: Goaltenders in all divisions of hockey shall be required to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet to which a CSA approved facial protector has been securely attached and not altered in any way. Please note that some models of goaltender masks and most cages do not have a CSA sticker on the outside, in particular Eddy Mask and Itech, although they have been certified for hockey use. These pieces are clearly marked with model numbers. If there is any doubt, the player should be instructed to acquire and maintain documentation from the CSA or manufacturer which lists the model(s) as certified. In the interim, the referee may conduct a simple test to determine its safety. If the blade of a legal hockey stick cannot penetrate the cage, in particular the eye-holes, to a depth that would cause injury, then the cage is considered safe enough for use in a ball hockey game. Facemasks that are clearly in disrepair (signs of disrepair include bent bars, missing straps) due to damage or long term wear should be prohibited at the referee’s discretion.
Note 4: All players while on the players’ and/or penalty bench must wear their approved helmet and facial protector securely attached. Any goaltender on the bench, as a minimum, is required to properly wear the same protective head equipment as the players (Adult men optional). For a violation of this section of the rule, a warning shall be issued to the team. The second and subsequent violations by the same team will result in a Minor penalty being assessed against the offending team.
Note 5: All helmets will be considered legal for ball hockey use under the following guidelines: Any ice hockey helmet that was originally CSA approved at its time of purchase that has not been physically altered with paint, or protruding clips, or in any other way that is deemed dangerous to the player wearing the helmet or any other player. Helmets that are clearly in disrepair (signs of disrepair include missing interior foam, cracks in the helmet, missing straps, straps that have been replaced with tape or laces) due to damage or long term wear, should be prohibited at the referee’s discretion. Application of stickers or removal of ear guards will not render a helmet unusable for CBHA play.

(c) Should the helmet of a player come off while play is in progress, such player shall replace the helmet (properly fastened) or shall proceed to the players’ bench for a substitution. If such a player participates in the play in any manner without his helmet, the play must be stopped immediately and the player assessed a Minor penalty. The penalty shall be assessed for participating in the play without the proper protective equipment and recorded on the Official Game Report as “ineligible player”. When a goaltender loses his helmet and/or facial protector, play shall be stopped immediately. Any such deliberate action by the goaltender shall result in a Minor penalty for “Delay of Game”. If this deliberate action (by a player or goaltender) occurs when an opponent is on a breakaway in the neutral or attacking zone, or occurs during the last two minutes of regular playing time, or any time in overtime, a Penalty Shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. If a player deliberately removes his helmet to fight or to challenge an opponent to fight he will be assessed a Gross Misconduct penalty.
(d) Where a player wears a helmet and/or facial protector in an offset position during play, the team of the offending player shall receive one warning. Any subsequent infractions by the same team will result in a Misconduct penalty assessed to that player.
(e) If the Referee’s attention is drawn to the possibility that a facial protector or helmet may not be certified (CSA approved), or if the Referee observes that a facial protector or helmet may not be certified, and should that piece of equipment in effect turn out not to be certified, the Referee shall assess a Minor penalty and at the same time order that illegal piece of equipment removed from the game.

Note 1: The Referee is empowered to make the call without his attention being drawn by an opposing player or team official, through the Captain.
Note 2: The Referees’ Case Book contains detailed procedures to follow in the case of a player having to serve a penalty for a non-certified helmet or facial protector.

Note 3: Procedures for dealing with players who do not have CSA approved helmets or visors.

i) Identify the piece of equipment that is illegal (not CSA approved).
ii) Both officials shall approach the player (in an area that is in clear view of team officials) to inform the player the specific piece of equipment does not conform to CSA standards. They are not allowed to participate in the game with illegal equipment.
iii) If a helmet, facial protector or visor is not CSA approved, the player is not allowed to remain on the player’s bench until they receive proper equipment. Also, they are not allowed to swap helmets with other players while play is in progress or during stoppages of play.

(f) For divisions where facial protectors and visors are optional, the Canadian Ball Hockey Association strongly recommends the use of internal mouth guards.
(g) The wearing of gloves is mandatory. Wearing ice hockey gloves is recommended.

Note 1: The Referees shall determine the legality of any equipment. Referees are required to err on the side of safety and when there is a doubt about the legality of a piece of equipment, referees should require the player to find alternate equipment. The referee’s decision shall be final for the purposes of the game in question but further clarification may be sought from the responsible referee in chief after the conclusion of the game.

Note 2: Where the referee notices more than one player with illegal gloves on the floor at the same stoppage of play, the referee shall point out all offending players at the same time. This mass warning shall constitute the warning. Only once play resumes shall a subsequent infraction result in the assessment of a minor penalty. Where players from both teams are wearing illegal gloves the referee shall warn both players and teams at the same stoppage of play. Referees are encouraged to give the warnings under this section prior to the start of the game if players are wearing illegal gloves in the pre-game warmup.
Note 3: The use of palm-less gloves is not permitted. Gloves may have worn palms from normal wear, provided fingers are not exposed. Finger portions may be repaired with tape to cover any exposure on the under-side.

Note 4: Gloves may not be altered in any way to leave the wrists exposed. Gloves that are equipped with laces or other forms of enclosure to provide coverage of the writs MUST have the laces present and fastened securely to provide protection to the wrists. Absolutely no modifications to a glove will be deemed permissible.

CLARIFICATIONS
1. If a player undoes his chin strap in order to incite or challenge an opponent, that player shall be assessed a Misconduct under Rule 47(e).
2. If a player undoes his own chin strap for any reason including the intention to challenge or incite an opponent to fight, that player shall be assessed a Gross Misconduct. No Misconduct would be necessary in this case.
3. If neither player removes the helmet or undoes the chin strap prior to the fight, but the helmets come off during the fight, one of three situations are possible:

a) If the Referee determines that the helmet(s) came off incidentally during the fight, no penalties under Rule 24(c) need to be assessed.
b) If the Referee determines that a player deliberately pulled-his opponent’s helmet off during the fight, the Referee shall assess a Gross Misconduct Penalty.
c) If a player grabs the opponent’s helmet or facial protector and uses this to gain an advantage or to inflict punishment or injury, the Referee shall assess a Match Penalty under Rule 49(d).

4. If players undo each others’ chin straps and/or remove each others’ helmets prior to the start of the fight in an effort to circumvent this rule, the Referee shall assess both players Gross Misconduct penalties, plus any other penalties that they incur, under Rule 33(b) for making a “travesty of the game”.

Rule 25. Dangerous Equipment
(a) The use of pads, protectors or sticks likely to cause injury to a player are prohibited.
(b) No player is permitted to wear a sweater or pants modified or altered to gain an advantage or compromise safety.
(c) All elbow pads which do not have a soft protective covering of sponge, rubber or a similar material at least 1.27 cm (1/2 in.) thick shall be considered dangerous equipment.
(d) The use of supplemental oxygen is prohibited.
(e) For a violation of this rule a warning shall be issued to the team. Any subsequent violations to any player on the same team shall result in a Minor penalty to the offending player.

Note: The Referee has the authority to prohibit a player from participating in the game while using or wearing any equipment that she considers dangerous to a player or game official.

Rule 26. Ball
The ball shall be made of plastic or other approved material. It shall be 7.62 cm (3 in.) in diameter and weigh not less than 156 g (5 1/2 ounces) and not more than 170 g (6 ounces) and shall be orange in colour. For all games played under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Ball Hockey Association, it is recommended the official Canadian Ball Hockey Association ball be used. Some leagues may use a lighter ball for the Tyke and Novice levels of play where it shall be 7.62 cm (3 in.) in diameter and may weigh not less than 113.4 g (4 ounces) and be clearly identified.

Note – Team Colors
Each team shall declare its colours to the President or Governor 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 or Group Governor. In inter-branch 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 the game.