Constitution

ARTICLE #1 NAME

 This organization will be known as the Greater Toledo Broomball League Inc. (GTBL).

ARTICLE #2 PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote and supervise a girls broomball league, as per those girls who fall within the player eligibilty criteria listed in by-law ARTICLE #3 E.

ARTICLE #3 MEMBERS

Organization members shall be duly appointed persons as determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE #4 OFFICERS

The following officers shall be nominated and elected to a term of one year by the existing, voting Board members: President; Vice President; Secretary; Treasurer.

The elections of officers to be held within (15) days after the annual election of Board members.

ARTICLE #5 BOARD MEMBERS

The Board of Directors shall be composed of nine (9) elected members, three (3) appointed league officials and an unspecified number of honorary members.

The nine (9) elected members shall be elected to three (3) year, rotating, terms, with no limit to the number of terms that may be served.

The three (3) appointed league officials (League Manager, League Director, and Fellowship Director) shall be appointed to a one (1) year term, with no limit to the number of terms that may be served. Appointments to be made within thirty (30) days of the general election, but not until after the yearly election of Board Officers.

Honorary Board membership is conferred on any GTBL member who has been a former League Manager and/or League Director who has served in that role for at least four (4) years. Honorary membership on the Board is perpetual.

ARTICLE #6 MEETINGS

The official business of the league may be conducted only when at least one-half of the voting board members are present. For emergency situations see by-law ARTICLE #1 C.

ARTICLE #7 ELECTIONS

Election of Board members shall be held within thirty (30) days of the end of the GTBL season. Election by ballot. Majority needed for election.

ARTICLE #8 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

Constitution may be amended at any official Board meeting by a two-thirds majority vote with previous notice required.

ARTICLE #9 AMENDMENTS TO PLAYING AND ELIGIBILITY RULES

All coaches may vote on playing and eligibility rules only. There will only be one vote per team. There must be a two-thirds (2/3) majority for passage with previous notice required.

Whereas only coaches are empowered to vote on playing and eligibility rules, coaches are not empowered to make any motion for a change in playing and eligibility rules. Only the Board may propose motions for changes in these areas.

Coaches are entitled to have access to the Board's "Rules Meeting" and may attend any of its meetings and have the opportunity to be placed on the agenda and address the "Rules Meeting" on any topic that is covered in Article #4 of the By-Laws and eligibility rules. Proposed rule changes must be submitted to the "Rules Meeting" in writing and state where the proposal is to be inserted in the Constitution/By-Laws.

No rule changes that impact game strategy or give any team an advantage or disadvantage may be added or enacted on or after December 1 (or whatever date is used as the first day of practices for the upcoming broomball season).

The only exceptions to this are rule changes that are the result of player safety concerns.

ARTICLE #2 DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS, LEAGUE OFFICIALS, AND COACHES

1. PRESIDENT

1. To oversee all of the functions of the Board and its committees. This would include:

a.       Make appointment to Board committees

b.       Instruct the treasurer on the disbursement of funds according to the will of the organization

c.       Call at least one regular board meeting per month from Dec. through March, or as deemed as necessary

d.       Call special meetings at his/her discretion

2. Presides at all meetings of the Board.

3. At all times promote and secure the goodwill of the GREATER TOLEDO BROOMBALL LEAGUE.

4. To both uphold and abide by the GTBL constitution /By-Laws.

5. Attend Board meetings as a voting member.

2. VICE PRESIDENT

1. Perform the duties of the president in his/ hers absence.

2. Assist the President in the fulfillment of his / her duties.

3. Attend Board meetings as a voting member.

4. Referee training.

3. SECRETARY

1. Keep complete and accurate records of all the Board meetings.

2. Conduct the correspondence of the organization.

3. In all Board meetings ,all voting proceedings are to be duly recorded including the names of : who made what motion .who seconded any motion and how each Board member present voted, unless sealed ballot.

4. In all coaching meetings, all voting proceedings are to be duly recorded including the names of: who made the motion and who seconded the motion.

4. TREASURER

1. Be custodian of the GTBL finances.

2. Place all funds in a reputable bank, FDIC bank.

3. Disburse funds as directed by the Board.

4. Prepare accurate reports for each Board meeting.

5. See that all checks are counter signed. The Treasurer and President will sign all checks.

6. Keep accurate records of the fees paid in by each team.

7. Attend Board meetings as a voting member.

8. Keep a file of all current contracts of the GTBL.

9. Keep a file of all current records required for the operation of the GTBL.

5. LEAGUE MANAGER

1. Shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for all aspects of providing support for GTBL games.  Duties to include:

a.       Attend Board meetings as a voting member

b.       Submitting, prior to the start of the season, for the Board approval, the mandatory scheduling:

1.       Of all Board members and all coachers for their refereeing obligations.

2.       By lottery, of all teams for their required days of filling the GTBL’s volunteer field staff needs.

c.       Regular season games, and tournament games scheduling for Board approval.

1.       Submit ice time practice and teams attending.

d.       Contracting sufficient ice time.

e.       Scheduling referees.

f.         Personally check the bank balance of the league each month during the league season.

g.       The League Manager will be appointed by the Board.

h.       The League Manager may or may not have coaching duties depending on the wishes of the League Manager and the needs of the GTBL.

6. LEAGUE DIRECTOR

1. Shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for the supervision of all GTBL coaches, GTBL games, and the enforcement of all GTBL rules and By-laws relating to coaches, teams ,and games (all of Article #2 J , all of Article #3 , and all of Article #4 ) Duties to include:

a.       Conducting all coaches meetings.

b.       Attending board meetings as a voting member.

c.       Ensure that all regular season and play - off games are conducted according to all league rules and  by-laws in all issues related to rule interpretation, the League Director has authority over all GTBL staff including :

a.       Coaches

b.       Referees

c.       Scorekeepers

d.       Timers

d.       Be available at all regular season and play -off games to answer questions, make rulings , and conduct game day activities.

e.       Interviewing prospective new coaches with any Board member and make recommendations to the Board.

f.         At least a week prior to any coaches meeting, provide an agenda of any proposed rule changes that will be discussed and brought up for vote.

g.       Be responsible for providing opportunities for the discussion and voting and within a month of the start of a broomball season.

2. The League Director will be appointed by the Board.

3. The League Director may not have coaching responsibilities.

7. FELLOWSHIP DIRECTOR

1. Shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for all aspects regarding the GTBL Fellowships. Duties to include:

a.       Organizing and directing all GTBL fellowships for the purpose of promoting sportsmanship.

b.       Fellowship Director may have coaching duties.

c.       Attend Board meetings as a voting member.

d.       Organizing the end of season awards banquet.

2. The Fellowship Director will be appointed by the Board.

8. BOARD MEMBERS

1. A Board member shall be entitled to all of the privileges of Board membership. These privileges include the following:

a.       Attending and participating in discussions at Board and Coaches meetings, including any Board meeting that goes into executive session.

b.       The right to make motions for voting purposes.

c.       The right to vote on all motions proposed to the Board.

d.       The right to serve on Board committees.

e.       The right to serve as an elected Board officer or an appointed Board official.

f.         The right to either coach or not coach a broomball team.

g.       Available to assist in interviewing prospective coaches with the League Director, if needed.

2. A Board member shall have all of the duties and obligations of Board membership. These duties and obligations include the following:

a.       Supporting GTBL program and fellow Board members by providing regular attendance at scheduled Board meetings, unless excused in advance by the Board President.

1.       Board members seeking to be excused from attending a regularly scheduled Board meeting are required to contact the President no later than 48 hours prior to the starting time of the scheduled meeting (unless of emergency situation).

b.       Non-coaching Board members are asked to provide service for at least 50 % of all scheduled GTBL games, participating as GTBL field staff or game referees.

1.       Coaching Board members may be asked to provide additional field staff assistance on an as needed basis.

3. Actively serving on at least one (1) Board committee.

4. Fulfilling their primary function, which is TO SERVE as the stewards of the GTBL program. The role of steward includes the following duties and responsibilities:

a.       Holding all GTBL elected officers, appointed officials, and Board approved coaches accountable to serving the will of the Board

b.       Exercising responsible ownership over the GTBL Program with the goal of providing female high school aged students, from the Greater Toledo Area, with a positive and fun activity

9. HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS

1. An honorary member shall have none of the obligations of membership to the Board.

2. An honorary member shall be entitled to all of the privileges except those of making motions, of voting and of holding office.

3. Their primary function is to serve the Board as consultants.

10. DUTIES OF COACHES AND ASSISTANT COACHES

1. Shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for the promotion and goodwill
         of the GTBL.  This would include, but not to be limited to:

a.       sign-up prior to the start of the season and then either serving or
finding a substitute, that is acceptable to the League Manager or present board members to serve as referee  on scheduled game days.

b.       sign-up prior to the start of the season for your team, and the parents/ adults that are part of your team’s support group to assume the responsibility for providing all the required support staff for as many scheduled game days as the league requires of your team.

1.       Two teams will be assigned for each game night.

2.       Each scheduled team will be responsible for providing at least three responsible adults, 21 and over, unless prior approval by the Board.

3.       The consequence for teams failing to fulfill this responsibility will be as follows:

a.       Teams will be disqualified from participating in the post season playoffs and/or will be disqualified from participating in the next, ensuing broomball season, and will lose their designation as a "returning team".

b.       In addition, if obligations are not fulfilled, each offending coach will be accessed a fee of twenty dollars ($20) to be paid to the scholarship fund or banquet fund, at the Boards discretion.  If the fee is not paid by the next game a game loss will be accessed at the end of the season.

2. Shall conduct their team in a manner as outlined be the GTBL constitution and by-laws and are empowered by the GTBL to instruct, supervise, and discipline the players or their team(s) throughout the entirety of the broomball season.

3. Shall show no evidence of alcohol or drug abuse at a practice or a game.  No
   smoking shall be permitted at the bench while directing a team during a game

4. Shall be responsible for entire team conduct at practice, to and from games, as
   well as during the regular season and tournament games.

5. Shall show a good example to all concerned.  Shall not use profanity or
   abusive language.

6. Shall be responsible for providing timely advance notification, to both League Officials and opposing coaches, if forfeiture is planned or anticipated.

7. Shall be responsible for assuring that each girl on their team has paid her fees.

8. Any form of physical violence by a coach towards a player will be grounds for immediate dismissal.

9. Provide the GTBL appointed Board member with a list of any senior on your team that have achieved a 3.4 or higher GPA by the end of their 7th semester.

10. All coaches will be expected to regularly attend all coaches meetings or have a representative attend.

Article #3 Constitution & By-Laws

1. GENERAL RULES

1. Before the start of each game, both participating teams shall supply the official referee with a typed list containing the names and numbers of all team players and team coaches that will be present in either the bench area, or on the ice, during the game. It should follow the format given in the season guide.  This list is the responsibility of the acting head coach of each team to put together, and verify with his/her signature.

2. Only players in uniform and a maximum of three (3) board approved coaches,
   who are listed on the team roster as coaches, may be in the team bench area during the game.

a.       School Photographers are allowed with Board approval.

3. All players will wear a helmet with a face mask and a colored mouth piece or dental mouth piece at all times while on the ice.

4. Players on the ice are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings, watches earrings, bracelets, necklaces (including cloth or string types), barrettes or other cosmetic or decorative items that are hard. Medical-alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry. If worn they must be taped to the body,  so as to remain visible. All cast, splints, and braces must be padded.  Prostheses may be worn. Any equipment judged by the referee to be potentially dangerous is illegal.

a.       PENALTY: If a player violates the jewelry rule, the referee shall issue a team warning. Any subsequent offender on that team shall be restricted to the bench area (off the ice) for the duration of the game.     

5. All players will be allowed to play in at least one-forth (1/4) of the total of all league and tournament games. i.e. if there are 12 league games, all players will have played in any combination of at least three (3) of those games. (six halves) etc.

6. If a coach chooses to discipline a player by restricting her play in one game, that coach will inform a league official of his/her intent prior to the start of restricted game. This game then will not be counted in the 1/4 playing time rule.

7. The player or coach who is ejected from a game must leave the ice and /or
   bench. Failure to do so will result in a delay of game penalty.

8. Any player who is found abusing either league equipment or any playing
   equipment will receive a major penalty. If the penalty extends beyond the game being played, then the League Director, or majority of league board members present will determine when the offending player is eligible to play again.

a.       This would include throwing helmets, broomballs, brooms or any personal or league playing equipment in anger or frustration.

9. Teams coming onto the ice will wait for referee’s signal in a designated area before proceeding to the bench.

2. REFEREES DECISIONS

1. Any and all decisions that are made during the course of a game by the referees are final and not subject to appeal.

a.       It must be recognized that, while this league will do everything possible to provide trained experienced referees, that even the best referees will miss some calls. This is an inherent part of any sport where humans are making judgment calls and must be accepted as part of the game.

b.       The referees will allow or disallow any goal and it is THEIR responsibility and THEIR decision ALONE. They may, however, ask for technical assistance from the head ref or League Director regarding rule interpretation.

2. Those aspects of a game that may be subject to appeal are technical rules that are established by the league and administered by the Board. Such as:

a.       Illegal brooms

b.       Illegal shoes

c.       Ineligible player

3. APPEALS

1. If a coach has reason to believe that a violation of league rules is taking place, then a protest must be voiced before the game is to begin to the LEAGUE DIRECTOR, OR THE MAJORITY OF LEAGUE BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT. Any violations will be dealt with prior to the start of the game.

2. If a coach has reason to believe that a referee improperly interprets some aspect of the technical rules during the game, then that coach may appeal during the game (if the referee allows for a stoppage of play, then it is an official time- out, not a charged time - out), or the coach must lodge a complaint with the LEAGUE DIRECTOR, OR THE MAJORITY OF LEAGUE BOARD MEMBERS prior to the start of the next game day or play- off game.

3. If a coach has reason to believe that a violation of league rules has taken place in a game, but does not discover the violation until the game has been played, then that coach must lodge a complaint with the LEAGUE DIRECTOR, OR THE MAJORITY OF THE LEAGUE BOARD, prior to the start of the next game day or play off game.

4. If the LEAGUE DIRECTOR, OR THE MAJORITY OF LEAGUE BOARD MEMBERS , determines that a violation of league rules has occurred after a game has been played, then the team found violating the rules will ,at the LEAGUE DIRECTOR’S  discretion:

a.       be reprimanded

b.       forfeit one or more goals

c.       forfeit the game

5. If the LEAGUE DIRECTOR, OR THE MAJORITY OF LEAGUE BOARD MEMBERS determines that some aspect of the technical rules was improperly interpreted during the game, and that this improper interpretation significantly influenced the outcome of the game, then the LEAGUE DIRECTOR, OR THE MAJORITY OF LEAGUE BOARD MEMBERS may respond by taking whatever measures necessary to fairly rectify the situation.

6. There is no higher course of appeal other than the LEAGUE DIRECTOR, OR THE MAJORITY OF THE LEAGUE BOARD.

4. TEAMS

1. Teams can consist of the high school girls from any public or parochial school within the greater Toledo area.

2. A team will consist of between 10 to 20 players.

3. Teams shall not practice or condition no earlier than Dec. 1st and shall form no later then seven days prior to the first GTBL game.

4. All team rosters will be turned into the league no later than 7 days prior to the first league game. Only 2 girls may be added to this roster after this date.

5. No girl will be allowed to play for more than one team. If a girl is found to be playing on more than one team, those teams that do not have her on their roster will forfeit all games said girl has played in.

6. Team names, emblems, and uniform logos must be approved by the Board prior to implementation.

5. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

1. Only those girls who are presently enrolled in a High School are eligible. Any game won involving a non-approved player will be forfeited.

2. Under no circumstances may a player (including players returning to the GTBL program from a previous season) transfer from one team to another unless the player (or an individual representing the player) first seeks and obtains the permission from the GTBL board.

a.       No player transfers to another team allowed after 7 days prior to the first coaches meeting in December.

3. Each player will be accessed a playing fee as determined by the Board of Directors. No player will be allowed to play in a league game until all the fees are paid.

a.       Hardship considerations may be brought before the Board prior to the start of the first game.

6. EQUIPMENT

1.  Brooms

a.       All brooms will have wooden handles and straw bristles only; no plastic or metal.

b.       Brooms may be reinforced with tape only. Brooms must be flexible after taping.

c.       Brooms will have a minimum of ten inches (10") of straw from top to bottom.

d.       All brooms will be equipped with a protective tip on the handle end of the broom, purchased from the League.

e.       If a broom is broken during the course of play it will be immediately be removed from the ice by the referee. Any un-repaired or cracked brooms will not be allowed.

f.         Brooms are subject to inspection at any time.

2. Uniforms

a.       Members of a team will wear jerseys of the same color and type.

b.       Each jersey will display a number on the back. Each team member will have a different number that must match at all times their number on the official team roster (unless obtaining prior approval of League Director, or the majority of Board Members present at that time.

c.       Numbers may be of paint, decal, or iron-on.

d.       No uniforms will display any obscene or inappropriate language or symbols.

e.       If two teams have similar color jerseys, then a coin toss will determine which team will wear colored slip on jerseys provided by the League.

f.         If jerseys do not match, Board requires all members of the team to wear color slip on jerseys provided by the League.

g.       Legs must be covered with appropriate pants or shorts must be worn with colored leggings.

h.       All players will wear a helmet with a face mask and a colored mouth piece or dental mouth piece at all times while on the ice.

3. Shoes

a.       Players will wear athletic, non cleated shoes or broomball shoes.

b.       No substance will be added to the shoes for the purpose of improving traction.

c.       Shoes and players maybe subject to inspection at any time.

4. Helmets

a.       Hockey helmets with face guards and in good condition only. Players must provide their own. 

5. Goal Nets

a.       Goal nets will be provided by the League.

b.       The goal poles at the mouth of the goal shall be set 147" from the wall.

c.       The dimensions of the goal crease shall be as follows: as long as the goal poles at the mouth of the net and 48" deep.

6. Violations

a.       Any violations of League equipment rules may result in the loss of one team goal for that game that was played under violation, at the discretion of the League Director, or the majority of Board Members present at that time.

7. INJURIES

1. If a time out is called because of an injury then that player must leave the ice. She shall not return to the game until she has been released by paramedic and must sit out at least one (1) minute.

2. If a player has received an injury while playing broomball and is under a physicians care because of that injury she must have either her physicians release or written approval from her parent before she will be allowed to play.

8. TEAM SEEDINGS (Pre-Season)

1. There will be four (4) divisions, and two conferences. Teams will be placed in a division by the league manager in a manner that will hopefully balance each division. Each division will have one of four top seeded teams.

2. The following procedures will be adhered to in determining pre-season placement of teams in divisions and conferences.

a.       1st consideration: where the team ended up in tournament

b.       2nd consideration: where the team ended up in regular season

c.       3rd consideration: team’s years of experience

d.       4th consideration: teams age

e.       5th consideration: coach’s years of experience

f.         6th consideration: team’s performance in any pre-season scrimmages

g.       7th consideration: no two team’s, from same school, from same grade, in the same conference

9. TIE BREAKING RULES (for post-season standings)

1. Team records will determine the final standings (i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) of teams, both within their division and conference. In situations where two or more teams share the same record, they will also share the same division and/ or conference final standing. In situations where there is a tie for 1st place then the title of the division winner and/ or conference winner will be shared by all of those teams involved.

2. Tie breaking rules for the seeding of teams in the GTBL post season tournament are:

a.       In case of a tie between two teams, the winner of their regular season game will be tops.

b.       If still a tie, then the largest difference in goals scored and goals scored against.

c.       If still a tie, then the team with the largest number of goals scored will be tops.

d.       If still a tie, then a toss of a coin between the two coaches will be the tie breaker.

e.       In the case of a tie between more than two teams, and after going through all of the above tie breakers, then a coin toss is needed and the odd man will be out after all three or more teams have called.

10. TEAM SEEDINGS (Post-Season)

1. The post-season tournament is an invitational, not all teams will be invited
          to participate.

a.      The top ten (10) teams from each conference, based on their regular season record, may be invited to participate in the invitational tournament.

b.      Teams that accept the invitation to play in the tournament must agree to be in the lottery for volunteers, for the first night of the playoffs.

c.       The coaches of the teams that accept the invitation to play in the tournament must agree to serve as either referees or volunteers on both nights of the play-offs, as their teams are eliminated form the play-offs.

2. The By-Laws, Article # 3 I 2 will be used to determine seeding rank for the invitational tournament.

3. All play-off games, except Championship and Consolation games are to be played within conference.

a.       1st game, 8 vs. 9

b.       2nd game, 7 vs. 10

c.       3rd game, winner of 8 & 9 vs. 1

d.       4th game, winner of 7 & 10 vs. 2

e.       5th game, 4 vs. 5

f.         6th game, 3 vs. 6

g.       7th game, winner of (8 & 9 vs. 1) vs. winner of (4 & 5)

h.       8th game, winner of (7 & 10 vs. 2) vs.  winner of (3 & 6)

i.         9th game, semi-finals, winner of (1,4,5,8,9) vs. winner of (2,3,6,7,10)

j.         10th game, consolation game, losers of semi-finals

k.       11th game, championship game, winners of semi-finals.

4. The invitational tournament brackets and game schedule will be as follows:

a.       Semi-finals are Conference Championships.

b.       Finals are League Championship.

11. PLAYOFF GAME RULES

1. Play off games will consist of two, nine minutes halves. Each team will have four (4) time outs instead of three. 

a.       If the game is tied at the end of regulation play the game goes into extra periods, each team will receive one additional time out for any amount of overtime, not one time out per overtime period. Therefore no team may ever have more than five time outs in any one game.

2. The play offs will be a single elimination tournament.

3. If a game is tied at the end of regulation play, then a two (2) minute intermission will be followed by a nine (9) minute, sudden death, period.  The first team that scores, wins. If necessary, this procedure will be followed again until a team wins.

12. PAYMENT OF FEES

1. Each team is required to make complete payment of their tournament fees by the Board decided payment meeting. This fee should be paid to the league treasurer with a money order or cash. The funds will accompany two copies of typed roster and the amount of funds should correspond with the number players on the roster.

2. If a girl on any team has not paid her fees prior to the first GTBL game, she will not be eligible to play. See BY-LAW ARTICLE #3 E3.

3. There will be a maximum of thirty-two (32) teams allowed to participate in
         the league.

a.       All team’s rosters, with signed release forms and registration fees, will be turned into the League Secretary and League Treasurer no later than the Board decided payment meeting. Teams that do not have the required items, listed above, turned in by the due date will jeopardize their roster spot in the league. All forms must be typed.

b.       Returning teams are subject to the above rules. Schools losing teams due to graduation will be guaranteed a new team the following year, up to two (2) teams per school, if they turn a roster and release forms for at least ten (10) players by the Board decided payment meeting.

c.       New team spots will be filled as a first come basis with the following priority given. First to a new school, then to an existing school with less than four current teams, and then schools with less than two teams from a class.

13. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

1. Any Board member, coach, or assistant coach, and other staff member who has been accused of a violation of the Constitution and By-Laws of the GTBL, and that accusation results in a Board disciplinary action of that individual either being placed on probation, being suspended, or being terminated, then that individual shall have the right of due process.

2. The right of due process shall include:

a.       Be informed of the charges in a timely manner.

b.       Given reasonable time to prepare their defense.

c.       Appear before the Board and defend themselves, at a regular or special Board meeting within a reasonable timeframe from the original notification of the charges.

              3.    After reviewing all of the information presented, the decision of the Board shall be final.

Article #4 Constitution & By-Laws

1. GENERAL GAME RULES

1. A game will consist of two nine (9) minute halves with a two (2) minute intermission between halves.

2. At the end of each period of play, teams will change ends of the ice.

3. A team will only have a maximum of ten (10) players on the ice at any one time.  These players may be positioned in any manner the coach sees fit, with the following exceptions:

a.       There will only be one player allowed within the goal crease for the purpose of defending the goal and that player will be referred to as the goalie.

b.       There will only be six players allowed within the defensive half of the playing surface.

4. The team with the most goals at the end of the game is the winner of that game.  The winner of regular season games will receive two (2) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie, and no points for a loss.

5. Both teams will be given a three (3) minute pre-game warm up period.  Once the three minute warm up period is over, the game will begin.  If one (or both) of the teams is not available (not on the ice ready to play) when the game is ready to begin, then one (1) penalty will be awarded to the opposing team.  If after four (4) minutes from the declared starting time, the missing team has still not assembled on the ice and positioned itself to initiate game play, then they shall forfeit the game and the final score shall be 5-0.

6. When a team is ahead by a 10 point spread, mercy rule applies, game will terminate, and final score will be recorded.  Teams will then have the option to use remainder of the ice time for scrimmage or practice, at the Boards descretion.

2. INITIATION OF PLAY

1. Play is initiated with a face-off at the appropriate location.

a.       Two players, one from each team, shall be in the circle.

b.       No players other than those facing off shall be allowed inside the approximately 10’ diameter circle.

c.       The ball shall be placed on the ice.

d.       Both players’ brooms shall be placed on the ice no closer than one foot from the ball, until play starts with the referee’s whistle.

2. No player may assume a position in the offensive direction of the face-off line.  Violations will result in another face-off.

3. Face-offs may take place at center ice or to the left and right sides and halfway between center ice and the goal line.  Face-offs other than center ice will be in the area that the ball was last in play.

4. Face-offs will start play at the beginning of each half, after a time-out, after an out of bounds, or after a penalty or injury that has stopped play.

5. Face-offs at the beginning of a game and at the beginning of the second half will always be at the center ice.

6. The game clock will start at the referee’s whistle.
   
   

3. PLAY

1. The ball may be advanced only be the use of a broom. Hands, feet or heads may not be used.

2. A player may use the broom to hit the ball in any manner she sees fit, however she may not pull her hands together no less than six (6) inches with closed hand. She may scoop the ball into the air as long as the head of the broom does not go beyond a twelve o’clock position.

3. She may use the handle of the broom to control a ball in the air. When the broom handle is in the air, the player’s hands must be separated on the handle, with the top hand being approximately 6’’ from the top.

4. A player may not advance or carry the ball balanced on the head of her broom.
   
   

4. TIME-OUTS

1. Time will be stopped for time-outs; regular, official, or injury; and any penalty that in the opinion of the referee has unfairly changed the momentum of the game. (See Article #4 B3 for location of face-off)

a.       A referee may stop play if in his opinion a situation arises that needs to be immediately resolved.

2. Time will be stopped if the ball leaves the boundary or play. (See Article #4 B3 for location of face-off)

3. Time will be called if the ball is caught on the top of the net. Neither the goalie nor a player will be allowed to play the ball(See Article #4 B3 for location of face-off)

4. Time is not called for goals.

5. Each team will be allowed three (3) time-outs per game. Four (4) time-outs will be allowed for teams throughout the tournament play-offs.

6. Time-outs may be called by a player on the ice who is control of the ball, or at
         the request of the coach. The referee will blow his/her whistle and stop play when, at his/her judgment the team requesting the time-out is in control of the ball. Control of the ball is defined as when a play on the ball is not being closely contested. (See Article #4 B3 for location of face-off)

7. Time-outs will be called if a penalty shot has been awarded.

8. Time-outs will be called if a player or group of players ties the ball up for longer than a five count.
   i.e.   Holds the ball against the wall or another broom in such a way as
   to make it impossible for another player to make a play on the ball.

9. Time-outs will be one minute in duration.

10. Injury time-outs:

a.       If a player is injured and an official time out is called, then each team will go to a neutral area of the ice, not the bench. No coach will be allowed to coach their team during injury time-out, but the coach of the injured player will be allowed to attend to the player. After the injury time-out, each coach will have one minute to coach their team prior to the resumption of play.

5. GOALS

1. A goal is scored when a team hits the ball into the goal during the play of
        the game.

2. A goal is scored only when the ball is entirely across the goal line.

3. A goal is scored only when the initiation of the ball was from the result of being hit with a broom.

4. Goals will be scored if:

a.       It is hit with a broom.

b.       It is deflected off a defensive player.

c.       It is accidentally knocked in by the goalie or a defensive player.

d.       It is caught by the goalie, but the ball is inside the plane of the goal.

e.       If the goalie catches the ball and pulls it inside of the goal.

5. Goals will be disallowed if:

a.       The initiated motion of the ball was not initiated by a broom.

b.       If there was an offensive player in the goal crease before the ball.

c.       If the ball is hit out of the goalie’s possession.

d.       The referees will allow or disallow any goal their decision is final.

e.       If the buzzer sounds before the ball crosses the goal line, even though the ball was hit before the buzzer sounds.  

6. THE GOALIE

1. The goalie will play within the goal and goal crease. If the goalie is not going to use the broom, she must make sure that the broom is out of play.

2. She may control the ball within that area in any manner she sees fit (Her options of how to control the ball only becomes limited if she chooses to catch the ball). She may use a broom or any part of her body to prevent the ball from crossing the goal line.

3. If she catches the ball, she has five (5) seconds to put the ball into play. If the     goalie chooses to throw the ball, she must throw the ball to the side of, or behind, the net. She may not advance the ball beyond the plane of the goal line.

4. If the goalie takes longer than five seconds or advances the ball by throwing it, a time-out will be called and a face-off will ensue.

5. Any player on the ice can switch with the goalie however, only one player may be within the goal area at one time. (See Article #4,I,4,1)

6. A goalie may not use her broom to trip or hit another player. (See Article #4. I 4 c&g)

7. If the goalie is assessed a minor penalty, the coach will be given the option of the player to be penalized.

7. SUBSTITUTIONS

1. A coach may substitute freely during a game.

2. Substitutions may occur during a time-out or during play.

3. Substitutions during play:

a.       Substitutions can be made on the fly as long as the player coming off the ice and the substituting player are not involved in a play on the ball.

b.       If a substituting player is involved in a play before the other player is heading off the ice, then play will be stopped and a face-off will ensue. (See Article #4 B3 for location of face-off)

8. PENALTIES

1. MAJOR PENALTIES:

a.       A major penalty will result in as determined by the League Director or by a Majority of League Board Members. one of the following  actions:

1.       The ejection of the offending player or coach for half of one game for a total of nine (9) minutes.

2.       An ejection of a complete game or ejection from all of the league and/or tournament games, whichever the officials feel is the most appropriate action. There will be no refund of fees.

2. MAJOR PENALTIES ARE:

a.       FIGHTING

1.       There will be no fighting or attempt to injure an opposing player either on or off the ice, before, during, or after a game.

b.       ABUSE

c.       The severe abuse of the referees, league officials, league equipment, or playing equipment by any player, coach, or assistant coach will result in a major penalty.

d.       All major penalties will be observed at the first possible opportunity.

e.       Major penalties are player penalties, not team penalties. The offending player or coach will leave the game, but the team will not play short handed.

3. MINOR PENALTIES:

a.       Minor penalties will result in the penalized player being placed in the penalty box one minute for each minor penalty incurred. During the penalty time a team will play short for each person in the penalty box.

b.       All minor penalties must be served at the first opportunity available.

4. The following are considered game violations which will result in a minor penalty:

a.       Body checking i.e. playing the player instead of the ball.

b.       Slashing at a player’s ankles or legs.

c.       Spearing at a players body or arms.

d.       High sticking: bringing the broom head above the chest. (following through of a scoop to the 12:00 position will not be called high sticking)

e.       Kicking the ball.

f.         Throwing the broom at the ball.

g.       Tripping or pushing another player to the ice.

h.       Holding or interfering with another player’s play on the ball. (Hooking of broom is a legal play)

i.         Using hands or feet to direct the ball.

j.         Swinging at the ball when it is in the possession of the goalie.

k.       Violation of any of the equipment or safety.

l.         Any player in the crease area other than the goalie. If a goal is scored with an offensive player in the crease then the goal is disallowed and the offensive player is given a minor penalty.

m.     Unsportsman like conduct and inappropriate behavior both on and off the ice, and any game activity that a referee judges to be play, may result in a minor penalty. Such behavior may include: pulling hair, scratching, spitting, swearing, obscene gestures, arguing with the referee, or any other action that referees and or league officials find inappropriate.

n.       There will be a one minute penalty if the goalie is interfered with in any way at the discretion of the referee on the ice.

o.       The first time that a team is penalized for using an illegal defense, the player(s) in violation will be given a minor penalty.

9. PENALTY PROCEDURES

1. For all penalties, other than major penalty, the penalized player will leave the ice and enter the penalty box for a period of one (1) minute.

2. Penalty time will be kept by the time keeper and will start only when the player has left the ice and is in the penalty box.

3. More than one player can be penalized from one team at any time.

4. If a player is in the penalty box at the end of the first half, then the remainder of the penalty will be carried over at the start of the second half.

5. If a penalized player’s team is scored upon, then all penalized players may return to the ice for the face-off.

6. At the end of penalty time the penalized player will return to the ice on the run.

7. If a player is penalized for more than one infraction, then her time will be served consecutively.

10. PENALTY SHOTS AND PROCEDURES

1. A penalty shot may be awarded for the following reasons:

a.       If a player is fouled in the act of attempting to score, and the foul was committed solely to prevent the score.

b.       If a defensive player commits an infraction of the rules solely to prevent a score.

c.       If a team is penalized for the second time, during a GBTL game, for using an illegal defense (has more than 6 players in their defensive zone).

2. The penalty shot procedure is:

a.       Time out is called.

b.       The ice is cleared of all players except the fouled player and the opposing team’s goalie or designated.

c.       The fouled player will be given possession of the ball at center ice. She must advance the ball towards the net. If she stops or retreats the shot is ended. She may shoot the ball at any point prior to the goal crease.  Goal will be disallowed if shooter commits a penalty.

d.       The fouled player has only one shot. If the ball crosses the goal line, then a goal is scored. If the goalie stops the ball from crossing the goal line, then the penalty shot is ended and play is resumed with a center ice face-off.