601 General regulations for penalties

1) When an offence leading to a penalty is committed, the offender shall be penalized. If the referees are unable to point out the offender, or if the offence is committed by a member of the team staff, the team captain shall choose a field player, who is not already penalized, to serve the penalty. If the team captain refuses to do this, or is penalized, the referees shall choose the player. All penalties carried out shall be noted in the match record with the time, number of the player, type of penalty and cause of penalty. If the penalty is caused by an offence in connection with play, the nonoffending team shall be awarded a free-hit. If the penalty is caused by an offence not in connection with play, play shall be resumed with a face-off. If the penalty is caused by an offence committed during an interruption, play shall be resumed according to what caused the interruption. A penalized team captain loses his right to speak to the referees, unless he is addressed by them.

2) A penalized player shall be on the penalty bench during the entire penalty. All penalties terminate when the match is over. A penalty, which has not expired at the end of regular game time, shall continue during extra time. A penalized player shall be on the same side of the centre line as his team, with the exception of when the secretariat and the penalty benches are situated on the same side of the rink as the substitution zones. During regular game time a penalized player may leave the penalty bench during an intermission. A penalized player may not leave the penalty bench during the intermission between regular game time and extra time. A penalized player must not participate in a time out. A player, whose penalty expires, shall immediately leave the penalty bench, unless the number of penalties for his team makes this impossible or the penalty expiring is a personal penalty. A goalkeeper, whose penalty expires, shall not leave the penalty bench until the next interruption. A penalized player who is injured may be replaced on the penalty bench by a field player who is not already penalized. Both players shall be noted in the match record with the number of the player actually serving the penalty in brackets. If the injured player enters the rink before the penalty expires, match penalty one will be imposed. If the secretariat is responsible for a player being admitted to the rink too soon and the mistake is noticed during regular penalty time, the player shall resume his position on the penalty bench. There shall not be any additional penalty time and the player shall return to the rink when his regular penalty time expires.

3) If a goalkeeper incurs one or several 2 minute bench penalties, the team captain shall choose a field player, who is not already penalized, to serve the penalty. A goalkeeper incurring a 5 minute bench penalty or a personal penalty shall serve the penalty himself. If a goalkeeper incurs one or several 2 minutes bench penalties when serving penalties or in connection with a 5 minute bench penalty or a personal penalty, he shall serve these penalties himself. If a goalkeeper serves penalties and a reserve goalkeeper is not available, the team has a maximum of 3 minutes to properly equip a field player, but none of this time may be used for warming up. The new goalkeeper shall be marked in the match record, and the time of the change shall be noted. When the penalty expires, the goalkeeper must not enter the rink until play is interrupted. Due to this the team captain shall choose a field player, who is not already penalized, to accompany the goalkeeper on the penalty bench in order to enter the rink when the penalty expires. The referees shall together with the secretariat help a goalkeeper, whose penalty has expired during play, to leave the penalty bench as soon as play is interrupted.

4) Penalty time shall be synchronized to game time.

602 Bench penalty

1) A bench penalty shall affect the team, and due to this the penalized player must not be replaced on the rink during the penalty.

2) No more than one bench penalty per player and two bench penalties per team may be measured simultaneously. All bench penalties shall be measured in the order they are imposed. A player, whose penalty can not be measured, shall be on the penalty bench from the moment his penalty is carried out. If more than one penalty is imposed simultaneously on a team already having a bench penalty, the team captain decides which of the new penalties shall be measured first. Shorter bench penalties shall, in this case, always be measured before longer. If, during a delayed penalty, the team incurs yet another bench penalty, the delayed penalty first imposed on the team shall be the one measured first.

3) A team, which has more than two players with carried out bench penalties, shall still have the right to play with four players on the rink. The team shall play with four players on the rink until they have only one bench penalty being measured. A player, whose bench penalty expires before this, shall remain on the penalty bench until play is interrupted or, if this occurs sooner, further bench penalties expire so that his team has only one bench penalty being measured. All penalized players in a team shall leave the penalty bench in the same order as their bench penalties expire, but the rules concerning the number of players allowed on the rink shall be noticed all the time. The referees, together with the secretariat, shall help a player, whose penalty has expired during play, to leave the penalty bench as soon as play is interrupted.

4) If a player, who has incurred a bench penalty, commits further offences leading to a penalty, all his penalties shall be served consecutively. This is regardless of whether the first penalty has started or not. If a bench penalty has already started and the same player incurs another penalty, the measuring of the first penalty shall not be affected, but go on from where it was when the new penalty was carried out. Consecutively implies that as soon as the player's first bench penalty expires or terminates, the next one shall start being measured, unless the team has other bench penalties, not yet being measured, which have been imposed in between the first player's bench penalties. An unlimited number of bench penalties can be imposed on the same player. If a player has incurred a personal penalty, all his bench penalties have to expire or terminate before the personal penalty may start to be measured. If a player is serving a personal penalty, then incurs a bench penalty, the measuring of the remaining personal penalty shall, as soon as the bench penalty can be measured, be postponed until the bench penalty expires or terminates. The team captain shall choose a field player, who is not already penalized, to accompany the player on the penalty bench in order to enter the rink when the bench penalty expires. If a penalized player commits an offence leading to a match penalty, the rules concerning match penalties shall also be applied.

603 2 minute bench penalty

1) If the opposing team scores during a 2 minute bench penalty that is being measured, the penalty shall terminate, unless the opposing team is outnumbered on the rink or the teams play with equal strength. The penalty will not terminate if the goal is scored neither during a delayed penalty nor from a penalty shot caused by an offence leading to a penalty. If a 2 minute bench penalty is imposed in connection with a penalty shot or a delayed penalty shot, the rules concerning penalties in connection with a penalty shot shall also be applied.

2) If a team has more than one 2 minute bench penalty, these shall terminate in the same order they have been carried out.

604 Delayed penalty

1) All types of bench penalties, including match penalties, may be delayed. A delayed penalty shall be applied when the non-offending team still controls the ball after an offence leading to a penalty. Only one penalty at a time can be delayed except when a goal situation is in progress, in which case a second penalty may also be delayed. If one or several delayed penalties are imposed in connection with a penalty shot or a delayed penalty shot, the rules concerning penalties in connection with a penalty shot shall also be applied.

2) A delayed penalty implies that the non-offending team is given the possibility to continue the attack until the offending team gains and controls the ball or play is interrupted. During a delayed penalty, the non-offending team shall be given the opportunity to replace the goalkeeper with a field player and continue the attack. A delayed penalty shall still be carried out after the end of a period or a match. If the delayed penalty is carried out because the offending team gains and controls the ball, play shall be resumed with a face-off. The non-offending team must use a delayed penalty for constructive attacking play. If the referees consider the team only to be trying to waste time, the players shall be notified. If the team still does not try to attack, play shall be interrupted, the delayed penalty carried out and play resumed with a faceoff. If the delayed penalty is carried out because of any other interruption, play shall be resumed according to what caused the interruption. If the non-offending team scores in a correct way during a delayed penalty, the goal shall be allowed and the delayed 2 minute bench penalty last imposed on the team shall not be carried out. No other penalties shall be affected. If the offending team scores during a delayed penalty, the goal shall be disallowed and play resumed with a face-off. If the non-offending team scores an own goal, the goal shall be allowed.

605 Offences leading to a 2 minute bench penalty

1) When a player, hits, blocks, lifts, kicks or holds an opponent or opponent's stick in order to win a considerable advantage, or with no possibility of reaching the ball.

2) When a field player plays the ball above waist level with any part of his stick or his foot. As waist level is considered the level of the player's waist when standing upright.

3) When a player is guilty of dangerous play with the stick. This includes uncontrolled forward or backward swing of the stick, and raising the stick above an opponent's head if this is considered dangerous or disturbing for the opponent.

4) When a player forces or pushes an opponent against the board or the goal cage.

5) When a player tackles or trips an opponent.

6) When a team captain requests measuring of a hook and the measured equipment is correct. The team captain will serve the penalty.

7) When a field player participates in play without a stick. This does not include a goalkeeper, temporarily considered a field player.

8) When a field player fetches a stick from a place other than the team's own substitution zone.

9) When a field player omits to pick up his broken or dropped stick from the rink and bring it to his substitution zone. Only clearly visible parts of the stick have to be removed by the player.

10) When a player intentionally moves to obstruct an opponent, who is not in control of the ball. If a player who is trying to move into a better position backs into an opponent, or prevents an opponent from moving in the direction intended, only a free-hit shall be awarded.

11) When a field player actively obstructs the goalkeeper's throw-out. This shall be considered an offence only if the field player is inside the goal crease or closer to the goalkeeper than 3 m, measured from where the goalkeeper gains control of the ball. Actively implies following the goalkeeper sideways or trying to reach the ball with the stick.

12) When a player violates the 3 m rule at a hit-in or a free-hit. If the hit-in or the free-hit is performed while the opponents are trying to take position in a correct way, no action shall be taken. If a team forms a defence line which is not at a proper distance, only one player shall be penalized.

13) When a field player stops or plays the ball when lying or sitting down. This also includes stopping or playing the ball with both knees or one hand on the floor, stick holding hand excluded.

14) When a field player stops or plays the ball with his hand, arm or head.

15) When an incorrect substitution takes place. The player leaving the rink has to be passing over the board before a new player may enter the rink. If the case is close, action shall only be taken if play is affected. It is also incorrect substitution when a player changes outside the team's own substitution zone when play is interrupted. The player entering the rink is the one to be penalized.

16) When a team plays with too many players on the rink. Only one player shall be penalized.

17) When a penalized player: Without entering the rink, leaves the penalty bench before his penalty expires or terminates. Refuses to leave the penalty bench when his penalty expires. Enters the rink during an interruption in the game, before his penalty expires or terminates. The secretariat shall notify the referees of this as soon as possible. A player, whose penalty expires, shall not leave the penalty bench if the number of penalties for his team makes this impossible or the penalty expiring is a personal penalty. A goalkeeper, whose penalty expires, shall not leave the penalty bench until the next interruption. If a penalized player enters the rink during play, this is considered sabotage of the game.

18) When a player commits repeated offences leading to a free-hit. This includes both shorter and longer time.

19) When a team systematically disrupts play by committing repeated offences leading to a free-hit. This also includes when a team commits a number of minor offences during a short time. The player committing the last offence shall serve the penalty.

20) When a player intentionally delays play. This includes when a player of the offending team is striking or taking the ball away when play is interrupted, intentionally blocking the ball against the board or a goal or intentionally damaging the ball.

21) When a team systematically delays play. If the referees consider a team close to being penalized for delaying play, the team captain shall, if possible, be notified before any action is taken. The team captain shall choose a field player, who is not already penalized, to serve the penalty.

22) When a player or a member of the team staff protests against the referees' decisions, or when coaching is performed in a disturbing or otherwise incorrect way. This includes when the team captain constantly and without reason questions the referees' decisions. Protesting against the referees' decisions and coaching in a disturbing way is considered spontaneous and a minor offence compared to unsportsmanlike behaviour. This also applies if a member of the team staff enters the rink without the referees' permission. The referee shall, if possible, notify the team staff before any action is taken.

23) When a goalkeeper, despite summons from the referees, omits to put the goal cage back into position. It is the goalkeeper's responsibility to put the goal cage back as soon as this is considered possible.

24) When a player, despite summons from the referees, omits to correct his personal equipment.

25) When a player uses incorrect clothing. This includes missing parts of the clothing and offences concerning the team captain's armlet. Offences concerning clothing shall only lead to one penalty per team per match. All other instances of incorrect equipment shall be reported to the administrating authority.

26) When a goalkeeper participates in play improperly equipped. If the goalkeeper unintentionally loses his face mask, play shall be interrupted and resumed with a face-off.

27) When an incorrectly numbered player participates in the match. The match record shall be corrected. Offences concerning wrong numbering shall only lead to one penalty per team and match. Other instances of this offence shall be reported to the administrating authority.

606 5 minute bench penalty

1) If the opposing team scores during a 5 minute bench penalty, the penalty shall not terminate. If a 5 minute bench penalty is imposed in connection with a penalty shot or a delayed penalty shot, the rules concerning penalties in connection with a penalty shot shall also be applied.

607 Offences leading to a free-hit

1) When a field player, performs violent or dangerous strikes with his stick. This includes when a field player raises his stick over an opponent's head and the opponent is hit.

2) When a field player uses his stick to hook an opponent's body.

3) When a player throws his stick or other equipment on the rink to hit or try to hit the ball.

4) When a player throws himself towards an opponent or otherwise attacks an opponent violently.

5) When a player tackles, throws or trips an opponent against the board or the goal cage.

6) When a player commits repeated offences, each leading to a 2 minute bench penalty. The 5 minute bench penalty replaces the last 2 minute bench penalty. The offences shall be similar.

608 Personal penalty

1) A personal penalty can only be imposed in connection with a bench penalty and shall not be measured until the bench penalty expires or terminates. An unlimited number of personal penalties may be measured simultaneously. If a player, already serving a personal penalty, incurs a bench penalty, the measuring of the remaining personal penalty shall, as soon as the bench penalty can be measured, be postponed until the bench penalty expires or terminates. The team captain shall choose a field player, who is not already penalized, to accompany the player on the penalty bench in order to enter the rink when the bench penalty expires.

2) A personal penalty shall only affect the player, and due to this he may be replaced on the rink during the penalty. The team captain shall choose a field player, who is not already penalized, to accompany the player on the penalty bench in order to enter the rink when the bench penalty expires. When the personal penalty expires, the player must not enter the rink until play is interrupted. The referees shall, together with the secretariat, help a player, whose personal penalty has expired during play, to leave the penalty bench as soon as play is interrupted. A member of the team staff incurring a personal penalty shall be sent to the spectators' stand for the rest of the match, and the team captain shall choose a field player, who is not already penalized, to serve the bench penalty.

609 10 minute personal penalty

1) If the opposing team scores during a 10 minute personal penalty, the penalty shall not terminate.

610 Offences leading to a 2 minute bench penalty + 10 minute personal penalty

1) When a player or a member of the team staff is guilty of unsportsmanlike behaviour. Unsportsmanlike behaviour implies: Behaving in an insulting or unfair way towards referees, players, team staff, officials, spectators, or any simulating action intended to deceive the referees. Intentionally kicking, upsetting or hitting the board or the goal cage. Throwing the stick or any other equipment, even during an interruption, or in the substitution zone.

611 Match penalty

1) A player or a member of the team staff incurring a match penalty shall immediately go to the dressing room and must not take any further part in the match. The arranging team is responsible for ensuring that the offender goes to the dressing room and does not return to the spectators' stand or the rink during the remaining time of the match, possible extra time and penalty shots included. All match penalties shall be reported. Offences committed before or after the match, which normally lead to a match penalty, shall be reported, but no bench penalty shall be imposed. With the exception of incorrect equipment (which shall be corrected by the player concerned, who may then start the match), offences leading to a match penalty committed before the match shall also lead to the offender's non participation in the match, possible extra time and penalty shots included.

2) A match penalty shall always be followed by a 5 minute bench penalty. The team captain shall choose a field player, who is not already penalized, to serve the bench penalty, and possible other bench penalties concerning the player or member of the team staff incurring the match penalty. Possible personal penalties concerning the player incurring a match penalty shall terminate.

612 Match penalty 1

1) Match penalty 1 shall lead to suspension for the rest of the match and shall not lead to any further punishment for the player.

613 Offences leading to a match penalty 1

1) When a field player uses a non approved stick or a stick with a hook which is too wide. When a goalkeeper uses a non approved face mask.

2) When a player or a member of the team staff, not noted in the match record, participates in the match.

3) When an injured player, who has been replaced on the penalty bench, participates in play before his penalty time has expired.

4) When a player is guilty of continued or repeated unsportsmanlike behaviour. The match penalty replaces the second 2 minute bench penalty + 10 minute personal penalty, but shall still be followed by a 5 minute bench penalty. Continued implies in the same sequence and repeated for the second time in the same match.

5) When a player, in anger, breaks his stick or other equipment.

6) When a player is guilty of a physical offence of misconduct. This includes dangerous, violent or unsportsmanlike offences considered deliberate or unprovoked.

614 Match penalty 2

1) Match penalty 2 shall also lead to suspension from the following match in the same competition.

615 Offences leading to a match penalty 2

1) When a player or a member of the team staff participates in a scuffle. A scuffle implies a milder form of a fight, without punches or kicks, where the players involved respect attempts to separate them.

2) When a player commits an offence leading to a 5 minute bench penalty, for the second time in the same match. The match penalty replaces the second 5 minute bench penalty, but shall still be followed by a 5 minute bench penalty.

3) When a member of the team staff, is guilty of continued or repeated unsportsmanlike behaviour. The match penalty replaces the second 2 minute bench penalty + 10 minute personal penalty, but shall still be followed by a 5 minute bench penalty. Continued implies in the same sequence and repeated for the second time in the same match.

4) When a player, whose equipment is about to be measured, tries to correct the equipment before the measuring.

5) When a player or a member of the team staff commits an offence clearly intending to sabotage play. This includes when: A penalized player intentionally enters the rink during play, before his penalty expires or terminates. If the rink is entered during an interruption in play a 2 minute bench penalty shall be imposed. If the secretariat is responsible for a player being admitted to the rink too soon, and the mistake is noticed during regular penalty time, the player shall resume his position on the penalty bench. There shall not be any additional penalty time and the player shall return to the rink when his regular penalty time expires. If the mistake is noticed after the regular penalty time has expired, no action shall be taken. If a player, whose penalty has expired, enters the rink despite the numeric situation does request him to wait for the next interruption, it can, depending on its cause, be considered to be `playing with too many players'. Offences are committed by either team from the substitution zone, during a penalty shot. Equipment is thrown from the substitution zone during play. A player, not in the process of changing, takes part or tries to take part in play from the substitution zone. A player participates as a field player after having participated as a goal keeper in the same game. A team intentionally has too many players on the rink.

6) When a field player continues to use a defective stick or uses a strengthened or lengthened shaft.

616 Match penalty 3

1) Match penalty 3 shall also lead to suspension from the following match in the same competition, and further punishment decided by the administrating authority.

617 Offences leading to a match penalty 3

1) When a player or a member of the team staff is involved in a fight. A player is considered to be involved in a fight when he uses punches or kicks.

2) When a player or a member of the team staff is guilty of a brutal offence. This also includes throwing a stick or other equipment at an opponent.

3) When a player or a member of the team staff is guilty of abusive language. Abusive language implies grossly insulting referees, players, team staff, officials or spectators.

618 Penalties in connection with a penalty shot

1) If a penalty shot, caused by an offence leading to a penalty, results in a goal, only the penalty causing the penalty shot can be affected. This includes a delayed penalty shot. If the penalty shot is caused by an offence leading to a 2 minute bench penalty, the penalty shall be cancelled if the penalty shot results in a goal, but all other types of penalties shall be carried out. If during a delayed penalty shot, the offending team commits another offence leading to a penalty shot, the second offence shall be considered the offence causing the penalty shot. If a penalty shot is interrupted due to an offence caused by the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper's offence shall be considered the cause of the new penalty shot.

2) If a penalty shot, caused by an offence not leading to a penalty results in a goal, no other penalty shall be affected.