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Nova Scotia’s Premier Youth Ball Hockey League. We provide youth with a fun, inclusive, and innovative 3-on-3 ball hockey experience. By splitting the zones up horizontally, kids get more touches to further emphasize skill development.

Nova Scotia’s Premier Youth Ball Hockey League

Rules & FAQ

3's Ball Hockey League Rules

Please review these rules carefully to ensure fair play and safety for all participants

General Rules

  • Teams will play two games per hour time slot
  • Each team will consist of 6 players and 1 goalie
  • All players must be registered and have signed the waiver before participating
  • Players must always wear appropriate safety equipment
  • No fighting, aggressive behaviour, or unsportsmanlike conduct
  • Each division will have 5 regular season sessions and 2 playoff sessions
  • No jewelry, watches, or hard accessories allowed

Equipment Requirements

  • A helmet with a cage or fishbowl (Mandatory)
  • Hockey or lacrosse gloves (Mandatory)
  • Running shoes (Mandatory)
  • A hockey stick (Mandatory)
  • Hockey or Soccer Shinpads (Highly Recommended)
  • Goalies will need to bring their own helmet, pants, stick, and cup. We will provide the rest of the goalie gear free of charge (Pads, Blocker, Trapper, Chest Protector)

Game Play

  • Games will be 21 minutes in length with a buzzer every 1:30 to change lines
  • All Games will start with a face-off
  • Hand passes are strictly prohibited
  • Opposing team must give space after the goalie covers the ball for a whistle
  • If a ball goes out of play the opposing team will get possession
  • There are no face-offs after a goal. The team that conceded the goal will get the ball and the scoring team must tag up at center ice before advancing again
  • No slap shots

Penalties & Infractions

  • There will be no slashing, cross-checking, high sticking, hooking, tripping, spearing, butt-ending, or any other improper use of the stick. Serious violations can lead to immediate ejection from the game.
  • Fighting is strictly forbidden and will result in automatic removal from the game and potentially the league.
  • Body contact, checking, pushing, shoving, rough play, verbal abuse, game delay tactics, or any unsportsmanlike behavior is not allowed. Serious violations can lead to immediate ejection from the game.
  • Any stick contact with the ball above the waist will result in a penalty. This penalty is not counted against a player's limit of three penalties per game.
  • Any player accumulating three penalties in one game will be ejected from the game.
  • For all outlined penalties, the opposing team will be awarded a penalty shot. The game will stop following the penalty shot, and the team who had the penalty shot against them will get the ball behind their net.
  • Intentional slap shots will lead to a penalty shot. Intentional slap shots will not count towards the three penalties per game rule.

Important Notice

These rules are subject to change at the discretion of 3's Ball Hockey management. Parents will be notified of any rule changes via email and on our website. Failure to comply with these rules may result in penalties, suspensions, or removal from the league. Our priority is to maintain a safe, fun, and competitive environment for all participants.

For questions or clarifications, please contact us at 3sBallHockey@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We've got answers!

3’s Ball Hockey will take place in Halifax and Sydney. Exact locations will be confirmed by mid February.

Exact days/times are TBD. The season will run from May 18th-June 30th.

Yes, this year we will be allowing full team registration. You can request to register with up to two friends on the registration form. This will allow your child to technically join as a line of three players with two friends. A request may be accepted if all parties have filled out separate registration forms, paid their deposits, and have matching names on both or all three registration forms, depending on how many friends are requested.

No it is not, 3's Ball Hockey is split into three cross ice games. The playing field being smaller helps promote skill development in multiple areas. Some examples include: Increasing the amount of touches per game (passing, stick handling, shooting), and forcing kids to make quicker decisions.

For the 2026 season, anyone born between 2012-2019 will be able to register.

There is not a female only division. In saying that, all divisions will be co-ed and accessible to all genders. The 3BHL fosters an inclusive environment for everyone.

A hockey helmet with a full cage or fishbowl, gloves (lacrosse gloves are allowed), hockey stick, and running shoes. Soccer/hockey shin pads are not required, but strongly recommended.

We will supply goalies with pads, trapper, blocker, and chest protector but players are expected to come with the proper required equipment. *We do not provide goalies with a helmet, pants, or cup.*

You will find out what team your child is on May 4th.

Registration will be open until April 24th.

If you register and the division that fits your child best is full we will notify you and give you a full refund. We will also start a waitlist which will follow a first on first off procedure. When put on the waitlist we will ask for a phone number so we have multiple avenues to contact you if a spot opens up.

Waitlist Procedure:
  • If a spot opens up we will send you an email and a text that a spot has opened up.
  • You will have 48 hours to get back to us and make your payment before we reach out to the next person on the waitlist. This is to ensure we fill the spot before the season begins.
  • If a spot doesn’t open up for your child we will notify you.

General Refund Timeline:
  • Refund before the last day of registration: Refunds may be issued if a participant chooses to withdraw before the last day of registration. Note: The amount refunded will subtract a $50 administrative fee.
  • Refund after the last day of registration but before the league starts: Refunds may be issued if a participant chooses to withdraw after registration but before the league starts. Note: The amount refunded will subtract a $100 Administrative fee.
  • Refund after the league starts: There will be no refunds given after the league starts.

Exceptions to the Refund Policy:
Refunds may be granted under special circumstances:
  • Medical Reasons: With documentation, participants who can no longer play due to injury or illness will be eligible for a refund.
  • Relocation: If a participant moves out of the area they will be eligible for a refund.
  • Cancellations by the League: If the league cancels the season or games due to unforeseen circumstances, full or prorated refunds will be issued.