Professional Inline Hockey Association Rules - Scoring and Winning

Scoring and Winning

A goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line and enters the net. A goal may be disallowed under the following circumstances:

• the scoring team takes a penalty during the play;
• the puck is directed in by an attacker's high stick (above the crossbar), glove, or skate (with a distinct kicking motion--angling one's skate is allowed);
• goaltender interference
• the puck goes in after the Referee intends to stop play;
• the puck goes in after the horn blows, signaling the end of the period. (Hockey does not allow for "buzzer shots" as does basketball.)

The team with more goals at the end of regulation time wins the game. If a game is tied at the end of regulation, the game enters a four-minute, 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime period; any team that scores during overtime immediately ends the game with a victory. If neither team scores during this time, the game enters a three-minute, 2-on-2 sudden-death overtime period. If still tied after the second overtime period, the game enters a two-minute, 1-on-1 sudden-death overtime period. If still tied after the third overtime period, a shootout takes place. One player from each team is picked by their respective coaches and alternate chances to score on the opposing goaltender, in a method functionally identical to penalty shots. If neither team emerges victorious, the shootout continues one frame at a time until one team scores and the other team does not, in which case the team who scores, wins. No player may shoot twice until everyone on the bench has taken a shot. Any players with coincidental penalty time remaining at the start of the shootout shall not be eligible for the shootout.

A team that loses a game in overtime or the shootout will receive one point in the standings; the awarding of game points to losing teams was added for the 2007 season.