Northwood Hockey League: Rules
Unique Playing Rules· RULE 1
Amendments to these rules may be made at any meeting of the On Ice Committee by a recorded vote of all members present and voting.
· RULE 2
The current C.H.A. Rule book will be used in all situations except those specifically covered by these rules.
· RULE 3
The Executive Committee is empowered to suspend any player or team official from participating in league activities for a serious breach of the league's rules. The Executive Committee may also declare a game forfeit if the rules are broken.
· RULE 4
At the start of each season every player (except goalies) will be assigned to a line by the Executive Committee as follows:
First Line 5 youngest (least skilled)
Second Line next 5 oldest (next skill level)
Third Line 5 oldest (most skilled)
Exceptions due to size or ability will be at the discretion of the Executive Committee. No changes in the line assignments will be made without the permission of the Executive Committee unless made under Rule 19.
· RULE 5
It is the responsibility of the Executive Committee, after an evaluation process has taken place, to assist the coaches in forming reasonably equal teams. If however, a re-alignment of players is necessary to achieve a better balance in team strength, the Executive Committee with the agreement of the coaches may trade players after each team has completed six games.
· RULE 6
All children between the ages of 6 and 11 years of age as of December 31st are eligible to play in the league. Children younger than 6 or older than 11 may only play at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
· RULE 7
If a team loses a player through illness, change of address, injury etc., the player will be replaced if possible with another player that the Executive Committee feels is suitable. No player shall be added to or removed from a team except by the Executive Committee.
· RULE 8
When teams have their full complement of players, coaches shall at all times equalize the number of shifts played by each player in the game. No player shall play more than seven (7) shifts or less than four (4) shifts in any game. Exceptions due to injury or missing players may be made with the prior approval of the opposing coach.
· RULE 9
A coach may, at his or her discretion, suspend a player for actions such as:
· dangerous play
· threatening acts
· abusive language
· refusal to obey league rules
· unsportsmanlike conduct
at any league function. The Executive Committee will give it's full support to any suspensions.
· RULE 10
If a player suffers an injury serious enough that play is stopped, and so as to ensure the safety of the injured player, the injured player shall return to the players bench for the balance of that shift. The injured player will be replaced with another under RULE 19.
· RULE 11
Play will consist of three 15 minute periods. Each line will play 5 three minute shifts starting with the first line and rotating until the end of the game.
· RULE 12
The clock will stop only at the end of each period, for injuries and in the event of required discussion between the referees and the timekeeper.
· RULE 13
Any player who fails to attend 60% of their scheduled league games and/or practices, except for illness or injury, may be replaced by the Executive Committee.
· RULE 14
Each team will receive no less than 16 sets of sweaters and socks which are the responsibility of the team officials. The Executive Committee recommends that team officials take the sweaters home after each game.
· RULE 15
All players must be in full equipment to play and practice. This is to include head gear, face mask, neck guard, athletic support etc. As outlined by C.H.A. Rules.
· RULE 16
Goaltenders will be supplied with gloves, chest protector and pads by the league. Team officials will be responsible for the return of the equipment at the end of the season.
· RULE 17
Players may compete in one (1) league only. Any player found to be playing in another league will be removed by the Executive Committee without refund.
· RULE 18
A game will be forfeited if a team has less than eleven (11) players. If both teams have less than eleven (11) players, the game may be rescheduled. If team officials agree, a game may be played with less than eleven (11) players employing RULE 19. The team having the legal roster will decide whether the game is to be played, and if played whether it will count in the standings. This decision must be made before the game begins and league
officials must be notified.
· RULE 19
The following procedure is to be followed when substitutions are required:
A. If one first line player is missing, a second line player or players will be chosen by the opposing coach to replace the missing player. If two or more first line players are missing a maximum of two second line players will be chosen by the opposing coach to replace the missing players. The opposing coach will have the option to change his selections at any time by notifying the coach of the team that is missing players.
B. Players from the second line substituting on the first line will play defence only, may not cross the offensive
blueline and may not shoot at the net.
C. If players are missing from the second line, first line players will be substituted. Any player may be used for a maximum of 2 shifts. A third line player may not be moved down to the second line.
D. If players are missing from the third line, second line players will be substituted. Any player may be used for a maximum of 2 shifts.
· RULE 20
Penalties will be served until completion by the player that is assessed the penalty. Penalty time will stop at the end of each shift and resume at the beginning of the next shift for each line. If a penalty is assessed during the last three shifts of a game, or if more penalty time remains than playing time for the penalized player, the penalty must be served to completion by the next line.
· RULE 21
No body checking or body contact will be allowed. At minimum a minor penalty will be assessed.
· RULE 22
The referee's whistle will determine all stoppages of play. The siren will be used only to signal the end of a shift or period.
· RULE 23
Hockey sticks may not be used to strike, push, impede or threaten in any manner or for any reason. Any contact of this nature will result in a minor penalty.
· RULE 24
Raising the stick above the shoulder for any reason will result in a minor penalty.
· RULE 25
Raising the stick above the knee while in the act of shooting (slapshot) will result in a minor penalty.
· RULE 26
No plastic sticks or plastic blades will be allowed. No stick with more than 1/2 " curve will be allowed. Any sticks used for street hockey (worn to the point that the blade could go through a mask) will not be allowed. Offending sticks will be removed form the game and a minor penalty will be assessed.
· RULE 27
Only tape approved for hockey sticks will be allowed. Offending sticks will be removed from the game and a minor penalty will be assessed. Colour of the tape is not a factor.
· RULE 28
Any team not on the ice in sufficient time to complete the game in the allotted rental time will forfeit the game.
· RULE 29
Coaches, team officials, league officials or players shall never verbally or physically abuse any other player, coach, official or member of the league. ANY infraction of this rule will result in immediate dismissal.
· RULE 30
All league functions which involves the presence of players or other children shall be considered NON-SMOKING.
· RULE 31
All players shall be in their respective dressing rooms at least 20 minutes before the scheduled game time. Players shall remain in the dressing room until game time. Players must be supervised by a minimum of two coaches in the dressing room at all times
· RULE 32
Only players and team officials as listed on the scoresheet are allowed at the players bench during a game. A maximum of three coaches is allowed.
· RULE 33
No player shall be registered in the league without a signed release from any previous league.