Oakville Recreational Hockey League
League Standards
4/24/2012
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Table of Contents
SECTION ONE: THE RINK
1.1 Arena Property
1.2 Alcohol/Smoking
1.3 Accidents/Injuries
1.4 Dressing Room Security
SECTION TWO: TEAMS
2.1 Ineligible Players
2.2 Player Registration
2.3 Playoff Eligibility
2.4 Team Jersey Conflicts
2.5 Team Roster
SECTION THREE: LEAGUE GAMES/PLAYOFFS
3.1 Length of Game – Regular Season / Playoffs
3.2 Overtime/Shootout – Regular Season
3.3 Schedule/Standings
SECTION FOUR: PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
4.1 Mandatory equipment
4.2 Helmets
4.3 Face Shields/Masks
4.4 Neck Guards
SECTION FIVE: PLAYING RULES
5.1 Icing
5.2 Offside
5.3 Players
5.4 Time Outs
5.5 Goal Crease
5.6 Balancing of teams / Divisions
5.7 Ties in Standings – Regular Season/Playoffs
5.8 Schedules/Standings
5.9 Suspensions
SECTION SIX: PENALTIES
6.1 High Sticking
6.2 Body Contact
6.3 Butt-Ending
6.4 Roughing
6.5 Fighting & Instigator
6.6 Stick Penalties
6.7 Check From Behind
6.8 Game Misconducts
6.9 Gross Misconducts
6.10 Attempt to Injure & Abuse
6.11 Racial Slurs
6.12 Appeals
SECTION SEVEN: ORHL STAFF
The Oakville Recreational Hockey League (ORHL) reserves the right to amend these rules and policies at any time in order to improve the quality and effectiveness of the league along with player safety. Changes will be posted immediately to the website and announced to the league when appropriate.
The Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association (CARHA) rules will govern all games, with the exception of a number of rules that are specific to the ORHL. It is the responsibility of the player to be aware of all league rules.
SECTION ONE: THE RINK
1.1 ARENA PROPERTY
Arena property is to be respected at all times. Any intentional damage/vandalism will be reported to League Officials along with Town of Oakville officials and could result in fines and or additional discipline from the league.
1.2 ALCOHOL / SMOKING POLICY
Alcoholic beverages/smoking is prohibited in the arena at all times. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action against the offending individuals/team. This could lead to possible suspension from the league or loss of points in standings. Teams are also asked to exit the dressing rooms in a timely manner after the game is over.
1.3 ACCIDENTS / INJURIES
All accidents must be reported to league manager / convener or Town of Oakville staff immediately after the accident has occurred.
1.4 DRESSING ROOM SECURITY
Dressing room keys can be obtained from the customer service desk. Players are encouraged to not leave valuables in the dressing rooms. The Town of Oakville is not responsible for the loss of any valuables.
SECTION TWO: TEAMS
2.1 INELIGIBLE PLAYERS
Only players that have registered with the league may participate. Players will be required to sign only their own names on the attendance sheet. Forging of signatures will result in forfeit of that game. Use of an ineligible player will result in a loss for the offending team and two additional points in the standings. All players participating in the league, must be 18 years of age or older. All protests involving player eligibility must be reported to the League immediately following the game.
2.2 PLAYER REGISTRATION
All registered players will be given a sticker to be placed on the back of their helmet. If you do not have a sticker, you will not be allowed to play. If you do not have a sticker during the course of a game, you will be sent off the ice and will not be able to return until you have consent of League Manager/Convener During the playoffs, players are asked to produce photo I.D. (i.e. license) in the event there is an appeal, due to player ineligibility.
2.3 PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY
For a player to be eligible for playoff competition, the player must have played in 7 regular season games. Each player must sign the attendance sheet to be credited for games played. If there are extenuating circumstances, please discuss with the League Convener or League Manager.
2.4 TEAM JERSEY CONFLICTS
All players must wear matching sweaters, and be numbered differently. No players on the same team may use the same number at any point. In the event of a conflict of team colors (the referees and the league manager / convener will determine if there is a conflict) the Visiting Team will wear the league jerseys (jerseys or cover-ups), if available and requested.
2.5 TEAM ROSTER
Team rosters must be finalized before the first game of the season. Subs may be added with the approval of the League Manager/ League Convener only. All players on roster including subs are also required to sign liability/waiver form prior to playing in any game. Players will be required to sign attendance prior to each game. If injuries occur or extenuating circumstances the League Manager/Convener will make final decision regarding adding players to the roster once season has started. A team’s roster including subs can not exceed 20 players.
SECTION THREE: LEAGUE GAMES / PLAYOFFS
3.1 LENGTH OF GAME – REGULAR SEASON / PLAYOFFS
A three minute warm up will commence once the Zamboni doors close. Each game will play 10x10x12 periods stop time. If there is a 5 goal spread / lead in the third period, the clock will run. If the lead becomes less than 5, the clock will then resume back to stop time. Teams must be ready ten minutes before scheduled game time in the possibility of the game starting early.
3.2 OVERTIME / SHOOTOUT – REGULAR SEASON
There will be a 3 player shootout to determine the winner in case of a tie game. Players will shoot at the same time. If it is still tied after 3 players, it will then go to a sudden death shootout. No player can shoot twice until all players have taken a shot. Any player who was serving a penalty that had not expired prior to the final game buzzer is not eligible to participate in the shootout. Teams will be awarded 1 point for a shootout lose.
*Please note that amendment to Rule #78 Slap Shots are allowed
SECTION FOUR: PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
4.1 MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
All CSA approved equipment must be worn at all times. Shoulder pads are highly recommended.
4.2 HELMETS
Helmets must be worn by all players and referees. Helmets must be CSA approved helmets with the proper fastened chinstraps. This rule will be enforced by the referees and league manager / convener.
4.3 FACE SHIELDS
Facial protection is mandatory with either full facial protection (Full Cage) or half facial protection. It also must be used installed the way it is intended to be. Half facial protection is to be accompanied by a mouth guard. No exceptions, players without facial protection will be sent off the ice immediately. This rule is also enforced by referees and League Managers/Conveners.
4.4 NECK GUARDS
Neck guards are recommended by the ORHL but are not mandatory.
SECTION FIVE: PLAYING RULES
5.1 ICING
The centre red line will be used for icings. Icing the puck will be whistled down when the puck crosses the goal line when it is shot from behind the red line.
5.2 OFFSIDES
Play will be blown dead when any attacking player has entered the offensive zone prior to the puck entering. At the discretion of the officials the puck will be dropped outside the blue line.
5.3 PLAYERS
All teams must have a minimum of five (5) Players and one (1) goaltender for the game to count. Teams are expected to be ready to play ten minutes prior to the scheduled posted game time in the case the game may start early. If a team does not have a goalie they will forfeit the game. Teams are able to try and use the goalie from another team in the league but if the goalie is not available for the start of the game the team without a goalie will forfeit. Teams can still play an exhibition game but the score does not count.
5.4 TIME OUTS
Each team will be given one 30 second time out during all game including playoffs.
5.5 GOAL CREASE
If a player enters the opposing team’s goal crease, and does not make an attempt to leave the crease, the referee has the right to blow the play down, and a face-off will take place outside the zone. If the player makes contact with the goalie, at the referee’s discretion he/she shall call a penalty on the play depending on the level of contact.
5.6 BALANCING OF TEAMS / DIVISIONS
The league manager of the ORHL has the right to move team(s)/player(s) to a different division/team based on the skill level of the players. This rule applies to all division and team realignment. Breaking up teams is a last resort but may happen.
5.7 TIES IN STANDINGS: REGULAR SEASON / PLAYOFFS
In the event of a tie in the regular season or playoffs, and after realignment, final results will be decided by:
i) Record against the team(s) you are tied with (head to head).
ii) Number of wins in regulation
iii) Number of shootout losses
iv) Goal differential (Goals for – Goals against)
5.8 SCHEDULES/STANDINGS
League schedule and standings will be posted online on our website at the following link.
• http://www.carhahockey.ca/oakville-recreational-hockey-league/
5.9 SUSPENSIONS
Any incidents that occur before, during or after scheduled games are subject to review by the league manager. The league manager /convener may issue suspensions at any time during the regular season or playoffs. All suspensions listed in the suspension chart are minimum suspensions and can be increased at anytime, at the league manager’s discretion. All gross and match penalties are indefinite suspensions upon further review by league manager. Regular season suspensions (including accumulative penalty minutes) carry over into the playoffs.
It is the team captain’s responsibility to ensure that the suspended player does not play. If a suspended player is found to be playing in a game when they should be serving a suspension the game will be forfeited. The player will need to serve the suspension the next game and supplemental discipline may also be taken towards the team and the player.
SUSPENSION CHART: Please note that these are minimum suspensions
Offence Suspension
6 minutes in penalties - Balance of game
Game Misconduct First or Second Period - Balance of game
Game Misconduct Third Period - Minimum 1 game suspension
Major Penalty First Offense - Minimum 2 game suspension & reviewed by League Manager
Major Penalty Second Offense - Minimum 4 game suspension & reviewed by League Manager
Major Penalty Third Offense - Removal from the league
Gross Misconduct Suspended - indefinitely upon review by League Manager
Fighting First Offense - Minimum 3 game suspension
Fighting Second Offense - Suspended for the remainder of season
(20) minutes accumulated penalty minutes - 1 game suspension
(30) minutes accumulated penalty minutes - 2 game suspension
(40) minutes accumulated penalty minutes - Expulsion from the league
(3) ten minute misconducts - 1 game suspension
(5) ten minute misconducts - 3 game suspension
(5 +) ten minute misconducts - Removal from the league
Penalty minutes will be monitored by ORHL League Managers/ Conveners and teams will not have access to this. Team captains can request their teams penalty minutes status at any time during the season.
SECTION SIX: PENALTIES
6.1 HIGH STICKING
A player who makes contact with another player/opponent above the normal height of his/her shoulders with the stick. A double minor, major, or match penalty shall be called at the discretion of the Referee. If injury results, a major penalty, or match penalty will be assessed depending on the intent of the offending player. If the high stick infraction, at the referee’s discretion only, is deemed to be accidental, a major and a game ejection will be assessed, no suspension will be handed out.
6.2 BODY CONTACT
Intentional body contact is not permitted at anytime and can result in a minor penalty. No player is entitled to use his/her body to body check or bump an opposing player. A major penalty can be called on a body contact penalty at the officials’ discretion.
6.3 BUTT-ENDING
A major penalty or game misconduct will be assessed to any player who butt-ends or attempts to butt-end an opponent. This is at the referee’s discretion.
6.4 ROUGHING
A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who is involved in any unnecessary rough play. If an injury results from rough play from a player, a major penalty may be assessed. Excessive rough play from a player will be reviewed by the league manager and can result in a suspension.
6.5 FIGHTING & INSTIGATOR
Any penalty at the discretion of the officials that results in a fighting majors will be accompanied by a suspension (please refer to the suspension chart). Any player assessed an instigator to a fight or altercation will be assessed an additional 1 game suspension. Any players that fight off the ice will result in an indefinite suspension and could lead to removal from the league at the discretion of the league manager.
6.6 STICK PENALTIES
All stick penalties (slashing, cross checking) are two minutes. However, a double minor penalty or a major penalty can be assessed at the discretion of the official depending on the severity of the incident.
6.7 CHECKING FROM BEHIND
Any hit that is deemed to be a “check from behind” will result in a game ejection and a major penalty can be assessed at the referee’s discretion. Major penalties can league to further review from the league manager and further discipline can be taken.
6.8 GAME MISCONDUCTS
A player incurring a game misconduct penalty shall be ordered to the dressing room for the remainder of the game. If the game misconduct takes place in the third period, the player shall be assessed a “One” game suspension. Possible acts that could lead to a game misconduct include but are not limited to:
1) Uses obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures to any person.
2) Persists in disputing or shows disrespect for the ruling of any official.
3) Intentionally knocks or shoots the puck out of reach of an official who is retrieving it.
6.9 GROSS MISCONDUCTS
A gross misconduct penalty shall be assessed where a player conducts his/her self in such a manner that the safety of the players and integrity of the league is compromised.
6.10 ATTEMPT TO INJURE & ABUSE (Player, Official, Spectator)
A match penalty shall be assessed to any player or team official who deliberately attempts to or deliberately abuses or injures an opponent, official, team official or spectator in any manner.
6.11 RACIAL SLURS
When a player utters a racial slur, the player identified by the referee will be assessed a gross misconduct and suspended indefinitely from the league upon review of the incident by the league manager. If the player is not identified by the referee, the team rep will be held responsible for his/hers team actions, and shall be suspended. There is no tolerance for such behavior from anyone associated with the league.
6.12 APPEALS (REGULAR SEASON & PLAYOFFS)
If a team would like to appeal a suspension or player eligibility they can do so by contacting the League Manager/Convener in writing or by phone. Officials rulings during the game cannot be appealed. (I.e. off-side, icing, disallowed goal, missed penalty). They will be responded to accordingly.
ORHL is a non contact League that endorses safe play. It is non contact and at the discretion of ORHL League officials all aggressive play will be reviewed and can result in suspensions/ expulsion from the League.
SECTION SEVEN: ORHL STAFF
League Manager: Eric Beresford eberesford@oakville.ca
(Cell) 289-242-7861 (Work) 905-845-6601 ex 7204
League Convener: Robert Pollock rpollock@oakville.ca
League Convener: Robert Dorland rdorland@oakville.ca
League Convener: Jordan Rookyard jrookyard@oakville.ca
