It is the players responsibility to stay informed of where each game will be played.
All arena locations, maps and game times are posted at http://www.capitalhockey.ca/arenas/index.php AND http://www.capitalhockey.ca
A Good Idea: Our game schedules can be printed. Store a copy in your car for quick reference.
If a player misses a game due to their own negligence, no refunds or compensation will be issued for lost ice time.
Players must be on the ice (and ready to play) no later than 5 minutes after the contracted start time of any game (ie: 11:05 p.m.). Repeated failure to abide by this regulation may result in the player NOT being permitted to play.
Players who struggle to maintain their game time composure (yelling, swearing, arguing etc), will be warned by the conveners about their demeanor. If corrective action isn't made and the player continues to play in an anti social way, the player may be suspended and/ or expelled from the group.
Note: EVERYONE joining a CH program is doing so to have fun (including the conveners). They do not expect to be berated, criticized or yelled at for the way they play or respond to a situation. This is a recreational hockey program. There are no cups to be handed out at the end of the game and we all work in the morning... PLEASE keep this in mind if you find yourself upset and ready to vent.
7.5 SUSPENSIONS
A player placed under suspension by the league administrator will not be compensated for any lost ice time as a result of the suspension.
Suspensions are levied to a member only by the administrator. This is a measured response taken by the administrator in context to the initial infraction of the leagues governing rules and regulations. The interpretation and enforcement of the leagues governing rules and regulations is at the sole discretion of the administrator.
If a suspension is deemed necessary – the member will be advised by the administrator of how many games will be forfeited. The member is NOT permitted to come to the arena or city facility during the time of their suspension (unless previously authorized to do so by the administrator). Failure to abide to these conditions will result in the immediate expulsion of the member from the group.
Members can only be suspended once during a session. Any subsequent action required may result in the member being expelled from the program.
There is no appeal process available to suspended members.
7.6 EXPULSIONS FROM THE PROGRAM
A player expelled by the league administrator will not be compensated for any lost ice time as a result of the expulsion.
League expulsions are levied to a member only by the administrator. This is in response to a major infraction of the leagues governing rules and regulations (ie: fighting, playing intoxicated, unsportsmanlike conduct, repeated suspensions etc)
The interpretation and enforcement of the leagues governing rules and regulations is at the sole discretion of the administrator.
There is no appeal process available to expelled members.
8.0 EQUIPMENT
All players must have a CSA approved hockey helmet and well maintained gear on at all times during the game. Your gear must be in good shape (no visible damage that can cause a hazard for you or someone else).
The convener of the program reserves the right to refuse any player who they feel is playing with unsafe gear. The player will forfeit the event without any expectation of compensation or refund.
Helmets and face protection: Players MUST have some sort of eye protection attached to their helmets (cages - preferred, but visors are also accepted).
Players with helmets without eye protection will not be allowed to participate.
Shoulder Pads: Its is advisable to all players to wear shoulder/ chest protection (period). Even experienced hockey players cannot see or control how the puck will react to a tip or deflection and not having chest protection can cause serious injury or even death.
Jerseys: Players are responsible to provide their own jerseys for each game. Each player should come prepared with both a WHITE (only) and a dark jersey to each game (even though you will be on an established team). We ask that you pack both colours so that in the event that we have to do some team balancing (not very often, but it happens) each player is prepared to make the switch.
DO NOT WEAR yellow, grey or to some degree red jerseys. The yellow and grey jerseys create confusion between the two teams as most players are in WHITE and the dark players may see the off colour as being part of their team. Red for some reason is just hard to see on the ice and often those players won't see as much action via their teammates.
The only issue with dark jerseys is if they have too much white on them. This is rarely an issue, but should be observed when choosing what you wear.
Broken/ cracked gear: If your protective gear or skates have a visible crack or are broken, you may (at the discretion of the convener) not be permitted to participate in the game. It is for your safety and others on the ice that you come prepared with the safe equipment. You may NOT play with a broken stick at any time.
9.0 ON ICE GOVERNANCE
Scheduling and Team Colours: A printable schedule of games, arena locations, start times and team colours (WHITE & DARK) will be posted on the www.capitalhockey.ca website. It is the players responsibility to know where they are playing and what colour to wear.
Occasionally the convener may ask the player to wear a different colour (for team balancing) however this is rare as all participants will be assigned (at the start of a session) a team to which they will play on for the entire season.
Captains & On Ice Conveners: Each team will have one or two captains assigned who will be responsible to ensure the flow of the game remains at a high standard. They will help the conveners control the atmosphere and demeanor of the games. The Captains have the final say in all on ice disputes and will report any incidents to the administrator for further action if required
9.1 PERSONAL DEMEANOR:
We do not utilize referees to govern the game and use modified rules to officiate the games. This creates a faster paced game, more ice time for everyone with far less stoppages or delays. Our programs run successfully when everyone makes a positive effort to play fair, respect others and communicate in a socially acceptable manor.
Players who continually struggle to maintain their game time composure, will be warned by the conveners about their demeanor. If corrective action isn't made and the player continues to play in an anti social way, the player may be suspended and/ or expelled from the group. Please remember - "EVERYONE" is playing to have fun!
After the game please help the conveners by picking up the pucks, water bottles and dressing room keys (placing them into the puck carriers). While in the dressing room, make an effort to put your garbage in the bins provided. Thank you to those that make an effort in these areas (it's all part of the game)!
9.2 WARM UP and TEAM PREPARATION
Warm Up: During the first 7-10 minutes of any program, players and goaltenders will have a brief warm up period. At this time players are asked to RESPECT their goaltender and place shots that are useful in warming up their netminder.
* This is NOT the time to practice a deek, your slap shot or trying to hit the top corner of the net
Goalies use this time to get a feeling for the puck (how it reacts on the ice and how it feels hitting different areas of their pads/ body.
Players who do not respect what the warm up period is for, will not be permitted to shoot against the goaltenders until the game starts.
9.3 SETTING OF THE LINES: The team captains will either assign the players to a specific position, or have a dialogue with the players to determine where everyone is going to play.
Please STAY in the position you are assigned to, unless moved (during the game) by the team captain. If you switch positions on your own, you may adversely affect the team chemistry or cause confusion with the other players on your team.
SHIFT DURATION: The CH programs are high tempo'd games and as such both teams need their players to play with as much energy as possible. Please keep your shifts short (approx 1min to 1:20) and stay with your line mates. In doing so, you'll find the games significantly quicker and more skilled. Don't be "that guy" who has to be yelled at to get off of the ice. Also, if you are finding that you aren't tired at the end of the shift, it probably means you could be working much harder! Please be respectful of other player's ice time!
9.4 ENTERING/ EXITING THE BENCH AREA:
Any player who enters the game while the retiring line mate is still on the ice, and attempts to play the puck or engage a player from the opposing team will be called for delay of game and possession of the puck will be immediately passed over to the other team (tossed into their defensive end).
When coming off of the ice, be aware if you are the last person to enter the bench AND CLOSE THE DOOR!
9.5 WATER BOTTLES
Due to concerns about air borne illnesses, Capitalhockey.ca no longer offers community water bottles at their games.
10.0 ON ICE GAME RULES/ CH Protocols (Adapted Rules For Rec Hockey)
CapitalHockey for the most part follows the same basic ice hockey rules as outlined by Hockey Canada and the NHL. Because we do not facilitate referees, we have a few modified rules to keep the game flowing with minimal stoppages or delays. Please familiarize yourself with these adaptations prior to playing your first game.
RESOLUTIONS: In times of on ice disputes, the convener will ask his team captains for their input, followed by the two goaltenders (should more detail be required). HOWEVER, the convener will ALWAYS have the last say about ALL on ice activity. They will always try and remain impartial and fair in their judgement. PLEASE do not argue with them about a call where replay is impossible - doing so just slows everything down.
10.1 CH Protocols - Off Side Calls
Off side calls are always governed by the opposing team. Should an attacking player cross the blue line prior to the puck, an off side call will be issued from the opposing bench and/or on ice players. The attacking player (without delay) must relent the puck to the opposing team.
* The attacking player MAY enter the oppositions zone prior to the puck - ONLY if they have full control and possession of the puck (ie: skating in backwards, dragging the puck with them).
* If an off side call is made, the attacking player should toss the puck into one of the oppositions corners. It is not a good idea to simply leave the puck at the blue line as it creates an opportunity for the opposing team to quickly move past your teammates (also at or around the blue line). Tossing the puck into a corner gives your team an opportunity to get into a defensive position.
* Anyone calling an off side must do so in a loud, clear voice. They must get the attention of the players on the ice to adequately stop the play. "IF" a disputed goal ensues as a result of an ill attempt to call an off side, the convener will evaluate the validity of the call and the effort made to stop the play. If its deemed as "not effective, or unclear", the goal will stand.
RESOLUTIONS: In times of on ice disputes, the convener will ask his team captains for their input, followed by the two goaltenders (should more detail be required). HOWEVER, the convener will ALWAYS have the last say about ALL on ice activity. They will always try and remain impartial and fair in their judgement. PLEASE do not argue with them about a call where replay is impossible - doing so just slows everything down.
* When an offside is called the play must stop and the puck is then tossed into the opposing teams defensive zone. The team called for being offside MUST be allowed an opportunity to establish a defensive position before play resumes. Should the team now in possession of the puck "hurry up the play" or not give their opponents an opportunity to set up - the play is once again stopped and possession is forfeited back to the defensive team. Any goals scored in this scenario will not be allowed. The point here is to allow both teams time to set up after a stoppage of play is called.
10.1b CH Protocols - PHANTOM Off Side Calls
If the opposing team purposefully calls an off side specifically to stop the play or create unnecessary confusion on the ice, a phantom off side call will be made by the convener of the game.
ONLY the convener can determine whether a phantom off side call has been made.
* In these situations a penalty shot will be made by the last attacking player to have possession of the puck. When the goaltender is prepared, the player will start at the opposing blue line and attempt to score in any legal method. Play is stopped when a shot is made, the player loses control or scores, or the puck is played by the goaltender. Rebounds are not allowed on penalty shots.
* Typically its the team captains that will call an off side, though - other players may also make this call. HOWEVER, if multiple phantom off sides are called, those responsible may face discipline - including suspension and or expulsion from the group. Please play fairly.
10.1c CH Protocols - Icing Calls
We do not stop the play for icing infractions. The puck remains playable by either team.
10.1d CH Protocols - Illegal Player Substitution: Delay of Game
A player MAY NOT leave the bench and engage in the on ice play UNTIL his player match (from the other line) is on the bench or at standing by the door of the bench area (waiting to get in). If the player does prematurely engage in the play and touches the puck, the play will immediately be stopped and possession of the puck will go to the opposing team (the call on the ice being "delay of game").
10.2 CH Protocols - GOALTENDER STOPPAGES, & RESPECT
If a goaltender stops the play, he is to be given the opportunity to freely move the puck (a distance of up to 3 feet) “by hand or stick” to a player on his own team.
The receiving skater should then be allowed to move the puck without opposition directly behind their own net. Note: Once the puck has been moved behind the goal, fore checking by the opposing team is permitted after a 3 second grace period.
At any stoppage of play, all opposing players must remain a minimum of 2 feet above the goaltenders crease for the duration of the 3 second grace period, or until the puck has been moved past the goal line.
The fore checking player MAY traverse from right to left on the ice surface, but cannot proceed forward until the 3 second grace period has expired.
If the play (at any time) proceeds any distance ahead of the goal line (whether via a goaltender's pass and/or any skater) the opposing team may immediately commence their attempts to retrieve the puck.
10.2b IN THE SCRAMBLE - DON'T WHACK AND HACK AT THE PUCK!
If a goaltender is down and reaching for a puck, please do not hack and jab at them to create havoc in the crease. The netminders are never to be pushed or driven into their nets at any time. Remember its rec hockey and we don't want anyone getting hurt through reckless behavior.
However, if the goaltender does not have control of the puck - it should still be considered in play. The point here is to be in control of your stick and actions at all times.
10.2c RUNNING THE GOALTENDER
Though incidental contact between a player and goaltender sometimes is unavoidable, any player who purposefully runs into (or through) a goaltender may be subject to discipline (including suspension and or expulsion from the group).
* Players ARE NOT PERMITTED to use the momentum of their bodies to carry the puck into the net. Not only will this always be considered a no goal situation, the play may be scrutinized by the convener as a goalie run (a suspend able action). Don't do it!
* Defending players ARE NOT TO PUSH OR CHECK ANYONE INTO THEIR GOALIE - EVER!
*Sportsmanship! If a collision happens between you and the goaltender, it is ALWAYS looked more favorably upon if the player stops to determine if the goalie is "ok", followed by an apology and tap on the pads. The optics of this will substantiate the players intent and concern for another person's well being.
GAME FLOW:
10.3 CH Protocols - After a goal/ setup/ rushes
Setup protocol (after a goal)
When a goal has been scored ALL players must be allowed adequate time to exit the zone and to re establish their defensive/ offensive structure within their end of the ice.
Hurry up rushes:
The play will be stopped dead should a team "hurry up the rush" in attempts to gain an speed advantage over a team that is in the process of re establishing their defensive posture. The defensive team in this situation must be given 2-3 seconds to set up each players position. ONLY the team conveners or captains can make this call.
If substitutions are underway, the attacking team is only required to wait 2-3 seconds from the time the last player has crossed over the red line back into their zone. In such situations, after a 2-3 second wait, the attacking team is NOT required to wait for the defending team to set up.
Giving the red line to the attacking team
After a goal has been scored the defending team must give the red line to their opposition.
At no time is the defending team ALLOWED to cross over the center line until either the puck or a member of the rushing team has crossed the line first.
10.4 CH Protocols - Stoppages in play (Puck over the glass/ hitting safety net)
If the play is stopped due to a puck traveling over the glass:
A puck shot over the glass or into either of the players benches (not deflected): The team whose player made the initial shot will lose possession of the puck to the opposing team. The play is to commence from behind the center line of the team now in possession.
The opposing team must assemble "up ice" of the line in play. Fore checking players must be at least 15 feet away from the puck when restarting the play.
The team given possession of the puck is to have a 2-3 second grace period to resume the play. Opposing teams are permitted to pursue the puck carrier after the 2-3 second grace period.
NOTE: this rule does not apply to pucks shot out of bounds behind either goaltender. Please see "A puck striking the safety netting behind either goaltender" below for more details.
A puck deflected over the glass or into the players bench: Possession of the puck will be given to the team who's goal is closest to where the puck initially went out of bounds (regardless of the team who last touched the puck). The play is to commence from behind the goal.
The opposing team must assemble "up ice" of the line in play.
The player given possession of the puck is to have a 2-3 second grace period to resume the play. Opposing teams are permitted to pursue the puck carrier after the 2-3 second grace period.
A puck striking the safety netting behind either goaltender: Any puck striking the safety netting behind a goaltender will result in a stoppage of play. The possession of the puck is given to the team who's goal is closest to where the puck initially went out of bounds (regardless of who's team shot or deflected the puck).
The receiving team should then be allowed to move the puck without opposition directly behind their own net. Note: Once the puck has been moved behind the goal, fore checking by the opposing team is permitted after a 2-3 second grace period.
At any stoppage of play, all opposing players must remain a minimum of 2 feet above the goaltenders crease for the duration of the 2-3 second grace period, or until the puck has been moved past the goal line.
The fore checking player MAY traverse from right to left on the ice surface, but can not proceed forward until the 2-3 second grace period has expired.
If the play (at any time) proceeds any distance ahead of the goal line the opposing team may immediately commence their attempts to retrieve the puck.
10.5 CH Protocols - HIGH STICK
Any stick that is raised higher than a players chest is considered a "high stick".
If a puck is contacted by a high stick, the play is immediately stopped and the possession of the puck is given to the opposing team. The puck should be tossed into the opposing teams corner where play will resume.
Any goals that are scored as a result (directly or indirectly) of a high stick will be disallowed.
10.6 CH Protocols - HOCKEY INFRACTIONS
Our programs are all NON CONTACT. The following are considered major infractions and may result in further discipline of the player(s) involved. Each will be scrutinized in the same manor as our "fighting rules" and can result in the player being suspended and or expelled from the group. Simply put - Don't do it!
MAJOR INFRACTIONS
Cross Checking, Charging, Roughing (major) Slashing/ Axe Chops, Clipping, Elbowing, Kneeing, and Spearing
MINOR INFRACTIONS
Minor infractions - will cause an immediate loss of possession of the puck. Should a goal be score while one of these infractions is in play - it will be disallowed (regardless if it directly or indirectly is involved in the goal).
Checking, Tripping, Hooking, Holding/ Holding the Stick, Roughing (minor) Interference (checking or setting up a pick), Delay of Game, Goalie Interference
We encourage fair play and sportsmanship and should a player continually commit the same infraction, they may be subject to reprimand via a suspension.
Have questions? Please contact the administrator by email at:
capitalhockey@rogers.com