1 - MATCH PENALTIES INVOLVING A LEAGUE OFFICIAL |
Automatic indefinite suspension. There is no minimum suspension and no appeals. The penalty will be assessed when a player or coach threatens or abuses any league official (league directors, referees, timekeepers, etc).
|
2 - MATCH PENALTIES INVOLVING A LEAGUE PLAYER |
Minimum 5 game suspension and possible expulsion from the league. Generally assessed when one player assaults another player with intent to injure. These include cross checking from behind, boarding from behind, elbowing or punch to the head with intent to injure, blind siding. All of which are not seen by the receiver, with a potential to cause major bodily harm. A fight or threat off the ice (hallway, parking lot, etc.) towards another player, ref, league official or arena staff, is considered a match penalty and severely dealt with.
|
3 - GROSS MISCONDUCT |
A player or coach that is assessed a gross misc. will be ejected from the game and faces a minimum 3 game suspension or possible expulsion from the league. Generally assessed to anyone making a travesty of the game. (i.e. obscene gestures,racial slur,etc). A fight during the handshake is considered a gross and will be assessed a major on top of the fighting major.
|
4 - GAME MISCONDUCT |
Player will be ejected for the remainder of the game (B.O.G. - Balance of Game) and may be suspended for one additional game, depending on the severity of the infraction.
|
5 - 10 MINUTE MISCONDUCT |
Any player receiving this penalty with 10 minutes or under in the game, will be issued a balance of game ejection (B.O.G.) and escorted off the ice. An additional game suspension may be issued depending on the severity of the infraction.
|
6 - ALCOHOL |
Any alcoholic beverages on the team bench will result in 'Team Expulsion' from the league. No glass bottles of any sort are allowed on the bench. Alcohol is prohibited in all arenas. Any problems resulting from alcohol on arena property will lead to expulsion from the league without refund. All arenas have requested that the DMHL ensure that teams playing in the DMHL will not bring alcohol to the arenas. Tailgating is considered drinking on the property and is strictly forbidden. If any one single player or group of players is found to have had alcohol in the dressing room or out on the property grounds, they will be given a warning and issued a 10 min team penalty for Abuse of Facility to start the next game. Automatic. A second offence will have the players in question reprimanded and/or suspended depending on the situation. This second offence will also see a 4 min team penalty for Abuse of Facility to start each period for the next 2 games. Automatic. There is no discussion regarding this decision. Over and above this, should the arena management decide to further enforce some form of disciplinary action, they are entitled to do so and the DMHL will support this decision. Your cooperation in this sensitive area is appreciated.
|
7 - FIGHTING |
The player will be ejected from the game and is suspended for an additional 2 games. Any player who incurs a second fighting penalty will be suspended INDEFINITELY. The league directors will talk to everyone involved and determine the length of the player/players' suspension. Any player who receives a third fighting penalty will be suspended for the remainder of the season, including playoffs. The first player to leave the bench during a fight will face a two game suspension. Off-ice fighting is considered a match penalty and incurs a minimum 5 game suspension. Non aggressor: The referee will be instructed to determine who was the aggressor or instigator. The non-aggressor may have his suspension lifted or reduced.
|
8 - SUSPENSIONS |
If a player is suspended and gets another suspension in a different game, that second suspension will actually double in length of time served, and will continue to double if that player receives other suspensions. This is all at the discretion of the league directors.
|
9 - SUSPENSION INFORMATION |
Suspensions are the decisions of the league directors only. Team reps are responsible for informing players of upcoming suspensions. Failure to do so will result in the player being indefinitely suspended (minimum 3 games). Any games the suspended player played in will be defaulted. Deliberately playing under suspension could lead to expulsion from the league. All suspensions are posted on the website.
|
10 - THREE MINOR PENALTIES IN ONE GAME |
Any player receiving three minor penalties in one game will be ejected from that game. (no suspension) A double minor is considered as 2 separate penalties. A 4 minute stick infraction is considered 1 penalty, but is treated as a double minor.
|
11 - CHANGE OF PLAYERS DURING SHORT-HANDED SITUATIONS |
If your team is short-handed you may only change players during the play. You cannot change players during a stoppage of play unless the period ends or the clock is stopped.
|
12 - COINCIDENTAL PENALTIES |
If both teams receive coincidental penalties, the teams will not play short-handed. The teams will play 5 on 5.
|
13 - PLAYER IDENTIFICATION, TEAM ROSTERS and WAIVERS |
All players must fill out and sign a player waiver sheet prior to participating in a D.M.H.L. game. An identification sticker will be given to that player once the waiver is signed and it is to be placed on the back of the player helmet. This is imperative and must be done. Any individual who has not signed the waiver is ineligible and his team may forfeit any game in which an unsigned player has participated in. Any changes in rosters and roster sheet must be approved by the league director. Final rosters must be completed and handed in by the first league game. Once a team roster is set, each player must keep the number he was originally assigned with, for statistical purposes. If a player changes a number during the season, then it is necessary that info to the league officials so that we can change it in the system. Players who do not have a number on his shirt, must put one on, so that we can identify him on the ice.
|
14 - PLAYER ELIGIBILITY and PLAYOFF FORMAT |
All players are required to have played 7 of 20 games prior to the playoffs for the WINTER season, and 5 of 13 games prior to playoffs for the SUMMER season. All goalies must have 2 games registered on the web site in order to be eligible for post season play. All players must have a jersey number that is different then their team mates so that proper identification and attendance is recorded. All rental goalies must be approved FIRST before he plays in the post season. Rental Goalies can be used through out the league for post season play if needed, BUT must be approved by the league prior to game time. Informing the league, at least 24 hrs before game time, is imperative to avoid default with regards to goalies during playoffs. The league officials reserves the right to amend this rule where necessary.
Playoff formats are as follows: 10 team divisions. Will have all teams play a 2 game, total points round. This round will NOT have team time outs. And there is no overtime in the first game. If the game ends in a tie then you get a point each. Game 2 could be an overtime if you tie again, or if you have each won a game. Overtime is a 5 minute 4 on 4, sudden death game. This is considered a new game so if there is a penalty carry over from the third period, then that penalty is done and the player comes out for the start of overtime. If there is still no winner after overtime, then a shootout will commence with each team choosing 3 players. This shootout will commence simultaneous. After the 3 players and if we are still tied then each team must continue with single players. And each team must go through their entire roster before they can start the original 3 players. The next round will have 5 teams remaining. This second round is considered a tournament style format. And all teams are reseeded based on season points. So the 2nd place seed will play the 3rd place seed. A single game elimination. The winner goes to the final. The 4th place seed will play the 5th place seed. Also a single game elimination and the winner will play the 1st place seed. The winner after this will then also go to the final. There must be winners in these games so overtime and shootouts are a possibility. The overtime is not considered a new game and so a penalty carry over will see your team short handed during the overtime. Again a 5 min, 4 on 4, sudden death is the overtime format. And both teams are allowed one time out each. The final will be at my discretion. Depending on the amount of ice i have left. It could be a 2 game total points or a single game elimination. That will be determined during the second round.
8 team divisions. The first round is the same as mentioned above including the overtime format and shootout. Each team is allowed one time out. With 4 teams remaining, the second round has the teams reseeded and they will play a 2 game total points format again. Very similar to the first round. And the final could be again, a 2 game total points or a single game elimination which is my choice and will be determined during the second round, all based on ice availability.
6 team divisions. As with the first two formats, this also has all teams playing a 2 game total points format. Exactly similar to the first two mentioned above. There are NO time outs here. This division, however, has a wildcard team chosen as the 4th team to advance. The team to advance is the team with the best overall record in the first round. So a team with one win and 2 points could be the deciding factor. If all 3 teams are tied then the wild card will be chosen by the most goals fore, followed by the least goals against. And if this is all tied, then the final deciding factor is penalty minutes. Once the 4th team has been determined, the 3 winning teams are then reseeded based on season points and the 4th wildcard team is automatically placed in 4th place. The division will then commence as a standard 2 game total points format, same as above. Each team is allowed a timeout here. The final is again a decision based on remaining ice time. Same format as above.
|
15 - TEAM PLAYERS |
A total of 20 players may be signed to the player roster. (including two goaltenders) A team must have 6 players (including one fully equipped goaltender) at every game or the game is defaulted. Players may be used from any source to make a game for the other team, but without 5 original team players, the game is played but would still be a loss for the defaulting team. The whole point here is to avoid a non-game for the team that actually shown up. During the regular season a team may use a goaltender from any source when their goaltender has failed to show. Any team that does not have a fully equipped goaltender for a regular season or playoff game will forfeit that game. Any eligible player other than the teams regular goaltender may play goal in any game providing that he has full equipment. Players used from an outside source, although they are used to assist a team in preventing a default, must also realize that this does not allow them to be able to play in the post season. Only players on the teams roster have that right.
|
16 - LATENESS and DEFAULTS |
A goaltender is required for all games. If a team does not have a tender ready to start the game, the game will commence with that team having a 6th player on the ice as fall back to the net. The game will be played during the first period. If by that time a tender still is not on the ice to start the second period (or at the very least, changing to get on the ice), the game is now forfeit and the ref's will leave the ice. There is no negotiating with this rule. During the first period of play without a goalie, it is to the discretion of the referee that players be penalized for unsportsmanlike if slap shots are taken at a man in the crease. Safety must be observed. Any team not ready to start the game at the scheduled time will receive a delay of game penalty. Any individual late for a game may enter the game providing he is ready to play before the puck is dropped to start the third period. This is at the leagues discretion only. You must have 5 original team players and a goalie to make the game legal for stats entry. If you use players from the previous game, the game will count provided there is 5 original players. If a team has less than 5 players they can still use players from the previous game or the opposing team and the game can be played, but in the end still considered a default loss to that team, regardless of the final outcome. Failure to produce the required amount of players, being 5, will result in a non refereed game, and that team will lose by default. This is repetitive from rule # 15 but again, the whole point is to get a game in for the team that did make it out to the arena. If the referee's are aware of a potential default due to player I.D. then they are instructed to have the convener intervene and decide on the situation before the puck is dropped. The league officials and convener's decision is final. As a note, a default game is unacceptable. It is up to that team to ice a squad. The other team hurts in these situations as that game is not made up at a later date. Advising us on the same day or even hours before a game is not a situation that can have us fix the problem. And in most cases, we cannot even contact the other team to advise them of the situation. And a team that does this will be subject to the leagues discipline. If a team defaults a game under these circumstances, they will be issued a 15 minute misconduct and the team defaulted against will automatically get the win and the 2 points. This 15 min penalty will be a shorthanded situation in their next game verses the team that was defaulted against originally. If they are not scheduled to play that team during the balance of the regular season, then their very next game will be a shorthanded situation for them. And this could carry into the playoffs depending on when the default actually happened. Teams Defaulting twice or more, is subject to returning the following year. A defaulted game is not endorsed by the DMHL and is in no way responsible for compensation or reimbursement should this occur.
|
17 - DRESS CODE |
Teams must have full uniforms by their first league game. Players must wear the same color as their team mates. All jerseys must be numbered and worn by the same players that are on the roster. The Home team rules. So if there are conflicting team colors, it is the responsibility of the visiting team to research ahead of time and supply a non conflicting jersey. In a case where there are conflicting jerseys, the league will accept multiple visiting team colors if a full set of matching is not available. The league has cover up shirts that can be used but these are not available at all the rinks. Please ask your convener if they are available at the rink you are playing in. When wearing non-regular shirts, team reps are to make sure that the online game sheet has the number of the shirt that the player is wearing for that game. This is necessary for correct stats, otherwise there is no way to be accurate when entering online game sheets.
|
18 - MANDATORY EQUIPMENT and INSURANCE |
Proper Helmets with attached and legal chin straps are mandatory and must be worn by all players. Full face cages are recommended but not mandatory. 1/2 shield visors, as a minimum, is mandatory and must be worn by all players. Mouth Guards, Shoulder Pads and Neck Protectors (Player and Goalie) are all listed as safety equipment and are highly recommended. Hockey pants are mandatory and must be worn by all players. Sweat pants alone are NOT allowed. Accidents must be reported to the arena manager and the league directors immediately. Once again, the DMHL strongly recommends Mouth Guards, Shoulder protection and Neck Protection. The league does NOT provide medical or dental insurance so if you are not wearing the recommended equipment, then you are taking a risk. All equipment must conform to C.A.H.A. rules.
|
19 - GAME NON-COMPLETION |
Any individual associated with a team who pulls his team off the ice before the game is completed, deliberately defaulting the game, will be suspended indefinitely. The team will lose the game in question and may default their next three games and also risk expulsion from the league. If the goalie is ejected from a game during the first period, the team has 10 minutes (clock running) to replace that player. If the goalie is ejected in the second or third period, the game ends with that team defaulting the game. No goalie, No game. There must be 5 on the bench and one goalie. If players are ejected causing a short handed situation for the balance of the game, the game ends with that team defaulting the game.
|
20 - GAME TIMES |
There will be 3 X 15 minute, running time periods with approximately one minute to warm up. The clock will stop in the last 30 seconds of the first and second period and the last two minutes of the third period. If there is a three goal spread in the third period (eg: 4-1), the clock will not stop. If the score changes in the last two minutes to bring the score to within two goals (eg: 4-2), the clock will be stopped. The clock will not be stopped for altercations (i.e. fights, penalties, etc). In the case of an injury, the clock may be stopped at the referee's discretion. The timer is not allowed to stop the clock unless he/she is under the direction of the referee.
|
21 - OFFSIDES |
The blue line, not the red line, is in for icings and offsides.
|
22 - FACILITY DISRUPTION |
All players must leave the ice surface after the handshake, immediately. Any player remaining on the ice while the zambonie is making or trying to initiate it's rounds, will have that team start the next game with a 2 min, Abuse of Facility, penalty.
|
23 - INTOXICATION |
Any player that steps onto the ice intoxicated will be escorted off the ice and the team issued a minor penalty. That team will also received a verbal warning.
|
24 - WILFUL DAMAGE |
Any damage done to the dressing rooms or arena property will be paid for by the team found responsible prior to their participation in any further league games. Non-compliance constitutes automatic expulsion. If the arena is satisfied, then the team will not be removed.
|
25 - PERSONAL PROPERTY |
The league accepts no responsibility for personal property lost or stolen. Team reps should make sure dressing room doors are locked before going on the ice. All rinks used by the DMHL do not lock the dressing room doors. All teams are required to bring their own padlocks to ensure personal property safety.
|
26 - SPECIAL ALTERATION OF THE RULES |
The DMHL will use the delay offside rule which allows play to continue once the offending team has cleared the zone. A shot directly on goal with the players offside negates the opportunity to clear the zone.
|
27 - NON-CONTACT |
A contact penalty will be assessed to any player who intentionally plays the man instead of the puck. Any collision or body contact will be a referee's judgement call and may lead to a major or minor penalty at his discretion. Each player with 1 body contact penalty, will be penalized accordingly based on the severity and the intent. The second body contact penalty to that same player will be issued an automatic 5 minute major and assessed a minimum B.O.G. (Balance of game) ejection and/or a 5 minute major, depending on severity, that player could be suspended. The referees are encouraged to enforce this rule. Note that the league management will assess any suspensions after discussions have been made with the referees, conveners and timers and the team rep will be notified in due process.
|
28 - HEAD CHECKING |
Any intentional contact to the head area specifically the neck and head, will be an automatic Balance of Game Ejection (B.O.G.). This includes anything that targets the head or neck like a Punch, Elbow, Face Wash or Push, etc. The infraction could be considered a Match Penalty depending on severity and intent. Fighting will still be penalized as a Major for Fighting but Head Checking could still be added to the infractions depending on what happens before or after the Fight and extra suspensions could be added. We recognize that accidental contact could possibly result in head contact where there was no premeditated acts or intent to injure at all. It is not the accidents that we are targeting but rather the clear intentional situations that was thought of before the incident occured. It will be up to the Referee to determine the intent and issue a standard 2 min or any penalty at all. Any intentional Head Check that causes that player to miss games due to injury will have the player that was issued the penalty sit out for as long as the injured party and depending on the severity of the intent, possibly sit out longer. This will be discussed between the Official's, Convener and League Commissioner once all the facts have been researched.
|
29 - GOALIE PROTECTION |
The play will stop dead, automatically, if a goalie gets hit in the head or neck area with the puck. The referee will verify if the tender is set to continue before the puck is dropped to start the next play. If the referee misses this, and it does happen, don't flip out on him. If the goalie goes down due to a shot, he will stop the play and investigate.
If a goalie's helmet flies off during the play, due to a collision or a puck shot, the play will stop dead. This is a discretionary decision by the referee based on the actual incident and where the play has evolved to. The referee may call a delay of game if he feels the goalie intentionally threw his mask to stop the play.
If a goalie is intentionally given a snow shower, the play will stop dead and that player will be issued an unsportsmanlike penalty. This does not apply to a situation that is unavoidable. All players must put in the effort not to do this, but situations that happen during the play may not warrant a penalty. This only applies to situations where the player could have avoided the incident completely.
Any player that targets a goaltender while he is out of the crease (or in the crease for that matter) will be ejected from the game and will face league discipline based on the ref's call. Accidental or incidental contact happens all the time and it's up to the referee to determine the actual incident. Accidental/Incidental contact is not deemed as intent to injure. A goalie that leaves his crease area to play the puck is subject to this type of contact. All players must do their best to avoid contact with goalies.
Any goalie that abuses this rule and purposely collides with players to draw penalties will also be penalized as a delay of game or unsportsmanlike.
Any goalie that targets another player after an incident will face league discipline regardless of the situation.
Any player that targets another player after a goalie incident will face league discipline regardless of the situation.
|
30 - CROSS CHECKING |
Any intentional cross check with intent to injure, will be an automatic Balance of Game Ejection (B.O.G.). Please note this means "With Intent". A regular cross check during the play is subject to a standard cross checking penalty. Any player ejected with this infraction could be subject to further suspensions depending on severity. Cross Checking from Behind will be considered as intent and that player will be ejected from the game with a minimum Balance of Game ejection (B.O.G). We recognize that accidents happen, but a cross from behind is not considered an accident and will be dealt as an intent situation. Any premeditated cross check from behind with intent to injure will be handled as a match penalty and that player will be subject to further league discipline. It is not the accidents that we are targeting but rather the clear intentional situations that was thought of before the incident occurred. It will be up to the Referee to determine the intent and issue the appropriate penalty. It will be up to the League Commissioner to issue the final length of suspension. Any intentional Cross Check that causes the opposing player to miss games due to injury will have the violating player that was issued the penalty sit out for as long as the injured party and depending on the severity of the intent, possibly sit out longer. This will be discussed between the Official's, Convener and League Commissioner once all the facts have been researched. NOTE: Revenge is not an excuse for any violating act. Trying to explain that the other guy started it has no bearing on any situation and that is deemed as a Premeditated or act with Intent to Injure.
|
31 - STICK PENALTIES |
The referees are encouraged to call stick infractions and assess major penalties where applicable. Any player removed from the game because of a stick penalty will be severely reprimanded and most likely suspended indefinitely. Any stick penalty, slashing, high sticking, spearing, butt ending, etc. regardless of severity, will result in a minimum 4 minute penalty. This is considered a single penalty, but will be handled as a double minor, should a goal be scored within the first 2 min of the penalty, thus resetting the clock to 2 min. In some cases a 5 minute major may be assessed. Again depending on severity, and ejected from the game. Any player that makes stick contact with the puck above the shoulders will have the referee call the play as a delayed whistle and the face off will be deep within the opposing zone. A player that constantly raises his stick will be warned and possibly issued a 2 minute minor penalty.
|
32 - SIDE NOTES: |
Any team that continually gets players suspended and does not cooperate with the league may be removed from the league or not invited back next season.
Sub players or fill-in players that are not on the roster are welcome to play, but if they are issued a major or match penalty, they will be banned from any further play in the entire league. Please make sure this is known to all your players.
Teams should carry their own first aid supplies, although some supplies may be available from the rink.
All players must be 19 years of age or older. In a few instances, we have allowed under aged players to participate. This is at the discretion of the league officials only.
A 4 minute minor penalty will be assessed to the team that enters the ice surface before the Zambonie doors are closed. This is a team penalty and not to be one of the 3 personal penalties that has a player ejected. This is considered as one full 4 minute minor penalty. If a goal is scored within this time frame against the offending team, that penalty is cleared and the player is allowed to return to the game. If it is a penalty that is issued to each team for the same offence, then the rule of 5 on 5 will apply as coincidental penalties.
|
33 - PLAYERS AND ONLINE GAME SHEETS |
It is the responsibility of the team rep to have all his players sign in with the convener and submit the waiver forms at the beginning of the season. The convener will come to your room with a tablet and log in each player. Accurate shirt numbers must also be given to ensure accuracy.
|
34 - SAME COLORS?? |
In the instance where both teams have the same color sweaters, the visiting team will change. In the next meeting between the two teams the other team will change.
|
35 - TIE BREAK |
Tie breaking format for end of season standing is as follows:
1. Season series between tied teams 2. Most wins 3. Least loses 4. Goals fore vs. goals against (not goal differential) 5. Least penalty minutes 6. Coin toss (has never reached this far)
For Playoffs Ties breaks, please check with your convener before game time.
|
36 - ILLEGAL PLAYERS / PRO SIGNED PLAYERS |
Any player or players that is currently signed or on current contract with a Pro organization, NHL, American League, etc, is not permitted to play in the DMHL. This includes Minor League contracts or Junior contracts.
Any player that is not on a current contract with any pro or junior team is allowed to participate in the DMHL. |