YCBHL / NCBHL OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATION HANDBOOK - SUMMER/FALL/WINTER/SPRING 2017 - 2018

INDEX SECTION PAGE #

1. ARENA PROPERTY (TEAM CONDUCT) ...... 3

2. CAPTAINS ...... 3

3. RISK MANAGEMENT ...... 4

4. DANGEROUS PLAYING CONDITIONS ...... 4

5. DEFAULTS ...... 5

6. ELIGIBILITY ...... 6

7. EQUIPMENT ...... 6

8. FINES, PENALTIES, SUSPENSIONS ...... 7 - 8

9. FORFEITS/ILLEGAL PLAYERS...... 9

10. GAME DURATION ...... 10

11. GAME REPORTS/PLAYERS ARRIVING LATE ...... 10 - 11

12. INSURANCE ...... 12

13. LEAGUE WELFARE ...... 12

14. OFFICIALS/MINOR OFFICIALS ...... 12

15. PLAYING RULES/FIGHTING AND MATCH PENALTIES . . . . 13

16. PLAYERS IN UNIFORM ...... 17

17. LEAVING THE PLAYER’S BENCH OR PENALTY BENCH . . 19

18. LINE CHANGES DURING AN ALTERCATION ...... 19

19. PENALTIES (3 PENALTIES/INDIVIDUAL) ...... 19

1 INDEX (continued)

SECTION PAGE #

20. PROTESTS ...... 19

21. ALCOHOL AND SMOKING ...... 20

22. SPECTATORS ...... 20

23. STARTING TIME ...... 21

24. SUSPENDED PLAYER/TEAM OFFICIAL ...... 21

25. TAMPERING ...... 21

26. TIMEOUTS ...... 21

27. UNNECESSARY NUISANCE ...... 21

28. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT/ZERO TOLERANCE ...... 22

29. ADMISSION ...... 22

30. FACE-OFFS ...... 22

31. MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES ...... 23

32. OVERTIME ...... 23

33. CONTINUOUS PLAY ...... 24

34. TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES & 3 X 15 MINUTE GAMES. . . 24

35. USE OF TIER 3 PLAYERS & TIER 1 (AND 2) PLAYERS...... 24

36. PAYMENT POLICY ...... 25

37. MATCHING UNIFORM & PLAYER ADDITION DEADLINE NOTICE ...... 26

38. DRINKING & SMOKING POLICY NOTICE ...... 27

2 YCBHL/NCBHL OFFICIAL RULE & REGUATION HANDBOOK

The OBHF Rule Book and its revisions with OBHF modifications will be used as the basis for League play and the enforcement of rules and regulations unless specified differently in the YCBHL/NCBHL handbook or as the League Executive decide in their sole discretion (in the best interest of the YCBHL/NCBHL and its members).

LEAGUE MISSION:

To build a professional, safe and fun organization that provides consistently high quality service to our customers in the best possible way.

1. TEAM CONDUCT ON ARENA PROPERTY:

Any team involved in destructive or negative conduct on arena property or in the arena parking lot will be immediately suspended from further League play. The team will be fined a minimum of $200.00 and may be suspended for the rest of the season and at the discretion of the league management may forfeit all registration fees paid to the league. The subject team(s) will be responsible for any damage or ill behavior caused by any of its team members on or around arena property. The subject team shall bear full responsibility for any damages and all costs associated with the repair and (or) replacement including labour caused by any of its team member(s) .

FIGHTING OFF THE SURFACE: Any Player or Team Official fighting off the arena surface will receive an automatic expulsion from the League.

The YCBHL reserves the right in their sole discretion to allocate damages and subsequent repair costs to more than one team if the guilty party(s) cannot be clearly determined.

2. CAPTAINS:

A) Each team must have a captain and a maximum of three assistants. If the captain is absent the referees must be notified of the player designated as captain prior to the start of the game and the player designated shall be noted on the game report.

B) Only the captain or assistant captain may address a referee. When addressing a referee, the captain or assistant captain is expected to be courteous and respectful. Only an interpretation of the official’s decision will be discussed and an official will not tolerate a captains’ questioning of a judgment call and will treat the captain as a non-captain at that point, and will assess the appropriate penalty, if necessary.

3 3. RISK MANAGEMENT:

A) Blood Policy: All open cuts or wounds must be bandaged properly before a player will be allowed to participate in a game. If following an altercation, where players or officials have blood on their uniforms or equipment, all blood must be thoroughly rinsed off before being able to return to the game.

B) Jewelry Policy: Players are permitted to wear jewelry provided it presents no potential danger to the subject player or others, in which case it will not be permitted.

C) Safety and Protection: IMPORTANT

It is the responsibility of the player and his respective manager/coach/team representative to ensure proper CSA approved protective equipment is being worn at all times when a player is on the floor or in the player’s or penalty bench.

4. DANGEROUS PLAYING CONDITIONS:

A) With respect to dangerous playing conditions, the decision whether to begin or continue a game is solely the decision of the referees, who as a general rule will consult with the on- duty convener. Players or team managers are instructed to bring any concerns of safety or peril immediately to the attention of the on floor officials.

A game postponed for any reason shall be rescheduled by the President of the league on the earliest possible date prior to the end of the regular schedule.

B) The procedure for any unfinished portion of a game called by curfew, rink unplayable or an act of God shall be as follow:

i) If the teams are to meet again during the regular season and if there is less than one period remaining, the remainder of the game shall be played prior to the start of the next scheduled game.

ii) If the teams are not scheduled to meet again during the regular season or if there is exactly one or more than one period remaining, the full game shall be replayed only if it has any bearing on the final standings.

C) As a general rule in league play, a minimum of 48 hours notice of any regular season or playoff game shall be given. However, where circumstances are beyond the control of your league Executive, teams must be prepared to play any game on 24 hours notice.

4 D) Any game considered to be getting out of disciplinary control in the referee’s sole discretion shall be immediately terminated. Where both teams are directly involved in the lack of control and the game is terminated both teams shall receive zero (0) points in the standings and shall be reported to the League Technical Director where further penalties/fines may be imposed. Where one team is clearly the catalyst under these circumstances the non-offending team shall be awarded the two (2) points in the standings.

5. DEFAULTS:

A) A team will be given 15 minutes past the scheduled start of a game to floor a minimum of six players. If a team is able to floor the required number of players within the 15 minutes but was not ready to begin to play as instructed by the referees (scheduled start) a minor penalty for delay of game will be assessed to the offending team. If the 15 minute deadline has elapsed and the offending team is now ready to play it is the decision of the non-offending team as to whether they wish to play or receive an automatic win by default. If they choose to play the time elapsed will not be put back on the clock (unless time permits) and the shortened game will now be played and considered official. In any case, the non-offending team shall have the option to wait for the offending team to have enough players, provided a minimum of ONE period can be played within the one hour allotted for that particular game, and further provided that in the referees’ opinion there is sufficient time, and that the offending team has been earnest in their attempt to floor a team. An offending team defaulting a game will be fined $100.

B) The winning team in a defaulted game will be given two points and a 1-0 victory. The goal and the shutout will be counted in the team’s statistics. No player shall be awarded the goal in this situation.

C) The team winning the game may use the remaining floor time for practice purposes. The team defaulting the game can remain on the floor only with the permission of the other team. If a team should default twice in a given season, the League Technical Director will decide whether the team will be allowed to complete the season.

D) Defaulted games shall count in the duration of a suspension.

E) A team defaulting the 2nd game of a two game playoff series shall automatically forfeit the series to the non-offending team. In all cases, the league Technical Director reserves the right to replay the 2nd game if there are unforeseen circumstances that affect the offending team’s ability to be present at the subject game. The $100 default fee shall still apply when the series has been forfeited.

5 6. ELIGIBILITY:

Each team shall be eligible to register up to a maximum of 22 players. All teams must submit their completed registration forms prior to their team’s first league game. All player additions and deletions and their forms must be in the league’s possession on or before June 25th (Summer League) in order to be eligible for OBHF Provincial play. League Conveners will supply the Addition/Deletion Forms upon request only prior to the above deadline. Teams shall be permitted to delete players from their roster up until June 25th without affecting their allowed quota of 22 players.

PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY:

A player must legally participate in at least 3 regular season games in order to be eligible to participate in the playoffs. A goaltender will be eligible for playoffs provided he plays a minimum of 2 regular season games in the subject session. It is the team’s sole responsibility to know what players are eligible for the playoffs. Under special circumstances (i.e. injury) the YCBHL reserves the right to permit a player or goaltender falling below their required number of games to participate in the playoffs.

7. EQUIPMENT

The referees shall have the final decision as to whether any equipment is dangerous or a particular accessory shall not be allowed in a game. The referee has the authority to prohibit a player from participating in a game while using or wearing dangerous equipment.

The following equipment is mandatory in all YCBHL/NCBHL games:

a) A CSA-approved hockey helmet with a proper chin strap fastened. b) Hockey gloves or gloves approved for ball hockey. Lacrosse gloves properly bound in the wrist area are allowed. c) Matching coloured sweater and sweatpants or shorts (see Section 16 for League guidelines). d) Running shoes, goaltenders however, may wear shoes offering more instep and toe protection. e) Hockey stick made of wood, fiberglass and aluminum only.

The following equipment is optional, but highly recommended:

a) FULL FACE MASK and mouth guard, internal or external. b) Elbow pads (must be worn under the sweater). c) Knee pads (basketball or volleyball) which may be worn over or under the sweatpants. d) Protective cup which must be worn under the sweatpants. e) Hard shin pads that run down the leg must be worn under the sweatpants. Only the all-foam one-piece soccer style shin pads may be worn on the outside of the uniform or pads approved by the OBHF.

6 f) Shoulder pads (ice hockey) are prohibited for players other than goaltenders. Sticks may be made out of wood, fiberglass or aluminum ONLY. There is no stick curvature rule. Plastic attached blades, including sticks with holes, are not permitted. A player may carry only one stick while participating in the play. A minor penalty shall be assessed for a violation of this rule. g) It is strongly recommended that each team carry an adequate first-aid kit at all times which is available through St. John Ambulance or drug stores. The League is not responsible nor will it assume any responsibility for supplying players or teams with first aid supplies or associated treatment of injuries. h) Teams should also ensure that at least two members have a recognized first aid certificate. i) **FULL FACE MASK. The YCBHL/NCBHL ENCOURAGES FULL FACIAL PROTECTION. If a player chooses to participate with a facial protector, it is required that the facial protector itself be CSA approved. Any alteration to a mask or helmet will void the certification and consequently the equipment will be considered illegal. Players will not be permitted to participate in play with illegal equipment. j) **All goaltenders must wear CSA approved helmets and facial protectors. Goaltenders will not be allowed to participate in a game without a CSA approved face mask and helmet.

8. YCBHL/NCBHL FINES, PENALTIES AND SUSPENSIONS

When a player has been suspended and is playing for more than one team concurrently the suspension must be served in full with the team in which the penalty was assessed prior to the subject player being eligible to legally participate with any other team. In a case where a team has completed their season (out of playoffs) the league will have the sole discretion as to whether a player may serve their suspension with another team.

Accumulative Penalties/Individual:

Any player incurring 40 minutes in penalties during the regular season will be assessed an automatic two game suspension and fined $30. The total accumulative does not continue to increase into the playoffs. However, any suspension carried into the playoffs must be served in its entirety.

IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the team officials to ensure that a player who incurs a suspension is not allowed to compete for the duration of his suspension. Team officials must be vigilant to ensure the players they are signing for their team are not under suspension. Please review the OBHF Handbook’s list of suspended players as well as consulting with your league convener to ensure each and every player you plan to use is not under suspension by the league or the OBHF. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in a suspension of team officials FOR UP TO ONE YEAR and a minimum $50 fine. As a general rule, a $10 fine will be levied for every game suspension, unless otherwise noted. Team fines must be paid before the team’s next game.

7 ALL SUSPENSIONS AS PER THE LEAGUE HANDBOOK MAY BE INCREASED DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OR INTENT BY THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE PLAYER’S PAST RECORD.

INDIVIDUAL TIME OF TIME IN FINE INFRACTIONS PENALTY RECORDS SUSPENSION (Minimum) Any minor 2 minutes 2 minutes None --- Cross checking 4 minutes 4 minutes ------Cross checking 5 minutes + 5 minutes Minimum 1 game $10 serious/cause injury game misconduct Slashing 4 minutes 4 minutes None --- Slashing 5 minutes + game 5 minutes Minimum 1 game $10 serious/cause injury misconduct High sticking 4 minute minor 4 minutes None --- High sticking 5 minutes + game 5 minutes Minimum 1 game $10 serious/cause injury misconduct Head contact Min. 4 minutes 4 minutes ------Major penalty 5 minutes + ejection 5 minutes 1 game $10 last 5 minutes 10 minute misconduct in 10 minutes + ejection 10 minutes None $10 last 10 minutes Game Expulsion None None None $10 Misconduct 10 minutes 10 minutes None --- 2nd 10 minutes 10 minutes + game 10 minutes 1 game $20 Hitting from behind 2 minutes or 5 minutes 10 minutes Minimum 1 game $10 + game misconduct Match penalty 5 minutes + ejection 15 minutes 6 games minimum $50 (attempt to injure) Double Match 5 minutes + ejection 30 minutes 1 year $100 (verbal threat/official) Triple Match 5 minutes + ejection 30 minutes Lifetime $200 2nd Match same year 5 minutes + ejection 15 minutes Minimum 1 year $50 from last date 1st player off bench Double minor + Game 14 minutes 5 games $50 during altercation misconduct 1st player off opposing Double minor + 14 minutes 2 games $20 players’ bench misconduct Fighting 5 minutes + ejection 15 minutes 6 games $50 Fighting instigator (or 5 + 2 minutes + 17 minutes 8 games $70 aggressor) ejection Fighting off surface 5 minutes + ejection 17 minutes League expulsion $70 3rd man in Automatic game 10 minutes 1 game $20 misconduct Altercation off surface Double suspension 2nd occasion AOS Indefinite suspension 3rd penalty, same game, Ejection None None --- same player Game misconduct Automatic ejection 10 minutes 1 game $10

8 INDIVIDUAL TIME OF TIME IN FINE INFRACTIONS PENALTY RECORDS SUSPENSION (Minimum) Physical abuse of Official 5 minutes + ejection 30 minutes Lifetime $100/player $100/team 3 suspensions same ------Indefinite TBA season Any combination of 5 minutes per 15 minutes per Minimum 1 year Minimum fighting or match infraction infraction from last date $50 penalties totaling 2 – assessed to the same player during the season (include playoffs) Illegal equipment 2 minute minor 2 minutes None --- Gross Misconduct (i.e.: None (ejection) 10 minutes 2 games $20 making a travesty, racial slurs) Gross Misconduct 5 minutes + ejection 10 minutes 2 games $20 (sucker punch) 2nd Gross same player Automatic ejection 10 minutes Minimum 4 games $40 (same season) Team gathering None None TBA $50 40 – minute player total None None 2 games $30 accumulation (regular season) Default None None None $100 2nd default same team None None Possible term. of $100 team membership Suspended player None None Additional 10 $100 participating in play games. Possible suspension of up to ONE YEAR TO TEAM OFFICIAL(S) Illegal player (play for 2 None None 1 year suspension $50 non-rec teams) minimum

9. FORFEITS/ILLEGAL PLAYERS:

a) If a team is found playing an illegal or suspended player then any game(s) that he appeared in will be forfeited to the opposition. The team will be fined $50 for each forfeited game (maximum $100 if caused by the same player). The League in their sole discretion may suspend the offending team’s Officials for up to a maximum of one calendar year.

b) A forfeited game will result, if during the course of a game, a team does not have a minimum of four players able to continue to play or if they are unable to floor the correct number of players as instructed by the referee. A team may be allowed to continue with a minimum of 5 players (or 4 players and a goaltender) if there are 10 minutes or less remaining in the game. Teams are not permitted to add players to their rosters during a

9 game to prevent a forfeit under these circumstances.

c) Any player found playing illegally, contrary to OBHF guidelines will be automatically suspended and may be suspended for up to one year and fined $100. Any game(s) the subject player may have participated in will be classified as forfeited games to the opposition, with the league forfeit rule applied.

d) Should a team not have their goaltender show for a particular game they will be able to use a registered YCBHL goaltender from another team with the opposing team’s approval or with prior approval by the league.

10. GAME DURATION:

Games will consist of two fifteen minute periods (or as specified otherwise, ie: 3 period division) for all regular season and playoff games. There is no overtime in regular season games.

All games will be played stop-time unless there is a five-goal spread separating the two teams in the last period.

Example 1: Team A is leading Team B 5-0 at the end of the first half. The second half will be played running time until such time as that lead is reduced to four goals during the second half.

Example 2: Team B scores a goal to make the score 5-1 for Team A. The game would then revert back to stop-time.

Example 3: Team A scores a sixth goal to make the score 6-1. The time would revert to running time following the next drop of the ball.

11. GAME REPORTS/PLAYERS ARRIVING LATE:

The game sheet shall be completed as follows:

a) No more than twenty eligible players (18 runners and 2 goaltenders) may be listed on the game reports.

b) PLAYERS’ NAMES AND NUMBERS MUST BE PRINTED IN FULL (BOTH GIVEN NAMES AND SURNAMES – NO ABBREVIATIONS). THE STARTING AND ALTERNATE GOALTENDERS MUST BE LISTED FIRST AND LAST RESPECTIVELY IN THE LINE-UP. FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE GAME REPORT PRIOR TO THE START OF THE GAME WILL RESULT IN A MINOR PENALTY TO THE SUBJECT TEAM.

c) The names of all suspended players must be printed in full where indicated on the game report and the point in time and duration of their suspension.

10 d) The game report must be signed in full where indicated by the authorized manager or coach or authorized team representative of each team. It is understood by this signature that the official so signed shall be deemed to have the responsibility for any representations on the game report for his team. Appearance of a player’s name on a game report shall constitute participation in that game. e) Teams shall be permitted a maximum of two team officials on the bench. Additionally, teams will also be allowed up to two first aid staff members and a non-suspended registered roster player on the bench. All team officials MUST be officially registered with that team to be allowed on the bench. f) A player shall be eligible to compete with the team in games provided by the OBHF and its member league as long as he is: a) not under suspension by OBHF or any of its leagues, b) registered to such team, c) in compliance with YCBHL, and OBHF eligibility guidelines. g) When a player has been inadvertently omitted from the game report, the referee shall permit his name to be added to the game report, provided the player was on the floor or his players bench in uniform at the start of the game. h) Each team must pick up a copy of the game report from the timekeeper at the end of each game. By referring to the league list of penalties, fines and suspensions, each team shall then be responsible for determining fines and suspensions in subsequent games earned as a result of any penalty shown on the game report. Minimum suspensions/fines will be detailed on the game report following the game. Any confusion regarding a fine or suspension must be addressed with the on-duty Convener immediately following the subject game. Conveners DO NOT have the authority to change a referee’s call. i) Any team or team official who allows a player to take part in a game without being an OBHF registered member shall be reported to the League Executive and may be suspended for a period of up to one year.

Players arriving late:

a) A player arriving late will be allowed to participate in a game provided he reports to the timekeeper and has paid the appropriate admission and has his name added to the game sheet.

b) If a player enters a game without first having reported to the timekeeper, he will be assessed a minor penalty. Any doubt regarding any penalty or information listed on the game sheet should be clarified with the timekeeper or on-duty convener immediately following the game.

11 12. INSURANCE

As a member of the Ontario Ball Hockey Federation, all forms following an injury must be completed in full and in the OBHF office within 30 days to be eligible for the above- mentioned insurance. If an injury occurs, the team MUST ADVISE the game referee before the game report is completed at the conclusion of the game to make a notation as to the type of injury sustained and the subject player that was injured. The team must keep a copy of the game report and immediately request from the on-duty convener a copy of an Injury Report signed and validated by the on-floor referee and the league convener. An Accident Claim Form will also be needed for the injured player’s doctor/dentist to complete. All three documents will be required and must be forwarded to the OBHF office within 30 days.

13. LEAGUE WELFARE:

THE LEAGUE EXECUTIVE AND ITS OFFICIALS WILL STRIVE TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL PLAYERS, COACHES AND SPECTATORS. THE LEAGUE EXECUTIVE WILL RESERVE THE RIGHT AT THEIR SOLE DISCRETION TO DISQUALIFY A PLAYER(S) OR TEAM(S) MEMBERSHIP AT ANY TIME IF THEY ARE DEEMED CLEARLY HARMFUL TO THE GENERAL WELFARE OF THE LEAGUE AND ITS PARTICIPANTS. THE LEAGUE EXECUTIVE WILL SOLELY DECIDE WHAT REFUND, IF ANY, SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE PERSON(S) OR TEAM(S) IN QUESTION. A TEAM SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF ITS TEAM MEMBERS AT ALL TIMES. FINES ACCUMULATED OR EXPENSES AN INDIVIDUAL INCURS BECAUSE OF A SUSPENSION OR DAMAGE SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SUBJECT TEAM SHOULD THE INDIVIDUAL NOT PAY ACCORDING TO LEAGUE GUIDELINES.

14. OFFICIALS/MINOR OFFICIALS:

a) The referees can seek the assistance of a minor official if there are any incidents which the referee did not see (e.g. which team jumped over the players’ bench first in a bench clearing).

b) A League official and/or timekeeper can provide the referee with assistance in the assessing of any penalties if there are any incidents which the referees did not see.

c) During an altercation, at the discretion of the referee, the clock shall be permitted to run until the referee directs the timekeeper to stop the clock.

d) The referee may terminate a game if, in his estimation, it is getting beyond disciplinary control.

12 15. PLAYING RULES (FIGHTING AND MATCH PENALTIES):

A. ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND SMOKING: (VERY IMPORTANT)

SEE SECTION 21

B. ATTEMPTED INFRACTIONS:

A minor penalty or major (OR MATCH) penalty can be assessed to any player who attempts to up-end or hit an opponent in any manner and misses (e.g.: attempted boarding, attempted tripping, etc.).

C. BOARDING AND BODY CONTACT:

A major penalty and game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who intentionally checks an opponent into the boards. A minor or major penalty (or Match) will be assessed to any player who intentionally body checks an opponent.

D. CHECKING FROM BEHIND:

i) A minor or major penalty depending on severity plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who hits or pushes an opponent from behind.

ii) Where a player is high-sticked, cross-checked, body-checked, pushed, hit or propelled in any manner from behind into the boards or goal net, in such a way that the player is unable to protect or defend himself and the referee determines that there was an intent to injure, the offending player will be assessed an automatic MATCH PENALTY and the offending player will be indefinitely suspended by the league.

E. DELAYED OFFSIDES/CLEARING ZONE AND FLOORING:

i) Players of the attacking team must not precede the ball into the attacking zone. However, once the ball has legally entered the attacking zone, the blue line no longer exists.

As a result, the area of the floor called the defending (attacking) zone is that section between the centre red line and the end of the rink. This area remains the defending (attacking) zone until such time as the ball passes back over the centre red line.

ii) If an attacking player(s) proceeds the ball that is shot, passed or deflected into the attacking zone by a teammate or again deflected into the attacking zone off a defending player, but a defending player is able to play the ball, the referee shall signal a delayed offside. The referee shall drop his arm to nullify the offside violation and allow play to continue if:

13 a) the defending team passes or carries the ball into the neutral zone, or

b) all attacking players in the attacking zone clear the attacking zone by making foot contact with the blue line.

iii) If an attacking player without the ball enters the opposing team’s goal crease, the play will be whistled down and brought outside the blue line to the nearest face-off circle and the blue line being re-set. When applicable and/or the non-offending team has gained quick possession of the ball a slow whistle (similar to a delayed offside) shall be in effect until the offending team clears the blue line or the non offending team has cleared the ball over their blue line which would nullify the stoppage. Any undue delay by the offending team shall result in an immediate whistle and the face-off being taken outside the blue line in the neutral area with the blue line being re-set.

iv) As per the OBHF rulebook, automatic flooring (icing) will be in effect.

F. GAME EXPULSION PENALTY:

A game expulsion penalty will be assessed to a player, who in the officials’ opinion, is a clear disruption to the harmony of the game.

G. GATHERINGS – CONCLUSION OF THE GAME:

Teams must keep their players on the bench (no line changing) in the event of any problems breaking out on the floor (especially at the end of the game). The referee closest to the players’ bench should attempt to instruct the players on the benches to remain there until the problems on the floor have been sorted out by the referees. Under these circumstances teams will be fined $50 and the team official will face an automatic suspension for failing to keep his team on their bench or refusing to leave an area once instructed by the referee. In the above situation, if a player disobeys the referee he will be assessed a Game Misconduct plus any other penalties he receives.

H. FIGHTING AND MATCH PENALTIES:

Any combination of two fighting majors and/or match penalties in a season by an individual player will result in a one-year suspension plus fine.

14 FIGHTING Fighting is not condoned in the YCBHL and will result in a minimum six game suspension.

i) FIGHTING OFF THE PLAYING SURFACE AND INCIDENTS OFF THE SURFACE:

a) Any player fighting off the playing surface will receive an immediate expulsion from the league.

b) Any player receiving a suspension as a result of an incident off of the floor will automatically have their suspension and fine doubled and put on report by the league. A second incident in the same calendar year will result in the player being suspended indefinitely by the league.

c) A player ejected from the game MUST proceed directly to their dressing room or face further suspension.

ii) MATCH PENALTIES:

A Match Penalty shall be assessed when there has been an intent to injure an opponent. Intentional minor contact with a referee or off-floor official will also result in a Match Penalty. A player who threatens or makes a mock attempt to strike a referee or any off-floor official shall be assessed a Match Penalty.

iii) DOUBLE MATCH PENALTIES:

A Double Match Penalty will be assessed if there has been verbal threats made towards an official that are made in an excessively threatening manner which includes threats to cause physical harm or violence to a referee or his family. This also applies to off-floor officials.

iv) TRIPLE MATCH PENALTIES:

A Triple Match Penalty is defined as a severe or brutal intent to injure an opponent, official or spectator. A player who strikes or attempts to strike an official or off-floor official will be assessed a Triple Match Penalty and a lifetime suspension. Extreme verbal threats of violence towards an official or off-floor officials will also result in a Triple Match Penalty being assessed and a lifetime suspension.

I. HANDLING THE BALL:

i) The ball cannot be intentionally directed to a teammate with the use of the hands, unless the team has accepted its own pass in its own defensive zone. In this case the acceptable zone shall always be classified from the end boards to the blue line only.

15 ii) A face-off shall take place where the ball was illegally passed from (rules permitting), providing the defending team is not placed at a disadvantage, in which case the face- off shall take place where the pass was completed, or taken to the neutral zone when initiated and completed in the non-offending team’s defensive zone.

iii) If the ball deflects off the player’s glove and in the referees’ judgment, the directing of the ball was not intentional and no advantage was gained, the play will continue.

iv) A player is permitted to grab the ball from the air and immediately place it on the floor, as long as no unfair advantage is gained. An unfair advantage gained (e.g.: turning or running with the ball) will result in an immediate stoppage of play. The resulting face-off shall take place under the same guidelines as an intentionally “directed” ball (see “ii”). A minor penalty shall be assessed in the above situation if a player, while closing his hand on the ball, deliberately delays the game.

J. HOLDING:

A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who holds an opponent with hands, stick or in any other manner.

K. STICK PENALTIES:

SLASHING An automatic 4 minute penalty shall be assessed to any player who slashes an opponent. Any player who injures an opponent with a slash (or if it is serious in nature), will receive a major penalty plus a game misconduct penalty or a Match Penalty.

HIGH-STICKING

i) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who contacts the ball above the normal height of the shoulders. Referees are instructed to blow the whistle immediately when the ball is contacted with a high stick and assess the penalty. A goal scored from a high stick shall not be allowed.

ii) The carrying of sticks above the normal height of the shoulders of the opponent is prohibited. A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who high sticks, checks or intimidates an opponent while carrying his stick above the shoulders (could be assessed as a head contact penalty).

iii) An automatic major and game misconduct or Match Penalty will be assessed to a player who injures an opponent (or if it is serious in nature) with a high stick above the shoulders.

CROSS-CHECKING An automatic 4 minute penalty shall be assessed to any player who cross-checks an opponent. Any player who cross-checks an opponent above the shoulders shall be

16 assessed a major penalty plus a game misconduct penalty. Any player who cross-checks an opponent from behind shall be assessed an automatic major plus game misconduct. An automatic major and game misconduct or Match Penalty shall be assessed to any player who injures and opponent (or if it is serious in nature) with a cross-check.

*IMPORTANT PENALTY NOTE* All double minor penalties count as two penalties towards the three penalty game ejection rule. A Match Penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately injures or attempts to injure an opponent with a cross-check, slash or high stick.

L. SUCKER PUNCH:

A sucker punch is defined as any incident when a player throws a punch at another person without that person being prepared and/or able to protect himself.

Any player sucker punching another player shall be assessed a minimum two game suspension and assessed a Gross Misconduct and reported to the League Technical Director. When a sucker punch is assessed the subject team will play short-handed for five minutes and the offending player shall be assessed an automatic expulsion. A fighting or Match Penalty may also be assessed for a sucker punch depending on the severity and the intent of the action at the discretion of the referee.

16. PLAYERS IN UNIFORM:

a) Each team must have a minimum of six players in uniform to start a game. Failure to do so shall result in a defaulted game. A game will not be defaulted due to a shortage of required players if a player is required to sit a four minute stick penalty that has actually expired.

b) If a team has five runners and a goalie or six runners and no goalie, then the game can commence. If there is no goalie, a runner can assume the goalie’s position with NO goaltender privileges. Minimum equipment to be classified as goaltender shall include a certified goaltender’s mask and helmet, gloves and goaltender’s stick. Full protective equipment is always strongly recommended for any player occupying the goaltender position.

c) It shall be the responsibility of the Home Team to make alternative sweater arrangements when there is a conflict between two team colours (league cover-ups are available). It will be the sole discretion of the referee to decide whether alternate arrangements are necessary and whether the visiting team shall wear cover-ups due to their cause in the conflict in matching jerseys OR by having significantly fewer players than the home team.

d) Each player must wear a matching coloured sweater and pants (or shorts) to be eligible to play. Only the goaltender may wear a different coloured pant or sweater.

17 ***e) A TEAM PLAYER SHALL ONLY BE REQUIRED TO WEAR THE SAME BASE COLOUR AS THE REST OF HIS TEAMMATES. Matching striping or logos on a team’s sweaters or pants are not necessary for a player to be permitted to play. T-SHIRTS ARE NOT ALLOWED AS ACCEPTABLE PLAYING ATTIRE (JERSEY). PLAYERS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A NUMBER ON THEIR JERSEYS WHICH SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE TIMEKEEPER’S SHEET PRIOR TO THE START OF EACH GAME.

For example: If a team is wearing the “white” Toronto Maple Leaf sweaters and one or more players on the same team are wearing a “white” New York Rangers striped sweater, as long as both sweaters are clearly white and not in conflict with the opposing team then they shall be permitted (the same rules apply for pants and shorts).

** AS A GRACE PERIOD, teams shall be allowed up to and including June 12th (SUMMER LEAGUE) to have complete matching uniforms as per YCBHL/NCBHL rules. In other words, as long as sweaters are similar (either dark or light in colour) to the team’s overall colour and not in conflict with the opposing team’s colour, then the player(s) in question will be allowed to participate in games until the above date. Players are not required to wear matching pants for the Fall, Spring or Winter leagues.

***As of the above noted date, the YCBHL/NCBHL (& OBHF) matching uniform rule will apply in full force and effect with no exceptions. PLAYERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY WITH A UNIFORM (SWEATER, PANTS OR SHORTS) THAT IS NOT MATCHING. THE DECISION OF WHETHER A UNIFORM IS MATCHING OR NOT IS SOLELY BASED ON THE REFEREES’ DISCRETION.

a) If a goaltender is replaced through injury, then no warm-up time will be allowed for an alternate who is already dressed. An injured goaltender will be allowed ten minutes to recuperate if needed.

b) If a team is forced to make a goaltending change due to injury and one is not dressed, then five minutes will be allowed to dress an alternate. If one is not ready in that time, then the team must continue with six attackers with none of the players being given goaltending privileges.

c) If a goaltender is ejected from the game with no substitute dressed, the team will not be permitted any time to dress an alternate. A goaltender receiving three penalties in a game shall be immediately ejected from the game.

d) If the regular goalie recovers from his injury and returns to the game, the alternate will then play as the back-up. He cannot reappear as a runner once he has entered the game as a goalie.

e) The referee must be notified of any illegal equipment during a stoppage in play by the captain or an assistant on the floor.

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f) Only a CSA approved mask designed for goaltenders may be used by a goaltender. g) Goaltenders are allowed one water bottle on top of the net (button top only).

17. LEAVING THE PLAYERS’ BENCH OR PENALTY BENCH:

a) The first player to leave the players’ bench or penalty bench during an altercation for the purpose of joining or starting an altercation will receive a $50 fine and an automatic five game suspension. The player will also receive a double minor penalty and a game misconduct plus any other penalties he may incur.

b) The first player on the second team will receive a $20 fine and a two game suspension. The player will be assessed a double minor penalty and a game misconduct plus any other penalties he may incur.

18. LINE CHANGES DURING AN ALTERCATION:

Teams are not permitted to make a line change during an altercation until the referees have gained control of the incident. A game misconduct penalty will be assessed to a player(s) who disobeys this rule once notified by an official.

19. PENALTIES (3 PENALTIES/INDIVIDUAL):

ANY player or goaltender receiving a 3rd penalty of any kind during the same game will be ejected from that game.

20. PROTESTS:

If a protest involves a referee’s decision, it shall be valid only if it questions an interpretation of a rule.

In the case of matters involving a referee’s decision or any matter affecting the outcome of a game, the procedure for registering a protest shall be as follows:

A) The team shall, prior to the expiry of 48 business hours (excluding holidays and Fridays) from the date of the game, file with the YCBHL/NCBHL office or a League Convener, a concise statement of the matter of protest, together with a $25 security deposit. Protests are to be dropped off to our league Convener prior to the specified deadline. NO PROTEST will be considered if it is received after the deadline or without a security deposit.

B) All protests and letters of defense should be typed and double-space and on the YCBHL/NCBHL Protest/Appeal Form if possible.

C) Statements of protest and defense shall be heard and decided upon by the YCBHL Disciplinary Committee or Technical Director which decision may include one or more

19 of the following:

i) Allowing the protest.

ii) Disallowing the protest.

iii) Forfeiting or returning the security deposit pending the decision.

iv) Mandatory rearrangement of points in a game or series.

v) Mandatory replaying of a game or series.

vi) Suspension of a team and/or player.

vii) Further imposition of fines and/or increased suspensions.

viii) Subject to the approval of the Technical Director, mandatory imposition of such further and other remedy or penalty as the nature of the protest demands.

D) Suspensions of FIVE GAMES OR LESS CANNOT BE APPEALED. Appeals will be decided within seven business days upon receipt to the Technical Director and can also be increased once an appeal has been initiated. A denied appeal will result in the forfeiture of the $25 security deposit.

E) All suspensions must be honoured regardless of pending appeals, i.e., a player must serve that portion (or all) of the suspension if the appeal has not been decided upon prior to his scheduled return.

21. ALCOHOL AND SMOKING:

WARNING! All team officials, players and spectators are warned that any consumption of alcohol or illegal substances on arena property including the parking lots and/or the dressing rooms or smoking in the facilities we use shall result in THE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF THE OFFENDING TEAM! The rules of the facilities we use are very strict in this matter and if any member of our league is found smoking or drinking, we as a league will forfeit our permits for the use of the arena(s). If you enjoy playing in our league and the facilities we use, then you MUST abide by these regulations. NO SMOKING OR DRINKING IS PERMITTED ON ARENA PREMISES INCLUDING THE PARKING LOT. VIOLATION OF THE ABOVE SHALL RESULT IN AN IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF THE OFFENDING TEAM. CONSIDER THIS YOUR ONLY WARNING! (see attached notice on page 36.)

22. SPECTATORS:

A) The individual teams are responsible for the actions of any spectators who are supporters of their team.

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B) Any acts of physical abuse by a spectator against any registered member of the YCBHL/NCBHL and its affiliate leagues will not be tolerated and shall be severely dealt with.

23. STARTING TIME: (ALL GAMES ARE EXPECTED TO START ON TIME)

A team will be given 15 minutes past the scheduled start of a game to floor a minimum of six players. Failure to do so shall result in a Team Default. Teams are given a minimum three minutes between each game following the two previous teams completely leaving the floor, at which time the Timekeeper shall start the clock at 18:00 minutes and allow it to continue to run to the 15:00 minute mark. Any delay by either team thereafter in starting the game will result in a delay of game penalty to the offending team.

24. SUSPENDED PLAYER/TEAM OFFICIAL:

A suspended player or team official must not interfere in any way with the playing of the game or disrupt any league official in carrying out their duties. A minimum three game suspension will be assessed for this infraction. A suspended player or suspended team official may not visit his team’s bench. Any player found participating in play while under suspension will be assessed a minimum additional ten game suspension and fined. The team officials will also face a maximum one year suspension for allowing a suspended player to play in a game. Any player ejected from a game must go immediately to their dressing room. Failure to do so will result in an indefinite suspension to the subject player and possible termination of the game.

25. TAMPERING:

If a team is caught tampering (i.e., attempting to draft players within the same division) without written permission by the players’ team, then the team officials guilty of tampering shall be immediately suspended form further participation in the league.

26. TIME-OUTS:

Each team shall be allowed TWO 30 second time outs per game, one per period to be taken at the teams’ discretion, including three period games. There are no time-outs allowed during running time. Only one time-out per stoppage is permitted unless the 2nd team also notifies the official immediately upon the stoppage that they will be using their time-out also.

27. UNNECESSARY NUISANCE:

A minor or misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who creates a nuisance of himself or tries to incite an opponent.

21 28. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT/ZERO TOLERANCE – VERBAL ABUSE:

A) A minor penalty to a Match Penalty will be assessed to any player who verbally abuses an official or who harasses an opponent (depending on severity).

B) TRASH TALK – a Game Misconduct or Gross Misconduct Penalty shall be assessed in cases where players are name-calling, slandering (e.g.: race/colour/gender related abuse) or creating a travesty of the game.

C) All communication toward an official must come from a team captain only and must remain respectful and involve an interpretation of a rule or procedure. The questioning or arguing of a judgment call will not be tolerated by a league referee.

First Occurrence in a Game: (Violation of the above guidelines) A minor penalty is to be served by the player in question (or a player on the playing surface when the comment comes from an unidentifiable player on the team bench).

Second Occurrence in a Game: A game misconduct penalty to be served by the player (same team) in question (or a player on the playing surface when the comment comes from an unidentifiable player on the bench). The subject team will be warned that a third occurrence will result in the game being forfeited and awarded to the opposition.

Third Occurrence in a Game: The referee will call the game, award it to the opposition, leave the playing surface and file a full report with the league.

29. ADMISSION:

Players, coaches and spectators will be charged an arena admission (subject to change) for all regular season and play-off games.

30. FACE-OFFS:

a) When a face-off is taking place, players taking part in the face-off shall take their positions so that they will stand squarely facing their opponents’ end of the rink. The sticks of both players facing-off shall have the toe of the blade touching within the designated white area. All other players on the rink must position themselves and their sticks on-side. If a player, other than the player taking the face-off, moves offside, makes physical contact with an opponent or encroaches on the face-off circle prior to the dropping of the ball, then the offending team’s player taking the face-off shall be ejected from the face-off. A team committing a second violation of this rule during the same face-off may result in a minor penalty for “face-off violation.”

b) When a goaltender has stopped the ball and the play has been whistled down and an opposing player jabs, pokes or slashes for the ball making incidental contact with the goaltender, THE FACE-OFF SHALL BE TAKEN OUTSIDE THE BLUE-LINE WITH THE BLUE-LINE BEING RESET. If the contact with the goaltender is more severe or

22 intentional a minor, major or even a match penalty will be assessed to the subject player.

c) Teams shall be allowed a maximum 15 seconds between stoppages to line up for the next face-off. Failure to line up within that time shall result in the referee dropping the ball or assessing a delay of game penalty should the offending player be in an offside position.

31. MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES:

a) All enquiries regarding registration, time and place of games, player eligibility and all other matters of a general nature should be directed to the YCBHL/NCBHL MAIN LINE at (416)631-3808.

b) Matters regarding an appeal, protest, suspension or a safety concern and matters of protest MUST be in writing and sent by fax: (416)269-2605 or by email to the attention of the Technical Director at [email protected].

32. OVERTIME:

a) (NEW) Overtime periods (predominantly in the playoffs) shall be five minutes in length with sudden victory to the team who scores the first goal. Should teams be tied with one win each in any playoff series, a third sudden victory (first goal wins the series) game will be played immediately following the second game to determine the series winner. Penalties do not carry forward from the second game.

b) In a shootout session five players are to be pre-selected from each team. Each pre- selected player in order shall take their shot simultaneously with the other team. The team with the most goals in the five goal segment wins the series.

c) If after five shooters the teams are still tied then each team will provide a new shooter until the tie is broken and a winner is declared. Should a team go through their entire line-up and there is still a tie they will again begin with the original shooter and the same original order of shooters. If one team goes through their order quicker because of a shorter bench then the opposing team shall also have the option of starting again at the top of their order. If they decide to exercise that option they must stay with that original order.

33. CONTINUOUS PLAY:

The YCBHL/NCBHL promotes continuous play by limiting unnecessary stoppages. Goaltenders will be encouraged to play the ball when not being covered by an opposing player. An attacking player shadowing a goaltender must allow the goaltender to play the ball if the goaltender is trying to do so or if he is being instructed by the referee to play the ball. Failing to do so will result in the play being blown down and the face-off going outside the blue line in the neutral area with the blue line being re-set. Goaltenders delaying the game under these conditions and refusing to play the ball will

23 be assessed a Delay of Game Penalty. Referees will also instruct a player attempting to freeze the ball to continue to move the ball in an effort to keep the play moving. Our experience show us this type of flow in a game promotes a more exciting game and a safer environment with fewer stoppages which can lead to frustration for players.

34. TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES & 3 X 15 MINUTE GAMES:

a) Points

b) Wins

c) Best head to head record between tied teams.

d) Goals percentage (%) FOR and against (which is goals FOR divided by the sum of goals FOR and goals against) use as many decimal points as needed; i.e.:

Goals FOR______Goals FOR + goals against

e) Goals differential + or –

f) Least penalty minutes

g) In 3 x 15 minute games a half point will be awarded to a team with 0 penalty minutes.

h) In 3 x 15 minute games the clock will continue to run from the 2nd period on in the case of a five goal spread.

35. YCBHL/NCBHL ELIGIBILITY

At the 2016 Ontario Ball Hockey Federation Annual General Meetings divisions were realigned for Provincial play. This does not change player eligibility. The B level was abolished as there were only 6 teams in the entire Province. What this means going forward is the following:

Former C Teams (Tier 3): will now qualify for the B Provincials

Former D Team (Tier 4A): will now qualify for the C Provincials

Former E Teams (Tier 4B/Tier 5): will now qualify for the D Provincials

As a result of the realignment the following rules will be in place starting in the Summer 2017 season in our league.

"B" DIVISIONS (Tier 2/3)

"B" teams may carry a maximum 3 registered "A" players (Premier) in Summer 2017.

Without explicit approval from the league teams will also limited to a maximum of 5 players which played Tier 1 or Tier 2 in Summer 2016 and who are no longer registered at either level for Summer 2017 season (as per the

24 published list on the OBHF website).

"C" DIVISIONS (now Tier 3 formerly Tier 4 "D")

"C" teams can carry a maximum of 5 players registered in "A" or "B" for the Summer 2017 season. However no more than 2 "A" players are allowed. If a team chooses to carry only one "A" player they can carry up to four players from "B". If they have no "A" players they would then be able to have five "B" level players.

Without explicit approval from the league teams will also limited to a maximum of 5 players which played Tier 1 or Tier 2 in Summer 2016 and who are no longer registered at either level for Summer 2017 season (as per the published list on the OBHF website).

"D" DIVISIONS (now Tier 4 formerly Tier 5 "E")

These divisions are recreational!

"D" teams cannot carry any 2017 "A" players and maximum of 2 "B" players (registered in Summer 2017 season).

Provided the team has not already reached the limit above with respect to 2017 "B" players they may in their place carry former up to 2 former Tier 1 or Tier 2 players as per the published list on the OBHF website from the Summer 2016 season. The maximum will still be 2 total in both categories. ie 1 Summer 2017 "B" plus 1 2016 Summer Tier 1/2.

"D" teams are not eligible to qualify for any CBHA National events. As stated this is recreational Ball Hockey

36. PAYMENT POLICY:

All registration money is expected to be paid prior to a member team playing their first new session game. If a team fails to be paid in full by their 2nd game, then a $75 late fee will be applied. If there is still a balance after the 6th game, the team will be subject to an additional $75 fine and face possible suspension from further play in the league with no refund whatsoever.

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37. IMPORTANT BULLETIN TO YCBHL PLAYERS

RE: MATCHING UNIFORM & ADDITION OF PLAYER DEADLINES

All teams and players are reminded that the deadline for matching (base color) uniforms is June 25th. A player will not be permitted to play after this date without a matching uniform.

June 25th is also the deadline for teams to add or delete players in order for them to be eligible for OBHF Provincial play. Each team shall be eligible to register up to a maximum of 22 players.

Thank you in advance for your co-operation and have an enjoyable season.

Nino Gaspari YCBHL Technical Director

EVENTS 2017

July 7-9th YCBHL/NCBHL Niagara Falls Classic! Biggest event in the summer!

OBHF EVENTS

May 26-28 Winter Provincials Barrie, ON July 7-9 Peewee, Bantam and Junior Provincials Burlington, ON Milton, ON July 7-9 Girls U10, U12, U14, U17 Provincials

July 14-16 Tyke, Novice and Atom Provincials Mississauga, ON July 21-23 Women's 'A', 'B' & Masters Provincials New Tecumseth, ON July 21-23 Men's 'A' and Master's Over 40 Provincials New Tecumseth, ON Aug 18-20 Men's 'B' and 'D' Provincials Windsor, ON Aug 25-27 Men's 'C' and Master's +31 Provincials Burlington, ON

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38. YCBHL DRINKING AND SMOKING POLICY

AGREEMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

All players and Team Officials are reminded that Drinking Alcohol or Smoking is Strictly Prohibited in the arenas and associated facilities we use. This includes the Dressing rooms and Drinking Alcohol in the Parking lot.

Any Member of your Team found violating the above policy will result in IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF YOUR ENTIRE TEAM FROM THE YCBHL AND THE OBHF WITH NO REFUND WHAT SO EVER.

Any related financial losses incurred by the League due to the loss of City Permits, forfeit of fees or other associated cost(s) will be the sole responsibility of the Offending Team and its Members.

It is our policy to provide a Safe and Healthy environment for all participants and spectators. Your co-operation is expected and appreciated.

THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING!!

Team Official/Signature/Date League Official/Date

Print Name (Team Representative) Team Name

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