CONTACT
This league is NON CONTACT! All participants, in addition to the rules of the game, MUST actively avoid potential collisions whenever possible. This league, although competitive, is ultimately for fun! Missing weeks of work, school and hockey because someone was irresponsible and chose to hit an un expecting player… is not fun.
Fighting is STRICTLY PROHIBITED! Initiating a fight will result in immediate termination from the league WITHOUT REFUND!
ARENA PROPERTY
Any damage to arena property by any player will result in a suspension from further league play. This damage will be paid for by the player responsible. Non compliance constitutes automatic suspension from the CSHL and possibly legal action.
Do NOT leave valuables in the dressing rooms. Your valuables are YOUR responsibility! Neither the CSHL nor the Arena or staff are responsible for lost or stolen items.
TEAM REGULATIONS
INELIGIBLE PLAYERS
All players participating in the league must be 18 years of age or older. Any player can be deemed ineligible at the discretion of the CSHL Conveners.
PLAYER REGISTRATION
All players participating in the league are required to complete an online registration. No player is permitted to play in the league until they have successfully completed the registration and have approval to play directly from an CSHL convener. Teams caught using any player not registered will forfeit their game.
BALANCING OF TEAMS/DIVISIONS
The league conveners of the CSHL have decided on a team selection process (The Draft) to help keep the teams relatively balanced throughout each season, in addition to changing every season. This will help prevent the likelihood of being on a “weaker team” for multiple seasons in a row. The Draft will be held approximately 2 weeks Prior to the season start.
PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY
For a player to be eligible for playoff competition, the player must have played in at least 5 regular season games and be part of the roster for their team.
SUBSTITUTE GOALTENDERS & GOALTENDER INJURIES
Substitute goaltenders may only play with the approval of a league convener. Teams must contact the convener to arrange for any substitute. The goaltender must be of the appropriate skill level for the team, and must be a registered CSHL goalie.
ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION
If you arrive late for your game and play is underway do not open the door entering the ice. Wait for the next whistle to occur and enter the playing surface properly and safely. Players will receive a 2-minute penalty for “Illegal substitution”.
TEAM ROSTER
There is no maximum number of players which can be placed on a team roster; however, the approval of the team captain is required when a roster will exceed 15 players (plus a goaltender). A player can play for more than one team but it must be approved by the leagues convener. Suspensions carry over to all teams that the player plays on.
GAME SHEETS
Game sheets are completed by CSHL scorekeepers. Information from the scoresheets is applied to the league stats. Any aggressive penalties result in an email or phone call from the league convener and may result in disciplinary action. Any unsporting or aggressive penalties may result in a suspension. The jersey numbers of all players on the ice must be recorded on the game sheets. Pool players, or regular roster players wearing a temporary jersey, are required to identify themselves to the scorekeeper at the beginning of the game and provide them with the jersey number they will be wearing. Failure to submit accurate jersey numbers may result in a player being deemed ineligible and a game forfeit.
TEAM CAPTAINS
Each team may have 1 (one) assigned captain and up to 2 (two) alternate captains. The alternate captain will only be recognized when the captain is unavailable. Only a team captain may address a referee. (see: “Referee Communications”) The team captain is responsible for the behavior of their team as a whole and ensuring they play in a manner becoming of the CSHL and the goal of a Competitive, Safe and Respectful league. The team captain is responsible for providing the CSHL with jersey numbers associated with player names. They are to ensure all players are wearing a jersey number that aligns with the game scoresheet. If a player is wearing a temporary number, that number must be recorded with their name on the scoresheet. Due to the need to continuously communicate with players on the bench, a goaltender will not be recognized as a team captain (without an exception granted by the CSHL conveners). In the event a goaltender is the team captain, they are required to have an alternate captain on the bench for all games. If it is determined an of the aforementioned captain responsibilities are not being met, the conveners or referees, at their discretion, may issue a bench penalty to be served by the captain.
TEAM NAMES, LOGOS AND CUSTOM JERSEYS
Team names are issued by the CSHL conveners. Names, Logos, and Jersey designs are provided by the CSHL conveners. The CSHL jerseys will be distributed at the arena, on the day of your first game for each season. The Jersey, and socks are yours to keep!
FIRST AID POLICY
If a player is injured or cut during a game and blood is drawn, the player must leave the ice to clean and bandage the wound, prior to being allowed to continue playing the game. THE CSHL, AND THE SPONSORS HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED NOT TO OFFER ANY FIRST AID ASSISTANCE OF ANY KIND OTHER THAN TO CALL 911. ALL TEAMS ARE ADVISED TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN FIRST AID KITS.
LEAGUE GAMES / PLAYOFFS
LENGTH OF GAME
REGULAR SEASON / PLAYOFFS Each game will play 12x12 and then 1 period of run time (consisting of whatever remaining time left in the ice block that is booked). At the start of a game, 3 minutes will be added to the clock for warm-up, the (2) 12 minute periods will be played. For the third period clock will start immediately when the puck is dropped to start the 3rd and will not stop until the end of that final period. At certain rinks the game will end when the Zamboni crew buzzes us off regardless of the time remaining in the game.
CLOCK/GAME MANAGEMENT
Regarding the stoppage of time for CSHL games. We try to stop time for player injuries - It doesn’t happen often thank goodness – we usually stop the clock and look after things then get the game going and it ends up running late. There are no timeouts – Captains can talk to the refs in between periods if needed. Our refs manage our timekeepers so any concerns about the clock need to be directed to our refs and not directly to our scorekeepers.
OVERTIME/SHOOTOUT – REGULAR SEASON
During the regular season, if a game is tied at the end of regulation play, the game will end in a tie.
OVERTIME/SHOOTOUT – PLAYOFFS/FINALS
During playoff games if there is a tie at the end of regulation play, the game will extend into a (3 on 3) 5 minute RUN TIME overtime. If overtime ends without a winner, a 3 man shoutout will follow, and if there is still no winner, a sudden death shootout will follow until there is one. Any remaining penalty minutes from regulation time will continue into overtime. A player currently serving a penalty at the end of overtime will be ineligible to participate in the shootout.
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
The following list of equipment is required to be worn by all players in order to participate in an CSHL game. All items must be specifically designed and marketed for use in ice hockey.
• Helmet
• Shoulder Pads
• Elbow Pads
• Gloves
• Pants
• Shin Guards
• Jock
• Skates
Players who are found not to be wearing a piece of mandatory equipment listed above will be directed to the dressing room. They are allowed to return to the game if equipment requirements become met. A delay of game penalty may be issued at the referees’ discretion. This is a reminder that wearing all mandatory equipment still cannot prevent all injuries. The CSHL will not be responsible for any injury that may occur.
HELMETS
Helmets must be worn by all players and referees. Helmets must be CSA approved helmets with the proper fastened chinstraps. This rule will be enforced by the referees and league conveners. No ‘Gretzky’ Jofa helmets will be allowed.
FACE SHIELDS
It is strongly recommended (but not mandatory) that you wear full face shields (“mask”) for all levels of hockey. CSHL requires a properly fitting helmet regardless of whether or not it has a partial or full face shield. Safety is our #1 concern. Teeth can be replaced but eyes can't! Again we STRONGLY recommend wearing at least a half, if not full face shield.
NECK GUARDS AND MOUTH GUARDS
Both Neck guards and mouth guards, like the full face shield are not mandatory but strongly recommended.
PLAYING RULES
ICING AND OFFSIDES
The CSHL follows RED line icing which means when you gain the RED line you may ice the puck. The CSHL follows standard CANADIAN office rules.
REFEREE COMMUNICATIONS
The referees are not required to respond to individual player inquiries. Only the Team Captain (or alternate captain, where applicable) may address the referees. The referees are allowed to start a communication with captains or players at any time. While the above are the official guidelines, we do encourage our officiating team to interact with all players. We truly believe the best experience is when everyone on the ice is involved in participating in (positive) exchanges. At all times, communications from all parties (including referees) should be respectful. Also see “Unsporting Behavior”.
GOAL CREASE & SCREENING
Stay out of the blue area completely. There must be no aggressive intent, i.e. to bump or brush the goalie. If a player makes contact with the goalie, or is jumping/pushing players in front of the net, the ref shall call a penalty on the player depending on the level of contact. Intentionally screening a goalie is allowed as long as it is performed OUTSIDE of the crease. Players are not allowed to travel through the blue ice area or “buzz” the goalie. Skating fast too close to the goalie may result in an accident and/or injury. This would be considered unsporting.
TIES IN STANDINGS
In the event of a tie for points, final matchups (Playoff seating) will be decided by: A) The Head-to-Head matchups between the tied teams throughout the season, B) Least penalty minutes (Regular Season), or C) Flipping a coin
SUSPENSIONS
Any incidents that occur before, during and after scheduled games are subject to review by the league conveners (or appointed representatives). The league conveners may issue suspensions at any time during the regular season or playoffs. See suspension chart below. All suspensions listed are general guidelines. Suspensions can be increased / decreased at any time, at the league convener's discretion. Only the league convener can alter, change, or adjust a suspension at any time, depending on the circumstances. All Gross and Match penalties are indefinite suspensions upon further review by league convener. When a player is suspended, he or she is suspended from ALL league play and may not play with any other team, on any other night until the suspension is completed. Regular season suspensions carry over into the playoffs. IT IS THE TEAM CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT SUSPENDED PLAYERS DO NOT PLAY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LEAGUE RULES. SHOULD A TEAM PLAY A SUSPENDED PLAYER, THE GAME WILL BE FORFEITED AND THE PLAYER WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE LEAGUE WITHOUT REFUND.
SUSPENSION CHART - (NOTE MINIMUM SUSPENSIONS)
Game Ejection Balance of Game Game Misconduct First Period Balance of Game & Reviewed by League Convener Game Misconduct Second or Third Period Minimum 1 Game Suspension Major Penalty (First Offense) Minimum 2 Game Suspension & Reviewed by League Convener Major Penalty (Second Offense) Player is removed from the league without compensation Gross Misconduct Suspended indefinitely upon review by League Convener Match Penalty Suspended indefinitely upon review by League Convener Fighting (First Offense) Minimum 3 Game Suspension & Reviewed by League Convener Fighting Second Offense Player is removed from the league without compensation Note: Reviews may also be carried out by league-appointed representatives.
LEAGUE MANAGER’S RIGHTS
The league conveners have the right to suspend players that are not displaying sportsmanship within the league and its players. The league conveners have the right to remove any player on the ice.
PENALTIES
HIGH-STICKING
A player who makes contact with another player/opponent above the normal height of his/her shoulders with the stick. An accidental high-sticking penalty will result in a minor penalty. An accidental high-stick that results in a player injury will result in a double-minor penalty. A Major Penalty, or Match Penalty, will be assessed at the discretion of the referees. If the high stick infraction is deemed to be non-accidental, it will be considered “Head Contact”.
BODY CONTACT
All participants, attackers and defenders, must actively avoid potential collisions whenever possible, even if this means loss of advantage, puck possession, or scoring chance. Failure to do so will result in a minor penalty and/or a Game Misconduct at the discretion of the Referee. This means that all players must make every effort to avoid collisions with the opposing team, regardless of the situation on the ice or the caliber of player. You must be aware of players around you at all times. You are not allowed to 'play the body' and must at all times try to play the puck. If you see a collision about to occur, you must make every reasonable attempt to avoid it. If a player receives a second body contact penalty in the same game, he will receive a game misconduct. A major penalty can be called if required.
BUTT-ENDING
A Match / Major / or Game Misconduct penalty will be assessed to any player who butt-ends or attempts to butt-end an opponent.
ROUGHING
A major penalty shall be assessed to any player who is involved in any unnecessary rough play. If an injury results from rough play from a player, a suspension will be assessed. Also see “Fighting”, “Retaliation” and “Third Person In”
FIGHTING & INSTIGATING
Any player who removes their gloves for the purpose of fighting will be IMMEDIATELY terminated from the CSHL indefinitely, with NO REFUND. Any player who fights, on or off the ice, will receive an indefinite suspension from the CSHL pending a review by the league conveners (or appointed representatives). Any fighting will not be tolerated. Any players involved will be suspended. The referees will escort the players involved to their own dressing room. Also see “Retaliation” and “Third Person In”
SLASHING
A “slashing” penalty shall be assessed to any player who swings his stick at an opponent (whether out of range or not) without actually striking the player, or who, on the pretext of playing the puck, makes a wild swing at the puck with the object of intimidating his opponent. A double minor penalty or, at the discretion of the referee, a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by “slashing” with his stick.
CROSS-CHECKING
A Minor penalty or Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who cross-checks an opponent. A Match penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately injures an opponent with a cross-check.
SPEARING
A Gross Misconduct shall be assessed to any player who pokes or jabs or attempts to jab an opposing player with the toe or the blade of the stick. A Match penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately spears or attempts to spear an opponent by jabbing him forcefully with the toe or the blade of the stick, or who injures an opponent by any spearing action.
SLEW-FOOTING
A major penalty, or match penalty at the discretion of the referee, shall be assessed to any player who slew-foots an opponent.
CHECKING FROM BEHIND
A Minor penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty, or a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct at the discretion of the referee, based on the degree of violence of the impact; shall be assessed to any player who intentionally pushes, body checks, or hits an opposing player from behind, anywhere on the ice. If a player is injured, a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed. A Match penalty could also be assessed under this rule.
GAME MISCONDUCTS
A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who: 1. Uses obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures to any person. 2. Persists in disputing or shows disrespect for the ruling of any official. 3. Intentionally knocks or shoots the puck out of reach of an official who is retrieving it. 4. Intentionally knocks a stick out of reach of a player who is retrieving it. A player incurring a Game Misconduct penalty shall be ordered to the dressing room for the remainder of the game. If the Game Misconduct takes place in the second or third period, the player shall be assessed an automatic 1 (one) game suspension. The suspension length may be increased at the discretion of the CSHL conveners.
ATTEMPT TO INJURE & ABUSE
(Player, Official, Spectator) A Match penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately attempts to or deliberately abuses or injures an opponent, official, team official or spectator in any manner. Also see “Retaliation”
GAME EJECTIONS
A game ejection will be handed out to any player receiving (3) minor penalties or at the discretion of our referees at any time. A game ejection may also be used as a control or prevention tool at the discretion of the referees. An ejection, by itself, is different from a game / match / gross misconduct and not subject to additional disciplinary action.
GROSS MISCONDUCTS
A gross misconduct penalty shall be assessed where a player conducts themselves in such a manner as to make a travesty of the game. This penalty is assessed to anyone that makes obscene gestures, excessively abuses spectators, or league officials. Any player that enters the referee’s room for any reason will be assessed a Gross Misconduct. A Gross Misconduct will result in expulsion from the CSHL.
UNSPORTING BEHAVIOUR
A Minor penalty and possibly a Game Misconduct penalty or a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct at the discretion of the referee, based on the degree of unwelcome behavior; shall be assessed to any player who intentionally swears excessively, verbally instigates (aka “chirping”) (see: “Fighting and Instigating”), slams their slick against the boards or slams the gate. This applies to all players on the ice or on the bench and to any non-player near or on the bench as well. The CSHL is a competitive league, but we also value respect. There is no tolerance for such behavior.
HEAD CONTACT
A player who makes non-incidental contact with an opponent’s head and/or neck will be issued a match misconduct and receive an immediate indefinite suspension from the CSHL. The incident will receive an automatic review from the CSHL conveners (or assigned representatives). After review, the suspension will be updated to a set length or expulsion from the CSHL.
RETALIATION
A player who commits an offense that is deemed to be in retaliation for a prior event (either during that same game or a game prior) will receive an automatic 3-game suspension with further review by the CSHL Conveners (or appointed representatives). This is regardless to the severity of the initial event. Retaliation only makes things worse and often drags in more players or results in increased disciplinary actions when a simple penalty may have sufficed.
THIRD PERSON IN
The Third Person In (“third man in”) refers to any player who deliberately interacts with an on-going altercation. This interaction can be the act of joining the altercation, trying to separate players, or verbally engaging. Instigating comments (aka. “chirping”) and leaving the player bench also fall under this category. If an altercation does break out, we expect all players back up, and let the referees handle the situation. More often than not, players who think they are helping by separating players are making it harder on the referees to control the situation. The concepts of “sticking up for a teammate” or “protecting the goalie” have no place in the CSHL. Players who violate this rule will receive an automatic 3-game suspension.
