CAL Hockey Handbook

CHURCH ATHLETIC LEAGUE

HOCKEY HANDBOOK

September 2011

Hockey Handbook - Sept 2011 with cover page.pdf

Contents Page

Section I - INTRODUCTION

Section II - ORGANIZATION

Section III - REGISTRATION

Section IV - RULES and PENALTIES

ANNEXES (on Website)

SECTION I - INTRODUCTION

C.A.L. Mission

To promote values consistent with religious principles and good citizenship

C.A.L. Goals

1. To provide recreational athletic programs for all youth.

2. To create an atmosphere of mutual respect, appreciation, fun and understanding among all participants.

3. To encourage the development of good character through the leadership provided by coaches, managers and other volunteers.

4. To ensure that all participants are treated fairly regardless of ability.

The Church Athletic League (C.A.L.) hockey program provides recreational and skill development programs for boys and girls of all creeds regardless of ability.

C.A.L. Hockey is affiliated with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (O.M.H.A.). C.A.L. is a member of Hockey Canada, the governing body for amateur hockey in Canada.

1.1 FAIR PLAY PHILOSOPHY

The C.A.L. has adopted the Hockey Canada FAIR PLAY Philosophy that aims for the development of a true competitive spirit and true sportsmanship. The Fair Play Philosophy emphasizes the following principles:

• Respecting the rules of the game,

• Respecting officials and accepting their decisions,

• Respecting the opponent, and

• Providing all participants with equal opportunities.

1.2 FAIR PLAY CODE

1.2.1 Players: As a player I play hockey because I want to, not just because others or coaches want me to. I will play by the rules of hockey and in the spirit of the game. I will control my temper; fighting and "mouthing off" can spoil the activity for everybody. I will respect my opponents. I will do my best to be a true team player. I will remember that winning is not everything - that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are also important. I will acknowledge all good plays and performances - those of my team and of my opponents. I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.

1.2.2 Coaches: As a coach I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that players have other interests and obligations. I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents. I will ensure that all players get equal instruction, support and playing time. I will not demean my players for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will remember that players play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves. I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the players' ages and abilities. I will remember that participants need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example. I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills. I will work in cooperation with officials for the benefit of the game.

1.2.3 League Organizers: I will do my best to see that all players are given the same chance to participate, regardless of gender, ability, ethnic background or race. I will absolutely discourage any move to turn a sport program into primarily entertainment for the spectators. I will make sure that all equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes' ages and abilities. I will make sure that the ages and maturity level of the participants are considered in program development and scheduling. I will remember that play is done for its own sake and make sure that winning is kept in proper perspective. I will distribute the fair play codes to spectators, coaches, athletes, officials, parents and the media. I will make sure that coaches and officials are capable of promoting fair play as well as the development of good technical skills and I will encourage them to become certified.

1.2.4 Parents: I will not force my child to participate in hockey. I will remember that my child plays hockey for his or her enjoyment, not for mine. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. I will teach my child that doing one's best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game. I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard. I will never demean my child for making a mistake or losing a game. I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good plays and performances by both my child's team and its opponents. I will never question the officials' judgment or honesty in public. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's hockey games. I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to coach hockey for my child.

1.2.5 Spectators: I will remember that participants play hockey for their enjoyment. They are not playing to entertain me. I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that players are not professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards. I will respect the officials' decisions and I will encourage participants to do the same. I will never demean a player for making a mistake during a game. I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort. I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in an appropriate manner to coaches and league officials. I will show respect for my team's opponents, because without them there would be no game. I will not use profane language, nor will I harass players, coaches, officials, or other spectators.

1.3 CODE OF DISCIPLINE

The C.A.L. is bound by the appropriate codes of discipline for the sanctioning bodies, Hockey Canada and O.M.H.A. Each body publishes a code of discipline, which is available from the C.A.L. office. These standards set the minimum discipline action that must be applied by the Discipline Committee. The Discipline Committee may apply additional consequences such as suspensions, community service, etc.

Section II - ORGANIZATION

2. C.A.L. GOVERNANCE

2.1 Hockey Committee

2.1.a The Hockey Committee is responsible for the hockey programs and will be assisted by the Discipline Committee in the application of the rules and regulations.

2.1.b The Hockey Committee consists of the following voting members:

• Vice-President of Hockey (Chair)

• Head Convenor(s): House League

• Head Convenor(s): Skill Development

• Head Convenor(s): Player Development Program

• Series Convenors: IP, Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget and Juvenile

• President of the C.A.L. (ex officio, non-voting)

• Scheduler (ex officio, non-voting)

• Association* Representatives (1 per Association)

* The Associations of the C.A.L. for the 2010-2011 season are Chalmers, Fort Henry, Holy Name, Knights, Our Lady of Lourdes, Queen Street, Salvation Army, St. John's, St. Joseph's, St. Paul's and Storrington. (2011)

2.1.c The Hockey Committee will meet the 1^st Thursday of each month or as necessary.

2.2 Discipline Committee

2.2.a The Discipline Committee (D.C.) is a standing committee of the Hockey Committee. The function of the D.C. will be to rule on, and make interpretations on all matters of discipline, suspensions and protests. The spirit of the D.C. is to act fairly at all times. Cases will be handled individually and decisions shall be rendered based on the merits of the case at hand respecting both the intent of the League and the integrity of the individuals involved.

2.2.b Conflict of Interest: If there is any possibility of a conflict of interest, a committee member must excuse himself/herself from voting on a specific case. If it involves the Chair, another Chair shall be appointed from amongst the remaining committee members. Conflict of interest is defined as involvement of a member of one's family, Association or team or as defined by the committee as a whole. If a debate should arise regarding a member's possible conflict of interest, the issue will be decided by a simple majority vote of the committee.

2.2.c Five members including the Chair will be considered a quorum. The Chair votes only in the event of a tie. The Discipline Committee will consist of the following members:

• Head Convenor(s): House League (1 acting as Chair)

• Vice-President of Hockey

• Head Convenor(s): Skill Development

• Head Convenor(s): Player Development

• Series Convenors

2.2.d The Discipline Committee will meet monthly after Hockey Committee meetings, or as necessary at the discretion of the Head Convenor.

2.3 Player Development Committee

2.3.a The Player Development (PD) Committee will be formed before the beginning of each season to oversee the day-to-day business of the PD Program.

2.3.b The committee will be composed of:

• Convenor of the Player Development Program (Chair)

• PD treasurer/secretary

• Bingo/Fundraising Coordinator

• One (1) representative from each PD team. Normally the team managers are the committee members, except at the first meeting of the season before the teams are selected when the coaches are the committee members.

2.3.c The C.A.L. Board of Directors must ratify the membership of PD Committee.

2.4 Skill Development Committee

2.4.a The Skill Development Committee will be formed before the beginning of each season to oversee the day-to-day business of the Skill Development Program.

2.4.b The committee will be composed of:

• Head Convenor Skill Development (Chair) to be elected at the annual general meeting.

• Program coordinators (1 each), e.g. Pre-season Hockey School, Skating Programs, Special Clinics and Spring Hockey/Spring Shinny.

2.4.c The C.A.L. Board of Directors must ratify the membership of this committee.

2.5 Ad-Hoc Committees

2.5.a From time to time ad-hoc committees will be appointed to make recommendations to Hockey Committee on specific matters.

2.5.b The Rules Committee will be appointed at the August meeting of the Hockey Committee. The mandate of this committee will be to review the Hockey Handbook at the end of each season and to make recommendations for changes to Hockey Committee at its May meeting. Rule changes take effect at the beginning of the subsequent season.

2.5.c The Player Distribution Committee will be appointed at the June meeting of the Hockey Committee. The mandate of this committee will be to assign players to teams based on the guidelines of balance (see Annex D).

3. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 The Vice-President of Hockey is responsible to:

1. Develop hockey programs for the season.

2. Develop and present budgets for the season programs.

3. Book seasonal ice contracts.

4. Sign hockey travel permits.

5. Represent hockey interests at C.A.L. executive meetings.

6. Present hockey report to members at the annual C.A.L. meeting.

7. Chair the Hockey Committee meetings.

8. Direct office manager and scheduler to ensure smooth running of the hockey programs.

9. Receive all requested schedule changes and in consultation with the scheduler, decide on acceptance or rejection of the requests.

3.2 The Head Convenor(s) is responsible to:

1. Attend monthly Hockey Committee meetings.

2. Chair the Discipline Committee.

3. Plan and coordinate the Spring Hockey program.

4. Work with series convenors, coaches, and the Hockey Committee to ensure the smooth running of the hockey program.

5. Communicate with Kingston & District Hockey Referees Association as necessary and appropriate.

3.3 The Skill Development Convenor(s) is responsible to:

1. Attend monthly Hockey Committee meetings.

2. Attend monthly Discipline Committee meetings

3. Chair and manage the Skill Development Program and Committee

4. Develop Skill Development programs for the season.

5. Develop, present budgets and report program information to the VP of Hockey

6. Work with the association reps to ensure skill development is a focus of house league.

3.4 The Player Development Convenor(s) is responsible to:

1. Attend monthly Hockey Committee meetings.

2. Attend Discipline Committee meetings.

3. Chair the PD Committee and assume overall responsibility for the management of the PD Program.

4. Maintain rules and policies for the PD Program according to the O.M.H.A. Manual of Operations.

5. Monitor and approve tournament requests for each team to ensure minimal conflict with house league practices and games.

6. Develop and present an annual budget, and report program information to the VP of Hockey and Hockey Committee.

7. Ensure game sheets from tournaments and out-of-league play are forwarded to the office and highlight any infractions to the Hockey Committee.

8. Working with the VP of Hockey, series convenors, the C.A.L. Scheduler, and association representatives to ensure the smooth running of the hockey program.

9. Work with the C.A.L. Bookkeeper to follow up on delinquent registrations.

10. Be a liaison with parents and coaches.

3.5 The Series Convenor is responsible to:

• Lead the volunteers of the particular series by conducting organizational and team building meetings of series coaches and managers.

1. Note major penalties, misconducts, and any other infractions that result in game misconducts.

2. Initial game sheets and forward to Head Convenor if there are infractions.

3. Issue notice of automatic suspensions for Game Misconducts in accordance with the OHF Suspension List.

4. Be a liaison with parents and coaches.

5. Attend monthly Hockey/Discipline Committee meetings.

6. Participate, as available, in seasonal programs i.e. Pre-season hockey, tournaments.

3.6 The Pre-Season Convenor is responsible to:

• Work with the PD Convenor, the Scheduler and the Hockey Registrar to organize the Pre-Season Hockey School for IP, Novice, Atom and Peewee Plus players.

• Coordinate Pre-Season Hockey School ice times with the Scheduler. In particular, work with the PD Convenor and the Scheduler to schedule both Pre-Season Hockey School and PD on-ice selection sessions to minimize conflicts with coaches.

• Coordinate PD and Knights coaches to lead the Pre-Season Hockey School on-ice sessions.

• Set up pre-season groups based as much as possible on existing player assessments from the previous season. (2011)

3.7 The Scheduler is responsible to:

1. Attend monthly Hockey Committee meetings.

2. Work with VP of Hockey on total seasonal ice holdings.

3. Review and approve all ice acquisitions with the City of Kingston.

4. Attend City of Kingston Ice Partner meetings.

5. Work with outside Associations (e.g. Fort Henry) regarding ice commitments for teams playing within C.A.L. house league.

6. Draft and submit timely schedules to the Office Manager and to the assigner of referees. (The Office Manager will distribute schedules to coaches, book timekeepers and bill the Associations for ice time.)

7. Publish seasonal practice allotments based on ice holdings and schedule requirements.

8. Schedule tournaments and the spring hockey league.

9. Maintain standings and liaise with the Series Convenors with respect to standings and schedules.

10. Work with PD Convenor regarding scheduling of games and practices.

11. Work with Series Convenors to ensure balanced schedule for all teams.

3.8 The Association Representative is responsible to:

1. Represent the Association's interests at monthly Hockey Committee meetings.

2. Communicate C.A.L. issues, policies and procedures to Association team officials and parents.

3. Inform the C.A.L. of Association issues relevant to the C.A.L.

4. Form an Association Executive to assist in the operation of the Association.

5. Assign coaches and team officials to the Association's teams.

6. Ensure that team coaches, trainers and assistant coaches have taken the required coach/trainer clinics and Speak Out and have submitted CPIC's as required.

7. Ensure that teams are balanced if there is more than one team in a series.

8. Receive and control the team grants from the C.A.L. for each team in the Association.

9. Maintain Association equipment (Sweaters, goalie equipment, pucks, water bottles, etc.)

10. Coordinate Association fundraising and financial matters related to the Association.

11. Promote the recommendations of the C.A.L. that:

12. the Association use a bank account with clear and shared responsibility for withdrawals and accountability of deposits;

• each team appoint a team manager who will be responsible for fundraising done by the team and any expenditures of money raised; and

• each team ensure that the Association Representative is kept informed of its business and activities (exhibition games, tournaments, etc.).

3.9 The coaches and managers and trainers/supervisors are responsible to:

1. Deliver an accurate official line-up sheet to the timekeeper before the game, clearly identifying any substitute player from a lower series. Only the names of the players and team officials who are actually present should be listed.

2. Ensure suspended players serve their suspensions. Any player serving a suspension should be listed on the game sheet with the word "suspended" printed next to the player's name, highlighting the suspension. If the suspended player is participating in the PD Program, the coach must also notify the PD Convenor.

3. Ensure first aid or medical attention is provided as required.

4. Ensure appropriate behaviour of their players on and off the ice.

5. Note on the game sheet if, for medical or disciplinary reasons, a player does not receive equal ice time. In addition, the opposing coach must be notified immediately through the referee.

6. Save copies of all game sheets until completion of the season.

7. Ensure they are familiar with the Hockey Canada Official Playing Rules. (Copies are available for purchase through the C.A.L. office manager and are also available on the Hockey Canada website.)

8. Ensure that if they are the home team there is no sweater colour conflict and if so obtain an alternate set of sweaters.

9. Obtain permission to play exhibition and tournament games outside the C.A.L. from the appropriate Series Convenor (including the Player Development Convenor).

10. Obtain travel permits when necessary with 72 hours notice from the C.A.L. office. This requirement is an insurance issue.

11. Attend the first Coaches and Managers meeting, which will be held no later than three weeks before league play begins. Convenors may call additional meetings within their respective divisions as deemed desirable or necessary.

Section III - REGISTRATION

4. PLAYER REGISTRATION

4.1 Returning players are expected to register with the Association for which they played the previous season prior to the 3^rd Friday of August. If more players are registered for a team by the deadline, than there is space the surplus player rules will prevail. New players may register only with the C.A.L. at large. New players may state a preference of Associations but it will only be approved if it contributes to the balance of the series. New players are considered those who have not played in the C.A.L. for the previous season. Players wishing to leave an Association may also state a preference to join a new Association but the move will only be approved if it contributes to the balance of the series. A player who has played the previous season as a pool-assigned player may register with the Association of their choice the following season if there is space and the placement contributes to the balance of the series. The Player Distribution Committee will assign all players to teams based on the rules of team balance (see Annex C)

4.2 The sanctioning body's (Hockey Canada, O.M.H.A.) guidelines will be respected. However, where there appear to be conflicts with existing C.A.L. rules, the Head Convenor will, in conjunction with the Hockey Committee, render a final decision.

4.3 Coaches, managers and trainers must fill out registration forms in order to be placed on team rosters. Each team may have up to five (5) team officials on their roster in the following order: coach, trainer, manager, assistant coach, and assistant coach or assistant trainer. All team officials must fill in a C.A.L. coaching application, provide a current CPIC (police background check), have taken a Speak Out course and in the case of coach, trainer or assistant coach be certified in the appropriate Hockey Canada program. Registered players are placed on appropriate team rosters electronically by the C.A.L. office manager once team placements are determined. No player or team official cards are required. Any player or team official who does not appear on an official team roster by noon on the first Saturday of November will be considered ineligible for play. Use of such a player or team official will result in the game being declared a default. Exceptions to the rule must be cleared with the Head Convenor. Teams accepting new players after this date will be granted a pro-rated time allotment to submit birth certificates. The onus is on the Associations and teams to submit any documentation required in a timely fashion so that the league can complete its part of the registration process.

4.4.a At registration, players new to the C.A.L. and those for whom proof of age is specifically requested by the office, must provide proof of age, e.g. Baptismal or birth certificate or any other legal document. Players who do not submit this documentation to the C.A.L. office by noon on the first Saturday of October will be ineligible for play until their proof of age is received by the C.A.L. office.

4.4.b At registration, new coaches and other adults who are in regular contact with players must submit a CPIC form to the C.A.L. office. Returning team officials must submit new CPIC forms every 3 years and will be notified by the office. Those who do not submit completed CPIC forms when required to the C.A.L. office by noon on the first Saturday of October will be considered ineligible to participate until their CPIC form is in. Participation of an ineligible coach or other team official will result in the game being declared a default. Exceptions to the rule must be cleared with the Head Convenor.

4.5.a Player registration fees are payable to the C.A.L.

4.5.b Players unable to pay the full fee may apply for assistance to the C.A.L. Financial Assistance/Bursary Committee by completing an application from the C.A.L. office.

4.5.c Failure to pay (or make suitable arrangements) may result in suspension from play. Players owing money to the C.A.L. for programs from the previous year must clear this debt before they can register for the new season.

4.6.a Players are expected to play within their own age-appropriate series.

4.6.b Players of lesser ability may play in the next lower series upon written request from the player's parents/guardians to the Head Convenor.

4.6.c A maximum number of one over age player will be permitted per team in each series.

4.6.d Exceptions may be made at the Initiation Program (IP) level in consultation with parents, convenors, and coaching staff. Exceptions may also be made at the Midget level to accommodate Juvenile-aged players. At the Midget series a maximum of three overage players (ages 18 and 19) per team are allowed. The Head Convenor may increase this number at his or her discretion to place and balance additional players throughout the pool. However, if the C.A.L. is operating a juvenile team/series, a maximum of one juvenile player will be permitted to play on each midget team (see section 4.6.c).

4.6.e Players may play in a series one higher than their age group within their Association to a maximum of 4 games prior to the championship final. Substitute players from a lower series must be clearly marked on the game sheet. Failure to mark the substitute players on the game sheet will cause a forfeit of the game for the offending team.

4.7 A player becomes ineligible to play for the following additional reasons:

• Suspension or infractions of the Hockey Rules.

• Registered and/or playing in any other O.M.H.A.-affiliated organization.

• Any conflicts regarding ineligible players will be resolved by the Head Convenor.

4.8 Age groups are as follows:

4.8.a Initiation: Under 9 as of December 31 of the current year.
4.8.b Novice: Under 9 as of December 31 of the current year.
4.8.c Atom: Under 11 as of December 31 of the current year.
4.8.d Peewee: Under 13 as of December 31 of the current year.
4.8.e Bantam: Under 15 as of December 31 of the current year.
4.8.f Midget: Under 18 as of December 31 of the current year.
4.8.g Juvenile Under 20 as of December 31 of the current year.

5. TEAM REGISTRATION

5.1.a Registration shall take place no later than the second Saturday after Labour Day.

5.1.b The team colour must be declared on the registration form. Team colours are used in scheduling to minimize conflict. If a sweater colour conflict occurs, it is the responsibility of the home team to change colours.

5.1.c Associations fielding more than one team in a division must ensure that the teams are equally balanced with respect to ability. If an association has a minimum number of players in one division who have right of return, equal to 70% of that needed to create a maximum roster as specified in 5.2.a, in one division where there could be a nucleus of two teams, that association may apply to the Board of Directors for permission to create two teams. If because of the creation of two teams by one association in a division, another association does not have enough players to fill the team's roster, then the displaced players will be encouraged to return to their original association in subsequent years. (2011)

5.1.d To guarantee that an association has a team in each division above Novice, that association must have a number of returning players equal to at least 70% of the maximum roster of 17 players as specified in 5.2.a. (2011)

5.1.e The CAL Board will have the final say in the decision to create a second team or lose a team in a division. (2011)

5.1.f Outside teams wishing to register in the C.A.L. will be charged a team registration fee, which will be determined by the C.A.L. executive. Outside teams must also make a commitment of consistent ice time for half of their games. Referees and timekeepers are the responsibility of the outside team when they are hosting a game.

5.2.a The maximum number of players permitted on a house league team, Novice through Bantam, is 15 plus 2 goaltenders. A team with less than sixteen players on initial registration may have their registration increased only through placements by the Player Distribution Committee. Exceptions to the number of players per team may be made for the benefit of the league by the Head Convenor. (2011)

5.2.b Practice ice time will be allotted once team registrations are complete and the required ice time for games has been determined.

5.2.c Associations or groups may trade with each other for more suitable practice times with the permission of the Scheduler.

5.2.d Ice time will be obtained for the total season.

5.2.e Cancellations MUST be done through the C.A.L. office. If the ice cannot be rented out, the Association owning the ice will be billed for the time. Additional ice time may become available throughout the season. Please contact the C.A.L. office. Any Association/team wishing additional ice time should contact the C.A.L. office manager.

5.3 Association representatives are free to make their own arrangements for additional practice ice time at their cost, i.e. the ice time cannot be booked under the C.A.L. name nor billed to the C.A.L.

5.4.a Once the schedule for games has been set, rescheduling of games is strongly discouraged. If however a team cannot make a game commitment, the C.A.L. office must be notified at least 3 working days before the scheduled game. The C.A.L. office is responsible for booking referees, timekeepers and billing for ice. The Kingston and District Hockey Referee Association (K.D.H.R.A.) requires 72 hours notice to cancel referees. Once the schedule is set, the Scheduler will work with the C.A.L. office and the VP of Hockey concerning ice changes.

5.4.b If a team does not show up for a game without duly notifying the C.A.L. office their Association will be billed for the full cost of that game.

6. PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

6.1 Eligibility

The goal of the Player Development (PD) Program is to provide additional opportunities for house league players to develop their skating and hockey skills. All players registered in the C.A.L. house league program and resident of the same area used for determining eligibility for "A" category hockey in the Kingston Area Minor Hockey Association (K.A.M.H.A.) are eligible to participate in the PD Program from Novice to Midget, in the division that their birth year permits (normally the same division as their house league registration).

6.2 Teams

In an effort to maximize player participation in the PD Program, PD teams will be formed at each age division, from Novice to Midget, as allowed by the O.M.H.A. and provided there are sufficient players with the commitment and ability appropriate to participate in the PD Program, as evidenced at the on-ice selection sessions. PD players will be organized into teams on the basis of age, maturity, and ability at the discretion of the Player Development Convenor in consultation with the coaching staff. (2011)

6.3 Coach Selection

6.3.a The C.A.L. Board of Directors, in consultation with the Hockey Committee and the PD Committee, will appoint a PD Coach Selection Committee, composed of three (3) members. The Selection Committee will be made up of individuals who have: 1) a good knowledge of the game; 2) an understanding of the philosophy of the C.A.L. organization; and 3) knowledge of the aims and goals of the PD Program. All things being equal, when selecting a coach, preference will be given first to the individual with the higher coaching certification, and second to the individual with the most coaching experience in the PD Program.

6.3.b The PD Coach Selection Committee will recommend annually a list of coaches to the C.A.L. Board of Directors, normally by the end of April. Where there are multiple applications for a division, one coach will be selected and confirmed. (2011)

6.3.c All PD coaches must commit to NCCP Development 1 (preferred) or Hockey Canada Intermediate Level II certification within the current season. Failure to be certified will forfeit eligibility to coach in the PD program in a subsequent season.

6.3.d Coaches are encouraged to provide their players with off-ice skill development.

6.4 Player Selection

6.4.a Player selection will take place once players are registered for house league teams but before team rosters are finalized. There will be a minimum of three (3) open on-ice sessions. Players may register prior to the beginning of the sessions or during the first two (2) sessions. If vacancies on any team exist, registrations received after this deadline must be approved by the PD Convenor. (2011)

6.4.b Players may miss no more than one (1) on-ice session. Players must be on the ice for an evaluation of their ability to take place. In the case of extenuating circumstances, exceptions may be made by the PD Convenor on a case-by-case basis.

6.4.c Coaches in all divisions will follow a common template when evaluating players for selection for a PD team. Coaches will be assisted in the evaluation by at least two (2) non-partisan personnel.

6.4.d Player rosters will be finalized after three (3) games. O.M.H.A. rules prevent roster changes after 10 February. (2011)

6.4.e Teams should be filled to 19 players to provide maximum opportunity for access to the PD program. Players will be rotated through the regularly-scheduled games and tournaments in a way that is fair and equitable to all participants. Coaches, in consultation with the PD Convenor, may make roster changes up to the O.M.H.A. eligibility deadline. If a PD player withdraws from a team, first consideration for substitutions will be given to players who participated in the on-ice selection sessions.

6.4.f Players who are not selected to participate in the PD program will be provided with an opportunity for a post-evaluation interview with one of the division PD coaches.

6.5 Games

6.5.a Each PD team may participate in the maximum number of exhibition games per month permitted by OMHA regulation 4.4.h, including regularly-scheduled games within the C.A.L. house league. For games played within the C.A.L. house league, teams will play in the division appropriate to their level of development, normally one division older. No body-checking will be permitted in these house league games.

6.5.b The C.A.L. house league rules involving equal ice time, goaltender play, penalties and suspensions apply to the PD program.

6.6 Exhibition Games

Each PD team may participate in sanctioned exhibition games against teams outside the C.A.L., subject to the limitations on games in section 6.5.a. Games must be authorized by the PD Convenor. O.M.H.A. travel permits must be obtained for travel outside the O.M.H.A. Body-checking will be permitted for PD teams in the Peewee division and above playing in sanctioned exhibition games.

6.7 Tournaments

Each PD team may participate in the maximum number of sanctioned tournaments permitted by OMHA regulation 4.4.h per season. The PD Committee will provide the C.A.L. Scheduler with a complete tournament list for PD teams no later than 30 November. Delay in providing the Scheduler with this information may result in PD teams not being able to play in some or all of the proposed tournaments. Body-checking will be permitted for PD teams in the Peewee division and above playing in O.M.H.A.-sanctioned tournaments.

6.8 Player Responsibility

6.8.a PD team members' first responsibility is to the regularly-scheduled games, practices and tournaments of their house league teams, except for those PD tournaments designated by the PD program.

6.8.b In situations where there is a conflict between a house league and a PD game, PD team members must attend their house league games.

6.8.c Failure to attend house league games and/or practices due to participation in a PD event, without prior approval from the house league coach in consultation with the PD Convenor, will result in disciplinary action by the Discipline Committee.

6.9 Coaches' Responsibility

6.9.a Every PD coach must keep in mind that the first priority of all PD players is to their house league teams. PD coaches who schedule additional practices and/or exhibition games run the risk of placing their players in conflict. As a result, PD Coaches will not schedule PD practices, exhibition games or other PD events that will conflict with the respective house league schedule. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in disciplinary action by the Discipline Committee.

6.9.b Notwithstanding 6.9.a above, PD players are permitted, as per O.M.H.A. regulation 4.4.h, to participate in out-of-town tournaments and our C.A.L. Roster Select tournament, subject to the limitations on tournaments in section 6.7. Even though the PD coaches are expected to minimize the effects of participating in their allotment of tournaments on the house league, on some occasions conflicts between house league games and PD tournaments may arise. The PD player will not be unreasonably denied the opportunity of attending the PD tournament due to conflicts with the house league.

6.10 Trainers

Certified trainers are mandatory for all PD teams.

7. SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

All Skill Development Programs, including Player Development practices, should be scheduled to alleviate possible conflicts of players with their house league schedules.

Section IV - RULES AND PENALTIES

All Hockey Canada rules apply as a minimum to play in the C.A.L. In addition, O.M.H.A. rules, as appropriate, and specific C.A.L. rules will govern all C.A.L. games.

The Hockey Canada Official Playing Rules provide the following guidelines: "The rules which are contained in this book are the only rules which are to be used in the playing of hockey under the jurisdiction of Hockey Canada... However, during internal branch competition, branches may make variations to the Hockey Canada Official Rules, providing these variations are more restrictive than the rules as written." (p. 5)

8. ORGANIZATIONAL RULES

8.1 Player Affiliation

8.1.a A team may affiliate players from its Association's team in the next lower series, including those players that participate in the PD program. In cases where there is no association team in the series below from which to affiliate players, the Association Representative and applicable Series Convenors will make accommodation for affiliation with players from other Associations. (2011)

8.1.b Each affiliated player may play a maximum of four games in the house league schedule in a higher series from that in which they are rostered (see section 4.6.e). The player's coach and parents must be in agreement. This procedure is not allowed for the championship game except with special permission from the Head Convenor. Players cannot play up in a level more than one above their own-age series. Using a player in violation of this rule will result in the game in question being declared a default in favour of the other team. (2011)

8.1.c Teams will not call up affiliated players if these players will cause the team to exceed the maximum roster as specified in 5.2.a. (2011)

8.1.d In the event that a team is going to be short their goaltender and they do not have a replacement within their own team, a goaltender may be used from another Association in the same series (championship game excluded). In an effort to provide additional game opportunities for all goaltenders, a goaltender who plays for a PD team in the same series should be used as a last resort. The maximum number of games a goaltender can play for other teams within their own series is four and the maximum number of times a team may use another goaltender within the series is four. The Head Convenor must approve any exceptions to this rule. The goaltender's home team must be identified on the game sheet for tracking by the office. Using a goaltender in violation of this rule will result in the game in question being declared a default in favour of the other team.

8.1.e In situations where there is a conflict between the affiliated player's registered team's house league game and the player's affiliated team's house league game, the players must attend their registered team's game. (2011)

8.2 Team Officials

8.2.a At least one coach per team must be appropriately Hockey Canada certified.

8.2.b Every team shall have a Hockey Canada certified trainer at the players' bench. (In rare occasions when one team's trainer is absent, the team may arrange to share the services of the opposing team's trainer.)

8.2.c Each team shall attempt to provide at least two adults but no more than five to be present at the players' bench. One of these adults must be a certified coach. For insurance purposes, a maximum of five people are allowed on the bench, and no children under 16 are permitted in the bench area other than players and officials. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a warning by the referee followed by a bench minor penalty.

8.3 Equal Ice Time

8.3.a All players must receive equal ice time unless a player's ice time is curtailed due to injury or for discipline reasons.

8.3.b Unequal ice time is defined as a spread of more than two shifts between any two players by the end of the game.

8.3.c At the Novice level, equal ice time is ensured by a buzzer system.

8.3.d At the Atom level and above, coaches must ensure equal ice time.

8.3.e At the Peewee level and above, where players have elected to be offensive or defensive players, and a team does not have three full lines, coaches are permitted to rotate unequal numbers of offensive and defensive lines (e.g., with 13 players, 3 forward lines and 2 defensive lines). Coaches are to ensure equal ice time amongst the offensive players and amongst the defensive players.

8.3.f Double shifting is forbidden. Double shifting is defined as two or more consecutive shifts by any one player.

8.3.g In case of an injury, the shift will be credited to the injured player. The substituted player cannot be from the previous shift unless that team has only 10 skaters. In the case of a goaltender, when a goaltender returns to the net, the player who replaces him/her originally must go to the bench. Injured goaltenders may return to the net any time after the next whistle following their injury.

8.3.h A goaltender may be pulled and replaced by a skater for the extra man advantage. Under the buzzer system if this is done prior to the last two-minute shift of the game the player replacing the goaltender must be from the next shift and that shift counts as the player's shift. If done during the last two-minute shift then the player replacing the goaltender may be any player from the bench and that shift or part shift does not count to that player's game total.

8.3.i Infractions of equal ice time rules: On the first complaint or observation of unequal ice time to the Association Representative, the coach will receive a warning from the Head or Division Convenor and can expect that further games will be spot-checked for respect of equal ice time regulations. If the spot-check confirms the allegation of unequal ice time, the coach will be suspended for a minimum of two (2) games and the team will forfeit that game. The coach will be notified that he must also appear before the Discipline Committee before resuming coaching duties. Additional offences will result in further coach suspensions.

8.3.j Teams with two (2) goaltenders shall ensure that each goaltender receives equal ice time at games when both goaltenders are present. Goaltenders will split ice time during each game; the change in goaltender shall take place as close as possible to the mid-point of the second period.

8.3.k Monitoring of games for unequal ice time infractions shall be done by a minimum of two (2) members of Hockey Committee.

8.4 Game Ice Time

8.4.a Ice time is limited to 50 minutes per game including warm ups. Games will be curfewed in all series as follows:

i. No buzzer system: If there are more than two minutes to play on the clock at five minutes before the ice time is scheduled to end, the timekeeper will buzzer the referee at the first stoppage in play. The timekeeper will set the clock to two minutes, the referee will notify the coaches, play will resume, and the game will finish with the buzzer.

ii. Buzzer system: If there are more than two minutes to play on the clock at five minutes before the ice time is scheduled to end, the timekeeper will call over the referee at the next buzzer. The timekeeper will set the clock to two minutes, the referee will notify the coaches, play will resume, and the game will finish with the buzzer.

8.4.b All handshakes are to be done after the end of the game, and coaches are to remain on their benches. The teams are to return to their respective benches after the handshake and the referee will instruct the teams to leave the ice in an orderly and controlled manner. Players and coaches are reminded that the referees' authority is in effect until players have left the arena property.

8.5 Body-Checking

No body-checking will be permitted in any series in the C.A.L. house league. C.A.L. house league teams will not be given permission to participate in tournaments and/or exhibition games involving body-checking.

8.6 Exhibition Games and Tournaments

8.6.a All Hockey Canada, O.M.H.A. and C.A.L. rules will apply to exhibition and tournament games. The C.A.L. office must be informed of all exhibition and tournament games before they are played. Game sheets must be turned in at the office within two days after the game.

8.6.b Accredited referees must be used for any exhibition games.

8.6.c Tournament entries for house league teams will be limited to one (1) tournament or out-of-town event before Christmas, with the deadline to notify the C.A.L. office by Monday before the first weekend of the regular season (practice week), and one (1) tournament or out-of-town event between 1 January and C.A.L. Days of Champions, with the deadline to notify the C.A.L. office by 1 December. This excludes the Kingston Causeway Classic, March Break tournaments and Kids for Kids.

8.6.d The C.A.L. office must be given reasonable notice of activities outside the house league (tournaments, exhibition games, etc.). A C.A.L. form outlining details of the activity must be submitted.

8.7 Game Protests

In exceptional cases, the outcome of a game or the circumstances surrounding a game may be called into question. In these cases, a protest may be filed. A protest detailing the situation must be addressed in writing to the Discipline Committee and must be signed by and forwarded through the head or representative of the Association involved. A fee of $25.00 must accompany the protest. Protests must be submitted no later than five days after the day of the game to the C.A.L. office. The fee will be returned if the protest is successful; the fee will be forfeited if the protest is unsuccessful. The Discipline Committee will only entertain protests or complaints forwarded through the Association's representative or head.

9. PLAY-OFFS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS

9.1 Play-Off Round

9.1.a Every attempt will be made to develop at least a one single round-robin series involving all teams in each series. The teams of a series may be sub-divided into play-off divisions (A,B,C...) based on their preliminary round performance. The teams will be assigned to division by the Series Convenor with the support of the other convenors.

9.1.b In the case of teams tied in points at the end of the play-off round, the following sequence will be used to break the tie:

1. Points in play-off games between or among the tied teams.

2. Wins in play-off game(s) between the tied teams.

3. Total wins in the play-off round.

4. Least losses in the play-off round.

5. Least penalty minutes in play-off games between the tied teams.

6. Least penalty minutes in play-off games with all teams.

7. Coin toss by Series Convenor.

9.1.c In the case of ties in play-off ELIMINATION games, the game will be decided by a sudden death shoot-out. Prior to the game three (3) shoot-out players for each team will be identified on the game sheet by numbers 1 through 3. If one of these players is in the penalty box at the end of the game, he may not participate in the shoot-out and another player will be selected. If the team has two goaltenders, the goaltender in the net at the end of the game will remain in the net for the shoot-out. If the game is still tied after the 3 designated shooters, additional shooters will be selected from the remaining players. All players must be used in the shoot-out before a player may take a second shot. The shooters from the two teams will shoot simultaneously. The first team to score when the other team fails to score wins the game. (2011)

9.1.d If a play-off elimination game is being monitored for equal ice time, the steps in sections 9.2.c and 9.2.d below will apply.

9.2 Championship Games

9.2.a Coaches must ensure that players receive equal ice time.

9.2.b Two or more impartial persons shall be appointed for the championship games to monitor the shifting of players during the games. Teams should be tracking their own shifts. The records monitor will be used in the case of a protest.

9.2.c In case of a double or unequal shift in the championship game, the Game Convenor or delegate will issue a verbal warning to the coach of the offending team.

9.2.d In case of a subsequent double or unequal shift during the same game, the Game

Convenor or delegate will:

• Stop the game;

• Verify the double or unequal shift;

• Disallow all goals scored by the offending team on that shift;

• The double-shifted player will serve a bench minor penalty; and

• The coach of the offending team will be suspended for the remainder of the game.

9.2.e If, at the end of regulation play, a championship game is tied, sudden victory overtime will be played until a champion is declared.

1. All overtime periods will be of 5 minutes duration, except for Novice in which case the overtime periods will be of 6 minutes duration.

ii. The first overtime period will be played with six players per side.

iii. After the first overtime period, additional overtime periods will be played with 5 players per side until one team scores.

iv. Teams will not change ends.

v. Equal ice time rules will apply during all overtime periods.

vi. In the case of teams with two goaltenders, the goaltenders must play alternating overtime periods.

9.2.f Each team shall be permitted to take one time out of 30 seconds duration during the course of regular playing time or overtime.

10. SERIES RULES

10.1 Initiation Program (IP)

10.1.a The Hockey Canada Initiation Program will be followed.

10.1.b On the Saturday of "Days of Champions" weekend an IP Fun Day will be held.

10.2 Novice Series

10.2.a From the beginning of the season to the end of December, each shift will be two minutes stop-time. The clock will be stopped until the puck is dropped. From 1 January to the end of the season, the buzzer will not be used. (2011)

10.2.b The length of the periods will be 3 x 10 minutes stop time with a two (2) minute warm-up. (2011)

10.2.c Any player has the right to play any position, including goaltender.

10.2.d Players receiving a minor penalty will serve the full penalty time of two minutes. At the beginning of a new shift by the buzzer, the team will not play short-handed but the penalized player cannot return to the bench until the penalty has expired and a whistle is blown.

10.2.e Coaches will maintain a checklist of the number of shifts played by each player in each game. Each game's checklist must be submitted with the official score sheets of that game.

10.2.f For the first five (5) games of the season, each Novice team is allowed to have one coach on the ice during a game, for instructional purposes.

10.3 Atom/Peewee/Bantam/Midget Series

10.3.a Atom and Peewee players will normally change on the fly. The C.A.L. reserves the right to implement two-minute timed shifts if it becomes apparent that players are not receiving equal ice time.

10.3.b If two-minute timed shifts are imposed, players receiving a minor penalty that overlaps a shift will remain in the penalty box until their penalty time expires. When the penalty time expires, the penalized player must go directly to the players' bench and be replaced by the player designated to that shift.

10.3.c The length of the periods will be 10-10-12 minutes stop time in Atom, Peewee, Bantam and Midget games, with a two (2) minute warm-up. (2011)

11. PENALTIES

11.1 The length of a minor penalty is in accordance with the appropriate series as indicated in the division rules, Hockey Canada Official Playing Rules and O.M.H.A. rules of play.

11.2 Refer to the appropriate Hockey Canada rules for the following penalties: Major, Misconduct, Game Misconduct, Gross Misconduct, Match, or Assault of Officials. In addition, the following C.A.L. rules apply:

11.2.a Any player receiving three (3) minor penalties in one game will be suspended for the balance of that game. Upon receiving the third penalty, the player must leave the ice and another player on the ice will serve the penalty.

11.2.b Major Penalty: In the spirit of equal ice time, the player in the penalty box serving the major penalty of a player removed from the game can be substituted for once during the five minutes, at a stoppage in play.

11.2.c Misconducts, Game Misconducts and Gross Misconducts: Coaches are to ensure that any player who receives a game or gross misconduct begins immediately serving the appropriate suspension. Coaches are to keep track of misconducts received by players so that players who receive second and subsequent misconducts sit out all games until the Discipline Committee deals with the situation. The C.A.L. will follow the current O.M.H.A. Manual of Operations Suspension List - Minor Hockey for all misconducts and game misconducts awarded during C.A.L. house league and PD games.

11.2.d Where a player incurs two or more major penalties, misconducts, game or gross misconducts, the Series Convenor may suspend the player pending an appearance before the Discipline Committee. Suspension for the remainder of the season may result.

11.2.e Match Penalty: Players will be suspended immediately for the offence, and will be referred to the O.M.H.A. for the appropriate sanction.

11.2.f If, after notification, a suspended player or official refuses to appear before the Discipline Committee, that individual will remain under suspension until he/she arranges for a meeting with the Discipline Committee at a mutually convenient time.

11.2.g Any team official who removes a team from the playing surface and refuses to return to the ice to continue the game, following a warning by the referee and a subsequent time period of two minutes, will be suspended indefinitely and must appear before the Discipline Committee.

11.2.h As per O.M.H.A. Regulation 8.1 f), the coach of any team whose team accumulates more than the allowable minutes in penalties in any game shall be automatically suspended from the next game, but shall be allowed to take part in exhibition games played by his/her team. The allowable amount for Peewee and below is 26 minutes and for Bantam and above is 36 minutes (including penalty minutes assessed in any or all overtime periods). Note that the time of misconducts, game misconducts and gross misconducts assessed to players shall not be counted for the purposes of this rule, but any such penalties assessed to team officials and the 5 minutes charged to a player for a match penalty shall be counted.

11.2.i Players assessed misconducts, game misconducts and gross misconducts are subject to appearance before the Discipline Committee at the discretion of the Head Convenor.

11.3 Serving Suspensions

Players or team officials who are suspended will serve their suspensions in accordance with the O.M.H.A. Manual of Operations, Rules 8.1 d) and 8.1 e).

11.3.a Suspended players or team officials will not be allowed to sit on or near the players' bench until the term of their suspension has been completed.

11.3.b Suspensions will be carried over into the next season. All Hockey Canada branches will respect suspensions given by the C.A.L.

11.3.c When playing outside of our centre, teams abide by the host association's rules and their governing body. When the team comes home, any consequences of the team's actions come home also as per O.M.H.A. rules. The results of any disciplinary action must be fulfilled in accordance with C.A.L. and O.M.H.A. rules.

11.3.d The "next meaningful game" is defined as the next scheduled league game or playoff game or tournament game scheduled before the time of the offence. Exhibition games do not count as meaningful games but players, coaches, etc. shall not participate in exhibition games while they are under suspension awaiting meaningful games.

11.3.e As per O.M.H.A. Regulation 8.2 e), a player on a rostered select team (i.e. PD team) receiving any suspension, as a result of penalties incurred with either his registered (house league) team or his rostered select (PD) team will serve the suspension with the team to which he is registered and will not be allowed to play for any team until the suspension has been served. However, a rostered select player suspended in a tournament game shall commence serving the suspension in the next following tournament game. If the suspension is fully served before the tournament is over, the rostered select player may participate in any remain-ing tournament games and there will be no carryover of the suspension. Any remaining un-served suspensions shall be carried over from the tournament and served with the team to which the player is registered. The suspended rostered select player will not be allowed to play for any team until the suspension has been served.