MAHL/MAWHL RULEBOOK. For use in both the Minto Adult Hockey League and the Minto Adult Women s Hockey League

Transcription

1 MAHL/MAWHL RULEBOOK For use in both the Minto Adult Hockey League and the Minto Adult Women s Hockey League

2 PART I RULES & REGULATIONS 1. RULES OVERVIEW 2. MAHL LEAGUE OFFICIALS 3. TEAM REPRESENTATIVES 4. WAIVER FORMS 5. INSURANCE 6. LEAGUE PAYMENT POLICY 7. FACILITY & DRESSING ROOMS 8. ALCOHOL & SMOKING POLICY 9. FIRST AID SUPPLIES 10. GAME CANCELLATIONS OR DELAYS 11. LINEUPS & STATISTIC CORRECTIONS 12. EQUIPMENT 13. TEAM JERSEYS 14. MINIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS 15. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY & ROSTER LIMITATIONS 16. FANS AND COACHES 17. ON-ICE GAME OFFICIALS 18. GAME TIMING 19. BODY CHECKING & SLAPSHOTS 20. ICING THE PUCK & TWO LINE PASSES 21. TIME-OUTS 22. LINE CHANGES PART II PENALTIES, SUSPENSIONS & BONDS 23. PENALTY RECORDING PROCEDURE 24. GAME EJECTIONS 25. PENALTIES 26. PENALTY & PERFORMANCE BONDS 27. SUSPENSIONS 28. FIGHTING PART III - LEAGUE OPERATING PRACTICES 29. SEASON STRUCTURE 30. DIVISIONAL ALIGNMENT & REALIGNMENT 31. ADJUSTEMENT OF TEAM POINTS, INDIVIDUAL POINTS AND GOALIE AVERAGES 32. TIE-BREAKERS 33. PLAYOFF FORMATS 34. QUARTER-FINALS, SEMI-FINALS AND FINALS 35. EMERGENCY RULE CHANGES

3 PART I RULES & REGULATIONS 1. RULES OVERVIEW Hockey Canada rules will apply unless otherwise stipulated in this MAHL/MAWHL Rule Package. The following MAHL/MAWHL rules either supplement or negate the rules in the Hockey Canada rule book. 2. MAHL/MAWHL LEAGUE OFFICIALS MAHL/MAWHL officials include both on-ice officials, off-ice officials and staff. Off-ice officials and staff includes scorekeepers, conveners, Minto Skating Centre staff and other persons that do not hold these titles, but are deemed by the League to be suitable to submit evidence regarding league matters if required. 3. TEAM REPRESENTATIVES All teams must designate a team representative and an alternate representative. The team representative must agree and complete all League documentation to allow entry into the League. Team representatives will provide all pertinent registration paperwork, including the completed registration form, team roster, questionnaire form and ensure players are completing the online waiver form. The League will communicate all league and team related matters through the team representative or the alternate representative. It is the team representative s responsibility to forward all communications to their teammates. 4. WAIVER FORMS In order to participate in the MAHL/MAWHL all participating players and team officials must register and submit the online player registration/waiver form prior to the player s first game. Those playing on multiple teams must submit a waiver for each team. It is the responsibility of the team rep to ensure that all of his/her players submit the online player waiver. Players that do not complete the form will not be allowed on the ice. Players are to enter any information they find relevant. 5. INSURANCE 5.1 The MAHL/MAWHL does not provide insurance coverage for players. Registered teams may purchase their insurance through CARHA Hockey (carhahockey.ca). Please contact this provider for more information. 5.2 Player insurance is not mandatory in order to participate in MAHL/MAWHL league games. Players are agreeing to play at their own risk by participating in a game without insurance.

4 6. LEAGUE PAYMENT POLICY 6.1 The MAHL/MAWHL requires its teams to provide post-dated cheques or to pre-authorize credit card transactions for the three payment dates. 6.2 Teams must make payments on or before the payment dates outlined in the payment schedule. Failure to do so will result in a team losing its spot in the MAHL/MAWHL, or be subjected to a fine for late payments. 6.3 Teams will pay (in addition to any bank charge payable) an administration fee of $75.00 for any cheque that does not, for whatever reason, clear the bank. 6.4 New teams must pay a $150 team bond that covers a penalty fee for defaulted games. Existing teams must top up their team bond payment to $150 if required. Team bonds are fully refundable at the end of the season provided teams do not default games or bounce cheques. 6.5 Teams that don t pay their league fees by the indicated due date, will be subjected to possible fines or forfeits including all punishments related to a forfeit. 6.6 Any teams that do not pay in full for whatever reason are subject to roster s being sent to other Leagues in the Ottawa area. 7. FACILITY & DRESSING ROOMS 7.1 The Minto Skating Centre has replaced all standard locks on dressing room doors with a padlock mechanism. Teams are responsible for providing their own locks and for following the room schedule as laid out on the room assignment board. Please note: The lock mechanism on the inside of the door has a manual override in the event that a player is accidentally locked in the room. That player will be able to exit the room even if the padlock is in place. 7.2 Dressing room assignments are located on the chalk board at the bottom of the main stairwell. Teams that do not comply with the room assignment guidelines and timelines will have their locks cut and removed at their expense. 7.3 Assigned dressing rooms may be entered no more than 30 minutes before ice time and must be vacated within 30 minutes after leaving the ice. 8. ALCOHOL & SMOKING POLICY The consumption of alcohol in the dressing rooms, bleachers, parking lot, or other unlicensed areas is strictly prohibited. A violation of this policy will result in the removal of the team for which an offending player is registered. Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere inside the Minto Skating Centre. 9. FIRST AID SUPPLIES The Minto Skating Centre provides a first aid room, but teams must supply their own first aid supplies as a primary resource in the event of injury. Not all staff are trained with CPR/First Aid, however each team roster will indicate if anyone does have this training.

5 10. GAME CANCELLATIONS OR DELAYS 10.1 League officials may stop, cancel, or delay a game in the event of poor ice conditions or other concerns related to the safety of players. Should both team representatives agree that the safety of their players is compromised, they too have the right to stop or cancel a game. Rescheduling games will be at the option of the MAHL/MAWHL In the event that facilities become unavailable, or that start times may be delayed due to circumstances beyond the League s control, or inadvertent double-booking; the MAHL/MAWHL may, at its discretion, delay a game by up to one hour In the event of cancellations due to poor weather conditions, rescheduling games will be at the discretion of the MAHL/MAWHL. 11. LINEUPS & STATISTIC CORRECTIONS 11.1 It is the responsibility of the team representative, or an appointed substitute, to ensure that player numbers are entered correctly on the game sheet, and that only players who are present are accounted for. If a player arrives after the start of the game it is the team s responsibility to identify the player to the timekeeper so that they are registered for that game Requests to correct statistical data on the game sheet must be submitted by the team representative, or an appointed substitute, during the game, or following the conclusion of the game. Correcting the referee immediately after a goal usually assures the proper allocation of statistics. These changes can be requested by , or in person with the convener on site that evening. 12. EQUIPMENT 12.1 Players must wear CSA approved hockey helmets and helmet hardware. Players without proper helmets, chinstraps, and helmet clips will not be permitted on the ice during a game. Absolutely no substitutions will be permitted MAHL players must wear a minimum of a half-shield visor (league approved), and it must be securely fastened to the helmet and worn in such a way as to not cause injury to the wearer or opposing players. MAWHL players must wear a full-shield face mask and it must be securely fastened to the helmet and worn in such a way as to not cause injury to the wearer or opposing players. MAHL note: To protect against possible serious facial injury the MAHL highly recommends the use of full face shields; and when in use they must be CSA approved. The use of full face shields is not mandatory; however players that choose to play without facial protection do so at their own risk Goaltenders are only permitted to wear CSA approved goalie helmets. The cage can be whatever metal framed cage they feel fit, however the helmet portion must be CSA approved (cat-eyes are legal).

6 12.4 Failure to correct a piece of equipment immediately following a warning will automatically result in a minor penalty. The offending player may not return to play in that game, or any subsequent games, until the problem has been rectified and approved by a league official. 13. TEAM JERSEYS 13.1 Teams must have at least one full set of matching jerseys with different numbers for all players participating in the game. We highly recommend that each team purchase two sets of jerseys, one light set and one dark set. The League can grant exceptions to this rule in particular cases Each team must specify a primary and secondary set (if applicable) and are expected to use the primary set for all games, except when they are the visiting team and are required to switch because of a colour conflict with the home team If there is a color conflict the home team must immediately notify the league supervisor, and the visiting team will be required to change jerseys All players must have a number on their jersey. Blank jerseys will only be acceptable for 1 player and the goalie unless a clear identifier can be seen If a jersey or a piece of equipment has been deemed illegal by a referee or league official it must be replaced. A taped number is not acceptable. Failure to do so will result in a penalty Teams consistently using MAHL/MAWHL jerseys will be assessed a fee of $20 per usage. The fee will be withdrawn from the team bond Goalies cannot wear the same color jersey as the opposition. Should a goaltender wear the same color jersey as the opposing team, he/she will be issued a minor penalty. The goalie can play the remainder of the game with the same jersey once the penalty has been issued. Should the goalie have time to change jersey before the opening face-off without delaying the game, no penalty shall be issued. Should the goaltender delay the game to change jerseys, only a delay of game shall be issued and not one for having the same color jersey originally. 14. MINIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS 14.1 At the 23:00 minute mark a team must have at least five skaters (belonging to their team) and a goalie. If the players or goalie are not ready at that time the game will be delayed until they are on the ice, and a minor penalty for delay of game will be assessed to the team. If they are not ready and on the ice by the 16:00 minute mark, the game will be forfeited with a score of 3-0 for the opposing team. NOTE: If both teams elect to play a friendly game after the default has been assigned the referees must remain to officiate the game. League discipline will apply to the friendly game A $75 fine will be assessed to any team that defaults a game as a result of rule If requested, this fine will be awarded at the end of the season to the team that made the effort to show up and play.

7 14.3 In the event of a goaltender injury/departure a team may either substitute one of their dressed players immediately, or may play with 6 skaters (none of whom will have goaltender privileges) For Major penalties, Gross Misconducts, Game Misconducts, Misconducts, and Match penalties to a goalie, the goalie may be allowed to continue playing. All discipline will be assessed after the conclusion of the game. If the referees deem it inappropriate to allow the goalie to continue playing then the goalie will be ejected and a sixth player will be allowed to fill in for the goalie (see rule 14.3.) Goalies receiving three minor penalties in a game will not receive a game ejection. However, an automatic one game suspension will be assessed for that team s next game Any team who is unable to ice a minimum of three skaters and a goalie for any face-off other than the opening face-off (see rule 14.1.) will forfeit the game. 15. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY & ROSTER LIMITATIONS 15.1 Players must be at least 19 years of age in order to participate in the MAHL/MAWHL MAHL: Players and goalies may play for more than one team. However, no player may be registered on more than one team in the same division. MAWHL: No player may spare in a lower division than the division in which they are a full-time players. Should a team s talent pool change in the season to make them much stronger than during the alignment games, another re-alignment will occur MAHL: Players cannot spare in the same division in which they are registered unless they are approved by their opponent and league officials. Regardless of approval, a game day roster may not be topped up to more than eight players with the use of same division spares. During the playoffs no player may spare in the same division in which they are registered. MAWHL: Under the following circumstances, except for the top two point scorers on any team (points/game will be applied to this rule), players may spare in the same division in which they are registered: 1) no team may borrow more than two registered MAWHL players (of the same division) to spare in any game, and/or 2) no team may top-up their game roster number to more than 10 players with the use of spare players that are registered in the MAWHL. iii) Players may spare in a higher division in which they are registered. iv) Players may only spare on a maximum of two teams. v) Some exceptions to the spare rule may be made, so teams that are struggling with numbers may make arrangements with the league executive prior to the day of the game. vi) Failure to comply with the above rules may result in a default To be eligible to participate during the playoffs players must have played a minimum of seven regular season games (winter) and five regular season games (summer) with the team they wish to play for in the playoffs. The only exception to this rule is if a player was injured early in the season, and the team notified the League of this. The player must be a full time/full paying

8 player, and must not drastically change the skill of the team to be allowed to play in the playoffs without the required number of games. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE. It is up to the team rep to ensure enough spares qualify for the playoffs should a team be short To be eligible to participate during the playoffs goalies must play a minimum of four regular season games (winter) and three regular season games (summer). If a team s full-time goalie has a legitimate reason for not being available to play a playoff game the team may use a spare goalie. However, the spare goalie must be approved by the MAHL/MAWHL Convener a minimum of 48 hours prior to the game. Failure to have a goalie approved may result in a default The MAHL/MAWHL reserves the right to refuse any player entrance into the league The MAHL/MAWHL reserves the right to move any team with dominant players to a different division, or require that dominant players be replaced The MAHL/MAWHL reserves the right to default a game if a team brings out a spare that is of an unreasonably and noticeably higher skill level than the division standard MAHL: Current Pro Players (NHL and AHL players, etc ) are not permitted to play should their season still be on. Should any team play with one of these players, they are required to be in the top division. MAWHL: At this time, open division rosters may not include any current AAA or University players on their roster. Players of elite skill in the open division will not be allowed to play until the League grows enough to allow their skill. If a group of players or individuals are of a caliber that is higher than what is expected in the open division, they will be asked to be replaced If a League official requests proper identification, the player must produce a piece of photo identification. If the player does not have ID on them, they can return as soon as possible to the rink to prove their identity. A picture may be asked to compare should different staff be present. Failure to do so will result in forfeit and possible suspension to the team rep. In playoffs, an opposing team can request an ID check of certain players following the game, but no more than FANS AND COACHES The team representative, or a substitute in the representative s absence, is responsible for the conduct of the team s fans and coaches. Should the conduct of the fans or the coaches be deemed inappropriate, the on or off-ice officials may tell the team representative to ask them to cease their inappropriate conduct, and/or ask them to leave the arena. Unsportsmanlike penalties and suspensions will be assessed in the event that the inappropriate conduct should continue. 17. ON-ICE GAME OFFICIALS

9 Game officials shall be on the ice as soon as the zamboni is off and shall remain on the ice until both teams have left the ice surface. 18. GAME TIMING 18.1 The game clock will start at the 26:00 minute mark when the zamboni is off the ice and the rink doors are closed. WARM-UP: 3 minutes - whistle is blown at 23:30 minute mark 1st PERIOD: 23 minutes 2nd PERIOD: 23 minutes - will start as soon as 1st period ends The referee has the discretion to stop the clock due to injury, ice problems, rule explanations, etc Game time will stop during a penalty shot and will resume after the shot has been taken Stop time will take effect during the last two minutes of the last period when the score differential is one goal or less Refer to rule 22 regarding changing players during the last 2 minutes of the game Teams will not switch ends between periods. A team will defend the end that is closest to their team bench for the entire game. The only exception to this rule is should there be an issue with one end of the rink, for fairness each team will play one period in that end. 19. BODY CHECKING & SLAPSHOTS 19.1 Body checking is not allowed in any division MAHL: Slapshots are permitted in all divisions. MAWHL: Slapshots are allowed in all divisions except for the recreational division. Slapshots are not allowed during crossover games involving the recreational division. A slapshot is defined as a shot in which the back swing raises higher than the knee height. There will be no penalty on the play, but the whistle is to be blown immediately and treated as a high stick (faceoff in defending zone). 20. ICING THE PUCK & TWO LINE PASSES 20.1 The icing marker will be the defensive blue line, not the red line Icing will be called even if the puck travels through the goal crease Two-line passes are legal; the red line will NOT be in play. 21. TIME-OUTS There are no time-outs allotted in any games. 22. LINE CHANGES

10 MAHL: Players will only be allowed to change on the fly except during the following: an icing call, a goal, a penalty, an injury, or the end of a period. A change will also be allowed anytime during the last two minutes of the last period, including stoppage of play, when the score differential is one goal or less. MAWHL: Players will be allowed to change at any time during the game, including stoppages of play. If the changes take too long a delay of game penalty may result, or the league may revert back to changing only on the fly, after a goal, a penalty, an injury, or at the end of a period. PART II PENALTIES, SUSPENSIONS & BONDS 23. PENALTY RECORDING PROCEDURE MINOR - 3 MINUTES MAJOR - 7 MINUTES (STATISTICALLY = 2 PENALTIES) MISCONDUCT - 12 MINUTES (STATISTICALLY = 3 PENALTIES) GAME MISCONDUCT - IMMEDIATE EJECTION (STATISTICALLY = 3 PENALTIES) GAME EJECTION - IMMEDIATE EJECTION (STATISTICALLY = 1 PENALTY) GROSS MISCONDUCT - IMMEDIATE EJECTION (STATISTICALLY = 5 PENALTIES) MATCH - 7 MINUTES + IMMEDIATE EJECTION (STATISTICALLY = 5 PENALTIES) 24. GAME EJECTIONS Rather than penalize the team, referees may issue game ejections for players. Normally, this type of penalty will not result in an additional suspension. However, it will be recorded, and should it become a common occurrence, a suspension may result. Referees are encouraged to use this tool to help with any situations that are starting to lose control. 25. PENALTIES 25.1 The first face-off of a power play will be placed in the defending zone of the team that committed the penalty, unless during the period of the delayed penalty call the team not being penalized contacts the puck with a high stick, ices the puck, or when the attacking teams defense enter the outer edge of the end face-off circle during an altercation, gathering or scrum, then the face-off will be placed in the neutral zone nearest the defending blue line of the team causing the stoppage A minor penalty will be assessed to a player who fails to close the penalty box door after serving a penalty after the 1 st team warning If a player enters the crease area before the puck and a goal is scored the goal will be disallowed and a face-off will take place in the neutral zone. Play is not to be stopped if a player is standing in the crease unless a goalie interference penalty is being called or a disallowed goal Players must remain off the ice surface until the zamboni has left and the doors are closed. Failure to do so may result in a minor penalty.

11 25.5 Contacting the puck with the stick above shoulder height is prohibited. When it occurs, play shall be stopped immediately, and a face-off will take place in the offending team s defensive zone. NOTE: The crossbar is not an applicable point of reference for high sticking. That is an NHL rule Verbal abuse of on-ice officials, off-ice league officials, and opponents will not be tolerated. Suspensions may be levied in cases where abusive, offensive, derogatory language, racial slurs, and/or obscene gestures are directed toward officials and opponents Physical abuse of on-ice or off-ice officials may result in a permanent MAHL/MAWHL ban Any contact to an opponent s head/neck area resulting in a penalty will result in an additional minor penalty (contact to the head). This can be made by any means (high stick, elbow, punch, etc ) All actions, penalized or otherwise, both on and off the ice are subject to league discipline Disciplinary Committee: Any players receiving Majors, Misconducts, Game & Gross Misconducts, Game Ejections and Match penalties will have their actions reviewed by the disciplinary committee. The committee may assess additional suspensions, or request bonds depending upon the penalty and the players history. Referee write-ups are mandatory for these penalties Major Penalties will all be accompanied by a Game Misconduct Double Minor Penalties count as two penalties under the game ejection rule for three penalties in one game (see rule ) Misconducts during the Last 10 minutes of a Game may result in a minimum one game suspension. The same applies for misconducts immediately following a game Players ejected from a game for any reason whatsoever must immediately proceed to their respective dressing rooms. After changing into street clothes the player may then return to watch the game from the stands only. If the individual fails to follow this rule or causes any disturbance whatsoever, especially on preventing the game from continuing its regular flow, the player may be subject to an additional suspension Any player receiving three minor penalties during the same game will be ejected. Goalies may be allowed to continue playing (see rule 14.4). Any player being ejected for three minors for the third time may be subject to disciplinary action by the league committee All delayed penalties will be recorded on the official MAHL game sheet. If an opposing team scores on the delayed call, the individual(s) who was to be assessed the delayed penalty will not serve the penalty (MINORS ONLY), but will have the penalty(s) recorded and counted towards the individual s maximum allowable number of minor penalties in one game No player may serve another team member s penalty except in the following situations: i) A penalty assessed to the goalie (player must be on the ice at the time of the infraction). ii) A penalty assessed to a player having been ejected from the game. iii) Any minor penalty assessed to a player having to leave the game because of an injury.

12 iv) For any Misconduct penalty resulting in an ejection or injury to that player, no other player is required to serve this penalty. NOTE: Players may rotate from the bench to the penalty box when serving an ejected player s penalty, but there has to be one player in the penalty box when the penalty expires, otherwise the team will continue to play short-handed until the next whistle. 26. PENALTY & PERFORMANCE BONDS 26.1 Any player amassing the following penalty totals will be subject to the following fines and suspensions: Winter Season (Including playoffs) 16 penalties - 1 game suspension & $100 cash bond 20 penalties - additional 1 game suspension 25 penalties - season ending suspension Summer Season (Including playoffs) 13 penalties - 1 game suspension & $100 cash bond 18 penalties - additional 1 game suspension 21 penalties - season ending suspension 26.2 When a player reaches the penalty bond limit, a $100 cash bond must be paid in full before playing again in the MAHL/MAWHL (for any team). $10 will be deducted and taken by the league for every penalty thereafter. Remaining money will be refunded at the end of the season Individual players may have to post personal performance bonds to continue to play in the MAHL. Performance bonds are a minimum $200 in cash, which the player in question must pay prior to resuming league play. The performance bond is the final warning for a player. If a player is suspended while on a performance bond they will lose the bond and their playing privileges in the MAHL for at least the remainder of the season. Reasons for performance bonds include: i) Severe infraction of the rules (not serious enough to warrant a complete season suspension). ii) Repeated disregard for the rules and safety of players, referees, or league officials. iii) Player has amassed over 50 minutes in penalties in the past season in the MAHL/MAWHL. iv) Player has received a severe suspension from other Adult Hockey Leagues. 27. SUSPENSIONS 27.1 MAHL/MAWHL players may be suspended for any injurious, dangerous or objectionable on or off-ice offenses. This includes offences that have gone unnoticed by officials, were not called, or were given a penalty at the time of the infraction that wasn t deemed as a major Any altercation in the hallway may result in a suspension. This includes verbal abuse Unless otherwise stipulated by the MAHL/MAWHL, suspended players may not play with other MAHL/MAWHL teams for whom they are registered or for whom they wish to spare until the suspension has been fully served with the original team. Any team that is found to be using

13 a player who is under suspension, an illegal player, or a player using an alias, will be assessed the following penalties: i) The final score of the game will be recorded as 0 for the team using the illegal player. 3-0 will be the default score if the margin of victory is less than 3 goals in favour of the non-offending team. ii) The illegal player will have an additional 5 game suspension iii) Teams using suspended/illegal players may also have their team representative PLUS their top scorer (reps will not count as a top scorer) suspended for that team s next game A suspended player may not spare for any team until the suspension with the original team has been served Team representatives will be held responsible for spare players actions. A suspension to a spare player may result in an additional suspension to the team representative Suspended players may watch the game from the stands only. They may not watch the game from the bench or at ice level. 28. FIGHTING Fighting will result in an indefinite suspension, with the instigator/aggressor receiving a minimum of one additional game. Any player taking physical advantage of an unwilling and non-punching opponent may be banned for life from the MAHL/MAWHL. This is not a goon league, and league officials will not tolerate intimidation and revenge on the ice. Please note that criminal charges may be pursued and are a very real possibility. NOTE: Gloves don t have to be off for an altercation to be deemed a fight. PART III - LEAGUE OPERATING PRACTICES 29. SEASON STRUCTURE 29.1 Winter Season: MAHL: Each team is guaranteed a minimum of 24 games, including 21 regular season games (5 pre-realignment and 16 post-realignment) and a minimum of 3 playoff games. Playoffs will consist of a 3 game round-robin followed by a 1 game semi-final, and a 1 game final. MAWHL: Each team will play a total of 25 games, including 23 regular season games (5 prerealignment and 18 post-realignment) and 2 playoff games. All teams are guaranteed 2 playoff games regardless of their standing 29.2 Summer Season: MAHL: Each team is guaranteed a minimum of 19 games, including 16 regular season games (4 pre-realignment and 12 post-realignment) and a minimum of 3 playoff games. Playoffs will consist of a 3 game round-robin followed by a 1 game semi-final, and a 1 game final.

14 MAWHL: Each team will play a total of 20 games, including 18 regular season games (5 prerealignment and 13 post-realignment) and 2 playoff games. All teams are guaranteed 2 playoff games regardless of their standing. 30. DIVISIONAL ALIGNMENT & REALIGNMENT 30.1 At the beginning of the season teams are placed in their respective divisions based on team skill level, age, and past level of play Upon the completion of the pre-realignment games a divisional realignment will take place. Teams that are either too strong or too weak for their divisions will be moved up or down according to their level of play. Team point totals, player point totals, and goalie averages will be carried over to the new division A divisional realignment will take place after the fifth game of the season (winter) and the fourth game of the season (summer). A second realignment may occur at the midway point of the season if a reasonable level of parity was not achieved with the first realignment. 31. TIE-BREAKERS 31.1 The following tie-breakers will be used if two or more teams are tied in points: i) Most wins ii) Goal Differential (Goals For minus Goals Against) iii) Fewest penalties iv) Goals Against v) Coin Toss NOTE: Winning percentages are applied if teams in a division have not played an equal number of games Elimination games that require a winner will end in a shoot-out during which three players will shoot for each team. The players will shoot in the order they have been registered on the shoot-out form. If the game is still tied after three shooters a sudden-death shoot-out will ensue. Teams will not be allowed to re-use a player until they have gone through the entire available roster. A player that is in the penalty box at the end of regulation time will be allowed to take part in the shoot-out unless serving a major penalty. Ejected players may not return for the shoot-out. 32. PLAYOFF FORMATS See the separate Playoff Format document for details on how the round robin works for each different sized division. 33. EMERGENCY RULE CHANGES

15 33.1 The MAHL/MAWHL reserves the right to make any emergency changes and/or additions/deletions to the above rules. Rule changes will be posted on the website and/or will be ed to team representatives before the change is enacted The Minto Adult Hockey League has been designed to provide non-contact hockey at the recreational level. Disrespect towards game and administrative officials, and/or injurious actions by players will not be tolerated. Violation of the previous will be just cause for ejection from the MAHL without refund of fees paid.