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Governing Play and Membership
(a) All CMHA rules are in effect unless otherwise stated.
(b) The league directors have final authority concerning all rules, regulations and membership including, but not limited to, membership, suspensions, expulsions and general discretion of conduct.
Teams
(a) Only registered players on team rosters or waiting list may play.
(b) A team shall be composed of a maximum of 11 skaters and one (1) goalie.
(c) Teams must start the game with a minimum seven (7) players ie. 6 skaters and a goalie;
(d) Each team will play with three (3) players on the ice, plus a goalie.
(e) It is the responsibility of the goalie to find a replacement in the event that he/she will not make a game as scheduled.
(f) Teams that have only 8 or less skaters are allowed to pull players from other teams to ensure they have a minimum of 9 players. Coaches are encouraged to recruit players with similar talents to the player that is away.
Rules of Play
(a) All games will be NON-CONTACT.
(b) All games will consist of a 5 minute warm up followed by a 55 minute running time period. If both coaches agree the game time can adjusted for a longer warm up period.
(c) Face-offs will occur only at the beginning of the game or in case of coincidental penalties (see Minor Penalties).
(d) When play is stopped due to the goalie controlling the puck, a whistle will signal the attacking players to vacate the zone (outside the ringette line). Once all the attackers have exited the zone, the players may re-enter to resume play immediately (same as a delayed off side). They may not challenge the opposition until they have all exited the zone (outside the ringette line). Attacking prematurely may result in a penalty for the offending team.
(e) When play is stopped due to a goal, a whistle will signal the attacking players to vacate the zone (outside the center line). Once all the attackers have exited the zone, the players may re-enter to resume play immediately (same as a delayed off side). They may not challenge the opposition until they have all exited the zone (outside the center line). Attacking prematurely may result in a penalty for the offending team.
(f) There is no centre-ice (red) line, and therefore no icing calls. Teams must leave the puck where it is when the whistle goes, teams will be warned once regarding icing the puck at the horn and continued infractions will result in a penalty shot for the opposing team
(g) All offside plays at the blue line will be deemed delayed offside and the referee will call for the offending players to release the puck and exit the zone. Once all the offending players have exited the zone together, they may re-enter the offensive zone.
(h) The goalies shall not cover the puck at the sound horn / line change – a penalty shot will be assessed for this infraction
(I) The goalie cannot freeze the puck behind the goal line – they must keep the play in motion
Shifts
(a) Player shifts will be managed by the volunteer on the bench but players are expected to get equal playing time ( as closely as possible ).
(b) A whistle or horn will sound every minute to allow for line changes all players on the ice at the time of the horn sounding must change
Minor Penalties
(a) All penalties will result in an immediate breakaway situation for the offended player. The referee will place the puck on the centre face-off spot and the remaining players will line up at the backside blue line. Play will commence on the referee’s command and the shift resumes as normal. If the offended player is injured and unable to perform the breakaway, the coach will assign one (1) player from the ice to replace that player. If the buzzer is to sound during the course of a penalty shot, the play shall continue and the goal will stand if scored.
(b) Coincidental penalties shall result in a face-off at centre ice and no penalty shots will occur.
(c) Any player having been assessed three (3) minor penalties in the same game will be automatically ejected from that game.
(d) If a player is ejected from a second game due to penalties – the volunteer on the bench will discuss the situation with the parents and the player and provide a warning of further suspensions if another game ejection occurs ( the 3rd game ejection will result in a minimum 3 game additional suspension, in addition to the game played ). A third ejection will result in a disciplinary hearing with the directors for further suspension or possible expulsion from the league.
(e) Body checking penalties will be deemed as two (2) offences on the scoresheet only. Two (2) body checking penalties in the same game will result in the immediate ejection from that game plus a further game misconduct.
(f) The clock will stop when the penalty shot is taken and start immediately after the shot is taken
Major Penalties
(a) Major penalties will result in the immediate ejection of the offending player(s) and suspension pending further review by the directors.
(b) Fighting majors will result in the penalized players being expelled from the league indefinitely pending further review by the directors.
Coaches, Managers
(a) Up to (2) two coaches, assistants or trainers may be on the benches. All bench personnel must be a minimum 21 years of age and have a player registered with the league.
(b) Coaches are required to make every effort to ensure EQUAL ICE TIME for all 3 on 3 participants and there is to be no shortening of the bench.
(c) Any bench personnel having been ejected from a game, for any reason, will be automatically suspended for the remainder of the year. INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR, CONDUCT OR LANGUAGE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.