Greater Toronto Area Hockey League
"The east meets the west at center ice"
League Rules
OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATION HANDBOOK
2007 FALL TOURNAMENT
2007 FALL TOURNAMENT
The CBHA rule book will be used as the basis of all league rules and regulations unless specified differently by the GTAHL handbook below, or to the discretion of the GTAHL committee in the best interest of the GTAHL league and its members.
Sections
| Any rule listed within is held true unless the discretion of the referee is used while the game is in progress. |
| Our Mission |
To provide a medium for organized, fair, friendly, and a high-quality game of hockey for Canada's largest Metropolitan area to people of all backgrounds and races.
| Registration |
All players are required to be 18 years or older to play before the start of the tournament.
Team registrations:
All forms and necessary information must be complete plus the registration fee paid in full.
Roster revisions are accepted up to one week before the first game.
Individual registrants:
All forms and necessary information must be complete plus the registration fee paid in full.
All registration information can be found at the GTAHL website http://www.gtahl.com/registration or call 416-566-4228.
| Players |
Only registered players are allowed to play, no substitutes unless prior authorization from the league committee.
Be respectful to all league members, officials, and workers of the facilities.
Be ready to play at least 15 minutes before the advertised start time. Players should warm-up thoroughly before the game to help avoid injuries.
A player arriving late will be allowed to participate in a game provided he reports to the timekeeper prior to entering the playing surface.
If a player enters a game without first having reported to the timekeeper, they will be assessed a minor penalty.
| Captains |
Each team must have a captain and a maximum of two alternate captains. If the captain is absent the referees must be notified of the player designated as captain prior to the start of the game and the player designated shall be noted on the game sheet. Only the captain or alternate captain may address a referee. When addressing a referee, the captain or alternate captain is expected to be courteous. Only an interpretation of the official's decision will be discussed and an official will not tolerate a captains' questioning of a judgement call and will treat the captain as a non-captain at that point, and will assess the appropriate penalty, if necessary.
| Jerseys |
Teams that do not have their own team uniforms must bring 1 black T-shirt AND 1 white T-shirt for each player.
Black T-shirt = Home team
White T-shirt = Away team
Goalies are the only players who can wear a different colored jersey.
Teams who wish to wear their own team uniform must have ALL players wear the same uniform. Otherwise, the entire team must forfeit the uniforms to wear Black or White shirts.
The referee has the right to not allow an individual to play until they wear a shirt with the proper colour. There are no exceptions to this rule.
| Exposed Wounds & Blood |
Cuts and open wounds must be properly bandaged before the player is allowed to play. If blood is visible on the uniform or equipment, it must be rinsed thoroughly before the player is allowed to play.
| Equipment |
Players:
Mandatory equipment: running shoes and hockey stick.
Highly recommended but optional: CSA approved helmet, hockey gloves, full-face visor, elbow pads, knee pads, shin pads, mouth guard, and/or protective cup.
Goalies:
Mandatory equipment: CSA approved helmet AND visor/cage, goalie leg pads, running shoes, blocker, hockey glove (no baseball gloves), and goal stick.
Highly recommended but optional: chest protector, elbow pads, mouth guard, and/or protective cup
Note: All stick blades must be white or light colors. No black
blades allowed. Facility preference is for plastic / fibreglass blades. Wooden
or composite blades is allowed if facility management approves. These are property
management rules.
| Jewelry & Accessories |
All exposed jewelry and accessories must be taken off prior to a game to avoid injury.
Eg. Earings, necklaces, watches, rings, bracelets, etc.
| Facilities & Arena Property |
Absolutely no smoking, drugs, or alcohol inside the facilities including change rooms, or on arena property including the parking lot. Treat all facility property with respect including the staff and other patrons.
Any individual or team involved with destructive conduct on or around arena property will automatically be charged a minimum fine of $250, and at the sole discretion of the league committee suspensions may be administered. All costs related to the damage will be borne by the individual(s) or team(s) involved. The GTAHL reserves the right in their sole discretion to allocate damages and subsequent repair costs to more than one team if the guilty party(s) cannot be clearly determined.
| Spectators |
Teams are responsible for the actions of any spectators who are supporters of their team. Physical abuse arising from the spectator(s) on any player, referee, or committee member shall be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
| Game Duration |
The duration of round-robin games will be 20 minute run-time. Each team may request one 30-second time-out at which the clock will be stopped.
There is no overtime for round-robin games.
If the time has lapsed, a winner will be decided upon a shootout consisting of 3 players from each team. If there is still a tie, a new player from each bench will be chosen for a sudden-death shootout until there is a winner.
The duration of playoff games will be 20 minute run-time. Each team may request one 1-minute time-out at which the clock will be stopped.
During playoffs the same rules apply plus one sudden-death 5 minute run-time period in the event of a tie.
If the time has lapsed, a winner will be decided upon a shootout consisting of 3 players from each team. If there is still a tie, a new player from each bench will be chosen for a sudden-death shootout until there is a winner.
If there is still a tie after going through the team with the shorter bench, the sequence will return to the first shooter and continue in the same order. The team with the longer bench has the option of continuing with new players for the shootout or returning to the first shooter in sequence.
| Default / Forfeit |
Teams will be given 5 minutes past the scheduled start time to provide a minimum of five players on the playing floor. If the delaying team is able to start playing within 5 minutes after the schedule start time, a minor delay-of-game penalty will called on the offending team.
If delaying team cannot floor a minimum of five players after 5 minutes of the scheduled starting time, the game will be automatically defaulted with a win of 1-0 for the opposing team. No points will be added to any player for the goal, nor will the win or shutout count towards the goaltender.
The remaining time can be used for the winning team for practice. The defaulting team may also stay on the floor with the permission of the winning team.
If a team defaults twice in a tournament, the league committee will decide whether the team should be withdrawn from the tournament and forfeiting their registration fees.
| Playoff Ranking |
Final playoff position rankings are determined by the following order:
Most Point Standing, Most games won, Least goal differential against all common opponents, Most goals scored against all common opponents, Least goals scored by all common opponents.
| Game Play |
Teams
Each team may have a maximum of 4 players plus 1 goalie (or 5 players and no goalie) on the playing surface at any time during play or between stoppages of play. Failing to meet this rule will result in a minor penalty.
Automatic Icing
<!--The team in possession of the ball shoots toward the goal from behind the red centerline, the ball goes into the end of the rink across the goal line (but not into the goal). It is not icing if the ball happens to go into the goal or if a member of the attacking team is the first to touch it. Icing is never called against a team that is playing shorthanded or, if the ball is touched by the goalie or any other defender before it crosses the goal line. Additionally, a referee who determines that a defender could have easily touched the ball before it crossed the goal line will not call icing.--> There is no icing.
Floating Blueline / Offsides
<!--Players of the attacking team must not precede the ball into the attacking zone blueline. However, once the ball has legally entered the attacking zone, the blueline no longer exists. As a result, the area of the floor called the attacking zone is that section between the centre red line and the end of the rink. This area remains the attacking zone until such time as the ball passes back over the centre red line. At this time, the Floating Blueline is ‘reset’.
The referee will raise his/her hand as a signal that the attacking players have preceded the ball into the attacking zone blueline. The hand will be lowered when all players have exited the attacking zone blueline so that the ball can enter into the zone first (stated above)
The referee will stop the play when attacking players have preceded into the attacking zone blueline and the ball is also brought over the blueline.-->
<!--Off sides will be enforced using a floating blue line. After the offensive blue line has been attained, the attacking zone is extended to the centerline.
There are no offsides.
Goal Crease
If an offending player stays in the defending goal crease of the opposition for more than 5 seconds the game will be stopped. Face-off will commence outside the blueline with the floating blueline being reset.
Continuous Play
Goaltenders will be encouraged to play the ball when not being covered by an opposing player who is at least 10 feet away. Goaltenders delaying the game under these conditions and refusing to play the ball will be assessed a minor delay-of-game penalty.
Handling the Ball
A player is allowed to grab the ball from the air and immediately place it on the floor, as long as no unfair advantage is gained. An unfair advantage gained (e.g. turning or running with the ball) will result in an immediate stoppage of play.
The ball cannot be directed to a teammate with the use of the hands. This will result in a stoppage of play from where the ball was passed.
Slap Shots
Slap shots where the stick is kept below waist height(line-up to follow-through) are allowed. If an illegal shot is taken, the play will be called dead and ball posession will be given to opposing team.
Goaltending
A player will have goaltender privileges if he is wearing the minimum required goaltending equipment stated under the Players section.
If no team goaltender show up for the game, the team may play five players with
no goaltending privileges even if a player assumes the role of guarding the goal.
If a team is forced to make a goaltending change due to injury and one is not dressed, then ten minutes will be allowed to dress an alternate. If one is not ready in that time, then the team must continue with none of the players being given goaltending privileges.
If a goaltender is ejected from the game with no substitute dressed, the team will not be permitted any time to dress an alternate. A 5th player may be played until the alternate goaltender is ready.
| Officials / Referees |
The referee can seek the assistance of a minor official or scorekeeper if there are any incidents which the referee did not see.
During an altercation, at the discretion of the referee, the clock shall be permitted to run until the referee directs the timekeeper to stop the clock.
The referee may terminate a game if, in his/her estimation, it is getting beyond disciplinary control.
| Penalties |
The GTAHL promotes a safe and friendly environment for all participants and spectators to enjoy hockey. The league committee with respect to their sole discretion may suspend a player(s) or team(s) at any time if they are clearly deemed harmful to the general welfare of the league and its’ participants. A refund may or may not be given to those in question. Teams are responsible for the conduct of their team members at all times. The player(s) or team(s) involved in any damages or fines due to their conduct shall be borne by the violators in full.
Penalties are run-time and run with the clock.
Any minor penalties: 2 mins
Any double-minor penalties: 4 mins (2 – two minute penalties)
Any major penalties: 5 mins non-cancellable
To discourage players accumulating penalties, the GTAHL amends the following rules:
- Any player accumulating 10 penalty minutes will serve an automatic 1 game suspension
- Any player accumulating 20 penalty minutes will be suspended for the season
- Any player who receives 3 minor penalties in the same game is automatically ejected
- Any player who receives 2 major penalties in the same game is automatically ejected, plus 1 game suspension
For a complete list of penalties and definitions please read the CBHA rule book.
Below is a list of penalties which the GTAHL has added modifications to the existing definitions.
| Penalty Type | Time on Clock | Time in Report | Suspension |
| Holding | 2 mins | 2 mins | None |
| Delay of Game | 2 mins | 2 mins | None |
| Golf Shot | 2 mins | 2 mins | None |
| Hooking | 2 mins | 2 mins | None |
| Illegal Equipment | 2 mins | 2 mins | None |
| Interference / Goaltender Interference | 2 mins | 2 mins | None |
| Tripping | 2 mins | 2 mins | None |
| Unsportsmanlike Conduct | 2 mins | 2 mins | None |
| 'Strong' Body Contact | 4 or 5 mins | 4 or 5 mins | None |
| Cross Checking | 4 mins | 4 mins | None |
| Highsticking | 2 or 4 mins | 2 or 4 mins | None |
| Slashing | 4 mins | 4 mins | None |
| Leaving the bench during an altercation | 4 + game misconduct | 14 mins | 1 game |
| Cross Checking causing injury | 5 mins | 5 mins minimum | 1 game |
| Highsticking causing injury | 5 mins | 5 mins minimum | 1 game |
| Hitting from Behind | 5 mins | 5 mins minimum | 1 game |
| Slashing causing injury | 5 mins | 5 mins minimum | 1 game |
| Attempt to Injure | 5 mins + Ejection | 15 mins | Banned from Tournament |
| Fighting | 5 mins + Ejection | 15 mins | Eject from Tournament |
| Major penalty in last 5 mins | 5 mins + Ejection | 5 mins | 2 games |
| Physical Abuse of Official/Ref | 5 mins + Ejection | 15 mins | Lifetime ban from Tournament |
| Fighting Instigator | 5 + 2 mins + Ejection | 17 mins | 1 game |
| Misconduct | 5 mins | 10 mins | None |
| Misconduct – 2nd in same game | 5 mins + Ejection | 10 mins | 1 game |
| Odd Man In (Fight) | 5 mins + Ejection | 10 mins | 1 game |
| 2nd Major penalty in same game | Ejection | N/A | 1 game |
| 3rd Minor penalty in same game | Ejection | N/A | None |
| Gross Misconduct - 1st in season | 5 mins + Ejection | 10 mins | 2 games |
| Gross Misconduct - 2nd in season | 5 mins + Ejection | 10 mins | Eject from Tournament |
| Fighting off surface | N/A | N/A | Banned from Tournament |
| Illegal Player | N/A | N/A | Team Ejection from Tournament |
| Team Gathering | N/A | N/A | TBR (To Be Reviewed) |
Holding (2min)- Assessed to any player who deliberately impedes the progress of an opponent by means of using their arm(s), stick or body.
Delay of Game (2mins)- Any action by a player or players that unnecessarily impedes the progress of a game. e.g. Deliberately stepping on the ball, refusing to restart play with a face-off or sideline shoot-in, failure to go directly to the penalty box etc.
Golf Shot (2 mins)- Assessed to any player who places one or both hands near the top of the shaft of their stick and swings at the ball in a circular motion (usually 180 degrees). Contact with the ball does not need to occur. This shot is considered dangerous use of the stick.
Hooking (2 mins)- Using the blade of the stick in a pulling or tugging motion to impede the progress of an opponent.
Illegal Equipment (2 mins)- Playing with non-league approved ice hockey equipment, illegal stick blades etc. Playing with a broken stick (includes goalies).
Interference (2 mins)- Assessed to any player who:
a) impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in contact with the ball
b) deliberately knocks the stick out an opponents hands or,
c) prevents an opponent from regaining possession of a lost or dropped stick.
Players of the side in possession of the ball should not be allowed to "run" interference for the ball carrier.
Goaltender Interference (2 mins)- Assessed to any player who, by means of his stick or his body, interferes with or impedes the movement of the goaltender by actual physical contact.
Tripping (2 mins)- Using your stick to "trip up"
an opponent who may or may not have possession of the ball.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (2 mins)- Players caught slamming their sticks on walls, bleachers, or goalie nets and/or spitting on the playing surface or bench area will be assessed. Also includes, but not limited to: inappropriate language or swearing.
‘Strong’ Body Contact (4 or 5 mins)- Assessed when a player intentionally bumps, shoves or pushes an opposing player excessively into the boards. When an offensive player is running toward a defending player, the defending player has a right to that position. The offensive player must avert body contact. If they do not the offensive player will be charged with a body contact penalty.
Cross Checking (4 mins)- The action of using the shaft of the stick between the two hands to check an opponent.
High-sticking (2 or 4 mins)- A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who contacts the ball above the normal height of the shoulder. Referees are instructed to blow the whistle immediately when the ball is contacted with a high stick and assess the penalty. A goal scored from a high stick shall not be allowed.
The carrying of sticks above the normal height of the shoulders of the opponent is prohibited. A double minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who high sticks, checks or intimidates an opponent while carrying his stick above the shoulders.
Slashing (4 mins)- The action of hitting an opponent with a stick. A player who swings his stick at an opponent and does not make contact is still guilty of slashing. Note: A major penalty will be assessed to any player who attempts to injure or deliberately injures an opponent with a slash.
Leaving the Bench (Penalty Box) During an Altercation (4 mins + 1 game)- If a player/s comes onto the playing surface without the official's permission during an altercation (event where penalties may be assessed), the player/s will be considered participants in the altercation.
Cross Checking causing Injury (5 mins + min. 1 game)- A cross check delivered above an opponents shoulders, or deliberately injuring an opponent with a cross-check will be considered major penalties for intent to injure.
Hitting from Behind (5 mins + min. 1 game)- When a player is high-sticked, cross-checked, body-checked, pushed, hit or propelled in any manner from behind into the walls, bleachers, benches or goal nets, in such a way that the player is unable to protect himself
High-sticking causing Injury (5 mins + min. 1 game)- will be assessed to any player who intentionally/unintentionally contacts or injures an opponent with a high stick.
Attempt to Injure (5 mins + Ejection + Ban.)- includes butt-ending, kneeing, spearing, cross checking* or using the stick as a weapon.
Fighting (5 mins + Ejection + Ejection from Tournament)- is defined as one or more blow or an attempted blow to any player. Eg. punch or kick.
Physical Abuse of an Official (5 mins + Ejection + Lifetime Ban)- Any player or team official who intentionally holds, grabs, pushes, strikes, trips, or body-checks a referee or league committee member before, during or after the game will be assessed a major penalty.
Fighting Instigator (5 + 2 mins + Ejection + 1 games)- is charged to the player who successfully or unsuccessfully tries to persuade another player into a fight.
Misconduct (5 mins)- is the following but not limited to:
- a player being disrespectful to an official
- excessive profanity
- abuse of facility or equipment, or
- actions that incite a fight
Second offence in same game = 10 mins + Ejection + min. 1 game
Odd-Man-In (during a fight) (5 mins + Ejection + 1 game)- is when a player physically participates in a fight that is already taking place between two other players.
Gross Misconduct (5 mins + Ejection + 2 games)- is assessed when, but not limited to:
- interfering with or striking a spectator
- racial taunts or slurs directed at any player, official, or spectator
- severe grabbing of the helmet or face mask
- spitting on any player, official or spectator
Second offence in same season = 5 mins + Ejection + Suspension for duration of the season
Fighting Off Surface (Ejection from Tournament)- is when two or more players are fighting before or after the game.
Illegal Player (Duration of Tournament for entire team)-
is a player in the play who:
- is not register with the GTAHL or
- is registered and plays on another team in the GTAHL, but does not have consent from the league committee to play on the team in question
- has not served the full duration of his suspension
The game will be stopped immediately and all scores will be nullified with the non-offending team winning by default with a score of 1-0 (refer to game default for details).
Team Gathering (To Be Reviewed)- Teams must keep their players on the bench (no line changing) in the event of any problems breaking out on the floor (especially at the end of the game). The referee closest to the players' bench should attempt to instruct the players on the benches to remain there until the problem on the floor have been sorted out by the referees. The issue will be reviewed and the league committee will assess suspensions to player(s) or the team.
| Protests / Challenges |
If the protest or challenge is regarding a referees’ decision, it shall be valid only if it questions an interpretation of a rule.
In the case of matters involving a referees' decision or any matter affecting the outcome of a game, the procedure for registering a protest shall be as follows:
- The team shall, prior to the expiry of 72 business hours (excluding holidays and Fridays) from the date of the game, file with the GTAHL or a league committee member a concise statement of the matter of protest. The matter will not be reviewed if submitted after the deadline
- The outcome of the protest may be accepted, declined with no change, or declined with harsher penalties
- Suspensions for 5 games or less cannot be protested / challenged
- A protest or challenge will not be regarded during game play. They will only be accepted after game play in writing or email.
Any rule listed above is held true unless the discretion of the referee is used while the game is in progress.