North Suburban Hockey League
OWNED AND OPERATED BY KASABUSKI ARENA
Contact: 781-231-4030 l Fax: 781-231-4001 l E-Mail: nshl1@juno.com
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North Suburban Hockey League OWNED AND OPERATED BY KASABUSKI ARENA Contact: 781-231-4030 l Fax: 781-231-4001 l E-Mail: nshl1@juno.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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2007-2008 North Suburban Hockey League Playing Rules
The North Suburban Hockey League (NSHL) will be governed by the rules of 2006-2007 USA Hockey Rule Book with the following additions and amendments:
NSHL Team Registration & Composition
1. All teams participating in the NSHL must be registered in accordance with both USA Hockey and MA Hockey guidelines. 2. League Registrations are due no later than July 1st. If you cannot register your teams before July 1st, please make the office aware of when you will be registering your teams. No programs will be able to register after August 15th. A registration fee of $300.00 per team must accompany your registration form. This money will be applied to your March game invoice provided all teams remain in the program. Any team dropping out before the season end will not receive a $300.00 refund. 3. No player may appear on more than one roster within the League. A player from a lower level team may be carried as an alternate and play up to 5 league games with a higher-level team. If a player plays in over five games with the higher-level club, this player will be ineligible to play again with the lower level team. Each time an alternate player participates; he/she must sign the game (mandatory) sheet prior to the start of the game.
BR
BW BB PR
PW PB
PG SR
SW SB
SG MR
MW MB
MG
A player can play on teams up and to the left ONLY. (Rule changed 8/2006) 4. Team rosters will consist of a maximum 20 players. All U.S.A. Hockey team rosters must be turned in during the month of November. The deadline is December 1st, 2006. Any team that has not submitted a U.S.A. Hockey Roster by the date listed above will have their standings held up and not posted until such time as the NSHL office has received a proper roster.
5. All players, including alternates, will wear the same jersey numbers for the entire season. Any team that changes jersey numbers must notify the NSHL office within 5 days after game is played. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of that game for the offending team.
6. Any team that does not dress a minimum of 7 players and a goalie for a NSHL game will automatically forfeit that game upon completion of the first period of play. At this time, it is the responsibility of the non-offending team’s coach to notify the game officials of the forfeit.
7. A player must have played in at least 50% of his team’s games to be eligible to play in the playoffs.
NSHL Game Rules
8. All NSHL games will be 60 minutes in duration. This will consist of a 3-minute warm-up period followed by the first two periods of 12-minute stop time each. The third period will be coordinated so that the end of the game will coincide with the 60-minute clock. Please note, that depending on the circumstances, there may be some running time.
9. The last two minutes of any game that is tied or has a one-goal differential will be played using stop time.
10. The parity round will consist of 5 - 8 weeks. Most teams will play anywhere from five to eight games. The teams scheduled in parity will remain in the divisions that your program put them in. There will be no movement during parity for consistency of the schedule. Teams will be identified for the level of play for the regular season in parity. Any adjustment up or down will be made on the regular season schedule. A team’s parity round record will not be included in the regular season standings. There will be no parity for the Midget division.
Note: Most programs hold their tryouts in the spring. It is our feeling and the feeling of most League Representatives that if you send your league registration form in directly after your tryouts you will have a good idea of where your teams will fall by division and level, i.e. Squirt Red, Squirt White, etc. This would make scheduling more accurate and prevent any changes during the middle of the schedule, which, as you know, is an inconvenience to all.
11. The regular season standings will be computed by 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0 points for a loss. The first four teams in each division will advance to the playoffs. In case of a tie in points, seeding will be determined by: A. Teams head -to- head record. B. Teams goals for minus goals against number for all regular season games. C. A tiebreaker game will be played. 12. Teams not prepared to begin game after the 3-minute warm-up period will be subject to a delay of game penalty. 13. Prior to the start of the game, each coach will designate on the game sheet who the captain for his/her team will be for that particular game. 14. The only names that are to appear on a NSHL game sheet are those players and coaches who are on the players’ bench during that scheduled game.
15. When two teams have the same colored jerseys for a schedule game, the NSHL will supply pullovers to the home team. 16. The discipline penalties for fighting in a NSHL game are as follows: First Offense - Major penalty, game misconduct (Out for remainder of game and next U.S.A. Hockey game as well as the next NSHL game (Double Jeopardy See Rule #17A)). Second Offense - Major penalty, game misconduct, automatic 30-day suspension. Review of players’ future participation done by NSHL Rules and Improvement Committee. (See Progressive Rule #16A.) Third Offense – Suspension until further notice and review by the NSHL Rules and Improvement Committee. (See Progressive Rule #16A.) 16A. Progressive Rule on Number of Penalties Given to a Player in a Game The number of penalties given in a game is now 4. If a player gets 4 (any type) penalties in a game he will receive 1 Game Misconduct. He will be required to sit out his next NSHL Game. If he receives another 4 penalties in his next game he will then receive 2 Game Misconducts, at this time it will be necessary for the program to be notified and a meeting will take place with the Coach of the team, the player, the NSHL and parents to make these violations clear. If there is a third occurrence then the player will be removed from play for the remainder of the season. The double jeopardy rule will apply. (See Rule #17A.) Rule updated on 8/2006.
17A. Double Jeopardy When a game suspension is given – it MUST be served for NSHL in-house, but also satisfy the USA Hockey Rules, which states you must serve your next USA Hockey game. If the player is playing on another league, such as Valley or Dual State, then he MUST serve his next game if it is outside the NSHL and serve his next scheduled NSHL game. This is for ANY Game Misconduct incident. (Rule added on 8/2006) 18. Any coach or player who has been suspended by the NSHL may not participate in League competition or violate any of their suspension terms during the suspension period. Any coach or player failing to comply with these terms will risk further disciplinary action from the league and will risk potential action against their town program. It is the responsibility of the program, its coaches and parents to monitor and control their own people. All disciplinary action at this point will be at the discretion of the NSHL Rules and Improvement Committee.
19. Any coach, manager or trainer whose behavior is determined to be unsatisfactory or detrimental to his team will be subject to disciplinary action by the League. Any parent acting in the same manner will be banned from all NSHL competition. All disciplinary action at this point will be at the discretion of the NSHL Rules and Improvement Committee. 20. There will be no shaking of hands for any NSHL game, regardless of level. The team whose bench is closest to the dressing rooms shall leave the ice first.
21. All complaints, written or otherwise, by directors, coaches or parents will not be accepted unless approved by the Board of Governors of that program.
NSHL Scheduling Rules and Procedure
22. Referees & Coaches ~ Our referees continue to be monitored on a weekly basis as well as offered seminars to hone their skills. This year we will be concentrating on one particular area that was brought up by League Representatives, which is “hitting from behind”. There will be a new evaluation form for coaches and referees. These evaluation forms will be placed in every Arena that the NSHL skates at. These forms, if needed, can be filled out and turned in with the white copy of the game sheet, dropped off to the North Suburban office or faxed to 781-231-4001.
23. Divisions ~ During this year we will have the following levels, i.e. the Squirt Division will have a Squirt Red, a Squirt White, a Squirt Blue, a Squirt Green and a Squirt Maroon Division where ever possible.
24. Game Cancellations ~ This year games that are canceled/no showed by a coach for any reason must be made up within fourteen (14) days of the cancellation date, on their own ice, with patched referees and a timer, paid for by the team that canceled/no showed the original game. A North Suburban Hockey League Game Monitoring Sheet must be filled out and returned to the referee office and left on the desk, so that we have this information available to us. This monitoring sheet should be provided by your League Representative, so that if you know ahead of time of a problem, you may notify us early and make all your necessary arrangements for a make-up. If you need a sheet, they are at the rink and will be kept behind the gamesheets where your game sheet is picked up to be filled out by the coach. As soon as you know when the make up is scheduled, you must notify the office at 781-231-4030 or fax us at 781-231-4001. If the game is not made up within the fourteen (14) day time-frame, the team will receive a forfeit and the program will be double-billed, in addition there will be a $100.00 penalty to the program referencing the team and the offense. The NSHL has adopted the following procedure for conflicts in our scheduling: District Play downs and the Michael Cronin Tournament will be the only time the league will reschedule a game.
Game conflict with District Play downs and the Michael Cronin Tournament are the ONLY exceptions the NSHL will accommodate, to change a another league game, team practice, last-minute tournament entry, Super Bowl Sunday, etc. do not constitute valid conflicts.
Since finding a suitable rescheduled time is not always possible, other solutions may be necessary, namely playing the conflicting game on your own practice ice. If this is the only solution, you must provide a reasonable hour of ice that is suitable for the opposing team. Additionally, the host team is responsible for contacting the NSHL Referee-in-Chief to have qualified officials present and must use an official NSHL game sheet. This game sheet must be returned to the League office within 48 hours following the completion of game. Both teams playing in make-up game are charged a regular game fee by the League.
25. Game swaps will not be allowed after March 1st. If you have a conflict that will occur after March 1st, the game must be made up in advance.
26. Any team requesting a make-up game is responsible for full payment of ice, officials and scorekeeper. Very important ~ Please be sure the game sheet is identified properly! List the Game #, date, time, division, team names, and location. If we cannot determine whose gamesheet we are looking at we cannot process it properly and the standings are not accurate.
27. If a team is unable to make a NSHL game and reschedules game to their own ice, the regularly scheduled game ice time is then turned back over to the League.
28. All teams opting to play a game on their own ice must complete game within fourteen (14) days of its originally scheduled time or game will be considered a forfeit. Team will be double-billed and the opposing team will not be charged.
29. All NSHL coaches should be willing to oblige teams and work with the League in the best interest of the players and member programs. Any coach refusing to provide a required make-up game or any opponent that refuses a reasonably scheduled make-up game will be penalized by the League. Your cooperation will insure all players have the opportunity to play their full compliment of games.
30. Any program, which fails to notify the League office within 72 hours of a scheduled game that their team will be unable to play, will be fined $150. For a second offense of this rule, program will be fined $300 and face possible further discipline from the League.
31. All game changes and/or game additions given out by the League to a program’s league representative must be confirmed by the program within 48 hours of said notice. Failure to notify the League within the 48-hour period will result in offending program being held responsible to play game under the conditions of rule #24.
32. In case of inclement weather, it will be the NSHL Director’s decision to postpone League games. If such a situation arises, league representatives will be notified as well as announcement made on the NSHL phone line (781.231.4030).
In the event of a tie in a playoff game, there will be a five minute overtime period. In the event of a tie in the overtime period, we will go to a five-man shootout of the coach's choice. This means the coach can pick five players on his team to participate in the final shootout. If the tie is not broken at this point, the shootout drops down to four man, three man, etc. All participants in the shootout must be different each time until the coach runs out of players, and then he may start over.
USA HOCKEY OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES 2006-07 NEW STANDARD OF PLAY AND RULES EMPHASIS Through the new standard of rules enforcement, our game will continue to allow the opportunity for improved skill development and a more positive hockey environment for all participants. The mission of USA Hockey is clear; through this new initiative a greater emphasis will be placed on skating, puck possession and the proper use of the body to establish position and a competitive advantage.
The goal of the enforcement standard is to reduce restraining infractions in the game and not to remove legal body checking or body contact. A hard body check or using body contact/position (non-checking classifications) to gain a competitive advantage over the opponent should not be penalized as long as it is performed within the rules.
The principles of this new enforcement standard include the following:
Enforcement Standard - These penalties are to be called with very strict enforcement. HOOKING
- tugs or pulls on the body, arms or hands of the opponent, which allows for the space between the players to diminish. - placing the stick in front of the opponent's body and locking on - impeding the opponent's progress or causing a loss of balance. - stick on the hand/arm that takes away the ability for the opponent to pass or shoot the puck with a normal amount of force TRIPPING
- placing the stick in front of the opponents legs for the purpose of impeding progress, even if on the ice, with no effort to legally play the puck. - placing the stick between the legs of the opponent (can opener/corkscrew) that causes a loss of balance or impedes the progress of the opponent. HOLDING
- wrapping one or both arms around the opponent along the boards in a manner that pins them against the boards and prevents them from playing the puck or skating. - grabbing the opponent's body, stick or sweater with one or both hands. - using a free arm/hand to restrain or impede the opponent's progress. INTERFERENCE
- intentionally playing the body of an opponent who does not have possession or possession and control of the puck. - using the body to establish a "pick" or "block" that prevents an opponent from being able to chase a puck carrier. - reducing foot speed or changing an established skating lane for the purpose of impeding an opponent from being able to chase a puck carrier.
- a player is entitled to the ice he/she occupies as long as they are able to maintain their own foot speed and body position between opponent and puck. - players are allowed to compete for body position using their strength and balance in front of the goal or along the boards. SLASHING
OTHER INFRACTIONS
CONCLUSION All members of USA Hockey share an equal responsibility to ensure the integrity of the game is upheld. The onus to incorporate change is not only on the officials, but also the administrators, coaches, parents and player, as well. Administrators are expected to hold players, coaches, officials and parents accountable for their actions in an effort to promote a safe and positive environment for all participants. Coaches are expected to teach proper skills and hold their players accountable for illegal and dangerous actions, regardless as to whether they are properly penalized, or not. Parents are expected to support the decisions of the officials and support the coaches in teaching the proper skills in a safe and positive environment. Officials shall enforce a strict penalty standard according to the guidelines that have been established. Players are expected to compete within the playing rules. All USA Hockey members must demonstrate awareness and support for the application, spirit and the respect of the rules in order for continued improvements in the game of hockey. (The
above taken from www.masshockeyofficials.com)
Guidelines for Players
Never argue with your coach and never argue with the decision of a referee. We’re not always happy with some decisions that affect us but arguing and getting mad can only lead to unwanted consequences. In youth hockey, there is a policy called “Zero Tolerance”.
This policy says the following: When you are playing in a game, you will get a minor or a misconduct penalty if you behave in an unsportsmanlike manner and if you do the following:
Openly dispute or argue with any decision made by an official.
Use obscene, vulgar or bad language at any time, including swearing, even if it’s not directed at any particular person.
Visually demonstrate any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision.
A game misconduct will result if a player continues to exhibit this behavior.
As a player, you’re not coming to the rink to be “punished” by sitting on the bench or spending a lot of time in the penalty box. You come to the rink to play ice hockey. All players must take the zero tolerance very seriously because it will lead to a player not playing. By ignoring this policy, you not only hurt yourself but you hurt your team.
Hockey is a team sport and each and every player is a valuable, needed contributor. The fewer players available to play, the more advantage given to the other team who has all of their players available to play and out on the ice. Although winning is not the most important aspect of youth hockey, winning certainly is important. Trying to play while having a man down handicaps any team and is especially upsetting when it is an avoidable situation in the case of zero tolerance.
Coaches and Zero Tolerance
Players aren’t the only ones who have to pay attention to the zero tolerance policy. A minor penalty will be given to a coach for his/her demonstration of unsportsmanlike conduct when a coach:
Openly disputes or argues any decision made by an official.
Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner at anyone at any time.
Visually display any dissatisfaction with an official’s decision including standing on the boards or in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting officials, players or spectators.
Anytime that a coach persists in any of these actions, they will be assessed a game misconduct penalty.
Referees and Zero Tolerance
All officials are expected to act in a businesslike, sportsmanlike, impartial and constructive manner at all times. The actions of an official must be above reproach. Actions such as baiting or inciting players or coaches are strictly prohibited. On-ice officials are ambassadors of the game and must always conduct themselves with this responsibility in mind.
North Suburban Hockey League and Kasabuski Arena Rules
All players, siblings and parents shall obey all the rules specifically outlined at the rink including but not limited to the following:
At no time shall players at any level be left unattended in the locker rooms.
At no time shall players, siblings or others engage in any horseplay in the rink including running or similar activity.
At no time shall children be permitted to play in the parking lot.
At no time shall parents, players, siblings or others pound on the glass or boards.
At no time shall parents players, siblings or others fail to obey the Rink Facility Staff or those designated to enforce appropriate rink behavior including but not limited to: Team Managers, Level Directors, Coaches or Board Members.
At no time shall players, siblings or others use hockey sticks off the ice in the Rink, lobby or locker room area of the rink.
At no time shall any player at any level be permitted on the ice without full equipment required by USA Hockey guidelines or guidelines for equipment established by their particular program. The player’s program level directors and coaches will strictly enforce rules regarding the wearing of full equipment. There will be no exceptions.
At no time shall players go out on the ice when the Zamboni doors are open nor shall any player go out on the ice prior to the designated start time of practices and games without the permission of the coach of the team.
At no time shall players from another division team go out on the ice prior to another team vacating the ice. At no time shall coaches allow any player to remain on the ice after the ending of that team’s ice time.
Parents should not leave their children unattended at the rink.
Please respect the office facilities of the rink staff.
These rules will be strictly adhered to by all and strictly enforced.
Failure to comply with any of the aforementioned rules will lead to disciplinary action, which may include, but not be limited to expulsion and/or suspension from the rink and/or loss of ice time.
Destruction/Damage of Kasabuski Arena Property
Teams or individuals will be held directly responsible for any damage to the Arena’s facilities/equipment as a result of inappropriate behavior by team members at the Kasabuski Arena. The offending team will be accessed a charge for any such damage via their program.
Locker Room Behavior
Under no circumstances will players of any age be left unattended in any locker room. Players will be attended to by a “Monitor” such as a coach, team manager, parent or person whom the coach or team manager so designates to supervise players in the locker room.
The following behavior is prohibited in all locker rooms:
Running
Horseplay
Use of hockey sticks.
Throwing of snow/ice from skates, used tape, equipment or personal belongings
Misuse of the lavatory facilities
Failure to keep locker rooms free from debris including used hockey tape, wrappers, cups, etc.
Pounding, kicking or any misuse of lockers or benches or other locker room fixtures.
Any behavior demonstrating a lack of respect for the personal belongings of others.
Destruction/Damage to Locker Room Facilities
Teams will be held financially responsible for any damage to locker rooms including but not limited to being held directly financially responsible for the loss, damage and/or destruction of fixtures on the walls, electrical devices and any damage to the bathroom/shower area.
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