Bylaws
Article 1: Name, Mission, League Philosophy
Section 1 Name
Metro City Hockey League ( MCHL) is a USA Hockey Sanctioned recreational adult hockey league in Metro Atlanta Georgia. All MCHL games are played at The Atlanta Ice House Arena, 2600 Prado Lane Marietta GA, 30066.
Section 2 Mission Statement
MCHL strives to support and develop hockey IN Metro Atlanta. To that end we encourage you to forward the information to others who may be interested in playing, new players and/or seasoned players!
Section 3 League Philosophy
The philosophy of the Metro City Hockey League is to promote adult ice hockey for players of all skill levels in a competitive and organized environment; to foster camaraderie, friendship, and physical fitness; to establish and maintain an enjoyable and recreational ice hockey league within the Metro Atlanta area.
Article 2: Organizational Structure
Metro City Sports Group, LLC was created to represent the adult hockey players in Metro Atlanta. We have no direct affiliation with any rink outside of our season ice contracts. MCHL Executive Board may consist of no more than 8 members in good standing and must be participating in current season. Board member terms are 2 years. Candidates will be reviewed by the Managing Director and must not have behaved in a manner detrimental to the MCHL in as viewed by the current board and Managing Director.
Section 1 Board responsibilities
All board tasks will be split among the current MCHL Executive Board. Some board tasks may or may not be assigned to only one board member for the season.
These tasks may include but are not limited to:
Treasurer
Team Representative Liaison
Secretary
League Liability Waiver Registrar
Scheduling
Referee in Chief
Goalie Scheduling
Player payments Collections
Merchandising
Drills and Skills Organizer
Team Pictures
Tournament Organizing
Marketing
Game stats
Section 2 Quorum
A quorum of MCHL Executive Board is not needed to make decisions during meetings. Quorums are defined as the current number of board members present at the meeting(s) called and may or may not consist of 4 board members. The Managing Director in their sole capacity may pass decisions needed to operate the league. The Commissioner of the league reports to the Managing Director.
Section 3 MCHL Executive Board Code of Conduct
[Excerpts taken from USA Hockey Rulebook: Administrator’s Code of Conduct but MCHL is not governed by USA Hockey]
1. Follow the rules and regulations of USA Hockey and your association to ensure that the association’s philosophy and objectives are enhanced.
2. Support programs that train and educate players, coaches, parents, officials and volunteers.
3. Promote and publicize your programs; seek out financial support when possible.
4. Communicate with players by holding player orientation meetings as well as by being available to answer questions and address problems throughout the season.
5. Work to provide programs that encompass fairness to the participants and promote fair play and sportsmanship.
6. Encourage officials to attend USA Hockey clinics
7. Make every possible attempt to provide everyone, at all skill levels, with a place to play.
8. The MCHL encourages every member to read and be familiar with the contents of the USA Hockey Annual Guide and USA Hockey’s official playing rules.
9. Work with other board members to complete all tasks needed for successful season
Section 4 MCHL Executive Board Disciplinary Proceedings
All executive board members will follow the MCHL Executive Board Code of Conduct, participate in board meetings and help the other board members in completing board tasks. An Executive Board Disciplinary meeting may be called by remaining board members to redistribute workload and/or to determine continued board participation of board member under review. The Managing Director in their sole discretion may remove a board member from his/her position on the board. Actions detrimental to the MCHL and actions out of the ordinary are ground to be removed as a board member or invalidate a potential candidate for the executive board.
ARTICLE 4: LEAGUE REGISTRATION
Section 1 Eligibility Restrictions
All players must be at least 18 years of age by birthday to be eligible to play in the MCHL hockey league. MCHL reserves the right to deny eligibility to play in games based on past on-ice or off- ice misconduct that resulted in suspensions and ejection from league or for any other reason and at the sole discretion of the Managing Director. MCHL also reserves the right to evaluate the skill level of a player to determine eligibility for league play.
MCHL will evaluate new players with past hockey experience above current hockey experience level in league based on these set factors:
1. Age
2. Player conduct on and off Ice
3. Safety to other players
4. Skewing of skill range of league
5. Unfair advantage to 1 team over the others
Section 2 Season Registration
MCHL Executive Board will set the registration fees and may or may not change each season. Online registration is the preferred method of registration. All members wishing to join and participate in MCHL must also sign a League Liability Waiver , be registered and in good standing with USA Hockey and these both must be done prior to the first game played . Every player must register for the upcoming MCHL season, previous registrations will not be carried over. If any player needs any assistance registering online for MCHL due to lack of computer access, etc., he/she can contact any of the board members for help. The MCHL Executive Board will help with registration of any player who doesn’t have access to online registration.
Section 3 MCHL Player Dues
Payment guidelines are set annually by the MCHL Executive Board.
Part (a) Payments:
Currently there is a Goalie Only Discount, Board member discount, and Team Representative discount in place. All players are expected to pay to play, however the board recognizes that situations may happen where special arrangements may need to be made for payments. A player may set up these arrangements with the MCHL Treasurer and/or designated board member. If a player cannot come to terms or is in serious default as judged by the MCHL collections board member that player will be suspended from playing and subbing until the player is current on their dues.
Part (b) Late Fee:
$100 late registration fee will be assessed for players registering after League Draft Day who played in the previous MCHL season. No late fee for those who registered after draft that are new players to the league and/or played 2 or more seasons ago in MCHL. Any late fees will be reviewed by the executive board on a case by case basis and may or may not be applied.
Part (c) Refunds:
Automatic refunds will not be made for any reason. This includes dissatisfaction with the league , injuries, and relocation,; this also includes but is not limited to any league sanction suspension or expulsion. In all cases the MCHL Executive Board will review the request and determine if a refund is appropriate. Refunds will never be given if the reason for no longer being able to play is due to expulsion from MCHL. Any request for a refund must be presented to the MCHL Executive Board in writing and if a refund is to be given it will not be issued until the end of the last contest of the MCHL season, Play offs included.
Part (d) Dues cover:
1. Team Ice times
2. Referees
4. Scorekeepers
5. Player and Team stats for the Hockeyshift program
6. Names of the League Sportsmanship Team engraved on the “Metro City Cup”.
7. Commissoner
ARTICLE 5: GAME INFORMATION
Section 1: Equipment
Part (a) Required Equipment any equipment deemed unsafe by a referee or instructor will not be allowed
Helmet with chin strap
Ice Hockey Skates
Hockey Stick
Hockey Gloves
Elbow pads
Shoulder pads
Shin Guards
Groin Protection
Hockey pants
Section 2 MCHL Ice Time
Part (a) Regular season
Ice times will be 60 to 75 Minute. The viability of a season end tournament will be reviewed on a year by year basis and is not guaranteed. [based on contract with arena and subject to change in future according to arena policy]:
Section 3 League Parity
At registration each player will rate their level of hockey experience; Beginner, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. The MCHL Board reserves the right to evaluate and place players in their appropriate skill class. The parity of our league will be based upon the equal distribution of talent amongst the participating teams. Parity will also be balanced by an individuals’ desire to play a particular position along with requests to play with acquaintances when driving distance is a factor ONLY.
Section 4 Team Selection
Teams will be selected by way of a draft for all skill levels of players. The draft will be conducted in a round selection process. The draft will continue until all players are assigned to a team. All players are in an “open” draft. Some considerations will be made if players who live out of the county will be traveling together. Married players may or may not play on the same team; consideration will be given based on their preference. The MCHL Executive Board reserves the right to lock league at any time if parity has been achieved. Efforts will be made to get all new players involved as soon as possible. The draft will be held prior to the beginning of each league season. Each team may protect 5 players. The protected players must be submitted to the Draft committee prior to Draft day.
Section 5 Team Rosters
One key to having fun in the MCHL is equal playing time for all players. The number of teams participating in present season will be based on the total number of players that register. Each team will ideally have 15 skaters and an assigned goalie. The number of skaters on a team may vary based on the total number of skaters eligible to play during that current season. MCHL Executive Board will mandate the minimum number and max number of players per team as needed for the season.
Section 6 Team Uniformity
It’s required that all players wear matching team jerseys. Team name, colors and logos must be approved by the MCHL. When participating in a League sponsored game you must wear your specific team uniform. This rule will not apply to subs on a team that doesn’t have enough team issued jerseys.
Section 7 Substitutions
If players are unable to attend scheduled a game, they are expected to notify their Team Rep of the need for a replacement and/or the player replacing them. Substitutions should be coordinated through the Team Rep who will replace players based on skill levels and may pull from the approved sub list or from another team that is within their own division. Sub players may only be eligible to play on a team if that team has less than ten players available for that game. Players on the sub list must pay for the game they are subbing in prior to the game by going to metrocityhockey.com and clicking the sub payment link on the homepage. Current fulltime registered players in good standing do not have to pay a sub fee. Any player under suspension is not eligible to sub until the suspension has been lifted.
ARTICLE 6: CONDUCT REQUIREMENTS
Players must abide by ALL MCHL rules and rulings. All players are expected to follow the code of conduct.
Section 1 Player’s Code of Conduct
1. Play for fun.
2. Work hard to improve your skills.
3. Be a team player – get along with your teammates.
4. Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.
5. Be on time.
6. Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport.
7. Respect your teammates, opponents and officials.
8. Never argue with an official’s decision.
Section 2 Officials
All referees are expected to follow the ON-Ice Official’s Code of Conduct when officiating games and acting in capacity of an official.
Section 1 MCHL Officials Code of Conduct
1. Act in a professional and businesslike manner at all times and take your role seriously.
2. Strive to provide a safe and sportsmanlike environment in which players can properly display their hockey skills.
3. Know all playing rules, their interpretations and their proper application.
4. Remember that officials are teachers. Set a good example.
5. Make your calls with quiet confidence; never with arrogance.
6. Manage and help to control games in cooperation with the captains to provide a positive and safe experience for all participants.
7. Violence must never be tolerated.
8. Be fair and impartial at all times.
9. Answer all reasonable questions and requests.
10. Adopt a “zero tolerance” attitude toward verbal or physical abuse.
11. Never use foul or vulgar language when speaking with a player or referee.
12. Use honesty and integrity when answering questions.
13. Admit your mistakes when you make them.
14. Never openly criticize a team rep, captain, player or fellow official.
15. Keep your emotions under control.
16. Use USA Hockey-approved officiating techniques and policies.
17. Maintain your health through a physical conditioning program.
18. Dedicate yourself to personal improvement and maintenance of officiating skills.
19. Respect your supervisor and his/her critique of your performance.
Section 2 Disciplinary action
Part (a) Players Suspensions to expulsion without refund possible for poor on or off ice conduct. All player conduct will be evaluated by using current USA Hockey Rulebook and MCHL Rules and Regulations. All disciplinary actions will be decided via a special meeting, MCHL Executives will make all rulings and notify player of decision electronically and/or via written form. These suspensions may or may not be additional disciplinary actions levied by USA Hockey and will remain at the discretion of the executives of MCHL.
Part (b) Referees There will be possible disciplinary actions to referees who are not following USA Hockey handbook and Officials Code of Conduct. This may include loss of games up to being removed as referee from all further MCHL scheduled games. The Director of Officials and MCHL Executive Board will hold a special meeting as needed to determine disciplinary actions; otherwise it will be based on the decision of the Director of Officials.
Section 3 MCHL Rules, Regulations and Points of Emphasis
The MCHL is a non-checking, body contact recreational adult league that follows the most current USA Hockey rules except where the MCHL Executive Board has mandated exceptions to said rules. MCHL Executive Board may mandate rules differing from the USA Hockey standards for added safety of players. Referees will call all penalties based on the Rules and Regulations given by the MCHL Executive Board and in conjunction with the official USA Hockey Rule Book. These league regulations can be found in the League Rules and Regulations are available online at metrocityhockey.com website.
Current USA Hockey Rule books are available online at www.usahockey.com.
Section 4 MCHL and USA Hockey Points of Emphasis
The goal of USA Hockey is to promote a safe and positive playing environment for all participants while continuing to focus on skill development and enjoyment of the sport. All officials, team reps, captains, players, parents, spectators and volunteers are encouraged to observe these “Points of Emphasis” when participating in the sport of ice hockey.
Part (a) Fair Play and Respect
Fair play and respect are the backbone of any successful amateur sports program. In order for a positive environment to be created, it is imperative that all participants and spectators have respect for all players, coaches, officials, administrators, spectators and the sport of hockey. Hockey is a game demanding high levels of concentration and skill. Taunting or unsportsmanlike conduct directed at opponents or officials will not be tolerated.
Part (b) Intimidation tactics have no place in ice hockey. These tactics include any contact to the head of the opponent, checking from behind and late avoidable body checks to an opponent who is no longer in possession and control of the puck. Officials are instructed to enforce these rules to a high standard and assess the appropriate penalty when these actions occur. In addition, officials are expected to strictly enforce any avoidable contact occurring after the whistle – including during scrum situations around the goal.
Part (c) Body Contact In non-check classifications, legal body contact shall be allowed and players allowed to compete using proper body position skills. However, any deliberate body checks shall be penalized accordingly. If a body check is delivered for the purpose of intimidation, a major penalty should be assessed to the offending player.
Part (d) Players are encouraged to develop a deep sense of respect for all (opponents and officials) while endeavoring to enjoy the sport and improve their playing ability. Each player is expected to use proper skill and technique when engaging in any type of body contact.
Part (e) Team Reps and Captains are responsible for instructing their players to play the sport in a safe and sportsmanlike manner. Team reps will be evaluated by the board on an annual basis and given a discount on the next seasons dues.
Part (f) Officials should be diligent and confident when officiating the sport. Each official should enforce all playing rules fairly and respectfully with the safety of the players and the best interest of the game in mind. Players must be held accountable for dangerous and illegal actions with the proper enforcement of the rules at all times.
Part (g) Spectators are encouraged to support their teams while showing respect for all players, coaches, officials and other spectators.
Hockey should be enjoyed by all participants. To that end, all participants and spectators should observe a level of personal behavior that demonstrates respect for all. The USA Hockey Officiating and Coaching Education programs will continue to increase awareness among all officials and coaches with regard to these Points of Emphasis and the Standard of Play and Rule Enforcement.
ARTICLE 7: GAME OFFICIALS AND PENALTIES
Section 1 MCHL Game Referees
Referee interpretations of calls will always be backed by MCHL Executive Board. Any mistakes by referees will be handled in the manner the referees involved deem as most fair for both teams. All suspensions and major penalties will be decided by the USA Hockey disciplinary committee and MCHL Executive Board. All parties involved will be given a chance to write a letter to the board discussing the player’s conduct. MCHL follows USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy.
Section 2 Zero Tolerance Policy
In an effort to make ice hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience for all participants, USA Hockey instituted a zero tolerance policy. This policy requires all players, coaches, officials, team officials and administrators and parents/spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all USA Hockey-sanctioned games.
Thus, the following points of emphasis must be implemented by all referees and linesmen:
Part (a) Players
A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:
1) Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
2) Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.
3) Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision.
Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the player continues such action.
Part (b) Officials
Officials are required to conduct themselves 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 are strictly prohibited.
Officials are ambassadors of the game and must always conduct themselves with this responsibility in mind.
Part (c) Parents/Spectators
The game will be stopped by game officials when parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game. The game officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the spectator’s viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body.
This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include:
Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.
Section 3 Penalties
The MCHL follows USA Hockey penalty guidelines with the exception of: A player who receives three penalties in any contest will be removed immediately and their penalties will be reviewed by the Referee in Chief
Part (d) Major Penalties: No one player can receive more than two major penalties per season. Player suspensions will be decided by USA Hockey rules and procedures and the MCHL Executive Board. The 2nd major penalty assessed to a player in a season will result in league expulsion and forfeiture of all league fees. There will be no appeal or recourse process.
All suspensions and major penalties will be decided by the MCHL Executive Board. All parties involved will be given a chance to write a letter to the MCHL executive board discussing player(s) conduct.
Section 3 Conflict Resolution and Chain of Command
If a player wants to discuss a call made during a game or other difference of opinions, it will be the Captains and/or the Team Reps job to counsel the teams player(s) and attempt to resolve the issues. Players may ask for interpretations of referee’s calls, it is up to each official how detailed they want to get or if they wish to discuss it at all. Arguing a call can lead to a penalty starting with minor penalties up to game misconduct ejection depending on the player’s lack of respect and method of arguing. The MCHL Executive Board will always listen to players who request a meeting if they have concerns of officials.
A Captain must be named every game. If the referee feels that the player named will not respectfully converse or will incite negative feelings on his team’s bench, then the referees will have the right to ask for another Captain on that team. If a player is refused as a captain by the officials, another player will be named who meets referees’ standards.
Referees, Scorekeepers, League staff will not discuss game situations or league issues with any player other that the Captains and assistants on the ice during, or immediately after a game. Team Captains may make a request for a review of a situation off the ice via email within 24 hours of the incident. Any player that confronts an official regarding penalties or league issues, or sanctions on or off the ice will be subject to severe penalties and suspensions. This is the Captains’ right and responsibility. Players asking for a simple explanation for their penalty will be tolerated as long as it remains respectful and is in a manner to better educate the player for future play.
ARTICLE 8: AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed and new By-Laws may be adopted at the annual meeting beginning the new season or special meeting of MCHL Executive Board. No amendment shall be eligible for presentation at a meeting unless it has been submitted to the MCHL Executive Board at least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting or published at least fourteen (14) days prior to such meeting.
Changes to the Rules and Regulations of the MCHL must be voted on by the MCHL Executive Board and approved by the Managing Director.
Playing Rules and Regulations
MCHL will follow the rules outlined in the USA Hockey Rule book except for those noted in League Modification
Through the standard of play and rules enforcement, all games will continue to allow the opportunity for improved skill development and a more positive hockey environment for all participants.
The goal of the enforcement standard is to create an environment that enhances player skill development and recreational hockey play for fun.
Standard of Play and Rule Emphasis
Enforcement Standard – These penalties are to be called with very strict enforcement.
BODY CHECKING (Non-Checking Classifications)
A player cannot deliver a body check to any player
BOARDING
A player cannot commit any infraction, including body checking, for the purpose
Examples include:
Any infraction (tripping, cross-checking, charging etc.) that causes the opponent to go violently and excessively into the boards.
CHARGING
A player cannot take more than two fast strides or travel an excessive distance to body check. There are no body checks to any player.
Examples include:
Running or jumping into the opponent to deliver a check.
Skating a great distance for the purpose of delivering a check with excessive force.
CHECKING FROM BEHIND
A player cannot deliver a body check to an opponent directly from behind, or diagonally from behind. The onus is on the player delivering the check to not hit from behind.
Examples include:
Body checking or pushing an opponent from behind directly into the boards or goal frame or in open ice.
HEAD CONTACT
A player cannot contact an opponent in the head, face or neck, including with the stick or any part of the players body or equipment. The onus is on the player delivering the check, regardless as to size differential, to not make contact in the head/neck area of the opponent.
Examples include:
A body check delivered with any part of the body that makes direct contact with the head or neck area.
The use of the fore arm or hands to deliver a check to the head or neck area of the opponent.
ROUGHING
A player cannot use the hands, stick or extension of the arms to body check an opponent or deliver an avoidable body check to a player who is not in possession and control of the puck.
Examples include:
Intentionally playing the body of an opponent who does not have possession and control of the puck.
Any avoidable contact after the whistle shall be penalized strictly, including scrum situations around the goal or along the boards. Officials are instructed to assess an additional penalty to those players acting as the aggressor or who instigates any contact after the whistle.
SUMMARY- Body Checking
While this is a non-checking league it is important to remember that:
A player is entitled to use proper body position in order to gain a competitive advantage.
Players are allowed to compete for body position using their strength and balance in front of the goal or along the boards.
Restraining Fouls
The principles of the continued enforcement standard include the following:
The use of the stick will be limited to only playing the puck.
The stick will not be allowed to in any way impede a player’s progress.
The use of a free hand/arm will not be allowed to grab or impede a player’s progress.
Players who use their physical skills and/or anticipation and have a positional advantage shall not lose that advantage as a result of illegal acts by the opponent.
Players will be held accountable for acts of an intimidating or dangerous nature.
HOOKING
A player cannot use his/her stick against an opponent’s body (puck carrier or non-puck carrier) to gain a positional advantage.
Examples include:
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
A player cannot use his/her stick on the legs or feet of an opponent in a manner that would cause a loss of balance or for them to trip or fall.
Examples include:
Placing the stick in front of the opponent’s 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
A player cannot wrap his/her arms around an opponent or use a free hand to clutch, grab or hold the stick, jersey or body on the opponent in a manner that impedes their progress.
Examples include:
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
A player cannot use his/her body (“pick” or “block”) to impede the progress of an opponent with no effort to play the puck, maintain normal foot speed or established skating lane.
Examples include:
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.
SLASHING
The use of the stick will be limited to only playing the puck. Any stick contact, as a result of a slashing motion, to the hands/ arms or body of the opponent will be strictly penalized. In addition, hard slashes to the upper portion of the stick (just below the hands) of an opponent, with no attempt to legally play the puck, shall also be penalized.
CONCLUSION
Body checking and restraining fouls will be strictly enforced, however it is important to remember that:
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.
Officials shall enforce a strict penalty standard according to the guidelines that have been established.
Players are expected to compete within the playing rules.
Administrators are expected to hold players, coaches and officials accountable for their actions in an effort to promote a safe and positive environment for all participants.
League Modifications
Team Jerseys: All players on the same team must have similarly colored jerseys. The number should correspond to the number for that player or goalie on the team roster.
Compositions of Teams
A team must start a game with a minimum of 4 players. Any time that a team has been reduced to less than four players, the game shall be declared a forfeit.
Each team is not allowed to have more players then the number drafted to that team without prior approval from MCHL Executive Board.
Captain of Team
Prior to the start of the game, each team shall designate one Captain and not more than two Alternates. The Captain and Alternate(s) do not have to have “C” or “A” on jersey.
Equipment: All players are required to wear hockey equipment (facemasks are strongly recommended). Players not wearing the required equipment will be assessed a minor penalty and will not be allowed to play until the proper equipment is in place.
Required Equipment:
Helmet (HECC Certified)
Ice skates (obviously)
Elbow Pads
Gloves
Knee/shin protectors
Shoulder/chest protector
Mid-section protection – hockey pants or girdle/shell
Penalties: Any player receiving 3 penalties in the same game shall be immediately ejected for the remainder of the game, further suspension will be determined by MCHL Executive Board.
Misconduct Penalties (Excessive Penalties):
1. The first time a player receives 3 penalties in a game, he/she will receive a game misconduct and a one game suspension.
2. Second time a player receives 3 penalties in a game, he/she will receive a game misconduct and two game suspension as determined by MCHL Executive Board
3. Third time a player receives 3 penalties in a game, he/s she will receive a game misconduct and the number of games suspended will be determined by MCHL Executive Board.
4. If any player in the league continually receives games misconducts due to excessive penalties Suspension from all league play for a period to be determined by MCHL Executive Board.
Supplementary Discipline: League Management, at their discretion, will investigate any incident that occurs in connection with any game and will assess additional suspensions for offenses that may occur before the game, during the game, or after the game, whether or not the offense has been penalized by the officials.
Physical abuse of referees: Any player who physically abuses the officials will be permanently expelled from the game. Further suspension from all league play for a period to be determined by MCHL Executive Board will be determined at a special board meeting to review occurrence.
Delaying the Game
A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper
who deliberately freezes the puck along the boards or goal frame for the purpose of delaying the game.
A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper
who delays the game by shooting or batting the puck outside the playing area, including after a stoppage of play.
A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who shoots the puck directly (non-deflected) outside of the playing area.
Fighting or fisticuffs: Any player given a fighting penalty will be suspended from the remainder of the game and will not be allowed to return until there has been a hearing either by the MCHL board or USA hockey or both. Further suspension from all league play for a period to be determined by MCHL Executive Board will be determined at a special board meeting to review occurrence.
Fighting, for the purposes of MCHL includes, but is not limited to the following:
1. Punching, or attempting to punch another player. Physically hitting or striking the player is not a requirement.
2. Touching the head of another player in any way with a closed fist or open hand.
3. Any altercation between players that requires stoppage of play or disruption in the game to resolve or break up.
Any intervention in an altercation by another player will result in a game misconduct penalty to that player Third Man In and any other determination as stated in the USA Hockey rules book. Further suspension from all league play for a period to be determined by MCHL Executive Board will be determined at a special board meeting to review occurrence.
Action of players not directly involved in the altercation:
1. Stay away from the altercation.
2. Go to your bench.
3. Goalies stay in your crease (unless the altercation is in the vicinity of your crease).
4. DO NOT TRY TO INTERVENE IN THE ALTERCATION. It’s not your job as a player to try and break up the altercation. It’s the official’s responsibility. Let them do their job.
A game misconduct will be awarded to any player who drops the stick and gloves in preparation to fight. Further suspension from all league play for a period to be determined by MCHL Executive Board will be determined at a special board meeting to review occurrence.
Start of Game and Periods:
a) All games consist of three running clock periods. The ice will not be resurfaced between periods. All games must be completed in a 75 minute game curfew time. Once there is 2 minutes left in the third period, the clock will stop with each stoppage in play if the goal differential is with 3 goals.
b) Three minutes prior to the start of the game each team shall be notified so they can be on the ice in time to start the game promptly. Intermissions between periods will take place on ice. It is recommended that the intermission time be placed on the game clock in an effort to keep teams and spectators informed.
If the start of a game is delayed by events that are not the responsibility of the teams participating in the game, e.g., the ice is not resurfaced on time, an earlier game runs over the allotted time slot, etc., then the game curfew time shall be adjusted so that the full one hour and fifteen minutes is allowed.
If the start of a game is delayed by a team failing to appear on the ice promptly, the team shall, after a warning by the Official, be assessed a bench minor penalty for delay of game.
Tied Games:
a) During regular season games, if the score is tied after 3 periods the game will be recorded as a tie. No tiebreakers will be used.
b) During the End of Season Playoffs; it may be decided that if the game ends in a tie a 5-player shootout will continue until a winner is determined. Each full time rostered player must shoot, and the Captain must give the Referee a list of rostered players prior to the shootout showing the order of which each player shall shoot. No Subs can be involved in the shootout.
Slap Shot Rule: Slap shots are permitted at all levels.