GHL RULES 

The GHL rules are in place for your safety and the safety of all members of the GHL. We do not intend for the rules to impede in the playing of hockey; however, this is a recreational league and the spirit of the GHL is fair, fun, and safe play without over-competitiveness.  If you are looking for a league that frowns upon contact than this is the league for you as body contact is not allowed.

If you have suggestions for rule changes, please feel free to email a member of the Executive or info@ghlhamilton.com. These requests will be forwarded to the rules committee for discussion and possible implementation. 

All players and GHL personnel are responsible for knowing the rules of our game. This is one area of the game where you don’t want to be a dummy. 
For the most part, Standard North American ice hockey rules apply. Exceptions and GHL unique rules are outlined below. 

The league reserves the right to change the rules at any given time throughout the year without notice; however, the league will attempt to provide notice of rule changes in a timely manner. All game misconducts are reviewed by the Executive for further discipline hearings.

IMPORTANT: Dressing rooms are restricted areas for the exclusive use of GHL Hamilton players.  Access to team dressing rooms is limited to designated ORGHL officials, GHL players, GHL approved coaches,  and GHL administrators.  Parents, siblings, and friends who are NOT members of the GHL are restricted from accessing the GHL team dressing rooms.  To safeguard all parties, under NO circumstances should a minor child be allowed in a dressing room facility without the presence of the parent or legal guardian.
The league does not tolerate racist or sexist behavior.  If a player mistreats another player, a referee, timekeeper or league executive, they will be dismissed from the league without a refund. 

THE GHL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO INDEFINITELY SUSPEND OR TERMINATE A PLAYER'S REGISTRATION AT ANY TIME AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EXECUTIVE.


SECTION A – ELIGIBILITY, CALL UPS, TRADES 
1. No player may play without completing the registration and paying their dues.
2. All players must be a minimum 21 years of age to qualify for league registration.
3. The only substitute player a team will be allowed is a goalie substitute. Goalies must inform the goalie liaison (following the goalie absence procedure) Tammy (tammy@ghlhamilton.com) that they will be absent in advance of the game (barring emergency).  Substitute goalies must be provided by the GHL Executive. If an ineligible goalie plays for a team, then that team may forfeit the game and the goalie may be suspended. 
4. If a team chooses to play with substitute players (excluding the goalie) they forfeit the game. The team using the non roster player will be given a loss. Stats in the game will not count and the ‘winning’ team will receive all points available and the game will be recorded as a 3-0 win.
5. There is no minimum roster requirement
6. The league Executive reserves the right to change the team or division of any player at any time during the season to promote divisional parity and keep the calibre of play in each division consistent. 
7. Teams are built by a blind draft of players ranked by the Executive according to their skill level. You cannot submit a team to the GHL. Couples will be placed on the same team provided that they are placed in the same division. 
 

SECTION B – SCHEDULING
1. All scheduled games are subject to arena ice availability. In some cases, due to mechanical difficulties or administrative error, facilities are forced to cancel bookings with the GHL. The league reserves the right to reschedule any affected games to the best available alternate booking at the time of cancellation. Following any schedule change players will be notified as soon as possible.
2. Each hour of rental ice time includes a 10 minute maintenance period, therefore each ice time rental hour will contain 50 minutes of actual ice time. Each GHL game has three periods: two 10 minute stop-time periods and a 12 minute stop time 3rd period. The arena or a GHL designate may end the game at any time.
3. If at any time the arena horn sounds to leave the ice surface because our hour is complete (curfew), the score at this time will be the final score and the game will be considered to be a complete game (playoffs included). 
 
SECTION C – EQUIPMENT 
1. All skaters are required to wear full equipment (CSA approved helmet with full face mask, neck guard, chest protector, elbow pads, gloves, protective garment, hockey pants, shin pads, skates!). Cooperalls are acceptable.
2. Helmets: The GHL reserves the right to not allow a player to participate if a league official deems their helmet unsafe; however, it is the responsibility of the player to ensure that they are wearing a safe, properly fitting helmet. 
3. All goalies are required to wear full equipment (CSA approved helmet with full mask, neck protector, throat guard, chest protector, arm pads, blocking glove, catching glove, protective garment, hockey pants, leg pads, skates, socks or leg covering)
4. No player shall enter the ice surface without full equipment. Helmets must be worn at ALL times on the ice (including the end of game handshake).
5. All players are responsible for wearing full equipment. If they are missing a piece of equipment once the game begins, they will be given a minor penalty that will last the time it takes to find their missing piece of equipment and then serve a two minor penalty. If they do not have the equipment, the offender will also be assessed a game misconduct.
6. If a piece of equipment has malfunctioned, the player must return to their bench and cannot return to the ice until their equipment is repaired.
7. A player cannot play with a broken stick. If their stick is broken they must drop it immediately or they will be penalized.
8.  All players must wear regulation GHL jerseys and socks.  Exemptions are allowed but must be approved by the Executive.


SECTION D – GAME PLAY
1. The red line will be used for icing calls only. Two line passes are allowed. 
2. Icing is no touch.
3. Standard hockey delayed off-side rules apply.
4. Automatic icing may be called or waived off based upon the discretion of the on-ice officials.
5. Players will be allowed a two minute warm up.
6. Games will consist of two 10 minute stop-time periods and a 12 minute stop-time third period
7. A player is allowed ONE hat trick (3 goals) in a season (including playoffs). For the balance of the season that player can score no more than 2 goals in any one game. Any goal scored by that player after the player has tallied 2 goals will not be counted for the team score or personal stats. If the player who has scored the 2 goals takes an intentional shot on goal they may be given a two minute unsportsmanlike penalty.
8. There are no timeouts in the GHL. Attempting to call a time out will result in a delay of game penalty.
9. All players pay the same amount to play. Coaches/captains/teammates cannot remove a player from the ice based on skill level for example for a power play, penalty killing, or the end of the game. Efforts should be made by every player to ensure equal ice time for all. 
10. Teams must follow the guideline at the bottom of this page
for lineups. Failure to follow this guideline may result in an unsportsmanlike penalty for the captain or offender. Teams may forfeit a game for repeated offences.
11.  A player must play the same position throughout the game, unless there are extenuating circumstances (eg. injury, ejection, excessive fatigue). 
12. All players must participate in the post game handshake. Players who refuse to participate may be suspended for one game.
13. If an injury occurs during game play, the whistle will blow and players are to return to their benches except for qualified medical personnel or certified trainers.
14. If a play is blown dead for an injured player, then that player must leave the ice surface regardless of the severity of the injury (goalies excepted). 
 

SECTION E – GOALIES 
1. If the puck hits a goalie’s mask, play will be whistled dead. If the puck goes directly into the net off the goalie's mask the goal WILL count.
2. If the puck gets stuck in the goalie net mesh at the back or side of the net, play will be whistled dead.
3. Goalies cannot advance past the faceoff hash marks during penalty shots.
4. If the puck is not in the crease, then opposing players may NOT STAND in the crease and may not have any contact whatsoever with the goalie. Players can pursue the puck in the crease if the puck is free as long as they do it in a manner that does not interfere with the goalie. If a player is in the crease before the puck and a goal is scored the goal does not count and the player *may* receive a goalie interference penalty. If the player is pushed into the crease by an opposing player, the goal will count.
5. Some part of a goalie’s body must be within the crease if they cover the puck. Covering the puck outside of the crease may result in a delay of game penalty.
6. If the goalie has covered the puck, even if the whistle has not blown, players cannot make contact with any part of the goalie to jar the puck loose.  If a player does this, they may receive an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
7. The league will ensure that all games have a goalie. Teams are not to find substitute goalies for themselves, but must contact the league or the game night manager to find a replacement. 
8. Goalies must inform goalie liaison  that they will be absent in advance of their game (barring emergency). 
9.   For the safety of the goalies they must all meet a minimum skating and skill level as determined by the Executive. 
 
SECTION F - PENALTIES 
Our referees have the right and the responsibility to make judgment calls. They may consult with any linesmen available, but will make the call they see fit in the interest of player safety. Our referees wish to make your experience positive, fun and safe. Please treat them with respect and courtesy.

Game misconduct: A player (whether a skater or goaltender) who receives a game misconduct penalty is ejected and is sent to the team's dressing room. Game misconduct penalties are normally assessed along with five minute major penalties and another player will serve this penalty before the team can return to full strength. Regardless of the time of the penalty, the player is charged with ten penalty minutes for statistical purposes.

Note: NO refunds will be given to players who are suspended or dismissed from the league due to continued rule violations. A single offence of the rules, depending on the severity of the infraction may result in being dismissed from the league and all of the events surrounding it without refund.

Concerns about officiating are to be sent to the league office at info@ghlhamilton.com. Specific incidents must be reported. The incident must speak to specific unprofessional conduct unbecoming of a Referee.
 
1. Players will be assessed an automatic game misconduct upon receiving a total of three minor penalties (6 minutes) in a single game (Double minors count as two penalties).
2. You must be in control on your skates at all times. Failure to remain in control may result in a penalty at the Referee's discretion.
3. All infractions occurring in the last two minutes of the game will result in a penalty shot. The player will not be allowed back on the ice for the remainder of the game regardless of the result of the shot. The penalty shot must be taken by the player who was on the receiving end of the offence. If the penalty did not have a "victim" (eg. delay of game), then any player who was on the ice at the time of the infraction may take the shot. The referee will tell the scorekeeper when he reports the infraction which player should take the shot.  If there are offsetting penalties at the end of the game, no penalty shot is awarded. If the penalty shot is unsuccessful then the penalized team plays shorthanded. If the shot was successful, teams will play 5 on 5. These rules only apply to penalty shots in the last 2min, otherwise standard penalty shot rules apply.
4. The length of any penalty is at the discretion of the referee. While common infractions and resulting penalties are listed in this section, these as well as any other penalty length are at the discretion of the referee and will be based upon intention and aggression. 
5. Any abuse of an official, either verbal or physical, from a player or coach may result in an immediate Game Misconduct (ejection). Officials include referees, timekeepers or league executives acting in any capacity at a game or league sanctioned event. Further disciplinary measures may result following a review by the Discipline Committee.
6. At the discretion of the referee, a player may be ejected from the game at any time, when in the opinion of the referee the player fails to play in the spirit of the GHL. Any player receiving this penalty in the last 10 minutes may be suspended for the next game pending review by the discipline committee.
7. At the discretion of the referee, body contact of any kind will result in a minor or a major penalty and a game misconduct. At the discretion of the referee, all body contact, incidental or deliberate may be penalized depending on the severity of the contact. If, in the referee's opinion, contact could have been avoided, then the aggressor shall be penalized. If, in the opinion of the referee, both players are guilty of initiating the contact, then both players will be penalized.
8. Referees are instructed to penalize players for intimidating other players with the use of body contact or the threat of body contact. For example, a player who is skating at a high rate of speed towards an opponent, then veers off at the last moment may be assessed a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
9. Body contact in front of the net will be called. Defensive players will be penalized for initiating body contact on opposing players standing in front of the net. This includes body checking or cross checking. A penalty will be assessed for this infraction. This rule can be applied to the offensive player in the defensive zone as well if he makes the initial contact. If both players in front of the net commit these infractions they will both be penalized. In the view of the referee, any deliberate body check of any kind will result in a major penalty and a game misconduct.
10. Players may be changed at any time from the players’ bench, provided that the player or players leaving the ice shall be at the players’ bench [within 1.52m (5 ft.)] and out of play before any change is made.  If in the course of making a substitution, either the player entering the game or the player leaving the game intentionally plays the puck with her stick, skates or hands or intentionally checks or makes any physical contact with an opposing player while the player respectively leaving or entering the game is actually on the ice, then the infraction of “too many players on the ice” shall be called. If in the course of substituting, either the player entering the play or the player retiring is struck by the puck accidentally, the play should not  be stopped and no penalty shall be called.
11. A player on the penalty bench who has served their penalty may return directly to the ice. If they are being changed they must proceed by way of the ice to the players’ bench before any change can be made.
12. The following infractions will carry at least a 2 minute minor penalty and will carry a 4min or 5min penalty (and game misconduct) if deemed intentional:
* Interference (without contact)

* Goaltender interference (without contact)
* Holding
* Delay of game
* Back to back face-off infractions
* Covering the puck/Closing hand on the puck/Deliberately Fall on the Puck
* Failure to return to your bench when instructed by an official.
* Shooting the puck over the glass from your own zone
* Unsportsmanlike conduct
* Foul Language
* Smacking stick in frustration
* "Trash talking" officials or players
* Yelling at the official
* Slamming the bench/penalty box doors
* Bench minor
* Too many players on the ice.
* Calling a timeout
* Improper or lack of equipment - (player is not to take to the ice until the infraction is rectified).
* Accidental Contact
* Diving (which includes blocking the puck by diving, lying down, or going down on both knees as well as intentionally falling to draw a penalty)
* Slew footing (pushing a player’s skate with a stick or skate from behind, always a major penalty)
* Tripping
* Hooking
* Slashing
* Cross-Checking
* High-Sticking
* Spearing
* Throwing a stick
* Body Contact
* Checking
* Boarding
* Roughing
* Grabbing Face Mask
* Goalie Interference
* Interference

*Any other behaviour deemed unacceptable by the officials

13. Players may not dive to block a puck or lie down or go down on both knees in a shot’s path. Doing so may result in a two minute diving penalty. Players may block a shot in a controlled manner by going down on one knee. 
14. Fighting will not be tolerated - players involved in fisticuffs on or off the ice will be expelled from the league and the police notified. This is a safe and fun hockey league that will not allow for fighting. Any player dropping their gloves in an attempt to fight will receive a game misconduct and will be suspended indefinitely pending review by the Disciplinary committee
15. Checking From Behind will receive, at the discretion of the Referee a Major Penalty and a Game Misconduct. In all cases a Game Misconduct must apply. All checking from behind infractions will result in a review by the Discipline Committee for further suspension.
16. No form of slap shot is allowed in any division, including raising stick to fake. All stick activity, including the wind up and follow through is restricted to below-the-knee height. The referee will immediately whistle a play dead upon seeing the offence and will result in the player being penalized for unsportsmanlike play.
17. Following a penalty, the faceoff will take place in the offending team’s zone.
18. As per standard hockey rules, on offsetting penalties (ie a player from each team is penalized at the same time) the teams will play 5 on 5. The penalized players cannot return to the ice until their penalty is done and there is a stoppage in play, otherwise they will receive a too many men on the ice penalty. In the GHL offsetting penalties are not put up on the time clock. 
 
SECTION G – SOLICITING AND COMPLAINTS
1. Soliciting players of the GHL for any reason - charitable events, stag-and-doe etc. is prohibited. Players who solicit GHL players or personnel may be suspended or dismissed from the league. If you have a cause for which you wish to collect money for the league would be happy to promote it. We will email your cause to the other players and you may set up a table at the rink upon permission of the GHL Executive. Players can come to you if they have interest in supporting your event.
Please respect your fellow players. Obviously, common sense will prevail with regards to decisions about soliciting.
Reason for this rule - too many people were feeling obligated to help out someone every Saturday night. In order to keep the illusion of a professional hockey experience we encourage players to allow the league to distribute information to the league players either through email or our website. Many people have taken advantage of this and report positive results.
2. Hockey is a passionate game and Canadians are passionate about the game. We at the GHL provide the opportunity to play this game in a safe learning environment. The people you play with have paid good money to play the game, just like you. Out of respect for their experience, please do not bring your issues, or concerns to them in the dressing room or on the ice. Please bring your concerns to the Executive via e-mail (info@ghlhamilton.com - please wait 24 hours after the incident before registering your complaint).  After all, we are the ones who can take action to resolve your issue!  We are always looking for ways to improve and wish to provide everyone with a fun experience, but with over 200 personalities in the league, we know that it may be difficult to please everyone all the time.
 
Line up Guideline (number of players does not include goalie):
This guideline is used to ensure that all players get an equal amount of ice time and minimize position confusion. 

14 skaters:
5 Defencemen
3 Centres
6 Wingers
13 skaters:
4 Defencemen
3 Centres
6 Wingers
12 skaters:
4 Defencemen
2 Centres
6 Wingers
11 skaters:
4 Defencemen
3 Centres
4 Wingers
10 skaters:
4 Defencemen
2 Centres
4 Wingers
9 skaters 
3 Defencemen
2 Centres
4 Wingers