These supplementary rules are published annually and are in addition to the Hockey Canada, GTHL & OHF playing rules.
Streetsville Hockey League Supplementary Playing Rules
Hockey Canada, G.T.H.L. and O.H.F. playing rules will apply for all games played in the
S.H.L. house league divisions.
The S.H.L. committee will publish at the start of eachover season any supplementary rules
which will be applied in addition to the, aforementioned rules.
The GTHL Minimum Suspension List for Minor Hockey applies to all SHL games.
Rule 1 - Length of Games
1.1 All S.H.L. games will be of three periods of fifteen minutes running time.
1.2 The playing clock will not stop unless the goal spread provision kicks in. If an injury occurs and the allotted game time run outs the matter will be referred to the SHL committee for consideration and remedy.
1.3 If the goal spread is two or less then the last 2 minute of the game will be stop time.
1.4 Where a game is running behind schedule, the Convener may have to shorten the final period. Coaches will be advised of this decision as soon as possible. A game will be deemed complete after the first two full periods if stopped for any reason.
1.5 Where a curfew time has been established the game shall be deemed to be complete when the curfew time has been reached.
1.6 Each division must be off the ice, at the conclusion of their schedule ice time. So that the next scheduled division can start play at their assigned time.
1.7 Quick line changes and period transitions will help to ensure that teams get their maximum playing time and potentially longer games.
1.8 Period transition "coaching" breaks and "time-outs" are NOT allowed in House League play.
1.9 If 2 periods have been completed and for some reason the third period that was underway cannot be completed, then the game will be considered complete and no makeup game will be scheduled.
1.10 If less than 2 periods have been completed and for some reason the game cannot be completed a report will be filed with the SHL outlining the circumstances and a makeup game may be scheduled
Rule 2 - Game Period Use
Rescinded
Rule 3 - Player Participation
3.1 A Coach shall, at his own discretion, set his team structure pertaining to the positions played (forward or defense) based on player ability and talent.
3.2 He shall be permitted to change these player assignments at his discretion. However; during the game, it is expected that players will be maintained in their assigned roles to support monitoring of the fixed playing structure.
3.3 It is the policy of the SHL that all house league players should receive an equitable amount of ice time during a game.
3.4 Checks will be made by League officials. If it is found that player participation in any game is not within the prescribed limits, a report will be referred to the Discipline Committee for study and action. If, in their opinion, there was no valid justification for an identified violation, the Coach of the game in question may be suspended from the next regularly scheduled league game and the game or games in question may be reversed, replayed or forfeited.
3.5 For the purpose, of this rule penalty time will be considered ice time.
3.6 Nothing prohibits a coach from benching a player for disciplinary reasons. The coach shall report the reasons to the divisional convener who will advise the Director of Conveners of the circumstances.
Rule 4 - Game Buzzer
4.1 The buzzer has been removed from all games starting in the 2011-2012 season.
4.2 Starting in the 2017-18 Hockey Canada has mandated cross ice hockey for all games played at the 5 and 6 yr. old level and they will use a 90 second buzzer. When they play games.
4.3 Beginning in the 2017-18 season Minor Novice players will play ½ games and use a 90 second buzzer.
4.4 Beginning in the 2018-19 season all games played at the 7 and 8 yr. old level will be ½ games and use the 90 second buzzer.
4.5 The buzzer is still used in the playoff overtime format.
Rule 5 – 3 Goals per game per player limit
RULE CHANGE 2019-20 Season
5.1 This rule is intended to keep the scores of games reasonable and to compensate for an exceptional player who has a proficiency at scoring goals. That puts the other teams without the same type of player at a distinct disadvantage and disturbs the divisional balancing.
5.2 This rule applies to all divisions. Regular season and playoffs (includes OT & Shoot Outs).
5.3 The number of goals that any one player can score in one game is 3, any other goals that are scored by the player during that game will not be counted on the official game sheet and will not be posted on the score board nor counted towards the player’s stats.
Rule 6 - Length of Penalties
6.1 Minor penalties will be 2 minutes, stop time in length.
6.2 Major Penalties will be 5 minutes, stop time in length.
Rule 7 - Fixed Playing Structure
Guidelines
7.1 Number of Players (Excluding Goaltender)
a) 14 - 3 fwd. lines (9) and 5 defensemen played in rotation
b) 13 - 3 fwd. lines (9) and 2 defense pairs (4)
c) 12 - 2 fwd. lines (6) and 3 defense pairs (6)*
d) 11 - 2 fwd. lines (6) and 5 defensemen played in rotation*
e) 10 - 2 fwd. lines (6) and 2 defense pairs (4)
7.2 The only exception to the above structure may occur with 11 or 12 skaters as detailed in 7.3 and 7.4 below.
7.3 With 11 skaters, the coach has the option of using 2 defense pairs (4) and 3 centres and 2 sets of wingers (4).
7.4 With 12 skaters, the coach has the option of using 2 defense pairs (4) and 2 centres and 3 sets of wingers (6).
7.5 If a coach decides to use these exceptions, all player positions must be designated on the game sheet prior to the game.
7.6 A goaltender may be pulled at any time provided that the replacement player is from the next forward or defense shift
7.7 Coaches will establish their own objectives and practices regarding shift lengths and line changes. However, these practices must be applied equally to all players/lines.
This also implies that teams should not employ "power play" or "penalty killing" units as these tactics are not consistent with SHL’s fair play and skill building philosophy.
7.8 Coaches not adhering to these principles are subject to game forfeiture or forced replay and, or suspension. Should there be concerns in this area, refer the situation to the Convener.
Under no circumstances will this type of behaviour be ignored or condoned.
7.9 Coaches must also recognize that this is not a perfect system and mistakes and discrepancies will occur. It is neither financially justifiable nor reasonable to expect that all games will be monitored. However, Conveners are expected to evaluate their games on an ongoing basis and forward any concerns.
7.10 Should there be continued abuse of the fair play rule in any division, the Vice-President, House League may elect to revert to a "buzzer" system at any time!
Rule 8 - Replacement Goalkeepers
8.1 For Minor Atom and below, it is expected that teams find goalies within their own teams. If more than one player wants to play goaltender, then the position is to be rotated among the interested players.
8.2 For divisions Atom and above, goalie replacement will be with a goalie from same division as follows, in this order (moving to the next step for each negative response):
a) Goalie from Home team of game immediately preceding (earlier time slot)
b) Goalie from Away team of game immediately preceding (earlier time slot)
c) Continue in this pattern of goalies from Home team, then away team of each game preceding your game in order
d) If this is exhausted or unavailable, then with Home goalie of game immediately following
e) Then Away goalie of game immediately following
f) Continue in this pattern of goalies from Home team, then away team of each game following in order
g) If completely unsuccessful, then look for a replacement goalie from division below in the same order starting from the time slot closest to the team’s requiring a replacement
8.3 Should a replacement be required for the Semi-finals (Game of team 1 vs. 4 and/or game of team 2 vs. 3) or Finals, then a draw from the pool of available goalies not in the Semi-finals or Finals from the same division will be done by the Convener of the Division in consultation with the Director of Convenors. If the selected goalie declines, then the draw continues until a willing goalie is secured. If this is unsuccessful, then the Convener of the division and the Director of Convenors will decide on an appropriate replacement.
Rule 9 – Protests/Appeals
9.1 Protests/Appeals will not be accepted if the ground for the protest/Appeal is a disagreement with a referee's judgment call or is listed on minimum suspension list.
9.2 All protests/appeals will be directed to the Discipline Committee. To protest/appeal any game, player, official or other matter, one shall remit a fee with their written protest/appeal, of one hundred dollars ($100.00) refundable only if the protest/appeal is sustained.
9.3 Protests/Appeals will not be considered unless presented as per these Regulations in all respects.
9.4 Protests/Appeals, if occurring during a game, should be indicated to the Referee and to the opposing Manager or Coach at the time of the incident, or in any event within 10 minutes following the conclusion of the game. Protests/Appeals involving a game must be so noted on all copies of the game sheet.
9.5 Protests/Appeal must be officially made in writing to the Vice-President, House League and the Chairman of the Discipline Committee. The Team or individual, protested against, should also receive a copy of the written protest within seventy-two (72) hours, timed from the start of the game or incident in question.
Rule 10 - Emergency Action Plan
10.1 In the event of an injury or accident, the coach/trainer must be prepared to support the implementation of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) The Convener is the person in the rink in charge from the SHL perspective. However, in most cases, the trainer of the team involved will likely be the "Person in Charge" as defined by the EAP.
10.2 SHL will have an EAP in place for all games played at the Vic Johnston Community Centre. It will be posted in the hockey office as well as distributed to the divisional conveners and head coaches.
10.3 The Convener will ensure that there is access to a telephone and that they will have all of the appropriate emergency numbers (Police, Ambulance, Fire Department). The Trainer, if one assigned should ensure that they have this information for any facility used for games or practices either at home or travelling out of town.
Rule 11 - ID Cards
11.1 All team and league officials will be issued with a picture ID Card by the start of each season. These photo ID cards that shall be visible at all times while on the players bench or in the players dressing room.
11.2 Failure to wear the card while on the bench or dressing room will result in the convener or referee assessing the offender a game misconduct. The offender will not be allowed back on the bench until he/she has appeared before the discipline committee.
Rule 12 - Dressing Room Rules
12.1 G.T.H.L. guidelines require that all dressing rooms for players under 18 years of age be supervised by two adults at all times.
12.2 This applies for both game and practice situations.
12.3 No coach should leave a dressing room unsupervised nor should he or she allow themselves to be put into the position where they are alone with a player or player(s).
Rule 13 - Start of Games Rules
13.1 The timekeeper shall put 18 minutes on the clock (3-minute warm up followed by a 15-minute running time period) and at the assigned game time shall start the clock.
13.2 The teams shall have a 3-minute warm up period. With one-minute left in the warm up the referee shall go to centre ice and blow his whistle. This will signal to the teams to remove the pucks from the ice and to get ready to line up for the opening game face off.
13.3 If the teams are not ready with 15 minutes showing on the clock the referee will blow his whistle again the clock WILL NOT STOP.
13.4 Once the teams have lined up for the opening faceoff the referee shall drop the puck.
13.5 The time lost by not being ready for the opening faceoff WILL NOT BE MADE UP.
Rule 14 - Supplementary Discipline
14.1 All on ice and off-ice suspensions are governed by the GTHL minimum suspension list.
14.2 In addition to the suspensions imposed under these rules, the SHL disciplinary Committee, at its discretion and after the game has been completed, may investigate any incident that occurs in connection with any game.
14.3 Any incident that occurs prior to, during, or after the game is subject to review regardless of whether the action was penalized by the Referee.
Rule 15 - Suspension of Players
15.1 All on ice and off-ice suspensions are governed by the GTHL minimum suspension list.
15.2 In addition a player may be suspended for one or more games at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee for any infraction outlined in the Hockey Canada/OHF/GTHL/ SHL rules/Policies/By-laws, or any of the following infractions, committed immediately before, during or after a game, at practice for:
a) Destroying, mishandling or stealing property belonging to others.
b) Not adhering to the SHL Code of Conduct for players, coaches (team officials) off or on the ice.
Rule 16 - Suspensions - Team Officials
16.1 All on ice and off-ice suspensions are governed by the GTHL minimum suspension list.
16.2 In addition: A Coach, Assistant Coach, Manager or Trainer may be suspended for one or more games at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee for any infraction outlined in the HC/OHF/GTHL/SHL rules/Policies/By-laws/Rules of Operations
16.3 The Disciplinary Committee is empowered to suspend a team official of his duties for:
a) Missing three (3) consecutive games or practices.
b) Not seeing that someone would take charge in his absence or for not notifying convener of his absence.
c) Not playing players an equitable amount of ice time as per the Rules of Operations.
d) Disrespect to any member of the SHL Committee, fellow coaches, managers, referees or players.
e) Not adhering to the SHL Code of Conduct for players, coaches (team officials) off or on the ice. Example Failing to control your players aggressive behaviour on the ice
f) Being inebriated while being on the bench or in the dressing room prior to or during a game or practice.
g) Not wearing the issues SHL ID card while on the bench or in the dressing room.
h) Not reporting the absence of select player from House league practices or games.
i) For allowing select sweaters/apparel to be worn during practices or games without prior approval of the SHL Committee.
Rule 17 - Play-off Format
17.1 Determination of Standings & Playoff Format
The following is to be used in determining Team Standings during the Regular Season and for the Playoffs (Round Robin Playoff Games). The games played in the Regular Season will be used for determination of the Regular Season Standings and in the Playoffs, it will be used for determination of the Playoff Standings which will flow through to the Semi-Finals.
17.2 For the Playoffs, each division will play a Round Robin Series as per the Playoff Schedule.
a) Divisions with 4 teams will play a Double Round Robin Series.
b) Divisions with 6 or 8 teams will play a Single Round Robin Series.
c) Division with 10 teams or more will have a shortened playoff round.
17.3 No time outs are allowed.
17.4 To determine Team Standings for the Regular Season Champs AND for the Playoffs, the points and ranking will be decided in the following order:
- The win, loss and tie record will be scored on the basis on:
1) 2 points for a win
2) 1 point for a tie
3) 0 for a loss.
- The win, loss and tie record between the tied teams. (Head to Head) Regular Season and Playoffs act as 2 different season
- The team with the highest ratio of GF divided by the sum of the GF + GA
1) {e.g. if GF=18 & GA=9, ratio is 18/(18+9) = 0.667}.
If still tied after A, B, C Playoffs then move to D, E, F and finally to 17.4
- Specifically, for Playoff ranking, the team with the best record in the Regular Season.
- Specifically, for Playoff ranking, the best record between the tied teams in the Regular Season. (Head to Head Regular Season)
- Specifically for Playoff ranking, the team with the highest ratio of GF divided by the sum of the GF + GA {e.g. if GF=18 & GA=9, ratio is 18/(18+9) = 0.667} (In Regular Season.)
17.4 A coin toss
17.5 The SHL Committee will hold a pre-playoff meeting prior to the start of the playoffs with each convener and his divisional coaches to review and clarify the rules and playoff format.
Rule 18 - Day of Champs
18.1 The two teams accumulating the greatest number of points in the round robin series shall be declared the representatives of the league to compete on the Day of Champs.
18.2 Last two (2) minutes of games to be stop time.
18.3 Should a tie develop where there are not two winning teams to compete on Day of Champs, a game or games shall be played prior to Day of Champs to determine who will play the team accumulating the greatest number of points in the group.
Rule 19 - Tie Breaker Procedure
Semi-Final & Final:
19.10 At the end of the Round Robin Series, the four teams with the best record will playoff in a one game elimination Semi-final with the winning teams playing in the Day of Champs Final.
19.11 Play in the Semi-finals is 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3, if more teams, then 5 vs. 6 & 7 vs. 8.
19.11.1 In the Midget division semi-finals the winning team from game 1 and game 2 will meet on the Day of Champs in Championship Finals. The losing team from game 1 and game 2 will meet in the consolation game on the Day of Champs.
19.12 Overtime Procedure - For Semi-Final and Final Games - Top 4 Teams in Each Division
19.12.1 Any ties at the end of regulation time in the Semi-final or Final games will be decided using the following format:
19.12.2 3 on 3 sudden death overtime will be played.
- 15 min, run time OT, last 2 mins stop time
- 3 on 3 sudden death OT
- Goalies change ends to start OT (Long Change) and will remain the long change for the entire duration
- Players cannot go on the ice for a second shift until all players have had a shift, same with following shifts
- If still tied after the 15 min run time OT, then another 15 mins will be added and same rules apply.
19.12.5.1 In the case of an injury the player who comes on to replace said player can only be
A player who has not played in the overtime up to that point.
Rule 20 – Rule Emphasis
20.1 HEAD CHECKS
Hockey Canada has increased the focus on head checks and Referees have been instructed that any contact to the head, accidental or deliberate, must be penalized. Head Checks remain the number one priority and are to be strictly enforced by referees. The incidence of concussion as a result of head checks is such that extra emphasis is required.
The penalty assessed depends on the Referee’s judgment of the severity of the check.
CLARIFICATION of PENALTY STANDARD
Accidental Contact to the Head: for Minimal Head, face or neck Contact – a 2-minute minor penalty.
Intentional Contact to the Head: 4 Minute Double Minor penalty.
Intentional Contact to the Head: based on degree of violence or an injury to the player 5-minute Major Penalty plus Game Misconduct. (GM 53)
Intentional Head Contact- Deliberate attempt to injure – Match Penalty (5-minute time penalty). Player out of game. (MP 71).
Note: Penalties assessed for Intentional Head Contact are based on the degree of violence of the check in the judgment of the Referee.
20.2 DELIBERATE BODY CHECK
This penalty (Rule 6.2) carries these penalty options:
a) 2-minute minor – deliberate body contact.
b) 5-minute Major plus Game Misconduct (GM 57 Boarding or GM 58 Body Checking). Intentional Body Checking or Boarding or where injury results.
c) Deliberate attempt to injure by Body Checking or Boarding – 5-minute Match Penalty (MP 57 or MP 58). Player out of game.
20.3 CHECKING FROM BEHIND remains a high priority for Game Officials. Penalty assessed will fall under the Rule 6.4. Penalty options are:
a) 2-minute Minor plus Game Misconduct (GM 50).
b) 5-minute Major plus Game Misconduct based on degree of violence or if injury results. (GM 50)
c) 5-minute Match Penalty if player checked from behind into the boards or net and is unable to protect himself. (MP 52). Player out of game.
Rule 21 - Three Penalties in One Game
21.1 In the S.H.L. any player assessed a TOTAL OF THREE PENALTIES OF ANY KIND IN A GAME shall be ejected from the game.
21.2 Notwithstanding any suspensions, which may have occurred as a result of the assessment of another type of game ejection penalty as the fourth penalty or subsequent penalties in the same game.
Rule 22 - Injured Player / Running Clock
22.1 In the event a player is injured during the play the game clock WILL NOT BE STOPPED.
22.2 The SHL has a fixed ice schedule and is bound by the terms and conditions which include start and end times.
22.3 There are private ice contracts in place following SHL game and practice ice. The stopping of the game clock is not an option,
22.4 Should a game not be completed because of an injury and the required two periods have not been completed the SHL will reschedule the game.
Rule 23 - Goalie Hit by Puck in Mask/Running Clock
23.1 During a game, if a goaltender is struck in the mask/helmet with the puck, the play shall be blown dead and the goaltender’s physical status reviewed by a member of the team’s coaching staff.
23.2 The Clock WILL NOT STOP and play will resume with a face-off in the defending end zone.
23.3 If a goal results from the puck hitting the goaltender’s mask/helmet and then proceeding directly into the net, the goal shall be counted.
23.4 If the team official assessing the goalie in the judgement of the referee is deliberately delaying the game or being verbally abuse to the referee that team official will be assessed a game misconduct penalty.
23.5 A report of the incident will be made to the Director of Officiating who will then inform the Disciplinary committee and a hearing will be set to review the incident.
Supplementary Playing Rules
Approved SHL Committee
Revised April 2019