MMHL Regulations
Note: MMHL Coaches can obtain a more printer friendly Word document from your MMHL Association Representative.
Metro Minor Hockey League
Regulations
2009 - 10
Updated November 04, 2009
MISSION STATEMENT
The Metro Minor Hockey League is committed to providing a positive hockey experience for players, coaches and parents, based on the principles of sportsmanship, skill development, equal ice time, and fair play.
The MMHL Executive Committee, in cooperation with participating Minor Hockey Associations, must ensure team balance, in order to provide a fair and competitive environment in which the players can participate. It is also essential that coaches and managers abide by the Hockey Nova Scotia Minor Council Code of Ethics, and display the highest standards of personal integrity, competence, sound judgement and direction.
Also it is of the utmost importance that all players, coaches and parents show respect for the officials. Please remember, without the officials, games cannot be played.
REGULATIONS
REGULATION 1 – AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS
a) The following regulations may be amended at any general meeting of the MMHL, provided that the Notice of the Intended Amendment is circulated to all members seven days prior to the meeting. A majority vote is required to amend a regulation. A tie vote is not a majority and in the case of a tie, the motion is defeated.
b) The MMHL Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Past President, Division VP’s, Secretary and Treasurer. Decisions of the MMHL require a majority vote of the MMHL Executive Committee. Fifty percent plus one of the MMHL Executive Committee members constitutes a quorum at any meeting.
REGULATION 2 – PLAYING RULES
a) Hockey Canada and the Hockey Nova Scotia Minor Council (HNSMC) rules and regulations will be adopted for all games.
b) All suspensions for infractions shall be enforced in all divisions as advised by the HNSMC Suspension Coordinator. (see # 7 “Suspensions” under Important Information section below)
c) All parents, players, coaches and team officials are expected to abide by the philosophies laid out in the Mission Statement; failure to honour this goal shall be dealt with by the MMHL Executive Committee.
d) All players must wear approved neck protectors, helmets and facemasks while on the ice, players’ bench and penalty bench.
e) In order for a player to participate in a game, he or she must be in the arena at the start of the game. This means that players who arrive late are not permitted to play.
REGULATION 3 – TEAM COMPOSITION
a) All teams may register a maximum of 17 skaters and two goaltenders subject to HNSMC rules and MMHL Regulation 12.
b) A team must dress a minimum of 8 skaters and 1 goaltender (who must be dressed in full goaltender equipment) or the game will be forfeited to the non-offending team by a score of 5-0.
c) Teams within your own association will cooperate in the provision of players to a maximum of 8 skaters and 1 goaltender where possible, to ensure games are played as scheduled. Alternate players must be identified on the official game sheet with the letters ‘AP’ next to their name.
d) Teams are not allowed to pick up players if you have at least 8 skaters and 1 goalie.
e) (Goaltenders are the only exception for moving out of a division: E.g. a MMHL goaltender may move up a division and fill in for a goaltender, but cannot move down a division.)
REGULATION 4 – TEAM COLOURS
a) Teams must declare jersey colours prior to the commencement of the playing season and that information will be posted on the mmhl.ca website. Teams must conform to these declared colours.
b) Subsequent team jersey colour changes require the prior approval of the MMHL Executive Committee.
c) Where there is a conflict, the HOME team must change to a contrasting colour.
d) Teams’ which possess two sets of jerseys must wear the set that does not conflict with the opposing team.
e) Teams violating these rules will be ordered to replay the game at the non offending team’s request.
REGULATION 5 – GAME TIMING PROCEDURES
The MMHL recognizes that a one-hour time allotment for a hockey game actually allows only 50 minutes of playing time. It is further recognized that most of the member associations are required by the rinks to be off the ice at the end of their booked time, i.e. those associations cannot run overtime. If the timing procedures below are to be successful, it is necessary to have the cooperation of all concerned coaches, referees, players and parents.
a) The Home Team is responsible for providing a timekeeper to run the Game clock.
Timing of games:
· 2 minute warm up as soon as the ice is ready
· Games are 3 x 10 minute stop time periods, with the realization that the game will end at the end of the 50 minute clock. (If the time clock will not work, then run 3x15 minute straight time, with a 2 minute warm up.).
b) If at any time during the game the ice allotment for the game expires, the game referee may end the game. Provided two periods of play have been completed, the score at that point will be the final score of the game.
c) Teams which are deliberately using delaying tactics will be assessed delay of game penalties and such actions as deemed appropriate will be taken by the MMHL Executive Committee.
REGULATION 6 – SCHEDULES
The only official schedule is the one posted on the MMHL website www.mmhl.ca
a) Weekday games cannot start before 6:00 pm and cannot be scheduled to start after 10:00 pm (except Minor Junior).
b) Weekend games can start at 8:00 am and cannot be scheduled to start after 10:00 pm (except Minor Junior).
c) Note: If a scheduled 10:00 pm game is delayed for any reason, the latest it can start is 10:30 pm.
d) Common sense must be applied in regard to late night game starts for Atom and Pee Wee teams.
e) There are no forfeits unless approved by the Divisional VP.
f) Teams in the MMHL must give MMHL scheduled games their first priority. Scheduled games, once posted, must be played.
g) The MMHL does allow playing two games on the same day; however every effort must be made to avoid this situation. Should it be necessary to schedule two games on the same day, a minimum of three hours from the end of the first game to the start of the second game must be provided.
h) Member teams wanting to participate in events such as tournaments, etc, that conflict with the MMHL schedule must make a request in writing (i.e. email) to the MMHL Divisional Vice-President of the respective Division. All requests will be considered, so long as a plan to make up the scheduled game is received along with the request and this plan can be fit into the existing schedule. The earlier these requests are received the better chance there is to receive approval; the absolute minimum time these requests should be received is 21 days before the scheduled game.
REGULATION 7.1 - POSTPONED GAMES
a) Games may be postponed and rescheduled based on storm warnings, heavy snowfall forecasts or requests by police to stay off the roads. In all cases, the safety of the players shall take precedence.
b) If weather conditions create a safety concern, coaches may postpone a game provided they have confirmed approval of both MMHL Association Representatives of the teams involved. A minimum of 2 hours notice is required. Clear and timely communication between associations and teams involved is a must in these circumstances.
c) Postponed games must be rescheduled within 7 days of the originally scheduled date and approved by the MMHL Division VP. These games must be played prior to the end of the schedule involved (i.e. regular season or playoff schedule).
d) Obviously there may be postponements due to power outages, Zamboni problems, rink closures, etc. beyond our control. Please follow the same procedures as in ‘b)’ above. These games will also need to be rescheduled.
e) Under no circumstances, is a coach to postpone a game for any other reason without the approval of the MMHL Division VP.
REGULATION 7.2 - PROCEDURE FOR RESCHEDULING GAMES
a) The home team is responsible for rescheduling postponed games as a result of conditions noted above.
b) The Association MMHL Representative will have already approved the postponed game (as per Regulation 7.1 b) above.
c) The Association MMHL Representative will arrange a new time with their ice coordinator and contact the appropriate MMHL Division VP for approval.
d) The MMHL Division VP will contact the web master to update the schedule.
e) The Association MMHL Representative will advise the appropriate Referee in Chief of the rescheduled game and notify both coaches and the appropriate Association MMHL representative via email and phone call.
f) The home coach should also contact the visiting coach to confirm he knows about the rescheduled game.
g) Make up and rescheduled games must be played provided your team receives a minimum of 48 hours notice prior to the new scheduled date (provided it does not conflict with already scheduled exhibition or tournament games). It is extremely difficult to acquire additional ice time and arrange for officials at a time that does not conflict with other scheduled games. Therefore coaches cannot refuse to play these games.
h) Communication is the key. There never can be too much in these situations. The MMHL does not want a team showing up at a rink with no one to play, no timekeepers or no referees.
REGULATION 8 – TEAM STANDINGS
The MMHL will ensure the scores and standings are kept up to date for the benefit of all.
a) The home team is responsible to e-mail the results of each Metro Minor game immediately after the game to metrominorscores@gmail.com. Results will be posted daily on the MMHL website which will be used to determine league standings.
b) All game results must be submitted and posted before finalized standings are approved by the MMHL Executive Committee.
c) Standings will be determined using two points for a win and one point for a tie.
d) Teams tied in total points at the end of the regular schedule will have their standing determined as follows (in order) based on the logic that is inherent in the MMHL website:
- Most Wins (all games)
- Most Goals For (all games)
Note: the differential of “goals for” in a game will be limited to 5. E.g. if the score of a game is 10 – 1, it will be recorded on the website as 6 – 1. If it was 9 – 2, it will be recorded as 7 – 2. If it was 6 - 0, it will be recorded as 5 – 0, etc, etc.
- Least Goals Against (all games)
REGULATION 9 – PLAYOFFS
a) All teams shall be included in playoffs.
b) Playoff formats will be determined at a meeting of the MMHL Executive Committee.
c) Each division may or may not have the same format as it depends on the number of teams in each division, ice time available, etc.
d) The Divisional VP’s will draw up playoff schedules as soon as final standings of regular season play are determined.
e) Playoffs schedules must be approved by the MMHL Executive Committee and will be posted on the website prior to the first game.
f) The top teams from the playoffs in the respective divisions will advance to the MMHL Championship Tournament Weekend (usually held in late March). Costs associated with this Tournament will be paid by MMHL
.
The MMHL will ensure the playoff scores and standings are kept up to date for the benefit of all.
a) The home team is responsible to e-mail the results of each Metro Minor game immediately after the game to metrominorscores@gmail.com. Results will be posted daily on the MMHL website which will be used to determine league standings.
b) All Game reports must be submitted and posted before finalized standings are approved by the MMHL Executive Committee.
c) Standings will be determined using two points for a win and one point for a tie.
d) Teams tied in total points at the end of the playoff schedule will have their standing determined as follows (in order) based on the logic that is inherent in the MMHL website:
1. Most Wins (all games)
2. Most Goals For (all games)
Note: the differential of “goals for” in a game will be limited to 5. E.g. if the score of a game is 10 – 1, it will be recorded on the website as 6 – 1. If it was 9 – 2, it will be recorded as 7 – 2. If it was 6 - 0, it will be recorded as 5 – 0, etc, etc.
3. Least Goals Against (all games)
4. If these teams are still tied, there will be a one game playoff to decide who advances to the Championship Tournament Weekend.
REGULATION 10 – CHRISTMAS, MARCH BREAK, FINAL EXAM WEEK
a) Each year the MMHL schedules will have a Christmas Break and a March break.
b) The Christmas Break will be from approximately December 24th to January 2nd inclusive.
c) The March Break shall be from Sunday to Saturday inclusive as determined by the Halifax regional School Board.
d) During these break periods no team will be ordered to play a game; however if teams agree, they are encouraged to make up previously postponed games if ice time is available.
e) Exact dates for Christmas and March breaks will be posted on the website.
f) The Midget schedule will also not have games scheduled during the days before final exams (dates as determined by the Halifax Regional School Board).
REGULATION 11 – CHECKING – ALL DIVISIONS
a) The MMHL is a non body checking league as per Hockey Canada Rules.
REGULATION 12 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
a) Proof of the eligibility of any player may be requested at any time, when required by the MMHL. It is the responsibility of the member to provide proof of eligibility in a timely manner.
b) To be eligible to play in the MMHL, a player must fit the age category for the division as determined by Hockey Nova Scotia Minor Council. (Goaltenders are the only exception for moving out of a division: E.g. a MMHL goaltender may move up a division and fill in for a goaltender, but cannot move down a division.)
c) All players and bench staff must be on an official HNS team roster with copies provided to MMHL Executive Committee by November 30th of the current year. Any changes after this date must be submitted to Hockey Nova Scotia for approval and a revised copy sent to the MMHL Secretary.
REGULATION 13 - COACHING/BENCH STAFF REQUIREMENTS
a) All team officials must have certification requirements as per HNS.
b) All team officials (coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, managers) are required to be listed on a team roster and registered with Hockey Nova Scotia in order to be insured.
Important Additional Information
1. Game Scheduling
The only official schedule is the one posted on the MMHL website www.mmhl.ca
Coaches, players and parents should check the site regularly before games, as sometimes the schedule will change based on participating Associations’ ice time requests/issues and also for rescheduled games. Every effort however will be made not to change the schedule once posted. Most changes are the result of requests from associations to reschedule games in order to make the most efficient use of ice time.
The MMHL provides Game Sheets to all MMHL Association Representatives for their home games. Each head coach will receive from their individual MMHL Association Representative enough game sheets for the year.
a) The home team is responsible for providing the game sheet.
b) When completing the game sheet, please ensure that all the information is filled in. This includes the date, assigned game number, team names, category/division (e.g. MMHL/Midget), player names, jersey numbers (indicate Captain and Assistants), alternate players (AP), coaches names, arena and signature. Please ensure goaltenders are identified on the game sheet.
c) Please remember, if alternate players are used to get your team to the minimum (i.e. 8 skaters and a goaltender) these players must be identified on the official game sheet with the letters ‘AP’ next to their name.
d) Then have the visiting team fill it out and give it to the referees before game start.
e) Note: If using team labels ensure that there is a label on all three copies. If there are any changes please ensure that changes are made to all three game sheets.
f) Upon completion of the game, the timekeeper must distribute one copy of the game sheet to the home team, one to the visiting team and the white copy to the referee.
3. Completion of Game
Players may not leave the bench after the game until instructed to do so by the referee. If players leave before this time, the coach could be subject to a suspension by HNS if there is an altercation or incident.
The home team is responsible to e-mail the results of each Metro Minor game immediately after the game to
Include the following information:
- Game #
- Game date
- Division
- Team names
- Arena
- Score
Note: The best method is to copy the game from the website schedule, paste into the email and fill in the score. All the information is included.
For example:
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TASA Storm 1
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Chebucto Storm 1
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Wed Oct 26, 2005
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#M - 49412 @ Spryfield Arena
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9:00 pm
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If your team fails to e-mail in results, it could result in a game forfeit or suspension.
Due to insurance purposes, under no circumstances can scheduled league games be played with less than two officials.
Each minor hockey association is responsible for paying the on-ice officials directly for their home games.
It is of the utmost importance that all players, coaches and parents show respect for the officials. Please remember, without the officials, games cannot be played.
6. Code of Conduct Issues
Any code of conduct issues with players, coaches, officials, fans, etc are to be addressed directly with the Minor Hockey Association of the person lodging the complaint.
7. Suspensions
Suspensions are handed out by Hockey Nova Scotia (HNS) according to the HNS rules. When a player receives a suspension, the coach of that team will be notified by their own respective minor hockey association. The coach is required to complete the Hockey Nova Scotia Minor Council “Player-Suspension Notice” that the coach will receive. The MMHL will also be notified of all suspensions that involve MMHL players/coaches and will require the team coach/manager to have this completed form available at all times.
Note: It is the coach’s responsibilities to know the rules; ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.
For Example:
If a player is involved in a fight and receives a fighting penalty, it is an automatic suspension. However, sometimes the notice of suspension of the player(s) may not reach the coach before the next game. It is the coach’s responsibility to sit that player out. If this does not occur, the coach could be subject to a suspension by Hockey Nova Scotia.
