Rules

MGHL BYLAWS

Last Update August 22, 2024

Bylaw #1 - General Rules

Hockey Canada rule book shall be used to govern League play. League Bylaws will take precedence over Hockey Canada guidelines if there is any conflict.

Hockey Canada Rule Book Download

Bylaw #2 - Fees

Registration fees to be collected annually and payable minimum 2 weeks prior to commencement of League play. Date is set by League Executive Committee.
Registration fees to be payable by certified cheque, money order or cash in the amount specified by the Executive Committee.
Any team failing to pay fees in full, as per sub (a) shall render the said team ejected from the League, with no refund for monies paid to date.

Bylaw #3 - Players

All players must be signed (carded) for insurance purposes.
All teams may sign only a maximum of twenty-five (25) players. Initial team Rosters must be submitted at the time of registration. Players must be added to this list before they participate in any games. A phone call or e-mail to League Executive will suffice for new player additions (name, address, phone number and date-of-birth is required for the insurance form). Rosters are to be finalized and frozen by the 16th game of the season each year. If after rosters have been submitted, players wish to join the League, only prior approval of the Executive Committee and having a signed insurance card, will they be allowed to participate.
All League members must be signed to a players card as per Bylaw 3 (a,b) or they will be considered illegal and said team subject to forfeiture of games.
All teams will be supplied with list of Team by Team rosters.
Games that are played with illegal players will be all defaulted from the game in question and forward. To dispute or protest the game based on illegal player, it must be done during the game by letting the referee know you are playing under protest:
Informing the referee(s) of the protest before the conclusion of the game.
Additionally Within 48 hrs. of the game being played, an official protest to the League President or Vice President must be lodged via e-mail. The complaint will be followed up and a ruling/judgment issued in a timely fashion.
No player shall be on a team roster unless they are 18 years of age or older. Any player wishing to play that is less than 18 years of age, must sign a waiver form releasing the League from any liability. Form will be provided by League.
All registered players are allowed to play any position, this includes goaltenders.
Any changes to Team Representatives must be communicated to League Executive. This ensures timely sharing of League information forwarded from League Executive Committee.
Players are only permitted to play for one team in the league, (Exception Goal Tenders) all players who play on teams which they are not on the team’s active roster will be suspended for three games. The team which allows the illegal player on the ice will be fined $100.00 and will forfeit the game.
Any players who wish to substitute for another team must have the team they are substituting for make a request with a member of the Executive Committee prior to the start of the game. The request must include the players name, and what team they are officially rostered on. The executive member will confirm that both teams are aware of the substituting player and agree to their participation in the game.
Players who would like to be released from a team must do so in writing to the league executive once the season starts explaining what team they are looking to leave and what team they would like to join. Players will not be permitted to play for another team without the approval of the league executive.
Forfeits do count towards game played in an eligibility dispute.

Bylaw #4 - suspensions

Suspensions given for sections Bylaws #5 will be the responsibility of the Discipline Committee.
Any penalties incurred for sections Bylaws (6) & (7) will be reviewed and rendered by the Disciplinary Committee, as laid out in Article 3 (7). The President will pass on the decision to the Team Representative for the player in question.
The Disciplinary Committee shall have further authority to overrule a suspension length at any time during the season.
Appeals for any suspensions must be made within 48 hrs. of decision to League President. All appeals will be formally heard by the Executive Committee. Any decision on appeal by the Executive Committee is to be considered final.
Any Player who plays while under a suspension will be suspended for a minimum of 10 additional games, in addition the team will forfeit the game and be fined $100.00 by the league.

Bylaw #5 - penalties

Major - Any major within the last 10 minutes of a game automatically is suspended for the remainder of game being played, plus one additional game. Further review by Disciplinary Committee of this penalty may occur pending recommendation from Referee-in-Chief.
All Major Penalties (5:00 or More) issued during game play will be an automatic 5 game suspension, appeals can be made in writing to the league president. Referee's discretion of the play in question will be considered before any reduction of suspension by the league.
Three (3) minor penalties rule, if a player receives three (3) minor penalties during a game, said player will be ejected for the remainder of the game.
Fighting - at the referee’s discretion: The referee will indicate on the score sheet his recommendation to the Disciplinary Committee to consider with respect to length of suspension:
Two (2) willing combatant(s) five (5) minute major and a game misconduct.
If fight occurs within the last ten (10) minutes of the game an additional one (1) game suspension will be applied.
One sided fight will be at the referee’s discretion with a minimum of one (1) game to a maximum of a lifetime suspension from the MGHL and all associations associated with the MGHL depending on the severity of the altercation.
All 10 minute Misconducts or Game Misconducts in the final 10 minutes will result in a 1 game suspension following review from the Discipline Committee.
Any gross misconducts will be assessed a minimum five (5) games to a maximum of a lifetime suspension from the MGHL and all associations associated with the MGHL depending on the severity of the altercation.
All suspensions exceeding 5 games will be reviewed by the MGHL executive, the referee and chief and the officials refereeing the game at the time.
All appeals for any suspension will be subject to a $100 dollar deposit. If the appeal is successful the full deposit will be refunded. If the appeal if unsuccessful you will forfeit your deposit.
Any Fines incurred by a team shall be paid in full prior to their next scheduled game. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of games until the fine is paid.

Bylaw #6 - Match penalties

Match Penalties - Automatic 5 game suspension minimum, plus a fine of $10 per game suspended to a maximum of $100. A longer suspension may result depending on the Referees incident report and review by the Disciplinary Committee.

Bylaw #7 - Abuse of official

Match Penalties on Officials or Abuse of Officials will result in Expulsion from League for a minimum of 1 calendar year from the date of suspension
Rule 71 in the Hockey Canada Official Rule book? Is the most severe penalty in the rulebook. The following is a list of procedures and guidelines that should be followed when making this judgment:
Ensure the match penalty is properly recorded on all copies of the game sheet. After the game, keep the white copy of the game sheet.
Make sure the number and name of player(s) are correct and legible on the game sheet.
Referees will make a few notes on the incident at the arena before you leave (while things are still fresh in your mind).
Phone MGHL League President/Referee-in-Chief as soon as possible after the incident. It is imperative that we speak within 12 hours of the incident.
Prepare a detailed description of the incident in an e-mail and forward to Referee-in-Chief and/or MGHL League Executive.
E-mail or deliver the report with the game sheet to Referee-in-Chief or MGHL League Executive and confirm with a follow up phone call to ensure all the details have been received and clear up any questions at that time, all within 24 hours of the incident.
Make yourself available for a hearing, if one is necessary.
Discipline Committee of the Referee-in-Chief, League President, Vice President, Statistician & 1 Team Rep (preferably a Team Rep playing outside of division of incident under review) shall review the said incident and render decision upon investigation. Suspension decisions will take into account the circumstances of the incident in question. Use of Hockey Canada as a guide to determining suspension severity as well as any other information pertaining to similar or like incidents in Canada.

Here are the rules pertaining to a Match Penalty on an Official:

Rule 71

(a) Any player or team official who intentionally touches holds or pushes a Referee, Linesman, or Off-ice Official: before, during or after a game shall be assessed a Match penalty and shall be reported to the President by the Referee.

(b) Any player or team official who deliberately strikes, trips or body checks a Referee, Linesman, or Off-ice Official; before, during or after a game shall be assessed a Match Penalty and shall be reported to the President by the Referee. Such player or team official may be suspended for one year or more.

(c) Any player or team official who threatens or attempts to strike a Referee, Linesman, or any Off-ice Official; before, during or after a game shall be assessed a Match penalty and shall be reported to the President by the Referee.

Rule 80

A Match penalty shall be assessed any player or team official who deliberately spits on or at: an opponent, official, team official or spectator. The referee shall report full details of the incident to the President.

Bylaw #8 - Flow of Game

Section i - Regular Season

Games shall consist of two (2) thirty (30) minute periods of straight time.
1. The Arena clock will be started at the schedule start time and run for five (5) minutes to be used for Warm-up.
2. Following the warm-up clock expiring both teams will line up for the Initial faceoff and the game will commence.
3. If either team do not have the minimum number of players (6 Skaters, 1 Goaltender)the Game clock will be started and the offending team will be assessed a delay of game minor penalty once the minimum number of players have arrived. If the team does not have enough to start after 15 minutes the offending team will forfeit the game and be subject to late forfeiture fines as per Bylaw #9(b).
Stop time? If the goal spread in the third period is two (2) goals or less, (ex. 3-1, 5-3, etc.) with 5 minutes or less remaining, the clock will be stopped with each whistle and re-started at resumption in play for the remainder of the game. Once stop time is instituted, it shall remain for the duration of the game, regardless of the goal spread between the teams.
Overtime shall consist of one (1) seven (7) minute period of 3 vs 3 straight time. at the conclusion of overtime the game will end in a tie.
A team must dress a minimum 6 skaters and a goaltender to start the game and must complete the game with the required minimum for the game to be deemed officially played and not in default, Or forfeit. If a team cannot dress the minimum required number of players for an official game to be played, a game forfeit/default will result.
All players playing the game must be on the game sheet in order to play. Players may enter the game at any point but must be entered on the game sheet at the point in time they join the game. Game Officials are to check the game sheet for the # of players dressed vs. # of players shown on game sheet. If discrepancy exists, game will be stopped until rectified.
At the conclusion of all Regular Season Games both teams must meet at center and complete a handshake line.

Section ii - Playoffs

Games shall consist of two (2) thirty (30) minute periods of straight time.
1. The Arena clock will be started at the schedule start time and run for five (5) minutes to be used for Warm-up.
2. Following the warm-up clock expiring both teams will line up for the Initial faceoff and the game will commence.
3. If either team do not have the minimum number of players (6 Skaters, 1 Goaltender)the Game clock will be started and the offending team will be assessed a delay of game minor penalty once the minimum number of players have arrived. If the team does not have enough to start after 15 minutes the offending team will forfeit the game and be subject to late forfeiture fines as per Bylaw #9(b).
Stop time? If the goal spread in the third period is two (2) goals or less (ex. 3-1, 5-3, etc.) with 5 minutes or less remaining in the first 2 periods, the clock will be stopped with each whistle and re-started at resumption in play for the remainder of the game. Once stop time is instituted, it shall remain for the duration of the game, regardless of the goal spread between the teams.
Overtime shall be played 5 vs 5 and consist of one (1) ten (10) minute period straight time followed by a flood of the ice. Following the flood periods will be continuous 30 minute periods until a winner is determined. Floods to be performed as required, determination made by rink attendants.
A team must dress a minimum 6 skaters and a goalie to start the game and must complete the game with the required minimum for the game to be deemed officially played and not in default? Or forfeit. If a team cannot dress the minimum required number of players for an official game to be played, a game forfeit/default will result.
All players playing the game must be on the game sheet in order to play. Players may enter the game at any point but must be entered on the game sheet at the point in time they join the game. Game Officials are to check the game sheet for the # of players dressed vs. # of players shown on game sheet. If discrepancy exists, game will be stopped until rectified.
At the conclusion of Playoff Games Teams are not required to complete a handshake line-up mid series. However at the conclusion of a series both teams must complete a handshake line-up.

Bylaw #9 - Performance Bond

The performance bond is a $2000 bond paid as part of the registration fees that will be returned or kept on Teams following the below expectations. It could be all, some or none at all for refund.
Default Game any team forfeiting/defaulting a game within 3 hours of scheduled game time will result in a $163 fine.
Missed League Meeting Missed meetings by a team will be a loss of one (1) point in the standings and a $15 fine.
The failure of the winning team to e-mail the game score result to the League statistician will be fined $5 per missed game score.
The failure of a Team to supply a complete Team roster by the set date each season will be fined $30, plus additional $5 for every week thereafter.
Teams who forfeit more than 5 games during the regular season will be deemed in-eligible to participate in the playoffs for that year.

Bylaw #10 - Games Played

Registered players are required to play a minimum of 9 games for eligibility to play in League Playoffs. Game sheets are the official record for games played. Players not recorded on game sheets shall be deemed not to have played in the game.
Games played must be actual games. If player eligibility is in question it must be brought up to the executive. Decision will be at the discretion of the executive after reviewing game sheets. Exceptions are if a player was seriously injured during the season and unable to participate in a majority of the regular season they may play playoffs if, 1 - an insurance claim was filed with the league. 2- Doctors note showing severity of the injury and the expected return to play with approval of the executive.
The Executive has the right to enforce any and all roster issues and will be the deciding factor in player eligibility for both league play and playoffs.

Bylaw #11 - equipment

Ear guards must be worn by all players, players will be granted a single warning and asked to leave the ice to put them in each season. Players will be allowed to return to the game they were warned as long as they have rectified the illegal equipment. If after warning a player continues without ear guards they will be assessed a game ejection.
Visors or cage must be worn by all players, players will be granted a single warning and asked to leave the ice to put them on each season. Players will be allowed to return to the game they were warned as long as they have rectified the illegal equipment. If after warning a player continues without a visor or cage they will be assessed a game ejection.

Bylaw #12 - Slewfooting

The act of slew footing includes contact with the back of the defending player's skates or leg or a kicking or leg dragging motion in which it knocks out the defending player's feet from under him along with the motion of the offending player's upper body/arm or stick forcing the defending player backwards

A player who slew foots an opponent shall be assessed a double minor penalty and a game misconduct if he is standing still while committing the foul.
Should the player be moving (skating) or if any injury results from the infraction, the player shall be assessed a match penalty.
A match penalty shall be assessed to any play who attempts to injures or deliberately injuries an opponent with a slew foot.

Bylaw #13 - High Sticking

Accidental High Sticking drawing blood will be assessed as a double minor.
If an On-Ice Official deems that the high stick was intentional the player will be assessed a penalty as per Hockey Canada standards.

Bylaw #14 - Goaltender Safety

Should a Goaltender receive a shot to their head/mask the play will be immediately blown dead by the referee.
Should the puck enter the net and completely cross the goal line directly after contact with the goaltenders mask the result will be a good goal.
If the whistle is blown prior to the puck entering the net and completely crossing the goal line the result will be no go
Should a Goaltender continuously intentionally make saves with their head (ie. moving their head in front of shots not near their head area.) they may be given a delay of game penalty based on referee discretion.