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JFFHL Rules & POLICIES  
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Please be aware, players in the JFFHL who simply come out and play their games, following the rules, respecting their competition and enjoying the game, will never have to concern themselves with the penalties or fines noted below.

Our rules are designed to promote fair play, respect and consideration of others.
We sincerely hope that we NEVER have to fine or suspend any player,
but we must have tough policies in place to deter those who try to destroy
our mission to have a fun league.

PLAYING RULES – Section A

• RULE 1 A
  All games will be 50 minutes in length, including a 2-minute warm up. The rink clock will count down ice time; no other time clock will be used. This will eliminate wasted ice time changing ends or having the scoreboard time run out before the ice time is used.

RULE 2 A
For all minor penalties, play is stopped as in a normal game situation (i.e. immediately or delayed), when stopped the team that would normally go on the power play is awarded a penalty shot.

JUNIOR DIVISIONS - All players on the ice, drop on the blue line, behind the shot taker on both knees, the ref' blows his whistle and the player taking the penalty shot begins skating, as soon as he/she crosses the defensive blue line, all players on the ice rejoin the play. If the player scores, play is stopped and a face off results, if the goalie makes the save, play continues as if the player had been on a breakaway.

SENIOR DIVISIONS - All players on the ice, stand inside the opposite blue line, the ref blows his whistle and the player taking the penalty shot begins skating, as soon as he/she crosses the defensive blue line, all players on the ice rejoin the play. If the player scores, play is stopped and a face off results, if the goalie makes the save, play continues as if the player had been on a breakaway.

DETERMINING WHO TAKES A PENALTY SHOT - when penalty shots are called, they should always be taken by the player who was fouled, it's up to the players to decide this and do it quickly (in the Munchies division, the Bench Boss should tell the player who is to take the shot). When this isn't clear, let the player with the least points on the team have the shot, keep it fun!

• RULE 3 A
  For all other whistles (i.e. offside, icing, goal tender freezes puck etc.) the ref will whistle the play down, immediately all offensive players must clear the defensive zone, the ref will again blow his whistle to signify the zone has been cleared, play continues with the defensive team taking over possession. Should the defensive player with the puck begin forward momentum, at any time, the game shall be deemed to be 'on'. Offensive players must continue to clear the zone of the defensive player does not begin forward momentum. 
  
  
• RULE 4 A
  The puck is considered ‘in play’ as long as it is within the confines of the ice surface. If the puck is shot over the glass but comes back into play off the mesh, roof or walls, play will continue with no whistle. If the puck does leave the playing surface and a whistle is required, a standard face off will result.

• RULE 5 A
  There will be no 2 line offside plays, as we will not be using the centre ice line.

• RULE 6 A
  Slap shots ARE allowed in all divisions.
  
• RULE 7 A
  Full gear is mandatory in all divisions, including a CSA approved helmet, BNQ approved neck guard AND cage for all players under 18. Players playing in the adult division that are under 18 MUST wear a CSA approved helmet, cage and BNQ approved neck guard. Players over 18 are not required to wear neck guards, cages or facemask, however they are strongly recommended.
  
• RULE 8 A
  When a team is down by 5 goals in the first 35 minutes of the game, goaltenders will change teams, the clock will be reset to 0-0 and a new game started, this process may be repeated as many times as required in the first 35 minutes. 
  
  If the score differential becomes 5 within the last 15 minutes of a game, the ‘even up rule’ comes into effect.. The team that is behind will be allowed to play with one additional player (6 + a goalies). That team will be permitted to keep the extra player until the game is over or tied, at which point they will revert back to 5 on 5 play. Unless the goal differential becomes 5 again, play maintains at 5 on 5.

ROSTERS, ICE & PLAYING TIME - Section B

• RULE 1 B
  Any player found to be playing for a team other then his designated team for any league games, will be suspended for the balance of the season with no refund. If this happens during the last 5 games of the season, the player will be suspended for the balance for the next season. A $25 fine will also be levied.
  
• RULE 2 B
  Players sign up to play in a ‘league’ not on a specific team, the computer designates who plays on what team and at what time. Times assigned WILL NOT be altered for any player, for any reason.
  
• RULE 3 B
  Each game the computer generates different roster for each team, from the player pool available to play for that week, no changing of games or rosters will be permitted, for any reason. Players are to report to the sign in table at the rink, no more than 30 minutes prior to their scheduled game time, where they will be required to sign the game sheet and be assigned to a specific team and dressing room.
  
  Placement requests will be considered for any game or division. The computer determines where and when you will play.
  
• RULE 4 B
  All players are to play EQUAL ice time. All teams should simply use the ‘next in line’ OR ‘1 on 1 off’ system to change players. Positions are not important. On average shifts will be about 2 minutes in length and any player who does not change regularly will be given one warning by league officials and then suspended for one game for the second offence and the balance of the season for the third. No refunds will be provided to any suspended player. 
  
  Players abusing shift times should be brought to the attention of league officials who will in turn deal with any problems accordingly.  Warned and suspended players names will be posted on our Bulletin Board so everyone will know who the offending players are and can politely remind them to change regularly.
  
• EXCEPTIONS TO RULES: 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B
  Players will be permitted to 'adjust' their schedule ONLY for reasons related to these two circumstances
      1. A player may post his scheduled game time and pick up an available posted game at another time, IF it is to accommodate a work related situation.
      2. A player may post his scheduled game and pick up an available posted game at another time, IF it is for transportation purposes (i.e. a ride to the game)
  Permission to adjust schedules may be revoked it is determined that the player is moving to improve the team he is playing with or to specifically 'partner' with another player to create a superior on ice situation. 
  
  
• RULE 5 B
  All 5 players on the ice MUST change lines on any  face off  (goal, puck out of play, penalty shot). 
  There are only 3 exceptions to this rule;
               1. If a  penalty is called, the person awarded the penalty shot will complete the play and then go directly to the bench. 
               2. If a goal is scored on a penalty shot, the players who just came off the bench are not required to change until the next face off or after a normal shift time.
               3. There aren't sufficient players on the bench to accommodate a complete line change or a player on the bench requests additional time off.
  

• RULE 6 B
  Players do not have to commit to being there for every game, if you cannot make a scheduled game; it is YOUR responsibility to notify our office, at least 24 hours in advance.  Every effort will be made to fill your spot on the roster for that game. If a situation arises after the 24-hour limit, you should still contact us, so we can try to fill your spot, but if we are not successful, the posted fine will be levied.
  (NOTE: when contacting our office due to missing a game with minimal notice, you must always email AND leave a voice message, you must do both to ensure that we receive your message)
  
  Players are required to notify the league at least 24 hours in advance if they will be unavailable for a specific date or game, players NOT notifying the league will be fined $10 per occurrence. It is ALWAYS advisable to post to the board, regardless of the notification period and if a situation should occur that prevents you from posting to the board, ALWAYS call and leave a message. We understand that situations can happen, but without any notification, fines will always be levied.
  
• RULE 7 B
  Players may miss as many games as they like with no penalty, providing proper notification has been provided, regardless of if their position was filled on the roster.
  
  PLAYERS - If a player is unable to attend a scheduled game, they must post on the league Bulletin Board, notifying part time players in their division that a roster spot is available. This posting MUST appear at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled game time. If a situation arises after the 24-hour limit, the player should still contact us by phone and email, so we can try to fill your spot, but if we are not successful, the posted fine will be levied.
  
  Players missing a scheduled game and NOT posting on the board 24 hours in advance will be fined $10 per occurrence.
  
  Part time players may fill any roster opening by posting (in the same thread) on our league Bulletin Board. 
  
  GOALTENDERS - If a goaltender is unable to attend a scheduled game, they must post on the league Bulletin Board, notifying part time goaltenders in their division that a roster spot is available. This posting must appear at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled game time. In addition, they must contact the league office by email and phone, at 668-7414, leaving the information pertaining to the game, so every effort can be made to filling their position. . If a situation arises after the 24-hour limit, the goaltender should still contact us by phone and email, so we can try to fill your spot, but if we are not successful, the posted fine will be levied.
  
  Goaltenders missing a scheduled game and NOT posting on the board AND contacting the office will be fined $25 per occurrence.
  
   RULE 8 B
  Part Time players will not be regularly scheduled, as they are able to ‘fill in’ when regular players are away from a scheduled game and have posted roster openings on our Bulletin Board. When a part time player agrees to ‘fill in’ for a player on the Bulletin Board, they assume all responsibility of the scheduled player and the game will count toward their 6 game package.
  
  If a PT player isn’t scheduled for the allotted 6 games, we'll refund the per game fee for any number games missed, refunds will only be issued if the player has accepted at least 50% of his posted ‘fill in’ ice times. ALL postings will all be logged, and counted as a contact. No refunds will be issued if the player has booked time off from their already scheduled games.

• RULE 9 B
  In the Junior divisions, each bench must have at least two ‘bench bosses’ available. Parents are encouraged to volunteer for this position on a rotating basis and the ref will not begin the game until at least 2 'bench bosses' are in place . The role of these people will simply be to ensure order is maintained on the bench during the game and that all players are receiving equal ice time, generally following the ‘next in line’ system. We do NOT want these people to coach on the bench. We utilize a ‘1 in 1 out’ system, Please DO NOT coach or assign positions.
  
  Players must respect the ‘Bench Boss’ and make regular line changes. Any player who refuses to change when called, will be assessed a 2 minute penalty by the referee if it is brought to his attention. No team will benefit or be placed in a short-handed situation as a result of this penalty. The player will be required to sit off for the full 2 minutes. The referee in most circumstances will warn offending players, but his ruling is final. Bench Bosses are encouraged to communicate to the ref if a specific player problem develops.
  
• RULE 10  B
  One of the  ‘Bench Bosses’ maybe asked to timekeep, this is a simple task.
  
  RULE 11 B
  The  ‘Bench Boss’ designates are free to solicit someone to take their place, but there MUST be 2 adults in control on the bench for each game in the Junior divisions. The ref will not begin play until these people are in place. 
  
  

MAJOR AND DOUBLE MINOR PENALTIES – Section C

• RULE 1C
  Major penalties will result in the penalty shot AND the team playing short for 5 minutes. The penalized player will be removed from the game and accordingly fined and possibly suspended.
  
  Any major penalty will result in a fine of $25 per infraction with the possibility of a 10 game suspension (each case is reviewed by the league).

• RULE 2C
  Double penalties will result in the single penalty shot AND the team playing short for 4 minutes. Normal rules apply (i.e. team scores and one penalty is eliminated)
  Double penalties will also result in a fine of $10 per occasion.
  
  
• RULE 3C
  There is absolutely NO CONTACT in any division. Any intentional contact will be called by the ref and may result in a minor or major penalty, at the discretion of the official.

• RULE 4C
  3 minor penalties (resulting in penalty shots) awarded to one player in the same game will result in an automatic game ejection from that game. No further penalty, fine or suspension will result.
  
  
• RULE 5C
  Fighting is an automatic minimum 10 game suspension and $25 fine.

• RULE 6C
  We have a ‘zero tolerance’ policy in effect for any abuse of officials. Unlike most hockey leagues, we will not tolerate ANY questioning of a call.
  
  Banging of sticks or foul language will result in an automatic unsportsmanlike penalty and the ‘double minor’ rule will be in effect. The player will automatically be awarded an unsportsmanlike penalty and $5 fine (only one penalty shot, on the original call) is awarded.
  
  A second questioning of a call will result in a 10 minute misconduct penalty and further $20 fine, a third questioning on the same play constitutes a Gross Misconduct, additional $25 fine, automatic indefinite suspension and league review.

PERFORMANCE BOND & REFUNDS– Section D

• RULE 1D
  All players must post a $100 bond in the form of a post-dated cheque (OR provide us with a credit card number that will be debited for any fines incurred), which will be completely refunded at the end of the season. There are various fines for infractions and the player will not be allowed to return to play unless the bond has been replenished. There will be no exception or changes to referee’s calls. Decisions are final and fines must be paid before the player will be allowed back on the ice.
  
• RULE 2D
  Players who have received fines or suspensions during the season and paid using a post dated cheque, will receive only the balance remaining of their $100 performance bond deposit back at seasons end , these players will NOT receive a portion of fines collected.
  
• RULE 3D
  There will be no refunds after May 1st (Summer) or September 15th  (Winter), and a $75 administration fee will be deducted from any refund prior to this date.
  
• RULE 4D
  Any cheque returned as NSF by the bank will incur a $50 service charge and the player will not be permitted to play until the amount due is paid in full. 
  
  

JERSEYS – Section E

• RULE 1E
  Players are assigned two jerseys at the start of the season and they are responsible for keeping them clean and in good repair throughout the season. Players are required to return both jerseys at the end of the season. These jerseys must have been WASHED, prior to the last game of the season. Any jerseys not returned within 7 days of the end of the season will be billed at $50 each  (CREDIT CARDS WILL BE CHARGED OR POST DATED CHEQUES CASHED).
  
• RULE 2 E
  Each player will be assigned a specific number and must only wear that jersey. No number requests will be allowed; players simply wear the jersey assigned. ABSOLUTELY no trading of jerseys is permitted, players must wear the jersey assigned.
  
  

GENERAL INFORMATION – Section F

• RULE 1F
  Players are rewarded with 2 points for an assist and one for a goal; major year-end awards will be presented to our assist leaders.
  
• RULE 2F
  Individual goaltender awards will be presented in each division for lowest GAA.
  
• RULE 3F
  We reserve the right to move any Junior player ‘up or down’ a division. We will attempt to honour all requests to have players play ‘up’ if the player or parents desire it.

• RULE 4F
  We ask that players bring out a few pucks to the games, we don't supply pucks.

• RULE 5F
  We strongly suggest each player have their own waterbottle on the bench for games. Putting the players name on it for sanitary reasons is a good idea. Goalies are welcome and encouraged to have a bottle on their net.
  
• RULE 6F
  When play is called, our ref’s would really appreciate it if someone can bring the puck to his location for a face off or penalty shot. Even shooting it to the area is helpful.

• RULE 7F
  We don't handle keys. We will try and have them available at the sign in table, but this isn't always possible. If you want your room locked, someone will need to go to the front desk at the rink and get the key, we strongly suggest this.

• RULE 8F
  We will have our trained JFFHL staff on hand for all games. This staff included First Aid trained personnel and professional coaches. Our staff will be wearing blue JFFHL jackets; this will help in locating them when needed.

• RULE 9F
  Staff members should be notified of any injury or when on ice attention is required. Our ‘home base’ will always be located in the same location as jerseys are picked up at, so we will be easily accessible.
  

• RULE 10F
  Our staff may at any time ask a parent or acting ‘bench boss’ to leave the playing area or stands if the person is acting in a manner contradictory to our league intent  
  

• RULE 11F
  All fined or suspended players will have their names posted on the Bulletin Board
  

• RULE 12F
  Hockey is a dangerous contact sport by nature. Although the JFFHL is a non contact league, players will bump and on ice collisions do happen. Injuries can and will happen. 
  We DO NOT provide insurance coverage of any kind. It is strongly recommended that players have their own Disability, Dental, Accidental Death & Injury insurance. 

Whether playing or watching, relax and have fun.