NIAGARA DISTRICT HOCKEY LEAGUE
BY-LAWS 2024-2025
( updated August 2024 download copy)
APPENDIX A - STRUCTURE
1. MEMBERSHIP FEES
[a] Yearly fees per team shall be set at the September meeting.
[b] Team entries will consist of ALL categories from U8 to U18 inclusive of REP or Local League as set out by the OMHA.
[c] Centres who have not remitted their annual fee on or before the regularly scheduled meeting date in October shall incur a late fee representing 10% of the annual fee. An additional 10% (total of 20%) of the annual fee will be levied if the outstanding balance is not remitted on or before the regularly scheduled meeting date in November. Teams failing to remit their annual fee plus the additional late fee on or before the regularly scheduled meeting in December will be considered NOT in good standing and will be suspended from further play until payment is made.
2. SCHEDULES
(REP HOCKEY)
[a] The regular season League format shall consist of three (3) Divisions with Member Centre teams placed into the division based on their OMHA base classification for the upcoming season. The divisions shall be as follows:
[i] Doherty Division - Major Teams A category
[ii] Belcot Division - Minor Teams A category
[iii] Robinson Division - First Entry B (and below) and 2nd Entry
Note(1): A center may request an individual team be placed in a lower division. This request must be made to the NDHL Executive in writing no later than the August meeting. Requests must include the following information:
- 3 years past team (age group) league history. Including game scores and final league standings.
- 3 years of OMHA playdown history including game scores.
- Player movement IE. Number of NRP’s lost in the current season.
Note(2): If five (5) or less teams are entered in a division as outlined above the Executive may place the teams into another division.
[b] The number of games played shall be determined annually at the August meeting – game numbers reflect upon membership and may in some cases be adjusted at the September meeting
Note (3): No games shall be scheduled between December 24 and January 1
[c] The schedule shall be as balanced as possible amongst classification centers playing within the same OMHA classification against other centres in the division.
[d] Each Centre shall provide the League at the August meeting a list of teams and ice times they propose to enter for League play. Centres may remove teams from this list at any time.
(LOCAL LEAGUE HOCKEY)
[e] Number of regular season games per division shall be determined annually at the August meeting – game numbers reflect upon membership and may in some cases be adjusted at the September meeting
i) U10 through U18
1 The start of the season will begin after Thanksgiving Weekend
2 The regular season will be completed by the first week of February
3 The playoffs will end by end of March
4 There will be no games scheduled during the Christmas and March breaks
a. U15-U18 teams will not have games scheduled during January exams (except on weekends) including the EVENING prior to the start of exams.:
b. U10 – U18 to be determined annually (based on membership)
5 Local League scheduler will release full schedule no later than November 1st
ii) U9 and U8:
1 The start of the season will be approximately Nov 1st
2 U9 = full ice games after Jan 15th
3 The game formats will adhere to the OMHA U9 and Under guidelines
4 There will be no games during the Christmas and March breaks
5 If a center is entering more than 1 team – teams must be balanced
iii) The schedule shall be as balanced as possible amongst ALL centers playing within the same division.
iv) Each Centre shall provide the League at the August meeting a list of teams and ice times they propose to enter for League play. Centers may remove teams from this list at any time.
3. RESCHEDULED GAMES
[a] No group games may be postponed except in the case of an emergency and with prior approval of the Division Convener and NDHL President. When a team desires to change the date of a game for any reason other than an emergency, the change must be requested a minimum of 15 days in advance of the scheduled date, and a mutually agreeable date is updated on the website promptly and communicated to the Division Convener.
NOTE: Inside the 15 days when both centres mutually agree to reschedule a game, they must provide immediate notice of reschedule date to appropriate convener.
[b] In addition, Centres cancelling games within a seventy-two (72) hour period for whatever reasons, sickness and suspensions, with the exception of last-minute weather implications, will be subject to costs of staging a game, ie. Ice time and game officials. Enforcement of this rule will take place by League Officials, Conveners and Executive after an appeal has been brought forward by the affected centre. Such appeal must be received within seven (7) days of the cancellation.
[c] Any team not completing 80% of their scheduled games shall be suspended by the League effective the day following the date for completion of the schedule. A team wishing to appeal its suspension must do so within 48 hours of the date set for the completion of the schedule to the League Executive.
[d] In case of adverse weather conditions the decision to reschedule a game will be made by contacting the following individuals in the order listed:
a. The Other Centre
b. OMHA League convener, OR
c. OMHA Executive Member
4. FORFEITS
[a] There shall be no forfeiting of games in the League except when a team is in violation of Regulation 8(1) of the OMHA Manual of Operations. A team in violation of 3.[b] above will be required to forfeit the game by the League unless otherwise determined by the Executive on Appeal
[b] Any team forfeiting two (2) games per 3.[b] above shall be suspended immediately pending a hearing to be held by the League within seven(7) days.
What is important is that NDHL centers understand that having players ill or suspended (even a goalie) is NOT an emergency. Teams should have contingency plans in place for using alternate players (AP’s) or be prepared to play with short bench if necessary.
5. EXHIBITION GAMES
Exhibition games and process are covered in the OMHA Manual of Operations in regard to travel permits / rules
6. TOURNAMENTS
[a] A tournament game permit is to be completed and emailed by the Centre attending the tournament to the OMHA convenor prior to the tournament.
[b] There shall be a 3 tournament limit per team during the regular season (excluding pre season, Christmas Break and March Break) and a 2 tournament limit for the local league teams (excluding pre-season, Christmas Break, and March break) (added August 2024) Tournaments during the playoffs/OMHA qualifiers in February and early March must be approved by the NDHL V.P. Rep or president. When possible, tournament dates should be available prior to league scheduling to avoid conflicts and rescheduling.
( Added August 2024 )
U9 Pathways permits
1 jamboree pre-season, 1 jamboree regular half-ice season and 1 jamboree full-ice season (end of season)
Similarly U8 Pathways
1 jamboree pre-season, 1 jamboree regular season, 1 jamboree end of season
Deadline for tournament date submission is Oct 1st of the current season for the Rep teams and November 1st for the Local league teams. (added August 2024) Exceptions can be requested (IE. If a tournament is in need of teams and it does not impact NDHL Regular Season games schedule. Silver Stick attendance requires an exception as well). Sanction: $500 Fine for breaking the By-Law. Payment due 7 days after League notification.
7. OMHA PLAYDOWN STRUCTURE (REP)
[a] The play down format shall use the applicable schedule, as determined by the League Executive, from Appendix B as soon as the OMHA has determined its play down structure and dates.
[b] The seeding shall be based on the League standings of each classification as of midnight on the Sunday prior to the start of the OMHA Playdowns unless otherwise stated in Playoff rules reviewed in January. (added Jan 2024)
[c] All games shall be played in accordance with the OMHA Manual of Operations.
8. LEAGUE PLAYOFF STRUCTURE
[a] The play down format as set out in Appendix B shall be determined by the League at its Annual meeting at the end of the prior season and reviewed in January.
[b] The seeding shall be based on the League standings of each classification as of midnight on the final day of the regular season. However, to create playoff matchups / pools, teams will be seeded based on the win% of each classification up to 10 days prior to the start of the playoffs. (added January 2024)
[c] If required, centres interested in hosting one or more division Tournaments shall inform the League at the August meeting.
[d] Fee for Tournaments shall be set by the League at the January meeting.
9. LENGTH OF GAMES
[a] The minimum game time is three (3) stop time periods totaling thirty-five (35) minutes of playing time. Centers should strive to provide sufficient ice time for the following length of playing times (includes flood)
a. U8/U9 half ice - 2 X 22min periods (60 mins allocated)
b. U9 – full ice - 10-10-10 (60 mins ice allocated)
c. U11- – 10-10-15 (70 min. ice allocated)
d. U13-U18 – 10-15-15 (80 min. ice allocated)
e. U16-U18 REP – 15-15-15 (95 min. ice allocated)
(a)i). There is to be 1 - 30 second time out permitted for ALL regular and playoff NDHL league games - NEW
[b] Every effort should be made NOT TO CURFEW League games by member centers.
[c] All teams will be dressed and ready, ten (10) MINUTES prior to the scheduled game time. At the request of the game officials, both teams shall proceed to the ice.
*** The Zamboni must be off the ice and the nets are to be secured prior to stepping on the ice.
[d] No overtime will be played during regular season or round robin games. . Overtime period(s) to be used in
elimination games or series will be outlined in the playoff rules as set out in the January meeting.
10. GAMES NOT PLAYED
Failure of any team to meet their commitment as per the schedule will result in the following action being applied.
(a) If the visiting team fails to show for a scheduled game, the visiting team must compensate the home team for the cost of ice and officials. It is the responsibility of the home team to submit an accounting of the expenses and forward the same to the visiting team and the convener within seven (7) days of the scheduled game.
(b) If the home team fails to show for a scheduled game, the home team must compensate the visiting team for traveling expenses to a maximum of five (5) cars at a rate of 0.45 cents per kilometer, both ways. It is the responsibility of the visiting team to submit an accounting of the expenses and forward the same to the home team and convener within seven days of the scheduled game.
NOTE: Claims will become void if not received by the offending team within seven (7) days (postmarked) of the originally scheduled game. Accounts must be paid or appealed within fourteen days (postmarked) or the offending team could be suspended from further competition. The non-offending team must notify the convener of noncompliance.
11. SUSPENSION
(a) Suspensions shall be determined and served as per the current OMHA Manual of Operations and subject to OMHA REM / Convenors.
(b) Blow Out Rule – adopted by the NDHL states the following: Scores run up surpassing a 10-goal differential are subject to the following,
(1) First offence - a written warning from NDHL
(2) Second offence – direct contact by NDHL representative (President / VP) with explanation / direction
(3) Third offence – suspension of Head Coach to be determined by NDHL (President / VP)
12. STANDINGS
When standings are required to determine play down or playoff matchups and/or play down or playoff schedule when a round-robin is used, in the event of a tie in total points the standings will be arrived at as follows unless otherwise stated in playoff rules ( added Jan 2024 ):
If two teams tied:
[i] play between/among teams tied. If tied;
[ii] the goal average of a team as determined by adding the total goals for to the total goals against and dividing this total into total goals for. The higher percentage, winning the higher position. If tied;
[iii] most wins. If tied;
[iv] lowest penalty minutes. If tied;
[v] coin toss.
If three or more teams tied
[i] play between/among teams tied if each has played all teams in the tie breaker equally. If tied or not applicable.
[ii] the goal average of a team as determined by adding the total goals for to the total goals against and dividing this total into total goals for. The higher percentage, winning the higher position. If tied;
[iii] most wins. If tied;
[iv] lowest penalty minutes. If tied;
[v] coin toss.
NOTE: If as the result of applying the tiebreakers the number of teams is reduced to two(2) then the next tiebreaker shall revert back to the two team format starting at [i].
13. TEAM COLOURS
All teams will conform (where possible) to two (2) sets of sweaters and will wear light colours for home games and dark colours for away games. However, if there is a conflict, home team will change. The referee’s decision in this matter is final.
14. GATE FEES
There will be no gate fee charged during any League or Playoff game.
15. REFEREES
[a] All referees for scheduled games and League play offs are to be appointed by the Hometown as per OMHA regulations.
[b] Rates for referees when appointed are determined as per OMHA regulations.
16. SHAKING HANDS
The shaking of hands shall be done as outlined in Hockey Canada’s “Fair Play Initiative”.
17. LEAVING ICE
At the completion of the game, the HOME team will go to their bench area while the visiting team leaves the ice surface. When the visiting team has vacated the ice surface, the home team will then leave.
18. AFFILIATION
Centers within the NDHL will abide by the affiliation regulation as per the OMHA Manual of Operations as per AP players
19. MISSED NDHL MEETING(S)
[a] Centers will be charged for missed meetings in the amount equal to $50 for each meeting missed and $100 for missing the AGM.
[b] Each Centre shall no later than the September meeting provide to the NDHL Treasurer a cheque for the missed meetings of the prior season as set out in [c] to return the security deposit to $500. ( removed August 2024)
[c] Any center NOT up to date with missed meeting(s) payment by November 1st will be deemed NOT in good standing within the NDHL and will be subject to sanctions according to by-law article 1 (c)
APPENDIX B
( to be reviewed early JANUARY 2025)
Niagara District Hockey League PLAYOFF STRUCTURE (January 2024)
Section # 1 LOCAL LEAGUE
1.1) All teams who have made an honest attempt to complete their regular season schedule and associations must be in good financial standing with the NDLL are eligible to play in the league playoffs. Any association not in good financial standing by February 1st will automatically be eliminated from the playoffs.
1.2) The following guidelines will be used for determining the number of teams in each pool. The pools will be determined using win % of the standings on the final day of regular season. Divisions with:
i. 8 or less teams will stay as 1 pool
ii. 9 to 16 teams will be divided into 2 pools
iii. 17 plus teams will be divided into 3 pools
1.3) All teams will enter “Round Robin Play” for the first round of the playoffs. Each team will be guaranteed to play a minimum of 4 round robin games up to a maximum of 8 round robin games depending on the size of the pool to be played over a 4 week to 5 week beginning in early February and ending before March break.
1.4 ) Format of Round Robin Play:
a. All round robin games are to be completed by the Thursday prior to the start of March break.
b. No games shall be scheduled during March Break unless mutually agreed on by the two centers involved, and the executive must by notified via e-mail to the Local league V.P. with both centres cc’d.
c. Teams can play during the day on Family Day weekend and double headers on weekends are permitted.
d. Superbowl Sunday, games scheduled after 3pm must be agreed upon by both teams.
e. Regular stop time, with no overtime. ( # by-laws for ‘Game length’ appendix A)
f. Each team will have one TIME-OUT per game.
g. All efforts will be made to avoid curfews; however, curfews may occur during round robin play. The time of the curfew must be entered on game sheet prior to the game.
h. Canceling playoff games is frowned upon and highly discouraged.
1.5) TIE BREAKERS :
a. If a tie breaker is needed to determine 4th and 5th, thereby eliminating one of the teams from participating in the championship weekend, a tie breaker sudden victory game will be played.
b. If 3 teams are tied (on points) the team with the highest standings at the end of the regular season will be given a BYE while the other 2 teams play a single game sudden victory game to determine who will play the team with the BYE
c. If 4 teams are tied (on points) there will be 2 sudden victory games scheduled whereby 1 plays 3 and 2 plays 4 based on regular season standings
1.6) Format for Round Robin Tie Breaker game:
a. All tie breaker games will be played in the 3 days following March Break.
b. Final regular season standings will be used to determine who is the home team and they will be given the first opportunity to host the game. If both teams are unable to host a neutral site will be found.
c. Regulation stop time periods will be played with NO curfew. Period lengths per NDHL bylaw # ‘GAME LENGTH’ appendix A
d. ONE time out per team per game.
e. If tied after regulation play
i) one 5-minute 4 vs 4 sudden victory overtime period will be played. If tied
ii) a 3 person shootout, all 3 players shoot, alternating. The home team has the choice of shooting first or second. If tied
iii) each team selects 1 shooter until a winner is decided. (sudden death)
iv) no player can shoot a 2nd time until all skaters have had a turn.
1.7) If a tie breaker is needed strictly to decide seeding 1 through 4, with no team being eliminated from the Championship weekend, article 12. STANDINGS from the bylaws will be used.
1.8) Format for Tournament Style Finals:
- Top 4 teams from each pool will advance to the championship weekend
- Seed 1 will play Seed 4 in semifinal, while Seed 2 plays Seed 3
- The 2 winning teams advance to the finals
- All game rules outlined in the Format for Round Robin Tie Breakers will apply
1.9) It is the hope of the Niagara District Local League that the championship weekend can be hosted at 1 association that can serve as a ‘celebration of the Local League’. Any center wanting to host this championship day/weekend can apply with the NDHL at the August meeting. Playoff weekend location to be decided at the November meeting.
a. The host association will determine the costs and only the associations participating in the championship round will be invoiced immediately following the Championship weekend.
b. If we do not have a host center or combination of host centers all semifinal and final games must be hosted by the ‘HOME’ teams
APPENDIX B
Section # 2 REP HOCKEY PLAYOFFS / OMHA qualifier
B 2.1) All teams in good standing will be included in the NDHL playoffs.
2.2) Playoffs will commence following the completion of the Regular Season Schedule during the first week of February and end the Thursday before March break.
2.3) Each of the 3 divisions (or sub-groups by OMHA tiers) will enter into Round Robin playoffs playing no less than 6 games over a 4 week to 5 week period beginning in early February and ending before March break.
|
2 teams
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Total 6 games
3 home / 3 away
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6 teams
|
Total of 10 games
5 home / 5 away
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|
3 teams
|
Total 6 games
3 home/ 3 away
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|
7 teams
|
Total of 6 games
3 home / 3 away
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|
4 teams
|
Total 6 games
3 home / 3 away
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8 teams
|
Total of 7 games
4 home / 3 away
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5 teams
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Total of 8 games
4 home / 4 away
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9 teams
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Total of 8 games
4 home / 4 away
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2.4) Format of Round Robin Games
(a) All round robin games are to be completed by the Thursday prior to the start of March break.
(b) No games shall be scheduled during March Break unless mutually agreed on by the two centers involved, and the executive must by notified via e-mail to Rep V.P. with both centres cc’d.
(c) Teams can play during the day on Family Day weekend and double headers on weekends are permitted.
(d) Superbowl Sunday, games scheduled after 3pm must be agreed upon by both teams.
(e) Regular stop time, with no overtime. (by-laws for Game length)
(f) Each team will have one TIME-OUT per game.
(g) All efforts will be made to avoid curfews; however, curfews may occur during round robin play. The time of the curfew must be entered on game sheet prior to the game.
(h) Canceling playoff games is frowned upon and highly discouraged.
2.5) Based on the total accumulated points of the round robin, the top two teams in each Group shall play a best of 3 series. Home ice advantage shall be awarded to top team in round robin play.
2.6) The results of the Round Robin Playoff and 2 of 3 series will determine the team or teams representing the NDHL in the OMHA playoff weekend.
a. When two teams advance to OMHA playoff weekend, both teams (1st and 2nd place) automatically earn one of the two spots in the OMHA playoff weekend.
b. When only one team advances, the winner of the 2 of 3 series will determine which team advances to OMHA tournament weekend.
c. The winner of the 2 of 3 is also crowned the League Division Champion.
NOTE: when the Robinson division is subdivided into two or more OMHA tiers, the winners of the 2 of 3 series will play one final game winner take all to determine the Robinson Division Championship.
2.7) TIE BREAKERS
a. If a tie breaker is needed to decide 2nd and 3rd thereby eliminating one of a team from the OMHA Playdown weekend, a tie breaker game will be played on the first available ice before March break. If a date for the tie breaker is not available before March break, the game will ultimately be played on the final weekend of March break.
b. If Three [3] teams are tied in points after Round Robin Play, the team that finished with the highest standing at the end of Regular Season Play will have a BYE and wait to play the winner of the remaining two teams who will play a sudden victory Round Robin Tie Breaker Series using the format in # 4 below and seeding as be item B) above
c. If Four [4] teams are tied in points after Round Robin Play there will be two [2] sudden victory games using the format in # 4 below. Final Regular Season League standings as of Feb 3rd at 11:59 pm will be used to determine who plays whom. Of the teams that are tied the team that finished highest will play the team that finished third highest, and the team that finished second highest will play the team that finished fourth highest. (1st vs 3rd and 2nd vs 4th )
2.8) Format for Round Robin Tie Breaker game:
a. Final regular season standings will be used to determine who is the home team and they will be given the first opportunity to host the game. If both teams are unable to host a neutral site will be found.
b. Regulation stop time periods will be played with NO curfew. Period lengths per NDHL bylaw #7
c. ONE time out per team per game.
d. If tied after regulation play
i. One 5-minute 4 vs 4 sudden victory overtime period will be played. If tied
ii. One 5-minute 3 vs 3 sudden victory overtime period will be played. if tied
iii. A 3 person shootout, all 3 players shoot, alternating. The home team has the choice of shooting first or second. If tied
iv. each team selects 1 shooter until a winner is decided. (sudden death)
v. no player can shoot a 2nd time until all skaters have had a turn
2.9) 2.9) If tie breaker is needed, strictly to decide seeding, with no teams being eliminated from playoffs the formula outlined in
Bylaws article 12. STANDINGS will be used.
2.10) Format for 2 of 3 series
a. Series will be played the week after March Break
b. The winner will advance to OMHA playoff weekend and will be crowned champion of the division.
c. Home ice advantage to the team finishing in 1st place during round robin play.
d. Regulation stop time periods will be played with NO curfew.
e. Each team will have 1 time out per game.
f. If the game is tied after regulation play, a 4th game will be played with overtime
g. All rules outlined in 2. 8) d. above pertaining to overtime will apply.
NOTES For both Local league and Rep hockey playoffs
The Home Association is responsible for covering the cost of Ice Time, Referees Expenses, and Time/Score Keepers when hosting a game.
OFFICIALS (passed September 2024)
- 1 man system - home officials for U8 and U9 half ice
Local League
- 2 man system – home ice officials for U9 (full ice) - U13
- 3 man system - home officials for U15-U18
REP
- 2 man system – U10 - U13
- 3 man system - home officials for U14 - U15
- 4 man system - home officials for U18
Game Times:
- No games may have a start time before 8:30 A.M.
- U9-U10 games may not start later than 7:00 P.M.
- U11-U13 Games may not start later than 8:00 P.M.
- U14-U18 games may not start later than 9:00 P.M.