NIAGARA DISTRICT HOCKEY LEAGUE
BY-LAWS 2022 – 2023
APENDIX 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)
1- 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
a) 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-U14 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
b) U9 and U8:
1 The start of the season will be approximately Nov 1st
2 U9 = 8 (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
c) The schedule shall be as balanced as possible amongst ALL centers playing within the same 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. Centers may remove teams from this list at any time.
3.A 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 arranged and communicated to the Division Convener 15 days prior to the originally scheduled date.
NOTE: Inside the 15 days were 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
3.B FORFEITS
[a] There shall be no forfeiting of games in the League except when a team is in violation of Regulation 8(1)(h) of the OMHA Manual of Operations. A team in violation of 3.A.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.A.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.
3. EXHIBITION GAMES
Exhibition games and process are covered in the OMHA Manual of Operations in regard to travel permits / rules
4. 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). Deadline for tournament date submission is Oct1st of the current season. 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.
6.A 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.
[c] All games shall be played in accordance with the OMHA Manual of Operations.
[d] Centres interested in hosting one or more division Tournaments shall inform the League at the August meeting.
[e] Fee for Tournaments shall be set by the League at the December meeting.
6.B LEAGUE PLAYOFF STRUCTURE
[a] The play down format as set out in Appendix A shall be determined by the League at its Annual meeting at the end of the prior season.
[b] No overtime will be played unless a winner has not been determined at the end of regulation play in the extra game of a series. Overtime periods shall be 10 minutes sudden victory and no more than three (3) overtime periods shall be played. If still tied another game will be scheduled.
[c] The seeding shall be based on the League standings of each classification as of midnight on the Friday prior to the start of the OMHA Playdowns.
7. LENGTH OF GAMES
[a] The minimum game time is three (3) stop time periods totalling thirty-five (35) minutes of playing time. Centres should strive to provide sufficient ice time for the following length of playing times:
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 (75 min. ice allocated)
e. U16-U18 REP – 15-15-15 (95 min. ice allocated)
(a)1. There are to be NO timeouts allowed during ANY regular scheduled season game (allowable only in playoffs)- (NEW - Nov. 21/2022)
[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.
8. 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.
9. 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)
10. 10. 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:
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].
11. 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.
12. GATE FEES
There will be no gate fee charged during any League or Playoff game.
13. 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.
14. SHAKING HANDS
The shaking of hands shall be done as outlined in Hockey Canada’s “Fair Play Initiative”.
15. 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.
16. AFFILIATION
Centers within the NDHL will abide by the affiliation regulation as per the OMHA Manual of Operations as per AP players
17. 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.
[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)
APENDIX B - PLAYOFFS
LEAGUE PLAYOFF STRUCTURE
1 - LOCAL LEAGUE
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 playoff. Any association not in good financial standing by February 1st will automatically be eliminated from the playoffs.
2)
a) The following guidelines will be used for determining the number of teams in each pool. 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
b) 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 6 round robin games depending on the size of the pool
c) Format of Round Robin Play:
i. Regulation stop time periods will be used.
ii. Period lengths per NDLL bylaw 8. Games can be curfewed.
iii. No time-outs
iv. No overtime will be played in the Round Robin.
v. Home association is responsible for hosting the game and covering costs.
vi. Round Robin games must be completed before the start of the local March break.
d) Teams tied following Round Robin Play:
All tie breaker games will be played after the local March Break.
i. If 2 teams are tied (on points) a single game sudden victory will be scheduled
ii. 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
iii. 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
e) Format for Round Robin Tie Breakers:
i. A one game sudden victory game will be played
ii. Final regular season standings will be used to determine who is the home team
iii. Regulation stop time periods will be played with NO curfew. Period lengths per NDLL bylaw 8
iv. No time-outs
iv. If required, one 10-minute sudden victory overtime period will be played
v. If score remains tied after one overtime period a shoot-out will be played
a. Visiting Team Shoots first
b. first team to score with the other team missing wins
c. no player can shoot a 2nd time until all skaters have had a turn
f) Format for Tournament Style Finals:
i. Top 4 teams from each pool will advance to the championship round
ii. Seed 1 will play Seed 4 in semifinal, while Seed 2 plays Seed 3
iii. The 2 winning teams advance to the finals
iv. All game rules outlined in the Format for Round Robin Tie Breakers will apply.
g) It is the hope of the NDLL that the championship round can be hosted at 1 association that can serve as a ‘celebration of the NDLL’. Any center wanting to host this championship day/weekend can apply with the NDLL. Preferably, this is decided by the November meeting each year.
i. host association will determine the costs and only the associations participating in the championship round will pay the host center directly
ii. 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
2- REP HOCKEY
[1] Playoffs will commence following the completion of the Preliminary rounds of the OMHA play downs.
[2] All teams will be included in the NDHL playoffs.
[2.1] ANY TEAM advancing to the OMHA SEMI-FINAL will be removed from the NDHL playoff schedule no later than the MONDAY following the end of the OMHA Quarterfinals upon the centre's request.
[2.2] Exceptions to the above can be granted, subject to the approval of the executive.
[3] TEAMS will be SEEDED on the points accumulated during the regular season schedule within their division. The ranking of teams and the playoff groupings will be documented and sent to all centers no later than the Tuesday prior to the OMHA preliminary tournaments. Centres will have 24 hours to review and request clarification from the executive.
If a division has only two teams, the NDHL executive, in discussion with the division convenor, will place teams in the proper grouping.
[4] All round robin games are to be completed by the Friday designated prior to the start of the OMHA weekend . The President may grant a reasonable extension upon request.
[5] No games shall be scheduled during March Break unless mutually agreed on by the two centers involved.
[6] Each division shall be split into groups as follows:
- 6 (possibly 8) or less teams, one group
- 9 to 12 teams, two groups
- 13 or more teams, three groups
The groupings will be created by the executive and convenors using the above as a guideline and making any adjustments needed to create a competitive playoff.
[7] Each team shall play four (4), five (5) or six (6) round robin games based on a schedule provided by the League.
Example:
|
Group of 7
|
Will play 6 games
3 home, 3 away
Meeting each team once
|
|
Group of 6
|
Will play 5 games
Meeting each team once
|
|
Group of 5
|
Will play 4 games, each team meeting once
|
|
Group of 4
|
Will play 6 games
Meeting each team twice
|
|
Group of 3
|
Will play 4 games, each team meeting
|
[8] Top two teams in each Group shall play for the Group Championship in a best of 3 series following round robin play. Home ice advantage shall be awarded to top team in round robin play. A 10 Minute Overtime sudden death (victory) period will be played in each of the series games.
[9] In round robin play if a tie exists in points to determine which team(s) shall advance a one game playoff shall be held at the home of the higher placed team during the round robin as determined by by-law 10. The game shall have three(3) overtime periods scheduled. Officials SHALL be appointed by the OMHA convenors. If three teams are tied the top team, as determined by by-law 10, shall receive a bye to the final and have home ice advantage.
APPENDIX B1 (OMHA Tournament Format)
GAME LENGTH
U10-U13 : 10-10-15
U13-U18 : 10-15-15
U21 : 15-15-15
Note: For Championship game refer to OMHA Manual of Operations
OFFICIALS
- 1 man system - home officials for U9 – U8
- 2 man system – home ice officials for U12 – U10
- 3 man system - home officials for U13-U15
- 4 man system - home officials for U18
- Home officials to be used for all games when both teams are NDHL centres
TWO TEAMS
- will play a minimum 2 of 3 series, home ice to team higher in standings.
THREE TEAMS
· NDHL Tournament
THREE TEAMS (One advancing)
· Seed teams according to standings as of Monday at 11:59pm prior to the Playdown Weekend
· 2nd vs 3rd in minimum 4 point series
· Completion date established by OMHA RD
· Winner plays 1st seed in minimum 4 point series
· Completion date established by OMHA RD
· (Home ice determined by higher seed in each series)
THREE TEAMS (Two advancing)
· Seed teams according to standings as of Monday at 11:59pm prior to the Playdown Weekend
· Three team Home and Home Round Robin
· 1st place advances
· 2nd vs 3rd in minimum 4 point series
· Completion date established by OMHA RD
FOUR TEAMS
· NDHL Tournament
FOUR TEAMS (One advancing)
· Tournament to be held the weekend prior to the OMHA Preliminary deadline date.
· Seed teams according to standings as of Monday at 11:59pm prior to the Playdown Weekend
· Round robin tournament with each team playing each other TWICE
· 6 games, 2 on Friday, 2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday
· Top 2 teams play a 2 out 3 (4 point series) to be completed by the following Sunday
· Home ice determined by higher seed after the round robin
FOUR TEAMS (Two advancing)
· Tournament to be held the weekend prior to the OMHA Preliminary deadline date.
· Seed teams according to standings as of Monday at 11:59pm prior to the Playdown Weekend
· Round robin tournament with each team playing each other TWICE
· 6 games, 2 on Friday, 2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday
· Top 2 teams will play a 4 out 7 ( 8 point series) for the OMHA ¼ finals. They would have 21 days to play this series.
· Home ice determined by higher seed after the round robin
FIVE TEAMS
· NDHL Tournament
FIVE TEAMS (One advancing)
· Tournament to be held the weekend prior to the OMHA Preliminary deadline date.
· Seed teams according to standings as of Monday at 11:59pm prior to the Playdown Weekend
· Round robin tournament with each team playing each other ONCE
· 4 games, 2 on Friday, 2 on Saturday with top 4 teams advance to the semi-finals on Sunday.
· The winner of the 2 semi-final games will play a 2 out 3 (4 point series) to be completed by the following Sunday
· Home ice determined by higher seed after the round robin
FIVE TEAMS (Two advancing)
· Tournament to be held the weekend prior to the OMHA Preliminary deadline date.
· Seed teams according to standings as of Monday at 11:59pm prior to the Playdown Weekend
· Round robin tournament with each team playing each other ONCE
· 4 games, 2 on Friday, 2 on Saturday with top 4 teams advance to the semi-finals series.
· The 2 series will play a 2 out 3 (4 point series) to be completed by the following Sunday
· The 2 winners of the semi-finals series advance to the OMHA playdowns and are seeded in the Flow Chart.
· Home ice determined by higher seed after the round robin
SIX TEAMS
· NDHL Tournament
SIX TEAMS (One advancing)
· Tournament to be held the weekend prior to the OMHA Preliminary deadline date.
· Seed teams according to standings as of Monday at 11:59pm prior to the Playdown Weekend
· Round robin tournament with each team playing each other ONCE
· 5 games, 2 on Friday, 2 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday morning with top 4 teams advance to the semi-finals series.
· The winner of the 2 semi-final games will play a 2 out 3 (4 point series) to be completed by the f following Sunday
· Home ice determined by higher seed after the round robin
SIX TEAMS (Two advancing)
· Tournament to be held the weekend prior to the OMHA Preliminary deadline date.
· Seed teams according to standings as of Monday at 11:59pm prior to the Playdown Weekend
· Round robin tournament with each team playing each other ONCE
· 5 games, 2 on Friday, 2 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday morning with top 4 teams advance to the semi-finals series.
· The 2 series will play a 2 out 3 (4 point series) to be completed by the following Sunday
· The 2 winners of the semi-finals series advance to the OMHA playdowns and are seeded in the Flow Chart.
· Home ice determined by higher seed after the round robin
SEVEN TEAMS
Preliminary Round
- teams split into two divisions based on League standings
- Group A (1,2,6,7), Group B (3,4,5)
- Group A plays single round robin, Group B plays double round robin.
Playoff Round
- A1 vs B2, B1 vs A2, winners advance against each other for right to advance
EIGHT TEAMS
Preliminary Round
- teams split into two divisions based on League standings
- Group A (1,2,7,8), Group B (3,4,5,6)
- single round robin within group
Playoff Round
- A1 vs B2, B1 vs A2, winners advance against each other for right to advance
NINE TEAMS
Preliminary Round
- teams split into two divisions based on League standings
- Group A (1,2,7,8,9), Group B (3,4,5,6)
- single round robin within group
Playoff Round
- A1 vs B2, B1 vs A2, winners advance against each other for right to advance
TEN TEAMS
Preliminary Round
- teams split into two divisions based on League standings
- Group A (1,2,8,9,10), Group B (3,4,5,6,7)
- single round robin within group
Playoff Round
- A1 vs B2, B1 vs A2, winners advance against each other for right to advance
NOTE: Ties in preliminary round will be resolved using By-law 10.
Scheduling Notes:
Tournament Playdown Schedule Format and Template will be provided by the NDHL – Note: No deviation without explicit permission from the NDHL President & OMHA RD.
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.
- Teams must have a minimum of 2 hours off before they can play their next game.
NOTE : HIGHLIGHTED GREY AREAS SUBJECT TO CHANGE (ANNUALLY)
NOTE : BY-LWAS UPDATED LAST AS OF OCTOBER 2022