League Rules

VACHL league rules are designed to ensure safety of players and enjoyment of the game. Without getting too technical, here is an overview of VACHL's rules and procedures (if you need clearification, please email herb_lee@hotmail.com)


Officiating
- Aggressive play is STRICTLY enforced(ie contact, especially along the boards). Pinning and taking the body is allowed as it is part of the game, but throwing your weight, clutching and hooking aka "tuggling" is not.
- slashing (hacking - no attempt at the puck)
- majors: fighting and attempt to injure including bodychecking will result in a game misconduct AND min 3 games suspension (depending on the severity) Two majors in a season constitutes banishment from the league without refund. VACHL has built a "clean" reputation and plans to maintain it. Players pay to have fun and not to get injured.
- unsportsmanlike conduct: trashing talking, arguing with refs and any unsportsmanlike conduct will result in a minor. (3mins)
- 3 penalties in a game = game misconduct


Major MAJOR no no's *
Any of the following action(s) will constitute instant lifetime banishment from the league without refund:
a) 2 majors in a season
b) Phyiscal abuse or serious verbal threat of a ref(s) or player(s) on or off the ice;
c) Third man in or jumping off the bench during an altercation;
d) Property damage of the rink facilities or other players' belongings;
e) Suspended player playing or player that is not on the team's roster.
*These rules are for the safety of the players.


Team Rosters
Players must be on the team's roster or else that player is considered a Ringer. NO SUBS allowed, expect for goalies with a signed waiver and an OK from the league coordinator.

Having a player play that is NOT on the roster or an illegal sub will result in a forfeit of the game and 6 pts in the regular season standing or forfeit of the playoff series..

Game Format
- 7-8 mins warmups
- 3 X 20 mins running halves
- 1 min break each period (teams switch ends after each period)
- if tied, OT - Running 5min (or less)
- final 2 mins of play is stoptime IF the score is within 2 goals. If a scorekeeper is unavailable, it is responsibility of the away team to work the clock.


Game Rules
-Offsides in effect,
- Blue-line icing
- Quick faceoffs (make your line shifts betwn whistles quick), refs will drop the puck regardless if the centreman is ready.
- Timeouts: one 30 sec timeout once per game. Timeouts are running time UNLESS it is in the final 2 minutes of regulation AND and score is within 2 goals.
-Crease rule. The refs will stop the play if a player enters the crease without the puck..


Equipment
Full gear is MANDATORY - no exceptions.

VACHL requires a minimun half shield with mouth piece or cage w/o mouthpiece. Again, safety is our #1 concern. Teeth can be replaced but eyes can't! Players WILL NOT be allowed to play if he/she does not comply


Disclaimer:
Not all VACHL officials are certified. The majority of the games will have 2 refs each game. Our officials are competent and have good judgement, so please refrain from questioning their calls.