This is the Rule Book for the Roller Hockey play at Juan Bautista de Anza Park in Calabasas. Coaches and reps, please go through these rules with your team. These rules will be fully enforced with no additional warnings involving some of the major penalties and game suspensions.
May 26, 2008
Tie-breaker section updated.
Two rink locations removed.
Cleaned-up spelling errors.
TVRHL Official Rule Book - Published Spring 2003........................................... 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION............................................................................... 3
Tri-Valley Roller Hockey League Board of Directors............................................. 4
Contact Information:........................................................................ 4
ZERO TOLERANCE RULES....................................................................... 4
MAXIMUM& MINIMUM PLAYTIME FOR EACH PLAYER.................................................. 5
PLAYERS MAXIMUM PLAYTIME PER GAME......................................................... 5
PLAYERS MINIMUM PLAYTIME PER GAME......................................................... 5
Codes of Conduct for Players, Coaches, Spectators and Parents.............................. 5
Player Code of Conduct...................................................................... 5
Coaches Code of Conduct..................................................................... 6
Spectator Code of Conduct.................................................................... 6
Parents Code of Conduct..................................................................... 6
TEAM REPRESENTATIVES AND COACHES........................................................... 7
LEAGUE FEES................................................................................ 7
OFFICIATING................................................................................ 7
DISCIPLINARY REVIEW........................................................................ 8
PROTEST POLICY............................................................................. 8
PENALTIES:................................................................................. 8
MINOR PENALTIES........................................................................... 8
MAJOR PENALTIES........................................................................... 9
MISCONDUCT PENALTIES...................................................................... 9
MATCH PENALTIES........................................................................... 9
GOALTENDER PENALTIES..................................................................... 10
DELAYED PENALTIES........................................................................ 10
PENALTY SHOTS............................................................................ 10
CHECKING................................................................................. 11
INTERFERENCE............................................................................. 11
SLASHING................................................................................. 11
ICING.................................................................................... 11
COINCIDENTAL MINORS...................................................................... 12
ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT........................................................................ 12
INELIGIBLE PLAYERS....................................................................... 12
ABUSE OF TVRHL OFFICIALS & STAFF......................................................... 12
OFFSIDES................................................................................. 12
FIGHTING................................................................................. 12
DROPPING OF GLOVES WITH INTENT TO FIGHT................................................... 12
THIRD MAN IN............................................................................. 12
DEFINITION OF FIGHTING................................................................... 13
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT.................................................................. 13
10 MINUTE MISCONDUCT..................................................................... 13
GAME MISCONDUCTS......................................................................... 13
GROSS MISCONDUCTS........................................................................ 13
MAJOR HIGH STICKING, CROSS CHECKING, SLASHING, SPEARING, BUTT-ENDING...................... 13
PLAYER INJURED DUE TO A PENALTY.......................................................... 13
DEFINITION OF INTENTIONAL & UNINTENTIONAL HIGHSTICKING................................... 13
Intentional:........................................................................... 14
Unintentional:......................................................................... 14
KICKING, INTENT TO INJURE and other MATCHPENALTIES......................................... 14
EXCESSIVE PENALTY MINUTES................................................................ 14
NO EXCEPTIONS/NO REFUNDS................................................................. 14
SUBJECT TO DISMISSAL LIST................................................................ 14
LENGTH OF GAME............................................................................ 14
POLLYWOG DIVISION (6 yr. & under -beginners only):.......................................... 14
ALL OTHER DIVISIONS:..................................................................... 15
SUSPENSION OF GAMES DUE TO WEATHER........................................................ 15
PLAYOFFS.................................................................................. 16
TIE BREAKERS.............................................................................. 16
GOALIE REQUIREMENTS....................................................................... 16
PLAYER TRADES/TEAM PARITY................................................................. 16
INJURIES.................................................................................. 17
SUBSTITUTIONS............................................................................. 17
GOALTENDER SUBSTITUTIONS.................................................................. 17
UNIFORMS.................................................................................. 17
EQUIPMENT................................................................................. 17
Player Recommended Equipment:................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
GOALIE EQUIPMENT:........................................................................ 17
Goalie Recommended Equipment:................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
MISCELLANEOUS............................................................................. 18
Maximum goals by a player per game........................................................... 18
FINAL NOTES............................................................................... 18
Welcome and thank-you for participating in the Tri-Valley
Roller Hockey League. Enjoyment and recreational benefits are the major focus
of our youth and adult roller hockey programs.
We encourage a non-competitive environment in which children and youth can learn the basic skills without the distractions that are often associated with an over emphasis on winning. Mastery of the fundamental skills and the fun of playing are essential to the development of a lifelong interest in hockey. Programs must be conducted to accommodate the number of new players who wish to play roller hockey and to reduce the number who become disenchanted and drop out.
These guidelines are directed at children’s programs, but they must be implemented by adults if they are to influence youth roller hockey programs. Coaches, parents, administrators, and rink operators must all do their part to ensure that the TVRHL philosophy and the following rulebook are upheld.
The TVRHL was founded in1989 and is a non-profit
organization. Working with the City of
Thanks again for your participation and your patience and have a great hockey season.
President /Director Ned Collins
V.P./Treasurer Walt Collins
V.P./Secretary Joseph Koenka
V.P./Community& Media Relations Lori Basch
Tri-Valley Roller Hockey League
(805) 551-1412
Visit us at http://www.tvrhl.com
Any profanity, abusive language or gestures directed at the TVRHL official or staff member may result in an immediate suspension of players and coaches, and a possible expulsion from the TVRHL facility for spectators.
Any profanity, abusive language or gestures used by a player directed to another player or person will result in an automatic 10-minute Misconduct penalty. A second infraction will result in a Game Misconduct penalty. If the player does not control his/her behavior, additional game suspensions or league ejection may be issued (Referee/TVRHL Discretion). TVRHL reserves the right to eject any player at anytime for unsportsmanlike behavior.
ANY physical abuse or threat of physical abuse to a TVRHL
staff member or official will result in an immediate ejection from the league
and possible legal action from law enforcement.
TVRHL Staff and Referees can only be approached by Team Reps, Coaches, Captains or Advisory committee members in regards to complaints or issues of policy. If you are not one of the above mentioned you must communicate through the above persons. TVRHL staff or officials will only recognize those people in these matters. No exceptions. (See “Protest Policy”)
During games, spectators may not approach the team benches or direct comments to individual players or approach TVRHL staff, scorekeepers and referees. This is a distraction to the game and will not be tolerated. Remember, you are here as a spectator and are not directly part of the game. Spectators will receive one (1) verbal warning. If a second warning is issued, a bench minor will be issued to the team. If the spectator continues without regard to the warnings, they will be ejected from the facility.
Failure of team reps or coaches in controlling their players or spectators may be deemed as grounds of forfeiture of play. (TVRHL Discretion)
The maximum amount of playtime for each player per period for each game is fourteen (14) minutes. This includes overtime periods. That means a player can only play a maximum of forty-two minutes per game, unless there is an overtime period, in which each player is to play a maximum of fourteen (14)minutes.
Any team in violation of this rule will cause the team to lose by forfeiture, unless there are six (6)or less players (excluding goalie) on the game roster. (TVRHL discretion)
The minimum amount of playtime for each player per period for each game is seven (7) minutes. This includes overtime periods. That means a player must play a minimum of twenty-one minutes per game, unless there is an overtime period, in which each player is to play minimum of seven (7) minutes.
A player’s penalty time is counted towards playing time, not sitting time.
Any team in violation of this rule will cause the team to lose by forfeiture. (TVRHL discretion)
· Play for FUN!
· Work hard to improve your skills.
· Be a team player - Get along with your teammates.
· Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.
· Be on time for practices and games.
· Learn the rules and play by them.
· Respect your coach, teammates, parents, opponents and officials.
· NEVER argue with an official’s decision.
Hockey is a game of good officiating, bad officiating, good plays, and bad plays. Accept them all and learn to appreciate each for what they are. Our officials are human and may make a bad call or not see a penalty. You must accept them and continue with the game. To dwell on a bad call or retaliation will only hurt you and your team.
· Winning is a consideration, but not the only one and definitely not the most important one. Care more about the player than winning the game. Remember players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.
· Be a positive role model to your players, especially in our youth leagues. Display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of the players.
· Be generous with your praise when deserved; be consistent, honest, fair and just. Do not criticize players publicly. Learn to be an effective communicator and coach. Don’t yell at your players.
· Adjust to the personal needs and problems of your players. Be a good listener, never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach them the basics.
· Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourselves with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey. Encourage all your players to be team players.
· Maintain an open line of communication with your players and in our youth leagues, with their parents. Explain the goals and objectives of TVRHL.
· Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.
· ALL PLAYERS PAY…THEREFORE ALL PLAYERS PLAY. Coaches should do their best to give all players equal playing time.
· Remember that you are a spectator; do not make a spectacle of yourself.
· Applauding for your team is great, but refrain from verbally abusing or the use of profanity to the opposing teams players and fans.
· Never verbally abuse a TVRHL official, Referee or Staff Member.
· If you have a problem concerning the officiating of a game or league policy do not approach a TVRHL official or referee. All complaints or protests must be made by the team representative, team captain, or advisory committee member. TVRHL will not recognize any communication with any other person. You may voice your concern to the team representative, team captain or advisory committee member after the game has been completed.
· Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment and to learn good moral values such as teamwork and respect. Make it fun!
· Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.
· Do not embarrass your children by yelling at them, other players, coaches, officials, staff and other spectators. Remember, you are a spectator, don’t make a spectacle of yourself!
· By showing a POSITIVE ATTITUDE toward the game and all of the participants, your child will benefit.
· Emphasize skill development and practice. Do not put an emphasis on winning, but instead on participation and having FUN!
· Know and study the rules of the game, and support the officials on and off the rink. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of officials only hurts the game.
· Applaud a good effort in victory and in defeat and enforce the positive points of the game.
· NEVER yell or physically abuse your child after a game or practice - it can be extremely destructive! Lets work together in removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth organized sports.
· Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.
The team representative as well as the coach is responsible for his/her players on and off the rink. He/she will keep relations with the league in the following areas:
Must check with the scorekeeper, prior to the game, and verify which team is on the visitor or home bench, which players may have been issued suspensions, or notification of uniform or player number corrections.
If you are planning to add a player, all additions must be approved first by TVRHL officials. Players cannot be added during the final 5 games of the regular season. (See “Substitutions”)
Pick up the score sheet and distribute stat sheets and/or any other literature to all members of his/her team. Notify players as to whether or not they may be suspended at the following game.
NOTIFY PLAYERS OF ALL SCHEDULE CHANGES. TVRHL will notify you in plenty of time, it is then your responsibility to notify your team.
KNOW THIS RULE BOOK. Explain all TVRHL policies to your players. We will never accept a protest based on not knowing or not being told the rules.
YOU are responsible for the conduct of your team and the spectators that have come to watch your team. If the conduct of spectators or players is deemed unruly, the coach or player rep will be given a warning to control their players and fans. If a second warning is issued, the team will be given a minor unsportsmanlike conduct 3-minutepenalty. If conduct continues, it will result in an expulsion of players/spectators and a forfeiture of the game.
NO MORE THAN THREE (3) COACHES/TEAM REPS/HELPERS PER PLAYERS BENCH DURING GAME TIME! If you are not a coach, team representative or a helper, then you must stay at least 20 feet away from the players’ benches during game time. A 3-minute Bench Minor penalty will be given to any team who allows more than three coaches, team reps or helpers with-in 20 feet of the players bench during game time.
If during the season the coach allows a non-rostered player to skate, without first notifying the league office, his team will be subject to forfeiture of such game.
Total membership fees for each season will be presented to the player prior to the start of the season. Payments are due in full. Players are expected to pay on or before set deadlines. Players will be notified at least two weeks prior to a payment deadline. PLAYERS WHO HAVE NOT PAID WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SKATE IN PRACTICES OR GAMES.
Any player who is registered after the beginning of league play, will be responsible for full-payment. No pro-rating of league fees.
**Illness, injury and suspensions are not cause for refund of games missed. However, if formal written request is made, the office will review the situation. TVRHL will not offer any refunds due to anything other than injuries or extended illnesses ALLDECISIONS BY THE LEAGUE OFFICE ARE FINAL. If a refund has been granted, payment will take from 4 to 6 weeks for processing. Once the second half begins, the final 5 games of the season are non-refundable, as TVRHL cannot replace you. Honor your season commitment to TVRHL.
TVRHL approved referees will be used on the two-man system. Each referee has linesman duties, and each may call penalties. Penalties issued by the referees are final! Abuse of any kind towards the referees, scorekeepers, or rink employees are subject to further discipline including suspension. THIS WILL BE STRONGLY ENFORCED.
Enjoyment and recreational benefits are the major focus of the new guidelines for youth and adult roller hockey issued by the TVRHL Board of Directors. For this reason, it is important that we keep player safety at a premium, and propensity to inflict injury at a minimum. Therefore, if at any time the league officials feel it necessary to assess additional penalties or suspensions to a player for his foul activities, they may do so. These activities include actions prior to, during, or after games…inside or outside of the designated rinks…and involving people of officiating, coaching, playing, or rooting fan status.
Any player suspended for more that one (1) game, may file an appeal. All appeals must be in writing, and contain the words, “I wish to appeal my suspension.”All appeals must be received by TVRHL within five (5) days of his or her notification.
If an appeal is filed, TVRHL will conduct a hearing within fourteen (14) days of the appeal notification. The hearing board shall consist of a minimum two TVRHL Board of Directors, as well as the head referee. A majority vote of the hearing board shall rule on the appeal. The suspended players letter, as well as any other letters concerning the situation will be presented and reviewed. The player’s letter will be considered their testimony, as the player will not necessarily be asked to be present at a hearing. Suspensions of any length may be given depending of the severity of the penalty. No refunds will be given to players with extended suspensions. It is TVRHL policy that we will not accept any videotapes or photographs as evidence in an appeal of a suspension.
If at anytime during a game a team wants to file a protest, the captain or team rep must first make a verbal announcement during the next stoppage in play following the reason for the protest. All games must be completed, so you cannot forfeit or leave the game. If you leave or forfeit the game in protest it will count as a loss to the team’s record. Following the verbal protest, the team captain, coach or representative may discuss the situation with the referees or TVRHL officials after the completion of the game for any policy clarification. Only the team captain, player representative or coach may be present in this discussion. Discussions must be maintained professionally without any verbal abuse or yelling or TVRHL officials will deny further dialog. A written “Protest” letter must be received by TVRHL with 24 hours of the completed game for board review. The protest will be reviewed within five (5) days by a minimum of two (2) Board members and the referee officiating that game or the head referee. The team captain, coach or player rep will be notified of the leagues decision within that period. If these guidelines are not followed, the protest will not be considered.
TVRHL USES MODIFIED N.H.L. RULES.
Penalties: Penalties will be either running time or stop time and divided into the following classifications:
Minor Penalties, Major Penalties, Misconduct Penalties, Match Penalties, Goaltender Penalties, Delayed Penalties and Penalty Shots .
For a Minor Penalty, any player, other than the goaltender, is to be sent to the penalty box for three minutes. Under the classification of all Minor Penalties there may not be any substitutions for the penalized player. The offending team must play shorthanded except Coincidental Minor Penalties. If the penalty is incurred during stop-time, then it will be for two minutes.
For a Double Minor Penalty (six minutes), any player other than the goaltender will be called at the referee’s discretion when he feels that the penalty is not a Major Penalty. A Double Minor Penalty will only be used to call roughing or if a player receives two separate Minor Penalties.
A Bench Minor Penalty involves the removal of one (1) player of the offending team for three minutes. The coach may designate any player on the team to serve the penalty except the back up goaltender. The designated player must serve the penalty in the penalty box.
Coincidental Minor Penalties to both teams do not cause either side to be shorthanded (i.e. 6 on 6, including goalies). If one team is already shorthanded, coincidental penalties will not cause a decrease in the number of players on the rink. After coincidental penalties, manpower will remain the same (i.e. six on five or five on four, including goalies). When coincidental Minor Penalties are called, the penalized players must remain in the penalty box until the first stoppage of play after the penalty time has expired.
If a team is one-man shorthanded and the opposing team scores a goal, the penalized player will be allowed to return to the players’ bench and his team will become full strength.
If a team is two-men shorthanded and the opposing team scores a goal, the first penalized player will be allowed to return to the players’ bench and his team will be one-man shorthanded.
A Major Penalty will be assessed for any deliberate or excessive force to another player. Major Penalties cause the offending team to be shorthanded for the entire five (5) minutes regardless of the number of goals that may be scored during the allotted time. The offending player must go to the penalty box to serve the entire 5 minutes, regardless of the number of goals that may be scored. After the 5 minutes have expired, the player may return to the game.
A Major Penalty plus a game misconduct will be assessed to a player who injures another player, as a result of a Major Penalty.
For all Major Penalties plus a game misconduct, a substitute player must go to the penalty box in the place of the ejected player for the entire five minutes. After the 5 minutes have expired, the player may return to the game. The coach may select any active player to substitute for the penalized player.
If Coincidental Major Penalties are assessed to players of both teams, the Coincidental Major Penalties are operated the same way as a Coincidental Minor Penalty.
If there is a Major and a Minor Penalty called on two different players of the same team in the same instance, the Minor Penalty will be served first.
If a player receives a Major Penalty in the same instance, the Major Penalty will be served first.
Misconduct Penalties to all players, except the goaltender, require that player to go to the penalty box for ten (10) minutes. The penalized player must remain in the penalty box until the penalty has expired and there has been a stoppage of play.
When a player receives a Minor and/or a Major Penalty and a Misconduct Penalty in the same instance, the offending team will put an additional player in the penalty box and the additional player will serve the Major Penalty and/or Minor Penalty without any substitutions. The additional player and the player who received the Misconduct may not leave the penalty box until their respective penalty times have expired and there is a stoppage in play.
A player that receives a Game Misconduct Penalty will be ejected for the remainder of the game in progress. In addition, a Game Misconduct to a player will result in a one-game suspension (immediate next game).
A player or coach that receives a Gross Misconduct Penalty will be ejected for the remainder of the game in progress. A Gross Misconduct to a player or coach will result in a review of the incident and possible further suspension to be determined by TVRHL. The penalized player or coach may not continue play until the incident has been reviewed and decided upon or for 30 days.
A player that intentionally tries to injure or injures another player will receive a Match Penalty and will be suspended for the remainder of the game. A substitute player must be placed in the penalty box to serve a five-minute penalty and may not return onto the rink, regardless of the number of goals that may be scored until the 5 minutes have expired.
A Match Penalty to a player will result in a review of the incident and possible further suspension to be determined by TVRHL. The penalized player may not continue play until the incident has been reviewed and decided upon.
If a goaltender receives a Minor, Major or Misconduct penalty, that goaltender will not be sent to the penalty box for his/her infr