GHL Rules 

The GHL rules are in place for your safety and the safety of all the players in the GHL.

We do not intend the rules to seem like they will impede on the playing of hockey, however, this is a recreational league and the spirit of the GHL is fair, fun play, without over-competitive attitudes. As you learn the game, there are some rules in place in order to remind players that they need to remain in control of themselves as they learn to skate.

If you have suggestions for rule changes, please feel free to email a league representative and make the suggestion. Your suggestion will be forwarded to the executive for discussion and possible implementation.

The players and GHL personnel are responsible for knowing the rules of our game. This is one area of the game that you do not want to be a dummie.

COACHES 

Coaches are responsible for signing off on the game sheet after each game ensuring attendence and points are correct. Signing the game sheet is a disclaimer that all statistics are correct.

Coaches are to create balanced lines and roll the lines equally during regular season play. 

TRADING

Trades may be done for a variety of reasons, but mostly to create balance in the league. Players may be traded by franchises at the discretion of the franchise's GM. Players involved will be consulted before the news is revealed to the league.



SHORT HANDED   



Pro Division

• May call up if less than 9 players; can only call up to make 9
• No more that 2 call ups per game
• Can only call from their minor franchise
• If the minor player has been called to play and the pro player shows up late, both players may finish the game
• Call up player must be rotated through the minor team

• Can call over if less than 10 players 
• No more that 2 call overs per game
• Call over players from another minor team must be of equal caliber or less (each player will rated)
• If the a player has been called to play and the a player shows up late, both players may finish the game 

GAME PLAY

Standard North American ice hockey rules apply. Exceptions and GHL unique rules are signified by  symbol:

GOAL SCORING   

Assists will be credited as 2 points and goals credited as a single point award distributions, however on our stats pages, each will be awarded as a single point.

No player can score more than 3 goals in any one game. Any goal scored by a player after the player has tallied 3 goals will not be counted for the team score or personal stats. (shootout in playoffs is exempt)  

TIMEOUTS   

A team may only call a 30 second timeout provided that they are losing. However, the clock will continue to run. A referee may call a timeout at any time. 

RUNNING TIME  

All GHL games are running time. When the game begins, the only time the clock will stop is at the referee's discretion. Because of this, these two rules exist:

• Since the full penalty cannot be served, a penalty shot will be awarded for any infraction (that is not offseting) that occurs in the last 2 minutes of the third period
• No line changes can be done within the last minute of the third period, except on-the-fly

GOALIES

Pro Division

• Goalies may not go beyond their team's blue line; doing so will result in a penalty
• Any incidental contact will result in a goalie penalty (double minor)

• Goalies cannot leave their crease; doing so will result in a penalty
   

MINOR PENALTIES


The following infractions will carry a 2 minute minor penalty:

• Unsportsmanlike conduct
  • Foul Language
  • Smacking stick in frustration
  • "Trash talking" officials or players
  • Yelling at / Excessively questioning the official
  • Slamming the bench/penalty box doors
  • Any other behaviour deemed unacceptable by the officials
• Interference
• Goaltender interference 
• Holding
• Delay of game
• Covering the puck / Closing hand on the puck
• Failure to return to your bench when instructed by an official
• Too many players on the ice
• Calling a timeout when one is not available to you
• Improper or lack of equipment (player is not to take to the ice until the infraction is rectified)
• Chin strap violation 
• Body Contact (accidental contact, checking, boarding, hitting from behind) 
• Diving (which includes blocking a shot or intentionally falling) 

• Slue footing
• Tripping

• Tripping
• Hooking
• Slashing
• Cross checking
• High sticking
• Spearing
• Throwing a stick
• Raising stick above your waist to take a shot  
   

Fighting will not be tolerated - players involved in fisticuffs on or off the ice may be expelled from the league and the police notified. This is a safe and fun hockey league that will not allow for fighting.

 Players will be assessed an automatic game misconduct upon receiving a total of three minor penalties in a single game (Double minors count as two penalties).
 

 You must be in control at all times. Failure to remain in control can result in a penalty at the Referee's discretion. In particular, do everything possible to skate within your ability and don't crash into people, the net or the boards.

 If a player becomes injured on the ice, all players are to go to their bench to allow the officials and managment take care of the situation.

POLICING THE RULES

Our referees have the right and the responsibility to make judgments. They may consult with any linesmen available, but will make the call they see fit in the interest of player safety. If anyone challenges the call made they will be suspended for a minimum of one game. Our referees wish to make your experience positive, fun and safe. Treat them with respect and courtesy.

In the matter of safety, the league reserves the right to change the rules at any given time throughout the year without notice, however, the league will attempt to provide notice of rule changes in a timely manner. All game misconducts are reviewed by the GHL executive, referees involved, and the commissioner for further discipline hearings.

Note: NO refunds will be given to players who are suspended or dismissed from the league due to continued rule violations. A single offense of the rules, depending on the severity of the infraction may result in being dismissed from the league and all of the events surrounding it without refund.