Return to Hockey Updates for Jan. 31st, News (Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario)

• Affiliation will be allowed at all levels as per Affiliation rules. 
  The number of affiliated games has been increased from 10 games to 20 games for all levels except U18AAA.
  
  
• NOTE: At U12 and U13 Representative Hockey (MD, A, AA, AAA), all affiliated players must abide by the ALLIANCE Hockey Vaccination Policy which indicates that all players 12 years and above, unless exempted must provide proof of vaccination to participate in ALLIANCE Hockey sanctioned programming
  
  
• Teams are not permitted to commit to new registration into Tournaments and Associations are not permitted to sanction any new tournaments.  Please also refer to OHF Bulletin #21-067 Tournament Guidelines and Requirements. *Contact your Local MHA with specific questions or clarification.
  
  
• Exhibition games are permitted but teams should carefully consider possible player injury and suspension(s) which are applicable to Regular Season and Playdown competition.
  
  
• Cancellations due to weather: please refer to Section 10.0 of the ALLIANCE Hockey Manual of Operations.
  
  
• Scheduling will occur through March Break for all levels.
  
  
• Once external competition resumes, games shall only be cancelled or rescheduled (other than for weather as stated above) if a team cannot meet the following minimum composition standards:
  
  
  • U15 and above: 10 skaters + 1 goaltender (refers to rostered players).
  • U9 through U14: 9 skaters + 1 goaltender (refers to rostered Players).
  • U8: 10 skaters + 2 goaltenders.

NOTE: These numbers apply to Representative and MD Hockey ONLY. These are not applicable to House League.

If a team(s) are at the arena and the numbers outlined above cannot be met (i.e. injuries/suspensions occur during game), the Hockey Canada Rule of 6 players constitutes a game is implemented: Section #2, Teams, Situation 3 (page 13).

SITUATION 7 Rule 2.5 (d) Where a team is unable to place the exact number of players on the ice to which they are entitled whether due to penalties or injuries, the Referee shall suspend the game and report this incident to the President. ALLIANCE Hockey rules state that 30 minutes constitutes a game. (page 18)

Hockey Canada Rule 10.14 Refusing to Start Play
The penalty for refusing to Start Play is severe and may result in a 1-year suspension. Every effort needs to be taken to avoid Refusal to Start Play coaches on both teams must work with the officials to avoid unsafe play. A decision to stop play must be agreed upon by all parties. If such a decision is made, teams should utilize the ice and provide opportunity for participants to play in a controlled environment that is safe and provides quality player experience for both teams, suggestion even up teams and continue to play.

Rationale for Implementation of Defined Team Composition:
- To commit to playing games and getting players back on the ice during these uncertain times.
- To define exact numbers for Member Association teams and eliminate inquiries to Ice Schedulers and Member Association Administration.

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It is imperative that everyone continue to follow the COVID-19 precautionary guidelines which include:

• Honestly answer screening questions. Do not attend hockey if you have any new or worsening symptoms.

• IF IN DOUBT, SIT OUT!

• Wear face covering when in facilities. Participants are required to wear masks in the dressing rooms until they are ready to go on the ice with their helmets on.

• Please protect yourself, your family, and your community by socially distancing from anyone outside of your household.

• Wash your hands often.