9.1 Roles and Responsibilities
.1 Structure Committee
.1 The Structure Committee is a sub-committee that shall provide seasonal structure recommendations requiring the
approval of the appropriate Council.
.2 The Board of Directors will appoint the Chair of the Structure Committee annually.
.3 The Structure Committee shall assist in coordinating and facilitating the operation of ALLIANCE Hockey Leagues as per
the direction of the ALLIANCE Associations.
.2 Structure Staff Resource:
.1 To report directly to the appropriate Council on relevant responsibilities;
.2 To schedule and inform appropriate parties of the Structure Committee Meetings;
.3 To appropriately manage schedules for League, and Playdown and Playoff contracts upon receipt;
.4 To monitor schedules and standings and report any discrepancies/issues to the Structure Committee;
.5 To attend annual scheduling meetings and appropriately manage all League schedules on the applicable system;
.6 To act as a liaison between the Structure Committee and, the appropriate Council;
.7 To coordinate scheduling system accounts for Ice Schedulers on an annual basis;
.8 To provide Structure Committee updates to the ALLIANCE Hockey membership when necessary.
.3 ALLIANCE Hockey Ice Schedulers:
.1 To report to ALLIANCE Structure Committee;
.2 To schedule all League schedules where appropriate;
.3 To ensure all Home Game scores are posted within twenty-four (24) hours of them being played;
.4 To ensure all Home Game changes are posted within twenty-four (24) hours of the said change and to copy all other
appropriate ALLIANCE contacts and bodies;
.5 To provide all Home ice advantage playdown and playoff contracts to the Staff Resource(s) and appropriate members
as soon as they are available;
.6 To report any posting discrepancies to the Staff Resource in a timely fashion;
.7 To attend all Structure Committee Meetings.
.4 ALLIANCE Hockey Team Officials
.1 To report to ALLIANCE Hockey Ice Schedulers;
.2 To inform ALLIANCE Hockey Ice Schedulers of scheduling problems or issues, where applicable;
.3 To inform ALLIANCE Hockey Ice Schedulers of game results where applicable.
9.2 Member Teams and Member Leagues
.1 The ALLIANCE Hockey Structure Committee shall coordinate the following Leagues:
.1 Pavilion League (AAA)
.2 Seeded League (AA/A): Constellation & Bristol
.3 BB/B, MD Hockey
.2 The Board of Directors may also review and evaluate participation of non-ALLIANCE and other ALLIANCE Associations in
ALLIANCE Hockey Leagues.
.3 Other Leagues within the ALLIANCE will be governed by local Associations or other appointed organizations and/or
committees.
.4 If a team becomes unavailable for competition, notification must be made in writing to the ALLIANCE Hockey Office from
the Member Association prior to the first scheduled League game. If notification is made after the first League game, a fine
will be imposed on the offending member Association. In the event that an age group does not have a full complement of
teams, make-up games will be designated by the Structure Committee.
.5 Playdown/Playoff charts will be determined at the earliest scheduled Structure Meeting for the new season.
9.3 ALLIANCE Hockey Pavilion (AAA) League
.1 ALLIANCE Hockey AAA competition will be referred to as the Pavilion League. The Pavilion League will consist of teams as
determined by the Structure Committee, including but not limited to:
| EAST |
WEST |
| Brantford 99ers |
Chatham-Kent Cyclones |
| Cambridge Hawks |
Elgin Middlesex Canucks |
| Huron Perth Lakers |
London Jr Knights |
| Kitchener Jr Rangers |
Sarnia-Lambton Jr Sting |
| Waterloo Wolves |
Sun County Panthers |
|
Windsor Jr Spitfires
|
.2 Team Participation (where all teams participate)
.1 Each team will play as close to a thirty (30) game schedule or as determined by the Structure Committee.
.2 The schedule will consist of a single home and away with the opposite division and a round robin within divisional
play, or a schedule as determined by the Structure Committee.
.3 Team Participation (where not all teams participate):
.1 If a full complement of teams is not participating, games will be assigned to give the teams as close to a thirty (30)
game schedule as possible or as determined by the Structure Committee.
9.4 ALLIANCE Hockey Seeded Leagues: AA/A, Constellation, Bristol and BB/B, Tier 1 & Tier 2
.1 ALLIANCE Hockey AA/A and BB/B League competition will be referred to as Seeded Leagues. The Seeded Leagues are
considered two separate leagues known as the ALLIANCE Hockey AA/A Seeded League and the BB/B Seeded League. In
both cases the Seeded League teams will participate in the same respective schedule and at a determined time, teams will
be split (seeded) in order to participate at the respective AA or A category and BB-Tier 1 or B-Tier 2 category. The specific
dates to split into separate leagues will be determined by the Structure Committee. The split will be consistent for even and
odd number entries in the following manner: when team numbers are odd, fewer teams will be placed in the higher
category with the even number of teams or more teams in the lower category or as determined by the Structure
Committee.
Examples: odd number, with 11 teams; 5 up (AA or BB) and 6 down (A or B),
even number, with 12 teams; 6 up (AA or BB) and 6 down (A or B)
Consideration will also be given to eliminate byes in the playdowns/playoffs whereby a division could consist of 8 teams.
.2 An appeal for AA/A / BB/B can be registered for adjustment to the split by a Member Association. Appeal will not be
considered where a division goes below 5 teams and must be more than 4 points in requesting to move down a division. To
move up a division the difference in points must be no greater than 3 points of the Tier 1 Division or a 6-point difference
between 1st and 2nd place in the Tier 2 Division. The appeal must be submitted one week prior to the split date and must be
signed by the Representative Council Member, President and Coach of the Association.
.3 The Seeded Leagues (AA/A and BB/B) shall include but are not limited to teams from the following ALLIANCE Hockey
Associations:
| Brantford Minor |
London Jr Knights |
| BLOMHA |
Sarnia Minor |
| Burlington Jr Raiders |
Stratford Minor |
| Cambridge Minor |
St. Catharines CYO |
| GLHA |
Waterloo Minor |
| Hamilton Huskies |
Woodstock Minor |
| Kitchener Minor |
|
Note: Division teams may be adjusted from time to time to allow for appropriate competition.
.4 Each team will play a home and home series with each team participating in the specified age group or a schedule
determined by the Structure Committee. The seeding season will conclude on a date determined by the Structure
Committee.
.5 Once the teams have been seeded, teams will play games within their respective League schedules as determined by the
Structure Committee.
.6 For BB/B, if determined by the Structure Committee, a round robin playoff may take place in each of the tiers to determine
the top four teams where upon completion, a Semi-final may take place (best 2 of 3) between 1st and 4th, 2nd and 3rd.
9.5 Minimum Team Composition Standards
ALLIANCE Hockey Minimum Team Composition Standards are applicable to AAA, AA/A, BB/B and MD Hockey ONLY and are not applicable to Recreational hockey.
Games shall only be cancelled or rescheduled (other than for weather or as stated below) if a team cannot meet the following
minimum composition standards:
• U15 and above: 10 skaters + 1 goaltender (refers to rostered & affiliated players).
• U10 through U14: 9 skaters + 1 goaltender (refers to rostered & affiliated players).
• U9 Full-Ice: 9 skaters + 1 goaltender (refers to rostered & affiliated players).
• U9 Half-Ice: 10 skaters + 2 goaltenders (refers to rostered & affiliated players).
• U8: 10 skaters + 2 goaltenders (refers to rostered & affiliated players).
All rosters can be supplemented with Affiliate Players.
If a team(s) is 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, Rule 2.2 (a) (page 18).
Note 1: If, at any time during the game, a team cannot place the correct number of players on the ice, whether due to injury or penalties, the game will be suspended, and the Referee will report the details of the incident to the appropriate Member or League.
Hockey Canada Rule 10.8 Refusing to Start Play: The penalties for Refusing to Start Play are severe and may result in a 1-year suspension. Every effort needs to be taken to avoid Refusal to Start Play and coaches on both teams must work with the Officials to avoid unsafe play.
Cancellations due to weather: please refer to ALLIANCE Hockey Manual of Operations, RESCHEDULING, CANCELLATION AND
FORFEITS.
9.6 Tournament Policy
For the purposes of this Policy, the term 'tournament' shall be understood to include any tournament, blackout, or weekend omission as defined by any event or circumstance that would take away a potential Regular Season scheduling opportunity.
ALLIANCE Hockey has implemented the following restrictions for Tournament play:
1. The Development Phase is considered pre-season therefore, any tournament participation during this timeframe does not
count towards a team’s seasonal tournament allotment total. Teams must still adhere to OHF Regulation G3 (i):
(i) Development Phase and Tournaments for U11 and above.
i. For the Divisions of U11 and above following Labour Day Monday there is a twenty-seven (27) day Development
Phase where teams may only practice and play a maximum of four (4) exhibition games or two (2) exhibition
games and one Tournament in accordance with G3(i) ii, and two (2) practices for every one (1) game.
ii. For the Divisions of U11 and above beginning the eighteenth (18) day after Labour Day Monday Tournaments
may begin.
2. All post-season competition is considered Playdown hockey unless otherwise noted.
3. A Christmas Tournament is defined as the week between December 26 and January 1.
4. In most cases, weekend omissions/blackouts are for tournaments and for definition purposes, includes other team functions
such as team building weekends, educational trips to NCAA Schools, exhibition showcases, etc.
Weekend omission/blackout Definition: any event or circumstance that would take away a potential Regular Season
scheduling opportunity.
5. Any additional tournament requests must be directed to the Association Representative Council Member and will only be
considered once Playdowns are complete or if a team can provide proof of an opening in the schedule due to a bye or early
playdown exit. Cancelled Tournaments will be handled the same way.
6. A Silver Stick tournament qualifier and final will count as one tournament should a team have success in advancing to a
final event.
7. Any violation of the Tournament Policy will be handled as per the sanctions outlined below:
• 5-game suspension to the Head Coach,
• $1,500.00 fine to the Member Association and,
• the immediate withdrawal from the Tournament.
8. No tournaments are allowed prior to the start date(s) outlined by the OHF.
9. As per League Structure Policy 9.11.4, there will be no tournaments scheduled after the start date of Playdowns for U10
and above Pavilion (AAA) and Seeded League hockey. The only exceptions may be the Quebec Peewee Tournament,
Canada/Ontario Winter Games, and the Silver Stick Finals.
U8 MD:
• Teams are permitted a total of 4 Festivals/Jamborees within the Regular Season schedule.
• All teams shall participate in the ALLIANCE Hockey U8 MD Jamboree which does not contribute to the tournament allotment.
U9 MD:
• Teams are permitted a total of 4 full-ice tournaments and 1 half-ice tournament within the Regular Season/Tiered schedule.
• All teams shall participate in the ALLIANCE Hockey U9 MD Championships which does not contribute to the tournament allotment.
U10 - U18:
• Teams are permitted a total of 4 tournaments within the Regular Season/Tiered schedule.
• Christmas Tournaments are included in the total.
• The number of tournaments entered before or after AA-A / BB-B League tiering may be determined by the local Association,
keeping in mind the number of weekends available in the first and second half of the schedule. ALLIANCE Hockey highly
recommends that no teams schedule blackouts/omissions on back-to-back weekends.
Note: Seeding typically occurs in late November or early December with exact dates determined by Rep Council.
• No tournaments are permitted during Playdowns as outlined above.
Also refer to: League Structure 9.11.4 Tournaments During Playdown Competition
9.7 Game Operations
.1 Length of Games in the Regular Season
.1 The minimum game time is three (3) stop time periods totaling thirty (30) minutes of playing time. Associations should
strive to provide sufficient ice time for the following length of playing times excluding resurfacing time. All
Representative teams should be ready to play fifteen (15) minutes prior to the originally scheduled game time.
Length of Games in the Regular Season AAA, AA, A:
|
Division
|
Suggested Ice Time
|
Minimum Period Lengths
|
|
U9
U10
U11 to U14
**U13 AAA
U15
U16 Seeded
U16
U18 Seeded
U18 AAA
|
50 minutes
60 minutes
80 minutes
90 minutes
110 minutes
110 minutes
110 minutes
110 minutes
140 minutes
|
10-10-10
10-10-15
10-15-B-15
15-15-F-15 (Playdowns SF & F)
15-15-F-15
15-15-F-15
15-15-F-20
15-15-F-20 Curfew Mercy Rule
20-F-20-F-20 Curfew Mercy Rule
|
*Break is defined as 2 minute maximum
**U13 AAA Playdown Semi-Finals & Final
Length of Games in the Regular Season BB/B:
|
Division
|
Suggested Ice Time
|
Minimum Period Lengths
|
|
U8 – U13
|
50 minutes
|
10-10-10 (minimum)
|
|
U14 & above
|
60 minutes
|
10-10-15
|
.2 Warmups
Unless otherwise stated, warmups at the beginning of the game are limited to no longer than three (3) minutes including
handshaking, ceremonies, etc. The Referee will blow a warning whistle with thirty (30) seconds remaining. Immediately
after the three (3) minutes have elapsed, the teams will line up for the opening face‑off and the Referee will drop the puck
to start the game.
In games where there is no flood between periods, the timekeeper shall put one (1) minute on the clock at the end of the
period and allow it to run down to zero, at which time the teams will be ready to start the next period. If a team delays
the game for too long, a bench minor could be assessed.
.3 Post Game Handshake
For all ALLIANCE Hockey Representative games (AAA, AA, A, BB, B, MD), coaches and players will meet at centre ice and
shake hands at the conclusion of the game, unless at the discretion of the referee(s) it is inadvisable to do so for
reasons of participant safety.
For all ALLIANCE Hockey Representative (AAA, AA, A, BB, B) Playdown and Playoff series at U14 through U18, the players
and Team Officials will shake hands upon the conclusion of their respective series.
.4 U18 AAA, AA, A, BB, B Mercy Rule
Applies to the 3rd period when the difference in score is five (5) goals or more. The game clock shall revert to running
time until the conclusion of the period. If a timeout is called the clock must be stopped for the duration of the timeout and
start again at the drop of the puck. If the difference becomes less than five (5) goals, the clock still runs straight time.
Mercy Rule will not apply to Playdowns.
.5 Penalties During Mercy Rule
.1 All penalties called when mercy rule is in effect are time and a half.
Example: 2 minutes becomes 3, 4 minutes becomes 6, 5 minutes becomes 7:30, and 10 minutes becomes 15.
.2 A penalty cannot be completed during a stoppage of play. The player may not leave the penalty box until the puck is
dropped.
.3 Any penalties called before the mercy rule goes into effect shall remain as called.
Example: A 2-minute penalty called with 30 seconds left in the 2nd period and the score is 5-0. The remaining time in the
penalty will be 1 minute and 30 seconds at the start of the 3rd period.
.6 U18 AAA Overtime and Shoot-Out Rule (Regular Season)
At the end of regulation time where the game is tied, a 3 vs 3, 5-minute sudden victory overtime period will be played. In
the event the game is still tied at the conclusion of the 5-minute overtime period, the teams will commence a 3-player
shoot out. In the event the game is still tied following the 3-player shoot out, each team will continue to shoot, one shooter
at a time until one team gains the victory. If an Association has more than the allotted time to play a game, the overtime
must be completed in its entirety. If the overtime is curfewed the game will end in a tie.
.7 U18 AAA Curfew
All games, (mercy rule and non-mercy rule) will be curfewed after 2 hours and 20 minutes. If a game could be
curfewed, the finishing time must be on the game sheet prior to the start of the game and the responsible official from each
team must acknowledge the curfew on the game sheet. Games cannot be curfewed less than 2.5 hours from when the
teams take the ice for warm-up.
.8 BB/B Curfew
.1 Regular Season: If a game could be curfewed, the finishing time must be on the game sheet prior to the start of the game
and a responsible official from each team must acknowledge the curfew on the game sheet.
.2 Playdowns and Playoffs: Sufficient time should be scheduled without curfews. In the event that a curfew is imposed in a
playdown game, the Board of Directors will make a decision as to the completion of the curfewed game.
.3 BB/B Tie-Breaker: In BB/B hockey where the League is not seeded, the first tie-breaker for playoff or playdown seeding
determination will be Regular Season final standings. If teams are tied during Regular Season standings refer to Policy
7.9 and apply tie-breaker to round robin playoff competition to break the tie.
9.8 Tie-Breakers:
Ties at the end of ALLIANCE Regular Season, ties in ALLIANCE round robin play during playdowns/playoffs and all sanctioned
ALLIANCE Championships - In the event of a tie at the end of the round-robin series during any ALLIANCE sanctioned event, for any
position, the following procedure will be used to break the tie.
If you require clarification on any of the following information, please contact either the ALLIANCE Hockey Office or the ALLIANCE Hockey Structure Chair.
.1 IF TWO (2) TEAMS ARE TIED IN ROUND ROBIN SERIES
If two (2) teams are tied at the conclusion of a round robin series then the following procedure will be used to determine the final
ranking before the semi-final and final games are played. (Process adopted from HC – November 22, 2001.)
.1 The team with the most wins of the games between the two (2) tied teams. (Head-to-Head)
.2 The team with the most wins gains the higher position.
.3 If the two (2) teams are still tied after .1 and .2. above have been applied, then the team with the best goal average gains
the higher position. The goal average of a team is to be determined in the following manner:
Total number of goals for divided by the total number of goals (for and against).
NOTE: ALL games are included.
Example: For = 10 goals
Against = 4 goals
Percentage: 10 / 10+4 = .714
NOTE: The higher percentage (1.0 being the highest attainable) gains the higher position.
.4 If the two (2) teams are still tied after 9.8.1.1, 9.8.1.2 and 9.8.1.3 have been applied, the team with the least number of
minutes in penalties throughout all of the regular season games gains the higher position.
.5 If the two (2) teams are still tied after 9.8.1.1, 9.8.1.2, 9.8.1.3 and 9.8.1.4 have been applied, then the team that scored
the first goal in the first game between the two (2) tied teams gains the higher position.
.6 If the two (2) teams are still tied after 9.8.1.1, 9.8.1.2, 9.8.1.3, 9.8.1.4 and 9.8.1.5 have been applied, then a single coin
toss will determine which team gains the higher position.
.7 The OHF Board of Directors determined that the following penalty time allotments would be regulated for tie-breakers only:
.1 Game misconducts are worth ten (10) minutes
.2 Misconducts are worth ten (10) minutes
.3 Match penalties are worth fifteen (15) minutes (game sheet will indicate 5 minutes)
.4 Gross Misconducts are worth fifteen (15) minutes (game sheet will indicate 10 minutes)
.2 IF THREE (3) TEAMS OR MORE ARE TIED
NOTE: .1 and .2 in the three-team tie breaker only apply if each team plays one another an equal number of times. If they do not
proceed right to .3 of the three-team tiebreaker.
.1 The three (3) team tiebreaker is used to determine the seeding of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd seed. If any step in the
tiebreaker only seeds one team, that team assumes that position. The three (3) team tiebreaker will continue to
determine the seeding of the two (2) remaining teams. At no time will teams using this formula go back to the two-team
tiebreaker.
.2 If three (3) teams or more are tied, the point record established in the games AMONG THE TIED TEAMS ONLY will be
used as the first tie breaking formula in deciding which team(s) shall advance. The team(s) with the most wins would gain the
highest position.
.3 If the teams are still tied after 9.8.2.2 has been applied, then the team with the best goal average gains the highest
position. The goal average of a team is to be determined in the following manner:
Total number of goals for divided by the total number of goals (for and against) as follows:
NOTE: ALL round robin games are included
Example: For = 10 goals
Against = 4 goals
Percentage: 10 / 10+4 = .714
NOTE: The higher percentage (1.0 being the highest attainable) gains the higher position.
.4 The exercise of 9.8.2.3 establishes the team or teams with the highest position(s) by percentage. These teams will advance.
If there are still teams tied, they go to the next step. They do not go back to the Two Team Tie-Breaker. An example is as follows:
.1 Team A - .714 = 1 seed – Advances
Team B - .500 = 3 seed – Does not advance
Team C - .650 = 2 seed – Advances
.2 Team A - .714 = 1 seed – Advances
Team B - .500 = Still tied with Team C (go to next step 9.8.2.4.4)
Team C - .500 = Still tied with Team B (go to next step 9.8.2.4.4)
.3 Team A - .650 = Still tied with Team B (go to next step 9.8.2.4.4)
Team B - .650 = Still tied with Team A (go to next step 9.8.2.4.4)
Team C - .500 = Does not advance
.4 If teams are still tied after 9.8.2.2 and 9.8.2.3, the team with the fewest goals against (all round robin games played)
will gain the highest position.
.5 If teams are still tied after 9.8.2.2, 9.8.2.3 and 9.8.2.4.4 the team with the most goals for (all round robin games
played) will gain the highest position.
.6 If teams are still tied after 9.8.2.2, 9.8.2.3, 9.8.2.4.4 and 9.8.2.4.5 have been applied, the team to qualify would be
the team that received the least number of minutes in penalties throughout all of the regular season games.
NOTE: The ALLIANCE Hockey Board of Directors determined that the following time allotments would be
regulated for tie breakers only:
.1 Game misconducts are worth ten (10) minutes
.2 Misconducts are worth ten (10) minutes
.3 Match penalties are worth fifteen (15) minutes (game sheet will indicate 5 minutes)
.4 Gross misconducts are worth fifteen (15) minutes (game sheet will indicate 10 minutes)
.7 If the teams are still tied after 9.8.2.2, 9.8.2.3, 9.8.2.4.4, 9.8.2.4.5 and 9.8.2.4.6 have been applied, a coin toss shall
determine the winner. In a three (3) team coin toss, the odd team gains the highest position.
.3 TIE IN SEMI-FINAL AND CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
As per HC PLAYING RULES if at the end of regulation time the score is tied, the teams shall take a two (2) minute rest at their benches and the following shall then apply:
.1 If the Referee feels it is necessary, they may order the ice to be cleaned at the end of the three (3) regulation periods.
.2 The teams shall not change ends.
.3 The puck shall be faced off at centre ice and the play shall continue with a ten (10) minute sudden victory overtime period.
.4 If the score is still tied after the sudden victory ten (10) minute period, the teams would take the normal between period break
and return to play sudden victory periods, in accordance with the length for that particular division. TEAMS ARE TO CHANGE
ENDS AT THE END OF EACH OVERTIME PERIOD.
.5 Any overtime period shall be considered part of the game and all unexpired penalties shall remain in force.
.6 If either team declines to play in the necessary overtime period or periods, the game shall be declared a loss for that team.
.7 The Championship Host Governing Committee shall have the prerogative to render a decision under any emergency situation.
9.9 GAME SHEETS & SCORE REPORTING
ALLIANCE Hockey will utilize electronic game sheets for AAA, AA/A, BB/B and U9 MD hockey.
.1 Coach’s Responsibility Re: Game Sheets:
.1 The Coach in charge of any team must before any game, complete and sign the game sheet in the spaces provided and
they shall be regarded as the responsible official of the team for that game. The first and last name of all players and
Coaches must be recorded on the game sheet. This individual will assume responsibility to the ALLIANCE for the eligibility of
all players of the team in that game, and for the conduct of their Team Officials and players during the game, and while
traveling to and from that game. Failure to complete and sign the game sheet shall result in an automatic two (2) game
suspension to the person(s) failing to do so.
.2 Where an ALLIANCE team has only one (1) Team Official listed on the game sheet and that Team Official leaves their
position for any reason (e.g. ejection, sickness, injury to a player, unforeseen emergency, etc.) the Referee shall enlist the
supervisory services of an approved rostered Team Official, from the same organization, preferably in attendance at the
game.
NOTE: The game sheet shall be signed by the new team designate. If an appropriate designate cannot be found, the game
shall be suspended and completed on a future date.
.2 Late Players and Game Sheets:
.1 If a player or players of the Visiting or Home team arrive late to a game , the responsible Team Official of the said team
with late a late player(s) shall, prior to start of game, notify the Referee and the opposing Team Official of the name(s) of
the player(s) who are delayed but intend to play upon arrival. The player(s) shall be permitted to participate in the game
upon arrival, provided the player name(s) has been included on the game sheet prior to the start of the game.
.3 Referee Responsibility Re: Game Sheets:
.1 After each game the Referee(s) shall be responsible to ensure the game sheet is completed properly and entirely,
including the verification of penalty calls and codes, penalty minutes and scores. REFEREES THAT FAIL TO ENSURE THAT
GAME SHEETS ARE COMPLETED CORRECTLY SHALL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
.2 Where paper game sheets are used, one (1) copy of the game sheet is to be given to each team, and the white copy
(original) shall be provided to the Home team’s minor hockey association. Failure to receive any game sheet by a Team
Official shall not exempt such Team Official from any subsequent disciplinary action. The fourth copy of the game sheet is to
be kept for the Referee's personal records. Where the Referee is required to submit a written report, as detailed by the HC
Playing Rules , this shall be completed on the white (original) copy of the game sheet prior to delivering the game sheet to
the association representative. In the case of a Match Penalty, a separate Game Incident Report must be submitted to the
ALLIANCE Hockey Office within twenty-four (24) hours.
.4 Home Team’s Responsibility Re: Game Sheets:
.1 Where paper game sheets are used, the white (original) copy of the game sheet shall be forwarded by the Home Team's
Association to the ALLIANCE Hockey Office by the following Monday. MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATIONS THAT FAIL TO
FORWARD GAME SHEETS PROMPTLY SHALL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
.5 Reporting of Game Results:
.1 It is the responsibility of the Home Team to upload e-game sheets within twenty-four (24) hours of the game being
played which will automatically post the game score or where paper game sheets are used, it is the responsibility of the
Home Team to post the game score within twenty-four (24) hours of the game being played. Failure to do so may result in
a fine being levied against the offending Association at the discretion of the Structure Committee. Any problems with game
sheet uploading or submission of scores should be relayed to the Staff Resource to follow up on immediately.
9.10 RESCHEDULING, CANCELLATION AND FORFEITS
Overview
The Policy outlines the procedures and guidelines for rescheduling, cancellations, and forfeits within the League. Its purpose
is to ensure a fair and consistent approach to handling game changes, while minimizing disruption to the schedule and
maintaining the integrity of the competition. The Policy aims to provide clear expectations for teams, Coaches, parents and
organizers regarding the circumstances under which games may be rescheduled or cancelled, and the process for handling
forfeits. By setting these standards, the League seeks to promote fairness, accountability, and effective communication across
all levels of play.
.1 Advanced Rescheduling of Games
When an Association wishes to change the date of a game for any reason other than an emergency, the change must be
made a minimum of fourteen (14) days in advance of the scheduled date to a mutually agreeable date prior to that
originally scheduled. The Home Team Ice Scheduler is responsible for posting the game change online within twenty-four
(24) hours of the initial change.
.2 Process for Rescheduling of Games
.1 The decision to cancel or reschedule a game will be made as promptly as possible by contacting the Ice Scheduler for
each Association.
.2 If the two Ice Schedulers cannot mutually agree on a cancellation or reschedule date, the Chair of the Structure
Committee must be contacted immediately. The Chair will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of
action or, at the Chair’s discretion, consult with the Structure Committee members for a collective decision.
.3 Only the Ice Schedulers and the Structure Committee (or Staff Resource acting on their behalf) have the authority to
cancel or reschedule games.
.3 Forfeits
.1 Forfeits or defaults of games will only occur if determined by the ALLIANCE Hockey Structure Committee.
.2 If a team fails to show up for a game due to circumstances beyond the control of either team, as determined by the
ALLIANCE Hockey Structure Committee, the game will be rescheduled.
.4 Cost of Canceling Games
.1 Associations that cancel games on an ongoing basis within a seventy-two (72) hour period, for any reason (including
section 7.5), except in cases of last-minute weather-related issues, may be held responsible for the costs associated
with staging the game (e.g., ice time and game Officials) if an agreement for rescheduling cannot be reached between
the Associations.
.2 If a game is canceled or cannot be played due to a facility issue (e.g., power outage, ice resurfacing issue, etc.) or
injury, the Home Association will be responsible for the costs associated with staging the game, including ice time and
game officials. However, the Home Association will not be responsible for any travel-related costs.
.5 Cancellations Due to Weather Conditions
.1 In the event of adverse weather conditions, the decision to postpone and reschedule a game will be made as
promptly as possible.
.2 Games cannot be canceled more than ninety (90) minutes before the expected departure of a team to the host
destination.
.3 Teams must be prepared to travel to each game until it has been "officially" canceled by their Ice Scheduler.
.4 The designated contact person in each Association is responsible for making decisions regarding inclement weather
and/or coordinating with the Ice Schedulers.
.5 In the event of a conflict regarding the cancellation or rescheduling of a game, the Chair of the Structure Committee
should be contacted immediately. The Chair will assess the situation, make a final decision, or, if needed, consult with
the Structure Committee until a resolution is reached.
.6 If a game is canceled due to weather during League Playdowns/Playoffs or ALLIANCE Playoff/Playdown series and
cannot be rescheduled in sequence, the series will continue with the next scheduled game in the signed contract. If
necessary, the weather-affected game will be inserted into the schedule by the Ice Schedulers at the first available time.
If this is not possible, the game will be played at the end of the series.
.7 In situations like the one above, the following individuals should be contacted in this order:
1. Association Ice Scheduler
2. Council Representative
3. Board Member of the Local Association
4. ALLIANCE Hockey Board Member Regional Representative
5. ALLIANCE Hockey Structure Committee Chair
6. ALLIANCE Hockey Structure Committee Vice-Chair
7. ALLIANCE Hockey Executive Director
.8 In the event that the Ice Schedulers do not make a decision to cancel, postpone, or reschedule a game due to
adverse weather conditions, Team Members (e.g. players, parents, Team Officials) retain the responsibility to exercise
their own best judgment and discretion in deciding whether they feel that they are able to safely travel to or from a
scheduled game in light of any prevailing weather circumstances. The Member Association Ice Schedulers and ALLIANCE
Hockey do not assume any responsibility or liability with respect to the safety of travel or road conditions. A decision by
a Team Member (e.g. players, parents, Team Officials) to travel to a game constitutes an assumption of risk by that
individual and a waiver of any claim or potential liability against the relevant Ice Schedulers and ALLIANCE Hockey.
.6 Failure to Show – Defaulting Intentionally without Just Cause
.1 A team that intentionally fails to show up or does so without valid justification may forfeit the two (2) points
associated with the default. The decision regarding this default will be made at the discretion of the Structure
Committee.
.2 Any ALLIANCE team that defaults a game without just cause, as determined by the ALLIANCE, may be prohibited
from further participation.
.3 The defaulting team may be required to pay costs and/or face suspension of the organization and its teams.
.4 Teams that qualify or register for ALLIANCE Hockey House League, House League Select, or BB/B Championships but
choose not to participate will be fined the registration fee for the respective Championship.
.7 Game Suspended Re: lack of players, injury, facility issues, etc.
.1 If a game is suspended because one team cannot continue due to a lack of players, the game will be awarded to the
non-offending team.
.2 If neither team can continue due to a lack of players, the game will be considered final and will stand as it was at the
point of suspension.
.3 If a game is suspended where 30 or more minutes have been played, it will be considered final, as per Game
Operations 9.7.1.1.
.4 If a game is suspended that results in the stoppage of the game prior to 30 minutes played as per Game Operations
9.7.1.1, the remaining time of the game shall be played at a subsequently scheduled time with the game
beginning/resuming at the original point of stoppage, example: if a 10-10-15 game was stopped at the 3-minute mark of
the 2nd period, the subsequently scheduled game will begin with 7-minutes on the clock, period two. The 7-minutes of
period two will be played followed by the 15-minute third period to conclude the game. All rosters must remain the
same, including primary players and Team Officials. Affiliated players may participate if they were in the game, but their
presence will not be the reason for the game to be considered unplayable.
9.11 POST SEASON PLAYDOWNS, PLAYOFFS & CHAMPIONSHIPS
.1 Playdowns and Playoffs
.1 The ALLIANCE Playdown/ Playoff format shall be determined by the Structure Committee in consultation with Member
Associations as soon as the full structure and OHF/HC playdown formats and dates are known.
.2 Member Associations shall declare group winners and notify the Executive Director where applicable.
.1 A team that does not wish to enter Playdowns/Playoffs must indicate such intent prior to the first scheduled game
of the current season.
.2 All teams qualifying for ALLIANCE or OHF Championships must fulfill their obligation to their Association(s).
.3 Failure to comply with 9.11.1.1 or 9.11.1.2 of this Rule will result in a one (1)-year suspension of the team.
.3 ALLIANCE Hockey shall receive One Hundred & Fifty Dollars ($150.00) per team per series for all ALLIANCE Hockey
Playdown, League Playoff and Playoff round robin series.
.2 Playdown Deadlines and Groups
.1 Each scheduled League will have a winning team declared at applicable divisions/categories by dates determined by the
ALLIANCE Structure Committee or the League will forfeit the right to send any team into the playdowns.
.2 Any single team playing in a mixed League/division/category may be reassigned to another League in their category on
the decision of the ALLIANCE Structure Committee after consultation with the local Association.
.3 Playdown Series
.1 Playdowns will consist of a minimum of the best of three (3) games or as determined by the Structure Committee. A best
of five (5) or best of seven (7) game series may be scheduled.
.2 The ALLIANCE may give prior authorization to extend a quarterfinal, semi-final or final series to seven (7) games.
.3 Where Playdown dates and details cannot be agreed upon by the competing teams, the ALLIANCE will determine dates,
times, and details of the Playdown series.
.4 Tournaments During Playdown and Playoff Competition
.1 There will be no tournaments scheduled after the start date of Playdown and Playoffs for Representative AAA and
Seeded League AA/A hockey. The only exceptions are the Quebec Peewee Tournament, Canada/Ontario Winter Games
and the Silver Stick Finals.
NOTE: In any ALLIANCE Playdown series where BOTH teams attend a tournament during the series, the length of the
series may be reduced in order to adhere to the predetermined series deadline. This policy will also be applied to any series
that is affected by delays as deemed necessary by the Structure Committee Chair. These restrictions would apply mainly
to teams qualifying for OHF Championships.
.5 Neutral Referees
.1 During ALLIANCE Hockey Playdown Finals Championship Series, Referees will be assigned out of the ALLIANCE
Hockey Office. Zone Coordinators will present their best Officials based on supervisions over the course of the season
and those Officials will be assigned by the ALLIANCE Hockey Office. This procedure will be used for Representative AAA
and Seeded AA/A Hockey.
.2 In emergency situations where neutral Referees are required for a game, members of the ALLIANCE Hockey Referee
Program Development Staff (Referee Supervisors and Instructors), are to be considered neutral.
.3 In the event that neutral Referees do not appear for a scheduled game, whether through a scheduling error or any
other reason, and alternate neutral Referees cannot be located in a short period of time, then the game may proceed
using qualified local Referees, if available.
Neutral Referees are not necessary for BB/B Hockey.
.6 Playdown Game Location
.1 Home ice advantage for playdown series between teams with no regular season league play will be determined:
.1 In a three (3) game series the teams will toss a coin to determine the location of the third game;
.2 In a five (5) game series the teams will toss a coin to determine the location of the fifth game;
.3 In a seven (7) game series the teams will toss a coin to determine the location of the seventh game.
.2 If regular season league play has occurred, home ice advantage for playdown series will be determined by:
.1 The team with the higher league standing (most points).
.2 If the teams are tied in points:
.1 The team with the best record in head-to-head regular season League games.
.2 The team with the best goal differential in head-to-head regular season League games.
.3 The team with the least penalty minutes in head-to-head regular season League games.
.4 Coin toss.
.3 All succeeding games shall alternate except where other arrangements have been agreed upon by both Associations
prior to the start of the series.
.7 Home and Home Series
.1 Home and Home series will be played only in cases of emergency. The conditions of any such series shall be specified by
the ALLIANCE.
.8 Playdown Series
.1 Playdown Point System
Any odd game series shall be decided on a points system, two (2) points for a win, and one (1) point for a tie. All series
shall be:
.1 best 2 of 3 (4 points)
.2 best 3 of 5 (6 points)
.3 best 4 of 7 (8 points)
.9 Overtime in a Playdown Series
.1 All ALLIANCE playoff games will allow for overtime.
.2 When overtime is required to declare a winner, sudden victory will apply.
.3 Length of overtime will be five (5) minutes, stop time, unless section 9.11.9.4 of this regulation applies.
.4 At the end of regulation time, in a deciding game , and the two (2) teams are tied in points in the series, as many as
three (3) ten (10) minute stop time sudden victory periods may be played.
.5 If teams are still tied after 9.27.9.4 then another game will be scheduled by the Ice Schedulers with approval of the
Executive Director.
.10 Declaration of Championship Teams (AAA, AA/A, BB/B)
.1 Championship teams for HC, OHF and ALLIANCE Championships must be declared a minimum 7 days prior to the
Championship start date.
.2 Failure to meet the above deadline may result in the teams being declared ineligible for the Championships. Permission
to extend the deadline may only be approved by the Structure Committee.
.11 Award Policy
ALLIANCE Hockey and ALLIANCE Hockey Championship Hosts will provide Championship presentation material for
twenty-three (23) participants or as determined by the category’s seasonal registration numbers. This includes all players,
Team Officials and affiliate players. Additional presentation material may be ordered at a cost to the local Association.
.12 Award Presentation Procedures
.1 When a final series has been narrowed down to two (2) teams, the presentation material is then sent to one of the
finalists, who are responsible for having the presentation material at the deciding game where applicable.
.2 It is up to the Home Team’s Ice Scheduler or Team Representative (to be determined by the Association) to contact
the Regional Vice President to see if they are available to provide the trophy presentation on that date. If the Regional
Vice President is unavailable, the Ice Scheduler or Team Representative is to contact the following people in this order:
the Representative Council Chair, the Representative Council Vice Chair and finally the team Coach to make the
presentation.
.3 Once the Presenter has been decided, the Association will then coordinate the information with the ALLIANCE Hockey
Office.
.13 Completion of Scheduled Games
.1 All schedules, scheduled games and ALLIANCE Playdown and Playoff series must be completed as per the final agreed
contract. Failure to comply with said contracts may result in sanctions to Team Officials, local associations and causes the
team to be ineligible for any remaining play.
.2 All regular season games that have no impact on the final League standings must be played prior to the conclusion of
playdown dates. Games that impact the standings must be played prior to the start of playdowns and playoffs, upon
approval of the ALLIANCE Structure Committee Chair.
.14 Playdown Format for U18 AAA Hockey
For U18 AAA hockey competition, playdowns will consist of the top eight (8) qualifying teams only unless
otherwise determined by the ALLIANCE Structure Committee.
9.12 TIMEOUTS
All Rep Hockey will be permitted as per HC Official Playing Rules, one (1) thirty- second time out per team. In U18 AAA and
U18 Seeded Hockey where the Mercy Rule is in effect, the clock must be stopped and started when the puck is dropped for a
face-off.