Regular Season Rules & Regulations
GENERAL
House League play will be governed by the rules of the Canadian Hockey Association (CHA) in their entirety, with such modifications as are imposed by the North York Hockey League (NYHL) from time to time, in its capacity as the governing body for minor hockey in Toronto, and with such further modifications described below. Download NYHL Rules and Regulations (PDF)
Players will not be allowed to play unless dressed in all of the approved hockey equipment as follows:
- Hockey Skates
- Hockey Pants
- Hockey Stick
- Shin Guards
- Hockey Gloves
- Shoulder Pads
- Elbow Pads
- Garter Belt or Equivalent
- Hockey Socks
- Athletic Support with Protective Cup
- Helmet with CSA approved Face Mask
- Neck Guard
1. All equipment should fit properly to provide maximum protection. It should be noted that decals on helmets may void the manufacturer's warranty. Any player who attempts to play without proper and full equipment, including a neck guard, shall be ejected from the remainder of the game. A two-minute penalty shall be served. This rule shall be enforced by either the Referee or the Convenor.
2. All rules can be changed by the Convenor or House League committee at their discretion.
Each game will consist of three 15-minute running time periods or 45 minute straight running time. The Convenors may shorten or lengthen a game so that the game ends on time.
3. There will be no stop time or time outs during games during the regular season. Since games must end on time, there will be no time stoppage for injuries during the regular season.
4. The principle of equal ice time for all players applies strictly. Abuse will result in a Bench Minor Penalty to be served by the player receiving the extra ice time.
5. A three-minute buzzer system for line changes will be used in the Tyke, Minor Novice and Novice divisions only at the discretion of the Convenor.
6. To the extent possible, teams in each division will be equal in overall ability, which may require player changes between teams from time to time. The decision to "trade" players between teams rests with the Convenor whose decision is final. This is always a difficult and sensitive task, and the Convenor deserves your support and understanding.
7. One coach is permitted on the ice for Tyke and Minor Novice all season (subject to change by the Convenor during the season). Coaches on the ice must wear helmets at all times.
8. Any player who is absent for 3 consecutive weeks, or regularly, for reasons other than illness or injury, may be suspended.
9. If more than 5 of a team's assigned number of players are absent, or if there are fewer than 2 players on the bench, it defaults 1-0. If both teams default, that game is scored 0-0 and it is considered a loss for each team.
10. The Association is not responsible for lost equipment. Each player's equipment should be readily identifiable.
11. The Association policy with respect to discipline and suspensions is contained in the "Rules & Discipline" Section of this Website.
12. Rules of the Canadian Hockey Association, Greater Toronto Hockey League and applicable insurance policies prohibit players from registering and playing in more than one hockey organization (including a girls only hockey organization). Failure to adhere to these rules may result in voided insurance coverage.
PRE-GAME
1. All players should be in their dressing rooms one half hour before game time, and must be there fully dressed before game time or, at the discretion of the Coach or Convenor, may not be allowed to play in that game.
2. Teams waiting to go on the ice must remain in the dressing room or the hallway leading to the benches until the prior game is over and players have cleared both the ice and the bench area.
3. Players are not to lean over the boards while the Zamboni is on the ice, particularly when the Zamboni is cleaning the ice in front of the player's benches. Players are not to step onto the ice surface during clearing or flooding until the Zamboni has left the ice and the end doors are completely closed.
4. Parents and visitors should be out of the dressing room 10 minutes prior to game time.
ON-ICE
1. Body checking has been banned at all age levels in the House League. Any player intentionally using his body to check an opponent, shall be assessed a minimum of a two minute minor penalty.
2. Body contact (hitting) from behind or checking a player into the boards in such a way that he cannot protect himself will result in a major penalty. If the player sustains an injury, the penalty will be a game misconduct. No minor penalty will be called under this rule.
3. If an attacking player makes contact with the goaltender after the goalie has frozen the puck, the resulting face-off shall take place at either face-off spot immediately outside the defending team's blue line.
4. Hitting an opponent with the stick above his/her shoulders will result in an automatic 5 minute major. If there is a resulting injury, the penalty is a game misconduct.
5. A five-minute major penalty plus a MATCH PENALTY will be assessed for fighting, spearing, butt-ending or spitting.
6. Slashing is a minor or major penalty at the discretion of the Referee. If there is an injury, the penalty will be a major and game misconduct.
7. A goaltender may not play with a broken stick. If his stick breaks during the course of play, he must immediately discard it out of the way of the play, otherwise he will receive a penalty. The goalie may play with another player's stick.
8. Contact after the whistle has blown stopping play will result in a minor or major penalty at the discretion of the Referee.
9. The practice of swarming a goalie after the game is prohibited. Valuable ice time is lost and, more importantly, serious injury may occur to the goalie and to other players.
10. Icing the puck shall be permitted up to the Minor Novice level.
EQUAL ICE-TIME RULES
1. EQUAL ICE TIME IS TO BE GIVEN TO EACH PLAYER REGARDLESS OF ABILITY.
2. Every player must be on the ice at least every third shift and no more often than every second shift.
3. All 5 players should be changed at the same time. If done during play, it may be done gradually but all 5 should be changed.
4. Shifts should be roughly the same duration and should be limited to a maximum of 2 minutes or even less at the older age groups. The 3 minute buzzer system will only be used in the Tyke, Minor Novice and Novice Divisions.
5. Following a penalty, the penalized player must return directly to the team bench (unless the penalized player's line is on the ice), and replaced on the ice by the correct player alternating in that position.
6. All players must be used to the same extent to fill in for those absent. Constant use of strong players every second shift and weak players every third shift is not permitted.
7. Players may not be used out of regular rotation nor may the normal length of the shifts be changed towards the end of a game.
8. If a player on the ice is injured and must come off before the normal line change, the player should be replaced by the player's alternate in that position who would follow the player in the normal line rotation. If the injured player is unable to return to the game, the two normal alternates in that position (if 2 normally) will be rotated to the end of the game.
9. Abuse of the intent of the equal ice time rule will, at the Convenor's discretion, result in a 2 minute bench penalty to be served by the player receiving the extra ice time.
10. House League play is not an opportunity for the Coach to "showcase" select players. All players must get equal ice time regardless of ability.
11. The philosophy of equal ice time applies at all times. This is most important to the North Toronto Hockey Association and Coaches are required to adhere to this philosophy. There is a fairly set pattern for line shifts which Coaches should attempt to use, as follows:
Sequential Line Change Document (PDF)
Other rotations will be permitted in the discretion of the Convenor provided that at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled face off i) such rotation has been approved by the Convenor and ii) the opposing coach has been advised of the different rotation.
PENALTIES
Minor Penalties: Two minutes running time from the drop of the puck. Offending player will return to the ice should his team be scored on while his team is short-handed because of the penalty. In the divisions that utilize the three-minute buzzer system for line changes (Tyke, Minor Novice, & Novice), a minor penalty ends on the earlier of the expiry of the two-minute penalty and the next buzzer.
Major Penalties: Any player assessed a major penalty for any infraction will serve the entire 5 minutes in the penalty box regardless of the number of goals scored by the opposition.
Any player assessed a second major penalty for any infraction during the course of the same game shall be assessed an automatic game misconduct penalty and have his case reviewed by the Convenor. Should players from both teams receive major penalties at the same time the coincidental penalty rule shall take effect.
Misconduct Penalties: Any player assessed a ten minute misconduct penalty will serve his penalty in the box. The player will return after the first whistle after the expiration of his penalty. This penalty is assessed to any player who continues to argue with an official.
Game Misconduct: The player is required to leave the game and remain away from the ice surface for the duration of the game. This penalty is assessed to any player guilty of obscene or profane language to a game official. Suspension from the next game with a review by the Convenor with the possibility of an extended suspension at the Convenor's discretion.
Gross Misconduct: The player is required to leave the game and remain away from the ice surface for the duration of the game. This penalty is assessed for obscene or profane gestures to anybody or for making a travesty or farce of the game. Suspension from the next two games with a mandatory hearing with the NTHA Discipline Committee and possible further extended suspension.
Match Penalty: The player is required to leave the game and remain away from the ice surface for the duration of the game. This penalty is assessed for kicking, spearing, butt-ending, hair pulling, spitting at an opponent, molesting or threatening an official. A minimum suspension from the next three games plus a mandatory hearing with the NTHA Discipline Committee and possible further suspension. Team will play short-handed for the next five minutes and a teammate will serve the full five minutes regardless of any goals scored.
Too Many Penalties: Three stick penalties (high sticking, cross-checking, slashing, spearing and butt-ending) or any combination of 4 minor, major or misconduct penalties assessed to one player during the course of a game will cause that player to be sent to the dressing room for the remainder of that game. No automatic game misconduct penalty would be assessed. The Referees have the final decision in all disputes. Any challenges or complaints about the Referees' decisions are to be brought only to the Convenor and only after the game has been completed. Non-compliance with this rule may result in a bench penalty. The Convenor has no authority to overrule a referee's decision.
REFEREES
1. All of our Referees are under the training and development of our Referee in Chief. Most have played at North Toronto and many are still playing. The Referees deserve our confidence and support. Any disrespect could result in expulsion from the Arena.
2. The decisions of the referees are final. Any challenges or complaints are to be brought to the attention of the Convenor at the conclusion of the game.
3. The Referees are instructed to keep the game in play and to allow no more than a reasonable time for each team to line up before dropping the puck.
4. Referees are responsible for calling time outs for injuries and there will be no stop time except as provided by these rules.
Playoffs
1. All teams will participate in the playoffs regardless of their regular season standing. Special playoff rules and regulations are published. The convenor may at his/her discretion change the times and rules of the playoff format – these change swill be communicated to all coaches before the playoffs begin.
2. In the event of a tie in the final league standings, the higher position for playoff will be decided by:
a) Most wins in games between the two teams
b) If still tied, the best goals for minus goals against
c) If still tied, the most goals for
d) If still tied, the least goals against
e) If still tied, FLIP A COIN!
3. Tie breaking procedure for playoff games is as follows. In the event of a tie at the end of regulation time, one 6 minute overtime (last 3 minutes stopped time) period will be played with 5 players and a goalie. If there is still a tie (except for Finals Day) the team with the highest standing at the end of the regular season will be declared the winner.
On Finals Day if there is still a tie after the 6 minute overtime (last 3 minutes stopped time) there will be:
For the Peewee division and up a 5 player shoot-out with the player's order having been chosen and submitted to the Convenor before the game. The team who was in the highest position at the end of the regular season will decide if their team wants to shoot first. If after 5 players there is still a tie, 4 more different players will be chosen and it moves to a Sudden Death format. This moves to 3 different players, then 2, then 1 to decide the tie. All players (excluding the goalie) must have a chance to shoot before players are repeated.
For Tyke through Atom there will be a 9 minute sudden death overtime period. Followed by another 9 minute sudden death overtime period, these will continue until a goal is scored.
4. One or more consolation finals may be arranged for Tyke.
5. A trophy will be presented to each team winning a final playoff game and an individual trophy to each player on such team. Each player on the opposing team will receive finalist award.
Playoff Rules & Regulations
EQUAL ICE TIME
The NTHA philosophy of equal ice time for all players will be strictly enforced in all play-off games.
To assist Coaches and Convenors, the Sequential Line Change (PDF) reflects the Equal Ice Time Rules, suggested line-ups and rotation and a specimen player line up sheet. Rotations ensuring equal ice time for all players must be used during the play-off games. Coaches will be required to submit player line-up sheets to the Convenor before the start of each game.
If a player receives extra shifts in one playoff game, that player will not be allowed to receive extra shifts in the following games until all players have received extra ice time. In other words, ALL PLAYERS must have equal ice time throughout the play-offs, including the final game. Convenors have been instructed to monitor this closely.
When a goaltender is removed during play, the goaltender MUST be replaced by a player who would be on the ice for the next shift, and who has not already received extra shifts in the game.
If the convenor determines that these rules are not being adhered to, the Convenor will stop the clock, sound the buzzer, speak to the Referee and Head Coach of the offending team and assess a 2 minute minor penalty to the player receiving the extra ice time.
Regulation time will consist of three 12-minute periods, OR 36 minutes running time.
DETERMINATION OF PLAY-OFF MATCH UPS
Four Team Division:
Playoffs will consist of semi-finals and finals.
In the semi-finals, the first place team will play the fourth place team and the second place team will play the third place team. Winners will advance to the finals.
Six Team Division:
Playoffs will consist of quarter finals, semi-finals and finals.
The first and second place teams will receive a bye into the semi-finals and will play an exhibition game against each other on the quarter finals day. In the quarter finals, the third place team will play the sixth place team (Series A) and the fourth place team will play the fifth place team (Series B). Winners advance to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, the first place team will play the winner of Series B and the second place team will play the winner of Series A. Winners advance to the finals.
In the Tyke Division, losers in the quarter finals and semi-finals will play consolation finals on Finals day.
Seven Team Division:
There will be an extra game scheduled for a "playdown" game between 6th and 7th place. The winner of that game will advance to play in the finals as in the Six Team division above.
Eight Team Division:
Playoffs will consist of quarter finals, semi-finals and finals.
In the quarter finals, the first place team will play the eight place team (Series D), the second place team will play the seventh place team (Series C), the third place team will play the sixth place team (Series B) and the fourth place team will play the fifth place team (Series A). Winners advance to the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals, the winner of Series D will play the winner of Series A and the winner of Series B will play the winner of Series C. Winners advance to the finals.
Nine Team Division
There will be an extra game scheduled for a “playdown” game between 8th and 9th place. The winner of that game will advance to play in the finals as in the Eight Team division above.
Exhibition games in all divisions are scheduled for 45 minutes but will be shortened if prior play-off games require overtime. Likewise, regular season games (4-team divisions) which are played on quarter-finals day may be shortened.
RESOLUTION OF TIES AT THE END OF REGULAR SEASON
In the event of a tie in the standings at the end of regular season play, the higher finish will be awarded to the team which has:
a) Most wins in games between the two teams
b) If still tied, the best goals for minus goals against
c) If still tied, the most goals for
d) If still tied, the least goals against
e) If still tied, FLIP A COIN!
STOP TIME
1. There will be no stop time for the Tyke Division, Minor Novice or Novice
2. In all other divisions there will be no stop time for injury other than in the last three minutes of regulation play or overtime.
3. If the score is tied or there is a one or two goal difference or there is an injury during the last three minutes of regulation play or overtime, stop time will apply.
OVERTIME
If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, the following overtime periods will apply:
Quarter Finals:
6-minute sudden death period with the last 3 minutes being stopped time. Tyke, Minor Novice and Novice will have a 9-minute sudden death period, with the last 3 minutes being stopped time.
If the teams are still tied at the end of overtime period, the winner will be the team awarded the higher finish at the end of regular season.
Semi-Finals:
6-minute sudden death period with the last 3 minutes being stopped time. Tyke, Minor Novice and Novice will have a 9-minute sudden death period, with the last 3 minutes being stopped time.
If the teams are still tied at the end of overtime period, the winner will be the team awarded the higher finish at the end of regular season.
Finals:
6-minute sudden death period, with the last 3 minutes being stopped time. Tyke, Minor Novice and Novice will have an 9 minute sudden death period, with the last 3 minutes being stopped time.
If after the 6 minute overtime there is still a tie, there will be a 5 player shootout with the players order having been chosen and submitted to the Convenor before the game. The team who was in the highest position at the end of the regular season will decide if their team wants to shoot first.
If after 5 players there is still a tie, 4 more different players will be chosen and it moves to a Sudden Death format. This moves to 3 different players, then 2, then 1 to decide the tie. All players (excluding the goalie) must have a chance to shoot before players are repeated.
FOOD AND DRINKS
We remind you that the Arena Board does not allow food or drinks to be brought into the Arena at any time, including the play-offs. Please ensure that any food or drinks required for team celebrations are purchased at the Arena Snack Bar. Please be fair, have fun and may the best team win!
REGULATIONS AFFECTING GTHL AND SELECT
1. From time to time House League Division players may be invited to play for the appropriate North Toronto GTHL team as an affiliated player. In this event, the Coach or Manager of the GTHL team will:
(a) obtain the consent of the player and parents;
(b) advise the House League Convenor;
(c) advise the House League and Select Coaches.
2. An NTHA player who plays in both the House League Division and the Select Division, and who receives a penalty which results in a suspension from play for one or more games in either of these sections will, in addition, immediately draw a suspension from play in the other section. Please see Section on Suspensions for details. In the event of a second penalty resulting in a suspension during a season, the player's conduct will be reviewed by the NTHA Discipline Committee, or a committee of the Board, to determine whether the suspension will be extended for part or all of the balance of the season, including playoffs.
3. The League reserves the right to review the conduct of any player who is consistently penalized or disruptive and to suspend that player permanently from playing.
APPENDIX A - EQUAL ICE TIME RULES
1. EQUAL ICE TIME IS TO BE GIVEN TO EACH PLAYER REGARDLESS OF ABILITY.
2. Every player must be on the ice at least every third shift and no more often than every second shift.
3. All 5 players should be changed at the same time. If done during play, it may be done gradually but all 5 should be changed.
4. Shifts should be roughly the same duration and should be limited to a maximum of 2 minutes (even less at the older age groups). The 3 minute buzzer system will only be used in the Tyke, Minor Novice and Novice Divisions.
5. Following a penalty, the penalized player must return directly to the team bench (unless the penalized player's line is on the ice), and replaced on the ice by the correct player alternating in that position.
6. All players must be used to the same extent to fill in for those absent. Constant use of strong players every second shift and weak players every third shift is not permitted.
7. Players may not be used out of regular rotation nor may the normal length of the shifts be changed towards the end of a game.
8. If a player on the ice is injured and must come off before the normal line change, the player should be replaced by the player's alternate in that position who would follow the player in the normal line rotation. If the injured player is unable to return to the game, the two normal alternates in that position (if 2 normally) will be rotated to the end of the game.
9. When a goaltender is removed during play, the goaltender must be replaced by a player who would be on the ice for the next shift, and who has not already received extra shifts.
10. Abuse of the intent of the equal ice time rule will, at the Convenor's discretion, result in a 2 minute bench penalty to be served by the player receiving the extra ice time.
11. House League play is not an opportunity for the Coach to 'showcase' select players. All players must get equal ice time regardless of ability.
12. The philosophy of equal ice time applies at all times. This is most important to the North Toronto Hockey Association and Coaches are required to adhere to this philosophy. There is a fairly set pattern for line shifts which Coaches should attempt to use, as follows:
Sequential Line Change (PDF)
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