Alberni Valley Non-Contact Hockey League: 2023-2024 AV-NCHL Constitution

ALBERNI VALLEY NON-CONTACT HOCKEY LEAGUE CONSTITUTION
 
 SECTION A  -  INTENT & STRUCTURE
 
1.     The league shall be known as the Alberni Valley Non-Contact Hockey League, AV-NCHL.   (Amended: 2014-02-11).
 
2.    The AV-NCHL is intended to provide players of all abilities with the opportunity to have fun and to get some exercise on the ice. The non-contact rule will be strictly enforced so 
        that fun is emphasized and the chance of injury through body contact is eliminated.
 
3.    All games are to be played in accordance with C.A.R.H.A. rules except as otherwise provided herein.    (Amended: AGM 2023)
 
4.    The AV-NCHL executive shall consist of the following offices: President; Vice President; Treasurer; Secretary and Immediate Past President.  As well as a board of directors shall
        rule on all matters not specifically contained in the constitution. They shall maintain peace and harmony within the league and protect the interest of its members.
 
5.     The board of directors shall consist of one representative or one alternate representative from each team. There shall be one vote for each team. The president or in his
         absence, the vice-president, the treasurer or the secretary will vote only in the case of a tie.
 
6.     Regular League meetings shall be held prior to the first league game of the season and prior to the last league game before the Christmas break. The president may call an
        extraordinary meeting at any time.    (Amended: 2005-02-07)
 
7.     There shall be an annual general meeting held prior to the conclusion of the regular season and the constitution may be amended at this meeting only.  (Amended: 2005-02-07)
         Note:  Any amendments made to the Constitution at this meeting will go into effect at the beginning of the next season.
 
 8.    Any team not having a Team rep at any meeting shall be assessed a fine of $25.00, to be deducted from  that team’s security deposit and paid to general league revenues.
 

 SECTION B  -  DUES
 
9.    Each team must post a $300.00 non-refundable deposit (performance bond) or re-establish their initial bond at the beginning of each season. This performance bond must be up
       to date prior to their first game of the season.
 
10.   The first half of the annual league dues as set by the executive and must be submitted to the league executive by October 15th. The second half dues must be submitted to the
         league executive no later than November 30^th.   (Amended: AGM 2023).
  
11.   If league dues are not paid to the league on or before the dates set out in Rule 10, and the due dates have not been varied by the league executive, then all further games by the
        unpaid team(s) shall be forfeited and the offending team(s) assessed a $50.00 fine per game until all dues or arrears are paid in full.
 
 
SECTION C   -   ROSTERS
 
12.   Official team rosters and participant liability waivers for new players only must be submitted to the league executive accompanying the first half league dues set out in Rule 10.
         No additions may be made to the roster after this date without executive approval.   (Amended: 2013-02-20)
 
        (a)   All AV-NCHL teams wishing to change Jersey colours must check with League Executive for approval in order to avoid conflict in colour schemes with other AV-NCHL teams.
               Team logos must also be tastefully designed and appropriate to meet AV-NCHL standards. League Executive approval required.  (Added: AGM 2020).
 
13.   Only those players listed on the official roster except goaltenders will be permitted to play the balance of the regular season and the playoffs.
 
         (a)  Any player may be allowed to play goal in the AV-NCHL, but they must be 18 years of age or older and must be in good standing with the league. (Amended 2016-03-01)  
 
14.    (a)  All AV-NCHL players must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the AV-NCHL regular season.  All 18 year old's must have parental approval to play.
               (Amended: 2017-03-01).    
 
14.   (b)  “C” Division Eligibility Criteria as follows:  
         (i)    All new players must complete a Player/Spare Registration form. 
         (ii)   All new players must not have played Minor Rep hockey within the last ten (10) years.
         (iii)  All new players whom have played Minor House hockey or haven’t played hockey locally will be subject to a maximum five (5) game evaluation (skill level, skating and
                hockey experience). If a player is deemed above “C” Division level the Executive/Team reps will remove this player from the “C” Division. 
        (iv)   All new players over 50+ years of age retiring out of the “A+B” Division will be accepted to play in the “C” Division.
         (v)   Any former “A+B” Division player over 42 years of age who has suffered a medical setback, had a significant physical injury or other special circumstance will be permitted
                to play in the “C” Division on the spare list for one season. These players are subject to Executive and Team reps approval before playing full-time in the “C” Division. These
                players will also be subject to a five (5) game evaluation. At the conclusion of their spare list season their status to participate further as a spare or as a future full-time
                player will be reviewed.  (Added AGM: 2017-03-01).
 
 15.   (a)  Players in the AV-NCHL are not permitted to play on any other local organized hockey team, except with the Old-Timers.
         (b)  (i)   Players wishing to try out for a junior team may do so for a maximum of five (5) league games but may not play in both leagues at the same time.  
                (ii)  U21 players and goalies in Minor hockey program are exempt  – they can play A Division only.   (Amended: AGM 2023).
         (c)  Any player coming from another league, local or otherwise must be a player in good standing.  
         (d)  There is a gentlemen’s agreement in the AV-NCHL to not dump or cut players in order to pick up a better quality player. (Amended: 2003-02-06).
          (e)  Players wishing to change teams must notify the league president and their team rep of their intention to move to another team no later than August 1^st of that year. Their
                 move must be approved by the league executive at the September pre-season meeting.  (Amended: AGM 2023).
 
 16.     All teams must provide their line-up to the official scorer before game time. Failure to do so will result in a $20.00 fine to the offending team. All players listed on the line-up
           must be dressed and present prior to the end of the opening half of play. If they don’t play in the opening half their names will be struck off the official game scoresheet prior to
           the completion of the game.  (Amended: AGM 2023).
 
 17.      All teams must have a minimum of seven (7) players plus a goaltender dressed and on the ice by game time. Failure to do so will result in an automatic forfeiture of the game
            and a $100.00 team fine.   (Amended: AGM 2020).  If a second forfeiture occurs in the same season, another $100.00 team fine will be assessed. (Amended: AGM 2020).  If a
            team forfeits for a third time in a season, then the team is suspended until they repost their $300.00 team performance bond to resume their season.  (Added: AGM 2020).
 
           Note: If a goaltender is present, but late in getting ready to play, the game will start on time. Game will start with offending team using a player in goal until their goalie arrives.
                     A team's goalie must enter the game before midway point of the opening half otherwise the game is forfeited.   (Amended AGM 2020).
 
18.    (a)  Any player who is listed on an official team roster must play a minimum of eight (8) regular season games prior to the end of the regular season to be eligible to play in the
                playoffs. (Amended: 2018-02-06).  Any player not meeting the minimum requirements must provide documentation (Doctor’s note) to the league executive as to why they 
                 were unable to meet the minimum requirement. Only reasons of illness or injury will be given consideration.    (Amended: AGM 2008-January)
 
          (b)  If a player is unable to meet the eight (8) game minimum requirement due to Compassionate circumstances (family illness or death), then the player’s playoff eligibility will
                 be decided by the league’s executive. (Amended: 2018-02-06)
 
                (i)  A suspended player doesn’t get credit for a game suspension count if their team forfeits a game. The forfeited game doesn’t count towards their suspension total.
                     Opposing team’s roster counts as game played only if listed on game’s scoresheet.  (Added: AGM 2020).
 
          (c)  All roster changes must be submitted at the last meeting before the Christmas break.    (Amended: 2005-02-05)
 
          (d)  Teams wishing to leave the AV-NCHL must inform the league at the AGM. (Amended: 2003-02-07)
 
 
19.   (a)  The league executive will make Spare Lists for A/B+C+D Divisions. All new Spare players must get League approval before playing in the AV-NCHL. These players must
               provide contact information, present identification with Date of Birth and sign a Participant Liability Waiver form before playing a game.  (Amended: 2018-02-06)
                 (i)  Players must be on the spare list for a minimum of 24 hours prior to playing in a game.  (Amended: 2018-02-06)
                (ii)  Players on the spare list must get league approval to be picked up permanently by any team.    (Amended: 1999-02-03) 
               (iii)  All teams needing spare players after the roster deadline must pick them off this list and may use them for a maximum of five (5) games. If any team wishes to keep or
                      use such players beyond the five games, the league executive must approve it.  (Amended: 1996-01-31)  Last chance roster additions, must be approved by the
                      League executive at the Fall meeting prior to the Christmas break. (Added: AGM 2015)
               (iv)  All players on the A+B Division Spare List are eligible to play in the playoffs provided they are on the list as of January 1^st of that season. Any new players added to
                      the spare list after January 1^st  will be ineligible to play in the playoffs. (Added: AGM 2015)
               (v)   New goalies are exempt from normal playing restrictions facing other players during the regular season. New goalies may not be added during the playoffs. To be
                       eligible for the playoffs, a new goalie must also be on the spare list by January 1^st of the playoff year.  (Amended: 2006-01-31)  
              (vi)  All ‘C+D’ Division players in good standing are eligible to play as spares in the AV-NCHL A+B Divisions.               
                      
         (b)   AV-NCHL Spare List Registration:
                  All spares will be required to submit a $25.00 registration fee in order to participate as a spare in the  AV-NCHL. This fee will be used to cover their CARHA insurance
                  coverage.
                  (i)    Registered spares can play a maximum of 20 regular season games.
                  (ii)   Spares can play up to a maximum of five (5) games per team.                    (Amended: 2019-02-01)
               
           (c)    “C+D” Division Spare usage limitations:
                (iii)   During the regular season, teams may only supplement their playing roster with spares when their regular roster falls below thirteen (13) skaters for a game.               
                         (Amended AGM 2023).
                 (iv)   Spares are no longer eligible for the playoffs unless a team doesn’t meet the minimum requirement of seven (7) skaters.    (Amended: 2019-02-01)
                
 
SECTION D  -  EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY
 
20.     All equipment worn must be fully approved by the C.S.A. or the A.S.T.M. equivalent. Helmets must be worn at all times by forwards and defensemen. Face shields are strongly
          advised but not mandatory. Goaltenders must also wear C.S.A. or A.S.T.M. approved mask with protection at the back of the head or the goaltender will not be allowed to play.
          (a)  Any player who has only sight in one eye and chooses to play in the AV-NCHL must wear a protective face shield.
          (b)  No AV-NCHL player is permitted to participate in any game if they are wearing a cast or a splint. These items are considered dangerous equipment. (Added: AGM 2020)
 
 21.     Referees have been instructed to stop play immediately in all cases where a player has sustained an injury, regardless of which team has possession of the puck. 
 
 22.     Players who lose their helmets are not allowed to continue in the play. The player must leave the ice directly and immediately. Failure to do so will result in a minor penalty.
 
 
SECTION E  -  LENGTH OF GAMES
 
23.     Warm-up - 4 minutes. Teams must warm-up in opposing end from their respective benches.
          1^st period - 20 minutes stop time.  Teams change ends.  2^nd period - 20 minutes stop time.
 
24.     In the event of a five (5) goal spread during the last five (5) minutes of the second period, the clock will remain running straight time. (Amended: 2007-01-30)     If during this
           straight time, the losing team scores to reduce the goal spread to four (4) goals or less, the clock will return to stop time. If the five goal spread is created again the clock will
           return to straight time.
 
 
SECTION F  -  PENALTIES, SUSPENSIONS AND FINES
 
All C.A.R.H.A. rules on penalties and suspensions will be followed as set out in their current rule book.  All information in this section will serve as the AV-NCHL’s guideline to further extend penalties and suspensions as necessary.       (Amended: AGM 2023).
 
25.    Any player assessed a Major penalty will be automatically suspended for that game and a minimum of one (1) additional game. Any player assessed a second major penalty in
         a season will be automatically suspended for that game and an additional five (5) games. Any player who is assessed a third major penalty in a season will be automatically
         suspended for that game and an additional ten (10) games. All suspensions shall be carried over to the following season as required.
 
26.    Any player or coach who is assessed a Game Misconduct penalty for verbal abuse of an official will be automatically suspended for that game and an additional one (1) game.
          (a)  Only players wearing a ‘C’ or and ‘A’ are eligible to initiate a discussion with the referees. Players not adhering to this rule could receive either a two (2) minute minor
                 penalty, a ten (10)  minute misconduct or a game misconduct at the discretion of the referee.
          (b)  Unless invited, a player is not permitted to enter an official’s dressing room and if doing so, a suspension will be handed out.
 
27.    Any player or coach who is assessed a Match penalty for physical abuse of an official will receive an immediate ‘game misconduct’ penalty and an indefinite suspension. The
         player’s suspension will be reviewed at the next scheduled meeting of the AV-NCHL.
 
28.    Any player who is assessed a Match penalty will be suspended for the next five (5) games. A recurrence of the above penalty by a player in one season will result in that player
         being suspended for the balance of that season and the playoffs. Examples include: Spearing, Butt-ending and Intent to Injure.
 
  29.    (a)  Any player who is assessed a Gross Misconduct penalty shall be automatically suspended for that game and an additional five (5) games. (Amended: 2007-01-30)
           
           (b)  When a player throws a punch or punches with his gloves on or off he will be penalized as follows. If the altercation is deemed a fight by the referees, they will call a
                  fighting Major penalty. This penalty will incur a ten (10) game suspension and a Team Fine of $200.00. A second fighting major penalty in the same game will carry an
                  additional five game suspension. (Amended: February 2004)
                  (i)  If any player who throws a punch or punches with his gloves on or off at the head of another player, the player may be assessed at the referees’ discretion a
                        Minor, a double Minor or a Major penalty, if a major is called the player will incur a ten (10) game suspension and a Team Fine of $200.00.
                  (ii)  If the referees deem the altercation to not be a fight, they any call a Major penalty for Unnecessary Rough Play. The suspension and fine will vary according
                        to their incident report. The League Executive will then determine the length of the suspension and fine. (Amended: 2014-02-11)
 
            (c)    A “Roughing” penalty is called at the referee’s discretion. This penalty can be called as follows: a two (2) minute minor penalty or a two (2) minor penalty and a game
                     misconduct. (Amended: February 2010)
 
            (d)    An “Accidental High-sticking” penalty shall be assessed either as a two (2) minute minor penalty or a four (4) minute minor penalty for an accidental high stick resulting in
                     injury.
 
            (e)   An intentional high-stick causing injury is a match penalty and an automatic game misconduct.
 
            (f)    Any player receiving a ‘game misconduct’ penalty in the final ten (10) minutes of a game will be ejected from that game and automatically be suspended for their next
                    game. All  Game Misconducts can be referred to League President for review at the request of Game officials if further action is deemed necessary. 
                     (Added: AGM-2015)
            
           (g)    Any player who leaves the bench area and makes his way to an opponent’s dressing room to further an on/off ice incident and is identified by the referees or league
                    official will receive a Gross Misconduct, an automatic five game suspension and a Team Fine of $100.00.    (Amended: 2013-02-20)
 
30.    Any player who intentionally makes contact with another player from behind shall be assessed a two (2) minute minor penalty. If an injury results from the above contact then a
         Match penalty shall be assessed and that player suspended for the next five (5) games. Any subsequent Match penalty (Intent to Injure) shall result in that player being
         suspended for the balance of that season and the playoffs. Also the player’s actions will be reviewed by the executive prior to playing in the following season.
 
31.    Any player who is assessed three (3) minor penalties in one game will be ejected from that game at the onset of the third penalty.
 
 32.    Any intentional body contact by a player will result in the offending player being assessed at the referee’s discretion, a two (2) minute ‘minor’ penalty; a five (5) minute ‘major’
          penalty or a match penalty. A major penalty will result in the player being suspended for that game and a minimum of one (1) additional game. A match penalty will result in that
          player being suspended for that game and the next five (5) games.
 
33.    Goaltenders who are assessed four (4) minor penalties in one game shall be allowed to complete that game. Upon receiving five (5) minors in one game, the goalie is
          immediately ejected and suspended for the next two (2) games. Note: When a goalie gets injured during a game and he is unable to continue, a maximum of fifteen (15)
          minutes will be allowed for a replacement goalie.   (Amended: 1996-01-31)
 
34.    When contact with the puck is made with a high stick (above the height of the shoulders). There will be an immediate stoppage of play and the ensuing face-off will be in the
          offending team’s zone.
 
35.    (a)  If a player takes a slap shot where the backward motion of the blade passes beyond the height of the player’s knees. Should an injury result from the shot, a major penalty
                plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed.
         (b)  A slap shot taken in the defensive zone to relieve pressure will result in a two (2) minute delay of game penalty. (Amended: 2008-01-29)
 
36.    (a)  Any player receiving a Major, Game Misconduct, Gross Misconduct or Match penalty will  be fined a minimum of $ 20.00 per game suspension to a maximum of $ 200.00
               depending on the severity of the penalty, as determined by the league executive. These fines will be assessed against the team that the individual receiving the penalty
               plays for, not the player. (Amended: 2018-02-06)      
          (b)  All fines must be paid to the AV-NCHL prior to the beginning of their first game of the next season.
          (c)  All players and coaches who are under suspension must not be anywhere near their players’ bench and they must not be vocal towards the referees during their
                suspension.
 
 
SECTION G  -  EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY
 
37.    The league president and the executive has the right to vary any penalty or suspension set out in this constitution and may suspend at their discretion any player or coach or
          referee who is deemed to have knowingly violated the intent or rules of the league.   (Amended: AGM 2020).
         (a)  The AV-NCHL reserves the right to suspend or refuse the opportunity of any individual to participate in the league if it is in the opinion of the executive that it is in the
                league’s best interest. (Amended: 2006-01-31)
 
38.    All game protests must be made to the president, secretary or treasurer within one week of the game being played and all protests will be ruled on by the president or treasurer/           secretary.
 
39.    The decision of the league president, executive, board of directors, referee-in-chief, referee or linesman is final in that order.
 
40.    Any player or team which fail to comply with the league constitution or rules or act in any manner to discredit the league, cause injury to its players, officials or fans can result in
         fine, suspensions and/or forfeiture of games as determined by the league executive.
 
 
SECTION H  -  POINT STANDINGS FOR REGULAR SEASON AND PLAYOFFS
           
41.    AV-NCHL TIE BREAKING RULES
        
          REGULAR SEASON TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES:
          Should ties in point standings occur in the regular season, those tied teams will be decided according to the following priorities.    Note:  In the event where more than two
          teams are tied, the tie breaking sequence will apply until the tie is broken (i.e., One or more teams are eliminated from the tie).  Once one (1) or more teams is eliminated from
           the tie and two or more teams are still tied, the following procedure reverts back to (a).
          (a)   The team with the most regular season wins overall would qualify for the higher standing position.
               (b)   If teams are still tied after (a), then the results of the games played between the tied teams only will apply. The winner of the regular season series will receive the
                       higher standing. If three teams are tied, only the point record established in the games played between the tied teams shall be used as the first tie breaking formula in
                       deciding which teams have a higher standing.    Note:  If two or more tied teams are affected by a regular season schedule imbalance, then the team with the higher 
                       win percentage amongst games played between those tied teams only will receive the higher standing.   
               (c)   If teams are still tied after (a) and (b) have been applied, then the team with the better goals for and against differential in games played between the tied teams will
                      receive the higher standing.
              (d)   If teams are still tied after (a), (b) and (c), then the team with the most goals for will receive the higher standing.
              (e)   If teams are still tied after (a), (b), (c) and (d), then the team that received the least number of penalties will receive the higher standing.
              (f)    If teams are still tied after all previous methods have been applied, the higher rank will be determined by a single toss of a coin.
 
          PLAYOFFS TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES:
          Should ties in point standings occur in the playoffs, those tied teams placing will be decided according to the following priorities.    Note:  In the event where more than two
          teams are tied, this tie breaking sequence will apply until the tie is broken (i.e., One or more teams are eliminated from the tie).  Once one (1) or more teams is eliminated
         from the 1st tiebreaker and two or more teams are still tied, the following procedure reverts back to (a).
           (a)   The team with the most playoff wins overall would qualify for the higher standing position.
           (b)   If teams are still tied after (a), then the results of the playoff game played between the tied teams only will apply.  
           (c)   If teams are still tied after (a) and (b) have been applied, then the team with the better goals for and against differential in games played between the tied teams will
                  receive the higher standing.
          (d)   If teams are still tied after (a), (b) and (c), then the team with the most goals for will receive the higher standing.
          (e)   If teams are still tied after (a), (b), (c) and (d), then the team that received the least number of penalties will receive the higher standing.
          (f)    If teams are still tied after all previous methods have been applied, the higher rank will be determined by a single toss of a coin.
 
 
  42.         “A/B/C/D” Division  Playoff format:  
               
           After the final regular season game is played, each division will participate in a round robin format. At the conclusion of the round robin, the top two teams in each division with
           the best records will play in their respective Best of Three final series.
NEW  (i)  For playoff round robin games -- regulation time game winners will receive three (3) points, overtime game winners two (2) points and overtime losers one (1) point in the
                standings.   If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, a sudden death five (5) minute 3 on 3 overtime period will be played.  If the game remains deadlocked after the
                overtime period both teams will earn one (1) point each.     (Amended: AGM 2023).           
          (ii)  In the Best of Three Final series.  If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, a sudden death ten (10) minute straight overtime period will be played. If the game
                 remains tied after the overtime period, then a five-man shootout will occur. If the game is still tied, a second  five-man shootout will occur. If still tied, a sudden death
                 shootout will occur using the remainder of the players in order of their line-ups as given to the timekeeper. A coin toss will be used to determine which team shoots first. All
                 players on each team must have taken a shot before restarting the order of the shootout players. The referees will use the lineup to monitor the order of the shootout
                 players. (Amended: 2001-01-31)
 
 
 
Last Updated:  2023-04-30.  BE