5 & 6 League Rules (2008 – 2009)
Safety
- Players will wear all required equipment including mouth guard and neck guard.
- If play is stopped due to an injured player, he must be attended to immediately. The injured player must leave the ice until the next time the puck is dropped to resume play. He may return to the ice for the balance of his shift if deemed able by the coach. No substitute player will be allowed.
- The goal pegs will be removed during all House League Games. This will allow the goal to slide freely on the ice so that it will reduce injury should a player make contact.
- Players are to be rotated in goal equally. While playing goal, the players are to be discouraged from repeatedly lying across the goalmouth for their own safety.
Games
- Each team will play 14 games during the season lasting from November to February. No league games will be scheduled between Christmas Eve through to New Year's Day inclusively.
- League games will be played on a half sheet of ice or on full ice depending on scheduling and ice availability.
- One coach will be on the ice with their players so that they may coach their team during the play, and also referee the game. Each team is to have one coach on the ice at all times. The coaches are to stay away from the front of the net.
- League games will use a 4oz puck or a puck with the centre removed.
- All Hockey Canada and WMHA rules are to be applied with the exception of special league rules contained on this form. Please familiarize yourself with the WMHA rulebook.
- Generally speaking, there will be no penalties at this age group. The on ice coaches will be expected to have full control of their respective players and discourage any type of hockey violation. The coaches will also be expected to direct their players as to what they can and cannot do while they are playing the game of hockey.
- In the event of a player shortage during the regular season, temporary players may be borrowed from any other team in the league. Should it reoccur, the same player cannot be borrowed a second consecutive time and any player can only be borrowed a maximum of three (3) times during league season. It has been the practice that if a team is short at game time and the opposition has extra players, the coaches may agree to move some players to even out the benches.
- The game will be played with running time from the end of warmup to the end of the hour.
- The whistle or buzzer will be sounded and the clock will continue running at the end of each three (3) minute shift. The face-off will be at the centre of the playing area.
- The only face-offs will be at the beginning of each shift. After each goal or for any stoppage of play, the puck will be thrown to the open corner by one of the coaches on the ice. Offside and icing will not be enforced.
- During regular play, no player may be substituted for another player during any three (3) minute shift.
- Double shifting is only permitted when a team has less than 12 players. Every player is to be rotated through the double shift.
- Each and every player, present and dressed for the game, must be given equal ice time with his teammates. It is not practical, under game conditions, to develop a set of guidelines and penalties that would permit referees, timekeepers, and coaches to strictly enforce this rule. Therefore, the integrity of the coaching staff, the support of parents, and the diligence of Community Club and SVMHA Convenors must be evident toensure that their Community Club and/or SVMHA discipline coaches who violate the spirit of this rule accordingly.
- League games will take precedence over tournament games or exhibition games. No league game is to be postponed or cancelled for a tournament or exhibition game at any time. League games may be rescheduled to accommodate Christmas concerts and other major school activities. However, a minimum of five (5) days notice must be given so that the game can be rescheduled. Violating teams will forfeit the game and the team will be responsible for the cost of the ice, referees and timekeepers, if applicable.
- Fair play, good sportsmanship and fun must be emphasized by the coaches. Remember that the house league hockey program is a development program. The emphasis is on developing the players and honing their skills. This can only be done if the child finds enjoyment in the game.
- Coaches are to encourage the parents to praise their hockey players and their peers, win or lose.
Windup
The five and six program finishes with a windup including a game or two for each team. It is usually scheduled the week after the last regular league game.
Miscellaneous Information
All coaches in the SVMHA house league program must take the Initiation Level course or NCCP Coach Level course by December 1st of the present season. As this is a Hockey Canada rule, no deviations are allowed. Please see www.hockeymanitoba.mb.ca for more details on certification requirements and courses.