Bananacb's Minor Hockey League

Section 1 (Types of penalties, calling of penalties, penalty shots, and Supplementary Discipline)

A.) Minor Penalties (2 minutes)

Admin Abuse:
Using admin to interfere with play in any way. (Note that more severe types of AA can be punished in more severe ways as noted below).

This includes:

Using the :refresh command etc on someone who is on the ice
Teleporting any player to or from the ice, even if they’ve flung etc (leave tping flung players to the ref)
Killing any player.

Goalie interference

When a player blocks the goalkeeper in his crease on purpose or hits a goalkeeper who is in his crease. If a goalkeeper is completely out of the crease, he is treated the same as a normal player and can be hit in the same way.

Interference:

When a player hits another player and the puck is not near the player.

Delay of game:

(Trap rule): When any goalie during play touches the puck behind the goal line but outside the trapezoid. Position of the goalie is the determining factor, not the puck’s position.

(Leaving penalty bench too early): When a penalised player at any time (except during intermissions or end of game) leaves the penalty box before his penalty time is up.

(Goalie participating in the play beyond the centre red line): When a goalie without being pulled goes over the centre red line. “Without being pulled” means they have not been pulled (so either has been refreshed and is the extra skater or is changing for an extra skater) or they are wearing the goalkeeper pads.

(Gathering puck into body): A player other than the goalkeeper who deliberately falls on or gathers the puck into his body, (basically uses Z on the puck) to make the puck unplayable, for more than 5 seconds. If done in the crease this is a PS. (This means literally sitting on top of the puck or holding it against the boards, to make it unplayable. It does not mean pushing the puck along or blocking a shot)

(Out of crease rule): A goalkeeper covering the puck outside of the crease. Defined as when none of these criteria is met (so if a single of the 3 statements below is true, then it is not a penalty). A warn should be given unless the offence is of a cynical nature and deliberately done to deny an obvious scoring chance.

The goalkeeper has part of his body in the crease, and the puck is in front of the goal-line
The puck is reasonably close by the crease (and in front) and there is direct pressure on the puck.
The puck is behind the goal but close to/touching the goal cage, AND the goalkeeper has skate contact with the crease.

Instigator:

When a player deliberately starts a fight with a member of the opposing team.

Roughing:

Fighting a member of the opposing team, or hitting a member of the opposing team when play is dead.

Illegal stick:

When a player uses a goalie stick in play when they are not a goalie or uses any other unauthorized gear to interfere with play. IOG THIS MEANS YOU.

Unsportsmanlike conduct minor:

Note that some of these have more severe penalties that may be given out.

When a player or goalie shows disrespect to the sport of hockey by:

Verbal abuse at opposing players.

You are permitted to “trash talk” provided this is within reason
Verbal abuse at the opposing coaching staff
You are permitted to “trash talk” provided this is within reason

Verbal abuse at the referees

Referees may use their discretion as to how strictly they enforce this, but should let both teams know before the game exactly how they plan to enforce it.

B.) Bench Minor penalties(2 minutes)

Delay of Game:

When a team takes an excessive amount of time to put players on/take players off at a stoppage or lineup for a faceoff.

Stepping onto ice during period (Coach):

When a coach steps onto the ice at any time during the period (including stoppages) and they are not listed as a legal player on the website team roster.

Throwing objects onto ice:

When a coach/bench pass/unidentified player on the bench throws/drops their stick, equipment or hats on the ice on purpose.

Too many men:

Having too many players on the ice when play is live (Referees should not call this if the player goes on by accident and comes off immediately without attempting to take part in play). Players standing on the boards count as on the ice.

Bench passes:
Teams may have up to 2 bench passes on the bench at any time. People who are genuine coaching staff are permitted and do not count towards the number of bench passes.

Their actions can be punished the same way as a normal player on the team - if they go on the ice it is TMM, if they drop things on the ice it’s a penalty, etc. If they go on the ice it is a penalty even if the team does not have the full number of players allowed on the bench.

C.) Misconduct/major penalties (1st and only warning, 5 minutes, no ejection)

Warnings for misconduct penalties should be made clear with “:h” and should say “Misconduct warning [PLAYER]”

Continuing or attempting to continue a fight after the referee has instructed them to stop.
Fighting off the playing surface (or with another player who is off the playing surface.)
Interfering or distracting opponent taking a penalty shot.
Use of targeted and persistently abusive language.
Verbal abuse of an official.

Racial taunts, bringing their integrity into disrepute, including by referring to previous events or games or off ice events.

First to intervene in an altercation between 2 players (third man in.)
Leaving the penalty bench during an altercation.
Goalkeeper leaving the crease to start or join an altercation.
Persists to challenge or dispute an official’s ruling.
Physically abuses an official.

Defined as “hitting” them.

Racial taunts or slurs.
Targeted abuse of a political nature

Including deliberately misrepresenting somebody’s nationality to provoke them, especially where the nationality issue is a controversial subject.

Refusing to go in the box after being assessed a penalty.

D.) Automatic misconduct penalties. No warning may be given.

The following is an automatic misconduct penalty:
Admin abusing any fan without reason (a “reason” is if they’re in an area they shouldn’t be, physically interfering with game by “poking” tools through glass etc)

Kicking a player, except as explicitly directed by the referee.

E.) Length of misconduct/major penalties

Where a penalty is assessed to a skater, they shall serve 5 minutes in the penalty box. They may leave as soon as the penalty expires (they do not have to wait for the first whistle).

Should a goalkeeper on the ice incur a misconduct penalty, this penalty shall be served by another member of his team who was on the ice when the offence was committed. This player is to be designated by the Manager or Coach of the offending team through the Captain. The goalkeeper is not permitted to play as a skater until the penalty is expired, although they may enter the box and allow the serving player to re-enter the game - in which case the goalkeeper must serve the rest of the penalty in its entirety.

A player receiving a misconduct penalty does cause his team to play short-handed.

E.) Game misconduct penalties (ejection, 5 PIM, and a suspension report from the head official to the league)

Where 2 misconduct penalties are assessed to the same person (doesn’t have to be at same stoppage), the second penalty becomes a game misconduct penalty. The player should be ejected and is not permitted to be “teamed”, be on the bench, or on the ice at any point. They are allowed to be in the stands provided they do not harass the referee or give verbal abuse publicly about the referee’s decisions. They should be kicked from the server if they do so. Game misconducts result in a 5 minute “time on clock” penalty to be served by someone who was on the ice at the time of the penalty. The penalty from the second misconduct penalty is not to be served, so only one 5 minute penalty is given when someone is given a game misconduct.

Game Misconduct Penalties can be immediately assessed for:

Illegal substitution (no warning): When a team uses a player that isn't listed on the league website team roster, they may be kicked immediately from the game when the non-offending team protests. If this protest occurs immediately after the scoring of a goal, and the illegal player was on the ice at the time of the goal, it shall be disallowed, and the penalty assessed. Otherwise, any goal previously scored will stand (although the game may well be reviewed by the league) and the penalty shall be assessed.

Where the illegal sub is an alt account, and the illegally substituting team wins the game, the game will be replayed.

Severe Admin abuse and exploiting (no warning): When a player is seen to have exploited, or “kicked”/”banned”/”crashed” more than 3 people in a game, used the “:nuke” command, or respawned/teamed away/kicked/banned/crashed any official. If the person does not stop abusing the admin and it is not possible to remove the admin (or the people who can refuse to do so), the game will be declared a forfeit loss for the offending team. - Clarification - If the person can be unadmined then you assess the penalties and get on with the ref of the game.

F.) Calling of penalties

Penalties are delayed, as in the NHL.

The referee should announce the penalty and details as soon as possible at the stoppage.

G.) Calling a Minor Penalty (Goal Scored)

If the penalty to be imposed is a minor penalty and a goal is scored on the play by the non-offending side, the minor penalty shall not be imposed although major and match penalties shall be imposed in the normal manner regardless of whether or not a goal is scored.

If two or more minor penalties were “delayed” against a team and a goal is scored by the non-offending side, the Captain or Head Coach of the offending team shall designate to the Referee which minor penalty (or penalties) will be assessed and which minor penalty (or penalties) will be washed out as a result of the scoring of the goal.

H.) Calling a Penalty (Short-handed Team and a Goal is Scored)

If when a team is “short-handed” by reason of one or more minor or bench minor penalties, the Referee signals a further minor penalty or penalties against the “short-handed” team and a goal is scored by the non-offending side before the whistle is blown, then the penalty or penalties signaled shall be assessed and the first of the minor penalties already being served shall automatically expire as normal.

Major and match penalties shall be imposed in the normal manner regardless of whether or not a goal is scored.

Should a minor or bench minor penalty be signaled against a team short-handed by reason of a major (or match) penalty, but before the penalty can be assessed, a goal is scored by the non-offending side, the signaled minor or bench minor penalty shall not be imposed due to the scoring of the goal.

Should a penalty be signaled against a team already short-handed by reason of one or more minor or bench minor penalties, and the signaled penalty would result in the awarding of a penalty shot (due to the team having too few players), but before the Referee can stop play to award the penalty shot, the non offending team scores a goal, then the signaled penalty (that would have resulted in a penalty shot) shall be assessed as normal and the first of the minor penalties already being served shall automatically terminate.

I.) Face-off Locations

When players are penalised at a stoppage of play and more penalties are assessed to one team than the other, the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at one of the two face-off spots in the offending team’s (the team with more penalties assessed at the stoppage) end zone.

There are only four (4) exceptions to this application:

-when a penalty is assessed after the scoring of a goal – face-off at center ice;.

-when a penalty is assessed at the end (or start) of a period – face-off at center ice;.

-when the team not being penalised ices the puck – face-off in the neutral zone outside the blue line of the team icing the puck.

J.) Penalty Shot

Penalty Shot :

A penalty shot is designed to restore a scoring opportunity which was lost as a result of a foul being committed by the offending team, based on the parameters set out in these rules.

He/she shall then place the puck on the center face-off spot and the player taking the shot will, on the instruction of the Referee (by blowing his whistle), play the puck from there and shall attempt to score on the goalkeeper. The puck doesn't have to be constantly. kept in motion towards the opponent’s goal line, but he must keep trying to push the puck forward as much as possible. Deliberately moving the puck backwards (even to compensate for losing control of it) results in a no goal. Once it is shot, the play shall be considered complete. No goal can be scored on a rebound of any kind (an exception being the puck off the goal post or crossbar, then the goalkeeper and then directly into the goal), and any time the puck crosses the goal line or comes to a complete stop, the shot shall be considered complete.

The following violations result in a redo:

The goalkeeper must remain completely in his crease at all times during the shot.
The goalkeeper must not drop his stick etc to save a shot.
If, while the penalty shot is being taken, any player, Coach or non playing Club personnel of the opposing team shall have by some action physically or using admin, interfered with or distracted the player taking the shot and, because of such action, the shot should have failed, the Referee shall impose a bench minor penalty to the offending team, and if a player on the bench is responsible, a misconduct penalty on the player so interfering or distracting shall be assessed.
On any team violation, the referee should raise his arm. If it is saved, and the violation was by the defending team he should call for a redo of the shot. If it is by the attacking team and scored, he should call for a redo of the shot. If it is by both teams, a redo should be called for. If a minor penalty is assessed which results in an automatic penalty shot, another penalty shot shall be awarded after the first one concludes. This extra shot disregards the rule stating only one goal may be awarded on a play. On a third defending team offence, an automatic goal should be awarded. On a third attacking team offence, the penalty shot should be cancelled and no goal given. If both teams commit a third violation on the same shot a further redo should be given.
If, while the penalty shot is being taken, a spectator throws any object onto the ice or uses admin to interfere etc, a redo must be given if it interferes with the shot, except if only one of the players was affected and they still save/score the shot.
If a player tries to take a penalty shot with an illegal stick, the shot should be cancelled and no goal awarded.

The team against whom the penalty shot has been assessed may replace their goalkeeper to defend against the penalty shot, however, the substitute goalkeeper is required to remain in the game until the next stoppage of play.

While the penalty shot is being taken, players of both sides shall withdraw to their bench. The attacking team’s goalkeeper may remain in his crease.

K.) Designated Player For Penalty Shot

In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded to a player specifically fouled, that player shall be designated by the Referee to take the penalty shot.

In all other cases where a penalty shot has been awarded, the penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected by the Captain of the non-offending team from the players on the ice at the time when the foul was committed. Such selection shall be reported to the Referee and cannot be changed.

Should the player in respect to whom a penalty shot has been awarded himself commit a foul in connection with the same play or circumstances, either before or after the penalty shot has been awarded, be designated to take the shot, he shall first be permitted to do so before being sent to the penalty bench to serve the penalty except when such penalty is for a game misconduct or match penalty in which case the penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected by the Captain of the non-offending team from the players on the ice at the time when the foul was committed.

L.) Faceoff location after penalty shots

If a goal is scored from a penalty shot, the puck shall be faced-off at center ice.

If a goal is not scored, the puck shall be faced-off at either of the end face-off spots in the zone in which the penalty shot was tried, except when another rule dictates the face-off location should be in an alternate location.

U.) Penalty Shot Situations

Should a goal be scored from a penalty shot, a further penalty to the offending player or goalkeeper shall not be applied unless the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to incur a major, match or misconduct penalty, in which case the penalty prescribed for the particular offense shall be imposed.

If the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to normally incur a minor penalty, then regardless of whether the penalty shot results in a goal or not, no further minor penalty shall be served.

If the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to incur where the offending team is assessed an additional minor penalty on the same play in which a penalty shot was awarded, the first minor penalty is not assessed since the penalty shot was awarded to restore the lost scoring opportunity. The second minor penalty would be assessed and served regardless of whether the penalty shot results in a goal. This will be announced as a double-minor penalty for the appropriate foul and the player will serve two (2) minutes only.

No penalty shall expire when a goal is scored against a team on a penalty shot.

Should two penalty shots be awarded to the same team at the same stoppage of play (two separate fouls), only one goal can be scored or awarded at a single stoppage of play. Should the first penalty shot result in a goal, the second shot would not be taken but the appropriate penalty would be assessed and served for the infraction committed. (Except if the second penalty may not be served due to the on ice strength, in which case another PS should be awarded at the same stoppage).

V.) Penalty Shot Timing and Conditions

If the foul upon which the penalty shot is based occurs during actual playing time, the penalty shot shall be awarded and taken immediately in the usual manner notwithstanding any delay occasioned by a slow whistle by the Referee to allow play to continue until the attacking side has lost possession of the puck to the defending side, which delay results in the expiry of the regular playing time in any period.

The time required for the taking of a penalty shot shall not be included in the regular playing time or overtime.

There are four (4) specific conditions that must be met in order for the Referee to award a penalty shot for a player being fouled from behind. They are:

The infraction must have taken place in the neutral zone or attacking zone, (i.e. over the puck carrier’s own blue line);

The incident must be:

A player being hit from behind by any means when on a breakaway.
The puck being removed through the faceoff GUI
Any arena effects that were turned on that interfered with the breakaway chance (or for example, the nets being removed at arenas like WGSP before a shot was taken) - if it affects the skater who fails to score, a PS should be given, if it affects the goalie and a goal is scored a PS should be given
A player being admin abused

The player in possession and control (or, in the judgment of the Referee, clearly would have obtained possession and control of the puck) must have been denied a reasonable chance to score (the fact that he got a shot off does not automatically eliminate this play from the penalty shot consideration criteria. If the foul was from behind and he was denied a “more” reasonable scoring opportunity due to the foul, then the penalty shot should be awarded);

The player in possession and control (or, in the judgment of the Referee, clearly would have obtained possession and control of the puck) must have had no opposing player between himself and the goalkeeper.

In addition, a penalty shot shall be awarded if a team who has 2 penalties against them being served (or only has 2 players + gk and already has 1 penalty being served) is assessed a minor penalty.

M.) Awarded Goals on Breakaways.

*Awarded Goal: A goal will be awarded to the attacking team when the opposing team has taken their goalkeeper off the ice and the attacking team is awarded a penalty shot. The penalty shot should be cancelled.

N.) Delayed Penalties

Delayed Penalty: If a third player of any team shall be penalised while two players of the same team are serving penalties, the penalty time of the third player shall be cancelled and a penalty shot awarded. If this was to be a misconduct penalty, they shall be allowed to remain on the ice but the non offending team can choose which of the players who were currently in the box will serve the penalty (in addition to the penalties they are already serving).

O.) Suspensions

Regular season: Any player who incurs a total of two (2) game misconduct penalties shall be suspended for the next League game of his team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty, the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.

Playoff games: Any player who incurs a total of two game misconduct penalties shall be suspended automatically for the next Playoff game of his team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty during the Playoffs, the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.

P.) Supplementary Discipline

Supplementary Discipline: Suspensions imposed under these rules, the Commissioner may, at his discretion, investigate any incident that occurs in connection with any Pre-season, Exhibition, League or Playoff game and may assess suspensions for any offense committed during the course of a game or any aftermath thereof by a player, goalkeeper, Trainer, Manager, Coach or non-playing Club personnel or Club executive, whether or not such offense has been penalised by the Referee.

If an investigation is requested by a Club or by the League on its own initiative, it must be initiated or requested within twenty-four (24) hours following the completion of the game in which the incident occurred.

*Pre season and exhibition games: Whenever suspensions are imposed as a result of infractions occurring during pre-season and exhibition games, the Commissioner shall exercise his discretion in scheduling the suspensions to ensure that no team shall be short more players in any regular League game than it would have been had the infractions occurred in regular League games.

Section 2 (Regulations, Captains, Alternate captains, Team Rosters)

A.) Arena Regulations

All BMHL Arenas must be located in the BMHL (tier 1) or BMHL (tier 2) group places.
The BMHL must have access to every arena to add the proper scripts/physics etc and check there is nothing against the rules in the arenas.
All arenas must have: IF A TEAM HAS A COMPLAINT BEFORE THE GAME STARTS ANOTHER ARENA MUST BE USED IF IT DOES NOT MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS.

Must include both “bubble” AND “classic” chat.
Regulation boards and doors that open AWAY from the ice surface.
Penalty boxes must be easily accessible. The best practice is to make the glass for the door cancollide off.
Either the official size NHL or the Hybrid style crease. Full international creases are not allowed.
Regulation player tools
Must be accessible for those not in the group
May not be in a “game universe”.
MUST be secure from fans.
Must have a reasonably large area to view the game from without significant view restrictions.
Must not have any object interfering with the ice.
May have tools for fans to use provided they do not directly interfere with games. However, fans from both teams are required to be able to have access to the same toolset - if the away team fans want to use the tools the home team fans have access too they must be able to.

This does not mean every fan in the arena must have access to the tools though - the home team may restrict access to only be given to those who have been explicitly given them by either team.

B.) Team Regulations

Legal player: A player or goalie who is listed on the official leaguelineup website.

Team owner: A person who runs ownership of the team. They are not always a legal player

Every team is required to have a minimum of...

10 legal players.
1 uniform to wear during games.
1 team owner.

C.) Players, Goalies, and Coaches/Team Personnel Regulation

What makes an illegal player illegal?:

Being on more than one BMHL team (even if the teams are in different tiers (except as legally done via affiliations))
Not listed on the official BMHL site under the proper team roster.
Using an alternate account.

Illegal Player/Goalie: Only legal players may participate in the game. The determining factor when considering whether or not a player is eligible is that the player’s name must be correctly listed on the official BMHL website of that team's roster. If a goal is scored when an ineligible player is on the ice (whether he was involved in the scoring or not), the goal will be disallowed if the opposing team raised an objection at the stoppage of play, or the referees notice. This only applies to a goal scored at the stoppage of play whereby the player was deemed to be ineligible. All other goals scored previously by the illegal player’s team (with him/her on the ice or not) shall be allowed, however if the offending team wins the game with an alt playing for any length of time, the game will be replayed in its entirety. The ineligible player/goalie will be removed from the game. A game misconduct penalty shall be accessed, and a report to the league commissioner shall occur. The illegal player will be suspended for the amount of games the player has played illegally and how many points they scored within that amount of time.

Coaches and Team Personnel: No one but players in uniform, non-playing team personnel duly registered on the official BMHL website as the Manager, Coach(es), Trainer, Equipment Manager, etc. shall be permitted to occupy the benches so provided, except for as provided in the bench pass rule. Any coaches or team personnel that is officially registered as a legal player is allowed to play for his/her team at any time.

D.) Captain and Alternate Captains

- Teams can have a maximum of 2 captains in any given game (1 captain, 2 alternate captains, or 3 alternate captains without a standard captain)

-Teams can have a minimum of 1 captain. If none is appointed, the team owner defaults to the captain, otherwise whoever is given admin will be treated as the captain.

E.) Team Rosters

Team Rosters: All team rosters are finalised prior to the game. No players signed or traded to the team after puck drop may play, and any player released/traded away from the team may continue to play until the end of the game.

Section 3 (Equipment, Officials, Linesmen, Stats keeper/score keeper/time keeper, and Goal Judges)

A.) Equipment

Team Uniform – All players of each team shall be dressed uniformly with approved design and color of their sweaters and pants. Any player or goalkeeper not complying with this rule shall not be permitted to participate in the game. Any concerns regarding a player’s uniform (including the goalkeeper) shall be reported by the Referee to the Commissioner of the BMHL

Jersey numbers - Numbers are not mandatory in the BMHL, but may be used if chosen. Teams are encouraged to use them.

Hats/hair - Any hats or hair is allowed to be used at any time, except those which are excessively intrusive or cover the jersey etc of the player.

Player’s Stick – Only the official player sticks as defined by the league are allowed to be used by the players.

Goalkeeper’s Stick - Only the official goalie and player sticks as defined by the league are allowed to be used by goalkeepers..

Goalkeeper's equipment - With the exception of skates, stick, and hair/hat the only other equipment worn by the goalie is the goalie pads, glove, and blocker found in the dressing rooms goalie gear giver. The goalie equipment givers are mandatory for all BMHL qualified arenas, and must not be edited at all for any unfair advantage. The BMHL Development Team is specifically authorised (and is expected to on the request of any official) to make a check of each teams’ equipment (including goalkeepers sticks, gear giver, etc) to ensure the compliance with the rule. It shall report its findings to the Commissioner and the game officials for disciplinary action.

Illegal Equipment - Any stick, equipment, or goalkeeper equipment not official by league standards is deemed illegal equipment. Players violating this rule shall not be permitted to participate in the game until such equipment has been corrected or remove.

Fair Play - These equipment regulations are written in the spirit of “fair play.” If at any time the League feels that this spirit is being abused, the offending equipment will be deemed ineligible for play until a hearing has ruled on its eligibility.

B.) Head Officials

Appointment of Officials by Head of Officiating - The Head of Officiating (or his designated assistant) shall appoint the Referees, the Linesmen, Video Goal Judge and all Off-ice Officials for each game. The Commissioner shall forward to all Clubs a list of Referees, Linesmen, and Off-ice Officials, all of whom must be treated with proper respect at all times during the season by all players and officials of Clubs.

Attire and Equipment - All Referees shall be dressed in official striped jerseys. They shall be equipped with the official BMHL referee tools:

a.) Whistle

b.) Faceoff GUI

Disputes - The Referees shall have general supervision of the game and shall have full control of all game officials and players during the game, including stoppages; and in case of any dispute, their decision shall be final. As there is a human factor involved in blowing the whistle to stop play, the Referee may deem the play to be stopped slightly prior to the whistle actually being blown. The fact that the puck may come loose or cross the goal line prior to the sound of the whistle has no bearing if the Referee has ruled that the play had been stopped prior to this happening. In the event of any dispute regarding time or the expiration of penalties, the matter shall be referred to the Referee for adjustment and his decision shall be final. He may use the Video Goal Judge to assist in rendering the final decision.

The referee may not assess penalties for actions before the initial puck drop but should report this to the league.

Face-offs: One of the Referees shall face-off the puck to start each period and following the scoring of a goal. Linesmen are responsible for all other face-offs.

General Duties - It shall be the duty of the Referees to impose such penalties as are prescribed by the rules for infractions thereof and they shall give the final decision in matters of disputed goals. The Referees may consult with the Linesmen, Goal Judge or Video Goal Judge before making their decision.

Goals - Official Scorer, with the assistance of the Video Goal Judge, will confirm the goal scorer and any players deserving of an assist. The Referees shall report to the Official Scorer the name or number of the goal scorer but he shall not give any information or advice with respect to the awarding of assists.

Off-ice Officials - The Referees shall, before starting the game, ensure that the appointed off-ice officials, including the Game Timekeeper, Supervisors, and the Goal Judges, and especially the Video Goal Judge are in their respective places and ensure that the timing and signaling equipment are in order.

Players’ Uniforms - It shall be the duty of the Referees to see to it that all players are properly dressed, and that the approved regulation equipment is in use at all times during the game.

Reports - The Referee shall report to the Commissioner promptly and in detail the circumstances surrounding the following:

The assessment of misconduct penalties for abuse of officials;
The assessment of game misconduct penalties;
The assessment of match penalties;
The assessment of an instigator penalty;
Any time a goalkeeper leaves his crease during an altercation, unless he is directed to do so by the game’s official or the altercation takes place in the crease;
Any time a player, goalkeeper or non-playing Club personnel are involved in an altercation with a spectator;
Any unusual occurrence that takes place on or off the ice, before, during or after the game.

Start and End of Game and Periods - The Referees shall order the teams on the ice at the appointed time for the beginning of a game and at the commencement of each period. If for any reason, there is any delay in the commencement of the game or any undue delay in resuming play after the League approved intermission length between periods, the Referees shall state in their report to the Commissioner the cause of the delay and the Club or Clubs which were at fault. The Referees shall remain on the ice at the conclusion of each period until all players have proceeded to their dressing rooms.

Unable to Continue - Should a Referee accidentally leave the ice or leave the game for an emergency, have to go AFK, etc, while play is in progress, the game shall be automatically stopped, unless there is a competent official on the ice who can officiate by themselves until the next whistle. If the Referee is unable to continue, the game shall continue using the one Referee system. If one of the Referees is unable to continue to officiate, the remaining Referee shall perform the duties of the other Referee during the balance of the game. In the event that a senior member of the League’s Officiating department, (or Bananacb) is in attendance at a game where a spare official is present, he shall have the authority to substitute the injured Referee with the spare official. If the Referees and Linesmen appointed do not show up 20 minutes before the game, the League will make every attempt to find suitable replacement officials, otherwise, the Managers or Coaches of the two Clubs shall agree on Referee(s) and Linesman(men). If they are unable to agree, they shall appoint a player from each side who shall act as Referee and Linesman; the player of the home Club acting as Referee and the player of the visiting Club as Linesman. Players “Blacklisted” from officiating (can be found in the officiating discord) are banned from officiating even in this situation.

If a senior member of the League’s Officiating Department is present but is not on either team, they have the authority to replace any referee during a game if it is apparent they are guilty of making deliberately incorrect decisions, or are grossly incompetent, or commit an act of gross misconduct which results in their suspension/termination from the officiating department. In addition, if a “Blacklisted” person attempts to officiate in any situation, any senior member or BMHL Development team member is allowed to remove them, INCLUDING if said member is playing in the game.

C.) Linesmen

Attire and Equipment - All Linesman shall be dressed in official sweaters.

They shall be equipped with the official BMHL referee tools:

Whistle

Face-offs: The Linesman shall face-off the puck at all times.

General Duties – The Linesmen are generally responsible for calling violations of offside and icing. They may stop play for a variety of other situations mentioned below...

The Linesman may stop play and report what he witnessed to the Referees when:

There are too many men on the ice;
Articles are thrown on the ice from the players’ bench or penalty bench;
When team personnel interfere with a game official;
When a player who has lost or broken his stick receives one illegally;

The Linesman must report upon completion of play, any circumstances pertaining to:

Misconduct penalties
Game Misconduct penalties
Abuse of Officials
Physical Abuse of Officials
Unsportsmanlike Conduct Should a Linesman witness a foul (above) committed by an attacking player (undetected by the Referees) prior to the attacking team scoring a goal, the Linesman shall report what he witnessed to the Referees, the goal shall be disallowed and the appropriate penalty assessed.

Stopping Play - The Linesman shall stop play:

When premature substitution of the goalkeeper has occurred;
When he deems that a goalkeeper has disconnected and this has gone undetected by either of the Referees. (The team the disconnected player is on MUST have possession of the puck, and call for the stoppage, before play can stop);
For encroachment into the face-off area;
When the puck has been directed with a hand to a teammate in any zone other than the defending zone and this has gone undetected by either of the Referees;
When the puck has been batted with the hand by either center in an attempt to win the face-off in any zone;
When the puck is struck by a stick above the normal height of the shoulders and this has gone undetected by either of the Referees;
When either team ices the puck;
When there has been interference by/with spectators;
For any infraction of the rules concerning offside play at the blue line
When the puck is out of bounds or unplayable;
When a goal has been scored that has not been observed by the Referees;
When the puck is interfered with by an ineligible player/person;

D.) Stats keeper/score keeper/time keeper

Please note* That one person can do all 3 of these jobs or it can be split by 2 or 3 people.

General Duties:

Before the start of the game, the score keeper shall check the official BMHL website to check the team rosters before the start of play. During the game they are in charge of keeping track of the stats. After the game they are in charge of either posting the stats on the official BMHL website or sending the stats to the Commissioner of the BMHL.

The Game Timekeeper shall record the time of starting and finishing of each period in the game. During the game the Game Timekeeper will start the clock with the drop of the puck and stop the clock upon hearing the officials’ whistle or the scoring of a goal.

The Penalty Timekeeper shall keep, on the Penalty Record form, a correct record of all penalties imposed by the Referees including the names of the players penalised, the penalties assessed, and the duration of each penalty. The Penalty Timekeeper shall inform penalised players and the Penalty Box Attendants as to the correct expiration time of all penalties. In the event of a dispute regarding the time a player is permitted to return to the ice, the game clock is the determining time clock. For example, a player is assessed a minor penalty at the 8:00 mark. A stoppage of play occurs at the 6:00 mark, however, the penalty time clock shows one second remaining in the penalty. Since the game clock is the determining time clock, the penalised player shall be permitted to return to the ice. When a player is assessed a misconduct in addition to other penalties, the misconduct shall only commence after all other penalties have been served (or washed out by the scoring of a goal). If a player leaves the penalty bench before the time has expired, the Penalty Timekeeper must note the time and notify the Referees at his first opportunity. It is the responsibility of the Penalty Timekeeper to ensure that penalised players return to the penalty box before the puck is dropped for the start of a new period. In the event that a penalised player is not in the penalty box, the Penalty Timekeeper should notify the Referees and prevent the game from resuming until the player is there.

The duty of the Stat keepers is to record all official statistics for the game played. This data shall be recorded in strict conformity with the instructions provided by the League.

Score keeper's shall keep track of the following stats:

Goals (which player, and time)
Assists (which player, and time)
Penalties (which player, time, length of penalty, and reason)
The final score of the game.
The game rosters of both teams (who played)
All the goalies who played, and TOI.
Shots on goals and which goalkeeper they were against.
Goals which goalkeeper they were against.

At the conclusion of the game the score keeper shall forward the stats to the League commissioner together with the Score Sheet and the Penalty Record forms. Under the Report of Match section, the Official Scorer must explain if the start of the game is delayed for any reason, any goalkeeper substitutions, time-outs, empty net goals, any delays in the playing of the game due to late intros, etc.

Goals and Assists - The score keeper shall award the points for goals and assists and his decision shall be final. The score keeper shall use the Video Goal Judge system if needed to verify the proper awarding of goals and assists. No requests for changes in any award of points shall be considered unless they are made at or before the conclusion of actual play in the game by the Team Captain, or immediately following the game by a Team representative. In the event that the Video Goal Judge reviews a play and a goal is awarded even though play went for any period of time, the score keeper awards the goal and any assists at the time the goal was scored. If he/she is unsure, he/she must check with the Video Goal Judge. A goal is awarded to the last player on the scoring team to touch the puck prior to the puck entering the net. (A puck entering the net is considered to be between the posts, from in front of, and below the crossbar, and entirely across the goal line.) An assist is awarded to the player or players (maximum two) who touches the puck prior to the goal scorer, provided no defender plays or possesses the puck in between. Assists can be given to deserving players where a penalty goal is awarded (i.e. a player fouled on a breakaway on an empty net), if the score keeper deems that assists would have been given on the eventual goal if no foul occured.

Penalties - The Official Scorer must help the Penalty Timekeeper with the numbers of the players on the ice, in the event a goalkeeper is assessed a penalty or a player is ejected from a game. He must also keep an eye on the players' benches during an altercation and record the numbers of any players who leave their respective players’ or penalty benches and in the order that they so leave.

Intermissions - For the purpose of keeping the spectators informed as to the time remaining during intermissions, the Game Timekeeper will use the electronic clock to record the length of intermissions. The clock will start for the intermission immediately at the conclusion of the period. Intermissions are two minutes (2:00) in length, unless otherwise agreed. If there are unusual delays for any reason, (e.g. altercations, etc) it is important to use discretion in starting the clock.

Overtime - In the event of overtime in the regular season, the Game Timekeeper shall record a one (1) minute rest period on the clock. This time shall commence immediately following the end of the period. The rest period will be followed with a five (5) minute, sudden victory overtime period. During overtime in the play-offs, extra ten (10) minute sudden victory periods will be played instead of five (5) minutes, and the intermissions will be completed in a normal manner as for a normal period break.

Signal Devices - If the arena is not equipped with an automatic signaling device or, if such device fails to function, the Game Timekeeper shall signal the end of each period by blowing a whistle.

Start of Periods - The Game Timekeeper shall signal the Referees and the competing teams for the start of the game and each succeeding period and the Referees shall start the play promptly in accordance with Game and Intermission Timing.

Verification of Time - Any loss of time on the game or penalty clocks must be replaced as appropriate. The Video Goal Judge may be consulted to ensure the time is accurately replaced. In the event of any dispute regarding time, the matter shall be referred to the Referees for adjudication and their decision shall be final. They may use the Video Goal Judge to assist in rendering their final decision.

In the event that clock fails to operate when play resumes, the on-ice officials may elect to stop play provided there is no imminent scoring opportunity or wait until the next legitimate stoppage of play. In cooperation with the Game Timekeeper and the Video Goal Judge, the clock is to be reset to the appropriate time. In the event that a video replay shows a goal was scored prior to the play being stopped, the Video Goal Judge will inform the Game Timekeeper and Scorekeeper of the time of goal and the amount of playing time left to be reset on the game clock.

Goalkeeper’s Penalties - In the event that a goalkeeper is penalised, the penalty shall be served by another member of his team who was on the ice when the offense was committed. Communication with the Official Scorer and/or Real Time Scorers is important at this time as they can inform the Penalty Timekeeper who was actually on the ice to ensure only the proper players can serve the time.

Penalty Time Clock - He/she shall be responsible for the correct posting of penalties on the scoreboard at all times and shall promptly call to the attention of the Referees any discrepancy between the time recorded on the clock and the official correct time and he shall be responsible for making any adjustments ordered by the Referees.

Reports – Prior to each game, the Penalty Timekeeper shall have a stat sheet ready. Should a player be assessed a penalty that would result in an automatic suspension, this must be conveyed to the Referee at the time the penalty is assessed to ensure a Game Misconduct penalty is applied. Upon the completion of each game, the Penalty Timekeeper shall forward same to the League commissioner. The Officiating Department shall be entitled to inspect, collect and forward to the League commissioner the actual worksheets used by the Penalty Timekeeper in any game. When a player is ejected from a game, the Penalty Timekeeper must complete a report of the incident (Off-Ice Officials Report of Game Misconduct/Match Penalties). When there are more than one of these incidents, it is imperative to provide the Referee with accurate information for each incident so that his report(s) to the League commissioner is correct.

Verification of Time - In the event that a goal is awarded by video review even though play continued, the Penalty Timekeeper must adjust any existing penalties along with the game clock. If a penalty was in the process of being called, it will start at the time of the goal.

E.) Video Goal Judges

General Duties – The following are the general duties of the Video Goal Judge:

He/she will review replays of disputed goals when requested to do so by the Referees or via challenges.
He/she will review replays of disputed goals when he observes an incident that was undetected by on-ice officials.
After viewing the incident he/she will promptly convey his decision directly to the Referee at the penalty bench. When a play has been referred to the Video Goal Judge, his/her decision shall be final.
During the review he may consult with a member of the League’s Hockey Operations or Officiating department staff if latter is in attendance at the game.
Any potential goal requiring video review must be reviewed prior to or during the next stoppage of play. No goal may be awarded (or disallowed) as a result of video review once the puck has been dropped and play has resumed.

Situations Subject to Video Review - The following situations are subject to review by the Video Goal Judge:

Puck crossing the goal line. (IF THE REFEREE OVERRULES THE DECISION OF THE GOAL LIGHT ON THE ICE, THIS MUST BE REVIEWED UNLESS BOTH TEAMS AGREE TO CANCEL THE REVIEW).
Puck in the net prior to, or after expiration of time at the end of the period.
Puck deflected directly into the net off an Official.
To establish the correct time on the official game clock, provided the game time is visible on the Video Goal Judge’s monitors.
The video review process shall be permitted to assist the Referees in determining the legitimacy of all potential goals (e.g. to ensure they are “good hockey goals”). For example (but not limited to), pucks that enter the net by going through the net meshing, pucks that enter the net from underneath the net frame, pucks that hit the spectator netting prior to being directed into the goal, pucks that enter the net undetected by the Referee, etc. This would also include situations whereby the Referee stops play or is in the process of stopping the play because he has lost sight of the puck and it is subsequently determined by video review that the puck crosses (or has crossed) the goal line and enters the net as the culmination of a continuous play where the result was unaffected by the whistle (i.e., the timing of the whistle was irrelevant to the puck entering the net at the end of a continuous play).
Goalie interference.
Any incident where a challenge is called for, including:

Puck across goal line
Goalie interference
Offside

In the unlikely event any “goallight” system fails, and both teams agree to continue play, a goal judge should be appointed for both goals. They should stand wherever in the arena gives them the best view of the goal, and signal when a goal is scored (using appropriate means). Any fans interfering with a goal judge may be kicked from the server.

Section 4 (Forfeits, Face-offs, Game and Intermission Timing)

A.) Forfeits

Teams will forfeit the game if one of the following happens:

A team does not have enough players to start or continue the game.

If they do not have enough 10 minutes past the start time, it is a forfeit. The referee may extend this time if they reasonably believe the game has a chance of being played.
If they do not have enough players during the game, they will be given 5 minutes to get enough players. The referee may extend this time if they reasonably believe the game has a chance of being played.

A team player/owner/coach/etc is abusing admin to the point where the game becomes unplayable (by for example, refusing to leave the bench when ejected, teaming players illegally, tping players illegally, or any other logical extension to this rule), and it is not possible to unadmin them for any reason. - Clarification - If the person can be unadmined then you assess the penalties and get on with the rest of the game.

B.) Face-offs

Face-off: The action of the Referee or Linesman in dropping the puck between the sticks of two opposing players to start or resume play. A face-off begins when the official calls for teams to lineup. The face-off ends when the puck has been legally dropped. A goalkeeper may not participate in a face-off.

Face-off Locations - All face-offs must be conducted on one of the nine (9) face-off spots located on the rink. When a stoppage of play has been caused by any player of the attacking side in the attacking zone, the ensuing face-off shall be made in the neutral zone on the nearest face-off spot. If two rule violations are the reason for the stoppage of play (ie. high-sticking the puck and intentional off-side), the ensuing face-off location shall be determined as the spot that provides the least amount of territorial advantage to the offending team. When the play is stopped for any reason not specifically attributable to either team while the puck is in the neutral zone, the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the nearest face-off spot outside the blue line whenever possible. When it is unclear as to which of the four face-off spots is the nearest, the spot that gives the home team the greatest territorial advantSection 3 (Equipment, Officials, Stats keeper/score keeper/time keeper, and Goal Judges)