Quinte Hockey League – Adult League Rules

Score Reporting & Standings **(Modified 04/15/2025)**

Score Reporting: Team captains are responsible for submitting game scores via the TeamlinkT app or using score sheets (digital or paper). All game results must be reported within 48 hours post-game to ensure accurate standings.

Procedures:

• Captains should provide a clear photo of the score sheet to the designated league contact or via the captain’s chat.
• If the posted score appears incorrect, captains should promptly notify the league for review and correction.
• For forfeits, please inform the league immediately so that it can be documented correctly.
• Minimum requirement on the floor: One girl must be present unless both captains agree otherwise before the game.

Standings & Schedules: Players can view updated schedules and standings by logging into their league profile.

Player Eligibility

Roster Requirements: All players must be on the official roster to confirm they have agreed to league policies and waivers.

Substitute Players:

• Substitutes must also be added to the official roster.
• Occasional emergency substitutes from other teams in the same league are permitted; however, persistent use is not allowed.

Playoff Eligibility: A player must have participated in a minimum number of regular-season games (e.g., 4 in a 12-week season or 5 in a 14-week season) to qualify for playoffs.

Forfeits

If a team cannot field the minimum number of players 15 minutes after the official start time, a forfeit will be recorded (unless both captains agree otherwise). The captain must notify the opposing captain of any forfeit or alternate arrangement.

If a team forfeits a game without a valid reason, a $50.00 fee will be charged, payable prior to the next game. (This fee is non-negotiable.)

Spirit of the Game: Captains are encouraged to continue the game if the opposing team is willing, even if one side is short-handed. If both captains agree, the result will stand.

Rough Play & Player Conduct

Non-Contact Policy: Incidental contact may occur; however, deliberate body-checking, pushing, or rough play is strictly forbidden. Fighting results in immediate expulsion.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Verbal abuse, property damage, and other disruptive behaviors can lead to suspension or expulsion. Please review the full Unsportsmanlike Conduct policy on our website.

Chirping & Verbal Conduct **(Modified 04/15/2025)**

Trash talking, name calling, and mouthing off on the floor are not acceptable. On a first offense, the player will receive a warning. Should aggressive verbal behavior continue, the offender will be required to sit out for the remainder of the first half or the remainder of the game—at the discretion of the Game Coordinator.

Alcohol & Drugs

Alcohol, drugs, and smoking are strictly prohibited at the facility. Violators risk expulsion without refund.

Game Coordinators & Referee Authority

A Game Coordinator (GC) or referee may be assigned to oversee each match. They have the authority to:

• Start and stop games, keep time, and manage minor disputes or infractions.
• Enforce rules and issue penalties for unsafe or unsportsmanlike conduct.
• End a game prematurely in cases of excessively rough play or severe misconduct.
• Maintain final authority on in-game decisions. Appeals may be made through the official process after the game.

General Overview

Quinte Hockey League (QHL) adapts standard ball hockey rules to suit our unique format. The league prioritizes fun, fair play, and player safety.

• Games consist of two 25-minute periods (total of 55 minutes, including halftime/warm-up).
• No offside rules currently apply (subject to future review).
• High sticking results in a turnover or penalty, with the opposing team gaining possession.
• This is a non-contact league: harmful actions may lead to suspension or removal.

Statistics & Playoffs

Standings & Stats: Team standings and individual player stats are updated weekly. Points system: Win = 2, OT/Shootout Loss = 1, Regulation Loss = 0, Forfeit = -1.

Playoff Format: The post-season structure involves overtime and, if necessary, shootouts. In championship games, overtime rules may be modified to avoid shootouts.

Registration & Team Management **(Modified 04/15/2025)**

Teams may register as a group, or individuals can be placed on teams. All roster changes and updates must be made exclusively through the TeamlinkT app. Rosters will be locked by the 10th game of the regular season.

Waivers: All players and team representatives must sign waiver forms acknowledging their agreement to league policies and safety guidelines prior to participation.

Team Uniforms **(Modified 04/15/2025)**

Teams competing in the Wednesday League are required to have jerseys. Jersey colors must be unique and clearly distinct from those of other teams to ensure clear identification during play.

Mandatory Equipment

• Running shoes.
• Hockey sticks designed for hockey use.
• Goalkeepers must wear a goalie mask, recognized goaltender equipment, and appropriate footwear. Full-body goalie protection is optional but highly recommended.

Optional Equipment

• Shin pads, knee pads, and soft elbow pads.
• Protective cup/jock.
• Mouth guard.
• Helmet.
• Hockey/ball hockey gloves.

Team & Game Management

• Each team must have a captain (and up to two assistants) who serves as the primary point of communication.
• Only designated captains/assistants may discuss rule interpretations with the referee or GC.
• Emergency substitute players may be added at the GC’s discretion.
• Benches are assigned based on the official schedule. Goalies will switch ends at halftime.

Game Conduct

• Excessive disorderly conduct will result in penalties, suspensions, or removal from the league.
• Alcohol and smoking are prohibited on city property.

Penalties & Powerplays **(Modified 04/15/2025)**

Minor Penalties (Powerplay): When a player commits a minor infraction, they will serve a 1.5‑minute penalty during which their team plays short-handed. In cases classified as a “power play” infraction, the penalty will extend to 2 minutes.

High Sticking: Regular high stick incidents result in turnover or a minor penalty. However, if a high stick causes bloodshed or severe harm, a 5‑minute penalty will be imposed, and further disciplinary actions may follow.

Additional Infractions: Repeated infractions or egregious misconduct may warrant extended penalties or immediate ejection at the discretion of the referee/GC.

Slapshots: Any wind-up motion or if the stick passes the knee is considered a slapshot and will result in a penalty.

Player Safety: Sliding or diving (except for goaltenders) is prohibited.

Overtime & Shootouts **(Modified 04/15/2025)**

Regular Season: If teams are tied at the 50‑minute mark, overtime is automatically initiated. Once in overtime, if a team scores and the opposing team ties the game, the overtime period remains active.

Overtime is played in a sudden-death format with each team deploying 2 male players and 1 female player on the floor. The overtime period cannot extend beyond the 60‑minute mark. If no goal is scored for 5 consecutive minutes during overtime, the game will immediately proceed to a shootout.

In the shootout, each team is entitled to a minimum of 3 shots. The team with the best regular season record will be awarded the first shot.

Awarded Goals

If a goalie is pulled and an offensive player has a clear scoring opportunity but is fouled, the referee may award a goal to the fouled team.

Unique Situations & Appeals

Any situations not explicitly covered by the existing rules will be addressed by the League Executive or GC.

Financial Obligations: All team fees must be paid before the first game. Failure to do so may result in fines or disqualification.

Appeals: Appeals regarding on-floor decisions are to be submitted after the game. An appeal fee applies, and decisions must be finalized prior to the next scheduled game.

Sportsmanship & Final Notes

Shaking hands with opponents is encouraged to foster respect and camaraderie. The Quinte Hockey League is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. We thank you for upholding these rules and demonstrating good sportsmanship throughout the season.

Thank you for participating in the Quinte Hockey League. Let’s have a great season!