Approved by: FFHL Discipline Committee 

1. Revision log

2025/10/31 1.0 Commissioner – Version 1.0 approved by the league committee. Section: N/A

2026/05/11 2.0 Commissioner – Version 2.0 approved by the league committee.

Sections updated: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

2. About the league

2.1 League info 

The Flying Farang Hockey League (FFHL) is a competitive amateur non-checking league. The FFHL is a not-for-profit amateur sports league run by volunteers and supported by sponsors. Visit our website and social media for more information.

2.2 Expected behaviour 

1) Be grateful for the opportunity to play ice hockey in Thailand. 

2) Play clean; everyone generally has to work the next day. 

3) Remain unselfish; change to keep the lines together, play fair. 

4) Leave all interactions with referees and league committee to your captain. 

5) Stay mature and professional; online, on and off the ice. 

6) Respect the referees; without them there is no game. 

7) Support our sponsors; they help pay for your hobby. 

8) Be on time and notify well in advance in case of absence. 

9) Appreciate the work put in by League management. 

10) Have fun, and celebrate responsibly after games. 

3. Governance, administration and fees

3.1 League management

League Committee (2026)
Commissioner – Michael Belanger
Secretary – Vacant
Treasurer – Pascal Tanguay
Marketing & Sponsorship – August Pothong
Draft Director – August Pothong
Team Managers/Captains – Domnick Dumais, Ralf Dittmer, Marc Spiegel, Simon Kititeekakul
Discipline Committee: Steve Siegel, Tomas Stasny, Michael Belanger
Award committee: Erik Fowlie

3.2 Notices

League news, rules amendments, schedules, and standings are shared via email and official FFHL social channels. Team Managers should check in regularly with the Committee and communicate concerns to the President.

3.3 League fees

League fees include ice time, referees, scorekeeping, uniforms, trophies/awards, and administrative expenses. Players must pay the deposit at time of registration to be eligible to the draft. Remainder of the payment is due before the start of the season. Fees are non-refundable after the start of the league, except as outlined in the FFHL Reimbursement Policy. Failure to meet the payment schedule without contacting the Treasurer may result in suspension until the account is current. Substitute playing fees are fixed and equal for all games.

The league fees will be reviewed on a yearly basis and communicated in the registration form.

Players sponsoring a team are entitled to 100% discount on their league fees.

Additional discount may be applied to volunteers on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the League Commissioner.

3.4 Uniforms

All teams must wear matching jerseys and socks; each player must have a unique number that matches the game sheet. Players not in full uniform will not be permitted to play. Jerseys are provided by the league to team managers for distribution.

3.5 Waivers

All regular players and game-time substitutes must agree to the FFHL Waiver and Release of Liability prior to play. No signed waiver, no play. Players under 18 years-old at the time of the first game are required to obtain a parental consent.

3.6 Statistics

Team Managers review and sign score sheets immediately after each game; once signed, stats are considered final.

3.7 Complaints

Send email to flyingfaranghockeyleague@gmail.com to file a complaint. Keep communications professional and constructive.

3.8 Player of the Game

One player per game is named “Player of the Game” each game (selected by referees and team managers; scorekeeper casts a tie-break vote if needed).

A player that was assessed two penalties in a game or a game misconduct are not eligible for player of the game.

3.9 Trophies and awards

Awards recognize achievement and sportsmanship in the FFHL. Most trophies are passed year-to-year with player names engraved. See our website for categories and history.

4. Season format and competition structure

4.1 Dates and location

Games are played Monday nights at Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena (TIIHA), Bangkok. The exact calendar will be shared 1 month before the start of the season, and may be subject to change based on the rink availability and other constraint.

4.2 Season 

12 regular season games.

Playoffs

Semi-final: 2 games with aggregate score. 3 minutes overtime (stop time) 3 on 3 followed by shootout only in the second game if tied

Playoff finals: Best of 3 games with 3 minutes overtime (stop time) 3 on 3 for each game followed by shootout

Shootout Format for Playoffs

If tied at the conclusion of the OT, it will be followed by a 3 players shootout. If tied after the 3 players shootout, sudden death occurs. All eligible players must shoot prior to repeating a player selection. Any player serving a penalty at the conclusion of overtime is not eligible to participate in the shootout, except for players serving a bench minor penalty.

Home team receives the choice of shooting first or second in shootout.

Teams do not change sides during the overtime or shootouts.

4.3 Points in regular season

2 points for a win

1 point for tie

4.4 Playoff seed

1. Highest Points

2. Most Wins

3. Head-to-Head record among tied teams

4. Goal Ratio = GF / (GF + GA)

5. Lowest Goals Against

6. Lowest PIMs

5. Teams, rosters, eligibility and substitutions

5.1 Teams

Four teams are drafted to be as competitive as possible by the FFHL Committee and Team Managers/Captains. Additional teams may be added before the season starts if sufficient interest exists. The League may rebalance rosters in-season if necessary for competitive integrity.

5.2 Playing on multiple teams

No full-time player may play on more than one team during the season unless specifically asked by the FFHL Committee.

5.3 Roster 

This is a draft league. Standard roster: 15 skaters and 1 goalie. Players may be male or female, age 16+ at the time of the first game of the season.

5.4 Eligibility

To ensure balance, inclusiveness, and fair play, the following eligibility rules apply:

– Former NHL/Top European Pro: Must be 55 years old or older to play.

– Former Semi-Pro in Europe / North America (AHL, ECHL, Europe Div. 2+): Must be 50 years old or older.

– Former Junior Major (CHL, USHL, LHJMQ etc.) or NCAA Division I players: Must be 40 years old or older.

– Former NCAA Div. III, CIS, or lower-level Junior players: Must be 35 of older.

– Active players and substitutes in the SHL and in the National Men’s team are not eligible.

– Other players: Eligible at any age 16+ at the time of the first game.

– Goalies: All goalies follow the same eligibility rules as players.

Special Exemptions: The league commissioner and eligibility committee may approve players under the thresholds if their current skill level is in line with amateur play, or reject players who are deemed above the caliber of the league.

5.5 Substitutions (subs) 

Each team must roster at least 5 skaters and 1 goalie. A maximum of 2 subs may be used in a game if they have 8 players or less (excluding goalie) unless specifically approved by the Committee. Team Managers are responsible for attendance and reporting to the Commissioner. No-shows may lead to suspension. The Commissioner assigns subs (with the aim of balancing teams) and may consult managers but has final say. Playoff sub rules mirror regular season; the league will strive to keep original rosters intact.
Each FFHL team will be paired with an SHL team at the beginning of the season. A list of pre-approved players that can be “called-down” from the SHL will be approved by all four captains and League Commissioner.
If subs are needed, the team captain will coordinate with their respective counterpart in the SHL to confirm player’s availability. No players outside of the pre-approved list can be called as substitution.
Any players from the FFHL are eligible to be called up to the SHL following the same process of communication between captains.
Substitution fee of THB 500 per game apply for both SHL and FFHL subs.
Team Managers review and sign score sheets immediately after each game; once signed, stats are considered final. 

5.6 Teams with not enough skaters 

If a team does not have 6 skaters at the scheduled start, the game is forfeited and recorded 1-0 for the opposing team (see Defaulted Games).

If a team is not able to place the required amount of players on the ice due to penalties/injuries, etc, that team will then forfeit the game a recorded score will be 1-0 for the non-offending team (winning team). Player stats will still be recorded for all players for the determination of goals, assists, penalties, etc.

5.7 Substitute goaltenders

Appropriately skilled substitute goalies may be used in the regular season. If a goalie is injured mid-game, a skater may be dressed with goalie privileges or an available goalie from an adjacent game may fill in.

The team may also elect to play with an additional skater and without any goalie privileges.

6. Draft

The draft will take place between the four captains, league commissioner and draft director.

Only the Players meeting the eligibility requirements will be entered in the draft

Each player enters the draft individually. No pairing of friends, siblings, parent/child will be considered, and each player will be drafted separately.

The draft sequence will be determined based on the regular season standing, with the top seeded team picking first:

1st seed = first draft pick

2nd seed = second draft pick

3rd seed = third draft pick

4th see = fourth draft pick

A snake format will be used with 1-2-3-4-4-3-2-1 sequence

Trades between team are allowed during the draft process for up to 1 hour after the draft is completed. No further draft request will be considered thereafter. 

7. Game operations 

7.1 Game sheets

Managers must complete game sheets with the timekeeper at least 5 minutes before warm-up. Referees/timekeepers will verify numbers and will sign the scoresheet at the conclusion of every game to verify the accuracy of the score and penalties assessed.

Captains verify post-game; sheets are then final.

7.2 Timing of game

2-minute warm-up. Three 17-minute running-time periods. In the final 2 minutes, stop-time applies if the goal differential is 2 or fewer; otherwise straight-time continues. One timeout per team per game.

During game stoppage, teams are to line up for faceoff in a reasonable time. If one of the team is lined up for faceoff and ready, the referee can drop the puck for faceoff, or assess a 2-minutes delay of game penalty to the other team.

7.3 Changing players

Changes are permitted at even strength, shorthanded, and on the power play. After an icing call, the defending team may not change. Referees will use a “hurry-up” faceoff procedure; deliberate delay may be penalized.

7.4 Games tied at the end of regulation

During the regular season, games ending in a tie at the end of regulation time will end in a draw, with both teams receiving 1 point.

Playoffs

Semi-final: 2 games with aggregate score. 3 minutes overtime (stop time) 3 on 3 followed by shootout only in the second game if tied

Playoff finals: Best of 3 games with 3 minutes overtime (stop time) 3 on 3 for each game followed by shootout

Shootout Format for Playoffs

If tied at the conclusion of the OT, it will be followed by a 3 players shootout. If tied after the 3 players shootout, sudden death occurs. All eligible players must shoot prior to repeating a player selection. Any player serving a penalty at the conclusion of overtime is not eligible to participate in the shootout, except for players serving a bench minor penalty.

Home team receives the choice of shooting first or second in shootout.

Teams do not change sides during the overtime or shootouts.

7.5 Defaulted games

Teams must be ready at the scheduled start. If a team lacks 6 players at puck drop, it forfeits. A 1-0 win is recorded; the game may still be played but will not be rescheduled.

If a team is not able to place the required amount of players on the ice due to penalties/injuries, etc, that team will then forfeit the game a recorded score will be 1-0 for the non-offending team (winning team). Player stats will still be recorded for all players for the determination of goals, assists, penalties, etc.

7.6 Rescheduling games

A minimum of 1 month’s notice is required to request rescheduling. The Committee will try to accommodate preferences but cannot guarantee alignment.

8. Rules of play

8.1 Ice gameplay rules

All on-ice rules follow IIHF (2025-2026) unless modified in these FFHL rules. Officials should apply IIHF principles for situations not expressly covered.

8.2 Offside

IIHF Rule 83.

Offside is enforced under IIHF rules unless the Committee publishes a league-specific adjustment before the season.

8.3 Icing

IIHF: Rule 81.

Hybrid non-touch icing is called once the puck crosses the goal line when shot from behind the far blue line. If the goalie leaves the crease on an icing, the icing is called off.

No change allowed on the offending team after an icing call is made.

8.4 Goalie interference

IIHF Rule 69.

Goalkeeper-crease interference is enforced under IIHF principles. A goal may be disallowed and a penalty may be assessed when an attacking player illegally interferes with the goalkeeper’s ability to play the position.

8.5 Damaged equipment

IIHF Rules 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 65.

A player with illegal, dangerous, or broken equipment must leave play until corrected. Continued non-compliance may result in a penalty and a report to the League.

8.6 Goalie facemask

IIHF Rules 9, 11, 12; related Rule 65.

If a goalkeeper’s mask, helmet, or required facial protection comes off or is unsafe, play is stopped under IIHF safety principles.

9. Penalties

Standard penalties (e.g., elbowing, hooking, tripping, interference, holding, kneeing, unsportsmanlike conduct, too many players) follow IIHF practice.

Only captains or alternate captains may discuss rule interpretations with referees unless a referee invites another player to speak. Complaints must be respectful and brief.

Questionable situations may be reviewed by the Referee-in-Chief and could result in supplemental discipline.

9.1 Penalty substitutions

IIHF Rules 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27.

Another player may serve a penalty only when:

• The penalty is assessed to the goalie.

• A major or match penalty removes the offending player.

• The penalized player is ejected for 3 penalties.

• The penalized player leaves due to injury.

The serving player must have been on the ice at the time of the infraction.

9.2 Length and types of penalties

Penalty	Duration	Who serves it?	Is the team shorthanded?	Does it end after a goal?
Minor	2 minutes – stop clock	Offending Player	Yes	Yes
Bench minor	2 minutes – stop clock	A skater selected by the team. The player should have been on the ice at the time of the infraction.	Yes	Yes
Double-minor	2 x 2 minutes – stop clock	Offending player	Yes	Each 2-minute portion is treated separately
Major	5 minutes – stop clock	Offending player, or a teammate if the offender is removed from the game	Yes	No. the full 5 minutes is served regardless of goals
Misconduct	10 minutes – stop clock	Offending player	No, when assessed by itself	Not applicable
Game misconduct	Rest of the game and 10 minutes recorded to the players’ statistics for purpose of Bonding rule	No one as player is removed from the game	No, when assessed by itself	Not applicable
Match penalty	5 minutes Major – stop clock Player is removed for the rest of the game and suspended pending disciplinary review	A substitute player must serve the penalty.  The offending player is ejected from the game	Yes	No. the full 5 minutes is served regardless of goals
Penalty shot	One shot, no timed penalty unless another penalty is assessed Penalty is recorded to the assessed player for the purpose of the Bonding Rule.	Designated shooter takes the shot	No	Not applicable

A player getting 3 minor penalties in one game is automatically ejected from the game. Another player will need to serve the assessed penalties.

Bench minors, delay of game served by a player, and too many players penalties do not count toward the three-penalty ejection.

9.3 Game ejections and misconducts

Related IIHF: Rules 23, 28, 39, 40, 75

• Three (3) game misconducts = season suspension.

• Three (3) penalties in one game (excluding delay, bench minor, too many players) = game ejection (counts toward season misconduct totals).

• A game misconduct for abuse of officials or unsportsmanlike conduct toward officials carries an automatic 1-game suspension and counts toward the season game misconduct total. Physical abuse or threats toward officials may result in a longer suspension or removal from the league.

• Goalies ejected for penalties may finish the current game but are suspended for their next scheduled game (and cannot play for any other FFHL team until served).

Repeat offenders may face supplementary discipline.

9.4 Trash talking, unprofessional, racial or ethnic comments

IIHF Rules 28, 39, 40, 75;

Depending on severity, referees may assess minor, major, match, misconduct, game misconduct, game ejection, or gross misconduct penalties. Abuse of referees, players, timekeepers, league officials, or arena staff – including emails, texts, and social media – may result in supplemental discipline.

9.5 Head contact

IIHF Rule 48; Rule 28

Any blow to the head or neck, or any action forcing an opponent’s head into the glass or boards, must be penalized. Minimum sanction is minor (2’) plus misconduct (10’) unless referee judgment requires a major plus game misconduct or match-level discipline. Injury increases severity.

9.6 High sticking

IIHF Rule 60; Rule 78.

Contact to an opponent above shoulder height may result in a minor, double-minor, major plus game misconduct, or match-level discipline depending on severity, force, control, and injury. Goals scored with a stick above the crossbar do not count.

9.7 Playing the puck high stick

IIHF Rules 60 and 80; Rule 78 for goals.

If a player plays the puck with a stick above shoulder height and that player’s team gains possession or an advantage, play is stopped and the face-off is placed under IIHF rules. Goals scored with a stick above the crossbar do not count.

9.8 Delay of game

IIHF Rule 63 and Rule 85.

A player who deliberately shoots, bats, or directs the puck out of play may be assessed a delay of game penalty. A player who shoots the puck directly over the glass from the defending zone is assessed a minor penalty unless an IIHF exception applies.

9.9 Body contact, boarding and charging

IIHF: Rule 101 by analogy, plus Rules 41, 42, 43, 48, 56.

Intentional body checking is not permitted in FFHL games. Players must avoid unnecessary force, dangerous contact, and hits that would be legal only in a checking league. Incidental contact may occur, but a player who steps, glides, or drives into an opponent may be penalized.

9.10 Butt-ending

IIHF Rule 58; Rule 28.

Butt-ending without contact will be assessed at a minimum of a double minor penalty, unless the official determines that the infraction is of a threatening manner, at which an additional misconduct penalty may be assessed. 

Contact with a butt-end will be assessed a major plus game misconduct penalty or match penalty. All major/match penalties for but-ending will be forwarded to the Disciplinary committee for review.

9.11 Roughing

IIHF Rule 51; Rule 28.

Roughing may result in a minor, double-minor, major plus game misconduct, or supplemental discipline depending on force, escalation, and repeat behaviour.

9.12 Spearing

IIHF Rule 62; Rule 28.

Spearing without contact will be assessed at a minimum of a double minor penalty, unless the official determines that the infraction is of a threatening manner, at which an additional misconduct penalty may be assessed. 

Spearing with contact will be assessed a Major plus game misconduct penalty or match penalty. All major/match penalties for spearing will be forwarded to the Disciplinary committee for review.

9.13 Slashing

IIHF Rule 61; Rule 28.

Slashing may result in a minor, major plus game misconduct, or supplemental discipline depending on force, target area, intent, and injury.

9.14 Cross-checking

IIHF Rule 59; Rule 28

Cross-checking may result in a minor, major plus game misconduct, or supplemental discipline depending on force, target area, recklessness, and injury.

9.15 Slew-footing

IIHF Rule 52; Rule 28

Slew-footing is a dangerous infraction and should be penalized strictly. A major plus game misconduct or supplemental discipline may apply depending on severity and injury.

9.16 Checking from behind

IIHF Rule 43; Rule 28

Checking from behind is a dangerous infraction and should be penalized strictly. A minor plus misconduct or major plus game misconduct and supplemental discipline may apply depending on severity and injury.

9.17 Attempt to injure

IIHF Rule 21, Dangerous Actions; Rule 28.

Attempt to injure is an automatic Match penalty and subject to Committee review; outcomes/injuries may drive additional discipline.

10. Suspensions, discipline and conduct

All infractions before, during, and after scheduled league games, including conduct in the rink, dressing rooms, hallways, parking areas, online channels, and league events, may be reviewed by the Discipline Committee. See Annex A for a full detail of the purpose and authority of the Player Safety and Disciplinary Committee.

10.1 Evidence

Related IIHF: Rule 28.

The Discipline Committee may consider official reports, score sheets, video, referee input, captain statements, witness statements, rink staff reports, messages, emails, and social media posts.

10.2 Appeals

There is no appeal for a 1-game suspension unless the Committee allows an exception for mistaken identity or administrative error. Suspensions of more than 1 game may be appealed by a team captain in writing no later than the day after notification. Players may provide input through their captain.

10.3 Fighting

IIHF Rule 46; Rules 21, 28, 48.

This is an amateur league. Fighting, including dropping gloves, throwing punches, sucker punches, or continuing an altercation, may result in a season-ending suspension. A single punch or head shot may be penalized separately and reviewed.

10.4 Hallway altercations

Related IIHF: Rule 28.

Altercations in hallways or dressing rooms will be seriously investigated and may result in suspensions.

10.5 Engaging referees

IIHF Rules 39, 40, 75;

Players must not confront referees during or after the game, including in hallways, dressing rooms, or outside the arena. Threats, verbal abuse, defamation, intimidation, or physical contact with officials may result in severe discipline.

10.6 Off-ice conduct

Related IIHF: Integrity principles;

Players ejected must proceed directly to the dressing room and then leave the building once changed. Interference with game operations or continued disruption may result in a season-ending suspension.

Players must remember that they represent the Flying Farangs and the FFHL at all times, including on the ice, online and also off the ice. Behaviours that are against our core values and/or detrimental to the image of the organization can lead to a review by the discipline committee including but not limited to game or season suspension.

10.7 Bonding rule

To help maintain a safe environment, the Committee will review players who reach the following season PIM totals:

20 PIM – Review and possible 1-game suspension.

30 PIM – Second review; further suspensions possible.

40 PIM – Review and potential season-ending suspension.

Penalties cumulated during the regular season carry over to the playoffs.

10.8 Harassment and abuse policy

IIHF Rules 28, 39, 40, 75;

The Flying Farangs Hockey League is committed to providing a safe, respectful environment for all participants. Any form of harassment or abuse – sexual or non-sexual – directed at players, goalies, captains, coaches, team staff, referees, timekeepers, league officials, volunteers, or fans is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal, physical, or online harassment; bullying or intimidation; threats; discriminatory or hateful language; and any unwanted sexual comments, advances, or contact.

Parents, relatives, and supporters of players or teams are also required to behave respectfully at all times at league games, practices, events, and online platforms associated with the league. Teams are responsible for the conduct of their spectators.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action at the sole discretion of the League (or its Discipline Committee), up to and including game suspension, multi-game suspension, season suspension, permanent removal from the league, and/or bans from attending league events. Repeated or severe misconduct by a team’s supporters may lead to sanctions against that team, including forfeits or removal from the league.

11. Property, safety and equipment

11.1 Alcohol and smoking

No player may participate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is the responsibility of the captains to ensure their players are fit and safe to play.

Only designated arena staff may sell alcohol. Please enjoy post-game beverages responsibly in designated areas or at league-supported venues.

Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the arena. Violations may result in suspension.

Tobacco, drugs and alcohol is not permitted on the bench or on the ice at all times. The use of Snus or chewing tobacco is prohibited on the bench and on the ice. Violations may result in suspension.

11.2 Property damages

Players are responsible for damages they cause to arena property and must settle costs before returning to play. All players must follow TIIHA rules and guidelines. Pre-game, no one (including pucks) may enter the ice until resurfacing is complete and Zamboni doors are closed. Post-game, leave the ice immediately.

11.3 Personal property

The FFHL and TIIHA are not responsible for lost/stolen items. Avoid bringing valuables; keep essentials on the bench. Lockers are available for rent at TIIHA.

11.4 Equipment

IIHF Rules 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 65.

See Annex B for full description or required equipment. 

Players without proper equipment will be removed from play until corrected; failure to comply may result in a minor penalty for illegal equipment and report to the League.

Helmets: Must be worn at all times by all players, with chinstraps properly fastened. Visors are required for all players. Full visors are required for U20 players. Leaving a helmet or face protector on the ice will stop play immediately. 

A player losing a helmet or facemask during the play must retreat from play immediately. A violation will result in a minor penalty assessed to the offending player.

11.5 Accidents and injuries

The FFHL does not provide insurance. Players must obtain their own medical/accident coverage and play at their own risk. All accidents impacting a player’s ability to continue must be reported by the Team Manager to the President immediately.

11.6 First aid and blood drawn

Participants should be familiar with TIIHA emergency procedures and keep a phone on the bench. Officials/timekeepers will assist when possible. Any player who is bleeding must leave the ice to clean and bandage before returning.

Annex A – PLAYER SAFETY AND DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

1. Purpose and Principles

The League shall establish a Player Safety and Discipline Committee (“Committee”) to promote player safety, good sportsmanship, and the fair, consistent, and impartial application of League Rules.

The Committee is responsible for reviewing serious incidents, investigating alleged violations of League Rules or the Code of Conduct, imposing supplementary discipline where appropriate, maintaining disciplinary records, and recommending improvements to League safety policies.

The Committee shall perform its duties independently and without regard to a participant’s gender, nationality, race, religion, age, playing ability, or team affiliation. No team, player, or League official shall improperly influence its decisions.

2. Jurisdiction

The Committee has authority over all registered players, coaches, team officials, volunteers, and other League participants.

Its jurisdiction includes conduct occurring:

• Before, during, or after League games, practices, or sanctioned events.
• On the ice, benches, penalty benches, dressing rooms, hallways, parking areas, or elsewhere within arena facilities.
• At League-related social or promotional events.
• Through electronic communications or social media when directly related to League activities or participants.

3. Composition and Conflicts of Interest

The Committee shall consist of an odd number of at least three members appointed by the Executive Committee.

Members should collectively possess experience in adult amateur hockey, officiating, League administration, or player safety.

A Committee member who has a personal, team-related, or other material conflict of interest shall disclose the conflict and take no part in the investigation or decision.

4. Review and Investigative Authority

The Committee may:

• Review referee reports, incident reports, score sheets, video recordings, photographs, witness statements, electronic communications, and other reliable information.
• Request written or verbal statements from participants, captains, officials, volunteers, spectators, or arena staff.
• Review dangerous or inappropriate conduct regardless of whether an official observed the incident or assessed a penalty.
• Review repeat offenders and patterns of dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Maintain disciplinary records and issue written decisions.
• Recommend rule or policy changes that improve player safety.

The Committee is not bound by formal rules of evidence but shall conduct each review fairly and impartially.

The referee’s decision remains the official on-ice ruling and game result. However, the Committee may independently review the underlying conduct for disciplinary purposes. The Committee shall not review routine judgment calls that do not involve player safety or serious misconduct.

5. Incidents Subject to Review

The following incidents shall normally be reviewed:

• Match penalties.
• Game misconduct penalties.
• Major penalties involving injury or a significant risk of injury.
• Fighting.
• Abuse of officials.
• Checking from behind.
• Head contact.
• Boarding.
• Charging.
• Kneeing.
• Slew-footing.
• Spearing or butt-ending.
• Deliberate use of equipment as a weapon.
• Threats, intimidation, serious harassment, or discriminatory conduct.
• Leaving the players’ bench or penalty bench during an altercation.
• Any other incident referred by the League Commissioner, Head Referee, or Executive Committee.

This list is not exhaustive. The Committee may review any conduct that may threaten participant safety or the integrity of the League.

6. Interim Suspension

When an incident involves serious violence, abuse of an official, or an immediate risk to participant safety, the Committee Chair or League Commissioner may impose an interim suspension pending completion of the review.

An interim suspension is a temporary safety measure and does not constitute a finding of guilt.

7. Opportunity to Respond

Before final discipline is imposed, the participant shall be given a reasonable opportunity to respond verbally, in writing, electronically, or in person.

The Committee shall provide a deadline for the response. Failure to respond within that deadline shall not prevent the Committee from reaching a decision based on the available evidence.

8. Determining Discipline

In determining the appropriate discipline, the Committee may consider:

• The seriousness of the conduct.
• Whether the conduct was intentional, reckless, retaliatory, or accidental.
• Whether an injury occurred or could reasonably have occurred.
• Whether equipment was used as a weapon.
• Whether the conduct involved an official, volunteer, spectator, or vulnerable participant.
• The participant’s previous disciplinary history.
• Whether the participant accepted responsibility or showed remorse.
• Any other aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

Each case shall be decided on its own facts while maintaining reasonable consistency with previous decisions.

9. Available Sanctions

The Committee may impose one or more of the following sanctions.

9.1 Individual Sanctions

• A verbal or written warning or reprimand.
• Additional disciplinary penalty minutes, which shall be recorded in the player’s statistics and may affect the Bonding Rule under Rule 10.7.
• Confirmation, reduction, or increase of an automatic suspension where permitted by League Rules.
• Suspension for one or more regular-season or playoff games.
• Probation for a specified period, with stronger automatic consequences for further misconduct.
• A behaviour agreement setting conditions for future participation.
• A private or public apology to an affected participant, official, volunteer, team, spectator, or arena representative.
• Attendance at a disciplinary meeting, referee-respect briefing, safety session, or sportsmanship program.
• Removal of captaincy, alternate captaincy, committee membership, volunteer duties, or another leadership role.
• Temporary or permanent loss of eligibility for Player of the Game, League awards, All-Star selection, or similar recognition.
• Restrictions on participation in League games, events, benches, dressing rooms, social activities, or communications with specified individuals.
• Restitution for documented property damage or other direct losses, where appropriate.
• Conditions that must be completed before reinstatement.

The Committee may recommend a season-long suspension, permanent expulsion, or refusal of future registration to the Executive Committee. Such a sanction shall take effect only after approval by the Executive Committee.

9.2 Team Sanctions

When misconduct involves multiple players, team officials, or spectators associated with a team, the Committee may impose:

• A formal warning.
• Team probation.
• Loss of standings points.
• Game forfeiture.
• Restrictions on substitute players.
• Removal of home-ice, bench, dressing-room, or event privileges.
• Removal of a captain or team representative.
• Requirements relating to the conduct or supervision of team spectators.

In extreme cases, the Committee may recommend removal of the team from the League to the Executive Committee.

10. Repeat Offenders

Previous suspensions, repeated dangerous conduct, or failure to comply with disciplinary conditions may result in progressively stronger discipline, including lengthy suspension, season-long suspension, or recommendation for permanent removal from the League.

11. Written Decision

The Committee shall issue a written decision stating:

• The incident reviewed.
• The Committee’s findings.
• The discipline imposed and its effective date.
• Any conditions for reinstatement.
• Any applicable right of appeal and appeal deadline.

The decision may be distributed to the participant, their captain, relevant League officials, and any other person who reasonably requires the information.

12. Appeals

A one-game suspension may not be appealed unless the appeal concerns mistaken identity, an administrative error, or another exceptional circumstance accepted by the Executive Committee.

A suspension of more than one game, or another material disciplinary sanction, may be appealed on one or more of the following grounds:

• The Committee exceeded its authority.
• A significant procedural error affected the decision.
• Relevant new evidence has become available that could not reasonably have been provided earlier.
• The sanction imposed is clearly disproportionate to the conduct.

The appeal must be submitted in writing by the participant’s team captain no later than the end of the day following notification of the decision. The appeal must identify the applicable ground and explain the requested outcome.

The Executive Committee shall appoint an impartial Appeal Panel. No person who participated in the original investigation or decision may hear the appeal.

An appeal is not a complete rehearing of the case. The Appeal Panel may confirm, reduce, increase, overturn, or return the decision to the Committee for reconsideration. Its written decision shall be final.

Unless otherwise directed, the original sanction remains in effect while the appeal is being considered.

13. Emergency Authority

Nothing in this policy prevents game officials, the League Commissioner, Committee Chair, Executive Committee, or arena management from taking immediate and reasonable action to protect participants, officials, staff, or spectators.

Annex B – EQUIPMENT

Minimum Required Player Equipment

All players, regardless of gender, must wear the following approved protective equipment while participating in any league game or on-ice activity:

• CSA, HECC, CE, or other nationally approved ice hockey helmet, properly fastened.
• Face protection (full cage or full shield or Half shield is strongly recommended) securely attached to the helmet.  ALL PLAYERS UNDER AGE 20 ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A FULL FACE SHIELD
• ALL PLAYERS UNDER AGE 20 ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A NECK GUARD
• Ice hockey Neck Guard, Recommended
• Ice hockey shoulder pads, Recommended  
• Ice hockey elbow pads,  Recommended
• Ice hockey gloves.
• Ice hockey pants (breezers) with built-in hip, kidney, and thigh protection.
• Athletic cup or pelvic protector appropriate to the player’s anatomy.
• Ice hockey shin guards.
• Ice hockey skates in good condition.
• Ice hockey jersey with an assigned league number.
• Ice hockey socks that fully cover the shin guards.
• Ice hockey stick meeting league specifications.

Goaltenders

Goaltenders must wear all required protective equipment specifically designed for the goaltending position, including:

• Approved goaltender mask/helmet with throat protection.
• Chest and arm protector.
• Goaltender leg pads.
• Goaltender blocker and catching glove.
• Goaltender pants and protective equipment appropriate for the position.
• Goaltender stick.

Equipment Condition

All protective equipment must:

• Be specifically designed for ice hockey.
• Be in good repair and properly fitted.
• Be worn as intended by the manufacturer.
• Not be altered in a manner that reduces its protective capability.