WMLA
HOUSELEAGUE
RULES &
REGULATIONS
2017
Published by the WMLA Houseleague Committee
Mission Statement
Whitby Minor Lacrosse Association gives children of all ages in the community an
opportunity to be involved in a quality lacrosse program whether they are new to
lacrosse or seasoned players, at both the house league and representative level. Whitby
Minor Lacrosse aims to promote a positive lifelong experience by instilling core values,
discipline, safety and team work that will follow players throughout their time with
WMLA.
2017 Vision
Whitby Minor Lacrosse Association’s vision is to provide the highest standard of Mentoring
and Development training in both the house league and representative levels by inspiring
new players and nurturing existing players while instilling the value of teamwork,
camaraderie and enjoyment of the game ensuring a successful and positive future for
both the players and the association.
2017 Goals
1. To the membership of WMLA - Full Transparency and a voice on how to help the
BOD achieve excellence for the children
2. Work on ways to improve WMLA enrolment by growing the game
3. Re-build connections and reputation with the Junior program, Senior program,
Zone, and OLA
4. Develop a viable Development program that is flexible and supports all
membership
5. Review the WMLA logo to ensure we continue to honor the founders of lacrosse
but be our own brand
6. To encourage parents, guardians and friends to help the WMLA BOD by
volunteering
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CODE OF CONDUCT
As a member of the Whitby Minor Lacrosse Association I state the following:
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Refrain from using foul, discriminatory or negative language
Refrain from verbally or physically abusing any game official, participant
or spectator, regardless of association or circumstance.
Demonstrate courtesy, respect and good sportsmanship towards all
game officials, participants and spectators regardless of association or
circumstance
Attempt to develop community spirit and pride in our association, while
representing WMLA and minor lacrosse in the best possible light.
Respect all facilities utilized by our association, as well as any staff of
those facilities
Ensure facilities and player equipment meet regulated safety standards
Emphasize sportsmanship and fair play while trying to keep the word
“FUN” in lacrosse
Treat the game of lacrosse with the respect it deserves
Take the necessary steps to report, in writing, any incidents that may
shed bad light on our great game to ensure that they are not repeated
Respect the time and effort given by those that volunteer their time for the
development of all participants
I realize that I may be removed from the game, practice, or facility and
possibly expelled from WMLA if I should behave in a manner deemed
unacceptable by the coaches, game officials or spectators should I:
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Breach any of the above
Use the position with the WMLA for unauthorized personal and/or
material gains
Willfully circulate false or malicious statements, derogatory to any
member of our or any other association
Willfully ignore or break the by-laws, policies and/or rules or regulations
of our Association.
Counsel others to ignore or break the by-laws, policies and/or rules or
regulations of our Association.
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Convenor’s/Head Coach Duties during the Season
● Represent WMLA at all regular season house league and championship
games.
● Liaise with coaches/players/parents and WMLA.
● Pay the referees and timekeepers as per WMLA referee/timekeeper pay
schedule. A sheet will be provided which should be filled out with date of
game and amount paid and should be signed by officials in receipt of
payment. No money will pass hands without proof of receipt. (If applicable)
● Supply game sheets if needed.
● Ensure referees and timekeepers are present for all divisional games (except
soft lax). If they do not arrive on time, please see below on who to contact.
● Monitor officiating, coaches, players and spectators. Report any incidents.
● File injury reports.
● Report immediately to appropriate director any incidents (on or off the floor)
and or suspensions. Supply a written report within 24 hours.
● Ensure facilities are safe for game play.
Time Keeper (Game Official)
➢ A WMLA Time Keeper should arrive 10 minutes in advance of game time
➢ Otherwise; the Convenor/Director should contact:
o Craig Price (Director - Minor Officials)
o Cell Phone Number: TBA
Referees
➢ A Referee should arrive 10 minutes in advance of game time
➢ Otherwise; the Convenor/Director should contact:
o Rob Moore Ede(–Referee in Chief)
o Cell Phone Number:(416-272-7764)
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House League Coach’s Duties
Head coaches volunteering for WMLA must adhere to, and enforce all by-laws,
rules and guidelines of the association. Employ fair play and good sportsmanship
at all times to ensure all players have a fun and enjoyable season.
● Head coaches may have two other bench personnel.
● Head coaches must be 18 years old or above. All remaining bench staff
must be over the age of 16, during games. Under 16 years of age allowed
to help during practices ONLY to obtain volunteer hours.
● All bench staff must submit a current CRC (criminal record check) BEFORE
the season starts or a signed declaration form if WMLA has a 2015 CRC on
file. Please see “WMLA Vulnerable Sector Checks” section at the end of
this booklet for information.
● The buddy-system is in effect. No one adult shall be allowed in a change
room alone. At any time a child is required to enter a change room they
must be accompanied by two adults. An adult is someone over the age of
18.
● Ensure that all players have the required protective equipment and that all
pieces are in satisfactory repair, sized and worn so as to offer the protection
that they are designed to provide.
● Notify convenor or director of any problems with goalie equipment.
● Home team provides referee with two game balls.
● Continually strive to upgrade his/her knowledge of the sport by attending
clinics, reading, observing and sharing with other experienced people.
● Any concerns the Head Coach may have, should be communicated to the
Convenor/HL Primary, Primary2 or Secondary Directors and they will
communicate with the VP Houseleague.
● Up-date standings on the web site weekly
● Pay the referees and timekeepers as per WMLA referee/timekeeper pay
schedule. A sheet will be provided which should be filled out with date of
game and amount paid and should be signed by officials in receipt of
payment. No money will pass hands without proof of receipt. You may also
assign a team manager to be responsible for this duty.
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WMLA House League Rules and Regulations
The primary goal is for all players to have fun and learn the game of Lacrosse. It is
the desire of the WMLA to be recognized as a leading & dynamic association and
the key to this is the success of our house league program.
WMLA adheres to the rules and regulations of the Ontario Lacrosse Association
(OLA). In addition, WMLA imposes our own specific rules to recognize that house
league is a learning and developmental environment for our players, coaches and
referees.
Player Evaluations
In keeping with the primary goal of ensuring all players are having fun and
learning the game of Lacrosse, each player will be evaluated prior to the first
regular season game.
A third party organization will evaluate each player in each division and the
teams will be built fairly and evenly using these evaluations.
Player Eligibility
● All players must be registered and approved by the WMLA.
● Neither the House League program nor the Rep program of the WMLA could
survive and flourish without the support and co-operation of the other. The
WMLA Rep Director will advise which representative teams must participate
in House League during the lacrosse season. The final decision on Rep
players participating in House League is wholly reserved for the WMLA
Executive Committee.
● For players that are tasked with playing both House League and Rep, the
Parent and/or Guardian of the Player must ensure that their son/daughter
actively participate in the House League program as required otherwise the
WMLA may withdraw the Rep eligibility of the player. The WMLA Executive
Committee will address the eligibility of a player to compete on a Rep team,
who cannot participate in the House League program due to injury or some
other extenuating circumstance, on an individual basis.
● In the event of a conflict between House League and Rep schedules, the
House League activity takes priority. This applies to both games and
practices. Players may be excused from their House League activity if they
obtain prior approval from the appropriate House League Director. In the
event of a dispute you are able to escalate to the VP of House League.
Game Time
● Games will be allocated a one hour time period. Games will be normally
three 15 minute running time periods. At the discretion of the convenor, stop
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time may be used for the last two minutes of the game, with a two goal or
less differential.
Equal Floor Time
● It is the policy of the WMLA and a requirement that all house league coaches
provide equitable floor time to all players during games. (Equitable means as
equal as possible under a reasonable effort by the coach and his/her staff).
In order to facilitate this and to help coaches organize their player benches,
all Primary Division (Jr. Paperweight to Major Novice) Coaches must create
a player rotation sheet before each game. These sheets are to be used
during all games to track player shift rotations. All players must be rotated
equally.
● Coaching staff that are non-compliant may be suspended or dismissed.
Number of Players per Team
● Teams will have no more than 16 players or no less than 11 players,
including one goalie. Teams at in the secondary division may carry up to 18
players.
● Where a team is short a goalie for a game, the coach may use a substitute
goalie from another house league team within the same division. A goalie
from one age division below their age division may play if the appropriate
house league Director has given prior permission.
● Where a team has a short bench, less than 8 runners, the team may use
substitute players from other house league teams within their age division
and to a maximum equal to the number of runners on the opposing team.
Both coaches must agree with the substitute players being selected. In the
case of a disagreement, the convenor will have final ruling. The game will be
played as a regular house league game with the winning team receiving two
points for the win. The intent is not to use this rule to “stack” a team and
therefore give them an unfair advantage over the opposing team.
No Camping (Offence/Defence)
● All players must actively participate in the game. Generally, there are always
5 offensive players and 5 defensive players involved in the play at all times.
Coaches cannot intentionally hold (camp) players in the defensive or
offensive zones whereby it takes the player out of the play and/or gives them
an unfair advantage.
● Coaching staff being non-compliant with the above may be suspended or
dismissed.
● On Floor Coaches
● In the paperweight divisions, one coach from each team must be on the
playing floor during a game.
The intent is to further facilitate the
development of the younger players. However, at no time shall a coach
interfere with the play on the floor. Coaches should remain within arm’s
length of the boards (as a guideline) with the exception of face-offs. At the
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discretion of the division convenor, warnings will be given to an offending
coach. Repeated offenses will result in the coach being removed from the
floor and /or suspension or dismissal. Another coach from the bench staff
must replace the coach.
Penalties
● The penalized player(s) will serve the full duration of a penalty (ie 2 minutes
for a minor penalty). Teams will play short-handed for the duration of the
penalty unless scored upon. This applies to all age divisions with the
exception of Sr. and Jr. Paperweight.
● Penalty time shall not begin until the first resumption of play following the
penalty.
● Teams shall play full strength following coincidental penalties.
● Any player receiving 6 minutes of penalties in one game (not including a 10
minute misconduct) will be automatically assigned a game misconduct. This
player will not be able to compete for the remainder of the game. The
offending team must have one player, who was present on the floor at the
time of the penalty, to serve the penalty.
● Any player receiving a game misconduct penalty (other than for 6 minutes of
penalties, not including a 10 minute misconduct) in the last period of a game,
or immediately following a game, will be suspended for the next house
league game.
● Any player using profane or indecent gestures during or immediately
following a game will be assessed a 2 minute minor penalty plus either a
game misconduct or a gross misconduct penalty. Gross misconduct
penalties will require a referee’s report to be written.
● Any player who is penalized for fighting and/or “intent to injure” shall receive
a game misconduct plus a one game suspension (next house league game).
This applies to regular season and playoff games. The referees must write
up all such penalties and convenors must report these incidents to the
appropriate house league director.
Paperweight Exceptions
● There will be no body checking or cross checking in the Jr. Paperweight
division. Only stick checking is permitted.
● All penalties in Jr. and Sr. paperweight divisions will result in the offending
player being sent to the penalty box for 1 minute.
● Whenever possible the convenor/coach will mentor the player on the
infraction.
● Teams will continue to play 5 on 5.
Tyke Girls (When not playing co-ed) Exceptions
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The Tyke Girls program will operate under the push play format. Stick8
checking and pushing away with the stick is permitted; however, cross
checking is NOT permitted.
Girls Minor and Major Exceptions
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Stick-checking and pushing away with the stick is permitted; however, cross
checking is NOT permitted.
Boy Peewee/ Bantam/ Midget Exceptions
 WMLA Houseleague Committee will examine these divisions closer to start
date and determine if any changes to format or rules of play are required (ie.
4 on 4, Masters Rules – limited body contact)
30 second shot clock
● The 30 second shot clock will used for the Major Novice to Intermediate
Divisions. If the Minor and Major Novice divisions are combined they will use
the 30 second shot clock.
10 Second Penalty Rule
● If you have a penalty you only have 10 seconds to get it out of your end into
the opposing end past the restraining line.
● The 10-second penalty rule will not be enforced in the Paperweight, Tyke or
Minor Novice divisions, (unless the Minor and Major Novice divisions are
combined).
Time Outs
● Timeouts will not be permitted during any regular season or championship
game. A 2-minute delay of game penalty will be given to the bench if any
coach or player requests a timeout.
Line changes
● Jr. Paperweight, Sr. Paperweight, Minor Tyke, and Major Tyke will use a 3minute buzzer for a line change, however, a 2 minute buzzer for a line
change can be used if agreed upon by the two Head coaches of each team
prior to starting the game The decision must be communicated to the
timekeeper and referees prior to game start. Minor Novice and up will
change on the fly.
Suspensions
● The Director of House League has, with the approval of the Vice President of
House League, the right to suspend any player, coach, assistant, trainer or
manager for just cause.
● Any person suspended has the right to appeal per the WMLA dispute and
appeal process. Refer to our web site for form.
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Jerseys
● WMLA will provide House league players with jerseys and are to be kept by
the player after the season concludes.
Jewelry
● All players are required to remove any jewelry before walking on to the floor.
If jewelry cannot be removed, players must tape it down.
Application of the Rules
1. The Directors and Convenors will be strict in the application of the rules for
non-conformance to the elements of House League play. The penalty for
non-compliance is as follows:
1. A verbal warning from a member of the WMLA Executive or League
Convenor
2. A second offence will result in the suspension of the Head Coach
from 1 league or playoff game
3. A third offence will result in dismissal of the Head Coach.
Equipment
● It is the responsibility of the WMLA to provide each team with team jerseys,
goaltending equipment and approved lacrosse balls for practices and games.
● Any issues with goalie equipment should be brought to the immediate
attention of the Equipment Manager.
● All supplied goaltending equipment remains the property of the WMLA and
must be returned at the conclusion of the season.
● All players on the playing surface, the player’s bench, or penalty box MUST
wear approved equipment at all times. CSA approved helmets with full-face
masks and properly fixed chinstraps and mouth guards are mandatory for
ALL players at ALL times during games and practices. Goalies must wear an
approved throat protector and must also wear a mouth guard.
Soft Lax
● Soft lax will be open to boys and girls aged 3 and 4 to learn the skills of
lacrosse. The key elements of this program are fun and learning basics with
fun being the first priority.. Parents who wish to assist must register as a
volunteer in League Toolbox and submit a valid and current CRC to the
Privacy Officer at the WMLA office prior to being allowed to assist. WMLA
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will provide lacrosse balls for this program. Only soft lax balls will be allowed
on the floor.
Timekeeping
● WMLA has published a document titled “Timekeeping Guidelines and Rules”.
For specific information regarding this document refer to our web site.
Dispute and Grievances
● The V.P. of House League is empowered to act on any problems or disputes
that may arise. Coaches or players may appeal any decisions made by
WMLA through the appeal process. Refer to our web site for this form.
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WHITBY MINOR LACROSSE ASSOCIATION
VULNERABLE SECTOR CHECK
In keeping with our Mission Statement to organize, promote, develop and govern
minor lacrosse within the Town of Whitby and other areas accepted by the Ontario
Lacrosse Association; it is our bound duty to ensure a safe atmosphere for the
youth of our lacrosse community.
Does this Apply to you?
Effective January 2015, all adults (coaches, bench personnel, assistants,
convenors, trainers, managers, and board members) involved with the youth of
Whitby Minor Lacrosse must submit a Vulnerable Sector Check prior to the first
game of the season. If you submitted a Vulnerable Sector Check that was approved
by the WMLA last year that was from 2015 you must download the letter of
declaration, sign it and submit it in a sealed envelope attention: Privacy Officer.
Deliver it to the WMLA office at Iroquois Park on the second floor between pad 3
and pad 4. Once received, it will be reviewed and once approved will be reflected in
League Toolbox. You must be approved before you can volunteer.
Process for CRC:
1. A copy of the letter required to present at a local police station can be
found on the WMLA website http://www.whitbyminorlacrosse.com.
2. You must visit your local police station and complete the form. You will
receive a receipt. Keep the receipt as proof that the application has been
made. Please note that this process can take up to 3 weeks to complete.
We recommend you visit your local police station early.
3. To learn more about the Criminal Information Checks visit the Durham Police
Services website www.drps.ca
4. After receiving your Vulnerable Sector Check it will be valid for 3 years.
However, each year you will be required to sign a declaration form that your
status has not changed and submit to WMLA.
What You Need:
1. WMLA volunteer letter.
2. You can request up to 5 copies, which can be used for other volunteer/ youth
affiliations;
3. 2 pieces of identification; and
4. 1 photo identification.
Delivery of the original document to WMLA
Documents are to be dropped off to the Privacy Officer in a sealed envelope to the
WMLA office at Iroquois Park on the second floor between pad 3 and pad 4
Recording of Information:
Documents will be accepted by the Privacy Officer for examination and acceptance.
In accordance with the OLA changes, the information will be stored in a locked
cabinet (safe) for a period or 3 years from the date of submission.
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