QATAR INTERNATIONAL ICE HOCKEY
LEAGUE
Referees Case Book / Rule Book
2013/2014
(Version 3)
Web Site: www.qiihl.com
Message from the QIIHL Committee
The QIIHL (Qatar International Ice Hockey League) has been around in one
form or another since 2002. We began as a group of expatriates whose vision
was to create a recreational environment where we could enjoy playing a game
which we love as well as establish friendships and camaraderie with players and
their families.
It is the goal of the QIIHL to make your hockey experience the best that it can
be. We are striving to have a fun, recreational league while also providing
participants with the competitive flare that only an organized game can provide.
Through your valued feedback, we can continue to grow as a league and make
improvements that positively affect the product we offer both on and off the ice.
We acknowledge that there are challenges which are presented to every league,
especially considering our environment, and we are confident that we shall
address these challenges as opportunities and not as setbacks and steadfastly
continue to prosper as an entertaining entity for you and your families.
Mission Statement: To provide you with a safe and enjoyable league where
you can improve your hockey skills and experience healthy competition among
friends.
Sincerely,
QIHHL Committee
Official Rules
Section 1.0: The Game
1.1
Game Officials
Two (2) referees should be provided for each game. Referees will work
together as part of a two-man system where both are responsible for calling
penalties as well as all game infractions (i.e. icing, offside, etc.). If possible,
one scorekeeper/timekeeper will be provided for each game and will be
considered part of the officiating team. The on-ice officials will make the
final decision on all discrepancies occurring during a game but may defer to
the scorekeeper/timekeeper (i.e. length of time of the final period).
1.2
Ice time and Game Format
Regular Season
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Each game has an allotted ice slot of 60 minutes.
Two (2) x 24 minute periods of running time
Other time used for cleaning of ice, warm-ups, timeouts, etc.
Games tied at the end of regulation will remain a tie and one (1) point
awarded to each team
Winner of game will be awarded two (2) points
One (1) 30 second time out is allowed per period.
Games scores within 1 goal shall play stop time within the last two (2)
minutes.
Playoffs
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Each game has an allotted ice slot of 60 minutes.
Two (2) x 24 minute periods of running time. (Last 2 minutes of final
period – stop time)
Other time used for cleaning of ice, warm-ups, timeouts, etc.
Games tied at the end of regulation will result in a sudden death shootout
Captains from respective teams will submit a list of 3 players for shootout of equal number of shots, alternating goalies after each pair, until the
game is decided. In the event no goals are scored subsequent players
are chosen one at a time per team. Initial players cannot be utilized
again until all players have had an attempt.
One (1) 30 second time out is allowed per period.
Regular Season Tie Break Procedure
If teams are tied at the end of the regular season, the following will determine
the seeding order:
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Team with the most wins
Head to head competition
Total goals for
If still tied then an official coin toss by independent third party will
determine the tie break
Section 2.0: Teams
2.1 Player Requirements
To begin a game, a team must have a minimum of 5 players in uniform. Any
less and the game is defaulted.
2.2 Roster
Team roster on the day may not exceed 15 skaters. Current rosters may not be
at maximum capacity but are subject to change as the season proceeds.
2.3 Age Limit
All players in the QIIHL must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
Exception: Any player under the age of 18 must have written parental consent
(i.e. signed waiver) and approval by the league prior to participating in any
QIIHL league game. Final decision on league entry for these players lies solely
with the QIIHL Committee.
Section 3.0: Protective Equipment
3.1 Mandatory Equipment
All players are required to wear full hockey equipment. This includes but is not
limited to: A CSA approved helmet with functioning chin strap, hockey skates,
shin guards, protective cup, pants, gloves, elbow pads, and stick. Shoulder pads
are optional.
Section 4.0: Playing Rules
4.1 No Touch Icing
Icing the puck is completed the instant the puck crosses the goal line, and the
referee or Linesman shall blow his whistle, stopping the play. If the puck shall
enter the goal, the icing shall not be called and a goal shall be allowed.
The puck is shot by a player standing behind the centre red line. The puck goes
down the ice through the goal crease and then over the goal line. ICING IS
CALLED.
4.2 Player changes during stoppages - Fast Face-off Rule
For player changes during stoppages in play, the referee/Linesman shall begin
the line change procedure as soon as it is safe to do so for the ensuing face-off
and then allow five (5) seconds during which the Visiting team may make a
player change. After this five (5) second period the referee/Linesman raises his
arm to indicate that the Visiting team may no longer make changes. With the
arm still up the referee/Linesman now allows the home team to make a change
after five (5) seconds the referee/Linesman drops his arm and no more changes
can be made. The puck is then subsequently dropped when centres are aligned.
4.3 Off Side
The QIIHL will enforce the traditional off side rules. The red line is only to be
used to determine potential Icing calls based on position of the puck upon
release from a players stick. Two Line passes have been removed from the rule
book in Canadian Hockey Association rules 2012-2014..
Note: Delayed Offside is a situation where an attacking player (or players) has
preceded the puck across the attacking blue line, but the defending team is in a
position to bring the puck back out of its defending zone without any delay or
contact with an attacking player, or, the attacking players are in the process of
clearing the attacking zone.
If an off-side call is delayed, the Linesman shall drop his arm to nullify the offside violation and allow play to continue if:
(i)All players of the offending team clear the zone at the same instant (skate
contact with the blue line) permitting the attacking players to re-enter the
attacking zone, or
(ii) The defending team passes or carries the puck into the neutral zone.
Subsequent information on Off Sides and the various examples can be found on
the Hockey Canada web site www.HockeyCanada.ca within the rule book case
book Rule 10.8
4.4 Slap Shots
Slap shots are permitted in QIIHL A Division games (not in B division). Any
shot that results from the blade of the stick being raised above the waist on
either the back-swing or follow-through will be deemed a slap shot and the play
will be blown dead (This is a judgment to be determined by the officials). The
referee shall call a minor penalty against the player). Subsequent face off
should move to the appropriate face off dot taking into account the location
where the infraction took place.
4.5 Skill Level/Balancing of Teams
At the beginning of each QIIHL season, in an attempt to achieve parity within
the league, the league will execute a player draft whereby players will be
assigned to teams. At any time, the league reserves the right to adjust the
rosters accordingly to best meet this objective.
Section 5.0: Suspensions
5.1 Infractions
All infractions occurring before, during and after any scheduled games are
subject to review by league officials. League officials may assess suspensions at
any time during the regular season and playoffs. Refer to Penalties Section 6.0
for penalty descriptions.
Infraction:
Game Ejection
Misconduct
Circumstance:
1st misconduct
2nd misconduct
3rd misconduct
Game Misconduct
1st misconduct
2nd misconduct
3rd misconduct
Gross Misconduct
1st misconduct
2nd misconduct
3rd misconduct
Minimum Penalty:
No suspension
14 minute time
Penalty Served
2 game suspension
Determined by
league officials
Ejection plus 1 game
suspension
Ejection plus 2 game
suspension and
seven days
Determined by
league officials
Ejection plus 3 game
suspension
Determined by
league officials
Determined by
league officials
Match Penalty
1st match penalty
2nd match penalty
Fighting
1st fight
2nd fight
Abuse of official
Ejection and review
by league officials
Ejection and review
by league officials
Ejection plus 3 game
suspension
Determined by
league officials
Min 3 game
suspension and
review by league
officials
5.2 Playing Under Suspension
Any player found playing in a QIIHL league game while under a QIIHL
suspension, will receive double the suspension and be fined 500QR
Note: The team playing with a suspended player will automatically forfeit the
game.
5.3 Supplementary Discipline
In addition to the suspensions imposed under regular play, league officials may
investigate any incident which occurs in connection with any game and may
assess additional suspensions for any offense committed before, during, or after
the game regardless of whether such an offense has been penalized by the
referee.
Section 6.0: Penalties
6.1 Penalty Times
As a result of straight time play within QIIHL the following time conversions
shall be implemented for all Infractions listed herein:
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Minor penalties: 3:00 minutes running time
Major penalties: 7:00 minutes running time
Double Minor penalties: 6:00 minutes running time
Misconduct penalty: 14:00 minutes running time
6.2 Major Penalty Served
When a Major penalty (7:00 minute) the player is ejected from the game, the
penalized team must have another player serve the penalty who was on the ice
at the time of the infraction.
Note: If a minor penalty was assessed to the same player receiving the major
penalty the 7:00 minute major penalty is served first.
6.3 High Sticking
The carrying of sticks above the normal height of the shoulders of the opponent
is prohibited. A Minor penalty or, at the discretion of the referee, a Major
penalty and a Game misconduct penalty shall be assessed any player who
checks or intimidates an opponent while carrying his stick above the shoulder of
his opponent. If injury results, a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty
shall be assessed.
A player who contacts an opponent above the normal height of his shoulders
with a stick shall be assessed a Minor penalty or, at the discretion of the
referee, a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty. If injury results a
Major penalty and a Game Misconduct shall be assessed.
Note: In Junior and Senior hockey, at the discretion of the referee, should the
injury be caused by an accidental high stick, a double minor may be assessed.
Subsequent information on High Sticking infractions can be found on the Hockey
Canada web site. www.HockeyCanada.ca in the Rule Book Case Book Rule
8.3 .
6.4 Body Checking/Boarding
The QIIHL is a non-Body Checking League. Any collisions or body
checking will be strictly a referee judgment call based on the following
description of “Body checking”.
A) Minor penalty or, at the discretion of the referee, a Major penalty and a
Game Misconduct penalty, based upon the degree of violence of the impact with
the boards, shall be assessed any player who Body Checks, Cross Checks,
Elbows, Charges or Trips an opponent in such a manner that causes the
opponent to be thrown violently into the boards. If a player is injured a Major
penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed.
B) When the offensive player is skating towards the defensive player, the
defending player may not hit the offensive player by going in the opposite
direction to that player. The body contact must be as a result of the movement
of the offensive player. There must be no action where the offensive player is
pushed, checked or shoved into the boards. Where, in the opinion of the
referee, accidental contact has taken place, no penalty shall be assessed.
6.5 Slough-Footing/Checking from behind
A Minor penalty or, at the discretion of the referee, a Major penalty and a Game
Misconduct penalty shall be assessed any player who uses his feet to knock an
opponent’s skates out from under him with a kicking or leg dragging motion
from behind. (Slew Footing)
A Minor penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty or a Major penalty and a Game
Misconduct penalty at the discretion of the referee, based on the degree of
violence of the impact; shall be assessed any player who intentionally pushes,
body checks, or hits an opposing player from behind, anywhere on the ice.
If the player is injured a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty must be
assessed. A Match penalty could also be assessed under this rule.
Note: Referees are instructed not to substitute other penalties when a
player is checked from behind in any manner. This rule must be strictly
enforced.
6.6 Interference / Protection of Goaltender
A) A minor penalty for interference, or at the discretion of the referee, a Major
penalty and Game Misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who:
(1) interferes with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in
possession of the puck, or
(2) deliberately knocks a stock out of an opponent’s hand, or
(3) prevents an opponent who has lost or dropped his stick from
regaining possession of it.
Note 1: The last player who touched the puck shall be considered in possession.
Note 2: Players of the side in possession of the puck shall not be allowed to run
deliberate interference for the puck carrier.
B) A minor penalty for interference with the goaltender shall be imposed on the
player who, by means of stick or his body, impedes the movements of the
goaltender by actual physical contact. The penalty shall be interference.
Whether deliberate or fails to attempt to avoid the goaltender.
Note: A goaltender is not ‘fair game’ just because they are outside of their
crease.
Unless the puck is in the goal crease area, a player of the attacking side may
not stand in the goal crease. If the puck should enter the net while such
conditions prevail the goal shall not be allowed. If an attacking player has
physically interfered with the goaltender, prior to or during the scoring of the
goal, the goal will be disallowed and a penalty for ‘interference w/ goaltender’
will be assessed.
If a player of the attacking team has been physically interfered with by the
actions of any defending player so as to cause him to be in the goal crease and
the puck should enter the net while the player so interfered with is still in the
goal crease, the goal shall be allowed.
A minor penalty shall be imposed on an attacking player, not in possession of
the puck, is interfered with by a defending player, but fails to attempt to avoid
making contact with the goaltender. If a goal is scored, it shall be disallowed.
At the discretion of the referee, a major penalty or game misconduct may be
imposed on the attacking player(s) in the event the goaltender has been pushed
into the net together with the puck after making a stop. The goal will be
disallowed.
6.7 Butt-ending/Butt-End Hooking
A major penalty (7 minutes) or Match penalty will be assessed to any player
who butt-ends or attempts to butt-end an opponent. Intent will be the
determining factor for which a penalty call is made and will be made at the
discretion of the referee.
A Minor penalty or, at the discretion of the referee, a Major penalty and a Game
Misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who impedes or seeks to
impede the progress of an opponent by “hooking” or “Butt-End Hooking”.
6.8 Spearing
A Double Minor penalty (6 minutes) shall be assessed to any player who pokes
or jabs or attempts to jab an opposing player with the toe of the blade of the
stick.
A Match penalty (7 minute time penalty and Game Ejection) shall be assessed
to any player who deliberately spears or attempts to spear by jabbing forcefully
with the toe of the blade of the stick or who injures an opponent by any
spearing action.
6.9 Delay of Game
A team can be assessed a delay of game penalty if the referee feels that the
team and/or player is deliberately stalling to run the clock out. This ruling can
be used to penalize teams who repeatedly delay line changes as well after a first
verbal warning by officials.
6.10 Knocking net off during play
Any player or goaltender who deliberately knocks the net out of position will
receive a minor penalty for delay of game, under the discretion of the referee
during regular playing time
If the action occurs in the last two (2) minutes of regular playing time, or any
time in overtime, a penalty shot shall be awarded and the Minor penalty shall
not be served. For purposes of the Penalty Shot a player on the ice must be
chosen to take the shot.
6.11 Roughing
A minor penalty or major penalty shall be assessed to any player who, in the
referee’s judgment, is guilty of unnecessary rough play. In the case of a major
penalty, the player is immediately ejected from the balance of that game.
6.12 Game Ejection
Any player who receives a game ejection is automatically ejected from the
game. Any player who receives 3 minor penalties in one game will receive an
automatic game ejection. A double minor will count as 2 penalties. For the
purposes of this ruling in the QIIHL the three penalties are not necessarily stick
infractions. Any combination of three penalties will see a game ejection
assessed.
6.12 Fighting
Fighting is not permitted in the QIIHL. Any player who receives a penalty for
fighting will receive a major penalty (7:00 minute time penalty) a game
misconduct and a 3 game suspension. See: Section 5.1 Infractions for
subsequent Fighting guidelines.
6.13 Fighting off the playing surface
Any player, who is identified as fighting off the ice (dressing room, hallway,
parking lot) before, during or after the game, will receive an automatic 3 game
suspension. The incident will be reviewed by the league officials with possible
further disciplinary action taken.
6.14 Misconducts
Any player, except the goaltender, incurring a “Misconduct Penalty”, shall be
ruled off the ice for a period of 14 minutes. A substitute for the penalized player
shall be permitted immediately and the offending player’s team shall not play
short-handed.
Any subsequent penalties such as Minors or Majors associated with the same
play will be served first. The Misconduct penalty does not start until these other
penalties expire.
6.15 Game Misconducts
Any player that receives a game misconduct penalty will be ejected for the
balance of that game and is subject to possible further suspension pending
review by league officials. Multiple offences may result in further suspension.
6.16 Gross Misconducts
A gross misconduct penalty will be assessed to any player who makes obscene
gestures, excessively abuses other players, officials, or spectators or attempts
to make a travesty of the game. The player will be immediately be ejected from
the game and will receive an automatic 3 game suspension. Further suspension
may result after a review by league officials. Any subsequent Gross Misconducts
to this same player will result in a review by league officials.
6.17 Match Penalty – Abuse of Officials / Referees
This penalty will be assessed when a player verbally or physically threatens or
abuses any league officials (referees, scorekeepers, coordinators, etc.). A
minimum 3 game suspension will be issued pending league review. A formal
appeal may be submitted to the league.
6.18 Match Penalty – Players/ Intent to Injure
Match penalties are assessed when a player physically abuses or attacks
another player with Intent to Injure. This is a serious infraction and all Match
penalties assessed will be reviewed by league officials to hand down the
appropriate sentence.
6.19 Removing Equipment
Any player who intentionally drops or takes off their gloves, removes helmet or
any other piece of equipment with the intention of fighting, will be ejected from
the game.
6.20 Racial Slurs
If any player on a team utters a racial slur in a QIIHL game, the player will
automatically receive a gross misconduct penalty and be subject to the rules of
the league. There will be no tolerance for this type of behaviour and the league
will be very harsh in its assessing of suspensions for this type of conduct.
Qatar International Ice Hockey League Specific Rules
Supplement 2013-2014
The QIIHL Rules as laid out essentially follow the Hockey Canada Rule Book. As
with many senior hockey leagues there are situations that require exceptions or
alterations to some rules. Our league has specific rules that we have adhered to
for some time that are not covered within the Hockey Canada rule book.
7.0 Supplemental Rules of QIIHL
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Puck is live and in play even if it strikes the netting above the playing
surface and falls back into play.
Referees can stop the clock at their discretion if injury has occurred.
Slap Shots allowed in the A division.
No slap shots allowed in the B division. The ruling is subjective and will
be a determination of the referees. The guideline is that the stick needs
to remain below the waist on both the loading phase and subsequent
shooting phase of the shot.
Goalies taking a shot off the mask may require a whistle and stoppage of
play this determination will be made by the referees based on velocity
and contact. If the referees feel the goalie is in any distress the play shall
be blown down.
Pucks are not permitted on the ice while ice cleaning equipment is in use.