CASCADE HOCKEY LEAGUE RULES OF PLAY

General:

General rules of play will be as published by USA Hockey. In addition to the rules and requirements of the USA Hockey rulebook, the following additional rules also apply:

Rosters:

1. Maximum number of players: Team rosters should have no more than 20 players listed, including subs, but not including goaltenders.

2. Game roster:Prior to the start of each game, both teams must provide the scorekeeper with an accurate roster which includes the names of all players and their jersey number for that game. Failure to hand in a roster prior to starting the game will result in a bench minor penalty to be assessed to that team. The minor penalty will remain in effect until the offending team generates an accurate roster.

3. Changes to team rosters: Rosters will be 'open' allowing additions and/or deletions until the (10^th) game of the winter season, and the (6^th) game of the summer season. Once these dates have passed, no additional changes (adds or deletions) may be made to a teams' roster. If a non-rostered player plays for a team after the closing date, the game will be ruled a forfeit if contested by the opposing team (see rules for contesting of players below).

   1. Short bench exception - If a team has fewer than 9 players prior to the start of a game, the shorthanded team can ask the opposing team's captain if additional substitute players may be used. If accepted, the captain of the permitting team must initial the score sheet indicating that the game will count as a valid game. If the request is declined by the opposing team, the shorthanded team has the option of either playing only with eligible rostered players, or acknowledging a forfeit for using non-rostered players for the game.

4. Challenging a player's eligibility: If a team suspects that a player on the opposing team is ineligible (either for being a non-rostered player, or for currently serving a suspension), they can challenge a player's eligibility by brining it to the attention of the referee prior to the start of the third period. If the player is found to be ineligible, the challenging team has the option of either having the ineligible player immediately ejected from the game or having the game declared a forfeit. If the game is declared a forfeit the player can stay for the remainder of the game, but it will be recorded as a forfeit. Once a decision has been made, the game will continue. If a challenge is issued and the player is proven to be eligible, the challenging team will be assessed a bench minor penalty.

5. Playoff eligibility: To be eligible to play for a team during the playoffs , a player must be on the team's current season roster, and must have played a minimum of (5) regular summer season games, or (8) regular winter season games (whichever is applicable).

6. A single player may NOT be on more then 4 rosters without league approval.  That approval will come with conditions given out by the league that they must avid by.  The only exception is any league official and that is determined based on a team being short players and the level of play
   

Suspensions:

1. Game Infractions:Generally, only referees will suspend a player for infractions which occur during (or after) games. When a player is issued a suspension during a game, it will be noted by the referee on the score sheet. Certain infractions carry a minimum (1) game suspension, these are:

• Gross misconduct 
• Abuse of an official 
• Fighting

In addition, referees may assess suspensions for other serious infractions, at their discretion. Players who are given a suspension of (3) or more games by a referee will meet with a league appointed disciplinary committee (see below).

2. Repeat offenders: Players who receive multiple mandatory suspension infractions in the same season will be assessed additional suspensions by the league. Unless otherwise specified, the following schedule will apply to any player committing more than (1) of the same type of mandatory suspension infractions in the same season: 

• First offense (1) game
• Second offense (3) games
• Third offense (8) games
• Fourth offense (12) games

Note: This rule applies to only multiple infractions of the same type, so, if a player receives a (1) game suspension for fighting, and then later in the season receives a suspension for abuse of an official, only a single game suspension will be mandatory for the second infraction (unless otherwise recommended by the official issuing the suspension). If the player were to receive a second fighting suspension in the same season, then the length of suspension would be an automatic (3) games for the second occurrence.

3. Length of suspensions: A player's suspension is effective for all teams which he (or she) is listed for until the suspension is served with the team for which it was received.

4. Playing while suspended: If a player is found to be playing while being currently listed as suspended, that player will receive an additional (1) game suspension.
   
   
5. Multiple game suspensions: Players who receive a multiple game suspension of (3) or more games must appear before a league appointed disciplinary committee. The committee will review the details of the infraction, and will determine if the suspension will stand 'as is' or if additional games will be assessed at the committees' discretion. If a player suspension is taken before the committee for review, the committee's decision is final, and must be followed to continue to play in the league. Failure to follow the ruling of a disciplinary committee will result in expulsion from the league.