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Playing Rules

REVISED - October 2006
The Regina Ringette Association, the Ringette Association of Saskatchewan and Ringette Canada Constitution and Bylaws apply.

The Ringette Canada Official Rule Book shall apply. The playing rules set out in this book are to be read in addition to the Official Rule Book.

CODE OF THE GAME

  1. To ensure the well being of every person involved in the sport.

  2. To ensure mass participation and the opportunity of all to play in a fun atmosphere

  3. To offer players different levels of play, from recreational house league to the competitive.

  4. To ensure the development of players, coaches, and officials.

  5. To ensure goodwill and friendship.

PARENT'S CODE

  1. Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.

  2. Remember that children are involved in sports for their own enjoyment, not yours.

  3. Encourage your child to play by the rules.

  4. Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory.

  5. Turn defeat into victory by helping your child.

  6. Children learn by example. Applaud good plays by the opposing team, as well as your child’s team.

  7. Do not publicly question the official's judgment. Do not question their honesty. Compliment their efforts.

  8. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sports.

  9. Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide an activity for your child.

  10. Do not take on the coach’s role - your instructions may confuse your child.

PLAYER'S CODE

  1. Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents, or your coach.

  2. Play by the rules.

  3. Respect your officials, their judgment and decisions. Let your captain or your coach ask any necessary questions.

  4. Control your temper - no "mouthing off", throwing equipment, or breaking sticks.

  5. Work hard for yourself and for your team; you and your team’s performance will benefit.

  6. Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays even those made by the opposing team.

  7. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another player.

  8. Remember the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and feel good.  Don’t be a show off.

  9. Co-operate with your coach, teammates, and opponents; without them, you do not have a game.

COACHES CODE

  1. Be reasonable in your demands on the young player's time, energy, and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests.

  2. Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.

  3. Group players according to age, size, skill, and maturity whenever possible.

  4. Avoid overplaying the talented players. The "just average" players need and deserve equal ice time. It is the coaches responsibility to ensure that all players receive equal ice time during league games.

  5. Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of the game. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes, or losing a competition.

  6. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.

  7. The scheduling and length of practice times and competitions should take into consideration the maturity level of the players.

OFFICIAL'S CODE

  1. Use common sense to ensure that the "spirit of the game" for the children is not lost by over calling the game.

  2. Actions speak louder than words. Ensure that both on and off ice behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sportsmanship.

  3. Be consistent, positive, objective, and courteous in calling all infractions.

  4. Publicly encourage rule changes that will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.

  5. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound officiating principles.

  6. Keep your attention on the game, not the spectators.

SPECTATOR'S CODE

  1. Remember that children play organized sports for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you and they are not professional athletes.

  2. Do not try to give instructions to players, as you may confuse them.

  3. Be on your best behaviour.  Do not use profane language or harass players, coaches, or officials.

  4. Applaud good plays made by your team and the opposing team. Show respect for your team’s opponents; without them there would be no game.

  5. Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during competition.

  6. Condemn the use of violence in all forms.

  7. Respect the officials’ decision. Compliment them when a good job is done.

  8. Encourage players to always play according to the rules.

  9. Spectators who abuse players, coaches or officials are subject to league discipline.

INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION

  1. Players are not allowed on the ice (try-outs and evaluations included) until their registration fees are paid in full.

  2. Before an individual participates in the Regina Ringette Association league, that individual must be duly registered with the Registrar of the zone in which they reside.

  3. All player requests to register in a division outside their designated playing division or zone must:

    • be made in writing to the RRA board (via the Registrar) by September 1st

    • state the reasons for the request

    • it may be beneficial to include a letter of recommendation from a recent coach

    more information

  4. Players may register on one team only per season. Anyone registering with more than one team, without proper release, may be suspended for the balance of the season.

  5. Any team using a player before being granted the permission of the Zone Registrar will be liable to automatic forfeiture of any games where such a player is used.

  6. Any player registered with RAS during a current playing year is allowed to play on RRA league ice if they are selected as participants on a Western Canadian Ringette Championship or Canadian Ringette Championship team.

  7. A player with outstanding team fees from a previous season will not be allowed to register in the current season until those monies are paid in full.

  8. Any player sponsorships must be approved by the board.

TEAM REGISTRATION

  1. Initial registration shall include the coaches and managers' names, addresses, phone numbers, every player’s name, address, and birth date on the appropriate form. The League Registrar may require proof of birth date.

  2. No player will be allowed to compete before a transfer is approved, if necessary.

  3. Team registrations must be submitted to the League Registrar by the appointed date for that playing year. Any extensions are at the approval of the Regina Ringette Association executive upon recommendation from the appropriate zone.

  4. A team is not eligible to play until the team and its players are properly registered.

LEAGUE SCHEDULE RULES

  1. The RRA Scheduler schedules league and playoff games.

  2. Normally, the league schedule will run from late October through to mid-March. The league playoffs will be held from mid-March into April, with the objective to be finished by Easter break.

  3. Let the Scheduler know by October 1 (first half schedule) and November 15 (second half schedule) of any Tournaments that your team will be participating in, practice times, or other events so that these dates can be avoided in the schedule, where possible.

  4. The Executive shall determine if interlocking is required between divisions. This will only be required if there are insufficient numbers in some divisions.

  5. The schedule of league or playoff games will take precedence over tournament and exhibition games, should there be a conflict.
    NOTE: If a tournament conflicts with a league game, the team must arrange a game change, or play the scheduled game.

  6. Games must begin with a minimum of 7 players per team. If a team cannot ice the minimum number of players, they will forfeit the game by a 7-0 count.

  7. Should a team fail to show up for two games, the coaches and managers shall appear before the Protest and Discipline Committee.

  8. Any team not showing up for a scheduled game shall be charged for the ice rental and the Official’s fees.

  9. No shows are forfeitures and the score will be recorded as 7-0.

  10. A team consistently forfeiting for having less than 7 players, or 4 no shows, shall not continue on league ice.

  11. All forfeitures and no shows must be reported to the Ringette Officials Association of Regina (ROAR) Assignor. The Regina Ringette Treasurer will bill the team accordingly.

  12. Most ice slots are 55 minutes. Teams must be ready to play no later than 1 minute after the official start time. The start of the second period must not be delayed, and the game must end on time.

  13. A delay of game penalty will be assessed to the coach of the team not ready to play at the scheduled game time. If still not ready to play after 5 minutes, a goal will be awarded to the non-offending team and the clock adjusted.

  14. There must be a female on the bench at all times during games (U16 (Junior) & below).

  15. Game time:

    • U9 (Bunny) division:
      Before Christmas, the first period (25 minutes) will be used for player warm-up and team practices. In the second period, the clock will be set for 24 minutes of running time to allow for eight 3-minute line changes.  One coach from each team will be permitted to be on the ice during the game portion.
      After Christmas, the clock will be set for two 21-minute running time periods to allow for seven 3-minute line changes per period.

    • U10 (Novice) division and up:
      The clock will be set for 17 minutes of stop time in the first period. The second period will be set to fully utilize the time slot, at the official's discretion.

  16. No time-outs will be allowed in league play. Time-outs may be allowed in Provincial and League playoffs, providing that the Scheduler has allowed for it.

  17. Shot Clocks will be used for all games in the U14 (Tween) and up.

LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

  1. Only Divisions with a minimum of 2 eligible teams will be scheduled for League Playoffs with the exception of the U9 (Division).  U9 teams will each be scheduled for 3 exhibition plus 1 final game to end the year.

    1. All Regina teams (excluding AA & A where only one team exists) will be scheduled for League Playoffs.

    2. Rural teams must make their intentions known by the appointed date in order to be scheduled.

  2. The format to be used will be a pool format unless the Regina Ringette Executive indicates otherwise.  This decision must be made known by the appointed date.

  3. All League Playoff Round-Robin games shall consist of two 15-minute stop time periods.

    1. Cross-over, Semi-Final and Final games for League Playoffs will be two 17-minute periods.

  4. U9 (Bunny) exhibition games will be played the same as league games – two 21-minutes straight time periods with a buzzer every 3 minutes.

  5. Teams must be ready to play 5 minutes before game time.

    1. Teams not ready at this time will be assessed a delay of game penalty.

    2. If still not ready 5 minutes later, a goal will be awarded to the non-offending team.

    3. The game shall be forfeited after 10 minutes with a 7-0 score.

  6. No playoff games will be allowed to be re-scheduled unless there are extenuating circumstances (i.e. weather). The Regina Ringette President is to be contacted in these circumstances so that a ruling can be made. If a team does not play the scheduled game, it shall be recorded as a forfeit with a 7-0 score.

    1. NOTE: If a team forfeits for any reason, it shall be eliminated from any future playoff action.

  7. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, during Round-Robin games, each time will be awarded 1 point.  No overtime will be played.

    1. In the event of a tie at the end of regulation time in semi-final and final games, sudden death overtime will be played until a winner is declared.

    2. Overtime periods will be 5-minute sudden death, with the teams alternating possession and ends to begin each period.

    3. A coin toss will decide ring possession with the winner of the toss receiving the free pass and the loser having the choice of ends.  Home will call the coin toss.

  8. Ringette Canada tie breaking rules shall apply unless amended by the league.

  9. No temporary players will be allowed in league playoffs. The Protest & Disciplinary Committee will only consider the use of a temporary player to replace an injured or ill goalie, and only if a second goalie is not on the roster.

  10. Time-outs are not permitted in Round-Robin games.  Each team is entitled to 1 Time-out per games for Semi-Final & Final games with an additional Time-out awarded to each team during each Overtime period.

PROVINCIAL PLAYOFFS

  1. Prior to the appointed date for the current playing year, the Regina Ringette Executive must inform the Ringette Association of Saskatchewan of any teams in the zone who wish to participate in their respective divisions Provincial playoff.

  2. If, in a division, more than the allowed number of teams would like to participate in Provincials then qualifying games must be played.  The Provincial qualifiers will be scheduled throughout December and January, avoiding the Christmas break as much as possible.

  3. The Provincial qualifier format will be determined by the RRA Board.

  4. The teams must pay the Provincial fees to the Regina Ringette Treasurer by the appointed date for that playing year. Failure to do so will eliminate the right for that team to represent the RRA at the corresponding Provincial Ringette Championship.

  5. Provincial Championships are held for U14 (Tween), U16 (Junior), U19 (Belle), and 18+ (Open) Divisions.

EQUIPMENT

  1. Numbers on uniforms must be no less than 6 inches on the back and clearly visible. No duplication of numbers will be allowed. The same number, 3 inches in size, appearing on the lower right front portion of the jersey is recommended. All team members, including the goalie, shall wear matching team jerseys.

  2. A skull type CSA approved helmet with a CSA Ringette approved facemask, with a proper chin strap affixed is mandatory and must be worn by all players.

  3. Goaltender's equipment must comply with Ringette Canada specifications.

  4. In the U9 (Bunny) and U10 (Novice) divisions, the use of goal pads and chest protectors are optional, so that any player may play goal in regular equipment.

  5. Tube skates or moulded blades (no pointed ends or picks) must be worn. Figure skates are forbidden.

  6. Elbow pads, shin pads, knee pads, a BNQ neck protector, padded gloves (hockey or Ringette) and protective girdle with tailbone and genital protection are mandatory. Shoulder pads are strongly recommended.

  7. Sticks that meet Ringette Canada specifications must be used.

  8. A coach requesting a stick measurement will receive a delay of game penalty if the stick is found to be legal.

  9. In the event of a colour conflict, the visiting team will be required to change jerseys. The on-ice officials will make the final decision.

ON ICE BEHAVIOUR

  1. A team may have three captains or alternate captains, designated to talk to the officials. A goaltender may not be appointed as such. The captain or alternate captain must wear a "C" or "A" on the front of their jerseys, and marked on the game sheet in the same manner. Only one captain or alternate captain may approach an official at a time.

  2. Coaches, spectators or parents who rush or harass an official during, or following a game, will be subject to disciplinary action.

  3. Players must not throw their sticks or equipment in jubilation at the end of the game, so as to prevent injuries. Helmets must be worn at all times, until players leave the ice surface following the game.

  4. If play is stopped for an injured player, that player must leave the ice and may not be involved in the resumption of play.

    1. Each player must be played a minimum of two minutes per half, with the exception of the alternate goaltender. If a coach does not play a player in the first half, he/she will be assessed a two minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty per player not being played.

    2. If, in the second half, any player does not play two minutes in the first thirteen, or by the final two minutes of running time, the clock will be stopped and the coach assessed unsportsmanlike conduct penalties as above for each player not played. These penalties are to be written up on the game sheet and served in full by the player(s) who are on the ice at the time of the stoppage.

    3. While these penalties are being served, the unplayed player(s) shall be on the ice, and shall not be the persons sent to serve the penalty.

  5. Players shall use the penalty box furthest from their bench.

  6. The home team shall remain near their bench until the visiting team is off the ice.

GAME SHEETS

  1. The home team shall provide the game sheet - these are available at the rink.

  2. Game sheets should be printed with players listed in numerical order. All players must be duly registered before being placed on a game sheet.

  3. Game sheets must be properly completed and show team names, age group, date, time, rink, and must be signed by the manager or coach of each team.

  4. Temporary player(s) must be indicated with a (TP) after their name on the game sheet.

  5. Each team must provide one timekeeper/scorekeeper.  Home team is responsible for providing a shot clock operator when required as well as pick-up, set-up & return of the Shot Clocks.

  6. The scorekeeper will record the goals and penalties only as directed by the official.

  7. The scorekeeper will write the final score on the score sheet before signing it. Both officials will check and sign the sheet.

  8. Goal cap for our league as outlined:

    • U9 (Bunny) Division - maximum 3 goals per player per game (including Overtime)

    • U10 (Novice) Division - maximum 3 goals per player per game (including Overtime)

    • U12 (Petite) Division - maximum 4 goals per player per game (including Overtime)

    This is in effect for all League, Tournament & Championship games.
    The games would be officiated as usual with the Referees reporting the goal-scorer to the Scorekeepers. Goals in excess of the Goal Cap would not count, however, the game would continue as usual after a goal is scored (with a Free Pass at center ice).  The Scorekeepers will be responsible for ensuring that goals exceeding the limit are not recorded on the score sheet or scoreboard.

  9. In the U10 (Novice) Division, no one player can play more than half of a team’s league games in goal.  Goalies should be indicated with a (G) on the game sheet.

  10. It is the responsibility of the winning team to submit the game score to the RRA website (or the Home team in the case of a Tie) within 24 hours of the game. Game Scores Form  In case of dispute, the White copy is to be kept by the winning team until the end of the Season at which time they can be discarded.

  11. Points during regular league schedule will be allocated as follows:

    • Win = 2 points

    • Tie = 1 point

    • Loss loss = 0 points

GAME CHANGES

  1. Any game changes necessary will need to be arranged by the team wanting the change as outlined below:

    1. Check the schedule for a game in which another team in your Division plays your scheduled opposition.
      Example: Team A plays Team B on November 1; Team C plays Team B on November 9 – Team A & Team C switch dates

    2. Check the schedule for another game in your Division to switch with.

    3. Check the schedule for a game in an adjacent Division to switch with (this is so that the refs may not need to be re-scheduled.

    4. After selecting some game options to change with, you must contact the staff of all of the teams affected to see if this change can be accommodated.

    5. If the change is agreed upon, you must then e-mail the details of the game change(s) to the ROAR Assignor at least 2 days before the change.

TEMPORARY PROMOTION / PLAYER CALL-UPS

  1. The 18+ (Open) B Division & below are only allowed to draw from one playing Division below their opposition.
    Examples:

    • U9 (Bunny) teams can call-across other U9 (Bunny) players (as there is no Division below U9 (Bunny)) with advanced permission from the opposing team.  This should only be done when absolutely necessary

    • U10 (Novice) teams can draw from U9 (Bunny)

    • U12 (Petite) teams can draw from U10 (Novice)

    • U14 (Tween) B teams can draw from U12 (Petite)

    • U14 (Tween) AA & U16 (Junior) B teams can draw from U14 (Tween) B

    • U16 (Junior) A can draw from U16 (Junior) B & U14 (Tween) AA/B

    • U19 (Belle) B can draw from U16 (Junior) B & U14 (Tween) AA/B

    • U19 (Belle) A can draw from U19 (Belle) B & U16 (Junior) A/B

    • 18+ (Open) B can draw from U19 (Belle) A/B

    • When playing each other; U16 (Junior) AA, U19 (Belle) AA & 18+ (Open) A promotions must be agreed to by the opposition

    A team may call-across from their own playing level when their opposition is of a higher level.

    • i.e. A U16 (Junior) B team playing a U19 (Belle) B team may use U16 (Junior) B temporary players.

  2. Players can be promoted to a maximum of 2 games per player per team per half Season.  Goaltender promotions may exceed this amount.

  3. Temporary players may be used to bring the roster up to a maximum of 11 players, including the goalie.  A team is allowed to promote a goaltender regardless of roster size in the event that their own goaltender is unavailable to play.
    Examples:

    • A team has a roster of 13 players and will be missing 4 players.  They can only promote up to 2 players to bring their roster to 11.

    • A team has a roster of 13 players and will be missing 2 players.  They cannot promote any players unless one of their absent players is their goaltender, then they can promote a goaltender only.

  4. A team may not use more than four temporary players in any game.

  5. Temporary promotion is not allowed if it conflicts with any League, Playoff, or Tournament game of the team on which the player is registered.

  6. No temporary players will be allowed in league playoffs. The Protest & Disciplinary Committee will only consider the use of a temporary player to replace an injured or ill goalie, and only if a second goalie is not on the roster.

  7. Any team using ineligible temporary players will forfeit the game where the ineligible player(s) were used and the senior member of the team bench staff during that game will receive a one (1) game suspension.

  8. Procedure to promote a player:

    1.  Contact the coach/manager of a team from the appropriate Division.

    2.  Indicate how many players are needed and what positions (if applicable)

    3.  The contacted coach/manager will then indicate if they have any players available and will either:

    a.  Provide the name (parent, where appropriate) & phone # of the player(s)

    b. Contact the player(s) to see if they are interested in being temporarily promoted and provide them with the details; then confirm with the inquiring coach.

    NOTE: Whenever possible, try to promote players who will advance a Division the following Season and ensure player promotion opportunities are equal amongst advancing players.

    4.  Remember to add Temporary player(s) to your score sheet roster and indicating them as such with (TP) after their name.

DISCIPLINE

  1. The RRA Vice-President will chair the Protest & Discipline Committee. The rest of the committee shall consist of the ROAR Vice-President, RRA Director of Player Development and/or RRA Director of Coaching Development, the RRA Commissioner for the age division involved, and two members at large. No member shall serve on the committee where a majority of the Committee determined that there is a conflict of interest.

  2. The Committee shall handle all disciplinary and game protest matters concerning teams, players, coaches, managers, officials, and spectators.  The Committee shall make a decision and notify involved parties.

SUSPENSIONS

  1. The RRA President shall have the power to suspend any player, coach, assistant coach, manager, official, or team official for unsportsmanlike conduct at the rink, for foul or abusive language, or for any conduct that in his/her judgment is detrimental to the sport of Ringette.

  2. If required, the Protest & Disciplinary hearing date will be arranged within 72 hours of notification from the suspended individual. Notification must be sent to the RRA Vice-President. The suspended individual will appear before the Protest & Disciplinary Committee. The Committee will continue with the charge or cancel the suspension. This directive will be final and the directive must be filed with the office of the RRA President.

  3. Committee hearings shall be arranged by the Chair of the Committee (or Vice-Chair in the absence of the Chair). The hearings shall require a minimum quorum of three members.

  4. Upon initial notification of suspension, the number of suspended games the penalized person will be assessed will be based on the following:

  5. Go to the Suspensions Table
    NOTE: The above applies to League, Playoffs, and Exhibition games. Suspensions occurring during RAS sanctioned play (Tournaments and Provincials) must be served in sanctioned play. Refer to the RAS policy manual, section 7062, for further details. The above are guidelines that will be used, but the Protest & Disciplinary Committee may increase the length of the suspension if they so desire, taking in to account the severity of the offense.

  6. Anyone receiving a Misconduct or Match penalty in the last 5 minutes of a game shall be suspended from the next 2 games (Misconduct) or 5 games (Match).

  7. Anyone receiving a second (or subsequent) Misconduct or Match penalty within the same playing year shall appear before the Protest & Disciplinary Committee to determine if extended disciplinary actions are required.

  8. The rules as to the suspensions are intended to extend to the conduct of players, managers, or other team officials during Exhibition and Tournament games.

  9. A suspension based on a number of League games shall prohibit the suspended person from participating in any Exhibition games during the suspension. Such suspensions shall be enforced from one playing year to another. A violation of this rule may result in further suspension.

  10. All players and team personnel who have been suspended, and who must appear before the Protest & Disciplinary Committee, will be accompanied by the team coach and manager. No team personnel or player can participate in League, Playoff, or Tournament games until dealt with by the Protest & Disciplinary Committee, who will set the time, place, and date of the hearing(s).

  11. All suspensions must normally be fulfilled in League games. When a team attends any sanctioned Tournament, suspended player(s) or team personnel will not be allowed to participate. Service of a League suspension during Tournament games must have prior approval of the Protest & Disciplinary Committee. Exhibition or defaulted games do not constitute games served for suspensions. Suspensions will be carried over from season to season until served in full.

  12. It is the coach’s responsibility to inform the Vice-President of RRA of any Misconduct or Match penalties received in Non-League games. Further League suspension may result.

  13. The Ringette Canada Rule Book will be followed concerning penalties. All Match and Misconduct penalties will be reported to the Vice-President of ROAR by the on-ice Officials. The Vice-President of ROAR will keep a record of these penalties.

  14. The Protest & Disciplinary Committee may enforce disciplinary measures applied by other Associations, such as the Ringette Association of Saskatchewan or Ringette Canada.

  15. Any player, coach, manager, or Official who falsifies a signature on a game sheet shall incur an automatic suspension until the league executive deals with the matter.

  16. Officials are to inform the Vice-President of ROAR if there is any unusual or serious infraction pending for the Protest & Disciplinary Committee.

GAME PROTESTS

  1. A protest must be accompanied by a money order or certified cheque for $50.00, made payable to the Regina Ringette Association.

  2. Protests, together with evidence in support thereof, signed by the protesting party, must be made in duplicate and forwarded to each of the following, within 72 hours of the incident: RRA President, Chair of the Protest & Disciplinary Committee, and the defending party. The defending party shall have 72 hours to file defensive evidence to the Protest & Disciplinary Committee. If either party fails to comply with this rule, the party failing to comply automatically loses the protest.

  3. In game situations, the notification of the intent to protest must be made to the on-ice Officials and noted on the game sheet at the time that the cause of the protest occurred.

    1. The protesting party should immediately notify the official that the game is continuing under protest.

    2. All parties involved shall take notice of the conditions surrounding the making of the protest that will aid in the correct determination of the issue.

  4. During Playoffs, the Chair of the Protest & Disciplinary Committee must be notified immediately either by telephone, or in person, and the protest delivered to the Chair no later than 12:00 PM, the following day of the event.

  5. The Protest & Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to effect whatever disciplinary action is deemed necessary.

  6. All decisions of the Protest & Disciplinary Committee are final and must be filed with the office of the President.

  7. In the event of the protest being upheld, the money order or cheque shall be returned.

  8. In the event of the protest being disallowed, the fee shall be forfeited and the money order or cheque shall be deposited in the Regina Ringette Association bank account.

  9. No protest will be considered over an Official’s decision as to fact, such as scoring goals or blue line infractions. No protests will be considered on matters of an official’s judgment.

  10. No protest will be allowed over a timekeeping error if the resulting error gives an equal opportunity to both teams.
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