BTHL Rules

1. League Structure:

   A league structure of games shall be conducted for the following age classifications with a minimum of four (4) member teams: Mite, Squirt, PeeWee, Bantam, Midget16 and Midget18. Eligible teams include any properly USA Hockey registered team from a member Association.
   
   

2. League Administration:
   1. A team making application to the League must name an official team representative and alternate. This representative shall be responsible for overseeing the conduct of all BTHL games at their respective teams home arena(s). Included among the responsibilities are: checking player and team official status (i.e. suspensions, etc.) and notifying the Conduct Committee of all matters of concern regarding the efficient, fair and sportsmanlike conduct of the League.
      
      
   2. So that a current league standing record may be made available, the home team shall be responsible for reporting the score and mailing a copy of the score sheet to the BTHL in accordance with the procedure set forth by the Executive Board. The official record shall be the game score sheet.
      
      

3. Team Registration:
   1. Commitment of teams to the League shall be made in writing before the last commitment date determined by the Board of Trustees. Application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as determined by the Board. Should an application be rejected by the League for any reason (i.e. not enough teams, etc.) the application fee shall be refunded.
      
      
   2. All teams, their players, and team officials shall be registered and in good standing with USA Hockey. The team representative shall place on file with the BTHL a copy of the USA Hockey registration form and roster, including accurate jersey #s, before the start of League play. If an official USA Hockey stamped roster is not available, a copy of the roster submitted to USA Hockey must be provided. Roster changes shall be made in accordance to the rules of USA Hockey. Any roster changes must be sent to the Division Director before any league games are played with the personnel changes. Copies of all original rosters and all changes will be maintained by the Division Director and will be considered the League roster. Any player added after December 31 shall not be eligible for that seasons League play. Participation of a player not rostered with USA Hockey is grounds for forfeiture of all games the player participated in. Violation of BTHL paperwork requirements will result in a $50 fine accompanied with a warning for a first time offense, any subsequent violation is grounds for forfeiture.
      
      
   3. Movement of players from one BTHL club to another BTHL club in the same division of play shall be allowed only with the written consent of both franchise holders and accepted by the Board of BTHL. Movement without the written permission of the BTHL Board may result in forfeiture of all games participated in by the player for the offending club.
      
      
   4. Players can roster on multiple league teams (referred to as "Double Rostering") for the purpose of player development (alternates) or to serve as backup players in the case of injury/illness during the regular season. The following restrictions apply:
      1. Teams are limited to a maximum of four (4) "Double Rostered" players. This includes three (3) skaters and one (1) goaltender.
      2. Players must be registered and rostered with USA Hockey according to all USA Hockey and BTHL rules. These rules include, but are not limited to:
         1. Players must be rostered with a team by the deadline of December 31 (USA Hockey and BTHL rule).
         2. Teams must stay within any 2nd year player restrictions (BTHL rule).
         3. No player can be rostered on both a Tier I and Tier II team at the same time (USA Hockey rule).
      3. The teams which "share" the rostered players cannot compete in the same division. ie: The teams must be in a different age group (PeeWee, Bantam, etc), or different playing levels (B, A or AA), or different divisions (Hoosier, Bluegrass, etc).
      4. Players must declare a single team BEFORE the start of the BTHL year-end tournament and stay with that team for the duration of the tournament. This declaration must be made to the Division Director at least one week prior to the start of the tournament in order that the player can be flagged as "Not Active" on the appropriate website roster in a timely manner.
      
      
      
   5. In order to qualify for the year-end tournament, players must participate in at least half of the scheduled games for a teams' regular season.
      1. "Double Rostered" players can play for both teams provided the minimum requirements are met for both teams.
      2. Serving a game suspension will be counted as a "game played" provided it is clearly noted on the scoresheet.
      3. Players with prolonged illness or injury should obtain a doctors note and petition the Tournament Competition Committee for games missed.
      4. Referees and coaches for both teams are instructed to check players present at each game and cross off players which are not playing before signing the scoresheet.
      
      
      
   6. Teams will be organized at the "B", "A" and "AA" levels.
      
      A "Team Placement Chart" along with any required supporting documents will be generated and refined as necessary by a committee appointed by the President. This chart will then be presented to the general membership for approval each year at the Annual Meeting.
      
      
4. League Games:
   
   
   1. Team Responsibility: Each team shall be accompanied at all league games by an adult coach and/or manager.
      
      
   2. Conduct: Team officials (coaches, managers and team representatives) shall be responsible for the conduct of their teams before, during, and after league games, particularly regarding the use of dressing rooms. Incidents of damage or other conduct prohibited by these Rules and Regulations, the rules and regulations of USA Hockey, or by law, should be brought to the attention to the BTHL Conduct Committee. Team Officials shall be held responsible for damages or other loss caused by their teams.
      
      
   3. Spectators: Each Teams Representative shall take action to insure that spectators are not abusive to officials, players, team officials, or other spectators. Abusive actions specifically include the use of laser pointers. Failure to do so could result in team suspension or game forfeiture.
      
      
   4. Home team: The home team shall furnish official game pucks, a timer and scorekeeper, and at least one hour of ice with adequate dressing room facilities for each team. Scoresheets shall list all registered players of the competing teams, and indicate the player's status if absent or suspended. Where uniform colors are similar, the home team shall supply and wear numbered or see-through "pullovers" or scrimmage vests.
      
      
   5. Referees:
      
      
      1. Each home team shall provide at least two officials. Officials must be USA Hockey certified and meet the requirements as established by USA Hockey as set forth in the annual USA Hockey Guide. One adult referee is acceptable with the written approval of both team coaches on the front of the scoresheet, signed before the start of the game. Once the puck is dropped to start the game, neither team can use this rule as a basis to protest the outcome of the game.
         
         
      2. If a home team does not have 2 official referees on hand at game time, and the visiting team does not wish to play under these circumstances, then the game is to be re-played at the Home Team's rink and rescheduled within 14 days. If the game cannot be rescheduled at the home rink, the game shall be re-played at the Visitor's rink. In both cases, the offending team will pay for the rescheduled ice and referees. Problems in rescheduling the game must be brought immediately to the attention of the Division Director to avoid a FORFEITURE.
         
         
      3. All officials assigned to BTHL games must adhere to the "On-Ice Officials Code of Conduct" as listed in the annual USA Hockey Guide. Further, teams securing on-ice officials should strive not to have referees who are immediate relatives of players or coaches involved in the game. USA Hockey has guidelines which deal with this and these should be followed.
         
         
   6. Game Rules: League games shall be played according to the rules as set forth by USA Hockey except as modified herein:
      
      
      1. The number of League games shall not exceed 24 for any team at any division. In the case that non-league games are played in addition to league games it is understood that unless otherwise noted ahead of time the first games played during the official season will be considered "league" games. Any additional games during that time will be considered "non-league" scrimmages. The schedule format will be as follows:
         
         
         1. With 7 teams or less in a given division, each team will play all the other teams in the division twice at home and twice away for a total of 4 times.
            
            
         2. With 8 or 9 teams in a given division, each team will play all the other teams in the division a total of 3 times. All teams should have a balanced schedule with as much as possible, an equal number of home and away league games.
            
            
         3. With 10-11 teams in a given division each team will play all the other teams in the division twice -or- consideration should be given to sub-dividing the division. Sub-division could be done geographically (north, south, east, west), estimated talent levels and/or randomly.
            
            
         4. d. With 12 or more teams sub-division must occur.
            
            
      2. Game time.
         
         
         1. Mite through PeeWee
            Games will be played with 12 minute periods where possible. Where there is not enough ice time for 12 minutes, 10 minutes will be acceptable. If there is enough time for more than 12 minutes, both coaches must be in agreement and the scoresheet must be initialed by both coaches prior to the start of the game, indicating agreement. If one coach is not agreeable with longer periods, 12 minutes will be used.
            
            
         2. Bantam
            Games will be played with 14 minute periods where possible. Where there is not enough ice time for 14 minutes, 12 minutes will be acceptable. If there is enough time for more than 14 minutes, both coaches must be in agreement and the scoresheet must be initialed by both coaches prior to the start of the game, indicating agreement. If one coach is not agreeable with longer periods, 14 minutes will be used.
            
            
         3. Midget
            Games will be played with 15 minute periods where possible. Where there is not enough ice time for 15 minutes, 12 minutes will be acceptable. If there is enough time for more than 15 minutes, both coaches must be in agreement and the scoresheet must be initialed by both coaches prior to the start of the game, indicating agreement. If one coach is not agreeable with longer periods, 15 minutes will be used.
            
            
         4. In the case of a curfew rink, the game will end at the time the teams must be off the ice. Running time can be used. Visiting teams should be notified as early as possible if a game is a curfew game.
            
            
         5. Penalty times. Players in all divisions shall be assessed 2 minutes for a minor, 5 minutes for a major and 10 minutes for a misconduct.
            
            
         6. Game start/warm-up. The time listed in the BTHL schedule shall be the time that both teams are to take the ice. A reasonable warm-up period shall be allowed both teams (whether or not they are on the ice) commencing at the designated starting time, or at the time the ice becomes available, whichever is later.
            
            
         7. Teams will shake hands AFTER the game.
            
            
         8. Game misconduct. A player or coach who receives a penalty during a league game requiring sitting out a game shall be suspended for at least his team's next league game. USA Hockey rules apply to non-league games in addition to the BTHL suspension. Please note that a single game misconduct could result in sitting 2 games if the penalty occurred in a league game and the next game for the team happens to be non-league. In the event a player receives a game misconduct in the last league game of the season, the suspension will be served in the first playoff game in the end of season tournament. Any player, coach or manager who receives two game misconducts in one season will be suspended for the next two (2) league games over and above the normal USA Hockey rules. Any subsequent game misconducts will result in a hearing conducted by the Conduct Committee within 30 days of the occurrence. Until such hearing is held the individual involved is suspended from all BTHL play, including regular season and playoffs.
            
            
         9. Match Penalty. USA Hockey requires that a mandatory hearing be held by the Association involved whenever a Match Penalty is assessed. A written report from that hearing must be forwarded to the Conduct Committee within 5 days of the meeting. The Conduct Committee will either approve the hearing results or, if deemed necessary, will make any change(s) they feel necessary for future involvement in the BTHL season and submit a new recommendation to the President. From the time of infraction until the Conduct Committee ruling (maximum of 30 days), the player/team official is suspended from all league events, including regular season and playoff games. A second (2) Match Penalty will be handled in the same manner as above and will normally result in suspension from all league events for the remainder of the season, including playoffs. (Note: ANY Match Penalty for Abuse of Official, issued under USA Hockey Rule 601 (G) or (J), automatically goes to the USA/Mid-American Executive Board for their disposition within 30 days of the infraction.)
            
            
         10. Confirmation/make-ups. Failure to appear as scheduled may result in forfeiture. Games which need to be re-scheduled because of adverse traffic and/or weather conditions, be made up within 30 days (some flexibility is allowed depending upon availability of ice).
             
             
         11. Refusal to compete. Refusal to compete in any game as directed by the Scheduling Chair, Division Director or Conduct Committee is considered immediate resignation from the League. Said team will be dropped from all subsequent League activities, functions, schedules, standings and trophy eligibilities.
             
             
         12. League schedule. Any team not completing their League schedule will be ineligible to participate in playoffs and will be brought immediately to the Conduct Committee with possible further action taken.
             
             
      3. Game Schedule:
         
         
         1. Regular season schedule.
            
            
            1. The regular season will be scheduled at a single meeting sometime in the fall of the year. A firm date for this meeting will be determined by the BTHL Board during the summer before the upcoming season and has traditionally been held during the month of September. The official start date for league games is November 1 of each year. Games can be scheduled before this date only if BOTH coaches are in agreement to start early. In no case can games be scheduled before the official scheduling meeting.
               
               
            2. Each team making application to participate in the BTHL agrees to have a representative with available home ice present at this meeting. An individual will not be permitted to schedule for multiple teams.
               
               
            3. Teams are expected to schedule the completion of all league games before the season-ending League Tournament. They should arrive at the scheduling meeting with an open slate, the scheduling of any non-league games should be done AFTER the completion of the league schedule.
               
               
            4. In the event that a season schedule cannot be completed, each team involved will be required to supply the Scheduling Chair with the following information before leaving the meeting:
               
               
               1. All open weekend days (or other potential game days) for each team involved.
                  
                  
               2. All available ice times with a notation of why the opposing team(s) cannot play at that time. Consideration will be given to tournaments, but other non-BTHL games are not considered a valid excuse. Note also that this is a "Travel League" and while we are sensitive to the expense involved, in order to complete the schedule an overnight stay may be required.
                  
                  
               3. The goal of the Scheduling Meeting is to have 100% completion. At a minimum, any unscheduled games must have a plan of resolution agreed upon before leaving the meeting. Potential solutions could include (but are not limited to) scheduling at other rinks or counting an upcoming tournament game as a league contest.
                  
                  
            5. Sometime within a few days after the Scheduling Meeting, the Scheduling Chair will post an Official Schedule on the League Web Page. It will be each team's responsibility to notify the Scheduling Chair of any errors found and when corrected to confirm the accuracy of the schedule in writing.
               
               
         2. League Tournament.
            
            
            1. A firm date for this tournament will be determined by the BTHL Board prior to the final commitment date for application to the league and has traditionally been held 2 weeks prior to the State Tournaments.
               
               
            2. Each team making application to participate in the BTHL agrees to participate in this tournament. Refusal to participate may result in sanctions to be determined by the BTHL Board.
               
               
            3. The BTHL Board reserves the right to reclassify teams in the tournament as "B", "A" or "AA" depending upon the relative competitiveness of the divisions.
               
               
            4. Division seedings provided by the League will used for the play-offs. The League will also provide the Tournament Rules.
               
               
         3. Changes, Cancellations and/or Postponements.
            
            
            1. The schedule (as agreed to at the Scheduling Meeting) is considered firm and may only be changed if both teams are in agreement to the proposed change. Any changes must be acknowledged in writing to the Division Director by representatives from both teams.
               
               
            2. In the event that a team postpones or cancels a game without the agreement of the opposing team, that team will be responsible for the ice and referee cost of the rescheduled game.
               
               
            3. In the event that the game is not rescheduled, that team will be charged with a forfeit.
               
               
            4. Notes regarding weather related incidents:
               
               
               1. The BTHL encourages all teams to use common sense and consider the safety of all involved when it comes to traveling in threatening weather. It is understood that the final decision to travel will be made by the traveling team and that decision should not be questioned by the BTHL or opposing team.
                  
                  
               2. While attempting to reschedule, keep in mind that league games are a top priority and it is understood that non-league games should be canceled or rescheduled if necessary. The burden to adjust an existing schedule should fall initially on the canceling team, but the non-canceling team may also be required to adjust their schedule if necessary.
                  
                  
               3. The consequences will essentially be the same as noted above in b) and c).
                  ie: If the game is eventually rescheduled, it will be at the cost of the canceling team. If the game is not able to be rescheduled, the canceling team will be charged with a forfeit.
                  
                  
               4. If the teams involved are unable to agree on a modified schedule within 1 week of the originally scheduled game then all pertinent information should be forwarded ASAP to the Division Director. With that information a decision will be made as to which team will be charged with a forfeit.
                  
                  
         4. Premature game stoppage. In the event that a game is not able to be played to completion, it will be resumed where it ended unless the conditions causing the stoppage had some potential effect on the health or athletic performance of the players. If the cause of stoppage potentially effected player performance then the game will be reviewed by the BTHL to determine whether it should be replayed in its entirety. The argument that the condition equally affected players on both teams is not considered valid and will not be accepted. If the BTHL does not make a ruling within seven (7) days then the game will be resumed where it left off. This rule applies to all league games, including both regular season and tournament games.
            
            As an example, if the game is stopped due to power or some other equipment failure then the game will be rescheduled and resumed where it left off. If the game is stopped due to carbon monoxide or ammonia exposure, the game will be reviewed by the BTHL and could potentially be replayed from the start.
            
            
      4. Scoresheet Procedure:
         
         
         1. Teams are to use current official USA Hockey scoresheets (or equivalent), provided by the home team.
            
            
         2. The team representative is responsible for ensuring that the scoresheet is properly filled out and distributed to the required parties.
            
            
         3. The home team shall submit (mail) the scoresheet to the Division Director within 72 hours of game completion. The Division Director will distribute complete instructions prior to the beginning of the season.
            
            
      5. League Standings: Standings will be compiled by the BTHL Webmaster and posted on the league website.
         
         
      6. Complaints/Protests.
         
         
         1. Protests based on referee calls and/or decisions will not be considered.
            
            Note: According to USA Hockey, you may ask the Referee making the call to change it and permission to do so must come from the Mid-Am Referee-in-Chief.
            
            
         2. All game protests must be noted on all original copies of the scoresheet and initialed by the referee immediately following the conclusion of the game. This must then be followed up with a letter detailing the circumstances of the protest, along with a check for the appropriate amount, to the Conduct Committee postmarked within 72 hours. (As an example, if the game in question is played on Friday night there must be a letter and check in the mail by Monday). The Conduct Committee will not consider any protests which do not follow this procedure.
            
            
         3. A $100 fee must accompany the protest. Should the protest be upheld the fee will be refunded. Please read the BTHL rules before filing a protest, ignorance of league rules may result in the unnecessary forfeiture of your protest fee.
            
            
         4. Any violation of BTHL Rules and Regulations will result in the forfeiture of the game by the violating team.
            
            
         5. If the protest is for any reason other than a rules violation and is upheld, every effort should be made to re-schedule the game in question. In the event the game cannot be re-scheduled, the ruling of the Conduct Committee stands.
            
            
         6. Any party not satisfied with the Conduct Committee's decisions, may appeal in writing to the BTHL Board for review.
            
            
         7. All hearings, whether conducted by the Conduct Committee or the BTHL Board, should be open to all parties involved. The procedure for holding the hearing will be established by the Chairperson/President. All parties will be notified in a timely manner. A hearing is not a BTHL Board meeting and thus the procedures for conducting board meetings do not apply.
            
            

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   Posted: 05/26/2006