WHL Rules
Please read all rules and policies before registering
League Operation
Following registration you will be placed on a team based on your level of playing experience. Every effort is made to make the teams as balanced as possible but allowing you to play with your friends. Jerseys will be provided.
League Rules
Intentional head shots will not be tolerated. You will be asked to leave the league with no refunds. Remember, this is recreational house league hockey - everyone has to work on Monday. The referees will be enforcing the penalties. There will be two referees for each game. Offside rules are enforced. No touch icing is in effect. Body-checking is NOT allowed. Excessive physical contact will result in a penalty. Repeat offenders or non-sportsmanlike play could result in suspension from the league without refund. Basic penalties (hooking, tripping, slashing & interference) will be enforced. If you have a complaint about a player or referee you must provide the London Sports Park staff with a formal written complaint.
Forfeits
Each team must have 6 players dressed and on the ice at the start of the game. If not, the result is a forfeit of game with a score of 3-0 for the non-default team. A forfeit is agreed upon prior to puck drop and written on the game sheet for London Sports Park to record. Player goals and assists will not be counted in the forfeited game but ALL major penalties and/or misconducts will still be enforced.
Subs
Substitute players are permitted in the winter league. All players MUST be registered, full-time, paid players. There is a limit of 3 subs per game and the total number of skaters should not exceed 10. The subs will be required to sign the game sheet with their jersey colour/number so that the sub players are documented. Players may sub for any team. Players cannot sub in consecutive weeks and not more than 8 games for the season. The use of substitute players that do not meet the above criteria will result in the removal of the substitute player(s) and an automatic forfeit to the team. Team captains can email their team, us or show up early to ask other players. Subs are NOT allowed during playoffs. Any team that does not have enough skaters and requires the use of subs, the game will result in an automatic forfeit. If a goalie is unable to play, they are to first ask all goalies in the league to sub for their game. If no goalie from the league is available to play, they may seek outside the league to find a goalie to cover their game. If this is the case, the substitute goalie needs to get permission from the league conveners and will need to sign a waiver from London Sports Park prior to playing. If the goalie does not receive permission, has not signed the waiver, and still plays, the game will result in a forfeit.
Social Media Policy
Social networking is defined as communicating through on-line communities of people such as, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, MySpace, LinkedIn, Foursquare and any other social media network that allows users to communicate online. The Womens House League London (WHL London) understands the importance of social networking, however, it also allows for inappropriate conduct which may be detrimental to the welfare of the WHL London, and the future of WHL London players. The policy will be applicable to all members of WHL London including organizers, on-ice and off-ice officials, players, players’ family members and supporters. Inappropriate behaviour over social networking media will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action being taken by the WHL London.
- The first violation will result in a written warning from WHL London organizers.
- The second violation will result in an automatic 3 game suspension and a discipline meeting with WHL London organizers
- The third violation is automatic suspension until a discipline meeting with the WHL London organizers arranged with possible player release from WHL London with no monetary recompensation
Risk of Injury
Hockey is a contact sport and poses a potential risk of personal injury to any participant. We try to minimize the risks by not permitting body contact, but please be aware risks do exist.
Pregnancy
If you become pregnant during the hockey season, you must contact us. We do not encourage you to play while pregnant; however, the choice should be between you and your doctor.
Waiting List
If a player needs to leave the league, we will try to replace them with a player from the waiting list. (as long as there are players on the waiting list.) If we are successful, the replacement player will directly pay the player they are replacing for the remaining ice time.
Equipment
Full ice hockey equipment must be worn. Helmets must have full cages. Skates must be hockey skates.