LAFAYETTE HOCKEY CLUB ADULT HOCKEY LEAGUE RULES & POLICIES

The Lafayette Hockey Club (“LHC”) reserves the right to modify or add to these rules at any time.

1. Jersey Policy

1.1. Jersey Requirements: ALL players must have team-colored jerseys with numbers on said jersey no later than week 2 of the season. No team may have multiples of the same jersey number.

1.2. Matching Jerseys: Any player (subs included) not wearing a matching team jersey will be sent off the ice to secure a proper jersey. If a player lacks a matching team jersey or refuses to change, they will not be allowed to play. Goalies must wear a dark jersey for the dark-colored team and a light jersey for the light-colored team. NO EXCEPTIONS.

2. Game Structure

2.1. Game Length: Games consist of three 20-minute run-time periods with a 5-minute warm-up. The last 5 minutes of the third period will transition to stop-time, except when the 1-hour and 15-minute total time limit is at risk of being exceeded, or if there is a four-goal differential. If the game ends in a tie, a maximum 5-player shootout will be held. If the score remains tied after 5 shooters per team, the game will result in a tie.

2.2. Minimum Player Count: Each team must have at least six (6) players from their own official roster present to be eligible to play. If a team has fewer than 6 rostered players, the game is an automatic forfeit.

2.3. Clock Management: Due to strict ice-time constraints, there will be no stoppages of the game clock except for player injuries and during the final 5 minutes of the third period (as noted in 2.1). Officials reserve the sole responsibility to determine if the clock should be stopped due to injury.

3. Playoffs

3.1. Playoff Structure: Playoffs will be conducted following the regular season. Brackets will be determined based upon the number of teams and available ice time. Seeds are determined by: 1) total points; 2) head-to-head record; 3) head-to-head goal differential; 4) head-to-head goals against; 5) head-to-head goals for; 6) coin toss. Bye-week games will not affect seeding.

4. Player Eligibility & Registration

4.1. Registration Requirements: All players must complete the full registration process, which includes signing the Assumption of Risk Waiver (“Waiver”) and the Photo, Video, Audio Release (“P/V/A Release”), as well as agreeing to all League Rules & Policies (“League R&P”) before participating in any games—no exceptions!

4.2. Player Subs (Regular Season): Teams are permitted up to three (3) subs per game to bring a roster up to a maximum of ten (10) players, subject to the following stipulations: all subs must be listed on a current LHC Adult League roster or pay a $20 drop-in fee; subs must sign the Waiver and P/V/A Release and formally accept the League’s R&P before stepping on the ice; subs are restricted to one (1) goal per game; goalie subs must be selected from the official goalie sub list and receive prior approval from the Adult League Director; and the use of unapproved sub players will result in an immediate team forfeit or a retroactive forfeit if discovered after the game.

4.3. Identification: Any sub not currently listed on an active league roster must provide a valid government-issued picture ID upon request.

5. On-Ice Gameplay Rules

5.1. General Guidelines: USA Hockey Rules serve as the foundation for league play, subject to the following LHC changes, additions, or replacements.

5.2. Ringer Rule: No player may score more than three (3) goals in a single game. A fourth goal by the same player is negated; no penalty will be assigned.

5.3. Suspensions: Any suspension not served during the current season will carry over into future seasons. Cross-season suspensions apply to all levels if a player participates in more than one LHC Adult Hockey league.

5.4. Verbal Abuse of Official or LHC Employee: Any player who verbally abuses an official or LHC staff member after taking a penalty will automatically receive a double minor penalty. This rule applies to conduct anywhere in the rink, including benches, doors, and the penalty box.

5.5. 4-Penalty Rule: Any player receiving four (4) penalties in a single game, regardless of the type, will be ejected from that game.

5.6. 10-Penalty Rule: Any team that receives ten (10) penalties in a game will forfeit immediately. Furthermore, any team receiving two (2) Game Misconducts in one game will forfeit. At the point of forfeit, any player(s) with three (3) or more penalties must exit the ice. Remaining players may use the allotted time for scrimmage at the discretion of the Adult Hockey Game Supervisor. It is the team’s responsibility to track team penalties. NO REFUNDS will be given for missed game time.

5.7. Game Suspension & Misconduct Policy: No refunds are available for time missed due to disciplinary action. The Adult League Director will contact players regarding suspensions. Suspended players are prohibited from participating in any drop-in hockey sessions for the duration of their suspension.

5.8. Multi-Game Suspensions: A player ejected for reaching four (4) penalties in three (3) separate instances within a season will receive a league-long suspension.

5.9. Referee-Assessed Misconduct: A Game Misconduct assessed by the referee requires the player to serve an automatic one-game suspension (the next scheduled game).

5.10. Ejection Criteria: A combination of two (2) Suspension Incidents and one (1) Game Misconduct will result in ejection from the league, subject to the discretion of the Adult League Director.

5.11. Director Discretion: Additional game suspensions may be issued by the League Director if deemed appropriate based on the severity of the incident.

5.12. Intent to Injure: Any player who deliberately targets another player or official in an attempt to injure will be suspended for a minimum of three (3) games, pending review. Suspensions may be extended up to a full season. All such incidents will be reviewed by the Adult Hockey Coordinator and Ice Director.

5.13. Fighting Suspension & Fine: A Game Misconduct for fighting will result in up to an eight (8) game suspension and a $100 fine payable to the Lafayette Hockey Club. If a player receives a second fighting penalty during the season, they will receive a one-year suspension from LHC.

5.14. Dangerous Play (Head Hunter Rule): Any player who deliberately checks, boards, or slashes another player will be given one warning or serve up to a three (3) game suspension, depending on the severity.

5.15. Playoff Misconduct: A player receiving their second Game Misconduct during the playoffs will be suspended until the following season.

5.16. Zero Tolerance (RULE 601): Abuse of an official or LHC staff (Scorekeepers, ice maintenance, etc.) will not be tolerated. An automatic Game Misconduct will be assessed, with the potential for permanent expulsion from the league.

5.17. Head Contact Rules: Intentional head contact, or contact resulting in injury, carries a minimum one-game suspension. Unintentional head contact will result in a double minor penalty.

5.18. 5-Minute Major Penalties: Any player assessed a 5-minute major penalty will be immediately ejected, with additional suspensions pending review.

6. Sportsmanship & Administrative Policies

6.1. Mandatory Handshake: The handshake line is mandatory. Skipping the handshake results in an automatic 1-game suspension.

6.2. Skill Level & Division Eligibility: Captains may submit a written petition to the Adult League Director to request a review of any player's skill level. Players found to be playing significantly below their ability in the D2 division may, at the discretion of the Director, be moved to the D1 division. If a player is reassigned but is unwilling to play at the D1 level, they will be removed from the league entirely without a refund.

6.3. Collegiate & Junior Level Restrictions: Players with collegiate or junior-level hockey experience are prohibited from participating in the D2 level and must play in the D1 league. If a player with such experience believes a special circumstance makes the D2 league a better fit, they must contact the Adult League Director for formal approval prior to taking the ice.

7. Refund Policy

7.1. All Sales Are Final: Lafayette Hockey Club ("LHC") operates under a strict no refund policy. No refunds, transfers, or credits will be issued for any reason, including but not limited to voluntary withdrawal, injury, or personal scheduling conflicts.

7.2. Conduct & Disciplinary Removal: LHC reserves the right to remove any participant from the league for disciplinary issues, poor conduct (on or off the ice), or violations of league rules. In the event of such a removal, no refund, credit, or transfer of fees will be issued.

7.3. Rink Closures & Credits: Credits will only be granted if the rink is non-operational for scheduled sessions and those missed sessions are not rescheduled, at the sole discretion of LHC management. In these instances, a prorated credit will be applied to the player’s account for future use. No cash or credit card refunds will be issued for facility issues, weather, or other circumstances beyond the control of LHC.

7.4. Exceptions: The only instance in which a full refund will be issued is if a player cannot be placed on a team or if the entire season is canceled by LHC prior to the start of play.

7.5. Acknowledgement: By completing a registration for LHC Adult Hockey League, the participant and/or payer expressly waives any right to dispute charges or pursue legal action related to refund claims. All decisions regarding credits are final and binding as determined by LHC management.