Article I: Name

Article II: Purpose

Article III: Membership

1. all contact with the teams in a member club on all matters other than immediate scheduling;
2. all discipline matters regarding any team in a member club;
3. dealing with all correspondence either from the League or from any person associated with a team in the member club; and
4. distributing any information published during the year by the League.

Article IV: Membership Fee

Article V: The Executive

1.  The Executive of the League shall consist of not less than the following officers:
   
   
   President
   1^st Vice President
   2^nd Vice President
   Secretary
   Treasurer
   Head Convenor
   Discipline Chairperson
   Registrar
   Past-President
   Association Representatives
   
2. All members of the Executive shall be elected for a one-year term at the Annual General Meeting. Association representatives shall be appointed by their associations and should be identified to the Secretary prior to the first scheduling meeting. 
    
3. The President, Vice-President and Treasurer must have served the previous 2 years as an executive member of the CEGHL. Nomination for the Treasurer's position requires unanimous approval of the current executive.
   
4. The Executive shall have the power to fill any vacancies, which may occur in its number.
   
5. The Executive shall have the power to form committees.
   
6. The President may vote only when necessary to break a tie.
   
7. Each member of the executive has right to vote on any matter at the Executive Meeting or at any General Meeting of the League. It is to be understood that Executive members do not represent their home Associations interests while acting as members of the CEGHL Executive.  No member will have more than one vote regardless of the number of positions held within the organization.
   
8. Each Association or Independent team is entitled to one vote at the Executive Meetings.  
   

Article VI: General Meeting

1.  The President must call a General Meeting. Notice of the meeting shall be mailed or called to each voting person at least 30 days prior to the meeting.
2.  
3. A quorum at the General Meeting shall consist of a minimum of 10% of the voting membership. In order to pass any motion, the quorum must consist of 51% of the voting membership present.
4.  
5. Each Team shall be entitled to ONE Vote, they must designate their voting person prior to the commencement of all meetings.
6.  
7. A team may at any time assign their proxy vote to another team representative
8.  
9. The Annual General Meeting shall be held on or before August 31 of each year and must include a financial statement and election of officers.

Article VII: Executive Meetings

1.  The President shall call executive meetings.
   
2. A quorum at an Executive meeting shall consist of a minimum of 3 of the President, 1st Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Head Conveyor, Registrar, past-President and Discipline Chair.
   
3. Each Executive member shall have one vote on any issues addressed at an Executive meeting. The president may only vote when it is necessary to break a tie. Association Representatives shall each have one vote.
   
4. The Executive shall meet at least ten (10) times per year normally on a monthly basis.
   

Article VIII: Playing Rules

Article IX: By-Laws

Article X: Amendments

Section 1: Executive

President

Secretary

Treasurer

Head Convener

Discipline Chair

Registrar

Past President

Association Representatives

Honorary Members

1. All teams, coaches, managers, trainers, players and support staff must be approved by the Executive, registered with the League, and registered and insured with the OWHA   a Competitive level, before participating in any League function.
    
2. Teams are to be registered with the League by the due date set “of each Season’s Scheduling Meeting”, and by forwarding the proper Registration fees as set by the Executive. Failure to do so will result in fines being rendered.  All copies of CEGHL Registration Forms, Change of Participant Forms, Player Releases MUST be submitted to the League Registrar at the Coaches Scheduling Meeting for Registration to be complete.  The Team Registration Form is to be filled out in alphabetical “surname” order.   
    
3. Changes in registration MUST be submitted to the League Registrar prior to participating in any league activity.  Failure to do so will cause the teams to be ‘late in registering’. No player may be added to a team’s CEGHL roster after January 15.
    
4. Teams ‘late in registering’ may not be eligible for further league play and possibly participation in the League Playoff and/or Championship games and be subject to a $50.00 late fee payable to the League. 
    
5. No player, under intermediate age, is eligible to participate in League Playoffs and/or Championship games unless the player has played a minimum of 60% of League games with that team.  Intermediate age players must meet the OWHA Provincial criteria (RULE THREE B 6) to be able to participate in CEGHL playoffs and championship games. 
    
6. All member clubs will be represented by the Association Representative at Executive meetings.  If the Representative is not available for a meeting, the association must send an alternative.  All individual teams must appoint a Representative for their team.  All communications between the League and teams will go through the Representative.  Teams and Associations not represented at the Executive meetings will be fined $25.00 per meeting unless a valid reason is received by the Executive prior to the meeting.

1. League teams are allowed to pick-up three (3) players of lower category. Pick-up players are restricted to a maximum of three (3) games for each player per season.
   
2. Pick-up players are not eligible for League playoff games or Championship games.  However, in certain circumstances, a team may be permitted to pick up a goaltender.  If a team’s goaltender is injured or unavailable for a legitimate reason, that team must apply, with proper documentation, to the CEGHL Registrar for a permission to pick up a goaltender.  The pick-up goaltender must come from the same league competitive level or lower.  The CEGHL Registrar and Head Convenor will notify other teams in that competitive category after making a decision.  If permission is granted, the team’s designated goaltender(s) will be ineligible to play in that game.  
   
3. Every Pick-up player or goalie must be designated on the game sheet with the symbol "CU" beside their name.
   
4. A Pick Up Player is defined as EITHER from:
1. a lower age level and the same classification or lower
2. the same age level and lower classification
3. Bantam B team can call from Peewee B team
4. Bantam B team can call from Peewee C team
5. Bantam B team can call from Bantam C team
6. Bantam B team CANNOT call from Peewee BB or higher team

1. Team Colors must be documented. All teams must have white Home jerseys as well as colored Away jerseys.
   
2. Once the team colors are registered with the League and accepted they may not be changed during the season without the approval of the League executive.
   
3. It will be the responsibility of the Home team to change sweaters if the colours of the competing team conflict. The decision in this matter shall be left to the referee in charge of  the game.
    
4. Goalies must wear the same colour sweater as the team.
    
5. Socks on both legs should match in colour and should not be the same colour as the opposing team. A team should endeavour to have all their players' wear matching coloured socks. 

1. All Officials must be currently certified through the National referees Certification Program.
   
2. Any referee to be insured as such must provide proof that he/she is currently certified.
   
3. Only 1 referee is required to officiate regular season games if agreed upon by both coaches and the official who is present. All playoff and championship MUST have a minimum of 2 officials. The home team should endeavor to have at least 2 officials at all games. It is to be noted on game sheet if only 1 official presided over game.
   
4. All Referees in CEGHL Bantam and higher games must be minimum Level II. In Bantam & higher it is recommended to use a three-(3) referee system. 

Section 3: Scheduling

1. All teams are required to have two (2) team representatives at the initial scheduling/orientation meeting. One member must have full authority to schedule all home and away games for the team. One member will be required to become familiar with pertinent League rules. Any further scheduling meetings will require only one (1) team representative.
   
2. Each team must bring a minimum number of ice allocations representing half of their proposed schedule plus two additional dates to each scheduling meeting.
   
3. Each team must provide a full contact name, e-mail address and fax number at the first scheduling meeting.  Each team must review the official schedule once posted by the Division Convenor and/or web page for accuracy of game times and arenas before the season begins.  Each team must provide a volunteer to provide 30 minutes of assistance, if needed, at the Central East Championship Weekend.
   
4. Any team failing to attend any scheduling meeting shall be deemed not eligible for play in the League.

1. Cancellation of a game by a team can be done without penalty for further responsibility up to two weeks prior to the day a game is scheduled.
   
2. Ice cancelled less than two weeks before the scheduled game day becomes the responsibility of the team which gives notice of cancellation.  They will be billed for the ice time unless ice is used by another team.  The cancelling team will be assessed a minimum $100.00 disciplinary fine payable to the League.  Teams forfeiting a game due to lack of players on game day will be subject to a $100.00 disciplinary fine plus be responsible for the cost of the officials.
   
3. Games must be scheduled to another available time slot in the season within seven (7) days after the original game cancellation. Games not rescheduled within the seven-day period will be forfeited by the team that cancelled the original game and will be assessed a $50.00 disciplinary fine payable to the League.
   
4. Rule c. is waived if all remaining time slots in the season are filled. In this event, rescheduling will await the opening up of opportunities through cancellations of other games.
   
5. Division conveners must be notified of any cancelled and/or rescheduled games.
   
6. After the agreement and implementation of your schedule, each team will be allowed to rearrange a maximum of three games during the season upon agreement by both teams in each case. (assuming availability of ice time).  Any more than three changes will subject a team to a $50.00 disciplinary fine per game payable to the League.
   
7. Forfeiture of points will occur if a team must cancel above the three games limit unless approved by the CEGHL Executive. Written documentation outlining reasons for the cancellation must be provided prior to the cancellation.
   
8. The Executive reserves the right after an investigation, to issue an additional $200.00 fine, payable to the League, to any team who either fails to show for a scheduled league game without just cause; cancels a scheduled league game within 24 hours of its playing time without just cause; or refuses to reschedule a cancelled game.
   
9. Teams receiving fines in accordance with any of the forgoing provisions shall be notified by the League that an infraction has occurred a fine is being levied and the amount of the fine; the fine shall be paid within fourteen (14) days of notification. Should a team fail to pay a fine as provided above, then the Executive may, in its sole discretion, through the Convenor, advise the defaulting team that, as a result of its failure to abide by the rules, it is deemed to have withdrawn from the League, and from all League games scheduled by it, and that the team is no longer a League member, with the result that:  

• all points awarded to the defaulting team will be taken away, and
• all points awarded to other teams in games played against the defaulting team shall be taken away, and
• the defaulting team shall not be eligible for playoffs, and
• all reference to the defaulting team shall be deleted from the league's web-site and
• further disciplinary action will be discussed with the OWHA.  

10. If a game must be cancelled because one or both teams cannot travel due to inclement weather, the following policy is in effect: 

• Convenor is to be notified by the home team.
• Game is to be rescheduled as soon as possible.
• In the event that both teams do not agree to cancel, a ruling will be made by the CEGHL Executive member.
• Games cancelled under bad weather conditions are not included in the games described under Rule 1.

11. No league game may count as four points and no tournament games may be substituted for league games.  A league game may count as both a CEGHL and other OWHA sanctioned game such as a provincial playdown game, provided that all League and OWHA rules are followed as set out in OWHA Rule 3(b)(2).
    
12. Any team who does not complete their regularly scheduled games by the date designated by the League shall be subject to a $100.00 fine for each game not played.
    
13. Any team who refuses to schedule any League game at the scheduling meeting shall be suspended until notification at a discipline hearing.

Section 4: Playing Rules

1. All teams are reminded to follow and respect the Fair Play Codes set out by the CHA in the Safety Requires Teamwork@ Booklet.
   
2. All teams are expected to adhere to the guidelines of the CHA/OWHA ASpeak out@ Program for Harassment and Abuse.
   
3. Good Sports Rule@ B All CEGHL games will end with the players of the two teams and coaches shaking hands.

1. It is the responsibility of the coach of the home team to provide an approved game sheet. The home team coach should have the game sheet completed and give it to the visiting coach at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled game time. Complete all information including the two teams names, the arena, the division, and the scheduled time and game number.
   
2. List your players in alphabetical last name order at all times, beginning with the goaltender (s). Spell your player's name correctly using complete first names. You DO NOT have to name your starting lineup.
   
3. If you have a player that is serving a suspension, the coach or manager must write SUPENSION and the suspension game number beside her name on the game sheet. (i.e) SUSPENSION 2 of 4)
   
4. If you have a pick-up or call up player you must write "CU" beside her name.
   
5. All bench staff as well as players must sign the game sheet. All players’ names, including non-participating players, must be on the game sheet at the start of the game. If a player arrives after the start of the game and her name is NOT on the game sheet the player is ineligible and CANNOT play.
   
6. It is the responsibility of the Coach/Manager to name the captains and alternatives on the game sheet.
   
7. All league games including Playoff and Championship games shall consist of one period 10 minute stop time and two periods of 12 minutes stop time. (10-12-12).
   
8. The Referee shall determine ice usage where there may be insufficient time to complete the game within the allotted time. IN ALL CASES THE LAST MINUTE OF ANY GAME SHALL BE PLAYED AS "STOP TIME".
   
9. Teams playing in arenas that have a curfew MUST be informed by the Home Team of the curfew. The referees must also be aware of the curfew. The curfew time must be indicated on the game sheet prior to the commencement of the game.
   
10. Each league scheduled game shall commence no sooner then the exact time as indicated time on the League game scheduled unless agreed upon by both teams and officials. If time allows, there may be a two (2) minute warm-up. After such time, the referee shall instruct the timekeeper to start the clock.

1.  CHA Rule 24
   
2. All players including goalies are required to wear a manufactured neck protector. Goalies must wear a manufactured throat protector.

1. It is the responsibility of the HOME Team to report by fax the game sheet to the Division Convener within the twenty-four (24) hours.  It is the responsibility of the Division Convener to report the game score to the Head Convener by e-mail within seventy-two (72) hours. The Head Convener may request, at his/her discretion, that the game sheet be faxed to them.  A copy of the game sheet must be given to the visiting team. The Division Convener will fax to the Head Convener any game sheets with suspensions.  Failure to fax the game within the twenty-four (24) hours by the HOME team will result after each occurrence, in a one game suspension to the coach and a fine of $25.00 to the team. 
   
2. All teams registered in the League cannot make other commitments on the weekend or dates of the CEGHL Play-offs and Championships. Failure to attend a Play-off or Championship game will cause an OWHA suspension for the team involved.

1. An attending coaching staff person shall be required to report the nature of all injuries where a player required a doctor and/or was removed from the arena by ambulance. The attending coaching staff person shall complete the prescribed Injury Report Form.
   
2. Where the nature of any injury may be declared serious, the Executive shall have the power to suspend the player from any further participation in League games and/or practices until such time as the written authorization is obtained from a doctor before permitting the player to resume league participation.

Section 5: Suspensions

1. A suspension or suspensions to any league coach, manager, trainer, player or support person (on the bench or timekeeping at the time of the time of the infraction) in any OWHA sanctioned game-league, tournament, and/or exhibition in or outside the Province of Ontario shall be served in the next scheduled OWHA sanctioned game(s) included tournaments, previously scheduled exhibition games and house league games.
   
2. A League coach, manager, trainer, player or support staff serving a suspension(s) shall not be permitted to participate in any OWHA sanctioned practice(s), league game(s), exhibition game(s) and/or tournaments until said suspension(s) is/are served. Any person serving a suspension(s) is not permitted to enter the player’s bench and or the timekeeping area. The suspended person’s name must be entered on the Official Game report with "SUSPENDED" marked beside their name and what suspension game number it is. Where a person violates any provision of this section, additional suspensions may be imposed by the Discipline Board. The offending team shall forfeit the games in which the infraction took place.
   
3. A suspension(s) shall be carried out during the present season and if necessary into the next season.
   
4. Any league person(s) receiving a Life Suspension inside or outside the league shall not be allowed any further participation in any League games or functions. In addition, such person (s) shall not be allowed to hold any Executive position. Suspension from arenas used by the League may also be handed down.
   
5. Where a coach, manager, trainer, player or support person receives a suspension in any OWHA game outside the jurisdiction of the League, the onus is on the coach of the team to advise the League's Discipline Chair and the OWHA Regional Director of such suspensions prior to the team's next league game.
   
6. A Discipline board shall be struck by the Discipline chair consisting of not less than three (3) executive members for the purpose of hearing any particular matter concerning a Suspension, Appeal or Protest.
   
7. Any Suspension in any OWHA sanctioned game (league, tournament, house league and/or exhibition in or outside Ontario must be reported to the Discipline Chair and the OWHA Regional Director within twenty-four (24) hours of the infraction (s). In their absence, the infraction (s) must be reported to the Head Convener and the Discipline Chair of the OWHA. Failure to do so, shall result in further disciplinary action.
   
8. All League members must follow the minimum suspension guidelines as circulated annually by the OWHA. The League will uphold additional suspensions upon written notification to the Discipline Chair.
   
9. Where a matter with respect to a suspension may directly, or indirectly relate to an Executive member, such member shall not vote on the matter.
   
10. The Discipline Board shall suspend a coach, manager,  trainer, player or team where such person or persons with respect to any scheduled League game refuses to ice a team, to attend a game or withdraws a team from the ice surface during the course of the game.
    
11. The Discipline Board shall suspend any League member where such conduct in and /or around an arena or other place, or by such action may bring discredit to the League and/or sport Girl's and Women's Hockey.
    
12. If a team receives more than 35 penalty minutes in a game, including a player’s 10 minute misconduct, the coach is suspended for the next league game.  Second incident, the coach receives a two game suspension.  The third time, the coach is suspended indefinitely and must appear at a CEGHL discipline hearing.

1. To protest, a team or individual must submit a written documentation stating the reasons for the protest and facts supporting the protest. The protest shall be filed with the Discipline chair and be accompanied by a CERTIFIED check or money order in the amount of $50.00.
   
2. Within seven (7) days of the protest being filed, the Discipline Chair shall set a date for the hearing of the protest. The hearing date will be no more than fifteen (15) days after the filing date.
   
3. A game protest MUST be filed within twenty-four (24) hours of the infraction(s). The procedure in 4.5.2.1 a. must be followed before the Discipline Board will take any action.
   
4. The fee shall be returned if the protest is upheld.
   
5. Executive members will only receive communication from Association Representatives.  Individual teams (this includes bench staff as well as parents) may not contact Executive members.  Teams that contravene this League rule are subject to a $25.00 fine for each incident. 

1. To appeal, a team or individual must submit written documentation, stating the reason or reasons for the appeal and facts supporting the appeal. The appeal shall be filed with the Discipline Chair within twenty-four (24) hours and must be accompanied by a CERTIFIED Cheque or money order in the amount of $50.00
   
2. With seven (7) days of the appeal being filed, the Discipline Chair shall set a date for hearing the appeal. The hearing date will be no more than fifteen (15) days after the filing date.
   
3. This fee shall be returned if the appeal is upheld.

Section 6: Playoff and Championships