Adult Hockey League
Oshawa Adult Recreational Hockey League (O.A.R.H.L.)
The O.A.R.H.L. remains committed to providing a safe, fun and enjoyable adult recreational hockey league experience.
Spring/Summer 2025 Season Information |
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Fall/Winter 2024-2025 Season Information |
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O.A.R.H.L. Playing Rules and Regulations
The current Hockey Canada Rule Book will be utilized for all games with the exception of rules specific to the O.A.R.H.L. as outlined below.
Administration
Alcohol and smoking |
We strictly prohibit alcohol, smoking, and illegal substances of any kind in all areas of the facility including parking lots and dressing rooms. A three-step policy is in place.
Individual discipline
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Damage to premises |
Any repair or replacement costs for damages to the facility or property are payable by the team or individual. Additional penalties may be issued at our discretion. |
Divisional alignment |
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Dressing rooms |
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End of season review |
The league will review the conduct of players and teams to ensure the rules and regulations of the league are respected. The league reserves the right to decline the registration of any individual player or team for violating rules or regulations. |
Team roster |
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Game requirements
Absent goaltender |
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Entry onto the ice surface |
Players may not enter the ice until the flood has finished and the doors are completely closed. |
Forfeit and default games |
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Game length |
Each game consists of a warm-up and three ten minute stop periods.
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Game sheet |
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Jersey requirements |
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Player lateness |
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Playing rules
Blood |
If a player is cut during a game and blood is drawn, the player must leave the ice and cover the wound; before continuing to play in the game |
Canadian Standards Associations (C.S.A.) approved helmet |
All players (skaters and goaltenders) must wear a C.S.A. approved hockey helmet correctly fastened with a chinstrap. Full facial protection is strongly recommended for all players and mandatory for goaltenders |
Code of conduct |
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Contact with goaltender |
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Icing |
Icing must be initiated from behind the defensive zone blue line and is automatic when the puck crosses the goal line. If a goaltender leaves the crease area to play the puck, the icing will be waived off |
League governance |
Rules found in the current version of the Hockey Canada Rule Book are followed for all games. The Oshawa Adult Recreation Hockey League also has specific rules and regulations |
Player eligibility |
Protests |
Protests are not allowed. The referees' decisions are final. Issues may be discussed with us the following day |
Regular season standings |
Team standings will be determined as follows:
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Rule clarification |
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Running time |
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Tied games |
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Timeouts |
Timeouts are only allowed during playoff games. Each team is entitled to one 30 second timeout per playoff game |
Penalties and suspensions
Balance of game (B.O.G.) |
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Double minor penalties |
The following infractions will be issued a double minor penalty or at the discretion of the referee and major penalty and game misconduct:
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Fighting |
Fighting will not be tolerated. One punch can constitute a fight or what is called a one-player fight
If an instigator or aggressor is identified, those players will receive an additional two-game suspension for each offence |
Game ejection |
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Ineligible player |
Any team that plays a game with an ineligible player will forfeit the game |
Major penalties |
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Match penalties |
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Player penalty minutes: threshold and suspension |
Player suspensions for accumulating penalty minutes are as follows:
All penalty minutes carry over into the playoffs. |
Player suspensions |
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Suspension and expulsion |
Refunds will not be given for extended suspension from league play as a result of any infraction of the Oshawa Adult Recreational Hockey League playing rules and regulations |
Playoffs
Playoff Format |
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Overtime - championship games |
Teams will play three on three for a five-minute sudden-death period. Teams do not change ends for overtime. If still tied, a shoot-out will occur:
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