League Constitution and By-Laws

Contents

  1. ABOUT THE LEAGUE
    1. League Aims and Objectives
    2. Code of Conduct
    3. Member Eligibility and League Format
    4. Governance Structure
  2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
    1. Mandate
    2. Powers
    3. Duties
    4. Appointments and Removals
    5. Meetings and Voting
    6. Finances and Signing Authority
    7. Indemnification
    8. Liability Insurance Coverage
    9. Dissolution
  3. MEMBERSHIP
    1. Eligibility
    2. Member Registration
    3. Member Rights and Obligations
    4. Disqualification Conditions
    5. Fees and Refunds
    6. Divisional Assignment
  4. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
    1. Player Draft
    2. Penalty Threshold
    3. Team Management
    4. Disciplinary Process
    5. Game Management
  5. APPENDICIES
    1. Appendix A – POLICIES AND PROTOCOLS
    2. Appendix B – PLAYER TERMS OF AGREEMENT
    3. Appendix C – CONVENOR JOB DESCRIPTION
    4. Appendix D – TEAM MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION
    5. Appendix E – REFEREE DUTIES AND GUIDELINES

ABOUT THE LEAGUE

The West Mall Oldtimers Hockey League is a not-for-profit adult recreational organization for male players 35 years of age or older. All revenues received in whatever form are used exclusively to achieve the community aims and objectives of the League.

League Aims and Objectives

To promote a safe and friendly playing environment within the community for the recreational enjoyment of ice hockey by adult male players over the age of 35, with an emphasis on fun, sportsmanship and fair play. The League is committed to providing a sport environment in which all players and officials are treated with respect both on and off the ice. No player has to fear rough play and the risk of being hurt.

Code of Conduct

Members of the League are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a responsible manner and shall refrain from behaviour which is offensive or abusive. In particular, Members of the League shall not engage in activity or behaviour which endangers the safety of others; threatens fellow players or officials; ridicules or taunts players; or otherwise makes a travesty of the game, on or off the ice.

Member Eligibility and League Format

Members of the League must be 35 years of age or older as of the end of the calendar year and have a minimum of five years of recreational hockey playing experience.

Players are assigned to a Division based on their age and skill level. At the discretion of the League, players may be assigned to a different Division to ensure all available spots are filled or for their own safety and well-being.

Prior to the commencement of the season the Division Convenors hold a player draft in which players are selected and assigned to individual teams. The goal is to achieve team parity where every team has an equal chance of winning each week.

Players may be disqualified from further participation in the League and forfeit any fees paid if they are deemed to be in severe violation of the League’s Code of Conduct.

Governance Structure

The organization is governed by an Executive Committee charged with administering the affairs and operation of the League in accordance with the provisions and by-laws of the Constitution. A secondary governance tier is made up of the Convenors for each Division within the League. A tertiary tier consists of the individual Team Managers within each of the respective Divisions.

  1. Executive Committee
    The role of the Committee is to direct the management of the League. Designated Officers carry out the various duties and functions that need to be performed in order for the League to operate. The Committee is also empowered to make amendments to the Constitution and By- Laws.
  2. Division Convenors
    The Convenors are responsible for overseeing the performance of the Team Managers and ensuring competitive balance within the Divisions. They spearhead the player draft process and serve as the main point of contact between the League Executive and the Team Managers [see Appendix C for duties and accountabilities].
  3. Team Managers
    Reporting to the Division Convenors, the Managers serve as principal liaison between the League and his players. They participate in the Division player draft; assist with player evaluation and ratings; manage the player roster and positional assignments; and serve as the primary conduit for League communications. [see Appendix D for duties and accountabilities].

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee is a volunteer group of active participants in the League and is made up of a maximum of ten Directors. Seven of the Directors serve as Officers with specific responsibilities and vested authority. The other Directors are non-Officers representing the voice of the players who can vote on League matters. All Directors report directly to the President. Division Convenors automatically qualify as Committee members. Committee Directors are not remunerated or rewarded in any way for their services.

Mandate

To actively manage all League operations in order to achieve the stated goal of providing a structured not-for-profit playing environment for adult recreational hockey players.

Powers

The Executive Committee is empowered to administer all operational aspects of the League in accordance with this Constitution and its by-laws. The Committee may amend this Constitution provided the changes are consistent with the League’s aims and objectives.

Duties

The Executive Committee is made up of the following Offices:

  1. President
  2. Vice President
  3. Secretary
  4. Treasurer
  5. Registrar
  6. Operations Manager
  7. Communications Manager
  1. President
    Responsible for overall management of League affairs. Serves as Chair of all meetings. Nominates Officers for specific duties subject to Committee approval. Maintains the League’s relationship with the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Department. Acts as a co-signer for all bank accounts and financial instruments.
  2. Vice President
    Acts as deputy to the President and serves in his absence. Responsible for administrative oversight of the League. Develops operating budget estimates for Committee approval; leads operational task forces; and conducts the annual Player Satisfaction Survey.
  3. Secretary
    Attends all meetings of the Executive Committee. Records and distributes minutes of each meeting. Oversees vote tabulation for written ballots.
  4. Treasurer
    Responsible for financial management of the League, depositing League funds, and paying suppliers. Deposits all monies in accounts held by the League. Negotiates and signs ice rental agreements with the City of Toronto. Prepares year-end financial statements for Committee review. Serves as dual signing Officer alongside the President. The Treasurer must hold recognized accounting or bookkeeping credentials.
  5. Registrar
    Manages player registration; maintains secure contact lists; ensures fee compliance; issues approved refunds; approves all new player applications.
  6. Operations Manager
    Responsible for recruitment, supervision and scheduling of Referees and Officials. Maintains the League Rulebook. Develops the League schedule. Selects championship prizes. Co- ordinates engravings on Division trophies. Orders as required official League pucks.
  7. Communications Manager
    Responsible for development of the League web site and associated Registration and Game Management systems. Produces and distributes the annual Winter Player Handbook. Also produces and distributes a League Newsletter.

Appointments and Removals

  • President's Term: The President is elected by the Directors via a majority vote for a maximum term of five (5) years. At the end of the term, the Committee shall hold a vote to either renew the incumbent or elect a challenger from among the Directors. If there are no challengers, the President is re-elected by acclamation.
  • Removal of the President: The President may be removed prior to term layout via a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of non-confidence by the Directors.
  • Officer Appointments: The President nominates Directors to specific Officer roles, which must be approved by a simple majority vote of the Committee.
  • New Directors: Any current Executive member may nominate a new Director to fill a vacancy, subject to a simple majority vote of approval.
  • Removal of a Director: The Committee may remove any Director on the recommendation of the President by a majority vote if they fail to perform their duties or are absent from two (2) consecutive Executive meetings without valid cause.

Meetings and Voting

  • Chair: Meetings are overseen by the President, or the Vice President in his absence.
  • Quorum: A minimum of 50% of active Committee members must be present to conduct official business or pass resolutions.
  • Voting Mechanism: General resolutions are decided by a show of hands. Elections for the President or specific Officer roles must be conducted by secret written ballot, tabulated by the Secretary.
  • Tie-Breaker: Every Director has one vote. The Chair of the meeting casts a vote only in the event of a tie to break the deadlock.

Finances and Signing Authority

  • Fiscal Year: The League’s financial year-end is April 30th.
  • Banking Security: All league funds must be kept in an approved financial institution. All cheques, payments, and financial commitments require dual signatures of both the Treasurer and the President. Cash payments are prohibited.
  • League Credit Card: Directors may be authorized to use a League credit card for operational expenses, but every transaction requires prior approval from both the President and the Treasurer unless otherwise waived.

Indemnification

All Directors, Convenors, Team Managers, and League officials shall be indemnified and saved harmless out of League funds from all financial costs and legal expenses arising from actions brought against them during the normal, good-faith performance of their duties.

Liability Insurance Coverage

To satisfy City of Toronto permits, the League will maintain comprehensive Liability Insurance Coverage. This policy must cover bodily injury, property damage, tenant liability, errors and omissions, non-owned auto liability, and participant accident coverage (including loss of life, disablement, and dental fractures).

Dissolution

The League will dissolve if the active player base drops below a viable operational threshold, as determined by a vote of the Executive Committee. Upon dissolution and the clearing of all outstanding liabilities, any remaining funds will be donated to a local youth hockey league or registered charitable organization agreed upon by the Committee.

MEMBERSHIP

League members are defined as actively registered players in the current season who have paid their fees in full and meet the minimum standard age requirement. The membership term is one season, winter or summer.

Eligibility

  • Definition: League members are defined as actively registered players and goalies who meet the minimum age standard, have signed the Terms of Agreement, and have paid their registration fees in full for the current season. The membership term is valid for one (1) season (winter or summer).
  • Age Standard: All members must turn thirty-five (35) years of age on or before December 31st of the current season. Exceptions to this standard may only be granted under special circumstances at the joint discretion of the President and the League Registrar.
  • Skill Requirements: The League is a competitive-recreational environment. Applicants must have a minimum of five (5) years of competitive hockey experience; novice or beginner-level players do not qualify.

Player Registration

  • Online Portal: Registration must be completed online via the League website. Accepted payment methods are credit card or e-transfer. Cheques and cash are not accepted. A player is not considered legally registered until full payment is received.
  • Capacity and Waiting List: Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all Division capacities are reached, registration will close, and remaining applicants will be placed on a chronological waiting list managed by the Registrar.
  • New Applicants: New players must complete a Player Application Form for skill and background vetting. Once approved by the League Registrar, they may register and complete their payment in full via credit card only.

Member Rights and Obligations

  • Required Forms: Before final registration is permitted, all members must sign the official Terms of Agreement. This includes a mandatory Liability Waiver protecting the League and its volunteers from injury claims (see Appendix B for Terms of Agreement), as well as compliance with the Player Code of Conduct.
  • Account Profiles: Members will receive a secure login profile on the League website to create or update their contact information.
  • Transparency: To ensure institutional transparency, members in good standing have the right to view summarized annual financial statements and minutes of past meetings through their online account portal.

Fees and Refunds

  • Fee Structure: The annual Member Fee is set by the Executive Committee upon approval of the operating budget. Due to the higher cost of personal equipment, goalies pay exactly half (50%) of the standard player fee.
  • Standard No-Refund Policy: Except as noted below, all player fees are strictly non-refundable once the season gets underway.
  • Division Reassignment: If a player is reassigned to a different Division by the Executive Committee, and that player rejects the decision and chooses to quit the League, they are entitled to a full and immediate refund of their registration fee. The decision is considered final and there is no pathway to appeal.
  • Season-Ending Credit Policy: If a player suffers a season-ending injury during official League play, experiences a sudden change in personal circumstances (e.g., job loss or job transfer), or faces a sudden health crisis within the first four (4) games of the season, they may request a full registration credit toward the following season.
  • Credit Requests: Requests for an exceptional credit must be submitted to the Registrar in writing before the exact midpoint of the season, clearly stating the grounds for eligibility.

Divisional Assignment

  • Parity Controls: While the League makes every effort to respect personal preferences, the Executive Committee retains absolute discretionary authority over the assignment of players. Players may be assigned or moved based on a combination of age profile, skill level, competitive fit, or simply the need to ensure evenly balanced Divisions, overriding personal player preferences.

Disqualification Conditions

  • Disciplinary Action: Any player found to be in violation of the League Code of Conduct—including persistent unsportsmanlike behavior, on or off the ice, a continuous record of excessive penalty minutes over multiple seasons, or acting as an ongoing threat to player safety—will face immediate disciplinary review. Convenors are expected to flag these offenders and bring them to the attention of the President for disciplinary action.
  • Forfeiture of Fees: Players who are indefinitely suspended or permanently banished from the League by the Disciplinary Committee forfeit all rights to a refund or credit of any kind.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Player Draft

  • Draft Structure: The League operates strictly as a draft league. Following the completion of registration, each Division Convenor shall host and supervise an annual draft to build the team rosters.
  • Player Ratings: Prior to the draft, the Convenor must ensure all registered players have been assigned a standardized performance rating based on their hockey aptitude, skating ability, and overall skill level.
  • Draft Methods: While each Convenor has the latitude to determine their specific draft methodology and rating system, the primary goal is to ensure complete parity where every team in the Division has an equal chance of winning.
  • Rebalancing: If a severe competitive imbalance becomes evident once the season is underway, the Convenor may rebalance the teams partway through the season. This may be done either by hosting a rebalancing meeting with all Division Team Managers, or by the Convenor exercising discretionary authority to trade players between teams.
  • Roster Cutoff: The roster cutoff deadline, after which no new players may be added, is the end of the calendar year.

Penalty Threshold

  • Infraction Records: The League tracks and accumulates all player infractions throughout the regular season.
  • Escalating Suspensions: Players who demonstrate a disregard for player safety or league rules by repeatedly taking penalties will face a sequence of escalating game suspensions managed by the Convenor.
  • Maximum Threshold: Upon reaching the maximum established League penalty threshold, a player shall be suspended indefinitely and immediately referred to the Disciplinary Committee. A formal disciplinary review and hearing must take place before any path to reinstatement is considered. A second consecutive season exceeding this threshold results in automatic expulsion without appeal.

Team Management

  • Manager Responsibilities: Each team is run by a Team Manager appointed by the Convenor. The Manager is responsible for roster management, tracking player attendance, determining positional assignments, and distributing league-issued sweaters, socks, and the official Player Handbook. Managers must also provide team practice pucks and water bottles if required.
  • Manager Expectations: Team Managers are expected to serve as a role model for players and always uphold and defend League values and principles. They must respect the rights of players to equal ice time. They must also place the interests of the League above those of their team. And they must do everything in their power to build team cohesion and morale.
  • Communication Nexus: Team Managers serve as the primary communication link between the League and the players, distributing schedules, rule updates, and executive or disciplinary notices.
  • On-Ice Representation: During game play, the Team Manager (or an assigned deputy) is the only individual authorized to interact with or ask for clarifications from the game officials.

Disciplinary Process

  • Automatic Reviews: Any Major Penalty, Match Penalty, or Gross Misconduct infraction automatically triggers a disciplinary review process.
  • The Review Panel: The Disciplinary review panel shall consist of the Division Convenor and two (2) neutral Team Managers from within the same division whose teams were not involved in the incident. The panel must meet within seven (7) calendar days of the event to review the official Incident Report and issue a disciplinary ruling.
  • The Appeal Process: A Team Manager may appeal a player's first-offense suspension if the ban exceeds four (4) games. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Division Convenor within seven (7) calendar days of the initial ruling. The appealing Manager will then be granted a hearing to present his case to the panel before a final, binding decision is rendered.
  • Severe Infractions: For major offenses, indefinite suspensions, or match penalties carrying potential league banishment, the panel will compile their recommendations and forward the case file directly to the Executive Committee for a final, un-appealable expulsion ruling.

Game Management

Game Length and Format

  • Game Format: Standard games consist of two (2) running-time periods. Teams are not required to change ends at the conclusion of the first period. Every game requires two (2) certified on-ice referees holding equal officiating authority.
  • Playoff Structure: At the end of the regular season, teams compete in a double round-robin playoff tournament. The top two (2) teams in the playoff standings at the end of the round- robin advance directly to the Division Championship Final. Ties in the standings will be broken using the official League Tie-Breaking Formula.
  • Rules and Equipment Requirements: Except where otherwise modified by League bylaws and Rules, all games are played according to the CARHA Hockey Official Rule Book. To take the ice, all players must wear full, CSA-approved protective equipment. Helmets must be securely strapped at all times, and visors (minimum half-shield) are mandatory. Throat protectors are highly recommended for both skaters and goalies.

Rules and Equipment

  • Timekeeper Duties: The designated Game Timekeeper manages the arena time clock and accurately records all game statistics (goals, assists, and penalties) on the official league game sheet. The Timekeeper must log and confirm player attendance prior to puck drop.
  • Stat Corrections: Players are strictly prohibited from directly challenging or approaching the Timekeeper regarding the allocation of goals or assists. Stat correction requests must be directed through a team's Manager to the on-ice referees. Referees will make every reasonable effort to ensure proper statistical credit is awarded on the official game sheet.
  • Incident Reporting: Following any Major, Game Misconduct, or Match Penalty, the referee who assessed the infraction is required to complete a comprehensive Incident Report. The completed report must be submitted to the respective Division Convenor within five (5) days of the game's completion.

APPENDICES

Appendix A – POLICIES AND PROTOCOLS

Refund Policy

If a season-ending injury occurs in the first month of the season during League play (a maximum of 4 games), players will be offered a full credit toward the following season. The same policy applies to a sudden change in personal circumstances (like a job loss or transfer), or an unexpected health crisis. The request for a credit must be made no later than halfway through the season, submitted to the Registrar in writing, stating why the player thinks he is eligible.

Divisional Assignment

The Executive Committee retains absolute discretionary authority over player Divisional assignment. To correct Divisional imbalances, or act in the best interest of players, the League may reassign players based on age profile, skill level, or competitiveness, notwithstanding any stated player preferences. Divisional reassignments are final and carry no right of appeal. A player's sole remedy is to withdraw from the League in exchange for a full refund of fees paid.

League Suspension/Disqualification

The Executive Committee retains absolute authority to suspend or permanently expel any member from the League, without the right of appeal, if the Member is found to have violated our Code of Conduct, including

  • Extreme Misconduct: Engaging in persistent unsportsmanlike behavior, either on or off the ice, including but not limited to the physical or verbal abuse of game officials, players, volunteers, or facility staff; threats of violence; or any actions leading to physical confrontation.
  • Exceeded Penalty Threshold Violations: Exceeding the established League penalty minute threshold for two (2) consecutive playing seasons.

When a Division Convenor alerts the Executive Committee to a serious breach of the Code of Conduct, the disciplinary process shall proceed as follows:

  • Interim Executive Action: The President is empowered to take immediate restrictive action ahead of a formal hearing by either: Issuing a formal written warning to the player detailing the infraction and potential consequences; or placing the player on immediate, temporary suspension or probation pending a final ruling.
  • Disciplinary Committee Referral: Following interim action, the matter shall be referred to the Disciplinary Committee (chaired by the Vice-President and including the respective Division Convenor) to review the evidence and issue a final determination regarding long-term suspension or permanent expulsion.

Any Member who is suspended or permanently expelled from the League for disciplinary reasons shall forfeit all registration fees paid. The League is under no obligation to issue full or pro-rated refunds to expelled individuals.

Appendix B – PLAYER TERMS OF AGREEMENT

  1. Assumption of Risk I understand and agree that participating in adult recreational ice hockey involves inherent risks, dangers, and hazards. I freely accept and fully assume all such risks, including the potential for severe personal injury, illness, property damage, or death, resulting from my participation in the West Mall Oldtimers Hockey League. I acknowledge that it is my sole responsibility to maintain adequate personal health, medical, dental, and accident insurance coverage, as well as protection for my personal equipment and possessions.
  2. Release of Liability and Indemnity In consideration of being permitted to participate in the League, I, for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, and successors, hereby release, waive, and completely absolve the League, its directors, officers, officials, managers, volunteers, players, and facility staff from any and all liability for loss, damage, injury, illness, or expense that I may suffer, or that my next of kin or a third party may suffer, as a result of my participation in any League programs, games, or events, due to any cause whatsoever, including negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any statutory or other duty of care on the part of the Releasees.
  3. Refund Policy I understand and agree that all registration fees are strictly non- refundable once the playing season has commenced. The sole exception to this policy is if a player is formally reassigned to a different Division by the League Executive and subsequently withdraws due to a refusal of that specific assignment. In such a case, the player is entitled to a full refund of their registration fee. No full or pro-rated refunds will be issued under any other circumstances, including player injury, suspension, or expulsion from the League.

Appendix C – CONVENOR JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION Division Convenor
OVERVIEW Reporting to the League President, the Convenor is responsible for overseeing the performance of the Team Managers and ensuring competitive balance within the Division. He spearheads the player draft process and serves as the main point of contact between the League Executive and the Team Managers. He has direct influence over the culture of the League by ensuring compliance with the Code of Conduct, while playing a pivotal role in contributing to the League’s growth and evolution. Success is determined by competitive parity within his Division and by the overall satisfaction of players with their experience.
EXPECTATIONS
  • The Convenor is expected to support the needs of the Team Managers while maintaining absolute neutrality in overseeing the player rating and draft process.
GUIDELINES
  • Protect the integrity of the draft process
  • Ensure player compliance with the League’s Code of Conduct
  • Maintain regular presence at the rink to monitor Divisional play
  • Contribute to the improvement and strategic direction of the League

MAIN DUTIES

Draft Management
  • Organize and manage the player draft process
  • Gain Manager’s consensus over player ratings
  • Oversee team rebalancing and hold final approval over player moves
Manager Oversight
  • Recruit, onboard, monitor and evaluate Team Managers
  • Serve as initial point of escalation for player disputes and complaints that cannot be resolved in the dressing room.
Disciplinary Rulings
  • Review all Incident Reports resulting from Major or Match Penalties and communicate the disciplinary rulings to the Team Manager involved.
Communication
  • Serve as the “voice of the player” on the Executive Committee.
  • Keep Team Managers fully apprised of League rulings and policies
Administration
  • Identify players whose skill level might require Divisional reassignment
  • Collect uniform requirements from Team Managers and coordinate the distribution of sweaters and socks
  • Look after distribution of Player Handbooks and Championship Awards
  • Advise League Registrar of season ending injuries, resignations and openings.

Appendix D – TEAM MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION Team Manager
OVERVIEW Reporting to the Division Convenor, the Manager serves as principal liaison between the League Executive and his players, effectively acting as a League Ambassador. Although the Manager serves as an advocate for his team, he must always act in the best interests of the League as a whole. That means he must be able to communicate to his players the League’s Code of Conduct; its policies, rules, and principles; and always lead by example. He must foster a positive attitude amongst his players and cultivate a strong team spirit while encouraging good sportsmanship. Success is determined by the level of player satisfaction with their experience and favorable perception of his leadership abilities and performance.
EXPECTATIONS
  • The Manager is expected to uphold and promote the League’s governing principles and put the interests of the League ahead of his own team’s competitive standing.
    		•
    GUIDELINES
  • Proactively foster team spirit and cohesion
  • Never disparage the League or the decisions of the League Executive
  • Stay informed of the rational behind League policies and be able to explain them to players
  • Ensure equal ice time for all players regardless of ability (never shorten a bench for the sake of winning without the consent of players).
    		•

    MAIN DUTIES

    Roster Management
    • Manage weekly attendance
    • Ensure fair and equal ice time
    • Mediate conflicts between players
    • Orchestrate goalie substitutions
    • Control and minimize internal team friction
    League Communication
    • Ensure players are apprised of League policies, rules and decisions
    • Explain League disciplinary decisions such as suspensions
    • Proactively alert players if they fail to comply with the League Code of Conduct.
    Divisional Team Balancing
    • Participate in the skills rating of individual players
    • Provide input to Divisional team parity with the goal of evenly balanced teams.
    Administration
    • Distribute, collect and launder sweaters and socks. Shortages should be reported to the Division Convenor. Every effort should be made to collect uniforms from all players at the end of the season.
    • Provide team warm-up pucks and water bottles (if desired)

    Appendix E – REFEREE DUTIES AND GUIDELINES

    DUTIES

    • Two Referees will be used in all games and have equal authority. If the Referees are not of the same opinion on a call, the Referee who is closest to the play shall make the final decision.
    • Referees must ensure the nets are anchored firmly in place prior to the warm-up.
    • The Referees shall remain on the ice at the conclusion of the game until all of the players have left the ice surface.
    • The Referees must make every effort to accurately credit goals and assists.
    • If a Major or Match Penalty is called, the Referee who called the infraction must complete an Incident Report within three days of the game.
    • If a Referee is unable to officiate an assigned game, it is solely his responsibility to find a replacement from amongst the other available officials.

    EXPECTATIONS

    The primary responsibility is to enforce the League Rulebook to ensure the game is played safely. The League places a great deal of emphasis on the importance of players respecting each other on and off the ice. Potential violations of our Code of Conduct must be monitored with vigilance. Referees are expected to show sound judgement; be consistent in the enforcement of the rules; and act always in the interest of safe and fair play. Rough play must not be tolerated under any circumstances.

    KNOWLEDGE

    Referees must have a minimum HCOP Level II Certification. They must be thoroughly conversant with the League Rules and the CARHA Rulebook, particularly with respect to stick violations and rough play. Referees must pay particular attention to our Rules Emphasis which are the types of infraction that need to be strictly enforced. Verbal taunts or slurs of other players must not be tolerated and offending players penalized or ejected if necessary.

    DEMEANOR

    Referees should always show enthusiasm for the game. They should work hard to establish rapport with players but avoid excessive fraternization. It is also important that in heated encounters between players, Referees defuse the situation. They must have the ability to explain their decisions in a calm and composed voice. Under no circumstances should Referees lose control of their temper. If players are abusive or disrespectful, the appropriate response is never to respond in kind. Referees must never engage players in debates or display an arrogant or dismissive attitude. Verbal communication with the players during the game is very important, urging them to respect the rules.

    JUDGEMENT

    Referees must strive to have a “feel for the game” making it safe for everyone while not disrupting the flow. They must know when to assert themselves and when to be inconspicuous. There should be no excuse for not calling penalties or letting hostile feelings escalate between players. An infraction is an infraction.