Parity System

The objective of the parity system is to give players the opportunity to play against others of similar ability.  The system has evolved over many years but always with the Club’s primary objective in mind.

Player Rating Sessions

Rating sessions are held at the beginning of each house league season where all players participate in skill and skating evaluations.  Evaluations are summed and the players are stack ranked.

Team Selection

Player rating sessions will be conducted to evaluate individual skills such as skating, stopping, puck handling and shooting.  From the ratings, teams will be established by senior league officials, taking into account player skill levels and past performance.

Re-Balancing

All teams will be re-evaluated at Thanksgiving and again at Christmas break.  Players may be re-assigned (i.e. traded) in order to ensure balanced and competitive play for all teams.  Commissioners will notify coaches and parents of any changes.

Timekeeper/ Scorekeeper

Parents from each team will be utilized as timekeepers.  Tell all the parents at the beginning of the season that their help will be needed.  The team located on the Home bench will have primary responsibility for ensuring an available timekeeper. It is every coach’s responsibility to ensure that there are several timekeepers available for their team.  An operating manual will be available at the rink office and at the timekeeper’s bench.  Timekeepers, scorekeepers, and anyone else at the timekeepers bench (i.e. anywhere between the two-team benches) is considered a minor official and is not permitted to actively cheer for either team.

Rosters

Rosters need to be completed and distributed to all team members by the first practice session of the season.  Coaches are responsible for preparation of a roster in a form similar to the attachment.  Rosters should be alphabetical – never by player ranking.

Parity Sheets

Parity sheets are the ratings of all players on a team and reflect player rankings.  They are confidential and for coaching and administrative use only.  Parity sheets need to be prepared in advance of the first game with sufficient copies to last the season.  A sample is attached

Screening

It is mandatory that all House League coaches go through at least a partial screening as determined by USA Hockey and the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois.  There are no exceptions to this rule.  The Winnetka Hockey Registrar will order screening applications and screening kits will be distributed to those coaches who have not been finger printed in the past.  Instructions and directions to screening centers will be given to all coaches prior to December 1^st.

Player/Parent Meeting

Coaches are encouraged to have a pre-season meeting with players and parents to talk about the pre-game arrival, post-game meeting, league and team philosophy, etc.

Team Manager

Every team should have a team manager.  The manager’s role is to organize the available timekeeper for every game, help the coach with communicating changes to the schedule, etc.  The team manager is encouraged to organize an early season team function such as a pizza dinner for the players and families as well as a similar season ending function.

Coaches

Only three (3) coaches per team are permitted to be on the bench and only (1) coach from each team are allowed on the ice during game situations (or as dictated by the appropriate age level).  One person must act as a head coach for every game and be responsible for setting the lines and ensuring that the proper rotation of players is followed.

Pre-game Meeting

Arrange to have the players in the dressing room and ready to play at least 10 minutes before the game time.  This provides time to organize the roster, make sure the goalie is fully dressed, and discuss certain aspects of the game you want the players to focus on.

Clock Operation

The team on the home bench must arrange for a timekeeper.

Dressing Room Management

Always have one of the coaches stay in the dressing room until all of the players have left.  Never leave the players alone in the dressing room without a parent.

Warm-ups

Always start the players with a skate and a few stretches to warm-up.  There are only a few minutes to warm-up before the game so keep it simple and effective.

Post Game

Always try to have a few minutes with the entire team and coaches (no parents or siblings) to review the game just played and remind the team of the time of the next practice or game.  This is a great time to reinforce positive skill development and to keep the players motivated no matter whether they won or lost.

Attendance

Make sure that everyone makes an effort to be at all the games.  It is unfair to others teams when only one full team shows up.  Take a pro-active role in ensuring all players have schedules and know when the next game is scheduled.  If there is a game or practice at the Watts facility in Glencoe, be aware of any weather-related cancellations.  The number at Watts is 847-835-4440.

Game Time

Our objective is to use the full amount of ice time available in each time slot.  Game times for Minor Mite, Mite, and Squirts are 50 minutes; two (2) 25 minute periods time with a 60-90 second break between periods.   Each shift will continue to be 2½ minutes, however, when the horn sounds after 2½ minutes, play will stop, lines will change but the clock will keep running.  Pee Wees will play three (3) 14 minute running time periods.  The pre-game warm up will be 5 minutes after which the clock will begin to run -- be prepared to start all games promptly.  The clock will stop for injuries only and such stoppage may result in one or two less shifts in the game as decided by the timekeeper.   During the last 2½ minutes of all games at all levels, the clock will stop on whistles and goals, but only as the scheduled ice time permits.  The games must end on time.

Coaches on the Ice

 During the regular season only, one coach per team is permitted to skate on the ice during games as follows:

MINOR MITE – for the whole regular season.  Coaches not allowed on the ice during playoffs.

MITES - until the Christmas holiday break.

SQUIRT - until the Thanksgiving holiday break.

PEE WEES - not allowed on the ice.

Coaches are allowed to maneuver anywhere on the ice but should keep in mind that the purpose of “on ice” coaching is to assist with player placement for face offs and encourage proper positioning during games.

Parity and Setting the Lines

The objective of the parity system is to give players the opportunity to play against others of similar ability.  The parity system is described in detail further on in this manual.  The parity system applies to the MINOR MITE, MITE and SQUIRT levels throughout the regular season and playoffs.

The manner in which the A and B lines are to be assembled is attached.

The B line starts every game. 

The PeeWee level does not use the A & B format.

Shift Change

In Minor Mite, Mite, and Squirt teams alternate between the A line and the B line.  Each shift will last 2½ minutes.  The timekeeper will sound the horn every 2½ minutes but the clock will not stop.  The players must quickly leave the ice and the next shift should line up as quickly as possible at the designated face-off.  Face-offs will occur at the nearest face-off circle to the puck location at the sounding of the 2½-minute horn.

Un-balanced Games

If your team is winning easily and taking an insurmountable lead (such as a 5-goal lead in the first period), coaches should pull back their offensive power.  High scoring forwards can be moved to defense and the team should attempt to practice other skills.  An example is two strides and the player must pass, or some similar technique.  Please ask parents to refrain from exuberant cheering when the spread between teams is more than 4 or 5 goals.

Six skaters on the Last Shift

During MINOR MITE, MITE, and SQUIRT and PEE WEE games, goalies can be pulled during the last 2½ minutes of the game and be replaced by any skater until a tie score is achieved.  At that time the goalie must return to his position.

Penalties

 During the regular season and the playoffs, penalties at the MINOR MITE, MITE and SQUIRT levels are served for 1½ minutes and teams will play short handed as follows:

·         if one (1) minute or more remains on the current shift, the penalty is served immediately and expires at the end of the shift,

·         if less than one (1) minute remains on the shift, the penalty is served the next time that particular line is on the ice, and

·         if there are four (4) minutes or less remaining in the game, the penalty is served in its entirety immediately.  This means that after a shift change, the penalized team continues to be shorthanded.  The same format applies during playoffs.

In PEEWEE games, penalties are served in their entirety immediately.  In all cases, penalties expire if the opposing team scores.

Misconduct Penalties

The League Directors and Commissioners have been empowered to call certain penalties in addition to those called by the referees.  These penalties will be for unsportsmanlike conduct and rough play (such as slashing, high sticking, etc.)and will result in the player being penalized for at least 1 ½ minutes.  Being a misconduct penalty, the team will not play shorthanded and will be permitted to substitute.  Unsportsmanlike behavior by coaches will result in them leaving the game.

PEEWEE - Change on the Fly

PEEWEEs now change on the fly; i.e. there is no A and B line; players of all abilities are co-mingled.  The purpose is to give the PEEWEE players a faster paced and hockey experience.  Its success rests heavily on the ability of the coaches to ensure equal playing time for all players.  To that end, special teams (power play and penalty killing) are NOT permitted.  During penalties, a player of somewhat equal skill to the player in the penalty box must be the player not on the ice.  The only exception to the above is during the last one (1) minute of play in a game and is discussed in Last Shift.  Shifts for the PEEWEEs should not be longer than 60 seconds.

Offside Rules

The delayed offside rule requires considerable discretion from the referee.  The offside is delayed only when a defending defenseman obtains control of the puck and is not challenged until the defenseman passes over his respective blue line.  If challenged by the opposition before leaving his zone, an offside results.  The referees are instructed to liberally interpret this rule so that play continues without a stoppage as often as possible.

MINOR MITE -  Until Christmas break offsides will not be called.  After Christmas break offsides will be called immediately

MITE – Offsides will be called immediately.

SQUIRT and PEEWEE - Delayed offsides as described above.

All-Star Goalies

Goalies who are playing on a Winnetka traveling team (All-Star) are the only all-stars permitted to play house league at the MITE and SQUIRT  level.  These players are only allowed to be forward skaters in house league -- they are not allowed to play goal!

Picture Day

Team pictures are scheduled for Nov 3^rd and 4th.  Best efforts are being made to coincide with game times.

Goalie Equipment

Each team will have a full set of goalie equipment assigned for the season.  Head coaches will be responsible for returning equipment at the end of the season.  The Park District will hold a charge card number as security.

Disputes and Problems

Remember, the primary objective is to ensure a fun hockey game for the players.

Any problems, real or perceived, must be dealt with away from the players and outside of the game time.  If you have a problem, take notes and call your commissioner.  Any referee problems must be reported to the commissioner and Kurt VonHelm.  Kurt (847 501-2060) serves as the Head Referee.  Referees will likewise report all game issues to Kurt.  Violations of the WHC rules or the spirit of the hockey program will result in game suspensions through to and including removal for the season from all team-related activities.  If in doubt, check with a commissioner or league director.

Glencoe and Heartland Ice Times

All levels may have ice scheduled at Watts in Glencoe and some levels at Heartland in Lincolnwood.  These are to give players more time on the ice to improve skills and play additional games beyond the games at Winnetka.  It is important to encourage your players to participate in these sessions.  Referees will be scheduled for scheduled games.

Watts – Glencoe:  847 835 4440

Heartland – Lincolnwood:  847 677 2505

Skill Sessions:

MINOR MITES and MITES will have bi-weekly skill sessions at Winnetka until the holiday break.  After that time the ice will be used for extra games.

Pee Wee No Checking Rule

In the 2000-2001 season the House League went to a no-check format.  This means that checking is a penalty.  Any continued problems must be reported to the Commissioner or the League Directors.

Equipment

At all levels, all players must have properly attached chin straps.  Please check at the Minor Mite and Mite levels for all proper equipment.  PeeWee and Bantam players must have mouth guards that are visible (not clear) and attached to their face masks.  Neck guards are highly recommended.  Any players missing any equipment (included chin straps) will not play.

If your team’s goalie equipment is missing anything or needs to be re-sized, please see rink management - Tom Gullen, Kurt Von Helm.

Team Sponsors

The Hockey Club would like to increase contact (and appreciation) with our team sponsors.  Please personally contact the team sponsor, and send a copy of the schedule, an extra jersey, and the team photo plaque.  An extra jersey for every team is available at the rink office.  If anyone needs sponsor contact information, please contact rink management – Tom Gullen or Kurt Von Helm.

Trophy / Medallions

The Winnetka Hockey Club will  provide medallions for individual player participation at the house league level.  In addition, there will be a trophy presented to the playoff winner at each age level.

WHC discourages coaches presenting individual trophies to players.

Playoff Eligibility

All teams will play in the playoffs, usually commencing in early March.  Championship games are prior to the public school Spring Break.  In order to play in the playoffs, each player must have attended at least 50% of his team’s games throughout the regular season.  Special permission for certain circumstances can be granted by the league commissioner.

Format Changes

The playoff game format is slightly different.  There will be three 15-minute periods, played running time.  The clock will be run “stop time” during the last five (5) minutes of every game for Mites, Squirts, and PeeWees, and the clock will stop when a penalty is called and the clock will restart as play resumes.  A/B Parity lineups still apply for Minor Mite, Mite and Squirt levels.

In Game Tie Breaker

For many playoff and all championship games, there must be a winner.  The tie breaker rules are as follows

Shootouts will determine the winner in the event of a tie game.  The shootout will consist of five shots per team, with the puck placed at center ice for each shooter to take in for a shot on the goalie.  The "Guest" team will go first - the teams will alternate shooters.  At least two of the shooters must be B liners, and at the MINOR MITE level, a B line goalie needs to be in the net against them.  The B line shooters will be the first two shooters for each team.  Any goalie (A or B line) can play against the remaining three shooters.  If the shootout ends in a tie, five different shooters must participate in a second shootout (i.e., two different B liners, three others). At the MITE, SQUIRT, OR PEE WEE level any goalie can play in the shootout.  The winner of the shootout gets two points; the loser will get one point.  This scoring may be important in the determination of a tiebreaker in the standings should one occur (see next paragraph).  To record the score for a game determined by shootout, one goal will be added to the winning teams score in regulation.  This additional goal will count against the losing team as an additional “goal allowed” for that game.  For example, if a 1 – 1 tie game is settled by shootout, the winning team will be deemed to have won by a 2 – 1 score

In summary:

§         5 player shootout, at least 2 of which should be B line.  “Guest” team to go first.

§         If still a tie, a second 5 player shootout, using 5 different players, again at least 2 B line players (no repeat players from the first five).

§         If still a tie, coin flip.

NOTE for “B Line Shooters” – If a B player loses the puck, he gets one restart (NHL rules say he is disqualified, we say he gets one restart)

Playoff Bracket Tie Breaker

Some playoffs (levels where there are 6 or more teams) will be structured in brackets.  In the round robin phase, each team will play the other teams in its Division.  Teams will be awarded two points for a win, one point for a loss in overtime (winner to be determined by shootout), and no points for a loss.  Each of the Division winners will advance to the second phase of the playoffs.  If there are three brackets (Green, White, Gold), also advancing will be one second place team, which will be the team with the most points among the second place teams (the Wildcard team).  If two or more second place teams have the same point total, then the tie breakers described below shall determine the Wildcard team. 

In the second phase of the playoffs, the Green Division winner will play the Wildcard team and the White Division winner will play the Gold Division winner in Semifinal games.  The Semifinal game winners will then meet in the Championship game.

Tiebreakers, in the event of a tie in the Standings: The playoff standings will rank teams based on their total points.  Teams will earn two points for a win (including a win by shootout), one point for a loss by shootout, and no points for a loss.  If a tie in the standings does occur, we will use the following rules to determine team standings:

1.      Head to head game outcome if the tie involves two teams in the same division.  If there is a three-way tie, or for ties between teams in different divisions (i.e., for the wildcard spot), then

2.      Fewest cumulative goals allowed in the Division playoff games.  If still a tie, then

3.      Largest cumulative NET goal differential in the two games (note that for 1 - 1 teams this could be a positive or negative number).  If still a tie, then

4.      Most cumulative goals, subject to a maximum of six per game.  If still a tie, then

5.      Coin flip

 The tie breakers are set up so as to eliminate as much as possible any incentive to run up the score on opponents.  Instead, good defense will be rewarded.

Division:

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Team Name

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Game Date

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Coaches

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Player Name

Number

Permanent Line A / B

This Game Line A / B

Position

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