⚠️ OWBHL Official League Policy, Code of Conduct & Player Agreement

Please Read Before Registering or Participating

OWBHL is a co-ed, non-contact beginner and low-novice hockey league serving Ottawa’s west end.

All participants are required to read and understand this policy before registering or stepping on the ice.

Participation in any OWBHL game, practice, clinic, or event confirms agreement to the rules, financial obligations, conduct expectations, and league authority outlined below.

Failure to read this policy does not exempt any player from compliance.

1️⃣ League Purpose & Philosophy

OWBHL exists to provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for new and developing hockey players.

Our priorities:

• Player safety

• Respectful conduct

• Beginner-focused development

• Controlled, non-contact play

• Positive community culture

This is not a high-level competitive league.

Experienced players are expected to:

• Play under control

• Move the puck

• Avoid overpowering play

• Take short shifts

• Support newer players

We actively protect the culture of this league.

2️⃣ Safety Rules & On-Ice Standards

🛑 Strictly Non-Contact

• Body checking is prohibited.

• Reckless or dangerous play is not tolerated.

• Excessive aggression may result in immediate removal or suspension.

🥅 Goalie Protection

• Respect the goalie’s crease at all times.

• Stop immediately when the goalie covers the puck.

• No hacking, jamming, or crashing the net.

🚫 No Slapshots

• Slapshots are not permitted.

• Controlled wrist shots and snap shots only.

🔄 Fair Ice Time & Team Play

• Keep shifts short.

• Be aware of players waiting.

• Pass the puck and support teammates.

This is a learning environment. Players are expected to follow the rules of hockey while understanding that development takes time.

3️⃣ Zero-Tolerance Conduct Policy

OWBHL maintains zero tolerance for:

• Verbal abuse

• Harassment

• Intimidation

• Aggressive confrontations

• Disrespect toward players, referees, staff, or volunteers

• Online misconduct related to league activities

Violations may result in:

• Immediate removal from a session

• Suspension

• Permanent removal from the league

• Loss of roster spot

• No refund

We prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants.

4️⃣ Referee & Staff Respect

When referees are present:

• Their decisions are final.

• Arguing or challenging calls is prohibited.

• Confrontational behaviour will not be tolerated.

OWBHL fully supports its officials and staff.

If you cannot respectfully accept officiating decisions, this is not the appropriate league environment.

5️⃣ 💳 Payments, Attendance & Cancellation Policy

Ice time and instructors are booked and prepaid in advance.Player commitment is essential to league operations.

💲 Game Fees

$20 per game until March - $22 per game after.

📧 E-Transfer: owbhockey@gmail.com

🔐 Team Code: 7C72D0

Payment must be received before participation unless otherwise approved.

Failure to pay may result in your spot being released.

🚫 No-Shows

If you register and do not attend without notice:

• The full session fee will be charged.

• Outstanding balances must be paid before returning.

• Repeated no-shows may result in suspension or removal.

No-shows impact roster balance, fairness, and league sustainability.

⏰ Late Cancellations

Because ice time is prepaid, late cancellations create financial loss and roster imbalance.

Within 24 hours of a game or practice:Full session fee may be charged.

Within 4 hours of start time:Full session fee will be charged regardless of replacement.

Day-of cancellation for clinics or training sessions:Full clinic fee applies.

📌 Outstanding Balances

Players with unpaid balances may:

• Be suspended from games or training

• Lose reserved roster spots

• Be removed from league activities

💵 Refund Policy

Refunds are not guaranteed and are issued only at the discretion of OWBHL administration.

6️⃣ Training & Development Programs

Power skating, skills clinics, and specialty sessions:

• Require pre-registration

• Require prepayment

• Are not drop-in sessions

• Follow the same attendance and cancellation policies

These sessions are structured development programs and are operated accordingly.

7️⃣ Assumption of Risk

Ice hockey involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Falls

• Collisions

• Equipment failure

• Accidental contact

By participating in OWBHL activities, you acknowledge and voluntarily accept these risks.

8️⃣ League Authority & Disciplinary Decisions

OWBHL reserves the right to enforce all league rules and policies to protect the safety, integrity, and culture of the league.

Any player who is removed, suspended, or sanctioned will be subject to decisions made at the discretion of OWBHL administration.

Disciplinary decisions are determined by league administration — not by individual players — and may be made without player vote or debate.

OWBHL reserves the right to remove any participant deemed unsafe, disruptive, or not aligned with league standards in order to ensure the safety and positive experience of all players.

All administrative decisions are final.

9️⃣ Player Responsibility & Compliance

Before registering or participating, all players are expected to read this policy in full.

Participation in any OWBHL activity confirms that you have reviewed and agreed to all rules and obligations outlined above.

It is the responsibility of every participant to understand and comply with league policies.

Failure to read this document does not exempt any player from compliance.

“I didn’t know” will not be accepted as a defence for:

• Unsafe play

• Misconduct

• Non-payment

• No-shows

• Policy violations

  
  

Failure to comply may result in:

• Warning

• Suspension

• Removal from sessions

• Loss of roster spot

• Financial penalties

• Permanent removal from the league

🔟 Ongoing Policy Updates

This policy is a living document and may be updated at any time.

Continued participation in OWBHL activities constitutes acceptance of the most current version of this policy.

Final Statement

OWBHL continues to grow because we protect our structure, standards, and culture.

If you are looking for a safe, respectful, beginner-friendly hockey environment — welcome.

If you are seeking high-level competitive intensity or confrontation, this is not the right fit.

🏒💙