ROTHC Online Vote
November 20th – 25th

Participants:

Cowboys – Doug Collins (President)

Avalanche – Graham Amano, Ken Whitehead
Evaders - Gord Gouthro
Island Sun – Rob Lang (Vice President)
Grey Hawks – Dale Carter
Roadrunners – Blair Morrison
Rusty Blades – Brian Newman
Sorcerers – Rob Middleton-Hope
Shogun Shooters – Fred Brome

Motion presented by Doug Collins:

Preamble:

The Richmond Oldtimers Rules specifically addresses, Game Ejections, Match Penalties and Gross Misconducts, but doesn't differentiate a Game Ejection from a Game Misconduct. They are two different things and should be used as such. The difference is that a Game Ejection is just that, whereas a Game Misconduct also carries a 10 minute penalty and requires a write up.

If a Game Misconduct, takes place in the last 10 minutes of the game, it carries an automatic 1 game suspension (see Hockey Canada and CARHA Rules). However, if it occurs prior to that, it is not automatic and it falls on me and ultimately the Disciplinary Committee. That's the part I prefer to avoid.

The problem is, officials often use the rule improperly, not understanding the difference between a Game Misconduct and Game Ejection. In most cases, the ref just wants the player(s) out of the game, so they should call a Game Ejection. If a official calls a Game Misconduct, they are either not aware of the difference, or they want the league's attention. When I see a Game Misconduct called, I tend to interpret it as the referee wanting to see a suspension - but it's not always the case. I also believe it should be up to the League to impose suspensions, not the referees. (Although the referee's opinion is very influential.)

I wish to see a rule amendment regarding a Game Misconduct called prior to 10 minutes remaining.

In my opinion, if a Game Misconduct occurs prior to 10 minutes remaining, that is penalty enough, but it does depend on the circumstance. However, the circumstance should dictate the call. If the offense is truly worthy of a suspension, the call should be a Gross Misconduct, which is covered clearly by our rules. Should a Game Misconduct be called and a report is issued, I will first determine if the referee made the right call or if it should be elevated to a Gross Misconduct or other. Otherwise, there should be no need for a hearing or a suspension. However, it will go on the record and further offenses will require our full attention.

* I hereby motion to amend Richmond Oldtimers Hockey Rule III - 3 and Rule III - 4 to add the word "Game Misconduct(s)":

" '3. Every Game Misconduct, Match Penalty or Gross Misconduct issued requires that the referee making the call to provide a report within 24 hours of the game (via email) to the chair of the discipline rules committee.'

'4. Game Misconducts, Match Penalties and Gross Misconducts shall be reported to the chair of the discipline rules committee via the League President by the team manager or captain of the opposition team (for information and record keeping purposes).  Game sheets and game reports will the forwarded by the referees to the League President.'

And to further add a rule: 'Any player receiving a Game Misconduct in the last ten minutes of a game will incur an automatic 1 Game Suspension. A Game Misconduct occurring prior to 10 minutes remaining will not result in a suspension unless the player has received a Game Misconduct previously in the season, in which case an automatic minimum 1 game suspension will be imposed.' "

* Rule III 3 & 4 refers to the yet to be ratified August 2022 rule update and corresponds to Rule 13 of the ROTHC June 2016 revision. This vote will cause both to be revised.

Second to the Motion: Graham Amano/Blair Morrison

Discussion:

Ron Lang pointed out the fact that there is difference a Game Ejection and Game Misconduct and the rules had previously been modified regarding the 3 Penalty ejection rule. While this doesn't affect the motion on the table, it did draw attention to revision II - 6, which has not been ratified. The revision changed the word "Game Misconduct" to "Game Ejection" to be consistant with Hockey Canada Rules. This will require further discussion at a later date, prior to ratifying the new revision.

Vote:

The motion was put to vote and all votes were in favour. No vote was received from the Sorcerers.

The motion is carried.