Rule Book v.1.0.0

Below-Zero Hockey League Rule and Info book v.1.0.0 by Dark Calypso

Table of Contents

A. General Info
A.1. Game info
A.2. Playoff Game info
A.3. Playoff Special Rules
A.4. Valid player positions
A.5. Gamertag Changes
A.6. Position Changes
B. Game Play
B.1. Hosting rules
B.2. Lobby hosting
B.3. Grace Period
B.4. Recording Stats
C. Game Play Rules
C.1. Mercy Rule
C.2. Player Diving
C.3. Computers
C.4. Board Play
C.5. Ragging the puck
C.6. Disconnects
C.6.1. Skater Drops
C.6.2. Multiple Skater Drops
C.6.3. Goaltender Drops
C.7. Goaltenders
C.7.1. Goaltender Interference
C.7.2. Goaltender Fighting
C.8. Time Loops
D. Rosters
D.1. General Managers
D.2. Assistant Managers
D.3. Players
D.4. Roster Requirements
D.5. Max games for Players
D.6. Max Roster Size
E. Weekly Scheduling
E.1. Lines
E.2. Posting Lines Weekly
F. Trading and Releasing players
F.1. Trading
F.2. Player Releases
F.3. Player Drops
G. Player adding
G.1. Scouting
G.2. Drafting
G.3. Waivers
H. Salaries
H.1. Skaters
H.2. Defensemen
H.3. Goaltenders
I. Code of Conduct
I.1. Member behavior
I.2. Team Communication
J. Penalties
J.1. Player penalties
J.2. Management penalties
K. League Staff
K.1. Commissioner
K.2. Stats Administrator
K.3. Trade Official
K.4. Players Manager
K.5. Disciplinary Officer
K.6. Disputes Judge


A. General Info

A.1. Game info

Games will be played nightly at 7pm and 8pm est (eastern standard time). Schedule periods will go from Sunday to Saturday and consist of 14 total games per schedule period. Schedules will be built to accommodate the number of teams in the league. As far as the number of games in the season, that will be up for debate as of now.

A.2. Playoff Game info

Playoff games will be played at 7pm est on Sunday and then 8pm est Sunday through Friday. The reason being to give the staff time to prepare the next round. Its a best of 7 series.

A.3. Playoff Special Rules

During the playoffs no player can play more than 3 games. A 4th game to a player is only allowed on the 7th game. Teams that Violate this rule forfeit the entire series.

There is no Mercy Rule in the playoff games

The top 3 teams from each conference will make it to the playoffs and seeded 1 to 3. Team 2 and 3 face in a Wild Card Round, then the winner faces Team 1 in the Conference Finals. Both Conference Finals winners face each other in the Stanley Cup Series.

Tiebreakers for Position goes Wins, Goals For - Goals Against (Biggest Positive Number)

A.4. Valid player positions

Players can be registered as a Forward (C, LW, RW), Defenseman (LD, RD), Gaoltender (G), or a Flex (FX)

Forwards are only allowed to play any forward position (C, LW, RW)
Defensemen are only allowed to play and defense position (LD, RD)
Goaltenders are only allowed to play as a goaltender (G)
Flex can play any position (C, LW, RW, LD, RD, G) but cannot win any position related accolades.

A.5. Gamertag Changes

Players are encouraged not to change their gamertags during the season as it becomes a pain for the staff to handle. If a player must do it then they must contact the Players Manager to have it switched for them. A player is only allowed to change their gamertag twice in any season at a maximum. Any more changes than that the player may be put up to disciplinary action.

A.6. Position Changes

A player who is unsatisfied with their position can change position 1 time before the season starts. If they want to change it during the season they are allowed to do o only 1 time and forfeit any position related accolades for the remainder of that season.


B. Game Play

B.1. Hosting rules

The Home team is always the host. The home team has to provide a host that has a green connection for at least 2 players on the opposing team.

The Away team chooses the host prior to the beginning of the game. The away team cannot intentionally choose a host with a bad connection to ensure dropouts.

B.2. Lobby hosting

Lobbies must be set up in the Lounges section and must be set up as RANKED OTP with a period length of 5 minutes and OTP club rules must be on. The password must be bz101.

Lobbies must be set up by the home team at least 10 minutes before game time to ensure all players can find it. If a lobby is not set up by the home team then the away team can set up a lobby at the time. The away team's lobby then becomes the legal lobby.

B.3. Grace Period

Each team is allowed a grace period of up to 10 minutes. If a team does not have 6 players ready to play before 10 minutes past game time, then they forfeit the game.

B.4. Recording Stats

A manager from each team must put in the stats for the game into MyStatsOnline before 4pm est the following day. The reason so much time is given is incase of emergencies. If a team cannot make this deadline then they must contact the Stats Administrator to ask for an extension.

Each team is responsible for taking down and inputting their players stats. If the stat taker lags out then have another player on the team record them and give them to the stat taker. The main goal is to keep an accurate stat recording.


C. Game Play Rules

I will not define every action whether is belongs here or not. Try to keep the play legitimate to the sport of hockey.

Use of any known exploitation or glitch is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

Video evidence is needed to verify the breaking of game play rules. Although repeated testimonies saying the player was breaking the rules may lead to disciplinary action.

These rules are not to be used as a weapon against other teams, they are here for the expressed purpose of making the game fair for everyone. Also if a rule is broken that does not mean end the game, unless it says so in the rules.

C.1. Mercy Rule

Any team that fall behind by 6 or more points by the end of the second period has the right to call mercy to save their stats from further damage. This is up to the losing team to decide so if they choose to continue to play do not leave cause you assumed they want mercy.

If at any point in the 3rd period a situation that would end the game to rehost will not be done, instead finish the 3rd period and end the game.

C.2. Player Diving

You may only kneel or dive in the defensive zone to block a pass or a shot. You may not do so to impede a players progress in any way shape or form. When a player lays down or kneels they have to get up before they become an obstruction to game play. Although if they do obstruct because they dove to block a shot then that is ok within 2 seconds of the time of the dive. After that if they impede cause they did not get up then it is considered obstruction.

C.3. Computers

Computer players cannot score unless its an extra attacker, or a computer filling in cause of a fight. Even then a computer is only allowed to score once per game at maximum.

C.4. Board Play

A player can board play another player, but the puck holder cannot board play themselves. Anyone who uses the board play to avoid a check will be met with disciplinary action.

C.5. Ragging the puck

A player or team may not attempt to hold the puck in their defensive zone in order to kill time off the clock for any reason. You are permitted to reset a breakout by moving the puck backwards once.

Teams are allowed to play a "cat and mouse" game behind the net, to start a breakout, or to make room to dump it. If a team wishes to kill time, they may do so by dumping the puck, or playing keep away in the offensive zone.

C.6. Disconnects

Anytime the game has to be rehosted, the away team must chose a different host than the original.

C.6.1. Skater Drops

If any player drops prior to, or during the first faceoff of a game, the game is to be paused at the earliest opportunity, and the game is to be restarted.

There are no penalties applied to either team for the lag out.

If any single player drops after the first puck of a game has been dropped, that team will play without the player until the end of the game.

No goal will be allowed from the computer that has replaced a dropped player.

Lagging out of games is something that each individual player must make an effort to avoid by making sure your connection is "GREEN". If a player has frequent lag issues may be subject to review/removal.

Having a poor connection in a game is not reason enough to restart or reschedule a game. Players who quit a game because they have a poor connection will be found and punished as it is not allowed.

C.6.2. Multiple Skater Drops

Any combination of 2 or more players in the game loses connection, the game continues untill the end.

C.6.3. Goaltender Drops

If at any point the goaltender of either team loses connection there must be an immediate halt of play.

Stats must be taken and the game must be rehosted and continued from one minute before the exact time of the drop (hold the puck till you reach the necessary time) to compensate for the long minute at the end of the 3rd period. The team that has the goalie that lagged out must also take a penalty.

C.7. Goaltenders

C.7.1. Goaltender Interference

It is the skater's responsibility to give the goaltender enough room to maneuver. If a goaltender's actions to protect the net or play the puck result in contact with a skater, the skater is at fault. This includes diving, poke checks, cutting down the angle, playing the puck, or attempting to cover the puck.

Goaltenders may not draw an interference call away from their crease, unless they are attempting to play a puck. A goaltender may not step out of his crease for the purpose of impeding a player's progress unless goalie dives out for the puck, or to draw an interference call. There are no restrictions on a goaltender's movements in relation to keeping the puck out of the net, or coming out of net to attempt to play the puck (not just to get in the way).

If the goaltender does impede a player's progress, or draws an interference call, that team may make immediate penalty restitution by having a skater take a penalty as soon as possible.

When sufficient evidence is provided in a complaint to show this rule was broken, the goaltender may be charged with an possible suspension.

C.7.2. Goaltender Fighting

Learn to Avoid Contact with the Goalie and you don't have to Worry about the Fights Ever, Perhaps Skaters need to adjust their Game and assume responsibility for their actions and accept the Risk they take, the Risk to them and their Team...

C.8. Time Loops

If a goal is scored and the game loops back in time, that goal counts and play continues. If the game ends in a tie (for example 4 to 3 plus the looped goal = 4 to 4) then you must start another game and play overtime until someone scores.


D. Rosters

D.1. General Managers

Being a General Manager is a responsibility that involves 5-10 hours of your time each week to play/organize games nightly and post schedules and negotiate trades. It is a burden on the league to have a GM step down, any GM that does cannot become management again for at least 2 seasons.

General Managers are expected to work with the league, not only in running their team but working in the best interest of the entire league. Maintaining the leagues integrity should be their main priority and helping with the creation/maintenance of the rulebook, by giving opinions and feedback.

Choose a couple of Assistant Managers to work with you. Recruiting people to sign up for the league draft. This is very important as we need each GM to bring in as many new players as possible. Drafting your team, maintaining your roster, salary and other league documents. Assist in league structure where applicable. Posting weekly schedule, creating lineups, being available most game times to make sure team is ready to play, and foster an attitude of sportsmanship and fair play. Are included as part of the roster.

Can be management/owner/player in other leagues, but if found unable to perform the job they will be replaced.

Must understand how to use MyStatsOnline and supply a username and password to their AMs for the use of entering STATS for games played every night.

GMs select two AMs before the Draft. They may not be turned into a player without league approval. Management is responsible for the duties the General Manager asks them to deal with. Any manager that steps down can't be a manager again for at least 2 seasons.

D.2. Assistant Managers

Assistant Managers are responsible for the day to day management of their teams. This will include scheduling, setting lines, negotiating trades, signing, releasing and trading players. All roster transactions, moving players from Active, and Training Camp can be submitted by Assistant Managers, unless the General Manager doesn't agree with them. As Assitant Managers, your primary job is to follow your GM's guidelines, learn to effectively manage a team, and build your resume, while ensuring your team is following rules and procedures. Must understand how to use MyStatsOnline for the use of entering STATS for games played every night.

AMs will assist the GMs with running the team as they see fit. They will also be given special privileges to follow the league’s structure with the expectations to move up to GM, if desired in the future.

AMs will have access to view, study and learn the system, they may also give opinions to their GM.

AMs will be allowed to have a “stand in” vote as the team’s rep. If, and only If the owner has a leave of absence (vacation, etc.). GMs always has final say on all team issues.

May be asked to help in other league responsibilities.
Are included as part of the roster
Cannot be traded while AM
Can be management in other leagues, but if they cannot handle job they will be replaced.

D.3. Players

Players are required to stay active, know the rules and maintain a respectful, sportsmanship attitude towards site members.

Must be active in scouting and league communications to show they will be active in the BZHL.

Must add team GM and AMs to their friend's list to assure communication to their team. Must actively use the site, players need to use the site at least a couple times a week to keep up with things.

D.4. Roster Requirements

Every team is required to have 9 forwards, 4 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders. Any team under this minimum must try to acquire players to meet the minimum.

D.5. Max games for Players

Forwards can play a max of 6 games per week
Defense can play a max of 8 games per week
Goalies can play a max of 10 games per week
Flex can play a max of 8 games per week as long as at least 2 of those games are at Defense or Goalie

D.6. Max Roster Size

Teams are allowed to have up to 18 players on their roster. That includes the GM and AMs in the total. The must have a minimum of 15.


E. Weekly Scheduling

E.1. Lines

Management is required to post lines for their games in a new post in their locker room. Any Edits made to the post after it has been made must be noted. Lines must follow this format

Day time opponent
C:
LW:
RW:
LD:
RD:
G:

Players are required to post their availability so that GMs can schedule them for games they can play.

E.2. Posting Lines Weekly

Teams are expected to post their lines promptly before 5pm on Saturdays. Failure to do so will lead to disciplinary action.


F. Trading and Releasing players

F.1. Trading

Trades can be for anything the team wants as long as roster size and salary caps permit it.

Trades may not be discussed in the presence of players ever. Management is also not allowed to speak to any players about trades until they are finalized.

Both team's management has to send a trade request form to the Trade Official for him to process. Until the trade is listed on the google doc it is not final. To submit a trade form to the Trade Official just follow this format.

Subject: Trade Team 1 - Team 2

Team 1
Players
Picks (if any)

-for-

Team 2
Players
Picks (if any)

F.2. Player Releases

Players may be released if they fail to have any type of communication with their GM for 1 week without prior notice, are an unwilling member of their team or can no longer make the commitment to play as other extra-curricular activities overlap with the BZHL. Any player refusing to play for a team may be subject to suspension/blacklisting upon review. If you want to choose who you play with then apply for management. Players do not get to pick their team.

F.3. Player Drops

If at anytime management is unsatisfied with a player and they cannot trade them away they can choose to drop them. If they do so they free up a spot on their roster but the player's salary still counts towards the team's cap until the player is acquired by a different team.


G. Player adding

G.1. Scouting

Scouting games will be set up by the individual teams running them. Suggested times are 7pm and 8pm. All players should scout for at least 3 teams.

It is recommended that you pair up with another team when doing scouting. Scouting will take place in the lounges lobby with all rules applying.

New players are not allowed to advertise for other leagues. Any scouting players doing so must be asked to stop. If it continues then please notify a staff member when scouting is over.

Scouting games should have 6v6 if possible. Team management is responsible for their own grading of players. We suggest you keep a notepad ready and make notes on players in the game to be used at draft time.

G.2. Drafting

Teams will have to fill these slots 1 GM, 2 AMs (appointed), and 12 draft picks

Draft Order will be randomly selected and will snake to give every team a chance

No multiple season contracts. All players are year to year.

All players will be placed on your ROSTER ONCE DRAFT is complete.

G.3. Waivers

Teams will be given waiver priority based on their standings every week. The waiver claim takes 48 hours to process to give other teams a chance to make a claim. If multiple teams make a claim on the same player, then the player goes to the team with the higher waiver priority.

After each acquisition your team's waiver priority will drop to the back of the line. Waiver Priority is reset at the end of every week on Sunday at noon and realigned to the current standings of each team.


H. Salaries

H.1. Skaters

4ppg = +2M (8.5M)
3.5ppg = +1.5M (8M)
3ppg = +1M (7.5M)
2.5 to 2.9 ppg = (6.5M) Average Top Player
2.4ppg = -1.25M (5.25M)
2ppg = -2.75M (3.75M)
1.8ppg = -3.75M (2.75M)
1.6ppg = -4.25M (2.25M)
1.4ppg = -5M (1.5M)
1ppg = -5.75M (0.75M)

H.2. Defensemen

1.4ppg = 6.5M
1.3ppg = 6M
1.2ppg = 5.5M
1ppg = 4.5M
0.8ppg = 3.5M
0.5ppg = 2.5M
0.2ppg = 1.5M

+/- of 70 = an extra 1M
+/- of 60 = an extra 0.5M
+/- of 40 = an extra 0.25M
everything under that no extra.

H.3. Goaltenders

S%
0.870 - 6M
0.860 - 5.5M
0.850 - 5M
0.840 - 4.5M
0.830 - 4M
0.820 - 3.5M
0.810 - 3M
0.800 - 2.5M
0.775 - 2M
0.725 - 1.5M
0.675 - 1M

GAA
1.5 - 1.99 +1M
2.00 - 2.25 + 0.75M
2.26 - 2.4 + 0.5M
2.41 - 2.6 + 0.25M


I. Code of Conduct

Anyone can lose their temper, we know these things happen. The code of conduct is designed to get rid of repeat offenders who can't/won't respect others. Breaking these rules may result in anything from a unsportsmanlike conduct warning to blacklisting by a Staff member.

This league expects all members to act mature, respectful and professional in all matters. If you don't get along with a person it is in your best interest to avoid them or risk being removed from the league.

I.1. Member behavior

Complaining about which team you are on at any point in the season will not be tolerated. There are mature and immature ways to go about requesting a trade, but anyone found being selfish about playing with new players and/or being rude to teammates will be likely removed from the league. There are no player requested trades.

All players MUST be active on the site, posting and reading any information needed to be part of this league.

All players MUST post their availability every week if you want to play, Management is allowed to post availability for players if you have a reason as it is NOT their job and players who are not posting may result in being dropped from a team at the GM's discretion.

All Players will show respect toward fellow players at all times. We cannot get any clearer than this.

No verbal abuse of any kind will be tolerated.

No taunting other players. No bragging and putting other players abilities down.

There will be no racial comments in any way shape or form.

This is grounds for immediate removal from the league.

There will be no harassing of site members for any reason.

Any abuse to another player via XBL will not be tolerated.

The chat box is not a playground. Any abuse of any kind will not be tolerated and/or can be suspended or kicked out of league.

All General rules apply for anything that is applied to the league.

Please follow these rules of the league at all times.

Anyone who abuses or violates them will be suspended or banned from the league.

Players in Management Positions are granted permissions that other members do not have. With this said, Players in there positions are to uphold the responsibilities of helping the league succeed and to create a fun, respectful 6v6 league for ALL players to participate in.

ANY MANAGEMENT OR OWNERSHIP FOUND ABUSING THEIR POWERS OR OTHER PLAYERS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THEIR POSITION AND IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUES IT WILL THEN TURN INTO A BAN/SUSPENSION FROM THE LEAGUE.

You may be management for a team in this league even if you are an OWNER/Commissioner in another league on the web, however if the staff feels like your not doing your job here in the BZHL then you will be removed from management and placed on your roster as a regular player.

During scouting games all game play rules are to be used. Any pick up or “fun” lobbies with BZHL in the title all game play rules are to be used.

I.2. Team Communication

Management is responsible for discussing things, players DO NOT get involved.
The Captains of the games are the only ones to talk to one another during game time. Jumping into other parties and trash talking will not be tolerated.
If there is a problem in a league game, please let your management know of the problem and let them handle it with the other team management. If a problem cannot be resolved then it will go to the staff.


J. Penalties

These penalties are just suggested guidelines and may be waived in any situation if the commissioner decides to make an adjustment to them that is in the best interest of the league or due to extenuating circumstances.

J.1. Player penalties

Playing over the max games permitted in a week:
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: 3 game suspension for that player.
3rd and subsequent Offenses: 1 week suspension for the player.

Violation of game play rules:
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: 3 game suspension for player
3rd Offense: 1 week suspension for player
4th offense: 1 season suspension for player

Quitting or Inactive players
Are subject to removal for the season with no possible return for that season. Once you're gone, you're gone. Players who leave or are dropped from a season will be reviewed by the Players Manager to determine if the player is to be banned from playing in the BZHL or allowed to return. Any player that is inactive for 1 week without responding/giving notice to their team owner, may be removed from a team's roster and/or the league upon review.

Refusing to play for a Team
Removal from the league with no possible return for the season. Players Manager to review for re-entry into the next season.

Not posting your weekly availability to team locker room 1st Offense, Owners option to warn, suspend player or schedule them as they see fit.

Missing 2 or more scheduled games (without valid reason) 1st Offense, Owners option to warn or remove player from team = Season Suspension

J.2. Management penalties

If for any reason you or your management cannot access a computer or any device that has internet to post lines or enter stats, notify the Stats Administrator immediately.

Not Posting Weekly Lines by Deadline (your post must have a time stamp of Sunday 3pm no later):
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: 3 game suspension for team management
3rd Offense: 1 week suspension for team management
4th Offense: Team owner will be removed

Forgetting to enter stats (They must be entered 3 hours after the game):
1st Offense: Verbal Warning and a 24 hour grace period
2nd Offense: Forfeit the game
3rd Offense: Forfeit the game and a 1 week suspension for management
4th Offense: Team owner will be removed

Appeals Process
Managers/players have the right to appeal any decision made by the staff.
This is done simply by sending the Commissioner a PM and any additional information that might assist the appeal. If further appeal is necessary than all staff members will gather to vote on a solution.

The Commissioner may require to meet with player/manager to discuss further.

Filing a Complaint /Procedures
If there is a violation of game play rules, it is the team's job that violated the rules to dump the puck and acknowledge they messed up. If this does not resolve the issue in hand then the team captains are to contact each other at intermission and try and resolve it. If this does not work then finish the game out and contact the Disputes Judge with proof. If possible, evidence must be obtained and submitted to the Disputes Judge of any rule violations. If there is no evidence then a complaint should be submitted to the Commissioner and Disciplinary Officer as well as the Disputes Judge. This will help the league find repetitive violations and deal with them accordingly. Management must notify the other team of accusations so both teams can prepare their report. The Disputes Judge after receiving a complaint must respond to the complainant before the end of the week on any rulings of decisions made.

Management Disciplinary Options Rule Violations
Managers have the right to suspend any player on their team with a reason. GMs must clearly define what is expected of their team in the locker room allowing their players to have a chance to meet those expectations. GMs may release a player if a player misses 2 or more games he is scheduled for in a week without notifying the GM in advance that they cannot make it. A copy should be sent to the Disciplinary Officer.


K. League Staff

Staff members cannot be management on any team.

Commissioner: Dark Calypso
NHL Stats Administrator:
NHL Trade Official:
NHL Players Manager:
NHL Disciplinary Officer:
NHL Disputes Judge:

K.1. Commissioner

The Commissioner is the Chief Executive Officer of the league. They are responsible for managing the staff members and assisting them when necessary. The Commissioner is responsible for the general direction and supervision of League affairs, coordinating between Managers, Players, and Staff, and serving as the principle public spokesman for the league.

The Commissioner will always make his decisions based on what is fair and best for the League as a whole. Consider the commissioner to be the “VOICE” of the BZHL.
The commissioner is to oversee the league in creating/altering the structure and rules of the league.

The Commissioner is also responsible for writing the schedule for the season.

K.2. Stats Administrator

The Stats Administrator's main purpose is to handle MyStatsOnline. Making sure the stats are accurate and up to date. Ensuring the MSO rosters are accurate as well and helping with the reschedule of games when necessary.

K.3. Trade Official

The Trade Official is the main processor of trades. He/She receives PMs from team management and, when both teams agree, processes the trades so that teams get their players promptly.

K.4. Players Manager

The Players Manager handles the adds and drops of players on a day to day basis. Maintaining accurate rosters on the doc as well as mso. The Players Manager also works as the liaison of the players for the league staff (I.E. complaints go to this person). Any player that is in limbo also needs to contact this person if they wish to be returned to the league cycle.

K.5. Disciplinary Officer

The Disciplinary Officer is the enforcer of the rules. Anytime someone breaks the rules then they go to the Officer who then decides what punishment will be executed. The Disciplinary Officer is also in charge of executing and maintaining those punishments.

K.6. Disputes Judge

Anytime there is a situation that could be considered an argument or a He said She said situation, it lands in the Disputes Judge's lap. They are responsible for listening to both side and deciding what course of action to take. Typically followed by sending someone to meet with the Disciplinary Officer.