InWine Hockey League Rules

The Inwine Hockey League will be governed by the World Skate Inline Hockey Rules and the following league structure. In the event of a discrepancy the below league rules will be the primary rule. the IHL consists of two phases: Regular Season: Played every third friday from March to June, with each team playing 10 games. Playoffs: About three months, from August to October playing every third friday. The League Cup playoffs consists of a best-of-five series for the top 4 teams. Games four and five are only played if needed.

1. League Structure

1.1 The IHL shall consist of three teams or more, each managed by a designated Team Manager.
1.2 Each team shall participate in a Stanley Cup-style format, including a regular season followed by a playoff series:
    – Regular season standings determine playoff seeding.
    – Playoffs shall consist of semi-finals (if applicable) and a final championship series.
1.3 The League shall be overseen and coordinated by the IHL Committee, comprising the three Team Managers and the IHL Manager. When voting the IHL Manager will have the deciding vote in the event of a tie.

2. Team Composition

2.1 Each team must maintain a minimum roster of 5 players and may not exceed a maximum of 10 players, including the goalie.
2.2 Each team is required to support at least one dedicated goalie to help build the depth and sustainability of the goalie pool within the league.
2.3 Goalies may be traded or borrowed under the same rules as other players, but teams must strive to develop and retain their own.

3. Team Management

3.1 Each team shall be operated by its Team Manager, responsible for:
   a. Recruiting and managing players.
   b. Ensuring team compliance with league rules.
   c. Coordinating with the League Committee on all player-related matters.

4. Player Drafting and Approval

4.1 Team Managers may draft new players at any point during the regular season, subject to the following conditions:
   a. Players must be formally proposed by the Team Manager to the League Committee.
   b. The drafted player must receive approval from the League Committee before being officially added to a team roster.

4.2 Drafted players must:
   – Have a valid InWine Sports Center waiver on file.
   – Be fully paid-up members of the InWine Sports Center.
   – Meet all other eligibility requirements as set out by the league and facility.

5. Player Trading

5.1 Player trading between teams is permitted until the end of the regular season, after which all team rosters are frozen for the playoff series.
5.2 Trades must be:
   – Mutually agreed upon by the involved Team Managers.
   – Transparent and communicated to the League Committee.
5.3 The League Committee may veto any trade deemed to harm league integrity, balance, or sportsmanship.

6. Player Borrowing

6.1 Temporary player borrowing is permitted under the following conditions:
   a. Approval must be obtained from the IHL Committee.
   b. Borrowed players may only participate in one game at a time, unless special approval is granted.
   c. Repeated borrowing of the same player must be limited and justified to avoid disruption of team balance.

7. Player Eligibility

7.1 No player may participate in league games or practices without a signed InWine Sports Center waiver on file.
7.2 Players must adhere to all facility rules and league policies.
7.3 The League Committee reserves the right to suspend or expel players who violate the Code of Conduct.

8. Sportsmanship and Conduct

8.1 All players and Team Managers are expected to:
   – Uphold the spirit of fair play.
   – Show respect to referees, opponents, teammates, and spectators.
8.2 Unsportsmanlike conduct, including aggression, discrimination, or rule violations, may lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or permanent removal.

9. Amendments and Disputes

9.1 A maximum of 4 players including the goalie may be on the rink at any time.
9.2 Game officials will consist of 1 Referee, 1 time keeper. A third official can be in the timekeeper’s box to assist the referee managing the game.
9.3 All penalties requireing a player to be removed off the rink to serve a time penalty will be substituted with a penalty shot in condjunction to the remainig penalty requirements.
9.4 Any proposed changes to these rules require the majority agreement (3 out of 4) of the IHL Committee.
9.5 In the event of a dispute, the League Committee will convene and issue a final ruling in the best interest of the league and its integrity.

By participating in the InWine Hockey League, all players and Team Managers agree to comply with these rules, facility regulations, and the InWine waiver agreement.