Guidelines

A Suspension Matrix Review Committee (SMRC) was formed in May 2022, to revisit the OBHF’s existing suspension policy. The OBHF Board of Directors approved their recommendations and the following is a summary of the SMRC’s work.

• Players receiving a single (1) game suspension misconduct, will be permitted to participate with other teams until they serve their suspension with the team the infraction took place with.
• Players receiving a two (2) game suspension misconduct will require permission from the Head of Discipline to participate with other teams until they serve their suspension with the team that the infraction took place with.
• Players receiving a three or more (+3) game suspension misconduct – which includes, but not limited to the following: Discriminatory Slur, Gross Misconduct, Match, Fighting Major, Abuse and/or Threat of an Official, will NOT be permitted to participate with other teams. The player MUST serve their suspension in its entirety with the team the infraction took place with.

Note: Single Game Misconducts as the result of Verbal Abuse of Official MAY result in forfeiting the right to to play with other teams until the suspension is served.

The following 2 items have been reviewed by the SMRC, and were also approved by the Board of Directors.

• The wording “per session” with regards to Gross & Match Misconducts, as well as Fighting Major, to be changed to “per calendar year”. This MAY also include Game Misconducts for Verbal Abuse of Official.
• The wording “life” to be changed to “5 calendar years, with NO potential of appeal for 1 calendar year”

Any attempt to circumvent an OBHF issued suspension will result in an automatic doubling of the current suspension plus status review within the OBHF.

Any player wishing to appeal their suspension must fill out the Appeal Application form and follow the outline within the Appeal Process.

Any questions regarding appeals can be sent to our Technical Director Phil Willard – phil@ontarioballhockeyfederation.ca