The following information represents the collection of administrative rules, regulations and guidelines used over the years to operate WOWHA. They are posted here to pass on knowledge, wisdom and the lessons learned over years of different executive groups. They can change over time as the needs of the association change.

The Executive (minimum of 5 volunteers) is to ensure that the following roles are filled: Treasurer, Co-Treasurer, Ice Contractor, Registrar, Goalie Coordinator, Referee Coordinator, Web Coordinator, Scheduler, Jersey Coordinator and Team Reps (4 in winter seasons, 2 in summer seasons). These roles may be filled by members of the Executive or regular players from the league.

The term for an Executive member is normally 2 years. Should a player wish, she can ask to extend her term for an additional year. Someone who has been on the Executive in the past can volunteer again after a break period.

The WOWHA Winter Program will register 4 teams of 12 players per team plus 1 goalie. The Summer Program will register 2 teams of 13 players per team plus 1 goalie.

Returning players of the same program season will be given registration priority until a cut-off date and then registration will be opened to all on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The Association operates at cost (ice cost + referee costs + $20 refundable jersey deposit (winter only)). WOWHA funds are maintained in a community bank account with signing privileges for the Treasurer and the Co-Treasurer. A float of approximately $2000 must be maintained should there be ice contract cancellation penalties or jersey replacement costs.

Registration fees must be paid by cheque to the West Ottawa Women’s Hockey Association. Cash payments or electronic transfer payments are not permitted.

A $35.00 administrative charge will apply to all NSF cheques.

Goalies play for free.

Each team should have 21 jerseys available. Should the quantity drop below 17 due to damage or loss, the Executive should be notified by the Team Rep or the Jersey Coordinator so that replacement jerseys can be ordered.

In cases where there are conflicts between players, the Executive asks that the issues be brought up to their attention through the team rep after a wait-period of 24 hours has been respected.

WOWHA's hockey program is intended for recreational hockey players who have not played competitive hockey. Most participants are over the age of 35. WOWHA is not a beginner league or a learn-to-skate program. Players registering for the first time should be made aware that a minimum level of skills and experience is required to ensure that they enjoy their experience. Likewise, excessively competitive or aggressive players should play in a different association.

Splitting or sharing of a position is not allowed because WOWHA permits players to trade games and to sell part of a season (see below points).

Players from within the league are allowed to trade winter season game nights at no cost. They should inform their respective team reps by adding a “note” with their switch’s name before confirming that they are playing on the confirmation email.

If a player will miss more than 6 consecutive weeks for any reason, she is allowed to sell the remainder or that portion of her season. If she is intending to sell, she should notify her team rep immediately. The team rep will advise the Registrar who will provide the departing player with a list of spares who have already been approved by the league as well as the waiting list of players wishing to play in the league. It is the selling player’s responsibility to find a replacement and to handle the transfer of the money, jersey, and jersey deposit with her replacement. If a replacement cannot be found from the spares/waiting list, the player may find an outside replacement that must be approved by the Executive before she is able to play.

The cost of a spare from outside of the league is $10 per game. This cost is not applicable if the player is asked within 24 hours of the game (emergency help). Priority should be given to players already registered with WOWHA.

All spares must sign a liability waiver form before their first game.

A spare should be at an equivalent level of play as the person she is replacing. The team rep inviting the spare should ensure that she adjusts her level of play to that of the league.

The league operates with a 2 linesman format.

Referees are paid $27/game. If only one referee works a game, that referee will be paid $37. Referees are paid monthly. The Referee Coordinator determines the payment amount and the Treasurer or Co-Treasurer pays the referees by cheque.

All referees must sign a liability waiver form before his/her first game. If he/she is under 18 at the time of the first game of the season, a parent/legal guardian must sign the waiver before the referee is permitted on the ice.

WOWHA shall not be responsible for compensating referees for games cancelled due to circumstances beyond its control. Exceptions may be made for games cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.

If the goalie is not ready, then a sixth player is allowed on the ice as an additional skater/player until the goalie is ready. If a goalie does not show, and if goalie gear is available and the teams are at full strength, a player can take the position. If no player wants the position or the teams are short, a referee can be offered the goalie position at the regular referee fee of $27 if he/she chooses and the remaining officiating referee will get $37. If no one wants to play goalie, that team will play with 6 skaters for the duration of the game.

Games are 50 minutes and referees are paid for that time only. If the ice is available beyond that period, it is an individual decision to stay longer. Referees are not expected to officiate past the 50 min mark.

The game will start promptly after a five minute warm-up period from the time that the ice is allocated to the Association.

When a penalty is called, all skaters will head towards their respective benches but stay on the ice. The player awarded the penalty shot will proceed to the center face-off circle. At the referee’s signal, the player will proceed to take the penalty shot. The play will be whistled dead upon the completion of the shot. If a goal is scored, there will be a face-off at center ice. If no goal is scored, there will be a face-off to the left or right of the goalie. Play will resume with 5 on 5.

For most penalties, the offending player will not go into the penalty box however, depending on the severity of the penalty, the referee may still send the player to the box for a “cool down” period. Regardless, 5 on 5 play will continue after the penalty shot.

Playing under the influence is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If it is believed that a player is playing under the influence of any substance, they can be ejected from the game by the referees or team reps at any time without advance warning.

Refrain from overly aggressive play and using abusive language.

Respect the on-ice officials and respect their calls.

Adhere to WOWHA’s equal ice policy.

Be respectful of fellow players.

Always wear CSA approved equipment including neck guard.

Have fun!