The list below outlines some of the more important tenets that form the foundation of the NAHL. It is important that everyone in the league agrees with and demonstrates these principles on the ice. Please take a few moments and read them. Thanks!
ATTITUDE - First and foremost, all players invited to play in the NAHL will have a positive attitude and no history of disruptive play. The league requires no contact (as opposed to no-checking) and NO bad attitude!
SKILL LEVEL - This lg is not for beginners players. During the probationary season, the new players will be rated by the rating committee and assessed a number and letter rating for the ensuing seasons.
ATTENDANCE - Due to the 12 skater per team rule we have for most seasons attendance is VERY important! If you feel you cannot attend 75% of your games overall, this league may not be for you.
AGE REQUIREMENT - All participants must be age 40 and over unless grandfathered in during the inaugural season
TEAM SELECTION/COMPETITIVENESS - Our number one priority with regard to the teams is to make all teams balanced in every season to keep the games competitive. Drafts will alternate in format from complete random blind draw by skill level to NHL All-Star Captain’s Draft where captains will have the ability to pick and choose who they want whether that be for buddies or skill. While we want players to play with their friends, the league is more in favor of balance than anything else. The reason for this is that it dramatically reduces the animosity that can build up between team rivalries. At the conclusion of each draft, the committee will give the final OK on the teams in an effort to make them as balanced as possible. We will try to have a total of 12 skaters per team for increased ice time in most seasons. Seven forwards and five defensemen per team. We have 8 teams in the league.
USA HOCKEY RULES/PENALTY LIMITS/ DISCIPLINE - We take this no contact and penalty limit idea very seriously. The league will not hesitate to permanently suspend any player from the league for what it determines is unacceptable behavior or exceeding the established guidelines. No refunds will be made regardless of when it happens. The refs call a very tight version of USAH rules. With the addition of two major penalties: 1- Running over the goalie 2- Egregious stick penalties, tripping, slew footing, etc. Any player getting 12 minutes of penalties must be suspended for the next game, according to the committee. Any player getting 20 minutes or more in one season will be suspended for the next 6 games even if it flows over into the next season. No questions asked. (see rules in About the NAHL)
PROBATIONARY SEASON - Each new player will play his first season on a probationary basis only. No exceptions. The committee will vote on each respective new player toward the end of each season to determine permanent status. If accepted, approved player will be expected to pay the one time non-refundable registration fee of $75.00. This fee helps offset indirect operational expenses such as jersey purchases/replacements, league management software and other miscellaneous expenses aside from ice time and officials. This fee also acts as a “seat license” and holds the new player’s spot for future seasons. It can’t be taken away unless player fails to register for the ensuing season.
PLAYOFFS/POST SEASON GAMES - All teams regardless of place in the standings, will get at least one post-season game. With 8 teams, 6 of the top 8 will vie for the "Stanley Can." The 7th and 8th place teams will play a consolation game. We are excited to have playoffs. We all know that sometimes players can get a little more aggressive during the playoffs. We will continue to have playoffs so long as the games are played the same way the regular season games are played.
COST - Due to the higher level refs we hire, the limited amount of skaters on the team, and because we are not an in-house league, the cost per game will be approximately $18-20 per game.
GAMES - We expect to play 6-7 games per month per team. There will be 5 seasons per year. We also have a goal to keep all game start times no later than 10:00 pm.
SHIFTS - In order to keep the game at a fast pace and also to be fair with ice -time, we recommend 60-75 second shifts. Staying out too long only tires you out and further aggravates the line behind you. Who in turn, returns the favor, subsequently aggravating you. Then on and on we go! SKATE FOR 60 AND GET OFF and CHANGE WITH YOUR LINEMATES AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.
REFEREES - We hand pick the best refs we can get. Please treat them with respect.
SUBBING PROGRAM - Due to our small rosters, we employ a sub program for players who prefer to play only occasionally and to give prospects a chance to sample the league without committing.
