Cancelling and Rescheduling Games
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Canceled/Rescheduled Games Policy
Download game cancellation policy (PDF)
A. Game Commencement
- Every effort must be made to start a game on time and as scheduled. Any team failing to take the ice within five (5) minutes of the scheduled game shall:
- a) Forfeit the game and game points,
- b) Be liable to a fine of $100 payable to the League,
- c) Be responsible for the cost of ice and referees (if the aggrieved Association submits a written request for the actual expenses incurred),
- d) Be subject to suspension unless a satisfactory reason is presented, and
- e) Submit a game scoresheet with written explanation why the game was not played. Upon receipt of the game scoresheet, the League will decide if a team is responsible or if the situation was mutually unavoidable.
B. Rescheduling
- No game may be cancelled with less than 72 hours’ notice except under emergency conditions.
Games should only be cancelled/rescheduled under emergency conditions, which are defined as extreme or unusual circumstances:
- Extreme or unusual circumstances may include adverse/dangerous weather, power outages, venue issues, traffic accidents, or illness epidemic affecting an entire team.
- Coach or player illness/injury or absences are not reasons for cancellation. Coaches should plan ahead with backups.
- Teams must exercise all options (e.g., player call-ups) before rescheduling.
- Rescheduling allowed only if fewer than 7 players remain after exhausting all options.
- Rescheduling allowed only if no coach is available after trying all replacements.
- With less than 72 hours’ notice, the cancelling team forfeits the game, though it may still be rescheduled as an exhibition game.
- Referee payment is still required if cancelled within 72 hours — unless an official extreme weather advisory is issued.
How to Cancel a Game
STEP 1 — REVIEW POLICY
Review the LMRL game cancellation policy to ensure your reason for cancelling fits.
STEP 2 — MAKE CONTACT WITH COACH
Contact the coach of the team you are scheduled to play.
STEP 3 — HOME TEAM COACH CALLS OFF GAME
- The Home team's coach contacts their Association Ice Scheduler to inform them of the cancellation.
- The Home team's coach contacts their Association Referee in Chief to ensure timely notification to officials.
STEP 4 — HOME ICE SCHEDULER NOTIFIES LMRL GAME SCHEDULER
Once the game is cancelled, the Association's Ice Scheduler must email the LMRL Ice Scheduler: scheduler@lmrl.ca
STEP 5 — RESCHEDULE
- Follow the procedures for rescheduling a game.
How to Reschedule a Game
STEP 1 — MAKE CONTACT
The cancelling team's coach initiates contact with the opposing team's coach. LMRL expects coaches to work together to find a suitable date/time to reschedule.
STEP 2 — CONTACT HOME ICE SCHEDULER
The “Home” team coach contacts their Association's Ice Scheduler to look for ice availability.
- Providing three options to play a rescheduled game is considered reasonable.
- If no ice is available at the Home team's association, the Away team can contact their Association's Ice Scheduler for options.
STEP 3 — CONTACT REFEREE IN CHIEF
When a time is agreed upon, the Home team's coach contacts their Association's Referee in Chief to arrange officials.
STEP 4 — NOTIFY LMRL GAME SCHEDULER
After confirming everything, the Home Association's authorized rep (coach, Ice Scheduler, or team Manager) completes the Game Rescheduling Form, to have the new game official updated and posted on the LMRL website.
- Failure to inform the LMRL of a rescheduled game ahead of it commencing, will deem the game unofficial and ineligible for league points.
