POLICIES, RULES, AND LIABILITY WAIVER
League Liability Waiver, Rules of Conduct, & Officiating Disclaimers
Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability, & Player Actions
Participation in recreational ice hockey involves inherent risks, hazards, and dangers- including, but not limited to physical injury, property damage, falls, collisions with other players, contact with the ice, pucks, sticks, board structures, and the unpredictable nature of athletic competition.
The moment a player chooses to step onto the ice and participate they accept full, sole, and absolute responsibility for all risks, incidents, and outcomes associated with gameplay. All participants, players, and spectators voluntarily assume all risks of injury, loss, damage, or death associated with participation, regardless of cause, including the actions, negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of other players (such as stick contact, high-sticking, body contact, physical altercations, etc).
When choosing to participate in gameplay participants expressly agree that the league, administrators, and officiating staff shall never be held liable or responsible for any injury, accident, or incident arising out of gameplay, on-ice collisions, falls, or the actions of fellow participants. All participants play entirely at their own risk.
Contracted Officials & Limitation of Liability
All referees presiding over league games are independent contractors operating under their own professional discretion, expertise, and real in game time judgment. Cincinnati Adult Hockey Leagues operates as an independent recreational entity and is not affiliated with or sanctioned by any national governing body.
Ice hockey is a fast paced, high speed athletic competition. This can result in split second human errors, obstructed views, missed calls, and non-calls, which is an inherent part of the game. The league and the officiating staff assume no liability, responsibility, or accountability for any refereeing decisions, missed infractions, officiating errors, or the ultimate outcome, score, or result of any game. Officiating decisions during game time are final and the league can't guarantee that games will be officiated without error or omission.
Division Placement & Team Captain Responsibilities
To ensure a safe, balanced, and competitive environment, players are permitted to play one division down from their baseline skill level.
- Captain Oversight: Team captains are responsible for monitoring the skill level, safety, and compatibility of any player they choose roster or allow to play on their team. Captains can opt for assistance from league management if they need help making a determination prior to games.
- Skill Level Policy: If a player’s skill level significantly exceeds the competitive tier of the division to the extent that it impacts the safety or integrity of the game (as determined by league administration, referees, or captains), the league reserves the absolute right to mandate that the player immediately move up to an appropriate higher division.
The division placement guidelines and captain oversight policies are administrative rules intended to maintain competitive balance. They do not constitute a safety guarantee, a warranty of protection from physical contact, or an assumption of duty by the league regarding individual athletic capabilities or on-ice outcomes.
Player Conduct, Sportsmanship, & Ejections
All participants are expected to conduct themselves with maturity, sportsmanship, and respect at all times. Abusive, combative, threatening, or disrespectful behavior directed toward referees, staff, or other players will not be tolerated. Referees and league administrators reserve the right to immediately eject any player from a game for poor sportsmanship, combative behavior, or conduct that impacts the safety and integrity of the game. Referees reserve the right to immediately eject any player from a game who is playing significantly above the competitive tier they are participating in (up to one division higher). Following any ejection the league administration will review the incident to determine subsequent disciplinary action, which may include changing divisions, game suspensions, or permanent expulsion from the league. During the removal during a game league fees and referee fees are non-refundable. In the event of a permanent expulsion or suspension resulting from player conduct or rule violations, no refunds or returns of league fees will be issued.