|
Please review our frequently asked questions on this page. If your inquiry has not been addressed herein, please
contact us.
GENERAL INFORMATION
INFO FOR ALL SITE USERS
INFO FOR FULL-TIME PLAYERS
INFO FOR SUBSTITUTE CANDIDATES
What is the MDHL?
The MDHL (Mad Dogs Hockey League) is our friday night, recreational hockey league established way back in 1995. It emphasizes fun and competition with friendly faces on both sides.
In our official web site, you will find:
- current and past series' standings
- game schedules
- game recaps and news
- league rules
- and other fun stuff relating to our league...
For more on the history of our league, you may refer to our backgrounder.
[back to top]
Where are the games played?
Depending on the season, games are held at Trout Lake and Kerrisdale Rink in Vancouver or at the Richmond Ice Centre. Please check
our league schedule for exact details.
[back to top]
How does the league format work?
Each MDHL series is a 10 game set with fixed rosters (10 players per side), elected team captains, set lines,
rule enforcement, power-plays and mid-series trades (as warranted). All scores and results count throughout the series to maintain
significance of games and level of competition. Goaltenders are alternated each game.
[back to top]
What are the rules of play?
Generally speaking our games consist of:
- 1.5 hour time slot (including 15 minute warmup)
- no intentional contact
- off-sides enforced
- penalties/power-play situations
- ...and all scores count!
Play hard but keep it clean, as all players on both teams are considered friends and family. Please refer to our site's complete rules and guidelines for all the details.
[back to top]
What is the skill level of the players?
As we are a recreational league, the MDHL accepts all skill levels. In terms of tiered categories, we are estimated to be between tiers 5-8. Generally speaking, we have the odd beginner and advanced players, but most players fall into an intermediate level of skill. All members are expected to (understand and execute on) their respective positions and be a cooperative team player (i.e. do your job, don't hog the ice time and don't be a goal suck!).
[back to top]
How are the games officiated?
In the absence of a referee, both teams self-officiate off-side calls while elected
team captains (2 per side) have the ability to call penalties as they see fit (against either side). Mistakes may happen from time to time and
are be
accepted as a general consequence with the assumption that all members make calls in the
spirit of good faith and sportsmanship.
[back to top]
What are the privilege levels associated with the login IDs?
Each user that visits this site has their login ID classified into one of three catagories:
- players; able to use our automated web site substitution tool to secure a sub.
- subs; able to receive notification and accept sub opening invitations.
- guests; unable to perform either of the above.
The classification of each login ID is set by the league. You can see your own classification (after a successful login) in the upper-right status heading on each page in this site. Please contact us to request a privilege upgrade. Generally, substitute privileges are assigned based on member referrals. (NOTE: All regular and sub MDHL goaltenders are classified as 'Guest' since they are not subject to usual player/sub transactions.)
[back to top]
What is my login ID to use this site?
Your own current e-mail address is the login ID you use to access the site. Based on your privilege,
as set by the league (i.e. Player, Sub, or Guest), you may access certain areas
and features of this site. You will need to contact the league to have your
ID privileges upgraded (e.g. to be a sub in our league).
[back to top]
What password do I use to login?
If you haven't already set one yourself (e.g. it's your first time here), your password is blank (i.e. no entry required). You may set your own password if you choose, after logging in and using the  link in the upper right menu bar.
[back to top]
How much are league fees?
Full-time players pay $125 for all 10 games of the series. Payment
is due in the first two weeks of each series. A late fee of $10 will
be levied for payments received after the second week.
Substitutes are charged fees set by the vacating full-time player on a
case-by-case basis (using features in the site) ranging from FREE to $12.
Generally, subs should expect to pay $10 to play each game. Subs should
make cash payment to the GMs before the game (or else make direct arrangements with the full-time player you are replacing).
[back to top]
I can't make a particular date, how to I get a substitute?
You may find a substitute using your own personal means (e.g. your friends or
co-workers) or you may our automated sub request
tool to secure an sub automatically. Basically, you follow the 
link in your upper toolbar. Completing and confirming the information automatically sends a broadcast message to our sub reserve members (to their e-mail accounts). They will then receive the
details and have the option to accept the invitation on a first-come-first-served opportunity
with instructions provided in the e-mail. That's it! Nothing for you to do
other than checking the site (for the sub opening status) or else check your
e-mail as you will receive confirmation of any acceptances. It is your
responsibility to contact the GMs to receive any collected funds from the sub
appearing in your spot.
Whatever means you use to secure a sub, it is strongly encouraged that you make
arrangements to do so, so that your team is not shorthanded, games remain competitive and you don't incur
additional player demerit points. Besides, no-shows are just lame in general.
[back to top]
What are Player Demerit Points (PDP)?
Player Demerit Points (PDP) are a system to enforce consistent attendance in our league.
These points are assigned to players who
demonstrate a lack of commitment to the MDHL. Hockey is a team sport
and we want our players to demonstrate a level of commitment to their
team mates and to the continued success of
the MDHL. When a player fails to show up for a game and/or shows up
late for a game he is letting the rest of the team
down and affects the overall game. On occasion there may be valid
circumstances where a player is late or unable to play. Hence, PDP is a
based on a point system to provide a certain amount of latitude before
a player is penalized.
[back to top]
A player (or captain) made a mistake/bad call on an off-side or penalty! Where can I complain?
You can't. The MDHL is a recreational league which is self-officiated (on most nights) and as such, honest mistakes or poor calls (in someone's eyes) must be accepted as a possibility from time to time. Part of this is alleviated by the fact that only team captains are
empowered to make penalty calls, and they have been democratically elected (and
thus, endorsed) by YOU the player (so make your vote count!).
Generally speaking, all players/captains are considered to be making calls and self-officiating in the best interests of both teams and
overall sportsmanship.
However, if an instance is found where a player makes a
wrong call
without proper knowledge of the rules (e.g. not knowing the technicalities of when a player is in fact off-side), then that player should be identified to their team captain or league GM and they will
in turn, educate that player to avoid future mistakes.
[back to top]
What is the role of an MDHL team captain?
At the beginning of each series, a league wide vote is held (in the pre-game/dressing room via anonymous balloting
to allow each player to vote on captains for both teams. Individual votes are weighted towards captains on your own team vs. the opposition's.
The results of the vote produce a team captain and an assistant captain for each team. Generally speaking, those members are
responsible for on-ice affairs with their team including setting lines, strategy, penalty calling and basically just setting a positive example
for his team to follow. You can find detailed information on team captains here within the site.
[back to top]
I'd like to be a substitute in the league, how about it?
Your login ID must have SUB privileges and you can contact the league organizer to do this. When your login
ID is upgraded to that privilege level, you will receive substitute
notifications as they occur (via your e-mail with instructions on how to accept invitations to
play). Substitutions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so
make sure to use your most accessible e-mail address to keep on top of sub
openings.
[back to top]
There's no current openings, but I want to play desperately! What can I do?
This feature is only available to users with substitute privileges on their
login ID. So, in addition to receiving periodic e-mail invitations informing you of available sub
openings, you may also login to this site and apply to play in an
opening (i.e. be the next in line for upcoming spots) using our on-line
request-to-play tool. Basically, you follow the 
link in your upper toolbar and do the following:
- Specify the game (for which you would like to play)
- Specify expiry date of your request (for your lead time / notice purposes)
- Confirm your input
Completing and confirming the information
automatically puts you in line for the next opening (assuming you are first in the waiting-to-play
queue) in the game that you specified. That's it! Nothing else for you to do as you will receive CC e-mail confirmation of any acceptances of your request to play. Of course, by doing this, you are obligated to show up when your request are granted and abuse of these instances (e.g. no-shows) will result in loss your sub privilege.
[back to top]
I'd like to play full-time with this league, how do I do that?
Contact the league organizer (Jason) to do this. Existing
full-time players have first right of refusal for next series roster positions,
while remaining vacancies will be offered up as they become available.
Notification of full-time openings is usually done via e-mail, so make sure you
are in the loop.
[back to top]
|
