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 Ice Scheduler to inform them of the cancellation.
- The “Home” team's coach contacts their Referee in Chief to ensure timely notification.
STEP 4 — HOME ICE SCHEDULER NOTIFIES LMRL GAME SCHEDULER
Once the game is cancelled, the association's Ice Scheduler must contact the LMRL Game Scheduler: scheduler@lmrl.ca
STEP 5 — RESCHEDULE
- Follow the procedures for rescheduling a game.
How to Reschedule a Game
STEP 1 — MAKE CONTACT
Contact 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 Ice Scheduler to look for ice availability.
- If no ice is available, the "Away" team can contact their Ice Scheduler for options.
STEP 3 — CONTACT REFEREE IN CHIEF
When a time is agreed upon, the “Home” team coach contacts their Referee in Chief to arrange officials.
STEP 4 — NOTIFY LMRL GAME SCHEDULER
After confirming everything, the home Ice Scheduler notifies the LMRL Game Scheduler to post the new time on the website: scheduler@lmrl.ca
- Include division, schedule name, association requesting the change, and reason for reschedule.
