GTHL Policy on Review of Video

BACKGROUND 

The use of video is becoming more prevalent in minor hockey. Parents may record games on video for enjoyment purposes, while teams may record games on video for use as a development or strategic tool. 

With that in mind, the issue of the League viewing such videos for situations that may occur during a game continues to be an issue. By way of this policy, the League wishes to communicate its position on when it is appropriate and responsible for the League to do so.

Both Hockey Canada and the League have very specific rules regarding the On-Ice Official’s judgment.

Hockey Canada Playing Rule 5.1 (d) reads: “A Referee shall have full authority and the final decision in all matters under dispute. His decision shall be final on all questions of judgment and not subject to appeal.”

GTHL Regulation 15.7 (g) reads: “REFEREE’S DECISION: A protest on a referee’s decision will not be considered unless it concerns a question respecting interpretation of the rules of the game.”

 

POLICY

Video That Will Not Be Reviewed
The League will generally not view videos for the purpose of reviewing on-ice officials’ calls or non-calls, nor for the purpose of reviewing the on-ice officials’ penalty selection unless otherwise outlined in this policy.

The League will generally not view videos for the purpose of reviewing the conduct or actions of any individual player unless otherwise outlined in this policy.

The League will generally not view videos for the purpose of reviewing the conduct or actions of any teams during any game unless otherwise outlined in this policy.

Rationale: The on-ice officials have rules at their disposal to penalize these situations.

 

Video That May Be Reviewed
The League may view videos for the purpose of identifying the correct player in situations in which an incorrect player may have been identified by the on-ice officials and issued a penalty resulting in a suspension.

The League may view videos for the purpose of reviewing the conduct of game officials during altercations, specifically when use of force is concerned.

The League may view videos for the purpose of reviewing a game situation that results in a serious injury to any player whether or not a penalty was assessed. The Executive Director or his designee may use this video when determining the appropriate length of a suspension to any player or players who may have been directly involved in a player being seriously injured, whether or not a penalty was assessed at the time of the injury. 

The League may view videos for the purpose of reviewing the conduct of spectators and parents. 

Rationale: The on-ice officials may not have rules at their disposal to penalize these situations or may not be able to make the appropriate assessment of the cause or severity of an injury. Illegal plays resulting in severe injuries to players should not go un-penalized just because an on-ice official may not have been able to assess the appropriate penalty at that moment in time.

Decisions under this provision are subject to appeal as per GTHL Regulation 15.3.

 

Review of Misapplication of a Rule Or Judgment Resulting In Suspension
The League will view videos for the purpose of the appeal of a suspension when it is the contention of the Club/Team that a rule has been misapplied or that the official erred in his/her judgment when assessing a penalty that results in a suspension of two or more games.

The review will be considered by the League when the following has been submitted to the League Office:

• A copy of the video in its entirety
• A deposit of $250. The deposit is refundable only in instances in which the appeal is upheld in whole or in part. If the appeal is denied, the deposit is forfeited
• A copy of the Game Sheet
• A statement outlining what penalty is being appealed which is signed by the General Manager or President of that Team’s Club.
• The submission takes place within 5 business days of the game being played. 

Procedure:
Upon receipt, the GTHL Executive Director or his designee will review the appeal and make one of the following determinations:

1. The review is inconclusive. A review may be deemed to be inconclusive if (among other things), in the opinion of the Executive Director or his designee, the video recording does not provide a sufficiently clear view of the incident.

In this case the suspension(s) as a result of the penalty or penalties assessed by the official will remain in effect and the deposit is forfeited.

2. The review is conclusive that the official misapplied the rule and/or used incorrect judgment. In this case the corresponding suspension(s) is/are revoked.

3. The review is conclusive that the official applied the rule correctly and/or used correct judgment. In this case the suspension(s) as a result of the penalty or penalties remain in effect and the deposit if forfeited.

 This review is not subject to any further appeal.

 

Submission of Video
If a Team wishes to submit video for review, the following procedure must be followed:

1. The video, along with a letter signed by the General Manager or President of that Team’s Club must be delivered to the League Office.

2. The letter must outline specifically what the Team wishes to have reviewed.

3. The video must be cued to the point at which the incident occurred or there must be an indication in writing of what time in the game the incident occurred and where on the submission it can be located.