2015 Rules Update

[Steve]

I thought it was a good idea to update everyone on the rule changes for the upcoming 2015-16 GMHL season. Most of these changes were voted on by the members of the GMHL, but not all of them. I'm not really trying to be autocratic here, but some things I just didn't feel required a vote; however, everything was at least talked about.

Update to rules (voted upon):

1. There will be a maximum of 10 transactions per week;

2. FOW has been added; GWG deleted;

3. We will retain the SO category;

4. There will be no league expansion as the majority were not in favour of this proposal.

Update to rules (not voted on):

1. Maximum roster size of 27 Pro and 47 total will be maintained at all times, even when a player goes on IR+. In other words, if you have an injured player, he can only be replaced by a farm player. If you add a Free Agent to replace the injured player, you must drop another player from your roster. This was sent in an e-mail earlier this year.

2. Maximum Free Agent signings per year has been dropped to 20 from 25. This was 1st mentioned in the thread "Things to consider for next season and beyond" on Apr 3rd and again on Apr 25th in the thread "GMHL - Back in Business 2015-16 Season". Both threads are in the Announcements Category.

Please consider that only 1 team exceeded 20 FA moves during the regular season and only 3 teams were over the limit after the playoffs. Since you will no longer be able to just replace your IR+ player by just adding a Free Agent, this should mean that 20 roster moves is adequate for all teams.

All teams should know that moves to/from your farm team will not count towards your annual limitation of 20 Free Agent acquisitions during the season. Glenn or I will roll back farm team moves on a nightly basis.

3. All players, including farm players, are now subject to waivers. Off season waivers is also in effect.


If you guys really think a vote is necessary on these last 3 points, then please let me know soonest so that we can finalize the rules for next season.

I will be proposing one more vote on how we conduct our Draft Lottery. I've introduced a plan that should limit a team's ability to tank for a better draft position in our sister league, the NFHL, which I would like to see incorporated here in the GMHL.

Please feel free to comment constructively on any of the above.

[Deleted]

I believe you need to fix

2. FOW has been added; GWG deleted;

3. We will retain the GWG category;

(I assume #3 is supposed to say something else?)

I like the way we do our draft lottery currently tying it to a real NHL and there draft chances, I think we should stick to that. It gives everyone a shot at winning, and makes watching the NHL draft lottery interesting lol.

Other then that sounds good.

[Steve]

Thanks Anthony.

What I will suggest for the draft lottery will indeed be based upon what we currently use and what the NHL is going to next year. It should also dissuade teams from tanking as they will not be guaranteed the 1st overall pick.

[Deleted]

Hey guys,

I think replacing IR players with free agents as what was done last year should remain. This would count as one of your 20 FA moves, however, gives flexability to teams that might not have an active farm team during the season. I can't remember if this was discussed or voted on previously but I feel this is a bit restrictive for some teams as mentioned above.

Thanks,

[Deleted]

Perhaps this should go to a vote as well?

[Steve]

Anyone else want a vote?

[Deleted]

No I like that rule. You can't just go sign players in real NHL when you have injuries, you call up players from your farm. We should do the same.

[Deleted]

This was a rule change that was not voted for. All changes are to be voted on so put it to a vote.

[Steve]

By far the majority of changes we've implemented in the GMHL have been voted on; however, this hasn't always been the case. Major changes should always be voted on; however, for minor changes, I don't think this has to be the case, especially if the general consensus is in favour of the proposed change.

If one GM thinks we should vote on a matter, then it is taken under advisement. If a couple of more GMs think it is a good idea, then we will vote on it.

Once we get through these last few issues, we;re looking at keeping the rules in place for a few seasons or more. We'll always listen to ideas and keep an open mind towards making this league better, but I think we've reached the point where most everyone really likes where we are.

[Deleted]

I am down for a vote

[Steve]

Ok then, I have put up a poll regarding how the GMHL will use IR+.