Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and

Regulations
Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough

ABSTRACT
This document includes all rules and regulation as well as relative knowledge for all
individuals involved in the Interhouse program
 Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough 2
Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

Table of Contents
DEFINITIONS ..........................................................................................................................................................3
UTSC FAIR PLAY ....................................................................................................................................................4
ELIGIBILITY ............................................................................................................................................................6
REGISTRATION ......................................................................................................................................................6
TRANSFERS .............................................................................................................................................................7
EMERGENCY REPLACEMENTS............................................................................................................................8
PLAY-OFF ELIGIBILITY ........................................................................................................................................9
PLAY-OFF REGULATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 10
PENALTIES FOR DEFAULT ............................................................................................................................... 11
FIGHTING AND ROUGH PLAY .......................................................................................................................... 11
GAME PROTESTS ................................................................................................................................................ 12
REVIEW BOARD .................................................................................................................................................. 12
APPEALS ............................................................................................................................................................... 13
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................................... 14
HEATH & SAFETY ............................................................................................................................................... 14
 Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough 3
Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

Definitions

In order to understand the UTSC Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations
the following definitions must be understood:

There are 6 main Athletic Programs at UTSC:

Learn to Play: Beginner instructional courses that provide students the opportunity
to learn the basic skills and the rules of the game of a specific sport.

Interhouse: Student-run sports activities that take place once a week at UTSC or at
the UTSC Playing Fields (for outdoor sports). This program provides students, staff
and faculty who have a membership to the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre to
participate in friendly sport by making a team with friends/colleagues or signing up as
an individual.

U of T Intramurals: This term refers to the U of T Intramural Program run by the

Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. UTSC will have try-outs for teams to
compete against other U of T Colleges and Faculties in divisions based on skill levels.

U of T Development Leagues: This is the highest level of league play available within
the U of T Intramural Program. UTSC teams compete against a team from U of T
Mississauga and two teams made up of the best players selected from try-outs at the
St. George campus.

Extramurals: This term refers to the Ontario College’s Committee on Campus

Recreation Program that involves teams from UTSC, UTM and other OCAA College’s
and members competing in various sport and recreation tournaments.

Varsity: This term refers to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues Program
administered by the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education on the St. George
Campus. UTSC students are eligible to try-out for and compete in the U of T Varsity
Program.

A&R: The Department of Athletics and Recreation

KPE: Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education

SCAA: Scarborough College Athletics Association

UTSC: University of Toronto Scarborough

 Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough 4
Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

Review Board: Set up for each UTSC Interhouse Sport to deal with: Rules and
Regulations for each sport, player and team ejections and subsequent discipline, as
well as all Game Protests by Interhouse teams.

Default: Failure by an Interhouse team to field the required minimum amount of

players to start a game (within the allocated game/default time). In addition, teams
that have two or more players ejected in the same game will lose that game by
default. Teams that default a second game will be removed from the league.

Registration: All teams and players must be registered on IM Leagues. Convenors

may ask players for their T card at any time.

Rules Clinic: Each Interhouse sport will have a Rules Clinic/Captains Meeting. Teams
that want to enter must attend or send a representative. League convenors will
discuss the rules, answer questions and ensure that all rosters have met eligibility
requirements.

Individual Players List: A list created for individuals who are looking to play on
Interhouse Sports Teams. Individuals who are unable to find a team should sign-up
on IM leagues as free agents. Individuals will be assigned to a team by the league
convenors. If there are enough individuals to form a team, the convenor will enter
them as a unit.

UTSC Fair Play

All Interhouse Leagues are co-ed in nature and based on friendly competition.

All participants, spectators, officials and captains should:

• Demonstrate respect for all individual involved in the game
• Learn and respect the rules of the game
• Respect the facility and equipment
• Maintain self-control at all times

Players:
• Participate for the love and enjoyment of the sport
• Treat fellow participants with respect; shake hands prior to and after game
• Respect integrity and judgment of game officials
• Learn rules of the game thoroughly to avoid misunderstanding
• Cooperate with officials, coaches and fellow participants to conduct a fair game
 Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough 5
Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

Captains:
• Always set a good example for participants and spectators to follow
• Respect opposing captains and players, shake hands with officials and opposing
captain prior to and after game
• Respect integrity and judgment of game officials
• Encourage and reward fairplay, participation and commitment
• Abide by and teach the rules of the game encouraging the spirit of sport

Spectators:
• Enjoy the skill and strategies of the game
• Recognize and show appreciation for outstanding play by either team
• Respect decisions made by game officials
• Learn the rules of the game, so that you may better understand and appreciate
what takes place during a game
• Respect coaches, participants, administrators/staff and other fans

Officials:
• Publicly shake hands with captains of both teams before game begins
• Maintain a healthy atmosphere and environment for safe competition
• Demonstrate confidence and poise; maintaining control of the game from start
to finish
• Know the rules of the sport and maintain impartiality at all times
• Never exhibit emotions or argue with participants or captains when enforcing
rules

“Win with humility, lose with grace. Do both with dignity.”

 Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough 6
Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

Eligibility

To be eligible for UTSC Interhouse Participation, a person must:

• Be a full or part-time student registered at University of Toronto
• Is a graduate student registered at the School of Graduate Studies with a
membership at TPASC
• Be registered on the official team list prior to participation.
• Have read the Informed Consent Agreement and indicated their consent on the
IM Leagues website

Full-time appointed Staff and Faculty of the University of Toronto Scarborough are
eligible to participate in all of the Interhouse Programs, if they elect to pay the TPASC
membership fees.

Registration

All Interhouse Sport Participants will be required to create an account on

IMLeagues.com/UTSC

To create an account:
1. Go to www.imleagues.com/utsc and click Create Account. The “Log in with
Facebook” option will automatically create an account, fill in your information
and join you to the school (steps 2-4)
2. Enter your information and submit it.
3. You will be sent an activation email, click the link in the email to login and
activate your IMLeagues account.
4. You should be automatically joined to your school – if not you can search
schools by clicks the “Schools” link

How to sign-up for an Interhouse Sport:

1. Log in to you IMleagues.com account.
2. Click the Create/Join Team button at the top right of your User Homepage.
3. The current sports will be displayed. Click on the sport you wish to join.
4. Choose the league you wish to play in (Co-rec, Women’s)
5. You can join the sport in one of three ways:
a. Create a team (for team captains)
i. Captains can invite members to their team by clicking the “Invite
Members” link on the team page. Any invited members must
accept the invitation to be joined to your team.
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Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

1. If they’ve already registered on IMLeagues: search for their

name, and invite them.
2. If they haven’t yet registered on IMLeague: scroll down to
the “Invite by Email Address” box and input their email
address.
b. Join a team (for teammates)
i. Use the Create/Join Team Button at top right of every page.
ii. Accepting a request from the captain to join their team
iii. Finding the team and captain name on division/league page and
requesting to join
iv. Going to the captain’s playercard page, viewing their team, and
requesting to join
c. Join as a Free Agent
i. You can list yourself as a free agent in as many divisions within a
league as you’d like. You will be visible to all members of the site
and can request to join teams, or post information about yourself
so teams can request to add you to their team

Transfers

Transfer of players during league play is done so that a participant may have the
opportunity to play and so that teams are adequately balanced in order to ensure
reasonably fair competition.

NOTE: A player is not considered on any team roster until they have played for and
had their name appear on ONE game sheet for that team.

Teams may add only one transferred player per season provided the transferred
player was added under the following regulations:

• Transfers may occur up to and including the 2nd game of the season.
• All transfers must be approved by both of the team captains involved and the
League Convenor.
• A player may transfer only once in one season.
• Once a player has transferred, the games in which he or she participated for
both teams will be added in order to determine the player's play-off eligibility
status.
• Teams may add any player/s from the Free Agent List without affecting their
one transfer status.
 Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough 8
Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

PENALTY: The team to which a player illegally transfers shall FORFEIT all games in
which that individual played and lose all points accumulated from those games.

If a player plays illegally (transfer procedure not followed) for a second team, they will
automatically become part of the second team’s roster and cannot switch back. In
addition, the player will receive a one game suspension for illegally transferring.

Emergency Replacements

In order to maintain a sufficient numerical strength to sustain league play during the
regular season and the play-offs, injured players may be replaced under the following
regulations:

1. An emergency replacement will be granted only, if due to injuries, the eligible

signed players are fewer in number than the following table of minimum strength:

• Ball Hockey: 4 (includes goalie)

• Basketball: 5 (full court division), 4 (half court division)
• Volleyball: 4 (open division), 4 (for co-ed 4s)
• Indoor Soccer: 6 (includes goalie)
• Ultimate Frisbee: 5
• Indoor Cricket: 7
• Quidditch: 7

2. An emergency replacement may be any individual who has met the eligibility
requirements, and who has not participated for any other Interhouse team in that
sport.

3. A request for an emergency replacement must be made in writing to the UTSC A&R
Program Assistant (Anthony.cicirello@utoronto.ca) in charge of that sport.
Individuals must present their reasons for requesting an emergency replacement in
writing (along with the appropriate medical documentation for the injured player) to
the UTSC A&R Program Assistant at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled game.

4. The emergency replacement rule is not intended to increase the quality of play of a
team. Replacements will only be granted to teams who have met the above
requirements.
 Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough 9
Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

Play-off Eligibility

To be eligible to compete in any play-off series, a player must qualify under one of the
following regulations:

1. A player must be in uniform for, participate in and have his or her name appear
on the game sheet of at least half (50%) of the regular season league games.
Games in which a player has been suspended from playing, do not count
towards games played for play-off eligibility. For play-off eligibility 50% of games
will be calculated by rounding down when there is an odd amount of league
games played ie. 2 games of a total of 5. For forfeit wins where a game is
cancelled, the entire team’s roster will get credit with playing. For default/forfeit
wins of game being played, only the players listed on the game sheet will get
credit with a game played.
2. A player who, through injury, does not qualify under (1), may on written
application, be made eligible through a ruling of the Review Board for that
particular sport. Acceptable medical proof of injury provided by the University
Health Service or attending physician, must be presented in order to support
the application.
3. A team, who does not have enough eligible players to field a team for the play-
offs, shall be removed prior to the commencement of the play-offs. The league
standings shall be recalculated excluding all teams that fall into this category,
enabling teams with the required eligible participants to advance to the play-
offs. Each sport has its own specific rules regarding minimum number of
required players. Check with the UTSC A&R Office or on the web page for these
sport specific rules.

Team captains are responsible for checking the eligibility of participants. However,
they should remember that the UTSC A&R Program Office keeps all completed game
sheets and all cases of ineligibility will be dealt with according to the rules. League
Convenors are required to post Play-off Eligibility lists prior to the start of the play-
offs. Team Captains are responsible to verify the eligibility of all players prior to the
first play-off games. If there is a Game Protest in regards to the ineligibility of a player
it must be made on the back of the game sheet immediately following the game in
question.
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Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

Play-off Regulations

1. The number of teams to qualify for the play-offs, and the formula to be used
shall be approved by the League Convenor. If the approved play-off formula
becomes non-applicable during the regular season, the League Convenor will
contact team captains and adjust the playoff format.
2. In order to determine the position of a team in the play-off draw, the following
point system shall be employed for the regular season:
a. Win: 2 points; Tie: 1 point; Loss: 0 points; Default: -1 Point
b. Soccer (all divisions): Win: 3 points; Tie: 1 point; Loss: 0 points; Default: -1
Point
3. Where a tie exists for a play-off position, the following formula shall be used to
determine playoff rank:
a. Record of least defaults/forfeits during league play
b. Greater number of wins in mutual head to head competition, as
described in (2) above.
c. Team with the greater positive point of goal differential over the regular
season on a point per game basis (points for minus points against)
i. This will be calculated using the +/- from games against teams the
tied teams have mutually played, exclusive of defaulted/forfeited
games.
d. Team with the best point differential in mutual head to head competition
i. This will be calculated by subtracting the points or goals scored
against from the points or goals scored for
e. Team with the least goals scored against over the regular season shall be
given a preferred position
i. This will be calculated using the goals against from games against
teams the tied teams have mutually played, exclusive of
defaulted/forfeited games.
f. The team with the greatest number of wins in overall league play
g. If a tie still exists after applying the above formulae, positions in the draw
shall be decided by the toss of a coin, unless the League Convenor can
arrange a time to play a deciding game between the teams involved.
 Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough 11
Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

Penalties for Default

If a team defaults in two league games, it will result in expulsion of that team from the
league. Repeated defaults by the same individuals or teams, in more than one
Interhouse activity, may subject these individuals or teams to possible expulsion from
all Interhouse programs.

Fighting and Rough Play

1. A disregard of good sportsmanship or of the fighting and rough play rules (as
defined in rules of each individual sport) will result in immediate expulsion from that
contest and suspension from all Interhouse programs until the incident is referred to
the UTSC Interhouse Review Board. This rule applies to all players, coaches, officials
and spectators.

2. Any abuse of an Interhouse official by players, coaches, and spectators, both

verbally and physically, will not be tolerated. Referees and/or League Convenors are
instructed to report all infractions of this nature on the back of the game sheet. These
cases will be referred to the Review Board.

3. Fighting will not be tolerated! The minimum penalty for fighting is expulsion
from that league for one calendar year, followed by probation for one additional
calendar year. A fight is defined as one blow (i.e. punch, kick) or as a deliberate
attempt to injure an opponent.

Note: It is a punch or kick thrown or attempted!!

4. Racial slurs will result in an immediate game ejection! These cases will be dealt with
severely by the Review Board.
 Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough 12
Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

Game Protests

Game Protests occur when one affects a game result or both of the two grounds listed
below.

Grounds:
• There was a misinterpretation of the playing rules and regulations by the
referee or referees of the game in question.
• Questions of player eligibility.

No judgment calls made by officials during a game are subject to protest.

Protest Procedure:
• Any intention of protest must be indicated on the reverse of the score sheet at
the time of the game and signed by the team captain/coach or representative. A
protest letter must be then submitted in writing to the League Convenor or the
Program Assistant in the UTSC A&R Program Office within 24 hours of game
time. Failure to indicate intent to protest on reverse of game sheet, will nullify any
written protest within the 24-hour period.
• The League Convenor and the UTSC A&R Program Assistant will review the
protest. If deemed necessary, a Review Board meeting will be called, within
three (3) days of the game in question.
• A team representative will be invited to attend the meeting and be allowed the
opportunity to present the protest grounds to the Review Board. The opposing
team representative, game officials, timers and scorers and other witnesses, if
necessary, will be asked to attend the hearing.
• The Review Board's decision is final on all Game Protests. Teams or players may
not appeal the Review Board's decision on matters dealing with Game Protests.

Review Board

The purpose of the Review Board is to rule on cases of major game ejections of
players and all Game Protests listed in the “Game Protests” section above. The Review
Board will make decisions on player suspensions on a case-by-case basis, based on
the nature of the infraction.

1. Players that are ejected from an Interhouse game for major infractions must
appear before the Review Board before they can participate in their teams next
scheduled game and/or any other Interhouse activities.
 Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough 13
Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

2. The Review Board will consist of the UTSC A&R Program Coordinator and/ or
Program Assistant, League Convenor, one SCAA council representative, two
UTSC A&R appointed student at large members from the student body and, if
applicable, the Head Official for that sport.
3. The Review Board will attempt to meet as soon as possible following the
incident. It is up to suspended players to ascertain the date and time of the
Review Board meeting.

Appeals

Appeals to the UTSC Director of A&R may only occur in cases where a player has been
disciplined by the Review Board and will be heard only under the grounds listed
below.

Grounds
• Improper review/decision process in relation to the guidelines set within the
Review Board Handbook.
• Improper penalty or punishment in relation to the guidelines set within the
Review Board Handbook.
• Cases where a timer, scorer or referee has recorded the players number
erroneously.

Appeals will not be heard on the basis of facts not being presented at the initial
Review Board hearing.

Appeal Procedure:
• Any player disciplined by the UTSC Review Board has the right of appeal to the
UTSC Director of A&R. Notice of intent to appeal must be submitted in writing
to the Director of the UTSC A&R within five (5) business days of notification of
penalty assessed.
• The UTSC Governing Council on Athletics and Recreation will hear appeals that
have sufficient grounds. The members of the Review Board and the appealing
player will be asked to attend this meeting.
• An appealing player who is to appear before UTSC Governing Council on
Athletics and Recreation Program Committee is suspended from all UTSC
Interhouse activity until the appeal is heard.
• All decisions on appeals heard by the UTSC Governing Council on Athletics and
Recreation Program Committee are final.
 Department of Athletics & Recreation, University of Toronto Scarborough 14
Interhouse Sport Handbook of Rules and Regulations

Protective Equipment

1. All students wearing eyeglasses who participate in sports where body-contact may
occur must wear eye guards or shatterproof glasses.

2. It is recommended for ball hockey that all goalies wear throat guards and all
players wear C.S.A. approved shin guards. All players/goalies must wear Canadian
Standards Association (C.S.A.) approved ice hockey helmets and ice hockey gloves for
all ball hockey games. The helmets must have full C.S.A. approved facemasks
attached.

3. It is recommended that all players wear C.S.A. approved shin guards while
participating in all indoor and outdoor Interhouse soccer games. Shin guards are also
highly recommended for all Interhouse Soccer Tournaments/Games.

5. Participants in the UTSC Interhouse Program do so at their own risk having read the
Informed Consent Agreement while registering on Imleagues.

Heath & Safety

If in doubt as to the nature or extent of an injury during an intramural activity, do not

move the injured player. Use the following procedures:

• Contact a staff member located at the Athletics Service counter if the injury is
minor in nature, the Department of Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation
Control Staff will treat the injury.

A FIRST AID KIT, OTHER EMERGENCY NUMBERS AND A TELEPHONE

ARE LOCATED AT THE TPASC TOWEL DESK.

The TPASC staff representative must fill out Athletic Injury Forms immediately! The
forms must be then sent to the Department of Athletics and Recreation within 24
hours of the incident.