DOPS

What is the Department of Player Safety (DOPS)?

The DOPS is an independent body that oversees the disciplinary process for the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL). It reviews major penalties and serious incidents to ensure players safety and impose appropriate sanctions.

1. What is the Game Review Panel?

The PINIHL has introduced the Game Review Panel (GRP) to support and speed up the DOPS process on game nights by reviewing Major Penalties

2. What types of penalties does GRP review?

GRP reviews all five-minute major penalties, Game Misconducts, Checking to the Head, Checking from Behind, and Abuse of an Official.

3. How does GRP review penalties?

GRP uses official game footage uploaded via Instat/Hudl to review penalties. Only official footage is accepted..

4. What happens if my team’s player is penalised?

If the GRP determines that further disciplinary action is necessary, your team will be informed in a timely manner. For penalties during Saturday games, teams will be notified by 12 noon on Sunday.

5. Can teams appeal suspensions?

Teams can appeal Tariff 2 and above suspensions by submitting an appeal fee. The fee will be refunded if the appeal is successful. Tariff 1 Suspensions cannot be appealed.

6. What happens if a team doesn’t upload game footage on time?

If the home team fails to upload footage by 11 PM on Saturday following a Saturday game, the player who received the penalty will be ineligible to play until the footage is uploaded. Away team players may continue to play until the footage is provided.

7. How are fans informed about suspensions?

Suspension announcements are posted on the NIHL website, Facebook page, and the NIHL Department of Player Safety Twitter account (@NIHLDOPS) the day after a Friday or Saturday game.

8. Why are there strict deadlines for providing evidence?

Strict deadlines ensure that teams submit all relevant evidence promptly. Allowing late submissions could give teams an unfair advantage by withholding information until the last minute. Therefore, all teams must adhere to the deadlines agreed upon by the NIHL.