What is DOPS? The Department of Player Safety (DOPS) is an independent body overseen by the EIH that manages disciplinary matters within the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL). The Game Review Panel reviews on-ice incidents and applies further penalties if necessary, with a focus on player safety.
What does the Game Review Panel do? The Game Review Panel automatically reviews all five-minute major penalties. Their role is to assess whether the penalty given during the game was sufficient or if further action is required. If further action is necessary, the case is escalated to the DOPS panel for review.
Who are the Game Review Panel members? The Game Review Panel is composed of two experienced, retired referees who have officiated at the highest level in British ice hockey:
- Dave Cloutman
- Matt Thompson
What types of penalties are reviewed by the Game Review Panel? Game Review Panel reviews serious penalties, including:
- All five-minute major penalties.
- Game Misconduct penalties.
- Checking to the Head, Checking from Behind or Boarding.
- Major and Game Misconduct penalties
How does the review process work? Game footage must be uploaded to the official Instat / Hudl platform by 11 PM on the day of the game. Ideally, footage of the first two periods should be uploaded during intermissions, and the final period immediately after the game. The Game Review Panel only uses official footage for reviews—social media or fan videos are not accepted.
What happens if the Game Review Panel decides further action is necessary? If the Game Review Panel determines that additional disciplinary action is required, DOPS and the affected teams are notified promptly. For penalties in Saturday games, decisions are communicated by 12 noon on Sunday, allowing teams to prepare accordingly for their next game.
What if game footage isn’t uploaded on time? If footage for a Saturday game isn’t uploaded by 11 PM on Saturday:
- The home team player who received the penalty will be ineligible to play until the footage is uploaded.
- The away team player can continue playing until the footage is provided by the home team.
Can teams appeal a suspension issued by DOPS? Yes, teams can appeal Tariff 2 or suspensions. An appeal fee must be submitted, which is refunded if the appeal is successful. Tariff 1 suspensions cannot be appealed, as agreed by all NIHL teams to avoid delays and unnecessary costs.
How are fans kept informed? When suspensions are issued following Friday or Saturday games, the details will be posted the next day on:
- The NIHL website
- The NIHL Social Media mediums
- EIH website
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