Sub player policy

As of September 30, 2026

To ensure fair play, safety, and consistency across all games, the following policy applies to all substitute players in the Twin Cities Queer Hockey Association (TCQHA) Winter League

1. All substitute players must be registered with TCQHA as a sub for that particular season, including signing the liability waiver, and be on the active sub list before taking the ice. Registration ensures that all participants are covered under league insurance and are included in league communications.
2. Goalie exception: Goalies should first be pulled from the registered sub roster. If no registered goalie is available, a non-registered goalie may sub only after signing TCQHA’s liability waiver and being approved by the league commissioner before the game.

1. Substitute players must mark their availability in advance using the designated sub list or scheduling system. Captains may only pull subs from the active sub list. This helps captains and commissioners put together fair and balanced rosters for each game.

1. Teams may use only as many subs as needed to reach their team’s full-time roster size. Captains should not use subs to create a numbers advantage over their opponent. League commissioners may move subs between teams during a game, at their discretion, to ensure competitive parity.

1. An $18 fee for skaters or a $9 fee for goalies applies to each game. Subs will be invoiced within two weeks after their skate; please do not pay before playing. Payment information and accepted methods will be included with the invoice.

1. Subs are expected to wear a TCQHA jersey. The league’s reversible jersey works for either team color. Subs without one should bring:
2. One white jersey
3. One dark jersey (navy, black, or a similar dark color)
4. No sub will be turned away for not having a jersey. Captains can help them borrow one from the league’s jersey stock managed by Commissioners and the Board.

1. Subs must be of equal or lower skill level than the player they replace. A sub who is more skilled than the player they replace, such as someone subbing down into a lower division, needs approval from both the league commissioner and the opposing team’s captain. Captains request approval, not the sub.

1. Using an ineligible sub may result in game forfeiture. The league commissioner and Board of Directors will weigh intent and actual impact. Violations meant to gain a competitive advantage will be treated seriously, while honest mistakes will be reviewed case by case. Captains who violate the rules on pulling players from the active sub pool will not be asked to return as a captain.

1. This policy exists to keep games fun, fair, and safe while allowing flexibility for players and teams. Subs are expected to follow the TCQHA League Rules and Code of Conduct, just like rostered players. TCQHA encourages everyone to communicate respectfully with captains and commissioners about sub opportunities.