Substitution Rules Last updated: 11-24-10 (Latest changes in blue.)

Regular Season Subbing Rules

1. Substitutes can only be obtained from currently active players and expanded subs (see bottom of page).
2. Teams can only substitute if the have less than 10 skaters (not including the goalie) to bring their team up to 10 skaters.
3. For subbing purposes, players will be ranked via the Goble Grading system. Players can only sub for other players based on the following:
   1. Use the "replace" grade for the missing player. Use the "subbing" grade for the player filling in. The grade for the filling in player must be less than or equal to the missing player. Players that normally play defense can only substitute for a defensmen and must play defense.
   2. No restrictions on goalie subs. (However, it would be sportsmanlike to find a similar goalie if possible.
4. Suspended players can be subbed for in compliance with rule #2. However they can only be replaced with a player with an "E" sub grade. Players can not sub while on suspension.
5. Players subbing must be announced to the other team before the game starts. Subs may not be added after the game starts. (This means that their name is on the score sheet.) If there is a dispute regarding the subbing player that can not be resolved then just play the game and let the commissioner know about it. He will then ridicule you in a group email about how you do not have common sense. If a rostered player shows up during the game then a sub must leave if the total player count exceeds the number of players in rule #2.
6. Players can not share a sub slot. For instance player one plays for the first period and player two plays for the second and third.

Playoff Subbing Rules

Same as the above with the following exceptions:

1. The average and max ratings on the sub list will be used for a starting point for subbing skaters in the playoffs instead of the letter grade. Players subbing must have a max rating less than or equal to the average rating of the player they are replacing.
2. The sub list will be updated with the current season stats before the playoffs start. This will allow for any new players to be properly ranked.
3. If your goalie can not make a playoff game then contact the commissioner. If he can replace the goalie with a goalie with similar talent from within the league then he will attempt to do that. Otherwise he will attempt to replace with a goalie of similar talent outside the league.

Expanded Subs (Effective Winter 2011)

1. Any past MOTHERRS League player who signs up for a season but does not make the cut will be eligible to sub for the season.
2. The player will be charged $10 per game subbed.  This money will go towards tailgate parties, pizza nights, etc.  (The league will probably just keep a list of who subbed and send out a "bill" at the end of the season.)
3. If a player does not pay any outstanding charges before the next season then they will not allowed to play or sub the next session(s) until their account is paid off.
4. If a player signs up for a season, makes the cut, and then decides not to play then they will not be eligible to sub for that season.
5. Any suspensions received while subbing will disallow the person to sub for the rest of that season.  The suspension will be applied if and when the player returns the next session.
6. In short, a player can sub if they commit to play for a season but they do not get a slot on a team.

Some notes on the above rules:

1. This rule will not start until the Winter 2011 session.
2. The purpose of this rule is in anticipation of an overflow of players wanting to skate in the Winter session and not having enough slots available. 
3. This will allow the possibility of some ice time if someone is serious about wanting to play a whole season but does not make the cut.
4. Payment must be received by the deadline. The league will not allow late sign-ups to be eligible to sub.
5. A big caveat, if a player is put on the expanded sub list this does not guarantee any sub time.  A higher ranked player will most likely have a better chance of subbing during the season.  An "E" ranked player could possibly never get a chance.
6. Players must be USA hockey registered for the current season.  I would suggest holding off signing up until you know you will sub at least one game.  Obviously the league will not reimburse for USA hockey memberships that do not get used.