Below is the most recent definitions used by the WCSHL for determining "import" and "ex-patriate" status.

An "import" is defined as being EITHER a non-resident Newfoundlander and Labradorian OR a resident Newfoundlander and Labradorian who has not played a minimum of two years of hockey with HNL at the minor or junior level. 

That is the general rule that still is in place, subject to the following exceptions:  

Motion Passed January 7, 2008

All teams participating in the West Coast Senior Hockey League (the"League") are permitted to have three Ex-Patriate  Newfoundlanders and Labradorians (EPNL) on their respective rosters. For purposes of this rule an Ex-Patriate Newfoundlander and Labradorian is defined as follows:

1. An individual who is a former Newfoundland and Labrador resident who is no longer resident in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador,

AND

2. An individual who has previously played a minimum of five years as a registered player with Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL) (or its predecessor) at the minor or junior level.

For purposes of interpretation of this rule there is to be no distinction between individuals who are residing outside of Newfoundland and Labrador for purposes of employment or for purposes of attending school.

For further clarification of this rule any individual who is an EPNL is deemed NOT to be an import and further this rule does not limit in any way the rights that any member team has with respect to the provision of imports as defined in the League’s constitution and by-laws.

Motion Passed October 5, 2008

The import rule as passed on July 16, 2007 will remain in effect subject to the following amendment:

The executive committee consisting of the President,Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Public Relations Officer can in extenuating circumstances deem a player who might otherwise be considered an import player a non-import player if in the opinion of the committee that player is a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador for reasons other than playing hockey. If the committee determines that but for senior hockey and participation in the Bud Light West Coast Senior Hockey League that player would not be resident in Newfoundland and Labrador