RULES & REGULATIONS

Each team must have a minimum of 4 players plus a goalie but may have a maximum of 10 players (9 players plus a goalie) on its roster. Teams will be placed in divisions based on information provided at time of registration. Rosters may be expanded prior to the close of the registration deadline, but not thereafter. No roster changes/substitutions are allowed after the first scheduled game, unless there is an exception made for unforeseen reasons. Some roster changes may be permitted prior to the team’s first scheduled game, but it is up to the discretion of tournament officials to approve any player changes/additions. Tournament officials reserve the right to check ID at any time throughout the event and to disqualify players and/or their entire team for submission of false information, use of non-roster players, unauthorized substitutions, and/or bad sportsmanship of any kind. All players’ names must be listed on the score sheet before each game.

GAME RULES
– All games will be played 4 on 4 plus the goaltender
– A team may play without a goaltender at any time during the match.
– Start of game and halves will be by face-off at the center.
– Teams will start the first half attacking towards their bench’s half of the surface.
– There will be no off sides and only a red line for faceoffs and tagging on goals.
– The ball will change possession after every goal scored. The ball will be taken behind the defensive team’s net and the offensive team must clear the blue line until any of the defensive team’s players passes the blue line.
– During play, alternates can substitute as teams deem necessary.
– There can be no goaltender changes made during games, except in the case of injury.
– When the ball is covered by the goaltender, the defending team gets possession of the ball in the defensive zone. The offensive team must clear the red line until any of the defensive team players passes the red line.

If the ball leaves the rink:
If the ball goes out over the backdrop of the offensive team: the offensive team must clear the red line and allow the defensive team 5 seconds to make a play.
If the ball goes over the backdrop of the defensive team: The team on offense receives possession of the ball at the place closest to where the ball left play. The defending team must allow the offensive team 3 meters of space to make a play. The team on offense is allowed a maximum of 5 seconds to put the ball back into play. If the ball leaves play at either side of the rink the team that the ball did not go off of receives possession at the spot where the ball left play. The defending team must give the offensive team the defensive blue line to make a play.

After a goal is scored: there is no face-off. The team that was scored on gets possession immediately.

The scoring team must clear to the red line, once the offensive team passes the red line the defensive team may attack.

After a penalty shot attempt: there is no face-off. The penalized team receives possession of the ball in the defensive zone regardless of the penalty shot being successful or unsuccessful. The team that was scored on gets possession immediately. The shooting team must clear to the red line, once the offensive team passes the red line the defensive team may attack.

Warm-ups/Time Protocols: teams will be given a 2-minute warm-up before each game. A 5- minute forfeit allowance will be strictly enforced. Clock will continue to run once the game commences. Lost time will not be made-up. All games will be 24 minutes; two 12 minute halves.

Tie Breaker Policy:
Round Robin games may end in a tie with the following tie-breaker rules in effect to determine teams to advance to championship round:
1. Points
2. Head to Head record
3. Number of wins
4. Fewest goals allowed in round robin play
5. Goals scored minus the goals against in round robin games
6. Goals scored in round robin play
7. Flip of a coin Elimination games ending in a tie will be decided by a five minute sudden victory overtime followed by a Shootout.

See below for Shootout rules.

Penalties: infractions as defined in 2012-2014 Hockey Canada Official Playing Rules shall be enforced. Infractions which result in a minor penalty assessment in ice hockey will result in a penalty shot at the time of the infraction. Time will be stopped for penalty shots. Major penalties will result in a penalty shot and the removal of the player who has committed the infraction. Any player that gets penalized three times during one game for incidents mentioned above will be disqualified from participating in the remainder of that game. Any stick which is waived at a ball above the player’s shoulders will be penalized with a penalty shot as it is considered high
sticking. Contact does not need to be made for a penalty to be called, if the referee deems the player was careless with their stick a high sticking penalty may be called. Regardless if a goal is scored or not the defensive team takes the ball behind their net. Any individual on the surface at the time of the infraction can take all penalty shots for a team if it so chooses (i.e. the shot does not have to be taken by the player that was infracted). No protests are allowed.

Decision of officials is final.

Overtime & Shootout Rules (elimination games ONLY): at the end of regulation time, in the event of a tie game, there will be a 5 minute sudden-victory overtime. If the score remains tied after the overtime period, the game will move to a shootout. The shootout will be 3 shooter format, with the team leading at the end of the round being declared the winner. Teams may determine the order at the time of the shootout.

Players may not repeat as shooters until the full roster has shot.

The home team will determine which team shoots first. The shooters are allowed one shot, no rebounds and forward motion only.

Referees will make the final decision on legal goals. The shootout will continue in this format until there is a winner. Players ejected from the game for any reason (three penalties or other infractions) may not participate in the overtime or shootout.

EQUIPMENT

Goaltenders should bring their own goaltender equipment. The Referee reserves the right to reject the use of this equipment if it is deemed unsafe or unfair to the opposing team. Sticks and running shoes will NOT be provided and are required by all participants. All sticks are subject to examination by the referee prior to each game. Any type of stick (wood, graphite, plastic blade, etc.) can be used, but if the stick is chipped, sharp, or deemed potentially dangerous at any time before or during game action, its use will not be allowed. Curves of all kinds are welcome; all true street hockey players know that there is no such thing as an illegal curve in ball hockey.

Players MUST wear gloves for hand protection. Equipment (17 years of age and under): CSA approved helmet with a full face mask, elbow pads, protective gloves (approved ice hockey, lacrosse or ball hockey gloves), jock or jill strap, and shin pads are mandatory. Teams must wear matching jerseys or shirts.

SCHEDULE

The organizers will post the schedule electronically a minimum of three days prior to the event. The schedule will also be posted as a hard copy at the tournament registration area. The organizers have the right to change the schedule at any point throughout the tournament. Please be sure to check your schedule regularly throughout the tournament for any changes. Tournament organizers will not be responsible for any missed games due to schedule changes.

INJURY

The official reserves the right to stop the game in any case of injury. The official does not need to wait until the injured player’s team has possession to stop the game. Players cannot participate on the playing surface with an open abrasion. The abrasion must be covered before the player may return to the game.

Remember… This is a charitable tournament with the intention to be fun for all the participants to enjoy the day.

Please come with RESPECT for the refs,
RESPECT for your opponents and
RESPECT for your fellow teammates.