Leagues Rules

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League Information

TEAM Structure

Roster

  • Every player must have a signed waiver on file with nine HOCKEY.

  • Player numbers (recommended):

    • 3v3: 9 skaters and 1 goalie

    • 4v4: 12 skaters and 1 goalie

    • Teams can have up to 14 players and 1 goalie

  • Goalie:

    • One per team

    • Nine HOCKEY will provide goalie equipment for any Mite/8U player
      who needs to play goalie

  • Protective Gear:

    • All players must wear protective gear as required by USA Hockey and
      a nine HOCKEY jersey

Bench Manager

  • Each team must have 1–2 adults on the bench

  • Responsibilities: supervise the team, update the scoreboard, and manage
    the game clock

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GAME DETAILS

Minimum Players

  • 3v3: 5 skaters + 1 goalie

  • 4v4: 6 skaters + 1 goalie

  • If a team does not meet minimum requirements at game time:

    • Forfeit and fine will be issued

Game Format

  • 3v3 (Mites – Bantam+) or 4v4 (Termites) + 1 goalie

  • Add 1 skater if the goalie is pulled

  • Game timing:

    • Total: 50 minutes

    • Clock stops only for injuries or at referee discretion

    • Warm-up: Two minutes

    • Game time: Two 22-minute periods with a minute break

    • Wrap-up: three minutes

  • Teams must be ready to start on time; clock starts at scheduled game time

GAME PLAY

General Rules

  • No checking (strictly enforced) at all levels

  • No offside – players may enter the offensive zone freely

  • No icing – play continues unless a goal or stoppage occurs

  • Puck Out of Play:

    • Hits safety netting: play continues

    • Over boards or into the bench: face-off at center ice

Line Changes / Player Shifts

  • 1-for-1 changes; only after previous players are off the ice

  • Violations:

    • 1st offense: warning

    • 2nd offense: penalty shot for opponent

  • No leaving the bench early to gain advantage

  • Mites & 8U:

    • Bench manager sounds buzzer every 1 minute for line changes

    • Leave puck in place; no shooting into offensive zone

  • AAA Mites – Bantam+: Change on the fly. Mite Coaches can determine if whistle is needed.

Scoring

  • Bench manager records each goal for the team

  • Maximum score difference displayed: 10 goals

After a Goal

  • All scoring players must exit the zone and tag up at the opposing blue line before re-entering

  • No attacking player can enter until all players have tagged up

Goaltender Coverage / Puck Freeze

  • Goalies may cover puck only within the two faceoff dots and below

  • Offensive team must leave the zone and tag up at opposing blue line

  • Players can tag up individually; those who don’t cannot play the puck until it leaves the zone or they exit


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Goaltender Coverage / Puck Freeze

  • Goalies may cover puck only within the two faceoff dots and below

  • Offensive team must leave the zone and tag up at opposing blue line

  • Players can tag up individually; those who don’t cannot play the puck
    until it leaves the zone or they exit

Penalties

  • All on-ice calls by referees are final

  • Player sits one full shift (except Mite level)

  • Penalty shot awarded to affected player

    • All players line up at far blue line until shooter touches puck

    • Shooter may pass or be defended; play resumes live afterward

  • High stick / hand pass: play continues unless an immediate goal results

Severe Penalties

  • Checking from behind, fighting, roughing, severe misconduct

  • Immediate ejection for severe penalty or two roughing penalties

  • Further discipline at official’s discretion

Player / Bench Manager / Spectator Behavior

  • Disrespect, obscene language, or physical/verbal abuse toward anyone or
    the facility will result in removal and review by nine HOCKEY

RESCHEDULING GAMES

  • No changes, reschedules, or make-ups unless due to rink maintenance

  • Notify nine HOCKEY 24 hours in advance if not attending

  • No-show: forfeit and ice given to opposing team; coach fined $100