Spring 4 on 4

The league is designed to provide free-flowing hockey with zero presence of a coaching staff and for that reason, timeouts are not permitted 

Official Rules 

  The following rules pertain to all league participants for the safety and enjoyment of the league: 

     The league coordinators reserve the right to change or alter these rules at any time without prior 

notice in order to act in the best interests of the league. 

Section I: Game Play Rules 

  Playing rules will be those standard within the game of Hockey, except as noted below. 

1.Game Length:

  Each game will consist of a 2 minute warm-up followed by two 22-minute halves running time game. 

2. No body-contact:

  This league is meant to be a fun and safe environment for all players. There is no body checking allowed.

3. No coaching permitted: 

  There are no coaches involved in our 4 on 4 league. Parents may assist by opening doors and counting for the players only. However, parents will be removed if they begin to coach. 

4.  No Timeouts:

  The league is designed to provide free-flowing hockey with zero presence of a coaching staff and for that reason, timeouts are not permitted 

5. Line Changes: 

  a) Line changes occur every 90 seconds. A buzzer will sound to instigate the changes. When the buzzer sounds, players must leave the puck immediately and skate directly to the bench. The players must change and a new set of players must enter the playing surface. 

  b) When the buzzer sounds the players on the ice must line change and can’t play the puck. This means the players can’t score once the buzzer sounds. The play continues once the line change is complete as the players line change and the new players come off the bench. The puck is in play immediately following a line change.

  c) Faceoffs – will be at the start of the game and at the start of the second half.

  d) Change of possession occurs when: 

     1) On a goal or when the goalie freezes puck or puck goes out of play. 

     2) Offside – Dead puck and change of possession

     3) Delayed off-side when players are offside, all must clear the offensive zone to the neutral zone before re-attacking in the offensive zone (referee will coach the offending team out of the zone or blow whistle if offside is deemed).

   4) ICING - Dead puck and change of possession (Icing may be waived off at the discretion of the referee, if it is not deemed to be an intentional play).  Offending team retreats to red line.

When a “change of possession” whistle occurs: All players of the opposing team must back off far enough to allow a member of the non-offending team (or the team whose goalie froze the puck) to begin a fresh play with the puck. If the players with control do not attempt a break out within ten seconds, the defending team may attack. 

Section II – Penalties 

  1. All minor penalties will result in a penalty shot. If the penalty is deemed to be reckless or aggressive, the offending player may be sent to the bench for the remainder of his/her shift. If the penalty is deemed accidental, the offending player may remain on the ice. (This judgment is at the discretion of the facilitator.) 

  2. During the course of the game, the referee’s decision is final. A zero-tolerance approach will be used by the league towards aggressive and/or abusive players and spectators. A review of incidents involving inappropriate behavior will be conducted by league coordinators with possible disciplinary actions taken. 

  3. A game ejection may be given to any players for the following reasons; intent to injure another player, abuse of the facilitator, three intentional minor penalties in the game or refusing to play by the rules. The league reserves the right to peruse a suspension on any player who does not follow any of the mentioned rules. Under no circumstances will fighting be permitted. Expulsion from the league may result. All game ejection incidents will be recorded. A player who received 3 game ejections over the course of the season can be subject to immediate removal from the league. A player suspended or expelled from the league for any reason will not be entitled to any refund or credit. 

  4. At his/her discretion, the referee may direct participants to “sit off” for a portion of the game, in response to aggressive or reckless behavior. 

  5. If coincidental penalties are assessed, both players will leave the ice. No penalty shots are awarded. 

Penalty Shot Procedure 

  Penalty shot must be taken by the player fouled (if applicable) and all players on the ice must remain behind the blue line (both teams) on the other side until after the player enters the offensive zone (passes the blue line) with the puck. The play and the game will continue once the penalty shot taker enters the zone with all players joining the play right after.

  The puck will be placed at center and the referee’s whistle will signal that the player may advance to take a shot. 

Section IV– Safety and Dressing Room Policy 

  1. Equipment 

          • Players must wear all CSA approved hockey equipment as well as neck protectors. 

          • Any players not wearing appropriate equipment or is missing equipment will not be permitted to play until he or she is fully equipped. 

  2. Dressing Room Safety 

          • Please note that programs staff are in place primarily to supervise the on-ice aspect of the League. Each parent is expected to be responsible for the supervision of their child at all other times (with the assistance of League staff where possible), while adhering to the supervision and two-deep rules noted below. 

         • No horse-play is permitted inside dressing rooms or in hallways (no wrestling, throwing objects, or playing with sticks is permitted) 

         • Players are not permitted to get dressed on the floor of a dressing room, unless it is in an area separate from anyone potentially walking around in skates. Goaltenders should, at a minimum, place their hands and elbows on a dressing room bench when receiving assistance with their pads. 

          • The use of cell phones & cameras by parents or participants in a dressing room is strictly prohibited. 

          • No participants are permitted to be inside dressing rooms without footwear that covers their feet completely (both sandals & walking barefoot are not permitted in dressing rooms). 

          • As dressing rooms are shared, participants are reminded not to leave any valuables in dressing rooms. The facilities and/or league are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items. 

  3. Bullying/Harassment 

     Harassment and bullying in all its forms will not be tolerated during the program and may result in the removal of the offending participant from the program without possibility of refund or credit. All participants, parents, and staff are expected to make every reasonable effort to prevent harassment and bullying. 

     • Program participants and parents are asked to immediately report any instances of bullying or harassment to the League Coordinator-on-duty. 

  4. Co-Ed Locker Rooms 

         • Locker rooms will be co-ed. If an alternate change room is required (for example, for girls), parents may see league representatives or the arena staff, as alternative rooms are usually available. 

  5. Two-deep rule 

  The following policies are in effect: 

     • Parents are responsible for ensuring that the “two-deep” rule is observed at all times. This rule stipulates that no adult (male or female) should ever be alone in a dressing room with players (excluding being alone with one’s own child/children). As such, there should always be two adults present in a team’s dressing room at any time. Parents must inform League staff if a situation arises where they need assistance in adhering to this rule. 

     It is at the league coordinators discretion to move players and/or teams in order to create balanced teams. 

     Every League participant must have filled out a registration/waiver form (including parent/guardian’s signature) and pay prior to the first game. 

     Under no circumstances can a player who is not registered on a team play in the League. Failure to abide by this rule will result in a game default and possible further action at the discretion of league coordinators.