General Rules

Full face shield/cage must be worn by ALL players in the Chelsea Challenge. No exceptions.

Slapshots are allowed in the tournament.

Players may play for one (1) team only. Roster spots are non-transferrable.

Players must play in at least two (2) round-robin games to be eligible for playoffs and finals.

Teams may replace a goaltender in the event of an injury or sickness only. All replacement goaltenders must be approved by the Chelsea Challenge Organizing Committee.

Round-Robin Games

The game clock will start at the 5-minute mark as soon as the Olympia and rink staff are off the ice and the rink doors are closed.

WARM-UP: Three minutes.

PERIODS: (3) 12-minute periods (stop time).

Point scoring for round-robin games: Each period is treated as a "game" and the team that scores the most goals in that period will win the points. Eight total points are awarded for each game. Two points are awarded to the winning team at the end of each period. One point is awarded to both teams if score is tied at the end of each period. Zero points are awarded to the team with the least points at the end of each period. Two points are also awarded to the winner of the game. If the game ends in a tie, each team is awarded one point. There is no overtime in round-robin games.

Tie-breaking after the Round-Robin: Should two teams be tied after the round-robin, the ranking will be determined in the following priority:

a. Head to head

b. Number of wins

c. Least Goals against

d. +/- Differential

e. Most Goals for

If three teams are tied after the round-robin, the ranking will be determined in above priority starting with (b) Number of Wins.

Semi-Final and Championship Games

Semi-final and championship games are scored in the traditional manner. (The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.)

Semi-final and Championship games will run three (3) 12-minute periods (stop time). Ties in the championship games will be determined by a 5-minute 4-on-4 sudden death overtime period. Should the score remain tied after the extra period, a shoot out will follow. Each team captain will designate three (3) players to participate in the shoot out; all three (3) players on each team will shoot. If the teams are still tied at the end of three (3) shooters, a sudden-death shoot out begins. NOTE: A player may not shoot a second time until all of his/her teammates have participated.

Specific Rules

While on the ice, all players must wear a HECC approved helmet with chin-strap properly fastened under the chin.

All players shall be required to wear a HECC approved FULL facial protector that has been securely attached and not altered in any way. The wearing of approved throat protectors for all players is strongly recommended.

Three Penalty Rule: Any player assessed (3) contact penalties in (1) game shall be ruled off the ice for the remainder of the game. Double minors count as (2) penalties.

Game Misconduct Penalty in the Final (10) Minutes of Game Rule: A game misconduct penalty only incurs automatic next game suspension if it occurs in the last ten minutes of game (regulation and overtime). In this case, the player will be suspended for the next tournament game.

Game Misconduct with a Major Penalty: A game misconduct assessed to a player for receiving a major penalty as a result of a rule infraction, other than the accidental high-stick rule, shall automatically incur a one game suspension. Depending on the severity of the infraction, the offender may be subject to further disciplinary action.

Abuse of Officials: A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player or team official who challenges or disputes the ruling of an official during the game or who displays unsportsmanlike conduct. If the person persists, he shall be assessed a Misconduct penalty and any further disputes will result in a Game Misconduct penalty. A referee is NOT required to assess a minor penalty under this rule before assessing a misconduct, or a game misconduct for the same reason, and may assess either penalty initially.

Boarding & Body Contact: A minor or major penalty, at the discretion of the referee, based on the intent and violence of the impact with the opposing player, shall be assessed to any player who intentionally bodies, pushes, shoves, stands in front of an opponent for the purpose of making contact and/or does not attempt to avert body contact with an opponent. When injury results from intentional body contact, a Major penalty shall be assessed. In the event that a player, by committing an infraction of the rules, causes an opponent to collide with the boards, the minor penalty normally assessed under the rules will be waived, and a double minor penalty will be assessed. The major and/or match penalty applicable to the rule will be assessed in a normal manner. Where, in the opinion of the referee, accidental contact has taken place, no penalty shall be assessed.

Fighting: Fighting will result in ejection from the tournament.

No Checking! All players are reminded that the Chelsea Challenge is a friendly tournament. This weekend is about hockey, fun and meeting new people. Please keep your game in control and refrain from any unsportsmanlike acts.