Youth Tournament Rules

The team must be eligible for the 2007/2008 season to participate in the “Early Bird”, Thanksgiving Day Invitational, and the Patriots Day Tournaments.

All rules established and published by:
USA Hockey

1. Any major penalty for fighting will result in automatic suspension from the tournament.
2. Any Gross or Match penalty given will result in automatic expulsion from the tournament for the guilty party. Game misconduct penalties carry additional suspensions - refer to USA Hockey rules. All suspensions will be forwarded to team’s league.
3. No minimum squad requirement. Maximum squad is 20. In order to be eligible for a playoff game, a player must have signed in and participated in at least one preliminary game.
4. Internal mouth guards are required in the Pee Wee and higher age categories. This rule is vital and cannot be waived. This rule will be enforced by the referee.
5. This is a sanctioned tournament. All players and teams must be recognized by the National bodies of USA Hockey and Canadian Hockey. The use of any illegal or unauthorized player will result in immediate expulsion from the tournament and the loss of all fees paid.
6. Only players in uniform and the immediate coaching staff may occupy the players bench area. The referee may determine the dimension of this area.
7. Standings will be based on total points with 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0 points for a loss. Ties will be broken by:
   • Head to head between tied teams
   • Goal Differential ( goals scored minus goals against)
   • Total goals for
   • Goals against (least)
   • Team that scored the first goal (in the game between each other)
   • Least penalties (major and minor only). Misconducts do not apply
8.  Players who are under suspension by USA Hockey for a Gross or Match or Misconduct penalty are ineligible to participate in the Tournament.
9. MERCY RULE; If 5 or more goals separate the team at the end of the second period or any time in the 3rd period, running time will commence for the remainder of the game. If the team behind comes to within 2 goals of the team ahead, stop time will resume for the remainder of the game.
10. Teams are expected at facility 45 minutes prior to their scheduled game. Team must be prepared to begin game up to 15 minutes ahead of schedule.
11. Overtime: In playdown or championship games only: 4 on 4 for 5 minutes; still tied, 3 on 3 for 5 minutes; still tied, shootout.
12. Time of Periods:

           MITES:       10-10-10

           SQUIRTS    10-10-12

           PEEWEES 12-12-12

           BANTAMS  12-12-15

The rules committee reserves the right to modify any rule herein which is deemed not in the best interest of the tournament or amateur hockey. The decision of the rules committee is final