Current Rule Book

PHL Rule Book

2025/26 season
version 2

Table of Contents

Introduction	3
Code of Conduct	4
Regulations and Policies	8
Rules and Regulations	13
New Rules and Regulations	21
Game Play Rules and Regulations	24
Game Play Penalties	29
Appendices	45

Introduction

Mission Statement

The Premier Hockey League (herein referred to as the PHL) was founded to provide an option for teams, coaches, players and families to develop young players at a level consistent with their abilities.

The PHL strives to improve each year by:

Recruiting & training on ice officials
Improving communication between teams, coaches & managers
Updating rules that improve the quality of our development model
Affiliation access to higher leagues
Adding arena locations to offer each area team a reasonable travel schedule
Offering a reasonable schedule of showcases to allow to more development ice & exhibition games

It is our hope that young athletes playing in the League will enjoy a fun and developmental experience while they chase their dreams.

Player Safety & Respect

The PHL’s philosophy for player safety is built upon a commitment to creating a competitive yet respectful environment for athletes across Western Canada. We proactively establish measures to prevent injury and prioritize skill development through adherence to stringent safety protocols. Our approach involves educating program organizers, coaches, players, and officials on best practices for safe play and injury prevention. We also foster a culture of respect and sportsmanship, ensuring that all participants understand the importance of fair play and responsible behavior both on and off the ice. Player safety is reinforced through on and off ice consequences including progressive suspensions when deemed necessary by league personnel. By emphasizing these principles, we aim to protect the well-being of your players while promoting the integrity and enjoyment of the game.

Roles Summary & Chain of Communication

League Owners/Personnel are expected to hold program operators, coaches, athletes, officials and spectators accountable for their actions in an effort to promote a safe and positive environment for all participants. They are in direct communication with program operators & officials. This communication is expected to follow a chain of command to each stakeholder as described below.

Program Operators are expected to establish protocols within their respective organizations to support and enhance the principles of respect within sport. Program operators are in direct contact with league owners/personnel and are expected to mediate communication between their stakeholders (coaches, athletes, parents and other spectators) and the league.

Coaches/Team Managers are expected to teach proper skills and know the rules of play. They are responsible for holding their players accountable for their actions both on and off the ice, regardless if they are penalized or not. Coaches are to communicate with their respective program operator when requesting information from the league. Coaches and team managers should hold open lines of communication with their athletes, parents, and spectators.

Athletes are expected to represent their organization with respect and integrity. They are expected to compete with the principles of player safety and respect in mind, upholding the rules of the game.

Officials & Referees shall enforce a strict penalty standard according to the rules and guidelines established by the PHL. Officials will communicate directly with the commissioner of the league, and to coaches during on-ice game play. Officials are not required to communicate with parents and other spectators, even if they are issuing penalties for improper fan activity.

Parent Spectators are expected to support the decisions of the officials and support the coaches in teaching the proper skills in a safe and respectful environment. Parents are to communicate concerns with their coaches/team management, and program operators where appropriate. The program operator will then communicate issues they deem necessary with league personnel.

Spectators are expected to conduct themselves appropriately in team and showcase facilities and demonstrate principles of respect and integrity at all times.

All members of the PHL share in the responsibility to ensure that the integrity of the game is upheld. Working together and adhering to the guidelines set forth will help to improve and expand the league.

Code of Conduct

The PHL Code of Conduct serves as a cornerstone for fostering a positive and respectful environment within the organization. This code outlines the responsibilities and expectations for all stakeholders, to ensure a unified commitment to the principles of sportsmanship, safety, and integrity. By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to create a supportive and competitive atmosphere where every individual contributes to the well-being and success of our hockey community. Each role plays a vital part in upholding our values and enhancing the overall experience for all participants, both on and off the ice.

League Personnel

Establish & enforce the rules & regulations to ensure that the league mission & objectives are demonstrated.
Adjust rules and league operations as needed to ensure equity for all stakeholders.
Support program operators as they develop teams by training players, coaches, parents, officials and volunteers.
Promote programs through marketing, including but not limited to, social media.
Recruit new organizations who demonstrate qualities conducive to being role models to the youth in our sport.
Communication with, and recruitment of both on and off ice officials including referees, timekeepers, & support staff.
Encourage officials to attend PHL training, including referee clinics and RAMP training, whether online or in person.
Uphold the rules of the league and ensure player safety through progressive suspensions where necessary.
Scheduling showcases and ensuring appropriate personnel are present, such as officials and time keepers.
Provide showcase supplies including game pucks and timekeeper packages (available online).

Program Operators

Provide programs that encompass a respectful environment for participants and promote competition and sportsmanship.
Promote and facilitate teams by training players, coaches, parents, spectators and volunteers.
Communicate with parents by holding parent/player orientation meetings as well as by being available to answer questions and address problems throughout the season.
Promote programs through marketing, including but not limited to social media.
Recruit volunteers, including coaches, who demonstrate qualities conducive to being role models to youth in our sport.
Read and be familiar with the contents of the PHL Handbook/Rulebook and uphold the PHL Rules & Regulations.
Develop and uphold a code of conduct within the organization for all stakeholders.
Communicate with league personnel to follow up on disciplinary action from the PHL or within their own organization.
Ensure teams are respecting all facilities. Damages incurred by specific teams will be the responsibility of their program, including monetary compensation when necessary.

Coaches/Team Managers

Display emotional maturity and serve as a positive role model to your players.
Be attentive to the needs of your team, ensuring the physical safety & emotional well-being of players.
Establish consistent and honest expectations for players, parents, and spectators
Provide opportunities for players to improve and gain confidence in their skills.
Provide effective communication with team managers, players, parents, spectators & program operators.
Never verbally or physically abuse a player or official.
Read and be familiar with the contents of the PHL Handbook and uphold the PHL Rules & Regulations.
Communicate with program operators following up on disciplinary action from the league or within their own team.
Ensure the cleanliness of all used spaces during PHL showcases, including dressing rooms, stands, hallways, and common areas. This may be enforced through disciplinary action. Encourage “leave it cleaner than you found it” with all stakeholders.

Athletes

Work hard to focus on and improve your skills while maintaining enjoyment for the game.
Be a team player - demonstrate respect and support for your teammates.
Develop skills associated with leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.
Be on time.
Respect the facilities and ensure the designated areas are left in better condition than when you entered them. Any damages caused by players may result in disciplinary action and compensation.
Learn the rules, know them well, and play by them.
Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents, officials, and facilities staff.
Never argue with an official’s decision. Serve penalties/suspension with principles of sportsmanship in mind.

Officials

Act in a professional and businesslike manner at all times and take your role seriously.
Strive to provide a safe and sportsmanlike environment in which players can properly display their hockey skills.
Know all playing rules, their interpretations and their proper application.
Remember that officials are teachers. Set a good example.
Make your calls with quiet confidence, never with arrogance.
Manage and help to control games and provide a positive and safe experience for all participants.
Violence must never be tolerated.
Be fair and impartial at all times.
Answer reasonable questions and requests.
Adopt a “zero tolerance” attitude toward verbal or physical abuse.
Never use foul or vulgar language when speaking with a player, coach or parent.
Use honesty and integrity when answering questions.
Admit your mistakes when you make them.
Never openly criticize a coach, player or fellow official.
Keep your emotions under control.
Maintain your health through a physical conditioning program.
Dedicate yourself to personal improvement and maintenance of officiating skills.
Respect your supervisor and their critique of your performance.

Parents

Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.
Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all participants, your child will benefit.
Emphasize skill development and improvement and how they benefit your young athlete. De-emphasize statistics/points in the lower age groups.
Know and study the rules of the game and support the officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of the officials only hurts the game.
Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat and enforce the positive points of the game.
Recognize the importance of coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.
If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about hockey.

Spectators

Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches and officials.
Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans; enjoy the game together.
Cheer good plays of all participants; avoid booing opponents.
Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.
Help provide a safe & fun environment; throwing any items on the ice surface can cause injury to players and officials.
Do not lean over or pound on the glass; the glass surrounding the ice surface is part of the playing area.
Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.
Be responsible for your own safety - be alert to prevent accidents from flying pucks and other avoidable situations.
Respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches and officials.
Be supportive after the game - win or lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

As a private entity the PHL reserves the right to update, enhance, change or delete any rules and regulations at any time for any reason it sees fit.

Regulations and Policies 2025/2026 Season

Alcohol Policy

General Prohibition

The possession, consumption, or distribution of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited in all areas directly related to PHL games. This includes player dressing rooms, benches, penalty boxes, timekeeper’s areas, and any other restricted competition zones during PHL-sanctioned showcases, regular season games, and playoffs.

Public and Non-Licensed Areas

Alcohol consumption is not permitted in public areas of arenas (such as concourses, hallways, and spectator stands) or in parking lots during PHL events. These restrictions are consistent with local liquor laws and will be enforced in all PHL-sanctioned facilities.

Licensed Facilities

Where arenas have a licensed lounge or designated area approved for alcohol service, alcohol may only be consumed within those licensed spaces in compliance with local liquor laws. At no time may alcohol from licensed lounges be carried into PHL-controlled competition areas or other non-licensed spaces.

Intoxication Policy

Any individual who appears to be intoxicated, whether from consuming alcohol prior to arrival or from drinking in a licensed area, may be refused entry or will be immediately ejected from the facility. This applies to players, coaches, officials, team staff, and spectators. The PHL reserves the right to remove anyone whose condition poses a safety risk, disrupts the event, or undermines the integrity of the game environment.

Enforcement and Authority

In circumstances where alcohol is a concern, the PHL or arena staff may contact local authorities (e.g., police) for consultation or to remove individuals who pose a problem.
Any individual who has been asked to leave a PHL-sanctioned event by PHL staff, game officials, or arena staff, and who refuses to leave or returns after being ejected, may be subject to charges and/or fines under applicable trespassing laws.

Player, Team, and Official Conduct

Players, coaches, team staff, and officials must not possess, consume, or be under the influence of alcohol while participating in PHL games.
Any individual found violating this policy during a game will be subject to immediate removal and further disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Measures

Violations of this policy will be addressed under PHL disciplinary provisions and may include:

Ejection from the game or facility area
Game suspensions
Additional sanctions as determined by PHL Executives.

Drug Policy

General Prohibition

The possession, use, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs, controlled substances, or non-prescribed performance-enhancing/recreational drugs is strictly prohibited in all areas directly related to PHL games. This includes player dressing rooms, benches, penalty boxes, timekeeper’s areas, and any other restricted competition zones during PHL-sanctioned showcases, regular season games, and playoffs.

Public and Non-Licensed Areas

The use or possession of illegal or controlled substances is not permitted in public areas of arenas (such as concourses, hallways, and spectator stands) or in parking lots during PHL events. These restrictions are consistent with local and federal laws and will be enforced in all PHL-sanctioned facilities.

Prescription Medication

Individuals prescribed medication by a licensed medical professional must ensure that such medications are used appropriately and lawfully. Misuse of prescription medication, or possession of another person’s medication, is strictly prohibited in all PHL-sanctioned spaces.

Intoxication Policy

Any individual who appears to be under the influence of illegal drugs, controlled substances, or misused prescription/recreational drugs may be refused entry or will be immediately ejected from the facility. This applies to players, coaches, officials, team staff, and spectators. The PHL reserves the right to remove anyone whose condition poses a safety risk, disrupts the event, or undermines the integrity of the game environment.

Enforcement and Authority

In circumstances where drugs or other substances are a concern, the PHL or arena staff may contact local authorities (e.g., police) for consultation or to remove individuals who pose a problem.
Any individual who has been asked to leave a PHL-sanctioned event by PHL staff, game officials, or arena staff, and who refuses to leave or returns after being ejected, may be subject to charges and/or fines under applicable trespassing and drug laws.

Player, Team, and Official Conduct

Players, coaches, team staff, and officials must not possess, use, or be under the influence of illegal or controlled substances while participating in PHL games.
Any individual found violating this policy during a game will be subject to immediate removal and further disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Measures

Violations of this policy will be addressed under PHL disciplinary provisions and may include:

Ejection from the game or facility area
Game suspensions
Additional sanctions as determined by PHL Executive

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology Policy

General Prohibition

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, software, or other digital technologies to create, alter, or falsify information, media, or communications for the purpose of misleading, misrepresenting, or gaining an advantage in PHL matters is strictly prohibited.

Submissions to the League

Any information, media, or documentation submitted to the PHL (including but not limited to game reports, video for disciplinary reasons, and player eligibility records) must be authentic and accurate. AI-generated or altered material that is misleading will not be accepted.

Misrepresentation and Impersonation

The use of AI tools to impersonate league officials, coaches, players, or team staff — whether through written, audio, or visual means — is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a serious misconduct violation.

Enforcement and Authority

The PHL reserves the right to request verification of authenticity for any evidence or documentation submitted. The PHL may discount any documentation that is suspected to have been altered or constructed by AI.
In circumstances where AI misuse is suspected, the PHL may consult with digital forensic experts or legal authorities.

Disciplinary Measures

Violations of this policy will be addressed under PHL disciplinary provisions and may include:

Rejection of falsified claims or evidence
Game suspensions or removal from the league
Referral to legal authorities where applicable

Privacy & Data Protection Policy

Collection of Information

The PHL requires collection of player and parent information (e.g., registration data, birth certificates, IDs). This information will only be used for official league operations.

Protection of Information

The PHL will take reasonable steps to ensure that personal data is stored securely and only accessible to authorized personnel.

Restrictions on Use

Personal data may not be shared with third parties without consent, except where required by law or league operations.

Violations

Any misuse of personal information by program operators, staff, or participants will result in disciplinary measures and may be referred to legal authorities.

Media & Image Rights Policy

League Media Rights

The PHL reserves the right to use photographs, video footage, and other media taken at league events for promotional and operational purposes (e.g., website, social media, marketing).

Restrictions

Media captured by spectators or team staff may not be used to challenge referee decisions, protest outcomes, or harass officials and league staff.
Spectator video is not accepted for disciplinary review.

Misuse of Media

Any individual using media to defame, harass, or misrepresent the PHL, its officials, or participants will face disciplinary or legal action.

Social Media & Digital Conduct Policy

General Expectations

All participants, parents, coaches, and organization officials are expected to use social media responsibly and in a way that upholds the integrity of the PHL.

Prohibited Conduct

Online harassment, bullying, or threats directed at players, officials, coaches, or staff.
Posting defamatory, discriminatory, or offensive content.
Sharing confidential league information without authorization.
Misrepresenting affiliation with the PHL.

Enforcement

Violations will result in removal of content where possible and disciplinary action. Social media policies signed in registration will be enforced.

Additional Integrity & Safety Policies

Safe Sport, Harassment & Abuse Policy

Zero Tolerance

The PHL has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, abuse, bullying, or discrimination of any kind. This applies to all participants, including players, coaches, officials, staff, parents, and spectators.

Prohibited Conduct

Verbal, physical, or sexual harassment or abuse.
Bullying, intimidation, or threats.
Abuse of authority by coaches, staff, or officials.
Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or cultural background.

Reporting

Incidents of harassment or abuse must be reported immediately to team officials, program operators, or league personnel. Reports will be taken seriously and investigated.

Enforcement

Individuals found in violation will be suspended or expelled from the league. Cases involving criminal behavior will be referred to local authorities.

Responsibility

All adults in the PHL community share a duty to protect the well-being of players and ensure a safe sport environment.

Emergency & Safety Policy

Authority to Stop Play

Officials and league personnel have the authority to stop or delay a game if unsafe conditions exist (e.g., ice quality, equipment failure, medical emergency, arena hazards).

Concussion Protocol

See Concussion Protocol in the registration system.

Medical Emergencies

Arena staff, coaches, and officials are expected to cooperate fully in responding to medical incidents. EMS activation must not be delayed. Spectators that are not medical professionals cannot enter the ice surface during a medical emergency to avoid additional injuries occurring.

Facility Safety

Program operators and bench staff are responsible for ensuring that their teams respect facilities and report unsafe conditions immediately.

Financial & Operational Integrity Policy

Team Responsibility

The PHL is not responsible for team-level financial operations, but all programs must conduct their operations fairly, transparently, and ethically.

Fees & Refunds

Team operators are required to communicate clearly with parents/players regarding fees, refunds, & financial obligations. Disputes at the team level are not the responsibility of the PHL.

Misrepresentation or Mismanagement

If a team or program is found to be engaging in financial misconduct, fraud, or unethical operations, the PHL reserves the right to suspend or expel the team/program.

Rules & Regulations

ROSTERS

Rosters should be completed by September 30th 2025
Rosters will be frozen on December 31^st, 2025 for the rest of the season.

All games must start as scheduled except where outlined below. Any team unable to commence play fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled starting time will forfeit the game. In this case, unless the showcase committee deems discretionary action appropriate, the opposing team will be awarded a 1-0 win.

5-minute warm-up will apply. Teams will supply their own warm-up pucks.

Handshakes: are permitted and will be conducted at the END of games. The handshake will take place after the game at center ice. Teams that waste time by taking too long to shake hands or linger on the ice preventing the start of the next game shall be warned once. After a warning teams that continue to not respect the next ice slot may be fined or start their next game with a delay of game penalty.

Game Times:

U9 games will consist of one 20-minute run time first period and two 20-minute stop time periods (second and third). Floods are at the end of every game.
U11 & U13 games will consist of three 20-minute stop time periods, with a flood after every two periods. Games are 1.75 hrs in duration, scheduled game times are 2hrs (1.75hr game play time, floods account for extra 15 minutes). Team officials are asked to keep games moving on time to complete games. Injuries can and will very likely occur in some games, causing games to be shortened. The clock will be dropped to two minutes with 5 minutes left in the scheduled game in cases where there are time constraints. In games where the flood is after the 1st period and at the end of the game, the next game will be 1.5 hours in duration as opposed to 1.75 hours.
U15 & U16 games will consist of three 20-minute stop time periods, with a flood after every two periods. Games are 2 hrs in duration, scheduled game times are 2.25hrs (2hr game play time, floods account for extra 15 minutes). Team officials are asked to keep games moving on time to complete games. Injuries can and will very likely occur in some games, causing games to be shortened. The clock will be dropped to two minutes with 5 minutes left in the scheduled game in cases where there are time constraints.
U18 games will consist of three 20-minute stop time periods, with a flood after every period. Games are 2.25 hrs in duration, scheduled game times are 2.5hrs (2.25hr game play time, floods account for extra 15 minutes). Team officials are asked to keep games moving on time to complete games. Injuries can and will very likely occur in some games, causing games to be shortened. The clock will be dropped to two minutes with 5 minutes left in the scheduled game in cases where there are time constraints.

A 3-minute break between periods will apply on non-flood periods.

In ALL GAMES, the time clock will operate as running time if a team is ahead by 5 goals or more after the first period and for the balance of the game. If the score differential is subsequently reduced to 4 or less, stop time will resume. Running time minor penalties will be 3 minutes in duration & major penalties will be 7 minutes in duration. The timekeeper MAY stop the clock to post the penalty time on the arena board at which point running time will resume. If a penalty expires during a stoppage of play due to the running time the player must wait until the puck drops at the faceoff to return to the ice. Any changes between running and stop time will not affect the duration of penalties already in effect.

There will be one 30-second timeout allowed per team, per game.

Body Checking is not allowed in the U9 and U11 Divisions. Modified body contact will be permitted at the U13 Minor Male level. The purpose of modified contact is to introduce athletes to contact in a safe way with the mandate of keeping the pace of the game high. Players are allowed to make safe contact if they play the puck first. The stick position of the player attempting to make contact is of critical importance. The stick must be in stick on stick/stick on puck position for the defending player to make legal contact. For example: if the puck carrier is right-handed and is carrying the puck on the right side of his body and the defensive player is skating backward with one hand on their stick on the right side of their body they need to first move their stick across their body into stick on stick position before they could stand the puck carrier up or make contact of any kind. If a player does not have their stick on the ice, they are always making illegal contact and should be assessed a penalty. The puck carrier is ineligible to initiate contact in any way. For example, if the puck carrier notices a defending player coming towards them to play the puck, the puck carrier is not allowed to initiate contact first because the defending player may only have the intention of playing the puck and is likely not expecting to be hit. Third man in contact is never permitted in U13 minor modified contact. If 2 players, one from each team, are engaged in a puck battle anywhere on the ice neither is eligible to be hit by a third player from either team. Modified contact rules do not supersede illegal contact, illegal contact is always illegal ie a head contact is never permitted regardless of modified contact rules this also applies to checking from behind and so on etc. Officials Note: U13 Major Division will be played with full contact rules. The U13 minor division will retain modified contact rules. If a major and minor team play each other early in the season in tiering games, the game will be played with modified contact rules based on the minor team’s division category.

U13 Major, U15, U16 & U18 Divisions will be in full contact.

Any player or team official who receives a Game misconduct or Major penalty in the last 10 minutes of a game will serve a 1-game suspension, that suspension will carry over to the next league showcase game if received in the last game of a showcase. Fighting majors will be an automatic extra 1-game suspension (regardless of the time in game).

Any player or team official caught by Referees or league officials using derogatory/defamatory language or gestures may be subject to a 5-minute Gross misconduct penalty and further league suspensions.

MATCH PENALTIES: any player or team official receiving a match penalty will be removed from that game and be suspended for their next 2 games. Other suspensions may apply for certain violations if warranted in the opinion of the league executive. As the showcase weekends are league games, suspensions will carry forward to the next showcase weekend.

Any team that receives 3 or more severe type penalties in any game will have the head coach assessed a game misconduct and subsequently suspended in accordance with the coach game misconduct rules. Severe type penalties are: Game misconducts, Major penalties, Match penalties and Gross misconducts. Any team whose coach, manager, or official fails to maintain adequate control over his team, on or off the ice, may face disciplinary action, including expulsion from the showcase, and potentially the league.

Harassment of referees, off-ice officials, showcase coordinators or showcase officials by teams, parents and other spectators will not be tolerated. The offending individual(s) WILL be barred from the arena at the discretion of the referee and/or showcase officials. In addition, the team and organization will be fined.

Any spectator’s behavior that is of a disrespectful nature can be penalised by a minor penalty to the team or the spectator may be asked to leave the rink, failure to do so in a timely fashion will result in a 5-minute major penalty to his or her team. Continued refusal to leave will result in forfeit for his or her team. Law enforcement will be called to remove any individuals refusing to leave any PHL event. Any individual who has been asked to leave a PHL-sanctioned event by PHL staff, game officials, or arena staff, and who refuses to leave or returns after being ejected, may be subject to charges and/or fines under applicable trespassing laws. The team will also be fined by the league.

Any player, coach or team official uttering any offensive comments or offensive gestures can be given a 5 minute Gross misconduct penalty, which comes with suspension from the league, as determined by the league.

Because of the nature of the showcase: protests or disrespect of any kind toward any showcase personnel will NOT be tolerated!!! Any team official, coach, manager, player, parent or spectators not adhering to this rule can be removed from the showcase/League.

Video from spectators or coaches will not be accepted by the league.

Neck Guards are mandatory. Mouth guards may be worn but not mandatory.

White or Light-colored Jerseys will be considered Away Jerseys. Dark colored Jerseys will be considered Home Jerseys.

Any players rostered to a team at the beginning of the season must get league approval if they wish to move to another team in the league. (A written application must be sent to the league for approval by the team that has rostered the player at the beginning of the season). Consequently, any player moving without league approval will be suspended from play in the league until an approval is done. This rule is expanded upon under the player transfer rule.

Only Team Managers/Officials that are identified at the beginning of season may contact the League or League Officials on any matters of the league. Any parent or player that wishes to discuss matters of the league must go through his or her team officials. Teams will be fined for parents harassing league staff

The PHL is NOT responsible for how teams/organizations operate at the team/organization level. (ie player fees, refund policies, practices, etc).

Teams/Organizations registered in the PHL must conduct their team/teams operations up to the standards becoming of a professional organization playing in the PHL. The League reserves the right to suspend from the league any team/organization not deemed to be conducting operations up to the standards of PHL.

The PHL reserves the right to suspend/remove any overaged player/players from the league at any time during the season if it is deemed that said player/players do not meet the requirements set out by the League.

Players must have played a minimum of 12 games in the PHL regular season league games prior to Feb 28^th and be an approved player on the roster of the current season to be eligible to play in the playoff final showcase. Some out of Alberta based teams may only 8 games if the number of showcase games attended by that team is smaller. The PHL may grant special permission for players to be playoff eligible based on extenuating circumstances. Approved roster rules expand upon this rule.

All players in the PHL will supply the PHL with a birth certificate, photo or photo ID whenever possible and parent contact information. This information will be collected during player registration.

The latest updated rule or regulations shall be upheld if there is any misunderstanding or confusion concerning old rules and regulations. It is the team operators and organizations responsibility to make sure they are up to date on all rules and regulations and to contact the league office directly if there is uncertainty. Ignorance of the rules with no be accepted.

The PHL reserves the right to review and investigate any incident it deems necessary to review. In the event of a review the PHL may suspend any individuals or teams involved indefinitely until a ruling is reached. The PHL works on a progressive suspension system. Repeat offenders will receive compounding suspensions or expulsion from the league.
The PHL MAY request video for disciplinary purposes (ie. severe penalties and altercations). If a team/organization has video of an incident the league is investigating they must share it with league executives when requested. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. This is different than video review.

Player transfer procedure: The process for players to move from one PHL team to another is as follows.
i. The player must gain a written and signed release form from their current team and the league must approve the release. Before the written release can be submitted to the league office, the player and releasing team are asked to settle any financials, equipment returns or housekeeping items. If the release is given without the appropriate housekeeping completed the league office will deny the release.
ii. If the release is approved by the league the player is then allowed to talk to other programs. If the reason for release was a player's family has moved from one location to another then they are eligible to be applied for rostering immediately after approved release. If the player was released for any other reason they must wait for a minimum of one showcase to pass before another program can apply to roster them. When another program wishes to add the player, they can then apply with the league to add the player. The applying program must fill out a league player transfer form. Based on the form the league office will either deny transfer of the player or approve with conditions. The approved conditions must be strictly adhered too or the player will be immediately removed from the team and expelled from further play for the remainder of the season. Additionally, if the league office determines that a player has skated with another program prior to having any of this process properly satisfied or there is any type of tampering the player will be automatically ineligible to play in the PHL for the remainder of the season for that program.

Spectator behavior is the responsibility of the individual programs, not the PHL. It is a privilege to be able to view PHL hockey games, not a right. Inappropriate spectator behavior will be dealt with as follows. The team/organization will be fined $1000.00 CAD. The fine will be billed to the program operator/owner and team in question. Another offence will result in greater fines or all spectators from that team being barred from watching games for the rest of the season. Again the PHL expects program operators to manage the behavior of all individuals associated with their programs. The league office will not negotiate on these terms nor are appeals accepted, simply put spectators must always be respectful. Fines will be collected into the “In the Game” player support fund.
Program operators/owners and designated representatives are the only people allowed to contact the league office. Program operators/owners must designate representatives before the season starts, if no one is designated for a particular team it will be assumed that the program operator is the representative. Programs will be fined $100.00 CAD for every parent or non-designated representative that contacts the league office for any reason. The fines will be billed to the program operator and team in question. These terms are non-negotiable, and appeals are not accepted. The PHL league office expects program operators to know the rules and to manage all individuals associated with their programs. Fines will be collected into the In the Game player support fund.
Statistics: The PHL understands that statistics are a challenge from both a program and a league perspective. As such the PHL is willing to make reasonable adjustments within a 48-hour period. Any changes requested beyond 48 hours will be denied. Program operators may request a statistics change by filling out the statistics change form. ONLY the program operator may make these requests. A form must be filled out for every request. One form cannot be filled out for one game, it must be done for each stat change requested. The league office may deny any statistics change request it deems unreasonable. Program operators that continually ask for unreasonable statistic changes will be denied the future right to statistic changes. Statistics will not be changed if the issue is the roster is incorrect because of what the team provided. Additionally, the PHL expects that score keepers will not be harassed by parents, coaches or managers during games, and this is not negotiable.
Home team will always be determined by the RAMP app gamesheet.
Any puck shot out of play is discretionary for a delay of game penalty by the referee only, it’s not automatic
Icing is standard for U9, U11, and U13 age groups. U15, U16 & U18 age groups will use a hybrid icing rule.
Teams are allowed 5 staff members on the bench, and they must be on the gamesheet and checked in. They must have all appropriate documentation submitted (photo and criminal record check). Anyone who does not have their documentation submitted is ineligible to be on the bench during any PHL games. Anyone not on the gamesheet or not checked in on the RAMP Gamesheets app is ineligible to be on the bench. suspended players are not allowed to be on the bench during games regardless of if they wear a helmet or not.
Any coach or bench staff member that receives a game misconduct at any time in any game will receive an automatic extra 1 game suspension. Repeat offenders will receive compounding suspensions or expulsion from the league. Coaches are expected to lead by example and control their benches. Yelling, profanity, protesting and abuse of officials will not be tolerated by the PHL. These terms are not negotiable, and appeals are not accepted.
Off-ice altercations. Any type of off-ice altercation between players or staff members of teams will result in gross misconduct penalties that carry a minimum of 2 games suspension for all individuals involved. In addition, the head coaches of any teams involved in an off-ice altercation of any kind will also be suspended for 1 game even if they were not directly involved. The PHL expects head coaches to always maintain a level of respect and professionalism, and this means being responsible for the actions of your team on and off the ice.
Affiliate players. Affiliate players must be designated on the roster as affiliates. Programs are allowed to freely affiliate from their younger or lower tiered teams as long as the affiliate players are designated. In the event of an emergency where none of the designated affiliate players are available the program operator may ask the commissioner for permission to bring up an undesignated affiliate player. If a program is a single team they will not have the ability to affiliate. Emergency affiliation scenarios can be approved by the league commissioner, but programs must contact the league office for approval.
Helmets and face masks must be worn properly. All players must wear their helmet and facemasks with the chin cups touching the chin and all straps buttoned tightly. Any players found to not be following this requirement will first receive a warning. If the equipment is not immediately repaired the player will be assessed a misconduct penalty. Persisting in this behavior and repeat offenders will lead to gross misconduct and suspensions as required.
IN ALL GAMES: If a game is taking too long the clock must be cut to stay on time. When there is 5:00 minutes left in the allotted game slot, if there is more than 2:00 minutes left on the score clock then the clock will be reset to 2:00 minutes. Excessive penalties is the biggest reason games get shortened. Teams that take 6 or more minor penalties on average per game are undisciplined and are likely at some point to experience games being shorted due to penalties. Officials are asked to keep games moving at a good pace. Teams that are slow to face offs and slow to start periods will be warned by officials then penalized for delay of game if the pace does not increase.
U15, U16, and U18 age groups will utilize a 3 man referee system.
The final showcases will be scheduled by rankings based on the regular season outcomes. Win percentages are factored in as teams don’t always have the same number of games played.
The PHL reserves the right to decide if teams are in the correct division ie Minor or Major and may move teams or keep them in place as the league sees fit. This is non-negotiable and appeals will not be accepted.
The PHL provides game officials for the time box. The PHL expects all game officials to be treated with respect by staff and players. Inappropriate behavior in penalty boxes will result in misconduct or game misconduct penalties and time box game officials have the authority to call the referee over and have them assess these penalties. Additionally, time boxes are for game officials only and spectators or team staff should never be in this area. Anyone not designated as a game official will be asked to leave time boxes immediately. Problems related to this will result in penalties or suspensions.
Music. Music during games can be played via a Bluetooth device only as no one is allowed in time boxes except game officials. Profanity or inappropriate music will result in the music being turned off.
Suspensions. It is the responsibility of team operators to know when a player is suspended and the length of the suspension. Team operators are expected to do their own due diligence and to confirm with the league office on suspensions. Playing a suspended player or coach is considered unacceptable. Consequences for playing suspended players or coaches include severe suspensions or forfeit.
Overaged players will be allowed by special permission only. Teams must apply to the league office and the league will determine if the player is allowed or not.

OVERAGE PLAYERS

Overage players will be allowed by special permission only.
Teams wishing to have overaged players in any division may send a written application explaining reasons to the league for approval.
An overage player must be considered not impactful meaning they cannot be a top player.
Male players may only be 1 birth year older than the team that is applied for.
The PHL reserves the right to remove any overage at any time. if an overage player is deemed to be an impact maker/top player they will be removed. If an overage player becomes a behavioral or safety issue they will be removed.

Double Rostered Players: are those players that are rostered in other leagues outside of the PHL. Teams have a responsibility to inform the league office if they wish to have any players rostered outside of the PHL play on their team in the regular season. The league may or may not approve this type of player and they will have a game cap of 4 regular season games they are eligible to play in. Double rostered players are ineligible to play in the playoff finals. Double rostered players that are suspended in other leagues are not eligible to play in the PHL while suspended elsewhere. Any issues relating to double rostered players will result in that player being suspended or expelled from the PHL. Head coaches may also be subject to suspension if they play a double rostered player that is suspended in other leagues. Failing to report a double rostered player may result in the forfeit of any games the double rostered player played in. Outside single tournaments do not apply to the double rostered player rule, this rule is for other leagues seasonal play.
A (4) minute double minor penalty is adopted to the checking from behind rules.
A 4 penalty game ejection rule is adopted. 3 stick infractions and 3 head contact penalty rules will not be observed. Any player receiving 4 total penalties of any kind will be ejected from the game. If this happens in the last 10 minutes of the third period, a suspension will NOT apply.

Schedule Rule: All schedule requests must be submitted in a timely manner. Any requested schedule changes that fall within the final four (4) weeks prior to a scheduled Showcase will not be considered under any circumstances. This policy ensures fairness, operational stability, and proper planning for all participating teams, officials, and venues. Teams are strongly encouraged to review their schedules well in advance and communicate any conflicts as early as possible. Exceptions will not be granted for last-minute changes, as doing so compromises the integrity of the league schedule and the Showcase event.

New Rules & Regulations for 2025/2026

U13 Major Division will be played with full contact rules. The U13 minor division will retain modified contact rules. If a major and minor team play each other early in the season in tiering games, the game will be played with modified contact rules based on the minor team’s division category.

All Coaches and bench staff individuals for all teams are required to provide an up-to-date vulnerable sector check within the last 24 months to be on the bench in the PHL. A photo of this form must be uploaded with the staff member’s registration. Any individuals who do not provide this required information are ineligible to be on the bench in the PHL at any time. Additionally, all coaches and bench staff must submit an up-to-date photo to the PHL’s online database with their registration. These documents must be submitted prior to participating in any games or the individual cannot go on the bench. League executives will be checking the database routinely.

All Athletes must submit an up-to-date photo to the PHL’s database for the purpose of identifying and confirming players are in fact the player who is registered with the league. Not submitting this photo will result in the player being ineligible to play in any PHL games until the photo is submitted.

All teams have a designated certified first aid provider. These individuals must be reported to the PHL and must be listed on the game sheet for every game.

The PHL will work on an approved roster system. This means that after the roster freeze deadline, only approved players on a teams approved roster may play in the PHL for the remainder of the season and the playoff finals. Players that were unable to play 12 games prior to the playoff finals can be given special written permission to play after the roster freeze from the PHL based on extenuating circumstances. IE. a player that gets severely injured early in the year and is not medically cleared to return to play until after the roster freeze may be given special written permission from the PHL to play after the roster freeze deadline and in the playoff finals. Any players not adhering to this rule will be considered ineligible. Playing an ineligible player will result in the forfeit of all games that are in question and the Head coach will be suspended or expelled from the PHL.

The roster size for games is expanded to 23. Teams are allowed to carry 20 skaters and 3 goalies in all games.

Teams must have minimum 2 PHL rostered and approved coaches on the bench in all games. This is because a team cannot continue a game without a coach on the bench. IE. If a team has only one coach and they must leave the bench for any reason that team is forced to forfeit the remainder of the game.

Players that have very late birthdays falling between the dates of Dec.15th to Dec.31st of the previous year will not be classified as overages. They will be classified as late birthday exemptions, and these players do not require over age approval. Teams may carry a maximum of 2 of these players. If a team wishes to carry more than 2 of this type of player, they will have to get special permission from the PHL.

Game or Gross misconduct penalties assessed to coaches or bench staff members shall be accompanied by a 5-minute major timed penalty and must be served by a skater. All Coach/bench staff game misconducts incur an automatic 1 game suspension. Repeat offenders will receive compounding suspensions or expulsion from the PHL.

Officials may assess a timed penalty to be served by a skater to any team based on spectator misbehavior. This can be a 2-minute minor or 5-minute major based on officials’ perception of severity of behaviour. The game will not be re-started until the offending team sends a skater to serve the spectators penalty. In severe cases where a 5-minute major penalty is assessed for the spectator being ejected from the arena, teams will also receive a fine.

All Gross misconduct penalties assessed during games shall also be accompanied by a 5-minute major timed penalty to be served by a skater.

Any player or coach/bench staff who receives a major, match, game or gross misconduct penalty in a game that is in running time based on large score differential can face additional suspensions from the PHL.

Certain penalties will now have a double minor option available to officials. This is for more severe penalties that deserve more than a 2-minute minor but don’t deserve a major or match penalty. For example: Boarding may have a 2-minute minor, 4-minute double minor, or a 5-minute major or match penalty assessed based on the official’s discretion. Officials may also add a misconduct to either the 2-minute minor or the 4-minute double minor if they feel the player needs to sit for extra time based on increased severity of the penalty or for game management purposes.

All equipment must be CSA approved, worn properly and cannot be altered from the state in which it was purchased and originally CSA approved. Players with altered equipment will receive a game or gross misconduct for illegal equipment. Tinted visors that block the official’s view of the players face are not allowed. Players not wearing equipment properly (IE. face mask chin cups not touching the chin) will be warned once by officials if the player does not fix the equipment issue immediately, they will receive a misconduct, game or gross misconduct.

All mechanical/electric air horns are banned from all PHL events. Any spectator caught using one of these devices at a PHL event will be ejected from the arena. If there is a resulting issue with any individuals in regard to electric air horns the team of which the individual belongs can be assessed a 5-minute major penalty and the game will not continue until the individual leaves the arena. Teams will also be fined for mechanical air horns

U15, U16 and U18 age divisions will all play with HYBRID icing rules.

Video Review for Discipline: Teams must pay a $250 fee if they request video review for disciplinary purposes. Every incident to be reviewed requires a $250 fee. Video must be submitted by the program operator. The discipline committee will review the video and decide to reduce or remove suspensions, add suspensions or uphold the call on the ice. The video must be submitted for review before midnight 12:00am the day of the game in question. The findings of league executives are not appealable and are final. Individuals may be suspended after the fact if they have played any additional games before the review is completed. Any team that does not pay the fee for a video review will lose the ability to have any other future reviews. The review fee goes to the In the Game

The PHL uses a compounding suspension system. This means that repeat offenders receive additional games of suspension if they continue to offend. Once an individual has received one major, match, game or gross misconduct penalty they will be classified as a repeat offender if they receive a second of those severe penalties. Repeat offenders will receive extra games of suspension and may face expulsion from the league.

Game Play Rules and Regulations

TEAMS

Team Composition

A team may have no more than six players on the ice at any given time. Any breach of this rule will result in a penalty according to Rule - Too Many Players.
A team can have up to five (5) team officials on the Players’ Bench.

Players in Uniform

Each team is allowed a maximum of 23 players in uniform (up to 20 skaters and 3 goaltenders) for any game or pre-game warm-up. Each team must have at least six eligible players (including possible goaltenders) in uniform to start a game.
- Note 1: If a team cannot field the required number of players during the game due to injury or penalties, the game will be forfeited, and the Referee will report the details to the appropriate league member.
No changes or additions to the lineup are allowed once the game has started, except in the following situations:
- If a player was mistakenly omitted from the official gamesheet, their name may be added before the game ends, provided they were in uniform and present at the start of the game.
- If a players number is mistakenly misrepresented. The officials may sort it out with team staff and correct the gamesheet. If excessive time is taken, then the offending team shall be assessed a delay of game penalty.
- If a referee observes a player with an open cut or blood, they must address the issue (treat the cut or change the jersey) before the player can return to the ice. Any new jersey number must be noted on the official game sheet.
  - Note 1: A player listed on the official gamesheet but arriving late may still participate in the game.
- Any team official who knowingly provides false information about eligible players on the official gamesheet will face consequences from the league.
- At any stoppage of play at any time of the game, the referee may request a player to remove their helmet or facial protection or ask any team official for ID for the purposes identification. Refusal to comply will result in a minor penalty or game misconduct. under Rule - Illegal Equipment.
- Each player must wear a number on the back of their jersey.
- Each team may have only one goaltender on the ice at a time. If a goaltender is substituted for an additional skater, the substitute will not have goaltender privileges.
- No player other than a goaltender or their replacement is permitted to wear goaltender equipment.
- When an alternate goaltender enters the game, they must assume their position immediately, and play will resume without delay. No warm-up is allowed.
- During the pre-game warm-up, players must remain in their own half of the ice. Any violation of this rule can be penalized by a gross misconduct and will be reported to the appropriate member of the league, who may take action.
- The referee will penalize any player who violates the rules during the pre-game warm-up, with the penalty served at the start of the game.
- Note 1: For Minor, Bench Minor, or Misconduct penalties, the player may complete the warm-up before serving the penalty. For Major, Match, Game Misconduct, or Gross Misconduct penalties, the player will be removed from the ice immediately, and another player will serve the penalty if required.
- During the pre-game warm-up, up to 23 players can participate, if they are listed on the official gamesheet. If a player is penalized during the warm-up, they must be listed on the official gamesheet. Players may be substituted during the warm-up, as long as the total does not exceed 23.
- Suspended players cannot participate in the pre-game warm-up or occupy the players’ bench.
- An injured player on the team roster may sit on the bench if listed on the official gamesheet and wearing the minimum required equipment: BNQ throat protector, CSA-approved helmet, and CSA facial protector, as per their category's requirements. Teams may not have more than 2 injured players on the players bench for safety reasons. Injured players may operate the bench gates if they are designated by their team staff to do so.

Injured Players

If a player, other than a goaltender, is injured or needs to leave the ice, they must be replaced by a substitute, and play will continue.
Play will not be stopped for an injury unless the injured player's team has possession and control of the puck under the referee’s discretion. If the injured player's team has the puck, play will be stopped immediately unless the team is in a scoring position, in which case the play will be allowed to continue under the referee’s discretion.
- Note 1: If a serious injury is suspected, any On-Ice Official may stop play immediately.
- Note 2: If play is stopped due to an injury (excluding the goaltender), the injured player must leave the ice and cannot return until play resumes. Refusal to leave the ice will result in a penalty under Rule- Delay of Game. This rule applies even if the Referee later determines there was no injury; the player must still leave the ice until play resumes.
If a goaltender is injured and an alternate goaltender is dressed, the alternate must replace the injured goaltender in a reasonable time frame. No more than 5 minutes will be allowed to dress an alternate goaltender. No warm-up will be allowed for the alternate goaltender.
If no alternate goaltender is dressed, the team may continue playing with no goaltender and 6 skaters.

Game Play Rules

Flow of Game Play

Player Changes

During play, no more than six players (including the goaltender) are allowed on the ice.
Players can be changed from the bench at any time, provided the player leaving is at the bench and out of play before the substitution. Violations of this rule will result in a penalty under Rule - Too Many Players.
Teams must have the correct number of players on the ice as instructed by the Referee.
Each team may only make one player change during stoppages. Violations will incur a Bench Minor penalty under Rule - Delay of Game.
For changes during stoppages, the referee will allow a five-second period for the visiting team to change players, then signal with an arm raised for the home team's change. If the visiting team attempts a change after this period, the referee will send the player(s) back to the bench, with further infractions resulting in a Bench Minor penalty under - Delay of Game.
During a line change involving a scrum, players must remain at their benches until the referee clears the gathering. Failure to do so may result in a Bench Minor penalty under Rule - Leaving the Players’ or Penalty Bench.
In the U15, U16 & U18 age category, the ‘no-change on-icing’ rule applies, meaning teams cannot change skaters after icing, per Rule - Icing the Puck. Teams may only change a goaltender at this time if the current goaltender is injured.

Face-off Conduct

A face-off begins with the official dropping the puck between two opposing players. It is complete when the puck contacts the ice before touching a player's stick or body. If the puck touches a player's stick or body prematurely, the face-off is redone.
Players taking the face-off are those between whom the puck is dropped, all others are not participating in the face-off circle. If a player moves off-side, contacts an opponent, or encroaches on the face-off circle before the puck is dropped, they will be ejected from the face-off as a violation.
Goaltenders may not participate in face-offs.
Physical contact is only allowed after the face-off is complete. Violations will result in a Minor penalty. If a player commits a face-off violation, they will be replaced by another teammate. A second violation during the same face-off will result in a Minor penalty for Delay of Game.
In the case of a false start, no player changes can be made, and the game clock will be reset.
Officials have the discretion to move a face off outside the offensive zone if they believe the offensive team has gained a competitive advantage based on a faceoff remaining deep due to a goaltender freezing the puck after A high stick, glove pass/glove ahead, or if the net had been knocked off by the action of the offensive team.
Face-offs at center ice occur at the start of periods, after goals, and for certain stoppages. Stoppage face-offs will be conducted based on where the stoppage occurred, with some exceptions.

Goals and Assists

A goal is scored when the entire puck crosses the goal line and/or between the goal posts and below the crossbar.
A goal is credited to the last attacking player to touch the puck, but no assists are given if the puck is put into the net by the defending team.
Goals are not allowed if the puck is directed into the net by a distinct kicking motion or any other motion made with a body part. This includes the arms, legs, torso, head and neck.
Goals are valid if the puck deflects off an attacking player’s stick, skate, or body, with no directing motion.
Goals are not allowed if the puck deflects off an official directly into the net.
If a player propels the puck into the goal crease before any other attacking players are in the crease area and it becomes loose, it is considered legally in the crease and if a goal is scored it is allowed. Subsequently if a player is deemed to be fully in the crease area before the puck enters, any goals scored would be disallowed. Like tag-up offside a player can leave the crease fully, allowing a goal scored after that player has exited the crease to be allowed.
Each goal and assist counts as one point, with a maximum of two assists per goal.
Reporting of Goals and Assists is the responsibility of the officials and shall not be changed by anyone except upper ranking league personnel.

Icing the Puck

Icing occurs when the puck is shot from one team’s half across the opponent’s goal line.
Icing is not called if the puck touches any part of an opposing player or if an opponent can easily play the puck.
Icing is also not called if the puck rebounds off an opponent's body or stick.
In the U15, U16 & U18 category a hybrid icing rule shall be in place.

U15-U18 Hybrid Icing

When there is no competition for the puck during an icing, icing will not be called until a defending player (excluding the goaltender) has crossed the defending zone’s face-off spot(s) and the puck has fully crossed the goal line. If there is a race for the puck during an icing situation, the linesperson must make two key decisions under the hybrid-icing rule:

First Judgement: The linesperson must decide if the puck will cross the goal line in the attacking zone. If it is determined that the puck will not cross the goal line, icing will be waived off. If the puck is likely to cross the goal line, the linesperson will proceed to the second judgment.
Second Judgement: The linesperson must then determine which player—defending or attacking—would potentially touch the puck first after it crosses the goal line. This decision must be made by the time the first player crosses the end zone face-off spot(s), though it can be made earlier. If a defending player is likely to touch the puck first, hybrid icing will be called, and play will be stopped. If an attacking player is likely to touch the puck first, icing will be waived off, and play will continue.

If the puck is shot or deflected in such a way that it travels around the boards or bounces off the end zone boards, the linesperson must assess which player will potentially touch the puck under these new conditions. If the puck is above the goal line, play will not be stopped unless a defending player is the first to touch it. If the attacking team is the first to touch the puck, icing will be waived off.
In cases where it is too close to call which player will touch the puck first, hybrid icing should be called. Linespersons should prioritize player safety in close situations & err on the side of stopping play for icing.
During a hybrid icing situation where play is stopped, strict enforcement of rules regarding avoidable contact between players must be maintained. Referees should penalize any unnecessary contact.
If a goaltender leaves their crease with both skates to pursue the puck, hybrid icing will be waved off. However, if the goaltender was out of the crease before the icing was called (e.g., retrieving a stick or leaving for an extra attacker) and then skates back toward their crease, hybrid icing will remain in effect.
If Icing is called the team that iced the puck cannot change. Any player that was on the ice when the icing was initiated from behind center cannot change. If a player entered the players bench before the icing is called, they must return to the ice surface.

Kicking the Puck

Kicking the puck involves deliberately using the foot to propel it. Kicking is allowed in all zones but cannot result in a goal, unless a defending player kicks it into their own net. Goals cannot be scored if an attacking player kicks the puck or any object that propels it into the goal. “KICK SHOTS” result in NO GOAL.

Off-side

An off-side violation occurs when attacking players enter the attacking zone before the puck. The position of the skates determines off-side status, not the stick or other body parts. If an attacking player precedes the puck due to a dump in, deflection, or a regrouping, a delayed off-side is signaled. Play continues if the defending team clears the puck or all attacking players exit the zone. Intentional off-side violations result in an immediate stop and a face-off in the offending team's end.

Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable

The puck is out of bounds if it leaves the playing surface or strikes an obstacle above it. If the puck is unplayable, play is stopped for a face-off. Deliberate actions to put the puck out of bounds or make it unplayable result in a Delay of Game penalty at the discretion of the Officials. If the puck remains stuck on the netting or between players, play is stopped for a face-off. Pucks that go out of play in the offensive zone from a shot attempt will have the ensuring face off remain in the offensive zone.

Puck Out of Sight and Illegal Puck

Play stops if the referee loses sight of the puck. If an illegal puck appears and interferes with play, the game is stopped. If anyone is caught putting an illegal puck into play, during the course of a game that individual shall be assessed a gross misconduct. If a spectator is responsible, they shall be ejected from the building.

Puck Striking Official

Play continues if the puck touches an official unless it is deflected directly into the goal, in that case the play shall be blown dead and ruled “NO GOAL”. If the official is injured, play shall be immediately blown down.

Start of Game or Periods

Games start with a face-off at center ice, and periods resume similarly. No delays are permitted for ceremonies unless pre-approved. At the start of each period, only face-off players are allowed on the ice. A delay of game penalty shall be assessed for more than the starting 6 players (5 skaters + 1 goal tender) being on the ice before periods start.

Tied Game

If the game is tied after regulation in regular season showcases, the game shall end tied. In playoff showcase games the playoff format will take precedence.

Time of Game

Each game consists of the predesignated ice slot time as outlined by age category in the regulations section. The team with the most goals after regulation wins. Teams change ends after each period. Each team has one 30-second time-out per game which includes overtime if in the playoffs and overtime takes place. Time-outs can only be taken during stoppages in play.

U13 Minor Modified Contact

The purpose of modified contact is to introduce athletes to contact in a safe way with the mandate of keeping the pace of the game high. Players are allowed to make safe contact if they play the puck first. The stick position of the player attempting to make contact is of critical importance. The stick must be in stick on stick/stick on puck position for the defending player to make legal contact. For example: if the puck carrier is right-handed and is carrying the puck on the right side of his body and the defensive player is skating backward with one hand on their stick on the right side of their body they need to first move their stick across their body into stick on stick position before they could stand the puck carrier up or make contact of any kind. If a player does not have their stick on the ice, they are always making illegal contact and should be assessed a penalty. The puck carrier is ineligible to initiate contact in any way. For example, if the puck carrier notices a defending player coming towards them to play the puck, the puck carrier is not allowed to initiate contact first because the defending player may only have the intention of playing the puck and is likely not expecting to be hit. Third man in contact is never permitted in U13 modified contact. If 2 players, one from each team are engaged in a puck battle anywhere on the ice neither is eligible to be hit by a third player from either team. Modified contact rules do not supersede illegal contact, illegal contact is always illegal ie a head contact is never permitted regardless of modified contact rules this also applies to checking from behind and so on etc.

GAMEPLAY PENALTIES

Rules in this section are presented as follows:

Rule Name
Definition of the foul and key terms related to the rule

Minor Penalty

A minor penalty is a type of infraction that results in a player being sent to the penalty box for a period of two (2) minutes. During this time, the penalized player's team must play with one fewer skater on the ice. If the opposing team scores a goal during the penalty, the penalized player is allowed to return to the ice immediately, and the penalty is considered "served."

Minor penalties are typically called for less severe infractions. Minor penalty serves to maintain the flow of the game and ensure fair play by penalizing less severe but still rule-breaking behavior.

Double Minor

A double minor penalty in hockey is a type of infraction that results in a player being sent to the penalty box for a total of four (4) minutes. This penalty is typically assessed for more serious offenses than a standard minor penalty but not severe enough to warrant a major penalty.

Here’s how a double minor penalty works:

Duration: The penalized player serves a total of four minutes in the penalty box. The penalty is divided into two consecutive two-minute penalties.
Power Play: The opposing team is given a power play for the duration of the penalty. If they score during the first two minutes the current time on the clock is wiped, the penalized player remains in the box, and a new 2-minute minor penalty starts at the next faceoff.

Common infractions that can result in a double minor penalty include:

Spearing, Butt-ending, Kneeing, Slew-footing, Clipping, Attempt to Injure
Double Minor for Contact to the Head: For more severe types of hits to the head or actions that cause minor injury.

The double minor penalty ensures that more serious infractions that result in minor injury or are deemed particularly dangerous are appropriately penalized.

Major Penalty

A major penalty is a more severe type of infraction that results in a player being penalized for five (5) minutes and a subsequent Game Misconduct. During this time, the penalized team plays short-handed with one fewer skater on the ice. Unlike a minor penalty, a major penalty does not end if the opposing team scores. Major penalties take precedence in the order of penalties when recorded at a stoppage of play (IE The major penalty must be served first in order of occurrence.)

Here’s how a major penalty works:

Duration: The player serving the penalty serves a full five-minute penalty. The player cannot return to the ice early if the opposing team scores.
All major penalties come with a subsequent Game Misconduct.
Scoring: The major penalty continues for the full five minutes even if the opposing team scores multiple goals.

Common infractions that can result in a major penalty include:

Fighting: Engaging in a fight with an opponent.
Checking from behind: A hit that targets or makes significant contact with an opponent with their back turned.
Boarding: Checking an opponent violently into the boards.
Charging: Taking several strides or jumping into an opponent in an excessive manner.

A major penalty is used to penalize actions considered dangerous or unsportsmanlike and to discourage aggressive behavior that could or has caused an injury.

Game Misconduct

A game misconduct is a penalty that results in a player being ejected from the game. It is imposed for serious infractions or unsportsmanlike conduct that goes beyond typical penalties. Ten (10) minutes shall be recorded on the game sheet. No serving player is required to serve the 10 minutes in the penalty box in lieu of the ejected player.

Here's how a game misconduct works:

Ejection: The player who receives a game misconduct is immediately removed from the game and must leave the playing area. They cannot return to the game.
Team Impact: The penalized team does not receive a power play as a result of the game misconduct.
Additional Penalty: In addition to the game misconduct, the player may also receive a minor or major penalty depending on the nature of the infraction. The game misconduct is served concurrently with any other penalty assessed.

Common infractions that may result in a game misconduct include:

Violent Behavior: Such as fighting after a fight has been broken up or actions leading to serious injury.
Abuse of Officials: Including verbally abusing or making physical contact with referees or linesmen.
Excessive Misconduct: Repeatedly engaging in conduct that is deemed harmful or disruptive to the game.

A game misconduct is meant to address and penalize severe behavior that threatens the safety of players or the integrity of the game. In addition to being ejected, the player may also face additional disciplinary action from the league.

Game Ejection

A game ejection is a disciplinary action where a player is removed from the game for taking too many penalized infractions. This term is often used interchangeably with game misconduct, though it is not the same thing. Game ejections do not result in supplementary discipline regardless of the time in the game. A game ejection is intended to address and penalize continuous conduct issues, ensuring player safety and maintaining the integrity of the game. A Game Ejection will be issued to any player who takes four (4) or more penalties of any kind in any game. For the purposes of this rule a double minor counts as 2 penalties, any player receiving 2 double minor penalties shall be ejected from the game.

Match Penalty

A match penalty is a severe disciplinary penalty imposed for very serious infractions. It results in the immediate removal of the player from the game and carries additional consequences. A five (5) minute and subsequent game misconduct will be assessed to anyone who receives a match penalty. A match penalty must be served in the same fashion as a major penalty in that the 5-minute penalty must be served in full and scoring does not wash the penalty, for additional information see the major penalty section.

A match penalty is assessed for:

Deliberate Injuries: Actions that are intended to injure an opponent, such as using a stick or any other object in a way that is meant to cause harm.
Attempt to Injure: Actions that could seriously injure an opponent, even if no injury results.
Excessive Violence: Any behavior deemed excessively violent or dangerous beyond the norm of typical penalties.
Match on an Official: Any attempted or physical action of touching of harming an official. It does not matter if contact is actually made such as swinging a stick towards an official or threatening to injure. Spitting at an official also falls into this category.

The match penalty is designed to address and penalize the most severe types of misconduct and to protect players from serious harm. It underscores the importance of player safety in hockey.

Gross Misconduct

Gross misconduct typically refers to severe actions that are significantly against the rules or sportsmanship of the game. It often involves behavior that is dangerous, violent, or unsportsmanlike. A five (5) minute and subsequent game misconduct will be assessed to anyone who receives a Gross misconduct penalty. A Gross misconduct penalty must be served in the same fashion as a major penalty in that the 5-minute penalty must be served in full and scoring does not wash the penalty, for additional information see the major penalty section. Examples of gross misconduct might include:

Abusive Behavior: Using offensive language, gestures, or engaging in harassment or discriminatory actions towards opponents, officials, or spectators.
Severe Rule Violations: Actions like using illegal equipment or engaging in conduct that significantly undermines the integrity of the game.

Coaches/Bench staff that purposefully enter the ice surface area for any reason once a game has commenced shall be assessed a Gross misconduct. Coaches/Bench staff may without penalty enter the ice surface only to medically tend to an injured player, participate in the game end handshake and cross the ice surface at period breaks if there is no other route to the dressing room. Not immediately tending to an Injured player and entering into any other altercations with opponents, officials, or spectators is punishable by Gross misconduct.

Players and coaches guilty of gross misconduct often face substantial penalties, including suspensions, or even permanent bans, depending on the severity of the offence.

Misconduct

A misconduct penalty is a type of infraction that results in a player being penalized for 10 minutes in the penalty box and is assessed for various types of unsportsmanlike behavior. Unlike major or minor penalties, which are often related to on-ice actions, a misconduct penalty is typically related to conduct that disrupts the game or violates its sportsmanship standards.

Key aspects of a misconduct penalty include:

Duration: The penalized player serves a 10-minute penalty in the penalty box. Unlike minor penalties, the team does not play shorthanded during this time.
Types of Misconduct Penalties:

Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Engaging in behavior that is deemed disrespectful or unsportsmanlike, such as arguing with referees or taunting opponents.
Embellishment: Simulating a fall or injury to deceive the officials into calling a penalty against the opponent.
Disputing Referee Decisions: Excessive arguing or showing dissent towards the officials' decisions.
Misconduct penalties are also a game management tool. Officials have the right to use a misconduct penalty for any reason they see fit to manage the participants and the game.

Overall, misconduct penalties are designed to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure players adhere to the expected standards of behavior.

PHYSICAL Penalties

Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury

An attempt to injure or deliberate injury refers to actions by a player or team official who, using a stick, skate, or other object, or their body, hits or tries to hit an opponent, team official, or game official with the intent to cause harm. “Intent” is determined by evaluating the deliberate nature of the action and whether it was reasonably expected to result in injury.
Double Minor Penalty: Assessed for:
- Pulling an opponent’s hair.
- Grabbing an opponent’s facial protector, helmet, chin strap, or throat protector.
- Head-butting or attempting to head-butt an opponent.
- Note: If the offender is a team official/staff member, a Gross Misconduct penalty must also be applied.
Major and Game Misconduct Penalties: At the referee’s discretion, based on the violence of the act, may be assessed for:
- Grabbing the hair, facial protector, helmet, chin strap, or throat protector of an opponent.
- If an injury results from these actions, a Major and Game Misconduct penalty will be assessed, even if the infraction would otherwise call for a double Minor penalty.
Match Penalty: Will be assessed to any player or team official who deliberately attempts to or successfully injures an opponent, official, team official, or spectator in any manner not covered by other rules. Examples include:
- Head-butting an opponent with force.
- Pulling hair or grabbing protective equipment with moderate or high violence to gain an advantage or inflict injury.
- Attempting or deliberately kicking an opponent.
- Using equipment as a weapon.
- Note: No Misconduct penalties may be assessed for an attempt to injure. A Gross Misconduct penalty, in addition to a double Minor penalty, will be assessed to a team official who head-butts or attempts to head-butt an opponent with minimal violence. For actions with high violence or resulting in injury, a Match penalty must be applied, alongside any other penalties based on the rules.

Boarding

Boarding occurs when a player checks or pushes an unsuspecting opponent in a manner that causes them to hit or collide with the boards in a violent or dangerous way. The severity of the penalty is based on the violence of the impact with the boards. The checking player is responsible for ensuring that their opponent is not in a vulnerable position and must avoid or minimize contact if possible. In cases where unnecessary contact occurs on an obvious “icing” or “offside” play, leading to a dangerous impact with the boards, it will be penalized as boarding. Otherwise, it is considered charging.

A Minor or double minor penalty based on severity will be assessed for checking or pushing a defenseless opponent into the boards dangerously.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty may be assessed at the referee’s discretion, based on the impact’s severity.
If an injury results from boarding that would otherwise warrant a Minor penalty, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty will be given.
A Match penalty will be assessed for deliberate attempts to injure an opponent by boarding.
No Misconduct penalty can be assessed for boarding.
A Game Misconduct penalty is mandatory when a Major penalty is assessed for boarding.

Charging

Charging involves:

Jumping to check an opponent.
Building up speed by taking multiple strides before contact.
Travelling excessive distances solely to deliver a hit.
Violently or unnecessarily checking an opponent.
Delivering a body check to an opponent’s blind side.

Charging can occur with a check into the boards, goal frame, or open ice.

A Minor or double minor penalty based on severity is given for charging an opponent.
At the referee’s discretion, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty may be assessed, based on the impact’s violence.
If an injury occurs from charging that would otherwise call for a Minor penalty, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty will be assessed.
A Match penalty is given for charging an opponent in a manner that prevents them from defending themselves or for deliberate attempts to injure.
No Misconduct penalty can be assessed for charging.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed whenever a Major penalty is given for charging.

Checking from Behind

Checking from behind involves pushing, bodychecking, cross-checking, or hitting an opponent from behind. Referees should be vigilant due to the risk of spinal injuries. This includes:

A player creating contact with the back after turning to avoid a check.
Hitting a player along the boards with their head down.
Swinging elbows or forearms into an opponent’s back with the intent to drive them into the boards.
Pulling or kicking an opponent’s feet out from behind and pushing them into the boards.

The responsibility is on the checking player to avoid hitting an opponent’s back. Consistent enforcement of this rule is crucial.

A Double minor penalty will be assessed for hitting an opponent from behind.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty may be given based on the violence of the impact.
If an injury results from a checking-from-behind infraction that would otherwise warrant a Minor penalty, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty will be given.
A Match penalty is assessed for hitting from behind into the boards or goal frame in a way that prevents the opponent from defending themselves or for deliberate attempts to injure.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed whenever a Major penalty is given for checking from behind.

OFFICIALS NOTE: A double minor is recognized in place of Minor and Game Misconduct for non-severe checking from behind. Do not assess a Minor and Game Misconduct.

Head Contact

There is no legal contact to the head, face, or neck. Players must avoid making contact with an opponent's head, face, or neck. Head contact can be direct or accidental, but any contact must be penalized. Referees should be particularly sensitive to the degree of violence in such fouls. This rule takes precedence over others, except for fighting rules.

A Minor or double Minor penalty based on severity is given for intentional head contact.
At the referee’s discretion, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty may be assessed based on the severity.
If an injury occurs from head contact that would otherwise call for a Minor penalty, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty will be given.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty are assessed for cross-checking an opponent above shoulder height.
A Match penalty is given for hitting the head in a way that prevents the opponent from defending themselves or for deliberate attempts to injure.
No Misconduct penalty can be assessed for head contact.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed whenever a Major penalty is given for head contact.

Kneeing

Kneeing involves making contact with an opponent where the knee is the primary point of contact. This includes extending the leg outwards to hit an opponent or kneeing during a legal hit.

A double Minor penalty is assessed for kneeing.
At the referee’s discretion, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty may be given based on the impact’s severity.
If an injury occurs from kneeing that would otherwise warrant a double Minor penalty, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty will be given.
A Match penalty is given for deliberate attempts to injure an opponent by kneeing.
No Misconduct penalty can be assessed for kneeing.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed whenever a Major penalty is given for kneeing.

Fighting

A fight is defined as when players punch or attempt to punch repeatedly or engage in wrestling that prevents Linespersons from separating them. An altercation involves at least two players with at least one penalized.

A Minor penalty is not assessed for fighting.
A Minor penalty is given to a goaltender who leaves their crease during a fight, recorded as unsportsmanlike “Leaving the Crease.”
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty are assessed for any player involved in a fight.
A Match penalty is given if a player uses rings or other materials to gain an advantage or inflict injury during a fight.
A Misconduct penalty is assessed to any player who does not immediately return to their bench or a designated neutral area during a fight.
A Game Misconduct penalty is given to players involved in a fight, including secondary fights or acting as a peacemaker.
A Gross Misconduct penalty is assessed for fighting with or involving a team official or attempting to intervene in such fights.

Instigator & Aggressor

An instigator starts or causes a fight through physical or verbal actions, such as:

Throwing the first punch or verbally provoking.
Removing gloves and throwing a punch without compliance.
Travelling a significant distance to initiate a fight.
Continuing to throw punches at an unwilling opponent or one in a defenseless position.

An aggressor continues a fight with the intent to intimidate or punish, including when the opponent is unable to defend themselves.

A Minor penalty is assessed to any player identified as the instigator or aggressor in a fight, in addition to other penalties.
No Major, Match, Misconduct, or Game Misconduct penalties are assessed specifically for instigator or aggressor actions.

RESTRAINING Penalties

Holding

Holding involves any action by a player that restricts an opponent’s movement, whether or not they are in possession of the puck. This includes actions that prevent the opponent from passing, shooting, receiving, or advancing the puck.

A Minor penalty will be assessed for holding an opponent.
A Minor penalty will also be assessed for holding an opponent’s stick, which will be announced as “holding the stick.”
A Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty will be given to any player who injures an opponent in a holding situation that would otherwise be penalized with a Minor penalty.
No Match or Misconduct penalties can be assessed for holding.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed whenever a Major penalty is given for holding.

Hooking

Hooking is the action of using the stick in a pulling or tugging motion to impede an opponent’s progress. This can apply to any part of the opponent's body or stick.

A Minor penalty will be assessed for hooking or butt-end hooking with the stick.
A Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty will be assessed if the hooking or butt-end hooking results in injury to an opponent, which would otherwise warrant a Minor penalty.
No Match or Misconduct penalties can be assessed for hooking.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed whenever a Major penalty is given for hooking.

Interference

Interference occurs when a player:

Impedes an opponent’s progress without the puck,
Delivers a late hit to an opponent,
Deliberately knocks a stick out of an opponent’s hand when they don’t have the puck, or
Prevents an opponent from regaining their stick or equipment if it’s been dropped.

A late hit is defined as contact made after the puck has been released, with a maximum allowable distance of an arm and stick between the puck carrier and the player delivering the check.

A Bench Minor penalty and a Game Misconduct will be assessed for interference from the bench. If the offending individual cannot be identified, the Game Misconduct will not be applied.
If interference occurs during a breakaway, a Penalty Shot will be awarded instead of a Bench Minor penalty. If a team official is at fault, a Gross Misconduct penalty must also be assessed.
A Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty may be assessed at the referee’s discretion, based on the severity of the impact.
A Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty will be assessed for interference from the bench if it resulted in injury that would otherwise warrant a Minor penalty.

Interference from the Bench

No player, goaltender, or team official is allowed to interfere with play or the puck from the bench.

A penalty for interference from the bench will be assessed if any person on the bench makes deliberate contact with or impedes an opponent on the ice or throws an object onto the ice. This will be announced as “interference.”
This rule does not apply to players participating in a line change who contact the puck or an opponent while still on the bench, which should be penalized as “too many players.”
A Match penalty will be assessed for attempting to injure or deliberately injuring an opponent from the bench.
No Misconduct penalty may be assessed for interference from the bench.
A Game Misconduct penalty will be assessed for all situations under this rule, except when a Match or Gross Misconduct penalty is warranted.
If a stick or object is thrown from the bench and a penalty shot is awarded, the offending player will also receive a Game Misconduct penalty for interference from the bench.
A team official committing interference from the bench will receive a Gross Misconduct penalty, in addition to any other penalties.

Interference with the Goaltender

Interference with the goaltender occurs when an attacking player physically impedes or disrupts the goaltender’s movements.

A Minor penalty will be assessed for interference with the goaltender.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty may be assessed based on the severity of the contact.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty will be given for charging the goaltender, as defined under Rule - Charging.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty will be assessed for injury resulting from interference with the goaltender that would otherwise be a Minor penalty.
A Match penalty will be assessed for attempting to injure or deliberately injuring the goaltender.
No Misconduct penalty can be assessed for interference with the goaltender.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed whenever a Major penalty is given for interference with the goaltender.

Tripping

Tripping involves causing an opponent to fall by using the stick or body. This includes deliberately sliding across the ice to trip the puck carrier, unless the puck is contacted first.

This rule excludes actions defined under Rule - Clipping - Slew-Footing.
A minor penalty will be assessed for tripping

Clipping

Clipping, or a “low hit,” involves making contact below an opponent’s hips. This includes crouching to avoid a body check.

A Minor or double minor penalty based on severity will be assessed for clipping.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty may be given based on the severity of the impact, including contact with ice or boards.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty will be assessed if clipping results in injury that would otherwise warrant a Minor penalty.
A Match penalty will be assessed for attempting to injure or deliberately injuring an opponent through clipping.
No Misconduct penalty can be assessed for clipping.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed whenever a Major penalty is given for clipping.

Slew-Footing

Slew-footing is when a player uses their leg or foot to knock, drag, or sweep an opponent’s feet out from under them, often accompanied by pushing the opponent's upper body backward with an arm or elbow.
A double Minor penalty will be assessed for slew-footing.
No Major penalty is applicable for slew-footing.
A Match penalty may be assessed based on the severity of the action, including impact with the ice or boards.
A Match penalty will be given for any injury resulting from a slew-footing infraction that would otherwise be a double Minor penalty.
No Misconduct or Game Misconduct penalties can be assessed for slew-footing.

STICK Penalties

Butt-Ending

Butt-ending occurs when a player uses or attempts to use the end of their stick shaft to check or jab an opponent. This applies regardless of whether contact is made.

A double Minor penalty will be assessed to any player who attempts to butt-end an opponent or makes minimal contact with the stick.
No Major penalty is applicable for butt-ending.
A Match penalty may be assessed at the referee's discretion based on the severity of the action if a player butt-ends or attempts to butt-end an opponent with significant force.
A Match penalty will be given to any player who injures an opponent through a butt-ending infraction that would otherwise warrant a double Minor penalty.
No Misconduct or Game Misconduct penalties can be assessed for butt-ending.

Cross-Checking

Cross-checking is defined as using the stick shaft, held between both hands, to check an opponent.

A Minor or double minor penalty based on severity will be assessed for cross-checking an opponent.
At the referee’s discretion, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty may be assessed based on the severity of the impact.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty will be given to any player who injures an opponent with a cross-checking infraction that would otherwise be assessed as a Minor penalty.
A Match penalty will be assessed to any player who attempts to injure or deliberately injures an opponent with a cross-check.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed in addition to a Major penalty for cross-checking.
No Misconduct penalty may be assessed for cross-checking.

High Sticking

High sticking occurs when a player raises their stick above the height of the opponent's shoulders and makes contact with an opponent, whether accidentally or deliberately. If a player attempts to high stick and opponent but misses, they shall still be assessed the appropriate high sticking penalty.

A Minor or double minor penalty based on severity will be assessed to any player who high sticks or attempts to high stick an opponent.
At the referee’s discretion, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty may be assessed based on the severity of the impact.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty will be given to any player who injures an opponent with a high stick infraction that would otherwise be a Minor penalty.
A Match penalty will be assessed for deliberate attempts to injure or actual injury caused by a high stick.
No Misconduct penalty may be assessed for high stick.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be given whenever a Major penalty is assessed for high sticking.

OFFICIALS NOTE: Officials are asked not to call head contact in lieu of high sticking, high sticking should be reported if the stick is used.

Slashing

Slashing involves hitting an opponent with a stick while holding it with one or both hands. Lightly tapping the stick of the puck-carrier to gain possession is not considered slashing.

A Minor or double minor penalty based on severity will be assessed to any player who slashes or attempts to slash an opponent.
At the referee’s discretion, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty may be assessed based on the severity of the impact.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty will be given to any player who injures an opponent with a slashing infraction that would otherwise be a Minor penalty.
A Match penalty will be assessed for deliberate attempts to injure or actual injury caused by a slash.
No Misconduct penalty may be assessed for slashing.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be given whenever a Major penalty is assessed for slashing.

Spearing

Spearing occurs when a player jabs or attempts to jab an opponent with the blade’s toe of the stick.

A double Minor penalty will be assessed for attempting to jab or minimally poking an opponent with the blade’s toe.
No Major penalty is applicable for spearing.
A Match penalty will be assessed to any player or team official who deliberately spears or attempts to spear an opponent with significant force.
A Match penalty will also be given to any player who injures an opponent through spearing, which would otherwise be a double Minor penalty.
No Misconduct or Game Misconduct penalties can be assessed for spearing.

OTHER Penalties

Delay of Game

Delay of Game is committed when a player or team intentionally causes a stoppage or delay in play. This includes, but is not limited to:
A player who deliberately holds the puck against the boards or goal, unless checked by an opponent.
A player who deliberately shoots, bats, or throws the puck out of play.
A player who leaves the Players’ Bench to give instructions and does not stay on the ice as a substitute.
A player who intentionally dislodges the goal net.
A goaltender who shoots or bats the puck out of play with their stick.
A goaltender who drops or throws the puck onto the top or back of the goal netting, causing a stoppage.
A team that, after a warning, fails to have the correct number of players on the ice to restart play.
A player or team committing a second face-off violation.
Any Captain, Alternate Captain, or player leaving the bench to discuss rule interpretations with the Referee.
A player delaying the game to adjust equipment.
A player removing protective equipment to force a stoppage.
Any team that makes a request to have equipment measured by an official can be assessed a minor penalty of delay of game.
A player refusing to leave the ice after a stoppage for an injury or when attended by a trainer.
A goaltender going to the Players’ Bench to adjust equipment without a replacement.

A Minor penalty will be assessed to any player who deliberately delays the game. A Bench Minor penalty will be assessed to any team for deliberate delay of game. In some cases, a Penalty Shot may be awarded if a scoring chance is imminent to the non-offending team. Major, Match, Misconduct, or Game Misconduct penalties cannot be assessed for Delay of Game.

Handling or Falling on the Puck

Players may stop, knock down, or push the puck with their hand without stopping play unless the puck is directed to a teammate in the neutral or attacking zone.

Hand Pass: A hand pass is when a player deliberately handles the puck, and a teammate in the neutral or attacking zone gains control. A goal cannot be scored from a hand pass.
Handling the Puck: A Minor penalty will be assessed to a player (excluding the goaltender) who closes their hand on the puck to gain an advantage or deliberately falls on the puck while standing or laying on the ice. A Penalty Shot or Awarded Goal may be given if this occurs inside the offending team’s goal crease.

A Minor penalty will be assessed to a goaltender who handles the puck outside their crease to delay the game. Major, Match, Misconduct, or Game Misconduct penalties cannot be assessed for handling the puck infractions.

Diving & Embellishment

"Diving" is when a player exaggerates or simulates a foul to draw a penalty, and "Embellishment" is when a player makes a minor foul appear more severe than it is.

A Minor penalty for Unsportsmanlike Conduct will be assessed to any player who dives or embellishes to draw a penalty. This may be assessed with or without a penalty to the opposing team. Major, Match, Misconduct, or Game Misconduct penalties cannot be assessed for diving or embellishment.

Leaving the Bench

Players may only leave the Players’ Bench for legal line changes or at the end of a period, as directed by the Referee. At the end of each period, players must stay on their benches until directed off by the Referee.

A Bench Minor penalty will be assessed if a Team Official or players leave the bench improperly, or if players leave the bench prematurely at the end of a period.
A Game Misconduct penalty will be assessed to any player who leaves the bench to participate in a fight or to start a fight.
A Game Misconduct penalty will be given to the Coach if players leave the bench and an altercation occurs.
A Gross Misconduct penalty will be assessed to any player or team official who returns to the ice or disrupts the game after being removed due to a penalty.

Major, Match, Misconduct, or Game Misconduct penalties are not applicable for general bench leaving infractions.

Match on an Official

A "match on an official" penalty refers to an infraction where a player is assessed a match penalty for deliberately or recklessly making contact with an official, such as a referee or linesman. This is a severe form of misconduct that is taken very seriously due to the need to protect officials who are responsible for enforcing the rules of the game.

Immediate Ejection: The player who commits this infraction is immediately removed from the game and must leave the ice and playing area and will receive a 5 minute penalty that comes with all match type penalties.
Further Consequences: Beyond the immediate ejection, the player may face additional disciplinary actions from the league, such as suspensions, depending on the severity of the incident. This type of infraction is likely to be reviewed thoroughly, and the player may face further consequences.

A match on an official typically occurs in situations such as:

Physical Contact: The player makes intentional or reckless physical contact with an official.
Abusive Behavior: Aggressive or abusive behavior directed at an official, especially if it escalates to physical contact.
Threats or Intimidation: Any form of threatening or intimidating behavior towards officials.
Spitting at an Official.

This penalty underscores the importance of respect for officials and the need to maintain order and safety in the game.

Throwing or Shooting a Stick or Object

Players are prohibited from throwing sticks or any other object on the playing surface. A player who loses or breaks a stick must obtain a new one from their bench or be handed one by a teammate.
A Minor penalty will be assessed for throwing, shooting, or kicking a stick or object in the neutral or attacking zone.
A Penalty Shot will be awarded if a stick or object is thrown at the puck or puck carrier in the defending zone or at a breakaway player in the neutral or attacking zone.
A Major penalty and Game Misconduct will be assessed for injuring an opponent with a thrown object.
A Match penalty will be given for attempting to injure or deliberately injuring an opponent with a thrown object.
A Misconduct penalty will be assessed for throwing or shooting an object outside the playing area.

A Game Misconduct penalty is mandatory if a Major penalty is assessed for this rule.

Illegal Equipment

Illegal Equipment refers to equipment that does not meet the standard expected for safe and acceptable play. Any official may assess an illegal equipment penalty for any circumstance in which they feel equipment could cause imminent danger, injury or give a competitive advantage. Teams absolutely may not request equipment measurements and making this request shall be penalized by a Delay of Game minor penalty.

A Minor penalty will be assessed for using non-conforming equipment.
A Bench Minor penalty will be assessed to a team that violates equipment rules.
A Misconduct penalty will be given for improperly worn helmets or protective gear after a single warning.
A Misconduct penalty will also be assessed for undoing a chinstrap to incite or challenge an opponent without engaging in a fight.
A Gross Misconduct penalty will be assessed for refusing to alter dangerous equipment, refusing to remove a helmet for identification, or for intentionally removing a helmet during a fight. It does not matter if it is the players own or opponent’s helmet.

Major or Match penalties are not applicable for general equipment violations.

Too Many Players

A team will be penalized for having more than six players on the ice or violating substitution rules.

A Bench Minor penalty will be assessed for having too many players on the ice.
A Penalty Shot will be awarded if "Deliberate Illegal Substitution" occurs in the last two minutes or overtime in a playoffs showcase.

Major, Match, Misconduct, or Game Misconduct penalties are not applicable for general Too Many Players infractions.

Refusing to Start Play

Refusing to Start Play is when a team withdraws or fails to have the correct number of players on the ice after being warned by the Referee.

A 30 second warning will be given before the game is suspended.
A Gross Misconduct and 5-minute penalty will be assessed to the Coach if the team fails to return after the warning. A Penalty Shot may also be awarded in the last two minutes or overtime in a playoff showcase.

Match or Misconduct penalties are not generally applicable, except where specified.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Unsportsmanlike conduct involves actions or behavior that violate the spirit of sportsmanship and fair competition. This can include any form of disrespectful or disruptive behavior towards opponents, officials, or teammates.

Verbal Abuse: Using abusive or inappropriate language towards opponents, officials, or spectators.
Excessive Arguing: Persistently disputing calls or decisions made by referees or linesmen in a manner that disrupts the game.
Taunting: Engaging in provocative or demeaning behavior towards opponents.
Disrespecting Officials: Making threats, using gestures, or engaging in any form of physical or verbal disrespect towards referees and linesmen.
Delayed Penalty: Actions that intentionally delay the game, such as refusing to leave the ice or penalty box when required.

A minor penalty will be assessed for unsportsmanlike conduct. A Misconduct or Game Misconduct may be assessed for continuing or multiple unsportsmanlike conducts. A Gross misconduct will be assessed for severe unsportsmanlike conduct.

(4) Four Penalties in a Game

Any player who receives 4 penalties of any kind in a game shall be assessed a game ejection. A Game Ejection will be issued to any player who takes four (4) or more penalties of any kind in any game. For the purposes of this rule a double minor counts as 2 penalties, any player receiving 2 double minor penalties shall be ejected from the game.

Serving of Penalties

For minor, double minor, and misconduct penalties, the player assessed the penalty must serve it unless that player has become injured. If the offending player is injured a skating player on the ice surface at the time of the penalty must be designated to serve the penalty

For bench minor and goaltender minor penalties a skating player on the ice surface at the time of the penalty must be designated to serve the penalty. Goaltenders cannot serve minor, double minor or misconduct penalties in the penalty box. Designating a goaltender to serve a penalty is very disrespectful and the official may asses the offending bench staff member a gross misconduct for making a mockery of the game.

For major, match, gross or game misconduct penalties that have a timed penalty associated (i.e. 5 minutes), a skating player from the ice surface at the time of the penalty must be designated to serve the timed penalty.

Appendices

Suspension Appendix (Note not all suspendable offences are listed here*)**

Penalty	First Offence	Second/Third Offence
Gross Misconduct: Time of penalty does not matter	2 Game Suspension	4 Games/League review for additional suspension or expulsion from league.
Gross Misconduct Maltreatment: Time of penalty does not matter	4 Game Suspension	Indefinite/League review for additional suspension or expulsion from league.
Match Penalty: All Matches Except Match on an official. Time of penalty does not matter	2 Game Suspension	4 Games/League review for additional suspension or expulsion from league.
Match Penalty on an Official: Time of penalty does not matter	4 Game Suspension	Indefinite/League review for additional suspension or expulsion from league.
Major Penalty and Game Misconduct: All Major Penalties (not in the last 10 minutes of 3rd period)	0 Game Suspension	1 Game regardless of time penalty is incurred/2 games or league review for additional suspension or expulsion from league.
Major Penalty and Game Misconduct Last 10 minutes of 3rd period: All Major Penalties	1 Game suspension	2 Games/4 Games league review for additional suspension or expulsion from league.
Fighting Major: Time of penalty does not matter	1 Game suspension	2 Games/League review for additional suspension or expulsion from league.
Game Misconduct:	0 Game suspension	1 Game regardless of time penalty is incurred/2 games or league review for additional suspension or expulsion from league.
Game Misconduct Last 10 Minutes of 3rd period:	1 Game Suspension	2 Games/4 Games league review for additional suspension or expulsion from league.
Game Misconduct Coach: Time of penalty does not matter	1 Game Suspension	2 Games/League review for additional suspension or expulsion from league.

Penalty Appendix (Note not all penalties are listed here*)**

Penalty	Type	Times
Attempt to Injure	Physical	4, 5 & Game Misconduct, 5 & Match
Boarding	Physical	2, 4, 5 & Game Misconduct, 5 & Match
Charging	Physical	2, 4, 5 & Game Misconduct, 5 & Match
Checking from Behind	Physical	4, 5 & Game Misconduct, 5 & Match
Head Contact	Physical	2, 4, 5 & Game Misconduct, 5 & Match
Kneeing	Physical	4, 5 & Game Misconduct, 5 & Match
Instigator & Aggressor	Physical	2

Holding	Restraining	2, 5 & Game Misconduct
Hooking	Restraining	2, 5 & Game Misconduct
Interference	Restraining	2, 5 & Game Misconduct
Tripping	Restraining	2
Clipping	Restraining	2, 4, 5 & Game Misconduct, 5 & Match
Slew-Footing	Restraining	4, 5 & Match

Butt-Ending	Stick	4, 5 & Match
Cross-Checking	Stick	2, 4, 5 & Game Misconduct, 5 & Match
High Sticking	Stick	2, 4, 5 & Game Misconduct, 5 & Match
Slashing	Stick	2, 4, 5 & Game Misconduct, 5 & Match
Spearing	Stick	4, 5&Match

Too Many Players	Other	2
Illegal Equipment	Other	2, 10, 10 & Game or 5 & Gross Misconduct
Unsportsmanlike Conduct	Other	2, 10, 10 & Game or 5 & Gross Misconduct
4 Penalties Received	Other	Game Ejection
Fighting	Severe	5 & Game Misconduct
Misconduct	Severe	10
Game Misconduct and Game Misconduct Coach/Staff	Severe	10 & Game Misconduct or 5 & Game Misconduct for Coaches/Staff
Gross Misconduct	Severe	5 & Gross Misconduct
Match Penalty	Severe	5 & Game Misconduct

Fine Appendix (Note not all fineable offences are listed here*)**

Offence	Fine Amount
Facility Damages (includes dressing room cleanliness!)	$100 or any amount up to a full showcase fee
Spectator Misconduct and Altercations (Includes not adhering to Alcohol & Drug Policies. Includes spectators entering or not respecting the ice surface and gameplay areas. Includes spectators contacting the league without following chains of command.)	$100 or any amount up to a full showcase fee
Team and Staff Misconduct and Altercations (Includes not adhering to Alcohol & Drug Policies)	$250 or any amount up to a full showcase fee
League Staff, Arena Staff and Official Harassment (includes harassment of League office staff via email, text or phone. Includes harassment of League staff in time boxes.)	$500 or any amount up to a full showcase fee
Social Media Misconduct, Harassment or Altercations	$250 or any amount up to a full showcase fee
Repeat Offender Organizations (2nd fine or beyond)	$1000 or any amount up to a full showcase fee
Forfeiture of a Game or Games. Refusal to attend a scheduled showcase. (Once teams have committed to attending a specific showcase they must attend or will be fined due to the administrative and associated costs)	$500 and up to a full showcase fee
Maltreatment of any kind	$500 and up to a full showcase fee

All fines must be paid in full prior to the team's next showcase or that team will be ineligible to play and removed from the schedule. Any organizations with fines in arrears at the completion of the season will be ineligible to register any teams the following season.

Upcoming Events

Dec. 05, 2025 to Dec. 07, 2025

U11 December Showcase (Three Hills)
Three Hills
Lakeland Lightning, Rocky Mountain Venom, Mustangs, Lymm Lions, Outlaws, Rocky Mountain Venom Female

Dec. 05, 2025 to Dec. 07, 2025

U11 December Showcase (Viking)
Viking
Battle River Titans, Saskatchewan Selects, Alberta Pro Hockey, Calgary Bandits, North Legacy Warriors, Rustlers Hockey

Dec. 05, 2025 to Dec. 07, 2025

U18 December Showcase (Stettler)
Stettler
ALL U18 Teams

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Current Rule Book

PHL Rule Book

2025/26 season version 2

Introduction

Mission Statement

Player Safety & Respect

Roles Summary & Chain of Communication

Code of Conduct

Regulations and Policies 2025/2026 Season

Alcohol Policy

Drug Policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology Policy

Privacy & Data Protection Policy

Media & Image Rights Policy

Social Media & Digital Conduct Policy

Additional Integrity & Safety Policies

Rules & Regulations

ROSTERS

Game Times:

OVERAGE PLAYERS

New Rules & Regulations for 2025/2026

Game Play Rules and Regulations

TEAMS

Game Play Rules

Flow of Game Play

GAMEPLAY PENALTIES

PHYSICAL Penalties

RESTRAINING Penalties

STICK Penalties

OTHER Penalties

Appendices

Suspension Appendix (*Note not all suspendable offences are listed here)

Penalty Appendix (*Note not all penalties are listed here)

Fine Appendix (*Note not all fineable offences are listed here)

Upcoming Events

Dec. 05, 2025 to Dec. 07, 2025

Dec. 05, 2025 to Dec. 07, 2025

Dec. 05, 2025 to Dec. 07, 2025

Premier Hockey League © 2025

Contact Us

RAMP Registration

RAMP Official Assigning

RAMP Websites

RAMP Team App

2025/26 season
version 2

Suspension Appendix (Note not all suspendable offences are listed here*)**

Penalty Appendix (Note not all penalties are listed here*)**

Fine Appendix (Note not all fineable offences are listed here*)**