Equal Playing Time during Playoffs
Novice –Junior Divisions during Playoffs
2014 Season
As the playoffs are about to begin, this is a memo to remind all coaches about the
issue of equal playing time.
The spirit of the league is to provide equal playing time for everyone.
Examples:
 If you had 13 runners plus a goalie, you may choose to have 3 forward lines of 3
each and only 2 defence lines of 2 each. This IS NOT considered a problem nor a
violation of the spirit of equal playing time.

If you had 12 runners and chose to have 3 defensive pairs and only 2 forward lines,
this is also considered acceptable. With the same 12 runners, it would not be
considered acceptable to choose to have 3 defense and 3 forward lines as the
defense would play disproportionately more time.

If you had only 8 forwards and rotated your wingers around only 2 centres, this is
considered acceptable.

In all the above scenarios everyone is playing at least every 3 rd shift; some players
may actually get on every 2nd shift but there is no double-shifting occurring.
Penalties, injuries, etc all make it tricky to juggle lines but remember the spirit of equal
playing time and juggle your lines accordingly.
Having said that and to be more specific:
1.
2.
3.
In the last 2 minutes of the Playoff Game (not first period, just the 2nd period)
you can do as you wish which means you may send out a “power line”
In the event the opposition pulls their goalie before the last 2 minutes of the game
you in turn can change ONE of your players on the pad in response.
You cannot send out a “power line” in the event you have a power play or if you
are the team that is short-handed.
As a final note, teams are allowed one timeout per playoff game of 1 minute
duration.
Thank you and good luck in the playoffs.
WPBHL Board