RULES
TOURNAMENT RULES – 2015
This tournament is approved by the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). As such the tournament will be
conducted per the rules and regulations of the North York Hockey League.
A. Registration
1. In order to participate in the tournament, teams must provide the following items:
- League/Organization Permission (OMHA/NYHL/MHL, etc)
- Approved Roster
- Payment
- Primary Contact email & cell phone for emergency or last minute changes during the tournament
2. The Team Manager should register with the tournament office at Don Mills Arena 60 minutes prior to their
team’s first game. Where this is not possible AND all items in (1) were provided in advance, the Team Manager
may register upon the team’s first game at Don Mills arena. For alternative registration options contact
[email protected] or call Mike Fortier at 647 202 4761.
B. Game Play
1. All teams are guaranteed a minimum of 3 games, and may play up to 5 games.
2. Points
a. 2 points for a win
b. 1 point for a tie
3. Game Times
a. Teams must be prepared to play games 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start at the discretion of the
Acting Convener.
b. Teams will receive a 2 minute warm up prior to each game, time will start running once the refs are on
the ice.
c. There is no hand shake for round robin games.
d. Games will be 3 periods of 12 minute stop time (12-12-12).
e. If the tournament falls behind schedule at a specific venue, the Acting Convener reserves the right to
shorten periods to 10 minute stop time, or in extreme cases to switch to run time.
f. A Mercy Rule shall be in effect. If at any time during the second and third period, a team is ahead by five
or more goals, the clock will revert to running time. If subsequently the difference is reduced to less
than five goals, the clock will revert back to stop time.
g. No time outs exist during round robin games. One 30 second timeout is permitted per team in semifinal and final games.
C. Rules/Protests
1. Tournament Officials are under no obligation to entertain any kind of protests.
2. Tournament Officials may consider any logical grievance or suggestion when presented in a calm and
professional manner.
3. Protests regarding officiating will not be heard.
4. All Tournament rules will be interpreted in a manner consistent with the objectives of the Tournament; namely,
fairness, safety, and the enjoyment of the players. A decision by the Tournament Chairperson and/or Treasurer,
whether or not specifically addressed by these rules, shall be binding upon all Tournament participants. The
Tournament Chairperson and/or Treasurer shall have the authority to grant exemptions from or make
modifications to any of the rules when he considers it fair and appropriate to do so in any specific situation.
5. All decisions by the Tournament Chairperson and/or Treasurer are final.
D. Tie Breaking Sequence
PLEASE NOTE – this year we have introduced a ceiling to the number of goals for a team may have counted
toward the team GFA. See #3 for further details.
If two or more teams are tied in points at the conclusion of a round robin series, then the following procedure
will be used to determine the final ranking.
1. Two teams are tied.
The winner is determined in priority sequence by:
1.1 The winner of the round robin game between the two tied teams
1.2 The team with the most wins in the round robin
1.3 The team with the best goal average (GFA) - refer to GFA calculation
1.4 The team with the fewest penalty minutes
1.5 The team which scored the first goal in the game between the tied teams
1.6 A single coin toss
2. Three teams are tied.
The three-team tiebreaker is used to determine the seeding of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd seed. If any step in the
tiebreaker only seeds one team, that team assumes that position. The three-team tiebreaker will continue to
determine the seeding of the two remaining teams. At no time will teams using this formula go back to the two
team tiebreaker.
The winner is determined in priority sequence by:
2.1 The team with the most wins
2.2 The team with the best GFA
2.3 The team with the fewest goals against
2.4 The team with the fewest penalty minutes
2.5 A coin toss. In the event of a 3 team coin toss, the odd team gains the highest position.
3. Goals For Average (GFA) Calculation
NOTE: Goals For per team will EXCLUDE any goals beyond a 6 goal spread in any game.
- Example 1. If a team wins 10-0, the goals for will be considered 6 for that game.
- Example 2. If a team wins 10-2, the goals for will be considered 8 for that game (8-2=6).
This rule is in effect to prevent intentional running up of the scores, particularly in the younger age
groups where it is difficult to balance tiers effectively.
The GFA of a team is to be determined in the following manner:
(goals for) / (goals for + goals against)
Example:
For = 10 goals
Against = 4 goals
GFA = 10 / (10+4) = .714
4. Tie Breaker in Semi-Finals
Note: If a team is on a 5 on 3 while entering OT, the team will remain on the 5 on 3 until the next whistle where
there is only a 1 player advantage or less.
If after a semi-final game, teams are still tied, the following will occur to determine a winner:
4.1 FIVE minutes 4 on 4 sudden victory
4.3 Three player shootout
One shooter per team at a time. Home team will select who shoots first
4.4 If still tied after 4.3, a sudden victory shootout will occur
NOTE: A player may only shoot once in the shootout, until all players have gone.
5. Tie Breaker in Finals
Sudden victory OT periods will occur in the following sequence
5.1 5 minutes 4 on 4
5.2 10 minutes 3 on 3
5.3 Shootout (following 4.3 and 4.4)
E. Discipline
1. Any player and/or team official who receives a match penalty or gross misconduct will be suspended for the
remainder of the tournament. Any player that receives a second major penalty will result in a tournament
ejection.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL PARICIPANTS!!