Rules and Regulations

All games will be conducted in accordance with Hockey Canada, B.C.A.H.A. and P.C.A.H.A. rules and regulations.

Teams will be allowed five (5) officials and up to nineteen (19) players in the designated bench area during the game. All teams must have a minimum of ten (10) players including the goalie. The Tournament Director may waive this minimum player rule upon approval.

The only players eligible to play in the Tournament are those listed on the Roster submitted by the team prior to commencement of the Tournament. Except for Affiliate players, as defined by P.C.A.H.A., no additional players are permitted without the approval of the Tournament Director. ~Please submit the names of Affiliate players to the Tournament Registration Desk, prior to the use of those players.

The “Wayne Gretzky Rule” will apply for all games.
~Once a player has scored three (3) goals, he/she cannot score any more goals in that game. ~The Coaches must explain this to the player and enforce the rule. ~This rule is installed to encourage passing and minimize imbalances. ~The player may score in the next game.

In "Hockey 1" ,"Hockey 2" and "Hockey 3" the score shall not be posted on the scoreboard, nor recorded. ~In "Hockey 4" the score may be recorded and posted, but if the goal spread exceeds 5 goals no more than a 5 goal spread may be posted on the scoreboard

In “Hockey 1”, “Hockey 2” and “Intro To Hockey 3/4” divisions, coaches will be on the ice to officiate games. Games played in the “Hockey 3” and “Hockey 4” divisions will have a 2-person referee system in place.

Equal ice time will be given to each player regardless of playing ability.

Each team will be allowed a five-minute warm up period prior to each game and a one-minute break between periods. There will be no ice cleans between periods.

No time-outs will be permitted during games.

If for any reason beyond our control, games are not played, there will absolutely be no refunds.

CHA approved facemasks, helmets and BNQ approved throat protectors are mandatory. ~All players including back-up goaltenders must wear full equipment in warm-up periods preceding each game and while on the bench.

Three Penalty Rule
~Any player who incurs any combination of three (3) penalties in a single game shall be immediately ejected from the game.~~~~~~

All Major or Match penalties as well as game misconducts will be adhered to as per B.C.A.H.A. and Hockey Canada rules and regulations.

There will be zero tolerance of inappropriate communication directed at our young officials. ~Therefore, accept their decisions as they occur. If you have a complaint about an official, your complaint must be filed in writing to the Tournament Director.~Information must include the official’s registration number as well as the circumstances of the complaint. Officiating coaches will be around during the tournament to help in the development of our young officials. Although hockey is a very emotion-evoking sport, we appreciate your patience and understanding with regard to our officials.

Where there is sweater colour conflict, the home team will change colours.~VTMHA will have conflict jerseys available if needed.

Teams need to be ready to play at least 10 minutes prior to your game time. Games may start early.

Teams are expected to leave their assigned dressing room in a clean and safe condition. ~Please report unclean or unsafe conditions prior to occupying dressing room. Dressing rooms will be assigned. Teams are responsible for the security of their dressing rooms and a padlock should be brought to secure the door. Each team will be allowed entry into the dressing rooms approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of their game. Teams will then be provided 30 minutes after each game to vacate and clean the dressing room.

Protests and complaints must be submitted in writing to the tournament director within 30 minutes after the end of the game accompanied by a $50 non-refundable deposit. ~The Tournament Director will make a ruling as soon as reasonably possible. ~~The Tournament Director’s decision is final. There will absolutely be no appeals to the final ruling.

Games will have three stop time periods. ~Periods one and two will be 12 minutes and period three will be half of the remaining time left in the time slot as outlined in the program. ~(up to a full 16 minutes) ~

~Time slots: most are 60 min however a few are 75 min due to ice availability.

VTMHA stresses fair play and good sportsmanship. ~We expect all players, coaches, parents and friends to respect the decisions of the referees, and each other. ~~Anyone failing to comply with this will be asked to leave the tournament by the tournament director. ~

VTMHA encourages cheering for all good plays no matter which team makes the play, we encourage you to do the same.


VTMHA Mission Statement: ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~Fun and Fair Play for All