2019 Buffalo Storm Street Hockey Festival Rules & Guidelines

·         All games Mites thru Midgets will consist of a two (2) minute warm-up, followed by two (2) 10 minute-non-stop periods, with a one (1) minute halftime.
All Adult games will consist of a two (2) minute warm-up, followed by two (2) 15 minute-non-stop periods, with a one (1) minute halftime.

·         Four (4) players and 1 goalkeeper are on the playing surface for each game.

·         Player substitutions are allowed at any time on the fly.  (Referee must approve)

·         Rosters are not allowed to carry more than 6 players, there must be 1 goaltender dressed for each game.  (Goaltenders must have their own equipment, the Street Hockey Festival will not provide goalkeeper equipment)

·         All teams must be ready 10 minutes prior to your scheduled game time.

o   Teams that are late will forfeit by a score of 2-0.

·         Teams are not allowed to play with less than three (3) players and a goalkeeper for any game, if teams have any fewer players than three (3) and a goalkeeper, it will result in a forfeit by the offending team of a score of 2-0.  Rosters may not change once the tournament begins, players cannot be added to your roster unless of any injury suffered during the tournament and with the approval of the tournament coordinator.

·         All games are played with a weathered street hockey ball.

·         Players must have the following equipment for every game:  Helmet & cage, ice hockey or street hockey gloves, stick, game shirt (provided).  Adult teams are not required to wear helmets, any players under the age of 18 registered in the adult division are required to.  Players must have their game shirt for all games; they will not be allowed to play without it (Only exception is goalkeepers).  Teams may have their own jerseys, but each player must play with the same uniform.

·         Slap shots are not allowed, sticks are not allowed higher than the waist.

·         Face offs only occur at the start of each period and when a goal is scored.  If the ball goes out of play during the game, the team that shot the ball out of play will forfeit possession of the ball and it will be given to the opposing team to take out.  The team that shot the ball out must give at least 3 stick lengths.

·         Statistics that are kept are:  goals scored wins, losses, ties, goals for, goals against and final results.  No assists on goals are given.

·         Minor penalties result in a penalty shot against the offending team’s goalie.

·         Any major penalty (injury potential) will result in a 5 minute penalty with no substitution.  If two major penalties occur from the same player in the same game that player will be ejected from that game.  Any major penalties by the same player after that will result in an ejection from the tournament with no refund.

·         Any foul language or taunting of any kind will result in a minor penalty with a warning; a second offense will result in ejection from that game.  Any offenses after that will result in an ejection from the remainder of the tournament with no refund.  The referee may eject any player at any time depending on the severity of the infraction.

·         Fighting will not be tolerated whatsoever, any participants fighting will be automatically ejected from the tournament with no refund, teams may not use a substitute player if this infraction occurs.

·         No spectators are allowed inside the playing (fenced) area anytime.  Only players & staff are allowed on the playing court.  NO PARENTS, PLAYERS or SPECTATORS ARE ALLOWED IN THE STAFF TENT AREA. 

·         Parents and spectators who cause any negative issues will be ejected from the park or arena.

·         All youth & adult games are played on the street hockey court at Losson (Stiglmeier) & North Creek in Cheektowaga.  If bad weather occurs, games will be moved to the Cheektowaga Recreation Center located across from the pools in Cheektowaga Town Park.  (Note:  All dates and times & locations are subject to change).

·         Mercy Rule:  Any team with an eight (8) goal difference in the second half of that game, the game will end with the score as is.  Players can continue to play the remainder of the game, but no scores or statistics will be kept.

·         Teams are awarded 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, O points for a loss.

·         The two (2) teams with the most points at the end of the round robin play will play in the championship game. (Semi – Final games may be added depending on number of teams in the divisions and at the decision of the program coordinator).

·         Round Robin tie breaker are as follows:  1. Results head-to-head, 2. +/- (GF minus GA), 3. Number of wins, 4. Total Goals for, 5. First goal scored in the championship game. 6. Shootout.

·         Championship games will have player introductions, game format will also consist of a two (2) minute warm-up, followed by two (2) 10 minute-non-stop periods, with a one (1) minute halftime.

·         If tied at the end of regulation for the Championship game, a three (3) minute 3v3 sudden death overtime will be played.  If no winner is determined, a two (2) minute 2v2 sudden death overtime will be played.  If no winner is determined still, a one (1) minute 1v1 sudden death overtime will be played.  If no winner is still determined, play will stay 1v1 till a winner is determined.

·         Youth Playoffs Champion from Mites to Adults will receive a team trophy & gold medallions; playoff runner up team will receive a team trophy & silver medallions.     

·         Families may bring food, tents, lawn furniture, coolers, etc.

·         Teams that withdraw for any reason before the tournament begins will receive no refund.  The games vs. that team will result in 2-0 forfeit wins.

• ALL Buffalo Storm Sport Programs have a ZERO TOLERANCE for Abuse and Misconduct by its Players towards Officials, League Personnel and Any Other Players.

If deemed necessary, actions can and will be taken to maintain a safe and sportsmanlike atmosphere for everyone involved.