Tournament Rules and Regulations

Playing Rules:

1. Playing rules: The rules will be those recognized by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), except as noted.
2. Body Checking: In compliance with Whitby Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) policy, there will be no body checking allowed any of the divisions.
3. Game Length:
   1. All games will consist of 3 x 10 minute stop-time periods OR a 50-minute running clock, whichever comes first.  The running clock applies to regulation time only in round robin play (clock will be fully visible – located next to the main score clock in the arenas).  In the event of a slowly played game, the final period may be switched to straight time at the discretion of the tournament coordinator or a designate.  Also, the Tournament Committee may eliminate the running clock for any game as tournament games get ahead of schedule and time permits (note that the running clock may be re-implemented at any time should the pace of the game warrant such a move).  The Tournament Committee reserves the right to impose a running clock on Playoff games as well. In the case of an extended injury or other prolonged delay.
   2. If, at the beginning of the third period or at any time during the third period, a team is ahead by five or more goals, straight running time shall commence on the game clock.  Straight running time will continue for the balance of the game even if the goal differential becomes less than five goals.  This rule is in effect for all games including round robin and championship games.
4. Time-Outs: There will be NO time-outs permitted in any games (round robin or playoffs).
5. Overtime: Overtime will not be played during the round robin series.  In the event of a tie at the conclusion of regulation time during Championship games, sudden death overtime will be played.  The number of players on the ice during overtime will be the same as during regulation play (5 skaters plus a goaltender), except where penalties have been assessed.  If there is any time remaining on penalties assessed during regulation play, these will carry forward into overtime.
6. Round Robin Standings: Division winners will be determined by a point system as follows: 2 Points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 Points for a loss.
7. Tie-Breaker – Round Robin: In the event of a tie in points after the Round Robin series, the standings (seedings) will be determined based on the procedure presented below (in the order shown).
   1. The result of the head-to-head game between the teams involved (two-way ties only).
   2. Divide the Total Goals Scored by the Sum of Total Goals Scored plus Total Goals Against [GF/(GF+GA)].  The team with the highest “calculation” will be declared the winner.
   3. The team that scored the first goal in the game between the tied teams will be declared the winner (two-way ties only).
   4. The team with the least penalty minutes will be declared the winner.
   5. The team that scored the earliest goal in their first game will be declared the winner.
8. Stick Measurements: Teams are NOT allowed to request the measurement of any stick during tournament games (Round Robin or Playoffs).  If teams have a concern with an opposing player’s stick, they must request the measurement prior to the game.
9. Game Misconduct Penalties: Any player receiving a game misconduct penalty in the last ten minutes of play, will automatically be suspended for the next game, plus any additional games as determined by the tournament coordinator, one of his designated representatives, or a higher governing body.
10. Fighting Penalties: Any player receiving a penalty for Fighting will automatically be suspended for the remainder of the tournament.

General Rules and Regulations:

1. Number of players: A total of 19 players may be signed to the entry form.
2. Eligibility: No “select” or “tournament teams” are permitted to compete in the Whitby House League Holiday Hockey Classic Tournament.  Eligible players must be registered members of the team, or affiliated players.
3. Number of Round Robin Games: All teams will play a minimum of 3 games (Round Robin).
4. Tournament Divisions: The number of teams competing in each age group are as follows:
   • NOVICE (6 Teams – 1 Division). The top 2 teams in point standings (after round robin games) will play each other in the Finals.
   • MINOR ATOM (4 Teams – 1 Division). The top 2 teams in point standings (after round robin games) will play each other in the Finals.
   • ATOM (8 Teams – 2 Divisions). The top team in point standings (after round robin games) in each of the divisions will play each other in the Finals.
   • MINOR PEEWEE 1 (8 Teams – 2 Divisions). The top team in point standings (after round robin games) in each of the divisions will play each other in the Finals.
   • MINOR PEEWEE 2 (5 Teams – 1 Division). The top 2 teams in point standings (after round robin games) will play each other in the Finals.
   • PEEWEE (5 Teams – 1 Division). The top 2 teams in point standings (after round robin games) will play each other in the Finals.
   • MINOR BANTAM (8 Teams – 2 Divisions). The top team in point standings (after round robin games) in each of the divisions will play each other in the Finals.
   • BANTAM (5 Teams – 1 Division). The top 2 teams in point standings (after round robin games) will play each other in the Finals.
5. Scheduled Start Times: Scheduled start times are approximate.  TEAMS MUST BE PREPARED TO START THEIR GAMES NO LESS THAN 15 MINUTES BEFORE THEIR SCHEDULED START TIME.  TEAMS NOT READY TO START THEIR GAMES ON TIME OR WITHIN THE 15-MINUTE WINDOW BEFORE, MAY FORFEIT SUCH GAMES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE TOURNAMENT COORDINATOR OR ONE OF HIS DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES.
6. Sweater Colour Conflicts: When the sweater colours conflict, it will be the responsibility of the HOME team to change or use the pinnies that will be provided.
7. Most Valuable Player Award: One Most Valuable Player (MVP) will be selected from every team after every game and will receive an award.
8. Player trophies: Individual Awards will be awarded to the Champions and Finalists in each age group.
9. ZERO Tolerance: Taunting or berating of any players, officials, staff, or tournament volunteers will NOT be tolerated under any circumstances by parents, players, team officials or other spectators.  The Tournament Coordinator or a designate reserves the right to eject any person whom is deemed in their sole discretion to be acting in an improper manner and we accept no liability in connection with such ejections.
10. Referees’ Decisions: All referees’ decisions are final and may not be appealed.
11. Check In: One (1) team representative must check in to the Registration Desk, no less than one hour before the team’s first scheduled game.  If the team is registered with the OMHA, he/she will be required to provide his/her team’s OMHA roster.  If the team is registered with an association other than the OMHA, the representative will be required to provide his/her team’s roster as provided by the team’s association as well as their association’s travel permission form.
12. Team Behaviour: Team officials are responsible for the conduct and supervision of all their team’s participants at all times.
13. Committee: The Tournament Coordinator reserves the right to change or alter these rules at any time without prior notice in order to act in the best interests of the tournament.  All decisions will be final.