Tournament is played with the Finnish Ice Hockey Association D-Juniors rules with the following specifications:
Tournament with 16 AAA+, 14 AAA, 16 AA and 16 A level teams. Games are played by the game schedule. Teams should have two separate sets of jerseys, a darker home- and a lighter away game jersey. In accordance with the tournament program, the teams entered as the home team use a darker jersey, while the away team wears the lighter jersey.
If the team does not have two sets of shirts in use, the team leader must reach an agreement with the opposing team regarding jersey colors in good time before the start of their game.
Changing the roster of players during the tournament shall be permitted only in exceptional cases, with the authorization of the Tournament Director.
Over-aged players are not allowed on levels AAA+ and AAA. Four over-aged players are permitted to play on levels AA and A. Age rules for the girl players are in accordance with FIHA rules.
All exceptions for these specifications are permitted only with authorization of the Tournament Director.
Each tournament game lasts 2x18 minutes of effective playing time, the total playtime for a single game maxing out at 55 minutes. The periods are separated by a one (1) minute intermission.
If time is insufficient to complete two full periods (2x18 minutes) the game ends as 55 minutes of total playtime is reached. Teams will be informed of the impending termination of the game 2–3 minutes before the playtime ends. Total time of 55 min is NOT used in final games.
The total playtime for each game will start as marked in the program unless otherwise specified by the tournament management.
The team must be ready for their game 5 minutes ahead of its scheduled start. The match will begin immediately after the ice is ready and the goals are in their place but no earlier than marked in the program. If a team is not ready to play when their game is scheduled to begin according to the tournament schedule, they will be condemned to forfeit their match 5–0.
Time out is allowed only at Finals for places 1-4. Team can have only one time out in a game. A time-out lasts thirty (30) seconds.
Teams play a simple initial series in Preliminary groups (A, B, C, D) of 4 teams. Teams 1. and 2. from groups A, B, C and D are seeded to groups E and F while teams 3. and 4. are seeded to groups G and H in Ranking round.
Teams play a simple initial series in Ranking round groups (E, F, G, H) of 4 teams, followed by playoffs and Finals.
Teams play a simple initial series in Preliminary groups (A, B) of 7 teams, followed by playoffs and Finals.
Winning a match brings 2 points, a draw 1 and loss 0 points.
Teams are ordered in all groups stages according to following rules:
If the playoff or final game ends in a tie, a shootout with three players per team is performed to determine superiority. Following a draw, the shootout will start after the match without a break. If there is no difference after three players from each team have fired their penalty shots, the shootout will continue a player at a time until goal difference arises. The first three shooters must be a different players, after that no limitations.
Match referees for this competition are Finnish Ice Hockey Association (FIHA) designated referees.
A ten-minute misconduct penalty is carried out normally in the penalty box. If a player gets two ten minutes penalties during one game or player gets big penalty (5+20 min), or (20 min with unsportsmanlike conduct) he is automatically banned from the next game.
If a player receives a match penalty (25 min), he is automatically banned from the tournament.
In this tournament’s disciplinary issues is used Finnish Ice Hockey Association and District area division South rules.
Tournament Jury has right to ban player or staff member from one to several games or from the tournament.
All protests are handled by the tournament jury, whose decision is final. Protests shall be filed in writing within 10 minutes after the end of the match. The protest fee is € 200, which will be returned if the protest is accepted. The jury consists of the tournament director, competition manager, the Head Referee of the tournament. If necessary, the jury will also hear the match referee. The jury’s decision to approve the protest must be unanimous. Jury is not obliged to argue its decision(s).
The tournament organizer has NOT insured players, and NOT responsible for participating players for any injuries or accidents occurring during the games. The tournament has EA Services.
The tournament organizer has the right to change the fixture, if special reasons arise. Any such change will be notified without delay to the participating teams.
The behavior of the teams, players and staff must be exemplary and in the spirit of fair play. Also, spectators are asked to act supportively and show children a good example. The organizer can remove those who behave inappropriately in the stands. For member of staff behaving inappropriately FIHA’s competition rules are applied.
Tournament score service is handled electronically on www.gameresultsonline.com. On the service match programs can be found, as well as the electronic result and match report service.
Each team is responsible for providing the team’s roster to the service within the framework of the system. Each team must have their own user name and password available for the entire duration of the tournament. The changes can be made in the tournament office. If there is change in the team roster, team must inform 30 min prio the game tournament office of the change.
The top three ranked teams in each series will receive medals. Award ceremonies are held immediately after the final game on the ice.
Tournament rules are composed in Finnish and English. In case of interpretation The Finnish rules are applied.