Tournament Rules

Tournament Rules

The Linden Cup 2027 Girls' Hockey Tournament will be played in accordance with the competition and junior rules of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association (FIHA) for the Girls U12 and Girls U14 age groups for the 2026-2027 season, supplemented by the tournament-specific rules and exceptions outlined below.

The tournament consists of two divisions: Girls U12 and Girls U14. Teams formed jointly by players from different clubs specifically for this tournament are welcome to participate.

The Girls U12 division will consist of 8 teams and the Girls U14 division of 8 teams.

The preliminary round will be played in two groups. Following the preliminary round, semi-finals and placement games will be played. Each team is guaranteed five games during the tournament.

Due to travel arrangements for Eskilstuna Linden Hockey, the order of Sunday's placement games may be adjusted if necessary.

Playing Time and Game Format

Playing time is:

• Girls U12: 2 × 20 minutes running time (maximum game time 45 minutes)
• Girls U14: 2 × 20 minutes stop time (maximum game time 50 minutes)

Girls U12 games will be played in a 3-on-3 small-area format.

Girls U14 games will be played on a full-size rink (5-on-5).

Intermissions will be 1 minute in length.

Time-outs are not permitted.

Teams will not change ends for the second period.

The official tournament time is the time displayed on the arena clock. Teams must be ready to play five minutes before the scheduled start time. Games will begin immediately once the ice becomes available, or after ice resurfacing and goal placement. Any team not ready to play at the scheduled start time will forfeit the game by a score of 5-0.

Jersey Colours

The team listed as the home team in the schedule shall wear dark jerseys, while the away team shall wear light-coloured jerseys.

If a team has only one set of jerseys available, the teams must agree on jersey colours well in advance of the game.

Determining the Preliminary Round Standings

Teams receive:

• 2 points for a win
• 1 point for a tie
• 0 points for a loss

The standings in the preliminary round will be determined in the following order:

1. Points
2. Goal difference in group games
3. Goals scored in group games
4. Points in head-to-head games
5. Goal difference in head-to-head games
6. Goals scored in head-to-head games
7. Penalty minutes in group games
8. Drawing of lots

Placement Games

If a placement game is tied at the end of regulation time, the game will proceed directly to a shootout.

The shootout will be conducted in accordance with FIHA rules, with the following exceptions:

The away team listed in the schedule shoots first. Each team shall initially nominate three shooters.

If the score remains tied after three pairs of shooters, the shootout will continue in a sudden-death format. In sudden death, the home team shoots first. Any eligible player may take a shot, but the same player may not shoot twice consecutively. The game is decided when one player scores and the opposing player does not.

Officials

In the Girls U12 division, games will be officiated by certified game officials trained by the organizing club.

In the Girls U14 division, games will be officiated by official FIHA referees using the two-referee system.

Player Eligibility and Rosters

There is no limit on the number of underage players on a team.

Overage players must be approved by the tournament organizers before the tournament.

Team rosters, including jersey numbers, must be submitted electronically by the deadline announced separately.

If a team's roster differs from the roster previously submitted to the tournament organizers, the updated roster must be submitted to the tournament office before the team's first game.

Only players holding a valid Finnish Ice Hockey Association licence, or an equivalent licence issued by their national ice hockey federation, are eligible to participate.

A skater may represent only one team participating in the tournament.

Goaltenders may play for multiple teams without restriction.

Protests

Any protests will be reviewed by the tournament jury.

The tournament jury consists of the tournament organizers and the referees of the game in question.

Only the team manager may file a protest.

The jury may hear testimony from, or request a statement from, the referee of the game concerned.

Protests must be submitted in writing to the tournament office no later than 30 minutes after the end of the game.

A protest fee of €100 must accompany the protest. The fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld.

Insurance

The organizers do not provide insurance coverage for players or team officials and are not responsible for any accidents or injuries that may occur during the tournament.

All players and team officials participating in the tournament must be insured in accordance with Finnish Ice Hockey Association regulations.

A designated first-aid officer will be present throughout the tournament.

The tournament organizer is not responsible for theft, loss of property, or damage to personal belongings during the tournament.

Awards

The top three teams in both divisions will receive awards.

Media Rights

The tournament organizer reserves the right to photograph and record the tournament and to publish photographs, videos, and other material on the internet, social media platforms, and other tournament communication channels.

The tournament organizer reserves the right to make changes to these rules if necessary.