Rules

The matches will be played in accordance with the Finnish Ice Hockey Association (SJL) U14 age group rules, with tournament-specific clarifications.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

Level A

A single round-robin preliminary round is played in two (2) groups of four (4) teams, followed by placement rounds as follows:

Placement Group A: Group A 1st - Group B 2nd

Placement Group B: Group B 1st - Group A 2nd

Placement Group C: Group A 3rd - Group B 4th

Placement Group D: Group B 3rd - Group A 4th

From the placement rounds to the placement matches as follows:

Match for 7th-8th place: 2nd place finishers of Placement Groups C and D

Match for 5th-6th place: 1st place finishers of Placement Groups C and D

Bronze medal match: 2nd place finishers of Placement Groups A and B

Final: 1st place finishers of Placement Groups A and B

Level AA

A single round-robin preliminary round is played with five (5) teams. In the intermediate round, the 4th and 5th teams of the preliminary round play against each other. The winner advances to the bronze medal match against the 3rd place finisher of the preliminary round. The 1st and 2nd place finishers of the preliminary round advance to the final.

In placement matches, a tie is resolved after regulation via a penalty shootout. Initially, three different shooters take turns; if the score remains tied, it proceeds one pair at a time until a decision is reached. The shooters in the penalty shootout must be different players until all players on the team have taken a shot. The home team chooses which team starts the shootout.

Level AAA

A double round-robin preliminary round is played with four (4) teams.

Bronze medal match: 3rd and 4th place finishers of the preliminary round

Final: 1st and 2nd place finishers of the preliminary round

AGE LIMITS AND ROSTERS

The tournament is intended for players born in 2013. The Y-rule (meaning players born in 2012 or earlier) is not in use in this tournament. Association rules apply to female players, meaning girls who are two years older are permitted to play. If necessary, contact the tournament organizer before the tournament, and the organizer may grant exemptions to the rules in special cases.

As a general rule, each player may represent only one level team in the tournament. Team rosters must be submitted by the teams before the tournament begins. During the tournament, any changes to the rosters must be submitted to the tournament office at least one hour before the start of the match.

MATCH DURATION

The duration of the matches is 2 x 15 minutes of effective playing time, with a total playing time of max. 45 minutes. There is a one-minute intermission between periods. Teams do not switch ends between periods. Taking a timeout is not permitted. Intentional delay of the game is prohibited. Placement matches will strive to be played out in full within the schedule limits, however, max. 50 minutes.

MATCHES

If a team is not ready to start the game according to the tournament schedule, the delayed team will forfeit the match with a score of 5-0.

After the match ends, a quick team cheer ("huudot") is conducted at the blue line.

In all series, a win awards two (2) points, a tie one (1) point, and a loss zero (0) points.

If two or more teams are tied in points, their ranking is determined by:

Goal differential in group matches

Goals scored in group matches

Goals scored in head-to-head matches

Points in head-to-head matches

Goal differential in head-to-head matches

Penalty minutes

Drawing of lots

TEAM JERSEY COLORS

The home team indicated in the match schedule plays in dark jerseys, and the away team in light jerseys. Deviating from this practice is possible by mutual agreement between the teams.

TEAM BENCH ENDS IN MATCHES

The home team indicated in the match schedule plays at the clock end of the rink (applies to both arenas).

AWARDS

The top three teams in each series will receive medals and a trophy. The awards ceremony will take place on the ice immediately after the conclusion of the final game.

DISCIPLINE AND SJL SPECIAL RULES

Disciplinary matters follow the procedures and rules of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association (SJL) with the following clarifications and exceptions:

If a player receives a game penalty (game misconduct), they are automatically suspended from the next game.

If a player receives a match penalty, the player is automatically suspended from the tournament.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The tournament organizers are not responsible for the insurance of participating teams' players or officials, nor for any accidents, damages, or lost equipment. The team managers of the participating teams are responsible for ensuring that every player has a valid Finnish Ice Hockey Association player license and insurance.

PROTESTS

In case of protests, the fee is 200 euros. If the matter is decided in favor of the protesting party, the fee will be refunded. A protest must be made in writing no later than 30 minutes after the end of the match and must be delivered to the tournament office, signed by a representative/person in charge of the organization filing the protest. The jury will hear representatives of both teams and the match referees if necessary, and no appeal can be made against the decision.

CHANGES

The tournament organizer has the right to change the match schedule if special reasons so require. Participating teams will be notified of any changes without delay.

Players, officials, and parents of the Kiekko-Vantaa U14 team are committed to the rules of fair play, which include polite behavior and respect for others. We expect the same from participating teams and team supporters. If supporters, coaches, or players repeatedly engage in shouting, insulting, or similar behavior directed at referees or others, and the situation continues unchanged despite a warning from the Tournament Jury, the Jury may declare the offending team to have lost the match in question by a score of 5-0.