Rules

Note: This document is a translation of the original rules written in Finnish. In case of discrepancies, the original rules (available at Säännöt) shall apply.

The tournament will be played according to the Finnish Ice Hockey Association (SJL) JUNIOR RULES AND GUIDELINES as well as SJL COMPETITION RULES, with the exceptions listed below. The tournament organizer has not insured the tournament’s players or officials.

Players born in 2017 or later are allowed to participate. Any overage players must be separately agreed upon with the tournament organizer. If a club registers multiple teams to the tournament, these teams must be as evenly balanced as possible.

Number of Players

Games are played in a 3+1 vs. 3+1 format.

Playing Area

The rink is divided into three sections using easily removable and movable divider boards. Three games are played simultaneously in the rink. Teams use the main bench areas as their substitution benches.

Game Time

Each game lasts 24 minutes of running time. The tournament directors may adjust the game time if necessary. If a team is not on the ice ready to start according to the game schedule, the match will be awarded as a forfeit to the opponent with a score of 5–0.

Player Substitutions and Shift Length

Shifts are signaled every 2 minutes by a buzzer, at which point play is stopped automatically regardless of the situation on the ice. After the shift change, the game is restarted by the game supervisor either with a quick faceoff or by continuing play on the fly if the puck is in the neutral zone.

If the same club has entered multiple teams, those teams must be as evenly matched as possible. All players must be given equal playing time during the game.

Starting and Restarting Play

When the goalkeeper covers the puck, the referee blows the whistle and the attacking team must retreat to their own half. The goalkeeper puts the puck back in play and the game continues. If the puck crosses the center divider, the game supervisor restarts play on the fly without a faceoff. Games begin and are restarted after goals or referee stoppages with a faceoff at the center of the playing area.

Game Supervision, Officiating, Jury

The tournament organizer is responsible for game supervision and results.

Penalties

When an infraction occurs, the game supervisor stops play and informs the offending player of the violation. In cases of repeated or clearly intentional infractions, the player may be removed from play for the remainder of that shift.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR INTENTIONAL HARM OR ATTEMPTED HARM TO ANOTHER PLAYER

If a player intentionally harms or attempts to harm another player during a game, the referee may assess a game misconduct. If the player commits a severe act of intentional harm or attempts harm, or repeats such behavior, the referee, together with the tournament director, may impose a suspension of one or two games or remove the player from the tournament entirely.

Disputes in Games

In unclear situations, a team has the right to submit an inquiry to the game jury. The inquiry must be submitted in writing within 15 minutes after the game ends and addressed to the tournament director.

Points and Standings

Win: 2 points
Tie: 1 point
Loss: 0 points

If placement games end in a tie, the winner is determined by a shootout with three shooters per team, followed by sudden death. Every skater must take a shot before any player can shoot again.

If two or more teams are tied in group standings, their ranking is determined in the following order:

1. Points
2. Points in head‑to‑head games
3. Goal difference in group games
4. Goals scored in group games
5. Drawing of lots

The tournament organizer reserves the right to make changes to tournament arrangements depending on the number of participants.