Tournament rules

FINLAND LIONS RINGETTE CUP 2026
Tournament Rules (Revised English Version)

1. General

The tournament is open to U19 (2008–2010), U16 (2011–2012) and U14 (2013–2014) teams.

Games are played according to the rules and regulations of the Finnish Ringette Association, except where modified by these tournament rules.

2. Playing system

A team receives 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for a loss.

If two or more teams are tied after the preliminary round, the ranking is determined by:
1. Goal difference
2. Goals scored
3. Fewest penalty minutes
4. Draw

3. Game time

Game time is 2 × 20 minutes. However, the maximum total game time is 60 minutes.

If the goal difference reaches seven (7) goals, the game continues with running time after the restart following the goal. If the goal difference is reduced to fewer than seven goals, the game immediately returns to stop-clock timing.

Announcements will be made when four minutes and two minutes remain of the maximum game time.

Please note: If the maximum total game time expires with less than two minutes of stop-clock playing time remaining, the game will be completed using stop-clock timing.

Bronze and gold medal games are played with 2 × 20 minutes of stop-clock timing only (no maximum total game time). The one-minute intermission applies to every game. No time-outs are allowed.

If less than half of the scheduled stop-clock playing time has been completed and play is interrupted for more than 10 minutes due to a technical malfunction or a serious player injury, the total game clock will be stopped after the initial 10-minute interruption and the game will resume using the remaining total game time. If more than half of the scheduled stop-clock playing time has been completed, the total game clock will not be stopped.

If U14 play-off games or placement games in U14, U16, U19 end in a draw, a shootout will be played. Each team must immediately submit three shooters in writing to the referee in shooting order. Players serving a penalty at the end of regulation are not eligible. The visiting team shoots first. If the score remains tied after three shooters per team, the shootout continues one shooter at a time per team until a winner is determined. Each additional shooter must be different from the original three until all eligible players have participated.

4. Penalties

According to the Ringette rules with the following clarifications:

1. A player who accumulates eight (8) penalty minutes in the same game will be ejected from the game. If a player or team official is ejected for a second time during the tournament, they will automatically serve a one-game tournament suspension.

2. Any player or team official assessed a match penalty automatically serves a one-game tournament suspension.

5. Roster

The team manager must verify the team roster at the tournament office at least 45 minutes before the team's first game. Any roster changes must be updated directly in GameResultsOnline no later than 30 minutes before the team's next game. If assistance is needed, please contact the tournament office.

6. Starting the games

Teams must be ready to enter the ice and start the game five (5) minutes before the scheduled start time. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a 7–0 forfeit. Warm-up on the ice is permitted only without rings.

The tournament jury reserves the right to modify the schedule if necessary.

7. Jury and protests

The tournament jury is responsible for handling game reports and protests and issuing decisions concerning the tournament. The jury may also refer matters to the Finnish Ringette Association for further review.

Written protests concerning a game must be submitted to the tournament office within 30 minutes after the end of the game. Other complaints or protests may be submitted in writing at any time during the tournament.

The protest fee is €100 and will be refunded if the protest is upheld.

The jury may intervene throughout the tournament regarding misconduct involving players or team officials, both on and off the ice.

The jury consists of:
• Two representatives of the tournament organizer
• One referee representative

The detailed composition of the jury will be available at the tournament office. Decisions to uphold a protest must be unanimous. The jury is not required to provide reasons for its decisions.

8. Ice Cards / Insurance

Each player and team official participating in the tournament must hold a valid Ice Card (Finnish participants) or equivalent insurance (Swedish and Canadian participants). Proof of valid insurance coverage must be available for inspection throughout the tournament.