Tournament rules

GAME RULES

Games are played according to the Finnish Ice Hockey Association (FIHA / SJL) U12 rules, with tournament-specific adjustments.

GAME FORMAT

Teams are divided into three levels: AAA (Blue), AA (White), and A (Yellow).

A total of 18 teams participate, divided into three levels with 6 teams in each division. Each division plays a single round-robin series.

Win = 2 points
Draw = 1 point

No shootouts will be played in preliminary round games.

Placement games:
1st vs 2nd play in the final
3rd vs 4th play in the bronze game
5th vs 6th play a placement game

In placement games, tied matches are decided by a shootout. First three different shooters are used. If still tied, the shootout continues one pair at a time until a winner is determined. All players must shoot before anyone shoots again. The home team chooses which team starts the shootout.

STATISTICS

All games and stats are recorded in the GameResultsOnline system.

REFEREES AND DISCIPLINE

Games are officiated by club referees, typically junior players. Please allow young referees to work in peace and learn their role.

Disciplinary matters are handled by referees and, if necessary, the tournament jury.

TOURNAMENT JURY

All protests are handled by the tournament jury, whose decision is final. The jury consists of the tournament director and two representatives appointed by the organizer.

The jury does not provide explanations and decisions cannot be appealed.

The protest fee is 200 €, which will be refunded if the protest is accepted. Protests concerning a game must be submitted within 20 minutes after the game ends and must be signed by the team manager.

JERSEY COLORS

The home team listed in the schedule plays in dark jerseys and the away team in light jerseys. Exceptions can be agreed between teams.

TEAM BENCHES

Team benches are determined according to rink markings “K” and “V”. The home team uses the “K” side and the away team the “V” side. Teams do not switch ends for the second period.

GAME TIME

Game duration is 2 x 15 minutes effective playing time, with a maximum total time of 45 minutes.

Timeouts are not allowed. Deliberate delay of game is prohibited.

GAMES

If a team is not ready to start according to the schedule, the team will be declared to have lost 5–0.

There is only time for a short on-ice warm-up. Games begin almost immediately after the previous game ends. The next teams enter the ice right after the previous game, during which quick handshakes take place.

In all divisions, a win gives 2 points, a draw 1 point, and a loss 0 points.

PRELIMINARY ROUND RANKING

1. Points
2. Head-to-head points
3. Head-to-head goal difference
4. Head-to-head goals scored
5. Overall goal difference
6. Overall goals scored
7. Penalty minutes, fewer is better
8. Draw

GOALIE INJURY

If a team must continue without a goalie due to injury, the team may play with six skaters. The opposing team is encouraged to show fair play by attempting to score only from direct passes while the other team plays without a goalie.

AGE LIMITS AND ROSTERS

The tournament is intended primarily for players born in 2015 or younger. Each player may represent only one team in the tournament. 

Team rosters must be submitted before the tournament and confirmed in the GameResultsOnline system. During the tournament, lineup changes must be made in advance via GameResultsOnline.

If changes occur less than 30 minutes before the game, the organizer must be informed. Remember to mark the starting goalkeepers.

OVERAGE PLAYERS

Participation of overage players must be agreed in writing with the organizer in advance. Each team may have two overage players per division, provided the player’s level matches the division.

AWARDS

The best teams in each division will receive trophies, and the top three teams will receive medals. Awards are given immediately after the final placement games, either on or off the ice depending on the schedule.

Each team’s best spirit player will be awarded a prize by Santa Claus.

DISCIPLINE AND SPECIAL RULES

Disciplinary matters follow FIHA (SJL) rules with the following addition.

If a player receives a game misconduct penalty, the player is automatically suspended from the next game.

LIABILITY

The tournament organizers are not responsible for insuring players or staff, nor for any injuries, damages, or lost equipment.

Team managers are responsible for ensuring that all players have valid insurance.

CHANGES

The organizer reserves the right to modify the schedule if necessary. Any changes will be communicated immediately to participating teams.

FAIR PLAY

Players, staff, and parents of Sisu Hockey U12 are committed to fair play, respectful behavior, and sportsmanship. We expect the same from all participating teams and supporters.

Repeated inappropriate behavior by supporters, coaches, or players may result in a 5–0 loss for the team and removal of the offending person from the arena.