Rules

Vuokatti Cup – U13 Tournament Rules

The tournament follows the SJL competition and junior rules with the exceptions listed below.

The tournament jury does not handle referee reports; instead, they are directed to the disciplinary officer of the respective team's region.

Tournament Players, Number, and Player Lists

Players born in 2012 or later. So-called Y-players must be agreed upon separately with the tournament organizer. There is no limit on the number of players. Teams can register an unlimited number of licensed players for the tournament, considering the level, who fit into the team by age, but a maximum of 20+2 players per game.

Tournament Format and Teams

The tournament is played in AAA+, AAA, and AA divisions. Each division accommodates eight teams.

Preliminary Round

AAA+: Teams are divided into two groups of four. In the preliminary round, all teams play one (1) match against each team in their group. A win earns two (2) points, a draw one (1) point, and a loss zero (0) points.

AAA: Teams are divided into two groups of four. In the preliminary round, all teams play one (1) match against each team in their group. A win earns two (2) points, a draw one (1) point, and a loss zero (0) points.

AA: Teams are divided into two groups of four. In the preliminary round, all teams play one (1) match against each team in their group. A win earns two (2) points, a draw one (1) point, and a loss zero (0) points.

Determining Preliminary Round Standings

In the preliminary round, team standings are determined as follows:

1. Points
2. Goal difference in group matches
3. Goals scored in group matches
4. Points in mutual matches
5. Goal difference in mutual matches
6. Goals scored in mutual matches
7. Penalties (team with fewer penalty minutes ranks higher)
8. Draw

Placement Matches

AAA+: Based on preliminary round standings, quarterfinals, semifinals, placement matches, and medal matches are played according to the tournament bracket. Quarterfinals are played so that the first-placed team in the preliminary round plays against the fourth-placed team from the other group, and the second-placed plays against the third-placed. Winners of the quarterfinals advance to the semifinals, and losers to the lower semifinals. Semifinal winners advance to the final, and losers to the bronze match. Winners of the lower semifinals advance to the 5-6 placement match, and losers to the 7-8 placement match.

AAA: Based on preliminary round standings, quarterfinals, semifinals, placement matches, and medal matches are played according to the tournament bracket. Quarterfinals are played so that the first-placed team in the preliminary round plays against the fourth-placed team from the other group, and the second-placed plays against the third-placed. Winners of the quarterfinals advance to the semifinals, and losers to the lower semifinals. Semifinal winners advance to the final, and losers to the bronze match. Winners of the lower semifinals advance to the 5-6 placement match, and losers to the 7-8 placement match.

AA: Based on preliminary round standings, quarterfinals, semifinals, placement matches, and medal matches are played according to the tournament bracket. Quarterfinals are played so that the first-placed team in the preliminary round plays against the fourth-placed team from the other group, and the second-placed plays against the third-placed. Winners of the quarterfinals advance to the semifinals, and losers to the lower semifinals. Semifinal winners advance to the final, and losers to the bronze match. Winners of the lower semifinals advance to the 5-6 placement match, and losers to the 7-8 placement match.

Shootout in Placement Matches

If a placement match is tied at the end of regular time, a shootout is conducted as follows:

• The shootout begins with three (3) different players per team, who are announced by the team coach to the match referee immediately after regular time ends.
• If still tied after three shooters, the shootout continues with one shooter per team at a time in a "sudden death" format. The match is decided when one team scores, and the other does not.
• The visiting team listed in the schedule starts the shootout.
• Only the decisive goal is recorded in the match result. The decisive goal is credited to the player who took the shot.

Match Duration

The match duration in the tournament is 3x15 minutes of effective playing time.

• Intermission 1 min. Total match time max 45 min.
• No time-out allowed.
• Teams must be near the rink, fully equipped, and ready to start the match five (5) minutes before the scheduled time. If a team does not arrive on time, it is deemed to have lost 5-0.

Player List and Jerseys

The final player list must be submitted to the officials 30 minutes before the team's match.

Players registered with the participating teams can take part in the tournament. A player can represent only one team during the tournament, except for goalkeepers who may represent multiple teams from the same club.

If teams have the same colored jerseys, the team listed second in the schedule (the visiting team) changes jerseys unless otherwise agreed upon by the teams.

Referees

Games are officiated by official referees from the Kainuu Ice Hockey Referees Association.

Penalties

Penalties follow the current SJL U13 junior competition and special rules, as well as the IIHF rulebook. The exception is minor penalties lasting one (1) minute due to shorter game time.

Major penalties that may lead to match suspensions are decided by the Tournament Director and the referees who officiated the match.

Prizes

The top three teams in each division are awarded medals and trophies.

The MVP player of each game is awarded a Vuokatti Cup ring.

Insurance and First Aid

Each player and official must have valid insurance according to SJL rules. The tournament organizers are not responsible for any accidents involving participating teams. There is no separate first aid personnel provided by the organizer. Teams are responsible for their own first aid equipment and personnel.

Schedule Changes

The tournament organizer reserves the right to change match schedules, durations, and ice maintenance as necessary. Any changes will be promptly communicated to the participating teams.

Handling of Protests

The Tournament Jury consists of the Tournament Director and the referees who officiated the match. The final decision authority in disputes lies with the Tournament Director. Protests must be submitted in writing within 15 minutes of the match ending. The protest fee is 100 euros, which is refunded if the protest is deemed justified.