NC TRAILBLAZERS WOMEN'S HOCKEY TOURNAMENT RULES
1. The 2011 NC Trailblazers Winter Warm-Up Ice Hockey Tournament is sanctioned by USA
Hockey. The tournaments will be conducted under the rules of USA Hockey.
2. All teams and players from the United States participating in this tournament shall
be properly registered with USA Hockey. Proof of such registration shall be presented to
the Tournament Registrar prior to participating in the tournament.
3. Players must be age 18 or older.
4. A player may only play on one team in the Tournament . An exception
for goalies can be requested in writing to the tournament committee.
5. A championship award will be presented to the winning team. Prizes will be awarded
to each rostered team member of the winning team.
6. Tournament Format:
- Senior C/Recreational - 6 team tournament
7. Tournament point structure will be the following: two points will be awarded for the
win of the game, 1 point if the teams tie, and 0 points for a loss.
8. Tournament Tie Breakers:
1. Head to Head (result of the game in which the two teams in question played)
2. Goal differential (goals for [max 7 per game] subtract goals against [max 7 per game])
3. Penalty minutes (team with least PIM wins)
4. Team scoring first goal in head to head game
5. Flip of the coin
9. Ties: Overtime play will be used to break ties at the end of regulation in
elimination games, only with teams who have not met in previous tournament competition and
Championship games only. At the end of the third period (3rd) , there will be a two minute
rest. The clock will be set for 3 minutes and will be played to a "Sudden
Victory" conclusion. If there is still not a victory, there will be a 5 player shoot
out. The shooters must be designated prior to the game and given to the on ice officials
prior to game start. If the game is still tied, then the teams will go through the
complete bench until a winning goal is scored.
10. Time Structure: All games will consist of 2 fifteen (15) minute stop clock periods.
Time remaining on curfew clock will be running time.
11. Penalties: (In accordance with USA Hockey)
- All Minor penalties shall be two minutes in length.
- All Major penalties shall be five minutes in length.
- All Misconduct penalties shall be 10 minutes in length. Misconducts will be either a 10
minute misconduct or a game misconduct. The game misconduct penalty will involve the
suspension of the player, coach or manager for the remainder of the game and the next full
game of the tournament. (Suspended individual may not be on the bench.)
- Game misconducts issued in conjunction with a major for fighting or checking from behind
will carry and automatic suspension of the player for the remainder of the tournament.
Player will not be allowed on the bench.
- In all cases where a Match /Gross is assessed, the incident shall be reviewed by the
Tournament Committee which has full power to impose further suspensions. The incident will
also be reported to the Player/Coach's Assn. for review.
- No Checking will be strictly enforced.
12. Protective equipment: Face masks certified by HECC are mandatory for all USA Hockey
registered players. As well, girls 18 and under, playing with a women's team, should wear
a mouth guard.
13. Playing Rules: The official playing rules of USA Hockey will be used for all
tournament games.
14. The home team will be noted on the day of the game. Teams are required to bring two
(2) sets of jerseys-one light and one dark. In the event of conflicting colors, the home
team will be required to change jersey colors or wear overlays with numbers. Teams having
only 1 set of jerseys must notify the tournament in advance.
15. Time Outs: 1 (one) time out of 1 minute will be allowed per team per game.
16. The Tournament Committee, with the advise of the Rules Committee, will be the final
authority in all matters pertaining to the conduct and the governing of the tournaments.
NO PROTESTS WILL BE ALLOWED
17. The use of SLAP SHOTS are allowed.
18. Tag up off sides will be used to expedite the game.
19. All players on the bench and penalty box must wear a protective helmet/face mask
while in the bench area. After a warning by the referee, a misconduct shall be assessed to
the offending player for violation of this rule.
20. All decisions of the tournament committee are final.
