ROUND-ROBIN PLAY
AAA
2-minute warm-up
12-12-15 minute stop time periods
Running clock will apply for each round-robin game (68 minutes)
AA
2-minute warm-up
12 minute stop time periods
Running clock will apply for each round-robin game (62 minutes)
A, B
2-minute warm-up
10-minute stop time periods
Running clock will apply for each round-robin game (52 minutes)
House A, B, C
2-minute warm-up
15-minute straight time periods
Last two minutes of third period are stop time.
PLAYOFF ROUNDS (excluding finals)
AA, AAA
Same as above, however, no running clock.
A
Same as above, however, no running clock.
House A, B, C
Same as above.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
AA, AAA
Same as B above
A
Same as above
HOUSE A,B,C
2-minute warm-up
10-minute stop time periods.
NOTE: Arena coordinators may use their discretion for the use of the running clock. They may elect to use it, or not to use it, depending on the tournament schedule.
PLEASE NOTE: TEAMS MUST BE PREPARED TO MOVE UP THE START TIME OF THEIR GAMES BY 20 MINUTES. THERE ARE EXTRA MINUTES BUILT INTO THE SCHEDULE AND A MERCY RULE IS IN EFFECT. TEAMS THAT ARE NOT READY TO START THEIR GAMES ON TIME OR WITHIN THE 20-MINUTE WINDOW, MAY FORFEIT SUCH GAMES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE ARENA CO-ORDINATOR. DUE TO THE NATURE OF OUR SCHEDULING, TIME RESTRICTIONS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
MERCY RULE
Shall apply if, at the beginning of the third period or at any time during the third period, a team is ahead by five or more goals, the clock will revert to running time. If the goal differential is seven goals at any time during the first or second period, then the clock shall revert to running time.
If subsequently the margin is reduced to less than five goals (third period) or seven goals (first or second period), the clock will NOT revert back to stop time.
This Mercy Rule is in effect for all games including round robin, playoffs and championship games. As noted above, teams must be prepared to move up their start time if the schedule allows. Teams must be ready to play 20 minutes prior to their scheduled time.
