Rules

TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

Tournament rules are a translation from the Finnish language version of the rules. In case of discrepancy in the rules the Finnish one are those to be followed.

Rules

The tournament follows the Finnish Ice Hockey Association’s (SJL) competition and junior rules, with the exceptions listed below. If necessary, the tournament jury will forward referee reports to the disciplinary officer of the team’s regional association.

Game Time

Each game consists of 2 x 15 minutes of effective playing time. The intermission between periods is 1 minute. The total game time is 45 minutes. The game starts at the time indicated in the schedule unless otherwise announced by the tournament management. No timeouts are allowed during the tournament. Teams do not switch ends between periods. Teams must be ready and equipped at least 5 minutes before the scheduled game time near the rink. If a team fails to appear on time, it will forfeit the game 5–0.

Series Rankings

AAA / AA Division:

Two groups of 3 teams each. Every team plays once against each of the others in its group.

Points are awarded as follows: Win: 2 points; Tie: 1 point; Loss: 0 points.

After the group stage: The top team from each group and the better of the two second-place teams (based on points, goal difference, goals scored, etc., according to the rules) advance to the upper division. The remaining three teams form the lower division.

After the division games: Upper division: 1st and 2nd play for gold, 3rd place determined accordingly. Lower division: 1st plays for bronze, and 2nd–3rd play for 5th and 6th place.

A Division:

The preliminary round is played as a single round-robin, where each team plays every other team once. Points system: Win: 2 points; Tie: 1 point; Loss: 0 points

After the preliminary round: 1st plays 4th, and 2nd plays 3rd for a place in the final, losing teams play for bronze.

If teams are tied on points in the preliminary round, rankings will be decided in the following order:

1. Points in head-to-head games

2. Goal difference in head-to-head games

3. Goals scored in head-to-head games

4. Overall goal difference

5. Overall goals scored

6. Fewer penalty minutes

7. Drawing of lots

Shootout Procedure for Placement Games

If a placement game ends in a tie after regulation time, a shootout will determine the winner: Each team selects three (3) different players, reported to the referee immediately after the game ends. If still tied after three rounds, the shootout continues one pair at a time, in sudden-death format (“first to score while the other misses”). Only the decisive goal is recorded in the final result and credited to the player who scored it. The home team shoots first.

Players and Jerseys

Only registered players of the entered teams may participate. A player may represent only one team during the tournament.

Goalkeepers may play for any team from their own club participating in the tournament. However, to play in a placement game, a goalie must have played at least one preliminary game for that team.

In A-division teams, overage players are allowed according to competition and regional regulations. Any special exemptions made by the federation for existing league teams are also recognized, provided they are agreed upon with the organizer in advance.

The home team listed in the schedule wears dark jerseys, and the away team wears light jerseys. If a team only has one set of jerseys, they must coordinate with the opposing team beforehand to ensure color contrast.

Referees

Official referees licensed by the Finnish Ice Hockey Association (SJL) will officiate the games.

Penalties

Penalties follow the current SJL rules for U13 juniors and the IIHF rulebook.

The tournament jury will review any 5-minute + game misconduct penalties as soon as possible after the game. Both teams may be heard, and if possible, the incident will be reviewed on video. The jury has the right to suspend a player from the tournament for even a single major penalty. The tournament director will inform the team manager promptly if a suspension is applied.

If a player receives a second 5-minute + game misconduct during the tournament, the player is automatically disqualified for the remainder of the tournament.

For U14 and younger, a game misconduct (PR) for violent behavior results in an automatic one-game suspension. The disciplinary officer may impose a longer suspension if necessary.

Schedule Changes

The tournament management reserves the right to change schedules or game order if required. Any changes will be communicated to the participating teams as soon as possible.

Accidents and Insurance

The organizers do not insure players and take no responsibility for any injuries or accidents.

All players and team officials must be insured in accordance with SJL regulations.

The organizer is not responsible for theft or loss of property during the tournament.

Protests

Referee decisions are final.

No protests are allowed during the tournament.