IMPORTANT PLAYOFF INFORMATION

2006 Playoff Rules

The Executive Committee may make special rulings during playoffs. (34.02)

All teams must be available and prepared to start their games up to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time listed in the official tournament schedule (34.05a)

All games will be stop time.  For mites and squirts, there will be 3 stop-time periods of 12 minutes each.  For peewees, bantams, and midgets, there will be 3 stop-time periods of 15 minutes each.  For all age divisions, overtime shall be 5 minutes (see specifics below).  A single 1-minute timeout will be permitted for each team in playoff games. (34.05c)

If at any time, after the start of the 3^rd period, a 7- goal differential exists, the game shall go to running clock for the duration of the game. 

In regular playoff games, if at the end of 3 periods of regulation play the game is tied, the game will continue with up to 2 – 5 minute sudden death overtime periods (the goalies will not change sides).  In “sudden death” the winner will be awarded 2 points for the win and the loser will be awarded 1 point for the loss.  In the event that the score remains tied after 2 - sudden death overtime periods, the game will be declared a draw and each team will be awarded 1 point (34.05d).

Round robin standing will be determined by points, that is 2 points for a win, (1) point for a tie, and (0) points for a loss.  If two or more teams have equal points, their position in the standings shall be determined by:

1)      The results of the games (head to head)

2)      Games played between the teams tied in the following order.

3)      The points acquired in these games only.

4)      Subtracting goals scored against from the goals scored in these games only.

5)      Dividing the goals scored in these games only by the goals scored against, the positions being determined in the order of the greatest quotient.

6)      All goals scored for and against in all games of the round robin games.

In the Semi-Final games, the following is being established in advance.   If at the end of 3 periods of regulation play the game is tied, the following format shall be followed:

·        Goalies shall not change sides

·        There will be a maximum of 2- 5 minute sudden death overtimes.

·        If the game remains tied, there will be 1 – 5 player shoot out, followed by a 1 player shoot out.

·        The 1 player shoot out shall continue until the shortest bench is expired, at which time both teams can repeat players.

·        The 1 player shoot out process shall continue until a winner is determined.

In the case of the “final” or Championship game, if the game remains tied at the end of 3 periods, there will be one (1) sudden-death regulation overtime period.  If the game remains tied, there will be one 5-player shoot out followed by a 1-player shoot out. 

Page 2

• At the conclusion of the game, coaches MUST hold their bench until they are cleared to release players by the referee.   Coaches should be mindful of the following rule at all times during and after the game. CAHA rule 7.5 states that “Any player who leaves the game bench or penalty box during an altercation will receive a 30-day suspension”.

·        Inappropriate behavior by players at stoppages will not be permitted.  To handle this, SCAHA has adopted the following procedure.  When the referee or linesman blows his whistle the players have three options.  

o       Line up for a face-off.

o       Go to the bench for a change.

o       Receive a 10 minute misconduct for zero tolerance. 

Our goal is to get the games over expeditiously and without behaviors that disrupt the flow of the game. 

·        Zero tolerance is in effect for these games.  Please advise your manager to inform your parents of this, as well as SCAHA rule 17.07, also known as the Spectator Ejection Rule.  Any suspensions given during the SCAHA playoffs will carry forward to State Playoffs.

·        No player or coach will be allowed to satisfy a SCAHA suspension in any other games outside the SCAHA Playoff Tournament, whether they are scheduled in advance or not.

·        All players must have a STOP patch on their jersey, in the proper location or they will be asked to leave the ice until the patch is attached or properly placed.

·        Coaches are expected to verify that the players listed on the label (scoresheet) are accurate.  Should the referee count players and find a discrepancy, the offending coach will be asked to make the appropriate correction and that coach will be assessed a 2 minute penalty for delay of game. 

·        A SCAHA board member is assigned to each site and will be solely in charge of the venue for the weekend.  Coaches should confine their comments and questions to the SCAHA representative.  Referees are not to be approached by any coach before or after games.

All coaches and assistant coaches are required to sign and complete the scoresheet immediately upon entering the playoff facility.   Coaches will not be allowed to sign scoresheets on the ice.