Twin Cities Rec Hockey League Rules

Overview

Twin Cities Rec Hockey League follows the USA Hockey rulebook as the foundation for all gameplay. Below are additional rules and modifications specific to our league to ensure a fair, safe, and fun environment for all participants.

Rule Modifications & Addendums

  1. League Affiliation
    Twin Cities Rec is an independent recreational league and is not affiliated with USA Hockey. Although we use the USA Hockey rulebook as our baseline, we have tailored a few specific rules to better fit our league’s environment and focus.

  2. Gameplay Format

    • Periods: Each game consists of three 22-minute running time periods.
    • Clock Management: Teams may elect to run the clock in the last two minutes if they are within two goals. If the game becomes tied during this period, the clock will resume running until the end of the game.
    • Playoff Format: For all playoff games, if the score is tied at the end of regulation, the game will go directly to a shootout.
    • Championship & Consolation Games: If tied at the end of regulation, these games will have a 5-minute sudden-death overtime period, followed by a shootout if the score remains tied.

  3. Player Ejections

    • Referees have the authority to eject a player from any game at any time if they feel the player poses a danger to others on the ice.

  4. Injury Whistle

    • If the referees believe a player may be injured, they will stop play immediately, regardless of puck possession. The player, whether injured or not, must return to the bench for the ensuing faceoff.

  5. Penalties

    • Minor Penalties: Two-minute penalties as per USA Hockey rules.
    • Major Penalties: Major penalties result in an immediate ejection and a game misconduct suspension. The player must leave the game and may face additional suspension pending review.
    • Game Misconduct: Players who receive a game misconduct must leave the game and may face additional suspension pending review.

  6. Contact

    • Body Checking: Body checking is prohibited. Incidental contact may occur but will be closely monitored to avoid escalation.
    • Stick Infractions: Stick infractions such as high-sticking, slashing, and hooking will be called strictly to minimize injuries.

  7. Fighting

    • Fighting will result in expulsion from the league without refund. There is a zero-tolerance policy for fighting to ensure a safe playing environment for everyone.

  8. Suspensions and Reviews

    • Any major penalty or game misconduct will be reviewed by the league, and additional suspensions may be applied at the discretion of league officials.
    • Players with repeat offenses will face increased penalties and possible expulsion from the league without refund.
      Supplementary Discipline: The league reserves the right to impose additional disciplinary actions after games based on video review, regardless of whether a penalty was called during the game. This ensures accountability and promotes safe play for all participants.

  9. Player Eligibility and Substitutions

  • All players, including subs, must be pre-approved by the league and registered on the league website.
  • Registered Subs: Substitutes registered with the league may sub for any team for $25 per game.
  • Emergency Game Day Subs: Full-time players may sub for other teams as "Emergency Game Day Subs" for a discounted rate of $10 if a team has open spots on the day of their game.
  1. Equipment Requirements
  • Players must wear all necessary protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and shin guards.
  • Full-face protection is strongly recommended for all players but required for players under 18.
  1. Sportsmanship
    • Twin Cities Rec emphasizes respect and sportsmanship. Verbal abuse, unsportsmanlike conduct, and disrespect toward officials or other players will result in penalties, including potential suspension from games.

League Conduct Policy

Twin Cities Rec Hockey League is committed to maintaining a positive, inclusive, and enjoyable environment. We expect all players, coaches, and spectators to treat one another with respect and to uphold the spirit of the game. Any behavior that contradicts this spirit may lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the league.

Please review and familiarize yourself with the full USA Hockey rulebook and these addendums to ensure a safe and enjoyable season. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping Twin Cities Rec a great place to play!