Rules

Wally Ice Fest Pond Hockey Tournament

Official Tournament Rules

1.0 Players

The tournament is open to all eligible players regardless of ability.

1.1 All participants must be older than 21 years of age (See Divisions) on date of tournament. Other age groups are classified at time of Registration (Any Division is subject to cancellation if not enough participation and Teams may be assigned by Tournament organizers).

1.2 All players must complete and Sign a registration form and pay all fees before participation in the tournament is allowed.

2.0 Equipment

2.1 All players must wear hockey skates. No goalie sticks or goalie equipment is allowed.

2.2 Each player must supply a solid color light and a dark sweater. Protective equipment is encouraged. Natural ice conditions are variable and cracks and rough ice are normal. Shin guards, elbow pads, hockey gloves are encouraged (Helmets are mandatory), and Visors and Cages are recommended. Injured players will not be replaced.

3.0 Teams

There will be 4 to 7 players on each team (captain’s option). Once tournament games have begun, there will be no player trades, changes, or reassignment. Players injured, sick, ejected or otherwise unable to play will not be replaced

3.1 Team Formation- This is an Assigned competition tournament. Players form their own 4 to 7 person teams and Team/player registration must be completed on the WIF website. Tournament Directors will assign divisions.

4.0 Tournament Format

Two days of tournament play will be scheduled. The tournament is designed for 20 to 30 teams (director’s option). Games will be scheduled as follows:

4.1 Each team will play 2 to 3 games on Day 1. Team captains are responsible for getting their team on the correct rink at the scheduled start time.

4.2 Each team will play 1 to 2 games on Day 2.

4.3 Playoffs will be single-elimination play. Teams will be seeded within brackets based upon Day 1 and Day 2 results.

4.4 Game Winner

4.4.1 The game winner will be the team with the most goals at the end of regulation play. Each game must end with a winner.
4.4.2 The winner of tie games will be determined as follows: The game will proceed immediately (1 minute break) to sudden death. Each team will defend the goal defended in the 2nd half. The Home team will start with the puck.
4.4.3 The winner of tie games during Playoffs will be determined as follows: The game will proceed immediately (1 minute break) to a 5 minute overtime period. Each team will defend the goal defended in the 2nd half throughout any overtime period. The Home team will start with the puck. If no winner is determined after the overtime period, the game will immediately proceed (1 minute break) to sudden death play. The Visiting team will start with the puck during the sudden death period.

4.5 Tournament Champions

The Tournament Champion will be the winners of each Division and will be presented a Trophy.

5.0 Game Format

5.1 General Rules

Pond hockey is a game of honor. Players are expected to police each other, to know and honor the rules of the game. The tournament directors expect spirited, competitive play with a minimum of intervention by the Ref/monitor. Players must play the puck, not the opponents’ body. Players consistently violating the rules of the game will be assessed a Major penalty (see Article 6.0). Pond hockey is generally played with a minimum of protective equipment. Gloves, elbow pads and shin guards are strongly recommended. Head protection is Mandatory. Any action that endangers the player, or the players opponent may be assessed a penalty. Examples include high sticking, slap shots, high passes (above the waist), and playing recklessly or out of control. You may not lay your stick or body on the ice to block a pass or a shot.

5.2 Game Duration and Format

Each game will consist of two, 15 minute, running clock halves. A 3 to 5 minute half time intermission will be observed. Each game will be 4 on 4 formats with one substitute if the team prefers. There is no minimum number of players. Teams may “play down” a player in case of injury, sickness or ejection. The Home team will wear light sweaters and will start the game with the puck and choose which goal to defend. Teams will exchange ends at half time. The Visiting Team will wear dark sweaters and start the 2nd half with the puck.

5.3 Game Play

General hockey rules and strategy are to be observed. No slap shots are allowed. No checking is allowed. Saucer passes (below the waist) are allowed. Contacting the puck with a stick above the waist is a minor
penalty. Pucks stuck in the “boards” or snow bank can be dug out and immediately returned to play by either team. Should the puck leave the playing surface over the SIDE line, the team that last touches the puck losses possession. If the puck leaves the playing surface over the END line the defensive team restarts the puck, no matter which team touches the puck last. The restart will be from the nearest corner from where the puck goes over the end line. A team that intentionally propels or deflects the puck out of bounds, may be assessed a Minor penalty for “Delay of Game” at the discretion of the Ref/monitor.

5.4 Dead Puck

At any time the Ref/Monitor can call “Dead Puck” at this point the game is stopped and the puck will be turned over to the Defensive team. Dead Puck call will be used mostly when the puck is in the end boards and there are 3 or more players bunched up with little movement of the puck. However it can be called at anytime with the Ref/Monitor’s discretion.

5.5 Player Substitution

Teams may have 6 team members on their rosters. Substitutions can be made on-the-fly anytime during the game. Substitutions must be made at the designated area of the rink (typically to the left and right side of the monitor). Players must touch sticks before the substitute player may enter the playing surface with either skate. Players entering the ice early are subject to a penalty and a goal awarded the opposing team.

5.6 Goal Scoring

A goal is scored whenever the puck legally completely passes through the goal mouth. A goal must be scored from the attacking half of the rink, and may be last touched by either team. The puck must be propelled by the blade of the stick or deflected off of a players skate or body. Pucks may not be intentionally kicked into the goal by the attacking team.

5.7 Goal Defending

Absolutely No goaltending is allowed. Goaltending is defined as acting as a “goaltender” instead of a defender. No player may defend a goal within the “crease”, unless actively defending an offensive player that is in or adjacent to the crease. The crease is defined as a 4 foot box, or a Stick’s length extending to both sides and the front of goal. The area may not be outlined by lines and will be estimated by the Ref/Monitor. Players may not lay their stick or body on the ice to attempt to prevent a goal. Players must not “glove” a puck below the knees. A gloved puck above the knees must be immediately dropped and immediately returned to play.

5.8 Puck Restart

The puck is restarted anytime a goal is scored; the puck is returned after leaving the playing surface or after a penalty is awarded. Neither team is allowed to delay the restart of the puck. Teams must give their opponent ½ ice after a goal is scored to avoid a delay of game penalty. The team restarting the puck must advance the puck in a timely manner to avoid a delay of game penalty. A defender must give his opponent 1 stick length of space during a restart.

6.0 Penalties and Turnovers

Penalties and turnovers will be called for rule infractions. All calls made by the rink monitor are final. Turnovers result in award of the puck to the opposing team. Minor Penalties will result in a goal awarded to the opposing team as well as possession of the puck to the opposing team. Major Penalties result in game or tournament ejection.

6.1 Turnovers include: High passes (above the waist, high sticking of the puck, hand pass of any kind, attacking the opposing team after a goal before the puck reaches half-ice and similar infractions. Any turnover can result in a penalty for multiple infractions.

6.2 Minor Penalties include: consistent high passes, illegal touching of the puck (dropping to the ice to prevent a goal), checking, tripping, hooking, too-many- men-on the-ice, delay of game, dangerous stick play and similar infractions. Minor penalties will be announced, and a goal awarded by the Rink Monitor and puck possession by the non-penalized team. Play will commence immediately.

6.3 Major Penalties include any action that could possibly injure another player or abuse of another player (either team) including slap shots, abuse of the Rink Monitor or other Tournament Official. Abuse includes threatening, yelling, swearing or arguing about calls. In addition to a goal awarded and loss of puck possession, major penalties result in immediate ejection from the game and the following game. The team will skate down a player (3 skaters on the ice) for the remainder of the game, and for the next game (round-robin or elimination game.) Two Major penalties received by any player will result in ejection from the tournament without refund. Fighting results in an automatic ejection from the game and possible the tournament at the directors discretion.

7.0 Officials

7.1 Rink Monitor (Referee)

There will be one Referee/Rink Monitor assigned to each game. The Ref/Rink Monitor will be the only and final arbiter of scoring, puck restart, penalties and infractions. Rink Monitor duties include administering the game, recording scoring and Major penalties and enforcing the rules of the game.

7.2 Tournament Officials

There will be 2 Tournament Directors who will have the final say regarding tournament format, and any change to the official rules. Rules and format will only be changed to benefit the tournament or in case of hazardous weather or ice conditions. Changes in games or tournament format will not result in refunds to players.

8.0 Playoff Seeding and Tie Breaking Rules

The results of Day 1 and Day 2 will determine team placement in their divisions. It is anticipated tie breaking rules will be needed to determine proper seeding. Tie breaking rules will be as follows:

  1. Record
  2. Fewest goals allowed
  3. Head to Head Wins (see below)*
  4. Shootout (see below)**
  5. Puck flip or Captains arm wrestle

*Note: Head to Head Wins – In the tie-breaker scenario, the team who owns a winning record against the opposing team during Saturday play is declared the winner of the tie-breaker.

**Note: Shootout – Six (6) shooters from each team alternate taking shots on goal from center ice. Most goals wins. (This option may take too long since teams have disbanded for the day and dusk is looming. This is only elected as a tie-breaker option by tournament officials if Time allows. A suitable substitute may be found and agreed upon by tournament directors and captains.)

9.0 Divisions

  1. All participants will be required to sign a Liability waiver and provide valid Identification (proof of age) at the event site.  Any team found using an unregistered or illegal or non-rostered player will immediately forfeit the remainder of their games and will not be issued a refund.
  2. The organizing committee will hear emergency requests to modify rosters; however, granting such requests will be the exception, not the rule.
  3. Each player can only be on the roster of one team.
  4. The organizing committee reserves the right to modify the Rules and Divisions as deemed necessary; however, all teams will be informed of such changes prior to the event.
  5. The organizing committee reserves the right to prohibit any player or team from participating for safety concerns.  Such teams or players will not receive a refund.
  6. Please download and fill out the CAP Roster Form to help select the correct division.

Please use the following division descriptions as a guideline when choosing a division.  It is advised that you place your team based on the experience of your team’s strongest three players as opposed to your weaker players.

DIVISION DISCLAIMER

Please sign up for the appropriate division to keep the competition as evenly matched as possible(our Goal). These Divisions may be change, eliminated, or expanded based on registered participants. The Tournament Director(s)reserves the right to move teams into appropriate divisions as needed to ensure parity across the tournament. In future years, your team may be moved to a different Division if you register in a Division you had previously won.

NameAge RangeSkill Level
Perch+21A, B
Sunnies+21C, D
Trout+31C
Crappie+31D
Bass+40B
Muskie+45C, D
Belly-Up+50Open
Perch

Team is comprised primarily of advanced to elite level players 21 years of age and older.  Players may have Junior A, B, C, Non-Varsity College (ACHA), Midget major, Prep or Varsity High School playing experience.  Teams may be comparable to traditional high “B” or low “A” level adult house league teams.

Sunnies

Team is comprised primarily of less experienced adult players 21 years of age and older.  A few players may have up to high school playing experience, but most of the team has limited youth playing experience or several years playing as an adult.  These teams may be comparable to traditional low “C” or high “D” level adult house league teams.

Trout

Team is comprised primarily of average experienced adult players 31 years of age and older with intermediate level skills.  Some players may have high school, competitive midget or Junior C playing experience.  These teams may be comparable to traditional “C” level adult house league teams.

Crappie

Team is comprised of Novice level players 31 years of age and older.  Although some players may have 5+ years of playing experience (either as an adult or a youth), this experience is not to have exceeded the adult novice, or beginner youth levels. These teams may be comparable to traditional “D” level adult house league teams.

Bass

Intended for higher skilled teams comprised of advanced level players 40 years of age and older who have had many years of playing experience and/or significant past playing experience (college, professional, etc.).

Muskie

Intended for Intermediate level players 45 years of age and older with experience in an average Men’s League.  Some players may have past high school, competitive midget or Junior C playing experience.  These teams may be comparable to traditional low “C” or high “D” level adult house league teams

Belly-up

Team is comprised of players from all levels that are 50 years and older. Oxygen tanks and Jumper Cables may be allowed in this division, with notes from your Doctor.

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Hell Yeah! Hat Trick Hockey will be stationed at HOCKEY CENTRAL(cabin near Watonka’s Lodge). Sharpenings are available at only $5. Tape, laces, repair kits, hoodies, tournament apparel and warm clothing are all found at the Pro Shop.  Our Pro Shop is a place to hang-out, charge your phone, and get warm.

All players, spectators, and volunteers are welcomed.

Hours: Sat 8 AM – 5 PM  Sun 9 AM – 2 PM

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Absolutely! Curling is free(Tips appreciated to the Club). Golf is held at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, check their web site for your Tee Times, as it may be popular and could sell out. Advance Registration at the link on this site will ensure you can Golf.

You need to have (3) Clubs to take on the course. This event takes place on Lake Wallenpauapck- SUNDAY ONLY…. 11:00am to 2:00pm

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If a team knocks the puck out of the rink(errant pass or stray shot), they lose possession. The Rink Monitor will reset the Puck by giving the opposite team the puck near where the puck went out. Any doubts can result in a Faceoff. If snow banks are inside of rink of play, a player can dig it out quickly. Anything that takes a while to find, then the puck may be restarted by the player digging out the puck, with a full 2 Stick length distance setback by the defendors.

KEEP the PUCK DOWN!

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Yes, it’s part of the Game in Pond Hockey. The Ice is shoveled by the team that begins ensuing play. Consider this a warm-up, and the better you clear the ice, the better the quality of your ice conditions. ALL payers on your team should rotate the shoveling duties.

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Each team will play a minimum of four games with three of those games being on Saturday.  Remember, these are 30 minute running clock games on smaller ice!

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Games are played 4-on-4 with NO GOALIES.  Goals are pond hockey goals, not regulation ice hockey goals.  No player is permitted to play goalie by standing in front of the goal the whole game, laying down in front of the goal, etc.

There is no icing, off-sides, and penalties are rare(we hope), etc.

Below shows the goals that we’ll be using:

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Games will be scheduled Saturday between 9AM and 4PM and Sunday between 9AM and 2PM. Although Sunday games do have possibility to run much longer if more teams are entered into the Tournament. And for the same reason, Games may start earlier(i.e. 8AM) each day if more slots are needed.

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Games are 30 minute running clock, with a 1 min break after the first 15 minutes to change directions.  Stoppages will be limited due to no icing, offsides, etc. All Games must stay on time due to a hard stop at dark, 5:00pm. Any team not showing up will be issued a 0-1 forfeit. And any team that is short must play with fewer than 4 players if they are not present. No Team will be allowed to play ANY player that is not Registered. “Play what you got” Rules apply.

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There is a minimum of 4 skaters per team and a maximum of 6 skaters on each Roster.  No goalies allowed.  Games are 4-on-4.  Players that are injured or cannot make a game cannot be replaced by another player. Teams may play fewer than 4.

 

All Players MUST be listed on the CAP Roster form submitted to Tournament Directors.

Category: WIF

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Tournament directors will make all decisions on ice and weather safety. The WIF Pond Hockey Tournament is not liable for your team’s travel, such as, but not limited to air travel, lodging expenses, auto rental, and personal auto travel. If the event is cancelled prior to the Official Start date due to weather or ice conditions, your team has two options:

  • You may hold your team spot for a future WIF Pond Hockey Tournament
  • You may receive a refund
Category: WIF

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At a minimum, a helmet is absolutely required. A Facial cage or Visor is strongly recommended.  However, other protective equipment is allowed and encouraged (such as shin guards, hockey gloves, etc.). It is wise to wear shin guards due to inadvertent sticks, and also  possible falls due to cracks that are common in Pond Hockey. 

No Goalie equipment will obviously be permitted.

In the event of an injury, that player will not be replaced by a non-rostered player.

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10.0 Tournament Disclaimer

THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR(S) RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE ANY DECISIONS REGARDING TOURNAMENT RULES, FORMAT, ETC. FOR THE OVERALL GOOD OF THE EVENT. IN ALL CASES THIS DECISION SHALL BE FINAL.