BOHC Invitational Hockey Tournament Rules 2027

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

1. All players must be at least thirty-five (35) years of age in the current tournament year.
2. Persons playing for a CAHA sanctioned or professional team are not allowed to participate in the tournament.
3. A player must be on the official roster and play at least two round robin games to be eligible to play in the division championship game. Goalies must play at least one game in round robin to be eligible. Any exceptions must be approved by Invitational committee members.
4. CARHA, the regulating body (and the insurance provider for the tournament) stipulates that players may play for only ONE TEAM at their sanctioned events.  Should you have a situation where you feel it is vital to “borrow” a player, please contact the Tournament Director (John Andersen) or his designate at the Tournament Office.
5. Rosters must include at least nine players and a goalie for each game

GAME FORMAT

There are eleven divisions of four teams each. Top two teams earning the most points will advance to the division championship of their division on Sunday.

All games will have a two (2) minute warm-up and the games will be two (2) seventeen (17) minute stop time periods. A mercy rule will be in effect, a five (5) goal lead with five (5) minutes remaining in the second period, the clock will run, even if the margin has been narrowed.

Blue line icing will be observed – the centerline will not be used.

In the event of a tie of two or more teams after the round robin, ties will be broken as follows:

1. Two teams tied, the winner of the head-to-head game advances
2. If more than two teams are tied, add the goals-for and subtract the goals-against. The highest total advances.
3. If still tied, the least number of penalty minutes advances.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TIE-BREAKER METHOD

Overtime will only apply to the championship games and consist of:

1. There will be a series of 1-minute stop time segments of decreasing player power
2. Each minute starts with a face-off and ends in a time keeper's signal
3. Face-offs occur where the play stopped and the 20 second face-off rule applies (basically, line up quickly and get going)
4. There will be unlimited substitution (including goalies).  Player changes may be made at the end of each minute segment but NOT on Referee whistle stoppages.  All other changes must be made on the fly.

FORMAT:

1. There will be three segments in the overtime format:
   - 1st Minute:    3 on 3 plus the goalie or substitute
   - 2nd minute:   2 on 2 plus the goalie or substitute
   - 3rd minute:   1 on 1 plus the goalie or substitute
2. The third segment will continue until a goal is scored with no further stoppage in time by the timekeeper.
3. In the third segment substitution can be made anytime including referee whistle stoppages. 

This is a CARHA sanctioned event and CARHA rules apply.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:

• A Hockey Canada approved hockey stick
• Shin pads
• Hockey gloves
• Elbow pads
• Hockey pants or equivalent protection (No track or sweat pants allowed)
• Athletic support with cup
• Helmets: While on the ice, including pre-game warmups, all players must wear a
  CSA approved helmet with the chin strap properly fastened under the chin (the
  chin/neck strap can “hang” no greater than 2 fingers-width below the player’s
  chin). Helmets must have ear guards in place. Full face shields must be fastened
  so that, in the event of an injury, medical attention such as CPR can be provided
  without removing the helmet. Players informed by the Referee of an illegal helmet
  cannot participate in the balance of the game unless satisfactory measures (such as
  being replaced or repaired) are taken.
• Face Protectors: Players and goalies may wear any type of face protector, provided it
  is securely fastened to the helmet and is made in such a way as not to cause injury to
  the wearer or opposing players. To meet insurance requirements for facial injury
  claims, such protective equipment must be CSA approved, and be to the minimum
  level of a half-face shield and either an internal or external mouth guard for players.
  Goalies must wear a full-face mask. Note 1: Any alteration to a CSA approved facial
  protector or helmet destroys the certification. Note 2: To protect against possible
  serious facial injury, the League strongly recommends that all players wear full CSA
  approved facial protection equipment. Note 3: Member players should be aware that
  there are insurance restrictions for players not wearing full facial protection.
• Face Protectors – Eye Disability: Any player who has only the sight of one eye must
  wear a CSA approved face protector if they choose to play. The player and their team
  must be aware that the League will not be held liable for further eye injuries, other than
  what is covered by the CARHA insurance policy currently in force.
• Neck Protection: The wearing of a CAN/BNQ approved throat protector is
  recommended for skaters participating in recreation hockey.
• Goalie Helmets and Facial Protection: Goalies are required to wear a CSA approved
  hockey helmet. Goalies must wear neck protection, such as plastic throat guards
  attached to the helmet, a neck protector integrated into the body armor, or a neck
  protector worn underneath the body armor.
• Goalie Masks:
  
  
  Only CSA-approved goalie masks are allowed. Non-CSA approved “cat
  eye” masks are prohibited. See image below for more clarity on legal and illegal masks:
• Other Mandatory Equipment: In addition to the equipment requirements listed
  above, players are also required to use: a Hockey Canada approved stick; shin pads;
  hockey gloves; elbow pads; hockey pants (no track pants); and an athletic support with
  cup.

PENALTIES:

1. Minor – 2 minutes, Major – 5 minutes
2. Three minor penalties to any player in the same game will require automatic expulsion from that game. A substitute player will be placed in the penalty box to serve the penalty.
3. Major or Misconduct penalties will result in automatic ejection of the player from that game. The team being assessed a five (5) minute stop time penalty will place a substitute player in the penalty box to serve the penalty.
4. Second Major or Misconduct will result in ejection from the balance of the tournament.
5. Fighting and/or match penalty will result in suspension of the player from the tournament.
   Note: in application of rules 3 and 4, the offending team official (Coach, Captain) is responsible for ensuring that the rule is enforced and the penalized player does not participate in any further tournament play. Failure to comply will result in the team being disqualified.
6. Coincidental penalties will not cause the teams to be shorthanded.
7. High sticking is called on contact only (puck or person) - contacting the puck with a stick above the shoulders will result in a penalty
8. Body checking is not allowed and the rule will be strictly enforced
9. Slap shots are not allowed and the rule will be strictly enforced – from the top of the boot (skate)
10. The visiting team will have the choice of sweaters in the event of colour similarity. In the case of a dispute, the Tournament Committee will make the final decision.

Note: in application of rules 3 and 4, the offending team official (Coach, Captain) is responsible for ensuring that the rule is enforced and the penalized player does not participate in any further tournament play. Failure to comply will result in the team being disqualified.

• Coincidental penalties will not cause the teams to be shorthanded.
• High sticking is called on contact only (puck or person) - contacting the puck with a stick above the shoulders will result in a penalty
• Body checking is not allowed and the rule will be strictly enforced
• Slap shots are not allowed and the rule will be strictly enforced – from the top of the boot (skate)
• The visiting team will have the choice of sweaters in the event of colour similarity. In the case of a dispute, the Tournament Committee will make the final decision.

Every effort is made to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all players in our tournament. If there are any questions please consult one of the Invitational Committee members.

Click here to download and print a copy of the tournament rules