Rules

RICHMOND HILL RINGETTE ASSOCIATION (RHRA)

Ringette Canada and O.R.A. Sanctioned Tournament Rules will be followed with the exceptions specified in this document. It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to read the O.R.A. Games & Tournaments section of the Operating Manual as well as the following rules. It is strongly recommended that all bench staff read these rules as well.

All divisions, with the exception of U9 (Bunny divisions), will play two (2) fifteen (15) minute, stop time periods. In the event the goal spread of a game reaches seven (7) or more, and at the discretion of tournament organizers, the game clock may be set on running time during the second period. The clock will revert to stop time if the goal spread is reduced to six (6) or less.

Each U9 (Bunny) team will play two (2) games, with each game consisting of two periods lasting sixteen (16) minutes each. The games will utilize a two (2)-minute buzzer. A maximum of one coach per team on the ice; no touching of the opposition players by the coaches; no double shifting unless the number of players available during that game warrant, and all players are to be used equally in double shifting; own players should not be physically moved into position by a coach during playing time; coaches may not impede the on ice officials(s).
No scores will be posted and all players will receive the same participation awards. Any U9 on-ice coach who is violation of the rules will be asked to leave the ice surface for the remainder of the game and no substitutive will be allowed. The removal will be noted on the game sheet for follow through by G&T, Officiating and Coaching.

All round robin games will be played to the end of regulation time only (no overtime). During round robin play teams will receive two (2) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie and zero (0) points for a loss. The team with the most points in each division will be declared the top team in that division. The second place team is the team having the second highest number of points. Refer to O.R.A. tie-breaking procedures found in the Games & Tournaments Section of the O.R.A. Operating Manual.

If a game is tied at the end of regulation time in a designated playoff game (semi-final or final), the teams will play fifteen (15) minute sudden victory stop time periods until a winner is declared.
Possession of the ring for the first overtime period will be decided by a coin toss. The team winning the coin toss gets the free pass. The other team will get the choice of ends. There will be a one (1) minute break prior to the first sudden victory overtime period and subsequent sudden victory overtime periods. If additional overtime periods are required, possession of the ring for the opening free pass will alternate between teams. The teams will also exchange ends for each overtime period.

The largest goal spread shown on the clock will be seven (7) goals. Seven (7) goals is the maximum that can be used for tie-breaking purposes and will be the spread recorded on results boards.

Each member of the bench staff must sign in before the game in the appropriate position. They must be qualified and be a current registered bench staff with O.R.A. Check the team roster carefully ensuring that all information is completed correctly. All bench staff must sign the game sheet before participating in the proper place or note the position held. (HC/AC/M/T). Signing a game sheet verifies that the coaches have checked the sheet and agree with what has been entered on it. This requirement must not be taken lightly. At no time is one person permitted to print in the names of all of the staff – they must sign in themselves.

All teams must be prepared to start a game 10 minutes prior to the published schedule as per the O.R.A Operating Manual – G&T section. A two (2) minute warm-up buzzer shall be used for all games. Warm up time commences once the ice resurfacer leaves the ice. Teams must be ready to start the game as soon as the two minute warm-up is completed. Teams not iced within two (2) minutes of the referee’s whistle being blown to start the game will receive a delay of game penalty. Failure to ice a team within five (5) minutes of notification may result in forfeiture of the game. The score of the game will be recorded as seven (7) to zero (0) for the non-forfeiting team. If forfeited the game will be played as an exhibition game (time permitting).

The designated “Home” team decides what jersey colour they will be wearing. “Visiting” team‘s jersey must be of a contrasting colour. It is the responsibility of all teams to have a second set of jerseys with them at this event.

No game protests involving referee’s judgment will be accepted. The referee’s decision is final.

The tournament Referee-in-Chief will assign referees for all games. Stick checks will be performed at the officials’ discretion. It is the responsibility of the coaching staff to be familiar with all Ringette Canada and ORA equipment rules and to ensure that their teams comply with these rules. Questions should be directed to Referee-in-Chief of their association prior to participating in the tournament.

The RHRA will provide timekeepers & shot clock operators. The “Home” team will supply a scorekeeper for each game unless told otherwise by the convenor in charge at the time of game check-in.

The two teams in the final will receive medals. All U9 Bunny teams will receive medals.

Maps and directions to the arenas will be included with your tournament package and is also available on the RHRA website, www.rhringette.com. It is the team’s responsibility to make sure that all of the team arrives at the proper site ahead of the scheduled time and should be prepared to play 10 minutes prior to the published start time.

Player substitutions are only allowed under very extreme circumstances. Permission will be decided by the G&T Committee for S.R.R.A. and therefore takes some time to consider. These requests must be in writing. Any requests for bench staff substitutions should be made through the coaching coordinator before the event, when possible. No TRF Adjustment forms will be used at this event.

Coaches of the Home team are responsible for holding back players from exiting the ice, when both teams must exit in close proximity.

All participants throughout the tournament should stress good sportsmanship. THERE WILL BE A NO TOLERANCE RULE FOR ANY TYPE OF ABUSE, ON OR OFF THE ICE, BY BENCH STAFF, PLAYERS, or PARENTS. Any person who interferes with the game or verbally abuses or harasses an official, player, or bench staff will be asked to leave the playing area and not to return. The Head Coach will be notified by an on-ice official to remove the person. If the person refuses to leave the arena playing area after a reasonable period of time, the game will be called and the team that the person is associated with will forfeit the game.