GAME RULES AND REGULATIONS:

An important characteristic of the Puckhead Hockey Club experience is our promotion of a fun and safe “hockey for everyone” environment and culture. To maintain this spirit of sportsmanship and differentiate us from other groups like drop-in, pick-up and league style hockey, we do have a very specific set of rules that every member is expected to follow without exception. These rules are not complicated but they are important and taken seriously.

• We have a zero tolerance policy for the use of, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at anytime during any Puckhead Hockey on ice event. 
• Fighting, retaliation, or angry and chippy style of play is never permitted. You are out on the ice to have fun and help your fellow club members have fun as well. Please come to play with a good fun and relaxed attitude.  Your mood affects others and we all want to enjoy our time together.  If you cannot play nice with others then you cannot play Puckhead Hockey.  
• Also, because we promote a mission of “Hockey For Everyone” we do have many new players that need the help and mentorship of the more experienced players. This is one of our core values. We encourage everyone to work together as a team. This means that we do not allow individuals who like to dominate the game through puck hogging and showing off to participate in the club. You can still play a good competitive game but play as a team.
• No member is permitted to step on the ice surface prior to the Zamboni gates being completely closed and all rink staff is clear of the ice. This includes stretching by the boards. The only exception to this rule is for Puckhead admin to set the clock, move nets for the Zamboni driver and perform safety inspections of the arena prior to the game. At no time are we permitted to have pucks or any other equipment on the ice during the ice cut process. Violation of this rule may result in being sent home with no refund and a possible suspension from the club. For safety reasons please take this rule very serious. Furthermore, if the above conditions are met and it is not yet our posted start time we must remain off the ice until that posted start time regardless of who tells us its ok to go ahead, its just not.  
• We are provided 90 minutes for all of our games which includes a 4-minute warm up. This time is to be used to stretch and warm up your goalie. Please do not take slappers and blasters at your goalie to warm them up.  It is a lot of heavy equipment and takes a few moments for them to get loose and warm.  Head shots hurt and are not considered warm ups. At 87 mins on the clock the Admin will call for pucks. Please send all pucks to the bench to be collected and then all players should exit the ice surface immediately to enable the line 1 to begin at 86 minutes.  You will rotate lines on evens every two minutes. The Goalies will switch nets at 42 minutes. Please allow them up to a full 2 minutes to switch and get set back up.
• You must be at the rink and checked in with the Puckhead game admin no less than 20 minutes prior to the posted start time for each game. If a situation arises that prevents you from being on time you must text the admin to notify them you will be late (arriving late of the 20-minute deadline). 
• (Please CLICK HERE to review the Late Arrival, Late Cancellation and No-Show policies below). If you do not text and are not checked in by the deadline you will be marked as a no show and not permitted to play. Please do not let this happen to you. The text is easy to do and the admin name and contact number is located at the top center of every roster that you will receive via text prior to the game.
• All members must wear an approved Puckhead Hockey Club Game Jersey (no exceptions). If you forgot your jerseys you will need to borrow one from the Admin or a fellow member.  
• All games will consist of no more than 20 skaters and 2 goalies. Our goal is to fill every game and you can help make that happen by having a good time and sharing that with others. Any game that is short (less than 20 skaters) will be played as equally as possible and lines divided accordingly. Puckhead admin is trained to recognize the need to adjust lines as necessary to ensure skill parity. If asked to change your line up, please do so and stay positive. The admin has final say on in all situations and their decisions are to be respected. It is our goal to provide all players with the best game possible.  
• Game play will start with one side “dumping the puck” and the lines will change every 2 minutes on “evens”. When the line changes please leave the puck on the ice where it sits. PLEASE DO NOT CONTINUE PLAY. It takes time away from the next line and could be potentially dangerous. Puckhead Hockey is a game of honor. If you commit a penalty or go offside, please release the puck to the other team and correct the condition immediately by coming out of the zone and allow the opponent to “regroup”. We play without referees and for this reason it is crucial that all players play with integrity. If you hear someone call offside or penalty, don’t argue, just drop the puck and get back to work. It keeps the game moving and you will have more fun! 
• It is ok to keep score and be competitive but please remember, we are not being scouted and none of us are expecting to be “called up” to the pros so keep it friendly. If you find yourself getting too upset just take a break and remember why you are on the ice. We will NOT tolerate any violence on the ice or in the locker rooms. 
• We do try to keep similar skill level players on the same lines so that it is as balanced as possible HOWEVER, if you find yourself “hot dogging” out there please remember that you are on a TEAM and all players on your line deserve the same play time as you do. If you feel you are ready to step up to the next line just let us know and we will make sure you get that opportunity. When the final buzzer sounds please exit the ice immediately. Please do not abuse this by hanging out and shooting that extra shot. When the final buzzer sounds or the Zamboni doors open, its time to clear the ice. NO more puck play at all please. This is a safety issue and taken seriously.