1. Playing Rules
a. Four vs Four format- each team with a goaltender
b. Each team is required to have two goaltenders, one for each half of the ice
c. The warm up is 3 minutes
d. The rink set-up:
i. One set of barriers or two sets of barriers with a small space in between for spare players
ii. Game length 40 minutes
iii. Two 20-minute halves
e. Puck- The blue 4oz puck must be used for all half ice games.
f. Shift Length- 2 minutes in duration (at the discretion of the MHA) with an automatic buzzer or whistle sounding to indicate players change. The clock continues to run throughout the 20- minute half.
i. Both games are synchronized.
ii. Officials work together to keep the games synchronized.
g. Players change on the fly
i. If there are fewer than 4 players on the bench, the active player designated to stay out for the following shift (double shifting) must tag up at the bench prior to racing to play the loose puck
h. There will be two face-offs during the game:
i. The first face off will start the game and,
ii. The second face off will start the second half
 
2. Shifts
a. Player shifts 2 minutes in duration. A buzzer or whistle will sound to signal line changes.
b. On the buzzer sound, players must relinquish control of the puck immediately and vacate the ice. The new players enter onto the ice surface immediately.
c. Failure to immediately relinquish control of the puck at the buzzer/whistle or new players entering the ice surface prematurely may result in a penalty for the offending team.
 
3. Tiering
a. Grouping players of like ability is very important for setting young players up for success and enjoyment
b. Prior to the start of the half-ice game(s) coaches of opposing teams must discuss the possible line combinations to ensure that the skill level of the players on the ice is similar which will allow more puck touches and fun for all the players participating.
 
4. Change of Possession
a. Goaltender freezes the puck-the official blows the whistle to indicate the attacking team backs off and the defending team gets possession
b. Puck shot out of play- the offending team backs off and the official gives the non-offending team a new puck
 
5. Penalties
a. Minor penalties are noted by the official with official briefly raising the arm to indicate penalty will be assessed. At the conclusion of the shift, the official notifies the coach of the infraction and the number of the offending player.
b. If the offending team controls the puck after the infraction, the official blows the whistle and calls for a change of possession and the non-offending team is give room to play the puck (3-meter cushion).
c. The offending players is required to sit out the next shift, but the team will play even strength.
d. Should an infraction occur that would normally require a player to be ejected from the game (e.g. Game Misconduct, Match penalty or Gross Misconduct), then the player will be removed from the remainder of that game. Even under the circumstances teams will not play short-handed and no game incident report will be required.

 
Zero Tolerance
There will be a zero tolerance policy in effect during this tournament. Any disorderly behaviour or language directed towards any timekeepers, referees, players or volunteers will not be tolerated! Anybody that chooses not to follow the policy above will be removed from the tournament and disallowed from attending the remainder of the tournament.