ASHA presents these rules & guidelines for all members to consider.  During all games and events, it is expected that coaches will communicate with each other in the best interest of the athletes, ensuring the best possible experience for all.

Special Hockey Game Guidelines

• Each coach should attempt to match lines with similarly skilled players from the other team.
• The more skilled players from a team should be matched with players of the same skill level from another team.
• At the lower levels, if a team has an odd number of players and requests to skate 6 players on a line instead of 5, they must ask permission from the opposing coach and inform the referee before the start of the game.
• A special effort should be made to control any “A” level player playing in a “B” game not to discourage lower-level players. No player should be double shifted if it can be helped. 
• During any game on the lower skill level or where the outcome is lopsided and the coaches agree, extra penalty shots can be awarded by the referee to help improve the game and give some players a chance to shoot on net. The coaches can designate which players get the shot.
• Coaches should rate players/teams appropriately
• Important that game/event organizers match teams by ability whenever possible

A Level Games

• Each team may have 5 skaters plus 1 goaltender on the ice during play, unless the goalie has been pulled for an extra attacker
• No coaches on the ice (exceptions may be granted for safety purposes)
• No player should be double shifted if it can be helped
• Players to change on the fly (no buzzer)
• Score will be kept (maximum 4 goal difference on scoreboard)
• Penalties will result in a penalty shot.  The penalty shot must be taken by the player who was interfered with, if possible.  In addition to the penalty shot, a 2 minute penalty will be served in the penalty box by the offending player if the referee or player’s coach thinks they should.  At no time will any team serving a penalty have less than 5 skaters on the ice
• Coaches are expected to make an effort not to run up the score in the event of a lopsided game

B Level Games

• Each team may have 5 skaters plus 1 goaltender on the ice during play (1 or 2 “roamers” may be on the ice during play with coaches consent)
• Two (2) mentors are allowed on the ice but are not to interfere with the play
• No player should be double shifted if it can be helped
• Players change shifts on the buzzer (on the fly can be done with coaches' agreement)
• Score will be kept (maximum 4 goal difference on scoreboard)
• A special effort should be made to control any “A” player playing in a “B” game to avoid any domination of the game at the expense of the other players
• Penalties will result in a penalty shot.  The penalty shot must be taken by the player who was interfered with, if possible.  In addition to the penalty shot, a 2 minute penalty will be served in the penalty box by the offending player if the referee or player’s coach thinks they should.  At no time will any team serving a penalty have less than 5 skaters on the ice
• Extra penalty shots can be awarded by the referee to help improve the game and give some players a chance to shoot on net (with coaches' consent)
• Coaches are expected to make an effort not to run up the score in the event of a lopsided game

C Level Games

• Each team may have 5 skaters plus 1 goaltender on the ice during play (2 or more “roamers” may be on the ice during play with coaches consent)
• Three (3) mentors are allowed on the ice (they may assist in the play with coaches' consent)
• Players change shifts on the buzzer
• Scoreboard will be utilized but each team awarded a goal when one team scores (actual score may be kept with coaches' agreement)
• A special effort should be made to control any “B” player playing in a “C” game to avoid any domination of the game at the expense of the other players
• Penalties will result in a penalty shot.  The penalty shot may be taken by any player
• Extra penalty shots can be awarded by the referee to help improve the game and give some players a chance to shoot on net (with coaches' consent)

All participants on the ice must wear helmets. There is no limit to the number of players a team has on its roster for a game, however should a bench be overcrowded there are noted safety concerns.  Game organizers should consider this when scheduling. Roaming players at the "B" and "C" levels can, but are not required to utilize pushers for balance.

The referee will visit the benches during the warm-up period with all coaches present to discuss the rules, buzzer, no buzzer, length of the game, no periods, goalies encouraged to keep the puck in play, no slap shots, no off sides, no icing, try to control cherry pickers, penalty shots for penalties, players stay out of box unless requested by their coach or referee.

Will control the scoreboard and make sure no game is out of hand.  A maximum goal differential should be kept to 4 on the scoreboard, with the actual score kept on paper.   Additional goals are added on when needed.  They will control the scoreboard clock and blow buzzer when needed (line changes, goals, beginning and end of warm-ups and games).  

There are no icings or off sides.  Slap shots are not allowed. A whistle is blown and a face-off occurs as hockey rules dictate. Play is non-checking and only incidental contact is allowed.  Goalies are encouraged to keep the puck in play.  And cherry pickers or non-mobile players will be encouraged to join the play.

Penalties are issued for tripping, hooking, roughing and un-sportsmanlike behavior. 

Penalties will result in a penalty shot and possible trip to the penalty box.  Coaches are to make every effort to "calm players down" after aggressive penalties.

All mentors & Jr. coaches  must wear a helmet on the ice.  At no time will the mentors be allowed to interfere with the flow of play (except possibly at the "C" level with coaches' consent).

Standard ice hockey gear should be worn at all times.

Helmets with face masks are required for all athletes.  Helmets are required for all coaches and volunteers while on ice.   Mouth guards, neck guards are recommended.  (Please note that helmets have an expiration date.)

During game play, there are no hand held cameras permitted on the ice by coaches or volunteers.  This is to avoid any collisions or loss of focus on surroundings. 

"Go Pro" style cameras on helmets are only permitted if all parties including parents/guardians give permission.  This is to protect the privacy of athletes who do not have image or likeness releases on file.

Photographers on the bench are required to comply with all Safe Sport Act regulations and wear an approved helmet.