Initiation Game Structure and Regulations 2019-2020

To:         SHA Membership
From:    Kelly McClintock, General Manager
Re:         Initiation Program Game Structure and Regulations for the 2019/20 Playing Season
 
The following are the Regulation to create a province wide structure for Initiation Program Games within Saskatchewan for the 2019/20 season along with Registration Regulations governing when Game play can begin and the maximum number of games that can be played in a season.
These recommendations are based upon feedback received at the recent Fall Zone Meetings along with the SHA Board of Directors.
The Recommendations fall in line with Hockey Canada’s mandate to place an emphasis on skill development (primary emphasis on skating) at the beginning of the season through practices with games to follow at the end of the season.
In addition, the goal is to teach young players the necessary skills within the game of hockey and to have more fun when it comes to games. This in turn allows the participants the opportunity to enjoy the game we all love, for a lifetime!
BASIC RULES OF CROSS-ICE
There are basic rules regarding the format and structure for ALLCross-Ice games:

• Lightweight blue pucks will be used.
• Games will be played at one end of the rink, cross-ice, blue line in.
• One official.
• 3-minute warmup.
• Nets should be 3’x 4’
• The Cross-ice game will be played 5 on 5 (skaters) and 1 goalie from each team or both may alter the format if the number of players on one or both teams is less than 10 skaters.
• Games are 2 x 24-minute periods. (Teams will switch ends after the first period)
• A face-off will take place at the start of every period only.
• Shift are 2 minutes, running time continuous play. (See below)
• Buzzer sounds once at the end of each 2-minute shift, however the clock continues to run.
• There shall be NO face off at the start of every shift.
• There are no icing or off-side calls.
• Score will NOT be kept.
• Goalies may be switched at any time.
• Line matching must take place. The more advanced players from each team being matched against the more advanced players from the opposing team.

Continuous Play and Change of Possession:
As identified by Hockey Canada as a core element at the Initiation category, one of the keys to improving the flow of each game and reducing the stoppages is to create continuous play, particularly on change of possession. These basic rules apply:

• One coach from each team will assist in moving of bumpers/boards at the end of each shift.
• A face-off will take place at the start of every period only. Between Shifts the Official will control the puck and keep the flow of the game moving by tossing it in an area where players from both teams can retrieve it.
• There will be no stoppages in play during and between shifts; continuous play will be used. (Exception: Injury)
• Puck shot out of play: Official blows whistle, defending team backs off and non-offending team gets possession.
• Goalie freezes puck: Official- blows whistle, attacking team backs off and defending team gets possession.
• Goal Scored: Official blows whistle, attacking team backs off and defending team gets possession.

Regulations Concerning Initiation Program

• NO IP exhibition games or Tournaments will be sanctioned until December 1^st annually.
• All IP “play” until December 1 is practices.
• The maximum number of games an Initiation Program (IP) team can play is 35 per season.