Dec 13, 2023 | Apopovici | 102 views
Game Play Rules for U7 Coaches
U7 Teams: Please see the game play rules for the U7 coaches while officiating your games.
Game Set-up and Flow
1. Cross Ice format
2. Any net size is acceptable
3. Blue 4oz puck
4. Recommended to mark dot at half of ice surface to establish mid-way point
5. Teams will utilize neutral zone for players not in play
6. Score clock used for timekeeping
7. No score is kept
Cross-Ice Game Play Rules
1. Hockey Canada Playing Rules are followed
2. 4-on-4, plus a goalie for each team
3. Two 22 minute periods with a run-time clock format
4. Timed buzzer for line changes:
a. Game does not stop; players change on the fly at buzzer
i. If there are fewer than four players on the bench, the active player designated to stay out for the following shift must return to the bench area prior to continuing play.
ii. On the buzzer, players must relinquish control of the puck immediately and vacate the ice. The new players enter the ice immediately. Failure to relinquish control of the puck or new players entering the ice surface prematurely may result in a penalty.
5. Shift length will not exceed two minutes
6. Face-offs only take place at the beginning of the game and periods.
7. Incidental contact may happen, but body-checking is not permitted.
8. No icing or offside.
9. Face-offs to start each half.
10. Change of possession:
a. Continuous play - when whistles lead to change in puck possession, the official (coach) will signal the attacking players back three metres. Once the attackers have moved back, play may resume as soon as the possession team has control of the puck.
b. Goaltender freezes the puck - the official blows the whistle to indicate the attacking team backs off three metres and the defending team gets possession.
c. Puck shot out of play - the offending team backs off three metres and the official gives the non-offending team a new puck.
11. Penalties
a. Minor penalties are noted, with the official briefly raising their arm to indicate a penalty will be “assessed”. At the conclusion of the shift, the official notifies the team of the infraction and the number of the offending player.
b. If the offending team controls the puck, the official blows the whistle and calls for a change of possession; the non-offending team is given a three-metre cushion.
12. Should an infraction occur that would normally require a player to be ejected from the game, the player will be removed from the remainder of the game. Teams however will not play shorthanded and no game incident report will be required.
Positioning of the Official (Coach)
1. Officials should follow the play approximately 2-3 metres behind the puck carrier and remain about one metre from the boards or playing area.
2. Officials are encouraged to move towards the net on goal situations and away from the play towards the boards as play comes towards them, allowing players to pass by; the official can then follow at a safe distance.