1. Game Format

• Games consist of two (2) 20-minute running periods followed by a 15-minute stop-time third period.

• The last minute of the 1st and 2nd periods will be stop time only if a whistle is blown after the one-minute mark and the mercy rule is not in effect.

 

2. Mercy Rule

• If a team is losing by 6 or more goals, the game will switch to running time until the deficit is reduced to 4 goals or fewer.

• The last minute of each period remains stop time unless the mercy rule is active.

 

3. Penalties

• All penalties will be served as stop time, regardless of period or game status.

• Any player receiving 4 penalties in a single game will be ejected from the remainder of that game (not considered a game misconduct).

• If a player is struck with a high stick and is bleeding, an automatic double minor will be assessed.

• If a high stick is deemed intentional, the offending player will receive an automatic match penalty.

 

4. Rosters & Eligibility

• Teams Roster cannot exceed of 20 players (excluding goalie).

• For a player to qualify for playoffs a minimum of 6 games must be played

• All players must check for games at Wings Arena front desk for roster checks.

 

Roster lock dates:

• Fall Season: October 20, 2025

• Rosters are locked at the halfway point of the season. No additions allowed past this point.

 

5. Jerseys

• All players, including goalies, must wear matching jerseys with permanent numbers.

• Starting Week 4, teams must comply with jersey rules:

  • If a team is found to have mismatched jerseys, the captain will be suspended the next game

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6. Player Participation

• Players may register for multiple teams.

• Players are not allowed to play more than one level below their highest registered league (Night or Lunch League).

 

7. Equipment

• Helmets are mandatory.

• Full Face shields required for all players below top division.

• Face shields/cages strongly encouraged for top division players

• Neck Guards are strongly encouraged..

• Goalie gear must meet adult safety standards.

 

8. Tie Games

• Regular Season:

  • Tie after regulation → 3-player shootout

  • Win = 2 points

  • Shootout Loss = 1 point

• Playoffs:

  • Tie → 5-minute 5v5 sudden death OT, then 5-player shootout

  • Championship Games:

  • Up to three (3) 5-minute stop-time sudden-death periods, followed by a 5-player shootout if still tied.

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9. Roster Challenges

• Opposing teams may challenge a roster during any game.

• Challenged players must show valid photo ID.

• If a player is not on the official roster:

• Game Misconduct 5 Minute Major and player ejection

• Team captain Ejected and suspended for 1 game

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10. Code of Conduct & Harassment Policy

• Zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate conduct.

• This includes unwelcome sexual advances, racial slurs, or abusive behavior.

• Violations will result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or league removal.

 

11. League Discipline & Misconduct

​Each game misconduct will be reviewed by a "Player Safety Committee" and a supplemental suspension will be handed out.  Infractions can lead to Suspensions and Player fines.

 

Game Misconducts:

• 1st offense: 2-game suspension

• 2nd offense: 4-game suspension

• 3rd offense: Suspension for the remainder of the season and playoffs

 

Match Penalties:

• 1st offense: 3-game suspension + $100 fine

• 2nd offense: Season removal + $200 team fine

• Deliberate attempt to injure: Immediate permanent removal

• This will be investigated by one office official, Rink Management.  Video will also be reviewed.  Player history will be taken into consideration.

• Players who receive 2 removals due to match or game misconduct will be permanently removed from the league.

 

Players with multiple infractions (game or match misconducts) may be permanently removed from WAAHL.

 

12. Penalty Minute Limits

Fall Season:

• 30 PIM = 2-game suspension

• 40 PIM = additional 2-game suspension

• 45+ PIM = remainder of season/playoffs suspension

 

Summer Season:

• 15 PIM = 2-game suspension

• 20 PIM = additional 2-game suspension

• 25+ PIM = remainder of season/playoffs suspension

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13. Ringer Rules 

• Player scoring 5 goals may no longer score. Each goal from that player thereafter will result in a 2-minute minor penalty.

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14. Referee Authority

• All officials are certified through the Connecticut Ice Hockey Referees Association.

• Their decisions are final and non-negotiable.

• Abuse of referees will result in immediate disciplinary action.

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15. Minimum Roster for Play

• A game may begin with a minimum of 3 players.

• A team may play without a goalie, but the 6th skater may not cover the puck or act as a goalie under any circumstances.

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16. Employee & Coach Policy

• Employees and coaches participating in the league are held to the highest standard of conduct. If an employee or coach receives a game misconduct or match penalty, they will be immediately removed from the league.

• As representatives and spokespeople for our youth leagues and our facility, employees and coaches must model respectful, sportsmanlike behavior at all times. Your conduct reflects directly on our programs, our players, and our community. You are expected to lead by example—be your best, do your best, and represent us with pride.