Rules and Policies | StinkySocks Hockey

All players are required to have the proper protective equipment that is designed for ice hockey, fits properly, and maintains the manufacture’s intended integrity. To clarify, the following equipment is required for participation:

• Helmet that is HECC-approved and has throat straps securely fastened (no more than two fingers of room between the throat strap and the chin). Goalies must have a proper face cage/shield.
• Gloves
• Shin pads (skaters) or leg pads (goalies)
• Elbow pads
• Padded pants or girdle
• Chest protector (goalies)
• Protective cup (men) or pelvic protector (women)
• Skates

The following are optional (except for goalies and at the skater’s own risk). They are, however, strongly encouraged for your safety.

• Shoulder pads
• Face shield/cage (skaters)
• Mouth guard

All players are subject to the player conduct policy, as interpreted by StinkySocks Hockey. Players are accountable for their own actions regardless of the actions of another individual.  Players are expected to conduct themselves with good sportsmanship. Chippy play, disrespectful verbal engagement, or contributing to the escalation of an incident, intentional physical contact with another player and any other disrespectful conduct is strictly prohibited by the “No Jerk” policy. StinkySocks promotes a clean game, a enjoyable playing environment and any actions that are contrary to that are considered a violation of the “No Jerk” policy.  Any conduct that is considered to be unbecoming of a StinkySocks Hockey player, in violation of the terms and conditions of purchase, and/or contrary to the league’s mission will subject the offending player to disciplinary action, as deemed necessary by the league. Upon any offense, StinkySocks Hockey may, at its discretion, take disciplinary action against the offending player in the form of a warning or other penalty up to and including permanent ineligibility to participate in any StinkySocks Hockey games, leagues and tournaments. Subsequent offenses will result in more stringent disciplinary action varying from suspension of play, up to and including permanent ineligibility to participate in any StinkySocks Hockey games, leagues and tournaments.

One strike rule on fighting: any involvement in a fight on or off the ice, challenge to a fight, or the threat of physical harm will result in a permanent lifetime ban from any and all StinkySocks Hockey games and events.

Players who are ineligible to participate in a scheduled game or event due to disciplinary action taken by the league will not be entitled to any refunds.  All decisions made by StinkySocks Hockey are final.

If you’ve identified an issue is any game that you’ve played in, we ask that you communicate your concern to the league office.  Player conduct reporting helps us to maintain the quality of our games.

Players must be at least 21-years of age to participate in any StinkySocks Hockey event, unless otherwise noted. Certain exceptions may apply. Players who are under the required age are encouraged to call the league office to inquire about their eligibility.

All players must read and sign a waiver of liability prior to participating in any game or related event offered through StinkySocks Hockey. Individuals may not participate in any hockey league game, tournament or skills without having signed a waiver. Waivers are only available in electronic form and are not available at games. Any player without a waiver e-signed prior to arriving at a scheduled game will not be allowed to participate.

Players are required to fully identify themselves to any representative of StinkySocks Hockey when asked. Providing any false or misleading information will result in permanent ineligibility to participate in any StinkySocks Hockey games, leagues, and tournaments.

StinkySocks Hockey is committed to keeping your information private and makes every reasonable attempt to do so. We will never share or sell your information. Furthermore, we will not release your information to anyone without your consent. However, any player who is found to be in violation of our rules and policies waives their right to privacy.

NCAA ice hockey rules will be enforced, with the following modifications.

MODIFICATIONS

• No checking
• One strike rule on fighting: any involvement in a fight on or off the ice will result in a permanent lifetime ban from any and all StinkySocks hockey games, tournaments, leagues, etc.
• Blue line icing will be enforced
• (10) skaters plus (1) goalie per team to ensure that you’re spending more time on the ice and less time on the bench.
• To maximize playing time, StinkySocks Hockey games will be played in (2) halves, with a 5-minute warm-up and a 1-minute break in between halves. When games are full, and in the discretion of the official, one continuous game may be played.
• One on ice official is provided.

MODIFICATION FOR NOVICE (D) LEVEL GAMES ONLY

No slapshots. For this purpose, a slapshot is defined as lifting your stick at above thigh before making contact with the puck on a shot.

As a general rule, players should take shifts of approximately two minutes. Any player who is found to be deliberately taking lengthy shifts will be subject the player conduct policy.

Players are asked to display honesty by selecting games and leagues that are appropriate for their ability level.

• NCH Games – Any player who accidentally finds themselves at a game that is clearly above/below their ability level has the option to leave the game right away and receive a credit for another game that is of their ability level. If they are above the level and choose to stay and play, they are required to bring their play down to the average player in that game and not be a game-changing factor. As a part of that, they are asked to not shoot or rush the puck. Players who do not self-identify their level discrepancy and adjust as required or are clearly outside of the level designation may be asked by the official or a member of the StinkySocks Hockey staff leave the game. Any player who is asked to leave the game is not eligible for a refund or any other compensation. Players in violation of this policy may also be subject to the player conduct policy.
• Season Pass Holder – Any player who is identified as being ineligible for a particular level that they are already registered for a season pass at that level will be asked to move to another league that is appropriate to their level. 

If you have a concern that a player may not be appropriate for the level at which they’re playing, we kindly ask that you report it to the league office to help us ensure the quality and consistency of your experience.

Applies to Open League and NCH Games

Players that cannot make a scheduled game are required to contact the StinkySocks Hockey league office by phone or a submission on our website.

A player who misses a scheduled game without notifying the league office will be subject to a warning upon their first offense within a rolling one year time period. Upon a second offense in any rolling one year period, any membership benefit entitlements will be forfeited. Any third or subsequent offense in a rolling one year period will result in a $5 charge per no-show.

Per the Terms of Purchase, registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable. Players may not, under any circumstances, send another player to a game in their place. Season pass members, when canceling a game, may allocate their spot to another player as long as that player registers and pays within the time allotted for that specific game. Any player found sending an unpaid player will be subject to an automatic 6 month ineligibility period. Furthermore, any player who knowingly plays in a game for which they are not registered or who provides false information regarding their identity is subject to the Theft of Service policy.

Goalies are an essential part of the quality game that StinkySocks Hockey delivers to its players. Once you sign up for a goalie spot you are committing to be there. If you need to cancel for any reason then we ask you to do so as far in advance as possible. With the right amount of notice we can almost always fill your spot. If you cannot make a scheduled game, we ask that you contact the StinkySocks Hockey league office by phone or a submission on our website.

With the help of our goalies, we have developed a no show policy that we think is fair and still maintains our quality objectives. A “no show” is defined as not providing notice of a cancellation within the guidelines stated below:

• For game times that are at or before 12PM (noon) – Provide notice by 4PM the day prior
• For a game beginning after 12PM and before 5PM – Provide notice by 8PM the day prior
• For a game beginning at or after 5PM and before 8PM – Provide notice by 10AM
• For a game beginning at of after 8PM – Provide notice by 3PM

Goalies who are a “no show” for a game, as defined above, are subject to a $50 fee. Upon a subsequent “no show”, the offending goalie is subject to a $100 fee and may be subject to ineligibility for a period of one year, as determined by the league.

Season pass goalies who call out for more than 20% of their scheduled games in their season may be subject to forfeiting their spot for that season and/or their renewal privileges.

Intentionally participating in any game or event without registering and paying is considered theft of service. Any player who is found to have participated in a game without having paid or having been authorized by an employee or representative of StinkySocks Hockey is in violation of this policy. Players found to be in violation of this policy will be required to pay a $100 fee in addition to the fees for the game or event in which they have participated, and will be issued a conduct warning.

Our uniquely numbered jerseys facilitate fast administration process through easy identification.

Who’s required to wear a SSH jersey

To be eligible to receive any relevant membership benefits, players are required to own/wear a StinkySocks Hockey Reversible Jersey, StinkySocks Hockey Single Sided Jersey Pair, or have their own set of jerseys certified by the league. If a player fails to wear their SSH jersey for any game where a discount is applied (e.g. the upfront discount for an Open League registration, or a single game discount) the difference between the regular cost of the game and the discounted cost paid will be charged.

Who’s required to own a jersey

Full-time league players are required to own a jersey to qualify for their status benefits overall, including the upfront discounted cost of the league. If a full-time player does not own a qualifying jersey, any status benefits will not be applied to their account. To remain on the league’s roster, they must also pay the difference between the upfront discounted rate (the cost paid for the league up front) and the regular price of the season’s games.

No Commitment Hockey players, who are paying full price and not eligible for any additional benefits (full time, veteran, or Unlimited members), are not required to own/wear a StinkySocks Hockey jersey at this time. However, any NCH player who does not own a StinkySocks Hockey jersey is required to have both a dark and white jersey available for their game. Grey or red jerseys may not be used.

Sharing/Loaning Jerseys Is Not Permitted

StinkySocks Hockey jerseys are each uniquely numbered and all information about you as a player is reported using that number, such as attendance, conduct, and leveling. Do to their use as positive identification, players may not share or loan their jersey for use in a StinkySocks Hockey game. Any conduct violation committed by another player while they are in possession of your jersey will be considered a violation committed by you.

Getting On the Ice

In order to be eligible to standby for a game, players are required to be wearing a StinkySocks Hockey jersey, unless they were a skater who can be positively identified because they were on the roster in an adjacent (back to back) game.

Skaters wishing to stand by must alert the staff member (ref or scorekeeper) of their intent to play as a standby player for that game. If there is an open spot on the roster then they will be cleared to play right away. If the game is sold out and there are skater no-shows, standby skaters will be cleared for play in the order in which they requested to standby. The standby player may participate in the game if cleared by the StinkySocks Hockey staff member. However, if a rostered player arrives late then the standby player must exit the game and will not be charged, as StinkySocks Hockey does not allow more than 10 skaters on a team.

Paying After Participation

After participating in a game as a standby player, the player must pay the associated game fee by 5PM of the following day. Any payment made after that time is subject to a late fee of $5 and pricing defaults to the full retail pricing of the game.

Failure to Pay – Collections

Failure to acknowledge a collections email/call or otherwise make payment within 7 days will cause the player’s eligibility to be put on hold and subject each outstanding game payment to a $20 collections fee. Multiple occurrences of standby game collections may subject the offending player to the Game Theft/Theft of Service Policy.

Pricing

The standby cost for any location is as follows:

• No Commitment Hockey level members wearing SSH jersey – $20
• Veteran level members wearing SSH jersey – $15
• Full Time level members wearing SSH jersey – $10
• Unlimited Membership holders wearing SSH jersey – FREE
• All others – full retail cost of the game

NCAA ice hockey rules will be enforced, with the following modifications.

GENERAL MODIFICATIONS

• No checking
• One strike rule on fighting: any involvement in a fight on or off the ice will result in a permanent lifetime ban from any and all StinkySocks hockey games, tournaments, leagues, etc.
• Blue line icing will be enforced.
• Ice blocks of 50 minutes will have a 3-minute warmup, (3) 15-minute running time periods, and one minute between periods. Ice blocks of 60 minutes will have a 5-minute warmup, (3) 17-minute running time periods, one minute between periods.
• All time is running time except the last minute of the period, if the score is within one goal.
• There are no timeouts allowed.
• Two on ice officials and one scorekeeper are provided.

PLAYOFF GAMES

There will be single elimination playoffs at the end of each season, with the top 4 teams making the playoffs. Any team that does not make the playoffs or are eliminated will still play their full amount of games stated in the season as regular games. Any playoff game that results in a tie after regulation time will result in a NHL-style shootout. Each team will be given three shots, unless the outcome is determined earlier in the shootout. After each team has taken three shots, if the score remains tied, the shootout will proceed to a “sudden death” format. A player may not be chosen to shoot again until everyone all other players on their team have shot.

FINAL GAMES

Any final game that results in a tie after regulation time will result in a five-minute sudden death overtime period, when allowed by the host facility. After a potential overtime period, or where not allowed by the host facility, a NHL-style shootout will take place. Each team will be given three shots, unless the outcome is determined earlier in the shootout. After each team has taken three shots, if the score remains tied, the shootout will proceed to a “sudden death” format. A player may not be chosen to shoot again until everyone all other players on their team have shot.

Each team may roster up to 20 skaters and an unlimited amount of goalies for their team, unless otherwise noted. A maximum of 15 skaters and 2 goalies may dress for any one game. 

Eligibility

All players must be registered and confirmed by the league office to be on the team’s active roster in order to be eligible to play.

To be eligible to play in any game, players must meet the following criteria:

• Be registered and confirmed on their team’s roster
• Have a waiver e-signed
• Be wearing a jersey matching the primary color of their team’s jerseys, and also have a unique number permanently affixed the back (e.g. numbers cannot made of hockey tape and no two players can have the same number in a game).
• Be a player in good standing, meaning the player is current on their dues and is not otherwise ineligible to participate in a StinkySocks Hockey game (admin hold, conduct case, etc)
• Be prepared to provide an ID or display their BYOT league helmet sticker at attendance

Teams are not be allowed to bring in a player who is not registered and confirmed to be on their roster under any circumstance. Any team who found to have allowed a player to participate who was not on their eligible player roster, or misrepresents a player being a player who they are not, will have the game it occurs in considered a forfeit. Regular forfeit rules for surrendering a future game to the other team will apply.

Player Classification

Paying Players – Full time players are players who are committed to your team for the season. By default, full time skaters share equally the cost of your team. Full time players are granted Full Time player benefits with StinkySocks Hockey while their league is active.

Non-Paying Goalie – Teams may decide if their goalie(s) pay or not. Those not paying are considered to be in this category. Teams are not limited on the amount of goalies on their roster and there is no charge for adding a goalie at any time.

Non-Paying Alternate Skater – Alternate skaters are charged only a $20 registration fee but do not contribute towards the team’s dues. Alternate skaters may participate in regular season games, and can participate in playoff games as long as they have played at least three prior regular season games in the current season.

Player Registration

Players may only register online with the unique team link that is provided by their captain. All players registered by the team’s registration deadline, as indicated on the team’s registration page, are eligible for the first game and will be on the roster provided to their captain at the season’s start.

Mid-Season Player Registration Process and Timelines

All players that come in after the team’s stated registration deadline are considered to be mid-season registrations. Mid-season registrations are manually processed, require a $20 late registration payment. Both the team captain a the player being added will receive a confirmation once they have been added to the team’s roster and the player being added is eligible only after that time. To be clear, skaters cannot be added on the same day as the game in which they wish to start.

Below are the timelines for mid-season registrations:

Any full time (paying) skaters or alternate (non-paying) skaters returning from a prior season on the same team must be added by noon on the business day prior to the game in which they wish to start to guarantee that they will be rostered. For weekend of Monday games, that translates to Fridays at 12PM.

New alternates (non-paying skaters) must be added five (5) days prior to the game in which they wish to start.

Goalies are the only players who are eligible immediately after submitting their registration online and e-signing their waiver. The do not require further confirmation, the captain simply has to notify the league office of their goalie’s registration.

Last Minute Player Needs

If you fall short for any one games, we can help. However, teams are not be allowed to bring in a player who is not on their roster under any circumstance. Doing so will subject the team to that game and one other being recored as a loss.

Goalies – If you are unable to secure your own goalie, please notify the league office as early as possible. Requests within 24 hours are difficult to fulfill. As such, please be sure to reconfirm your goalie and request a replacement, if needed, at least one business day prior to your game to increase the odds of one being able to be placed. Each team is provided four (4) complimentary goalie placements per season. Any placements beyond that are subject to a $20 fee for successful placement and must be paid at the time of request.

Skaters – If you need additional players for any one regular season game they may be sourced by the SSH league office from other teams in the same league. If the teams opts for this then you can take up to 3 skaters without the game resulting in a forfeit. However, accepting any players from another team for a playoff game will result in a forfeit.

Regular season points will be calculated on the following:

• Win – 2 points
• Tie – 1 point
• Loss – 0 points

Tie breakers for playoff determination:

1. Least games played
2. Least amount of penalty minutes
3. Most wins
4. Most goals for
5. Least goals against

Teams who join-mid season will have their stats prorated for the purpose of determining playoffs.

Teams should do whatever possible to avoid forfeits. When a team cannot field enough players for a game, forfeits fall into two categories:

FORFEIT

A team is considered to have forfeited a game in these cases:

• They are unable to produce at least five skaters by the end of the first period of a game, regardless of whether or not advance warning has been given.
• They have been found to have allowed a player to participate in a game who was not on their eligible player roster, or misrepresents a player being a player who they are not.

In the event of a forfeit, the opposing team will have a 1-0 win entered. The opposing team has the option to instead choose any of the forfeiting team’s remaining games as a makeup game. That must be elected within seven (7) days. If chosen, the 1-0 win is reversed and the other team’s forfeit effectively becomes one against themselves.

A team may play shorthanded until the end of the first period if they are awaiting more players or they may accept the forfeit prior to the start of the game. After a forfeit is entered, all players present will be evenly distributed in a pickup game format in order to get the best possible experience out of the time left.

This rule applies even in the case of notice being given in advance, unless the opposing team does not appear with enough players and a goalie. In that case or in the case that both teams agree to forfeit, the game will be recorded as a loss for both teams.

This rule does not apply if the non-forfeiting team is given advance notice and agrees to give the forfeiting team players in order to have the forfeiting team reach the minimum player threshold. If the non-forfeiting team’s players are used to reach the minimum threshold then an automatic loss will be given to the forfeiting team (see below).

AUTOMATIC LOSS

A team will automatically have a 1-0 loss in these cases:

• There are five or more skaters but no goalie by the end of the first period
• If an opposing team is given advance notice and agrees to give the forfeiting team players in order to have the forfeiting team reach the minimum skater threshold for a game to be played.

A team who is expecting their goalie to show up may play the first period without a goalie, whereas those not expecting a goalie may accept a forfeit prior to the start of the game. They may not play an additional skater, may not have a skater play in the crease, and may not have any of the skaters play with goalie privileges. After a 1-0 loss is entered, a game will continue in a pickup format, with skaters being asked to change sides approximately every 10 minutes so that both teams have the opportunity to shoot on the goalie.

AUTOMATIC TIE

Team will automatically have a 0-0 loss in these cases:

• When both teams appear with enough skaters but both fail to produce a goalie.
• When both teams appear with a goalie but not enough skaters.
• If both teams each either don’t have a goalie appear or don’t have enough skaters.
• If neither team appears for the game.

SITUATIONAL SUMMARY

Goalie and enough skaters = game played as planned
regular game

Goalie and enough skaters, with a maximum of 3 of those skaters being sourced by the league from other teams at the same level = game played as planned
regular game

Goalie and enough skaters with a more than 3 of those players being sourced by the league from other teams at the same level = automatic loss
a scrimmage game is played with the non-forfeiting team getting a 1-0 win

No goalie but enough skaters = automatic loss
a scrimmage game is played without a second goalie, the non-forfeiting team shoots on their own goalie and the forfeiting team shoots on posts, the non-forfeiting team gets a 1-0 win

Goalie but not enough skaters = automatic loss
a scrimmage game is played by splitting all players amongst the two teams, the non-forfeiting team gets a 1-0 win

Not enough skaters and no goalie = forfeit by no show
a scrimmage game is played by splitting all players amongst the two teams, the forfeiting team concedes a future game to the non-forfeiting team

Other team notified in advance and they agree to give up enough players to help reach the minimum skater threshold = automatic loss
a scrimmage game is played, the non-forfeiting team gets a 1-0 win

Team fails to appear = forfeit by no show
a scrimmage game is played by splitting up players present amongst the two teams, forfeiting team concedes a future game to the non-forfeiting team

Both teams appear but both do not have goalies = game played as planned
the game will be be recorded as a tie

Neither team appears = automatic losses for both
both teams will have the game recorded as unplayed and not earning any points

*for the purposes of this policy, a goalie may be self-sourced or sourced with the assistance of the league.

All players on a team must individually qualify for the level at which their team has entered. The league does not screen players in advance, as there’s an expectation that captains build their teams in a manner that’s fair and consistent with leveling guidelines.

As a system of checks and balances, captains from opposing teams may challenge the level eligibility of any opposing team during the regular season. To initiate a formal level challenge, a captain should submit a written request at any time during the regular season. Based upon staff observations and the feedback of other captains, the league will then issue a determination of the player’s eligibility.

Each team must have one set of matching uniforms and no two teams may have the same color. Teams may secure their color by being the first to secure their team’s spot. Teams may also choose to use the StinkySocks Hockey jersey set and/or reversible jersey. To play in a game, each player must have a jersey matching the primary color of their team’s jerseys, and also have a unique number permanently affixed the back (e.g. numbers cannot made of hockey tape and no two players can have the same number in a game).