Q: How do I provide notification if I can’t make a game that I registered for?
A: You can notify the league online, or by calling us at 617-440-7825.
Q: Can I get a refund if I need to cancel?
A: All NCH purchases are non-refundable. Cancellation benefits are available that provide a promotional gift certificate in the full value of the game is issued when cancelling more than 6 hours prior to game time. Your membership tier may provide additional game cancellation benefits.
Q: Is there a referee?
A: Yes, all games are officiated.
Q: Can I just show up and pay at the rink?
A: No, all bookings must be completed online. Skaters who can be positively identified by their StinkySocks Hockey jersey may go on standby for a game. If they are cleared to play, they must pay online by midnight on the day of the game. Refer to the standby policy for more info.
Q: There’s a game time and location that works for me but I don’t qualify for the level. Can I play?
A: Players at each game must individually qualify for the stated level range of the game. Skaters who display an ability level outside of the stated range may be asked play in a restricted manner (if above that range), or may be asked to leave. Please refer to our level policy for more information.
Q: Do I need a StinkySocks Hockey jersey?
A: All skaters need to own and wear a Stinkysocks Hockey jersey to be eligible to participate. Although encouraged, this does not apply to goalies.
Q: Are all players signing up through No Commitment Hockey?
A: No Commitment Hockey allows players to book when there are spots in a Standard Game that aren’t reserved by a committed player who has registered for the entire season through a season pass. As such there, there will be a mix of players who are season pass holders and have booked through No Commitment Hockey.
Q: Do you guarantee that there are going to be 2 goalies?
A: Due to the goalie placement processes that we have in place, our players come to expect 2 goalies at everyStinkySocks Hockey Standard Game. Although we cannot guarantee two goalies at any game, our Goalie Promise is that we do guarantee that we’ll do everything in our power to ensure that there are two goalies scheduled. In the event of a goalie callout or vacancy, most goalie spots are filled on their own through the Goalie No Commitment Hockey program. If a spot remains, the league office takes the every reasonable step to avoid having a game without a goalie, including the placement a goalie from our Goalie Reserve program, if available. Although rare, it is rare that there is a game that goes forward without two scheduled goalies. However, on occasion there may be a scheduled goalie who does not appear (no call/no show) or calls out too late for another goalie to be placed, resulting in a game without a goalie. In that event, we remain committed to ensure that doesn’t recur though a follow up process that’s governed by our goalie attendance policy.
Q: Can I play on the same team as a friend?
A: You can submit a team request for your game and we’ll do our best to place you on the same team.
Q: Are there going to be enough players for the game?
A: Most games fill up, or come close to full, by game time. We do not provide exact numbers to players in advance since it’s impossible that those numbers would give an accurate representation of the final numbers come game time.
Q: Under what conditions would a game be canceled? How would I be notified?
A: There must be at least 8 skaters and 2 goalies OR 10 skaters and 1 goalie scheduled for an Standard Game for it to proceed. Please note that the actual amount of skaters/goalies may be different than those scheduled if there are no call/no show(s). In the discretion of the host facility it may be necessary to cancel due to inclimate weather. In the event of a cancellation, players are notified by by text message (if the primary number on the order is capable of receiving text messages), phone, and/or email. In the event of a cancellation, those who booked through No Commitment Hockey may receive a refund to the original form of payment or be transferred into any other NCH listing.
Q: When will I get my team assignment?
A: For evening games, team assignments generally are emailed between 6PM and 7PM on the day of the game. Timing of team assignments for morning and afternoon games vary.
Q: Will everyone be at my level?
A: All games have a level range indicated. Although most ranges are specific, there still can be a little bit of a variance within that range. For example, the intermediate (C) level is open to players ranging from C- to C+. As such, any one game at that level should ideally have an equal distribution of C-, C, and C+ players. If there were say 75% C+ players registered then the game overall would skew to be a little faster than average, with the same principal applying if there was a critical mass of C-. Both of those situations are possible but what matters is that ALL players that are present individually qualify to be at that level. For friends of varying ability level who are looking to play together we offer a select amount of broader level games (e.g. mixed mid level – D+ through C+).
Q: How old do I have to be to play?
A: StinkySocks Hockey is a 21+ league. On a case by case basis exceptions can be made to allow those who are 18+ (contact us for more info).
Q: If something is imperfect will I get a credit?
A: We operate approximately 3,000 games per year and we strive for a consistently excellent experience at each one. However, there are times when things don’t go exactly to plan. If that happens and we could have done better then we’ll reach out to all players and let them know what happened, as well as provide any necessary goodwill credit. Situations that fall outside of that context include goalie and skater no shows, or other situations that are outside of our control.
Q: If a game is full can I go on standby?
A: Yes, any player who our staff can positively identify by their StinkySocks Hockey jersey may go on standby for a game. If there is space and they are cleared to play, they must pay online by midnight on the day of the game. Refer to the standby policy for more info.
Q: What equipment is required?
A: Full equipment is required. Shoulder pads, mouth guard, and face shield (skaters), are optional but highly recommended for your safety. Please refer to our equipment policy for more info.
Q: How are lines formed?
A: How lines will be formed will depend on the consensus of the players on your team. Most prefer a rotating bench (first on, first off), particularly if there aren’t a full 10 players. All players should be mindful of their shifts to be sure that everyone is getting equitable ice time (refer to our equitable ice time policy for more info).