Niagara Sports Tournaments

Tournament Rules

1. All games will be played under WNY/USA hockey rules. This is a USA hockey sanctioned tournament. ALL players must be recognized by USA hockey or C.A.H.A/ OMHA. The use of any illegal or unauthorized played will result in immediate team expulsion from the tournament and the loss of all fees paid. Teams must sign in on team’s sheet before first game.
2. There will be three (ten 10) minute periods in mites, three eleven (11) minute periods in Squirt divisions, three twelve (12) in Peewee, Bantam and Junior Varsity, and three thirteen (13) in Midget divisions. No time outs are allowed in regular division games. A maximum of one minute will be given between periods in all games. A delay of game penalty will be given if teams exceed that time. This is to ensure that game times stay on schedule during the tournament.
3. Minor penalties shall be 2 minutes (1.5 minutes for mites and squirts), major penalties- 5 minutes and misconduct penalties- 10 minutes. All Match Penalties will be handled in accordance with USA Hockey. Upon receiving a Match Penalty, the PLAYER, COACH OR MANAGER will be suspended for the duration of the tournament. A Match Penalty hearing will take place prior to the end of the tournament. The PLAYER, COACH OR MANAGER charged will be notified of time and place of hearing for which they must be present. The Coach or Manager must come into the registration area immediately after the game to be told the time and date of the hearing. The hearing committee will include the Supervisor of Officials of the Tournament, the Tournament Chairman and one other tournament staff member. The Match Penalty committee will render its decision in writing, with copies sent to USA Hockey, the Home organization and the PLAYER, COACH OR MANAGER who received the match penalty. The hearing decision will be made prior to the conclusion of said tournament. It is the coach's responsibility to have this decision in hand before the tournament ends.
4. Any penalty for fighting or match penalty given will result in automatic suspension from the tournament.
5. Teams must be present and ready to play no later than 1/2 hour before scheduled game time.
6. Before playing first game, all teams must sign in and present their USA, GTHL or OMHA hockey roster or to tournament registrar for final approval noting any changes since application time.
7. Only players and a maximum of 4 team officials will be permitted at the player's bench.
8. In the event that a team obtains a 5-goal lead during the third period, stop time will be changed to running time. If the lead becomes
9. THE RULES COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY ANY RULE HEREIN WHICH IS DEEMED NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE TOURNAMENT OR AMATEUR HOCKEY. THE DECISION OF THE RULES COMMITTEE IS FINAL.
10. Car keys are required for dressing room keys in registration room. The locker room should be clean upon arrival. Your team is responsible for picking up after itself after use and reporting any damage to tournament officials. When room is cleaned by your team and tournament staff member checks it, and the key returned, your car keys will be returned. If damage to the dressing rooms occurs, teams will be responsible for full payment of damage before leaving the ice facility.

Tournament Format

All games are worth 5 points until your division starts the elimination rounds (quarterfinals, semifinal, crossover games). In these rounds, whatever team win advances.

Ties will be broken by:

1. Head to head
2. Fewest Goals allowed (total of all games).
3. Least Penalty Minutes (All misconducts will be assessed 10 minutes to the game sheet).

Overtime rules for Championship and Crossover games.

1. There will be one five-minute "sudden death overtime" period consisting of 4 players from each team.
2. Penalties will be played as 4 on 3. If the penalty killing team takes an additional penalty the power play team will gain a player making the advantage 5 on 3.
3. Teams do not switch ends. The ice will not be resurfaced.
4. If the game does not end via a goal being scored, a shoot-out will be used. Each team will designate three players to participate who will take shots. USA hockey penalty shot rules will be used. The team scoring the most goals in the shootout round of the 3 shots will be the winner. Additional shooters will be used if teams are in a tie.
5. The home team gets the option of shooting first or last.

Please remember that all USA and New York State Hockey rules apply during all tournaments.

Zero Tolerance is in effect for all coaches, players and spectators and will be strictly enforced by the referees. If unruly spectators are asked to leave and do not, the clock will begin to run until that spectator complies. Each team coach is responsible for his parents. Make sure that the parents understand that this rule will be strictly enforced. It may negatively affect your team.

Penalties:

1. Checking from behind is a 2 and 10 minimum or a 5 minute and a game.
2. A game misconduct will result in the suspension of that player for the remainder of the game and the next game unless 3rd man in rule applies.
3. Any player that gets 5 or more penalties in a game will result in the suspension of that player in that game and the following game.
4. Any coach whose team incurs 15 or more penalties in one game will result in the suspension of that coach in the following game. The coach may watch the game from the stands but may not communicate with the team in any manner. Failure to abide by these will result in the expulsion of the coach from the tournament and the rink.
5. Games involving a Match penalty will result in an immediate suspension and expulsion of that person from the tournament. Further disciplinary actions will be taken against the coach, team or player. USA hockey will be notified along with the parent organization.

Check out the attractions around the rink

• Seneca Niagara Falls Casino
• Niagara Falls Parks System
• Spanish AeroCar
• Live NHL Hockey
• Incredible Shopping
• Maid of the Mist
• Niagara Power Vista

Screening Process

Rules:

All U.S.A. Hockey Rules and Regulations will be applicable. Tournament Rules are posted on our website under the tournament rules link. Please note that all of our tournaments are run on a point-per-period scoring system, where each game is worth 5 points which will be divided between the two teams.

Registration:

All U.S. and Canadian Teams must be registered with their respective parent organizations for the 2015-2016 season. Only U.S.A. hockey age classifications will be accepted. A certified U.S.A. or C.A.H.A. Hockey Team roster will be required before final acceptance is granted. It must also be presented at registration check-in.

Level of Competition:

Classification systems (AAA, AA, A, B, AE, house select & house) may have slightly different meanings from area to area. Expect to encounter teams that may have different eligibility or classification rules that may not correspond to what you are accustomed to in your area. The age groups for USA Hockey and those of the Canadian Hockey Association are basically the same, however, areas that have large numbers of registered players tend to further delineate within the 2-year window allowed for each age group. In these situations, teams composed of exclusively or primarily of players in their 1st year of eligibility of a particular age group will play in their respective home areas against like teams.

Examples:

New York has areas that use both the two year USA Hockey age window and the single calendar year to determine the make-up of their teams. There are also teams that travel from New York who are rostered as B/travel.

Ontario has much more skill classification, per the calendar year age grouping than any USA Hockey affiliate. These include AAA, AA, A, BB, B, AE (additional entry) and House. Many governing bodies within Ontario also permits Select or All-Star teams to form for the sole purpose of competing in events.

Cleveland Suburban League uses the RPI system and classifies teams as AA, A1, A2, A3, B1, and B2.

In Massachusetts, teams are classified A, B, and C with the exception of the Boston Metro League.

In Michigan they’re referred to as “A” teams, in Ontario & Western New York they are referred to as “minor” teams. Michigan is still the only place in the universe, to our knowledge, where the A & AA classifications are age groups and not skill levels.

Ohio is growing their hockey programs rapidly, but there are not the concentrations of players you'll find in Michigan or Illinois and therefore the talent is also spread out. Each season we see additional ice arenas being built, added to or renovated in Ohio. With the addition of the Blue Jackets in Columbus, it's only a matter of time.

Indiana like Ohio suffers from a lack of ice arenas. Again there are several programs across the state and new arenas are being built each season. House program teams in Indiana do not travel to tournaments. Programs in Indiana typically form an All-Star team from their house programs which either compete in the B or A brackets of our events.

Florida also has an interesting way of organizing youth hockey. A & AA teams are typically designated as such depending on the league you choose. For instance, teams playing in the Central Florida Hockey League are all designated A teams with those teams playing in the statewide league designated as AA teams. In addition, a team can be formed in Florida for the sole purpose of attending a tournament and these teams are rostered as tournament teams.

Playing Levels - Boys Teams

Our tournament divisions are based on the following general guidelines. Variations are possible based on the skill level of specific teams:

AA - The "best" or first picked travel team within a Tier II organization. These teams will often consist primarily of "second-year" or "major" aged players within the age group. In some cases, Major A teams are also a more appropriate fit for this level.

A - The second team or lower teams within a hockey organization and/or teams consisting Primarily of "first-year" players within the age classification or "minor" teams of a suitable skill level.

B - The third, or lower, travel level teams chosen within a Tier II organization or teams that are classified as Tier III. Teams at the B levels may often be populated by many players in their first year of "travel" hockey.

Playing Levels - Girls Teams

AA - Top competitive team in an association or district.

A - Competitive travel teams that are tournament bound.

B - Recreational/House/Travel teams that are not tournament bound.

C - Developmental teams - Teams that mainly comprised of first-year players with no more than 20% returning players

Playing Levels - High School - Varsity / JV

Age divisions and classifications may vary between the U.S. and Canada and, in some cases, from state to state. The tournament director will discuss appropriate placement of all teams to ensure fair, competitive and equitable playing divisions.

Accomodation Policy

Teams are required to stay at one of the approved host hotels. A list of approved hotels will be sent as soon as the entry fee is received. The reservation committee will book all team rooms. Teams are not allowed to book their own reservations. It is suggested that team managers/coaches respond quickly since there are limited rooms available at each hotel. Call for further information.

Please note - Teams that do not stay at approved hotels will be removed from the tournament and forfeit their entry fees.

Please complete the electronic registration. The application will not be processed until the entry fee is received. Applications are taken in the order they are received. Full payment must be included in U.S. funds.

A CERTIFIED BANK CHECK OR ASSOCIATION CHECK SHOULD BE USED.

Hotels

Live stats will be available once a tournament starts.

Check out the schedule for the Niagara Falls Columbus Day tournament!

NST Tournaments Features:

A friendly, courteous staff with a tournament director present at ALL times.

Experienced Referees with the Supervisor of Officials present for EVERY game.

First Class hotel rooms at the LOWEST rates in WNY.

ONLY Tournament operator in WNY to have an EMT present at every game.

Great restaurants, tourist attractions, casino gambling.

Convenient Tournament dates so the LEAST amount of school is missed.

Buffalo Sabres and Niagara University Division I hockey.

Game sheets prepared by tournament staff for every game.

We will have a parents party at the rink from 9pm-1am. Complimentary beer and entertainment will be provided.

After one game, NST will provide a tray of pizza that can be enjoyed in J.R. Stone room, which is attached to the rink.

Why play with NST?

Voted #1 Tournament Operator in WNY

We spend hundreds of hours screening each application, and unlike other organizations that run 20-30 tournaments per year, we run 5 tournaments. With more than enough applicants, we carefully place each team, where the objective of these larger tournament venues is to fill their tournaments with as many teams as possible.

With 25 years of experience, we have learned over the years that keeping things organized makes it easier for everyone. and for our attendees.

We provide a tournament schedule 3-4 weeks prior to the tournament event. Schedules seldom change since we put our schedules through a rigorous approval process, not to mention that all teams have already paid in full, and we typically have a waiting list.

USA Hockey Sanctioned

Each player receives thank you gift (bag tag, puck, etc) for entering the tournament. The gift changes every tournament. Teams that advance to the championship game receive either individual runner-up or championship trophies. Champions will also receive a team trophy. Understanding kids expectations when making it to the Championship game; we spare no expense when it comes to our trophies.

Multiple Team/Tournament Discounts

Balanced, Competitive, well thought out Divisions

Individual and Team awards for Finalists and Champions

3 - 5 games guaranteed

Complimentary Bag Tag for each Player

Zero Tolerance Policy

USA Hockey is committed to creating a safe and fair environment for all participants. Respect for the game, the opponents, coaches and officials is a critical part of the environment that is created. This Zero Tolerance Policy summarizes required actions to be taken when violations occur.

All players, coaches, officials, team officials and administrators and parents/spectators are required to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all USA Hockey sanctioned games. Thus, the following points of emphasis must be implemented by all USA Hockey participants and spectators.

Players

A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:

1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
2. Taunts or incites an opponent.
3. Visually creates a disturbance during the game.

Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the player continues such action.

Coaches

A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach:

1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
2. Uses obscene, profane or abusive language to anyone at any time.
3. Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision including standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting the officials, players or spectators.

Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty.

In addition, any player/coach who uses language that is hateful or discriminatory in nature anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game shall be penalized under Rule 601(e.3) resulting in a match penalty. Such behavior is reprehensible and has absolutely no place in our game. The offender shall be immediately suspended until a hearing is conducted by the governing USA Hockey Affiliate or Junior League.

Officials

Officials are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike, impartial and constructive manner at all times. The actions of an official must be above reproach. Actions such as “baiting” or inciting players or coaches are strictly prohibited.

Officials are strongly encouraged to introduce themselves to the coaches prior to the game to establish a basis of mutual respect and to facilitate/define in-game communication.

Officials are ambassadors of the game and must always conduct themselves with this responsibility in mind.

Parents / Spectators

Parents are expected to be a positive role model by treating all players, coaches, officials and fellow spectators with respect and support.

The game will be stopped by game officials when parents/ spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game. The game officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/ spectators from the spectator’s viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include:

1. Use of obscene, profane or abusive language to anyone at any time.
2. Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
3. Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.

USA Hockey strongly recommends that each local youth hockey registered team designate a volunteer to serve as a parent/spectator monitor during all team games. This monitor will, ideally, address inappropriate spectator behavior prior to the situation escalating to the point it has an impact on the game. This designated monitor shall have the full support of the youth hockey association and the arena management to remove any spectator in violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy.

Administrators

Administrators are the key to building a positive, growing and safe USA Hockey community. Create a culture that is:

1. Welcoming
2. Protected
3. Respected
4. Connected
5. Valued

Administrators are responsible for enforcing the rules and policies established and approved by USA Hockey, their Affiliate, and their Association or Club. This includes taking disciplinary action, as deemed appropriate, towards any parent/spectator removed from a game as a result of a violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy.