4v4 OT Rules

 

Section 2 Overtime Protocol

(Adopted Nov. 2023)

 

  • In the event of a tie at the end of regulation play, there will be a 3-minute intermission followed by a 5-minute sudden death overtime (OT) period to be played 4v4.  Teams will be allowed a timeout during OT if not already used in regulation.

 

  • If there is a penalty during OT, the offending team will lose a player and go down 4v3.  If the offending team is assessed an additional penalty, they will go down 5v3 (see Exception #1 below).

 

  • If there is an ongoing 5v4 power play at the end of regulation, OT period will begin 4v3. 

 

  • If there is an ongoing 4v3 power play at the end of regulation, OT period will begin 4v3.

 

  • If there is ongoing 4v4 play at the end of regulation, OT period will begin 3v3.

 

  • If there is ongoing 3v3 play at the end of regulation, the OT period will begin 3v3.  

 

  • As penalties for each team expire, play will work back to up to a max of 4v4 play.  Once the second penalties for each team expire and there is a stoppage of play, those players may leave the penalty box.  Additional players/penalties must wait for a stoppage of play to leave the penalty box.  

 

  • Exception #1 to the max of 4v4 play:  If there is an ongoing 5v3 power play at the end of regulation, or one occurs during the OT period, it will be played 5v3.  When the first penalty expires, teams will play 5v4 until the next whistle, then reset to 4v3.  If the second penalty expires before the next whistle, teams will play 5v5 until there is a stoppage in play, then reset to 4v4. 

 

  • Exception #2 to the max of 4v4 play:  Depending on the penalty situation, teams may pull their goalie.  It is possible to create a max of 6v5 if a goalie is pulled.

 

  • Coaches and referees will be in full agreement of procedures throughout the OT period.  Do not begin the OT period or restart play after a whistle during the OT period if there are any questions about how many players should be on the ice for each team.

 

  • If the teams remain tied at the end of OT, the game is declared a tie.

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