Series Rules

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Championship Series Points System

Points will be awarded to teams for all games played in the four listed tournaments. These points are tallied and will determine the Series winner. Pool play games and playoff games will be awarded points, with additional points earned for final tournament standings.
  • In pool play: Win 3 points, OT Win 2 points, Tie/OT Loss 1 point
  • In playoff play: 1st place 12 points, 2nd place 8 points, semi-final losers 5 points
*This point system is used for the chase for the Rivals Championship, not points for seeding in pool play. Please refer to local tournament rules for pool play seeding points and guidelines.

Tournament Series Rules

All tournaments will be played under USA Ball Hockey Rules with local tournament modifications. The USABH Rulebook, as well as the USABH Tournament Suspension Matrix, will both be utilized. The tournament series is not affiliated with USABH. Individual local tournaments may or may not be USABH sanctioned events. Any Code of Conduct or rule violations that have multi-game sanctions will carry from tournament to tournament. USABH Rules RIVALS Suspension Matrix is in effect! Each organization participating is responsible to read and understand the rules, including local tournament modifications to rules.
SERIES RULES MODIFICATIONS:
ROSTERING & UNIFORMS
  • Rosters from organizations battling for the Rivals Championship must submit rosters by February 25, 2027. Rosters are locked for the series, exceptions on a case-by-case and with agreement from tournament host. Players from an organization may play up/play in two divisions.
  • Players are not permitted to 'dual roster' and play for two tournament dek hockey teams.
  • No team is permitted to roster a player who is or was also rostered to the ABHA or PABHA for the Spring 2027 tournament season, even if the team is now defunct. It is incumbent upon organizations to ensure that any player on their roster was not dual-rostered in the Spring 2026 season.
  • Rosters for teams entering individual tournaments must be submitted a minimum of 14 days prior to the tournament organizer with payment in full to the organizer.
  • Female players can play down a division, within a one year offset.
  • All players must wear full uniforms for all games - this includes jersey - including goalies - if a player does not have the correct uniform on the player can not enter the game.
POOL PLAY POINTS & TIEBREAKERS
Shutout Points: 2 points for shutoutMax 8 for differentialMax 20 pointsIf Goal Differential gets to 8 prior to end of 2nd, score locks, but game continues to end of 2nd Tie breakersPointsHead to Head (only 2 teams or hierarchy)WinsGoal DifferentialGoals AgainstCoin Flip
OVERTIME
  • OT-Pool Play: Five-minute running clock OT, 4 v 4, no zone flip, can end in a tie. *At discretion of local tournament, due to rink availability and scheduling. Local tournament OT rules may vary.
  • OT-Playoffs (Quarter, Semi): Five-minute running clock OT, 4 v 4, no zone flip.; if remains tied, 3-person shootout, Oshi Rule.
  • OT-Finals: 4v4 with a five-minute stopped clock, then, 3v3 with a five-minute stopped clock, repeat 3v3 until there is a winner.
CODE OF CONDUCT
TOURNAMENT TIERING:
  • Teams will be asked what tier they are and place teams in their requested tier. Tournament host, with input from Team Reps, reserve the right to re-tier teams. Teams initially entered as B will be moved to last seed in A, if re-tiered. Teams entered as A may be re-tiered and after a discussion with the Head Coach and the Tournament Representatives.