Rules & Regulations

Dallas Stars Tournaments 7-Eleven Extreme Tournament Series is governed by USA Hockey and officially sanctioned by the appropriate registrar for the district where tournament events are held. All tournament games are played according to the rules and regulations of USA Hockey, except where noted. Any exceptions to the rules and regulations of USA Hockey are approved by the appropriate registrar and the host affiliate association.

Tournament Procedures

1. Verification that all participating teams are properly registered with USA Hockey or their country’s federation is required prior to the start of the tournament. A USA Hockey Official Team Roster Form (1-T) approved by the District or Associate Registrar or Hockey Canada Certified Player Roster approved by the governing Canadian federation is required for all participating teams and shall be proof that all participating teams are properly registered and all participants are playing in the appropriate age classification and level. Teams should have the required documentation and/or information available during all tournament games.
   

   IMPORTANT SAFESPORT REQUIREMENTS: All players 17 years of age or older on or before December 31 of the playing season and who play on a team in a classification that allows minor-age players, must have completed SafeSport training. This applies to all teams in the age classifications for youth, girls, high school, junior hockey, flex hockey, and disabled hockey. Rosters will be checked to ensure all teams comply.

2. All teams must complete and submit the required online Tournament Roster and Team Information Form prior to the start of the tournament and on or before the requested deadline which includes information and official documentation confirming teams are properly registered and playing in the appropriate age classification and level, uploading of team roster details into Hockey Shift (our stats and standings program), verify Stay-2-Play hotel accommodation information for visiting teams and submit any required waivers, or other tournament related information or documentation that may be required. No other methods of submission will be accepted unless approved (and/or directed) by the Tournament Series Director or Tournament Series Committee. Please do not submit Tournament Roster or Team Information via email. Please do not submit online Tournament Roster or Team Information Form multiple times. 
   1. A USA Hockey Official Team Roster (1-T) approved by the appropriate District or Associate Registrar or Official Team Roster approved by the country’s federation or governing body is required for all teams.
   2.  All rosters must be designated as either “Tier I”, “Tier II” or “House/Rec”, as appropriate.
   3. All USA Hockey players must have a valid USA Hockey registration confirmation number for the current season that is verified on the approved USA Hockey Official Team Roster (1-T).
   4. All USA Hockey coaching staff and team personnel must have a valid USA Hockey registration confirmation number for the current season, a current/approved background screening, a current/approved USAH SafeSport certification, and current/valid Coaching certification at the level of play for the team they are coaching that is verified on the approved USA Hockey Official Team Roster (1-T).
   5. All non-USA Hockey players, coaching staff and team personnel must meet similar requirements as listed above and be certified according to the country’s federation or governing body that is verified on the approved USA Hockey Official Team Roster (1-T) or Hockey Canada Certified Player Roster.
   6. Travel Permits are required and will be verified for all Non-USA Hockey teams, and any team from an Affiliate requiring Travel Permits.
      1. All Canadian teams must submit an approved travel permit no less than 30 days prior to the start of tournament and an approved Canadian Official Team Roster must accompany the travel permit.  Final acceptance into the tournament will not be granted until the Travel Permit is verified by USA Hockey / Rocky Mountain District. 
      2. No Hockey Super League (HSL) travel permits will be accepted
   7. Rosters submitted for upload to HockeyShift must match the team’s verified/approved USA Hockey Official Team Roster (1-T) or Hockey Canada Certified Player Roster.
3. Unless otherwise approved by the Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Series Committee, and except where noted, the following applies to all participating teams. All decisions of the Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Committee are final.
4. Players can only be rostered on one (1) team and will NOT be allowed to play for multiple teams, regardless of what division the teams are in. Please note that NO players can be added to the roster at game time. No combining of teams/players or substitutions will be accepted.
5. Youth House/Rec teams must be comprised of players on their original/existing House/Rec team roster and must also play in the same division and level as their respective House/Rec League season. Youth House/Rec rosters should be comprised of House League players only. No players playing AND/OR practicing on a travel/select/tournament team may play or be rostered on a House/Rec team.
6. In the event of a player injury, or other urgent need (e.g. emergency goalie), substitute player eligibility will be determined and reviewed for approval on a case-by-case basis.
7. All team representatives are responsible for checking the rink front desk for any schedule changes, suspensions and other important information. All schedules, scores and standings will be updated via Hockey Shift (www.starcenter.hockeyshift.com) throughout the tournament weekend. This online scoring system contains game schedules, game scores and up to date placements for finals. Individual player & goaltender statistics will not be updated on Hockey Shift for 6U & 8U Divisions. Note: Bracket boards will not be posted at the rink and teams will need to monitor Hockey Shift for updates on the Finals.
8. Venue Coordinator, General Manager and/or rink staff on duty will be available at each facility to answer questions regarding scheduling, tournament events, directions and other matters pertinent to the tournament operation. However, as stated, each team is responsible for ensuring pertinent information is communicated to all team members daily.
9. The Dallas Stars Tournament Series Director, members of the Tournament Organizing Committee, and StarCenters staff may also be available at various times during the tournament to answer any questions regarding specific hockey issues. The Tournament Series Director is responsible for all inquiries or disputes regarding application of rules, interpretation of rules, player eligibility, disciplinary action and any other procedural disputes. The Tournament Series Director will not overturn any dispute concerning rules and / or the judgment applied by on-ice officials. All decisions of the Dallas Stars Tournament Series Director are final.

General Rules & Regulations

1. Locker Rooms: All teams must use assigned locker rooms posted at the front desk; on the rink TV monitors or at other locations throughout the rink. It is highly recommended that the team lock the door to the locker room while their team is playing. The Dallas Stars will not be held responsible for any items lost or stolen during the tournament. Locker room keys are available from, and must be returned to, the rink staff at the front desk. Locker rooms must be vacated and cleaned, within thirty minutes from the time a game ended. Keys may be picked up forty-five (45) minutes prior to your game time. Each team needs to ensure that locker room is clean (no remaining trash/tape/food/drink) prior to vacating it. Team representatives are responsible for all damage done to the locker room or the facility.
   1. Monitoring: It is the policy of USA Hockey that all teams have at least one responsible adult (head/assistant coach or other approved team personnel) directly monitoring the locker room during all tournament events to ensure that only participants (coaches and players), and other approved team personnel are permitted in the locker room to supervise the conduct in and around the locker rooms at all times while participants are present and also make sure the locker room is appropriately secured during times when minor participants are on the ice. All responsible adults serving as locker room monitors should be gender correct and the co-ed locker room policy must be followed. Monitors must be screened per USA Hockey screening standards and USA Hockey Safe Sport certified. Unapproved, non-team personnel, including parents and family members are discouraged from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary.
   2. Cell Phones and Other Mobile Recording Devices: Per USA Hockey policy, cell phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms. If phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room.
2. Rosters: Only players (including goalkeepers) listed on the Official Team Roster and USA Hockey 1-T Form or Hockey Canada Certified Player Roster may play in tournament games. A player’s name may only appear on one (1) roster for the Tournament. Any team using a player not properly listed on the team roster or listed on more than one (1) roster will forfeit (1-0) any and all affected games. Any team using a player suspended for any reason will forfeit that game (1-0) and the suspended player will be ejected for the remainder of the tournament. Suspended players may attend tournament games but are not allowed on the player bench area. Again, players may only play on one team in the tournament. Players cannot play for multiple teams in one or multiple divisions. Exceptions may be made for goaltenders in extenuating circumstances. Game suspensions (prior to the tournament and/or not served from a previous tournament) carry over and still apply to the tournament games. All decisions of the Dallas Stars Tournament Director related to rosters are final.
3. Supplemental Roster Verification: Teams may be subject to supplemental Team roster and/or individual player verification at any time. If it is determined by the Credentials Committee during Official Team roster submission, or by the Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Series Committee at any point during round robin game(s) that a team in any tournament division is playing with ineligible players, or the level of the team is far above their competition, in the Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Series Committee’s sole discretion, that team may be subject to supplemental discipline, including but not limited to, permitting the team to play the minimum number of games, but receiving a 1-0 forfeit loss for those games and not being permitted to advance to the championship round, suspension of individual players and/or coaches, or disqualification of the team from the tournament. Note: All Players on the roster must play in at least one preliminary round game to be eligible for the playoff round. 
4. Game/Score Sheet: Coaches or Managers must check in before each game at the desk and mark any scratches from a game (player not dressing) that must be reported to the scorekeeper prior to the start of the game. A copy of the score sheet may only be obtained from the tournament website after the game concludes. Do not wait on the ice surface, or in/around the player’s bench, penalty box or scorekeeping area for the score sheet. No hard copy game sheets will be handed out. No pictures of the game sheets will be allowed. Each team representative is responsible for checking the accuracy of the score sheet. Discrepancies must satisfy one of the following criteria below: 
   1. Changing of a goal scorer only if such change affects the goal scorer's qualification for a USAH hat trick patch
   2. Changing of an assist (no additional assists will be allowed) only if such change affects the goal scorer’s qualification for a playmaker patch
   3. Correction of Goalie minutes played
   4. Correction if a wrong player was assessed a penalty on the score sheet
   5. Removing a player from the score sheet who did not participate in the game
   6. Adding a player who participated in the game but was inadvertently omitted from the score sheet

      Discrepancies must be reported to the Tournament Series Director in writing via email (tournaments@dallasstars.com) for review prior to the start of the next scheduled game. Once verified and approved, scoresheets will be updated online as soon as practicable. In the event the tournament and or a division format does not allow for tracking of individual player & goalie statistics (e.g. 6U & 8U Divisions), related discrepancies will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Tournament Series Director will not overturn any dispute concerning rules and/or the judgment applied by on-ice officials. All decisions of the Dallas Stars Tournament Series Director and or Tournament Series Committee are final.

5. Uniforms: Home and Visiting teams are indicated on the tournament schedule. Home teams shall wear light colored jerseys and matching socks.Visitors will wear dark colored jerseys and matching socks. Teams may wear dark socks with light jerseys or vice-versa, but both socks must be the same. All jerseys must have a player number clearly displayed. Taped numbers or players without numbers will not be permitted to participate in the tournament games. Numbers worn must correspond to the numbers listed on the scorekeeper’s roster.
6. Protective Equipment:The following protective equipment is required.
   1. USA Hockey Compliant Helmet: (HECC Certified) must always be worn during warm-ups, games, handshake line and in the bench area.
   2. Skates
   3. Stick
   4. Gloves
   5. Hockey Pants
   6. Elbow Pads
   7. Shin Pads
   8. Shoulder Pads
   9. Full-Face Shield: All Youth players, including goalkeepers, are required to wear a full-face shield.
   10. Mouth Guards: All Youth players, including goalkeepers, are required to wear a mouth guard
   11. Neck Guards: Per USA Hockey Rules and Hockey Canada Rules Agreement, all Canadian players must wear certified throat protectors.
7. Player’s Bench: Only players (including goalkeepers), coaches and/or team personnel listed on the Official Team Roster are eligible to be on the players’ bench during the games. Teams are limited to (4) four team officials on the player's bench at any given time. A player or goalkeeper on the Official Team Roster who is unable to play, other than through suspension, may be on the players’ bench without being considered team personnel provided he/she is in uniform (e.g. team jersey) and wearing all required head and face protective equipment. Suspended players may attend tournament games but are not allowed on the players’ bench or surrounding area. All parents, visitors and spectators are to remain away from the player’s bench and penalty box areas. All team coaches and/or team personnel may occupy the player’s bench prior to the completion of the ice resurfacing. All players shall remain off the ice surface until the Zamboni doors have been completely closed, nets are in place and on-ice officials are present. Failure to do so may result in a minor penalty assessment. Except for the tournament finals, all players shall exit the ice surface immediately after the center ice handshakes.
8. Penalty / Box Attendant: Each team is responsible to provide its own penalty box monitor or attendant. Monitors are strictly there to assist the player and scorekeeper with opening and closing the door. They are not permitted to impact to the game and are strictly prohibited from becoming verbally active with any game official. Penalty box monitors may not use phones, cameras or any other photographic equipment or electronic devices while in the penalty box area. Any such activity will result in immediate removal from the penalty box area, and possibly the rink for the duration of the tournament. All parents, visitors and spectators are to remain away from the player’s bench and penalty box areas.
9. USA Hockey Officials: All officials that oversee tournament games are to be certified by USA Hockey.
10. Penalties:Penalty times for all divisions will be as follows:
    1. Minor                                  2:00 minutes
    2. Major                                  5:00 minutes
    3. Misconduct                      10:00 minutes

       *Penalties during running or stop time are of the same duration.

       15 Team penalties in a game – Rule 401B	1 game suspension for Coach - Suspension is the next scheduled 1 game of that team currently appearing on the schedule at the time of the assessment.
       2 Major penalties in a game – Rule 403B	2 game suspension for player - Suspension is the next scheduled 2 games of that team currently appearing on the schedule at the time of the assessment.
       5 penalties to the same player in a game – Rule 401B	1 game suspension for player -Suspension is the next scheduled 1 game of that team currently appearing on the schedule at the time of the assessment.
       Checking from Behind + 2 Minute Minor + Misconduct -  Rule 608A	2 minute minor + misconduct - No suspension; penalty served in the box, and can resume play.
       Checking from Behind + 5 Minute Major + Game Misconduct – Rule 608B or Match Penalty for Intent to Injure – Rule 608C/Rule 602A – which results in a Match Penalty (See below)	1 Game Suspension - Suspension is the next scheduled 1 game of that team currently appearing on the schedule at the time of the assessment (Major + GM) OR suspended from all USA Hockey activities pending a hearing by the governing body of that player.
       Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct - Rule 601 (e.3)	A Match Penalty shall be assessed to any player(s) or team official(s) who uses language that is offensive, hateful or discriminatory in nature anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game.
       Match Penalty	Suspended from all USA Hockey activities pending hearing by the governing body of the player; Requires a TAHA Hearing, or according to the local rules (for non-TAHA teams).
       Fighting Major Rule 615A-F	Tournament suspension

11. Misconducts: Any fighting or match penalty will result in an immediate tournament suspension. Game misconduct penalties will result in a minimum one game suspension. The Tournament Series Director will not overturn any dispute concerning rules and / or the judgment applied by on-ice officials. The Dallas Stars Tournament Series Director’s decisions regarding misconducts are final. Any players required to serve a suspension from a prior USA Hockey game must complete the suspension prior to playing in the first game of the tournament. By way of example, if a player incurred a suspension in his last game prior to the tournament, this suspension must be served even if the player must miss the first game of the tournament.
12. Game Time: On-ice officials have discretion to begin the games fifteen (15) minutes prior to its scheduled start time. All teams must be ready to begin play fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled start time of each game, except for the first game each day. If the on-ice officials are ready to begin the game within the fifteen (15) minute time period and a team is not ready to begin at that time, it will be given a one (1) minute grace period. If a team is not ready to start at the conclusion of the grace period, the game will be forfeited (1 – 0). Otherwise, the game will start at the conclusion of the warm-up period.

Policies

1. Zero Tolerance Policy: The Dallas Stars Tournaments Series support the USA Hockey zero tolerance initiatives for verbal abuse of any player, official, parent or spectator. Dallas Stars Tournament Series Director and/or rink staff reserves the right to remove any violator from the premises. Team representatives and/or coaches are responsible for the actions and behaviors of their players, parents and fans. The game officials reserve the right to assess penalties for abuse, from players, the bench, or the fans. The Tournament Series Committee and/or Tournament Series Director has the right to refuse play of the upcoming game or for future games for any player who threatens or uses obscene or abusive language to any member of the Dallas Stars Tournaments or StarCenter or facility staff. The Tournament Series Director, Tournament Series Committee and/or facility staff reserve the right to remove and prohibit further entrance to the facility, to any individual that the Tournament Series Director, Tournament Series Committee and/or facility staff deem in their sole discretion, to display general unsportsmanlike behavior.
2. Team Placements: A Credentials Committee determines the eligibility of each player, coach and team to participate in the tournament as required in the current USA Hockey Annual Guide and has verified the appropriate level of coaching credentials for all coaches. The committee uses its best efforts to place teams in competitive brackets based on several factors, which may include their registration with USA Hockey, placement in their local league, and the record of the team in league play (assuming a record exists). International teams, and tournament teams with no record of play are placed based on either knowledge of other teams in their local, or from discussion with the respective coach and team manager to gain an understanding of their play, compared to those locally. The Tournament Series Committee and/or Tournament Series Director has the right to align teams or change teams in any skill level, as well as suspend players that are not displaying the appropriate behavior that reflects the image of Dallas Stars Tournaments or StarCenters. While the Credentials Committee uses its best effort to place teams in the appropriate competitive brackets, all teams are subject to supplemental roster verification during round robin play in accordance with Section B (3) of these rules. All decisions of the Credentials Committee, Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Committee regarding team placements are final.
3. Communication Policy and Protocol: Tournament information and updates are communicated directly via email with Head Coaches and/or Team Managers. Team Representatives are responsible for communicating this information to their players and families. Communications directed to the Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Series Committee should come from the Head Coach and/or Team Manager only. Any/all communications (via email, phone or otherwise) directed to the Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Series Committee that is not from the participating Team’s Head Coach and/or Team Manager will not be accepted or acknowledged.
4. Refunds: The first $500 of the registration fee is deemed a registration deposit fee and is non-refundable. Provided a team has paid in full, and request is made prior to registration closure, a full or partial refund may be granted/approved by the Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Committee (less the registration deposit fee). In certain emergency situations such as: player injuries or other valid medical reasons or natural disaster or state of emergency in the player’s home/home city, the Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Committee may choose to waive the notice requirement. All refund requests must be made in writing (via email) and accompanied by valid documentation to support the refund request. No refunds will be given once the schedule is posted.
5. Photography: The tournament may designate an official photographer for the event. Taking photos of players from the player’s bench or above the glass is not allowed for safety and competitive reasons. The Tournament Photographer is an approved vendor of the Dallas Stars Tournament Series and the facilities in which the tournament event(s) is being held, and all other vendors or persons will be asked to leave the facility. Individuals who do not comply may also be asked to leave.
6. Noisemakers: Noisemakers are not allowed in the viewpoint (upstairs enclosed area) between the rinks and the lobby area. Use of any type of artificial noisemakers in the on-ice seating area are strongly discouraged as a courtesy to nearby spectators. All spectators are asked to display good sportsmanship and recognize that it is just as important as players’ conduct on ice. The primary purpose of this tournament is to provide a positive and fun atmosphere for all participants. Air horns are not permitted in any of the facilities. The Tournament Series Director or rink staff reserve the right to remove any spectator who they determine to be interfering with other spectators’ enjoyment of the game.
7. Fundraising: Hockey associations and other groups may not pursue fundraising opportunities at any of the tournament venues. Teams that attempt to do will be asked to stop, and if it continues will be subject to suspension from the tournament, and possibly future events.
8. Damages: After all games, players are responsible for cleaning up all trash in their respective locker room(s). Any person causing damage to tournament facility(s) and/or tournament or facility(s) property will be fined commensurate with the damage and will be removed from the premises and/or suspended from all tournament activities and/or venues until the fine is paid in full. All persons are fully subject to prosecution of the law.
9. Alcohol, Containers and Smoking: Alcoholic beverages and/or glass containers are prohibited on StarCenter premises. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action against the offending individuals, including possible suspension from the tournament. This rule applies to the dressing rooms, player area, parking lot, grounds and restaurant/bar area (alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be brought into the restaurant/bar area). Smoking (traditional and e-cigarettes) is not permitted in any StarCenter facility. However, chewing tobacco is allowed inside of the dressing rooms. All chew must be spat into a sealable container and disposed of properly. Chew is not to be disposed of in toilets, on the floor, or in the showers. Players, coaches and spectators are always expected to comply with tournament facility rules.
10. Weapons: Players, coaches, spectators and any other individuals are expressly prohibited from bringing, using, or exposing firearms, weapons, or explosives of any kind on tournament premises, except to the extent expressly permitted by applicable law.
11. Trainers: The Dallas Stars Tournament series may supply medical trainers at each facility for the duration of the tournament.
12. Ambulance Service: To ensure the quickest response time, anyone may contact EMT Services (911) in the event of an emergency. You may contact the Tournament Series Director or the facility staff to call 911. Any trips to the hospital using the transportation of an ambulance service or any other means that requires payment of service fee is the responsibility of the transported.
13. Best Interest of the Tournament: The Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Series Committee is responsible for all inquiries or disputes regarding interpretation or application of rules, player eligibility, disciplinary action and any other procedural disputes. The Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Series Committee is solely responsible for enforcement of the rules contained herein and determination of any disciplinary measures for any violation for any rule contained herein, which may include any action deemed appropriate by the Tournament Series Committee up to and including disqualification of a team from the tournament. While the majority of rules and policies needed to ensure smooth operation of the tournament are addressed herein, there may be issues, circumstances or situations arise that may not have been addressed or may appear ambiguous to one or more participants (teams, players, coaches, parents, etc.). In all cases the Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Series Committee reserves the right to interpret policies and rules, or add, amend or remove any Dallas Stars Tournaments procedure, policy, rule or regulation, including, but not limited to, playing rules, roster or eligibility rules, game schedules or format, select or permit qualified teams to participate in the tournament or to align or change teams in any particular skill level or division at any time, in the best interest of the tournament. Should an issue, situation or circumstance arise that is not explicitly addressed herein, the Tournament Series Director and/or Tournament Series Committee, at its discretion may rule on the issue, circumstance or situation and act accordingly. The Tournament Series Director will not overturn any dispute concerning rules and /or the judgment applied by on-ice officials. All decisions of the Dallas Stars Tournament Series Director and or Tournament Series Committee are final.
14. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution: All decisions of the Dallas Stars tournament series director and/or tournament series committee are final. These tournament rules and regulations are to be interpreted by the laws of the state of Texas without regarding to conflict of laws policies. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, all claims, disputes or controversies arising under or relating to these rules and regulations or the tournament that are not subject to USA hockey bylaw 10, shall be resolved by binding arbitration with the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), pursuant to its current rules. The exclusive venue for any such arbitration shall be in Collin County, Texas.