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Buffalo Summer Skills League Rules

4 on 4 League Rules 12/14/24

The purpose of the Buffalo Summer Skills league is to provide all High School age players a place to maintain and improve their skills during the summer months. Emphasis is not placed on winning or the number of hits in the game. Rather, our focus is improving the player’s skillset and implementing it into a clean, fast-paced hockey environment. It is expected that all Buffalo Summer League coaches and players work towards this goal. Please note: Any checking penalty can be reviewed by the league commissioner 2) Any player receiving a fighting major, or 3 game-misconducts during the season will be expelled from the league. All league fees will be forfeited without exception.

new - zero tolerance RULE

  • If any illegal player is identified as playing in a game the offending team will receive a Forfeit loss.  The player will exit the ice and the game continues. 
  • The Head coach will receive a 1-game suspension and forfeit any Coaching Credit earned.
  • If a Coach or Player violates the Zero-Tolerance Policy this could result in expulsion without reimbursement and possible league lifetime expulsion.

Game Format

  • 2 min warm-up, 3 (15) minute periods, running clock. *NO overtime or shootout*
  • IF WITHIN -1- GOAL DURING THE FINAL MINUTE OF THE 3RD PERIOD, THE CLOCK WILL STOP.
  • No timeouts or overtime (regular season)
  • Penalties – 2-minute minor – 5-minute major – 10-minute misconduct.
  • If both teams have the same color jerseys, the visiting team will wear pullovers.

Playoff game Format

  • Games ending in a tie will continue with a Sudden Death 5-minute 3 on 3 overtime session. If the game is still tied after OT a shootout will commence. Shooters cannot be repeated until the entire roster has had a chance.

Regular Season Tie-Breaker

  • f two teams are tied for points at the end of the regular season, the following tie-breaker will determine the final standings. 1. Number of Wins. 2. Number of wins in head-to-head games. 3. Least Penalty Minutes (Entire Season). 4. Best Goals Differential (Entire Season). Each tie-breaker situation will be reviewed by the League Commissioner and the result will be final.
  • Point System:   Regulation Win - 2 Points Regulation Loss - 0 Points Tie – 1 Point

Discipline

  • All players must be paid in full before playing in their first game. Jerseys will be distributed at 1st game to paid in full players only. All players must also have proof of current AAU Insurance at this time.
  • Any player receiving a fighting major is immediately expelled from the league.
  • Any player receiving 5 penalties in a game will result in a GAME MISCONDUCT.
  • Any combination of 3 game misconducts will result in League expulsion.
  • Match penalties result in expulsion from the league and a hearing at the discretion of the discipline committee.
  • Expulsion from the Summer Skills league will result in the loss of all entry fees paid.

The league commissioner has the sole authority to resolve all Buffalo Summer League disputes and to interpret all Buffalo Summer League rules. The commissioner’s interpretation of these rules is to be deemed final, regardless of written rules when it is deemed any rule may be unfairly applied.

Coaches

  • Head coaches will receive a coaching credit of $100 at the start of the season. Please let us know if you would like your credit applied to your son or daughter’s league fees. Each team must have an assistant coach as well. The Assistant coach will receive a $50 credit. It’s the assistant’s job to help the head coach on the bench during all games and practices.
     
  • Each team can have 1 practice (more can be purchased at a discounted rate), and 8 regular-season games. It is your responsibility to make sure that you or your Assistant attends all scheduled events. The Initial League schedule will include 4 games to set divisional skill levels. The next schedule, in an attempt to balance the league, will break the teams into conferences. The goal of these conference breakdowns is increased competition. It will be done to make sure the stronger teams play each other, while the weaker teams play teams of equal talent.
     
  • Coaches are responsible for reviewing their score sheets on Gamesheet after each game. Please take note of any suspensions. Game protests must be emailed to the League Commissioner within 24 hours of the end of the game. Protests lodged after this 24-hour period will not be considered.
     
  • Coaches are required to inform the commissioner of any changes in their roster at least 2 days prior to their next game. In the event that a team does not have a goalie, it is the coach’s responsibility to contact the Commissioner at least 2 days before the game. The Commissioner will assign a league-approved goalie for that team’s game. All games must be played. Games will not be rescheduled due to a lack of players or goalies.
     
  • To be considered eligible for the playoffs, players must be on the score sheet for a minimum of 5 games. Coaches must hand in the attendance sheet to the scorekeeper at the start of each game.
     
  • It is the coach’s role to make sure all players are considered legal to play. Illegal players include Players, not on the roster, Players not paid in full, suspended players, and Players using someone else’s jersey. Coaches who knowingly use an illegal player will result in further discipline from the league and will be reported to the AAU. There is a sub-list handed out at check-in, use it and the players in the league if you're shorthanded. Both coaches must agree on sub players.
     
  • Subs are allowed if your team is below -8- skaters (not including goalies)
     
  • Rosters will be frozen after the team’s 4th game of the season.
     
  • Each player will be given an official Premium jersey, along with matching team socks.
     
  • Coaches are responsible for the following before April 7th: - Hand into League Commissioner a roster of players. Please note that teams can have no more than 15 players on their roster. - Please note that if a player is not on your roster, they must have their application in before April 7th. We cannot guarantee them a spot on your team if they sign up after that date. Please remind them to sign up early! - Email any requested dates off (Exams, Proms, Graduations, etc) to Cam Turner no later than April 15. Once the schedule is posted online, no changes can be made

Buffalo Summer League Contact Information
 

  • https://www.holidayrinks.com/summer-skills-league for Standings, Statistics, and Schedules
  • Holiday: 716-685-3660 Leisure: 716-675-8992
  • Schedules, Coaches Credits or Payment questions: Cam Turner
  • Rosters should be emailed by May 1st!