What’s New This Season? Start Here.

We had a great start to the youth hockey season this past weekend with eight new Level 1 officials working their first game! It is exciting to have so many of our new officials get on the ice during opening weekend and begin their first season so quickly.

Following new guidance from WAHA that running time is allowed within USA Hockey rules, we have updated our guidance for curfewed games to ensure they end on time. We worked with Region 4 representatives and club presidents to align our guidelines with their preferences. This new approach will replace the 5-minute rule that we have used in past seasons.

For this season, we will be using running time at the end of games to ensure they end on time. At the first stoppage when the time on the game clock is greater than the time remaining for the ice, the game clock will be set to the remaining ice time and will not stop for any reason. We are calling this “Curfew Running Time” to clarify the purpose of running time. Be sure to discuss this with coaches before the game starts to explain the process. Remind the coaches at the start of the third period and then notify them if we do get into the Curfew Running Time situation.

In addition to using running time at the end of the ice time, the Region 4 presidents also indicated that they would like to let coaches decide before the game if running time should be used when there is a 6-goal lead. This will follow the standard running time that we use in Region 4 playoffs and WAHA State Tournaments, where the clock stops for goals, penalties, and at the direction of the officials.

We have documented the Running Time policies and shared them with the Region 4 club presidents. We have also created scripts you can use in your pre-game meeting with the coaches and when either running time situation applies. These are available on the education website. Please take a few minutes to review the policy and familiarize yourself with the new procedures before your next game.

As always, feel free to reach out with questions. Looking forward to seeing you all at the rink!

Adam Johnsen
President
president@dchoa.org