2025-26 MASH League Rules

Minot Area Senior Hockey League

Rule Book

2025-2026

1. Definitions

1.1. Official

On-ice referees are referred to as officials. There will be a maximum of three officials provided by the MASH League Directors.

1.2. League Directors, Commissioner, etc.

The League Directors & appointed commissioner have final say in all rulebook enforcement issues, except for on-ice or game-time calls by officials.

1.3. Scratched Player

A player unable to play due to scheduling, illness, or injury.

2. Arena

2.1. Ice Level/ Event Level

For safety and security, access to the event level of the arena is strictly controlled. The following rules are enforced:

- On game day, active rostered players are allowed in their designated locker room, on the ice, on their designated bench, or on their designated penalty bench when serving a penalty.

- Game officials are allowed on the Event Level in their designated locker room, on the ice, or on the penalty bench.

2.2. Spectator Seating

- Spectators are permitted to sit in the general admission sections of the arena.

- Spectators should not interfere with players or officials.

- Spectators are not allowed in locker rooms, player benches, or penalty/score boxes.

2.3. Ice Access

Players are not allowed to access the ice more than 20 minutes prior to a game, and once the game is completed players must exit the ice after handshakes or brief celebrations.

- Players are NOT allowed on the ice surface while Zamboni is resurfacing.

- Players must wait until Zamboni doors are closed before entering playing surface.

3. League

3.1. Divisions

A. Teams in Division ‘A’ are largely made up of players who have played at elevated levels (Pro, Semi-Pro, High level college, Juniors, Etc.). Players in this division have put in years of practice, training, and skill honing to have the ability to perform at a much higher degree of competition than the average hockey player. Division ‘A’ is highly competitive.

B. Teams in Division ‘B’ are made up of players who have NOT played at any Pro, Semi-Pro, Div. 1, or Junior level of hockey; OR are at least 2 years removed from collegiate hockey, or 4 years removed from Pro levels of competitive hockey. B-level players know the ins-and-outs of the game and can play at a competitive level, however, may not possess top tier skill levels.

C. Teams in Division ‘C’ are made up of players who are of novice or intermediate skill levels. Players in this division may have played some high school, rec league, drop-in, or perhaps never played competitively. Basic knowledge of the game and skating ability is recommended.

D. Players may ONLY play in one (1) division based on their skill level and/or League Manager’s assessment.

E. Divisions ‘B’ and ‘C’ may be combined, if needed, when three (3) or less teams are in each division

F. Teams and/or players may be assigned to divisions appropriate to their experience level based on league directors’ assessment.

3.2. Season Flow

3.2.1. Each Team Plays a minimum of:

- One (1) game each week. *

- Three (3) games against every team. *

- Fifteen (15) regular season games in total. *

- More games will be added depending on the number of total teams & available ice times.

• *Subject to facility availability

3.2.2. Top Four (4) Teams per division Play:

- One (1) semi-final game.

3.2.3. Remaining Finalists per division Play:

- One (1) championship game.

3.3. Season Points

MASH uses a two (2) point system to help promote competitiveness through every step of the game.

- Two (2) points are awarded for a win during regulation.

- One (1) point is awarded to both teams for entering overtime.

- One (1) point is awarded to the winner of an overtime or shootout.

- Zero (0) points are awarded for a loss in regulation.

3.4. Tie Breakers

In the event of a tie in overall standings, the following steps will be taken until a tie is resolved:

1. Greater number of Regulation Wins

2. Greatest number of points earned in games between the tied teams

3. Greatest goal differential (GF minus GA)

4. Greatest number of goals scored in the season

5. Divisional team captains & League Directors’ vote

3.4.1 Goal Differential Calculations

When calculating goal differentials the league sums the entire goals-for (GF) and goals-against (GA) for the current stage of the tiebreaker (GF – GA = GD). This includes goals scored in a shootout.

3.4.2 Team Captains + 1 Vote

If goal differentials cannot be used to break ties, then the non-tied team captains will vote for the winner.

If the non-tied team captains are even in numbers, the League Directors or their delegate will be awarded one extra vote to be combined with their initial vote.

The League Directors may solicit input from the team captains to determine fair punishment for player expulsion from games or the league if necessary, using the Team Captains + 1 vote structure.

4. Players

4.1. Eligibility

Players are required to meet certain criteria to be eligible to join the league.

4.1.1. Age

- Minimum age of 18 years old at time of registration.

4.1.2. MASH Participation

1. Never been removed from previous seasons*

2. Not currently suspended from play

3. In good standing with MASH league and any applicable facilities in which games will take place

4. Must acknowledge and abide by all rules and regulations within this rulebook

5. Players must obey commands of officials at all times.

6. All players must be on the team roster

7. All players must wear a prominently displayed number on their jersey

4.1.3. Experience

- No explicit level of experience is required; however, each division has recommended skill/talent levels to promote a fun and fair competition.

- Players are subject to MASH League Directors’ evaluation of skill for divisional/team placement

4.2. Maximum Experience

a) Players wishing to play in Division ‘A’ have no skill cap.

b) Players wishing to play in Divisions ‘B’ must be:

• Minimum 2 years removed from D2 college, juniors, or similar

• Minimum 4 years removed from Semi-Pro, Pro, D1, or similar

c) ‘C’ Division is reserved for beginners, novice, and those developing intermediate skills.

d) Player experience/skill level subject to evaluation by League Directors in the event of any disputes.

5. Teams

5.1. Captains

Captains register before any other player and will be selected by the League Directors from the pool of interested captains.

5.2. Team Building

Teams will be allowed to be assembled by registered captains by choosing from a known base of eligible players or players who have entered the league without a team who may then be drafted by existing teams.

Players who enter the league in a ‘Free Agent’ status will be made available to all team captains.

5.2.1. Requirements

a) When captains are available, they may be requested to serve as on or off ice officials

b) Captains must also select two (2) alternate captains to act in the captain’s place when necessary

c) Captains attend league meetings as required

d) Captains help maintain team morale and address any issues with behavior on their team.

e) Captains encourage players to participate in games, events, surveys, and spectating.

f) Captains will help enforce game rules including respect for all officials.

g) As needed by league requirements, captains must be involved with dispute resolution/voting.

5.3. Team Sizes

5.3.1. Minimum Size to begin any game

- Five (5) players.

- One (1) goalie.

5.3.2. Maximum Size of team rosters

- Twenty (20) players.

- Two (2) goalies.

5.3.3. Size Determination

If enough players are registered for the season, all teams will be allowed to have the maximum size. If the league cannot support a maximum roster for every team, then all teams may be capped at a lesser size to ensure fairness at the League Directors and/or divisional captains’ discretion.

6. Draft Process (if applicable per League Directors)

6.1. Draft Order

- The last-place team from the previous season will start the first-round draft.

- Each captain will draft one player per draft round.

6.2. Paired Players

When a captain drafts a paired player, they will forego their next draft pick.

6.3. Expansion Drafts

During expansion years, the expansion teams will complete the first four (4) rounds without pre-existing teams. Following the first four (4) rounds, the draft continues as normal.

7. Equipment

7.1. Uniforms

Teams must supply their own jerseys (matching socks are NOT required). All jerseys must be indistinguishable from each other in color scheme/pattern.

Players are expected to wear their team-colored Jersey when on the ice or they become a scratched player with no exceptions.

All jerseys MUST display each player’s number on the back.

When opposing teams have similar colored jerseys, one team may turn their jerseys inside-out, OR use MASH league supplied pullovers.

7.2. Required Safety Equipment

Players missing the required equipment will be restricted from entering the ice and will be considered a scratched player for the game.

- Properly Rated Helmet with chin strap

- Knee/shin Protectors

- Breezers (hockey pants)

- Elbow pads

- Gloves

- Athletic Cup

- Skates

- Stick

8. Officials

- There will be two (2) on-ice officials for every game. Officials will make calls based on their observations and those calls will be considered final.

- Officials are encouraged to convene and discuss any calls when the call made is in question.

- One off-ice official may be provided for timeclock and score keeping duties.

- When possible, certified officials will be provided.

- Team captains must provide a minimum of one (1) qualified player to the pool of potential on or off-ice officials.

- Officials will be following standard NHL rules for all calls/infractions unless stated otherwise in this MASH written rulebook.

- Officials acting upon any bias in their in-game calls will be removed from the active referee pool and subject to MASH game suspensions (if that referee is also an active MASH player).

- ANY abuse of officials (on OR off ice) will result in penalty or game misconduct.

9. Types of Penalties

Minor penalties are served for two minutes (2:00). Penalties cannot be disputed. Any penalty which results in an ejection from the game will be served by the captain if they are not involved in the violation and not already in a penalty. Otherwise, the alternate captain will serve the penalty, if the alternate is involved or already serving a penalty, the opposing team can select one player to serve the penalty. Minor penalties will end if the opposing team scores a goal during the penalty time.

Major penalties are served for five minutes (5:00). A major penalty does not expire if the opposing team scores one or more goals. Any player receiving a second Major penalty in the same game will result in a Match Penalty.

A Match penalty is a game ejection and a five minute (5:00) Major served by the captain (or alternate).

If a player is charged with 3 penalties in a single game, they will be ejected from the game and the captain will serve the third penalty. This excludes penalties served by the captain for team penalties (too many players, illegal substitutions, etc.). When the 3rd penalty takes place in the final 5 minutes of the game, the player may be suspended for the following game, subject to league manager’s discretion.

9.1. Physical Fouls

9.1.1. Checking

Checking is a major penalty (5:00). Intentionally or appearing to intentionally strike an opposing player with your body from any direction is considered checking. Officials may call a match penalty at their discretion.

9.1.2. Fighting

Fighting is a Match penalty.

Any players involved in fighting will be required to meet with League Directors for further discipline.

Players are required to skate away from confrontation if at all possible. Protect yourself at all times, obey the commands of the On and Off-ice officials, and remove yourself from unruly situations.

Engaging with an instigator will lead to further discipline. Protecting yourself does NOT include engaging in a fight.

9.1.3. Elbowing

Elbowing is a minor penalty (2:00). Striking an opposing player with your elbow is considered elbowing.

9.1.4. Kneeing

Kneeing is a minor penalty (2:00). Using your knee to strike an opposing player is considered kneeing.

9.1.5. Tripping

Tripping is a minor penalty (2:00). Using your stick, leg, or body to trip an opposing player in control of the puck is a tripping penalty. Tripping and interference are used interchangeably as descriptions of a penalty when the tripped player is not in control of the puck. Slew footing is also a tripping penalty, however may be called a major (5:00) penalty at officials discretion.

9.1.6. Charging

Charging is a match penalty. Getting a running start to check a player is considered charging.

9.1.7. Boarding

Boarding is a major penalty (5:00). Battling for the puck along the boards is excluded from this penalty.

9.2. Restraining Fouls

9.2.1. Goalie Interference

Goalie interference is a minor penalty (2:00). Manipulating, blocking the goalie in the crease, or restraining the opposing goalie movement in any way is goalie interference.

9.2.2. Player Interference

Player interference is a minor penalty (2:00). Blocking a player not in control of the puck by holding, pushing, or stopping is interference from making a play.

9.2.3. Holding

Holding is a minor penalty (2:00). Holding a player by the jersey, stick, or body is holding.

9.3. Stick Fouls

9.3.1. Hooking

Hooking is a minor penalty (2:00). Using a stick to turn, slow, or impede another player is considered hooking.

9.3.2. High Sticking

9.3.2.1 High Sticking the Puck

Using a stick to touch or redirect a puck above the shoulder or above the goal cross bar is referred to as High Sticking the Puck. If the offending team gains control of the puck before the opposing team the play is blown dead. If the puck enters the opposing team’s goal immediately after a high stick the goal is disallowed.

9.3.2.2 High Sticking a Player

High Sticking a player is a minor penalty (2:00). Hitting an opposing player in the face, neck, or head with the stick is considered High Sticking a Player.

If the referee deems the high sticking action as an intent to injure, see 9.4.4.

9.3.3. Slashing

Slashing is a minor penalty (2:00). Slamming a stick down on an opponent’s hands or stick is slashing.

9.3.4. Stick Throwing

Stick Throwing is a major penalty (5:00). Throwing a stick in any direction is not allowed. This includes dropped or broken sticks on the playing surface being kicked, pushed, or otherwise used to interfere with the play.

A penalty shot may be awarded if a stick is thrown at a player on a breakaway.

9.3.5. Striking the boards / Goalposts

Striking the boards or goal posts is a minor penalty (2:00). Slamming a stick across the boards or goal posts is poor conduct.

9.4. Other Fouls

9.4.1. Arguing

Arguing is a minor penalty (2:00). Arguing a call with an on-ice official or off-ice official will be an automatic minor penalty. Team captains, or available alternates, are allowed to approach officials for clarification of an in-game call; this may happen after any whistle, or during game breaks.

9.4.2. Delay of Game

Delay of game is a minor penalty (2:00). Any intentional action taken by a team (or on behalf of a team by spectators) to deliberately interfere with the flow of the game is delay of game. Holding the puck or impeding an official from retrieving a puck after the whistle is delay of game, including hitting the puck away from the official or faceoff location.

9.4.3. Too Many Players

Minor penalty (2:00). Served by the captain. If a team has 6 or more skaters and a goalie while possessing the puck.

9.4.4. Player Misconduct

Match penalty. Any action taken with a clear intent to injure another player or official. This includes actions such as leaving the bench to join in any fight or other altercation on the ice. Player misconduct penalties may be reviewed by MASH League Directors for supplemental punishment.

9.4.5. Intoxication

Players taking the ice while visibly intoxicated will be removed from the game and asked to take a seat among the spectators. This is to avoid injury to the player or other players on the ice.

9.4.6. Slapshots

Slapshots are not allowed. When a player brings their stick above their knee to wind-up for a slapshot, the play will be blown dead by officials and the face-off will be in the defensive zone of the team whose player took a slapshot. The whistle may be blown even if contact is not made with the puck.

9.4.7. Bench Minor

Minor penalty (2:00) served by the team captain or alternate. Players on the bench must not interfere with the game play in any way. Intentional contact from the bench with any player, official, puck, or stick that is on the ice surface will be penalized. Excessive and extreme noise/distraction of officials will be a minor penalty. Throwing any object onto the playing surface, or at a player, or official will result in a Match penalty.

9.4.8. Illegal Player

Game Forfeit. If a team plays with an ineligible player, that team will forfeit the game.

Rosters will be confirmed at each game.

Team captains or alternates may challenge opponents roster at any break in play.

9.4.9. Hand Pass/Batting the Puck

• Using your hand to:

o - pass the puck to another player on the same team,

o - bat the puck into a goal,

o - throw the puck,

o - or close your grip around a puck without immediately dropping it to the ice, will cause the game to be blown dead.

• A hand pass is legal in the defensive zone only.

9.5. Goalie Fouls

- If a goalie commits a minor penalty, the team captain will serve the penalty.

- If a goalie is ejected from the game the captain of the offending team can elect to run 6 attackers or forfeit the game.

10. Game Flow

10.1. Regulation Time

Three periods of 13 minutes stop-time.

Each team is allowed one ‘Time-Out’ per game. A ‘Time-Out’ will last 60 seconds.

10.2. Intermissions

Two intermissions of two (2:00) minutes.

10.3. Overtime

Overtime is only used in playoffs and is a single five minute (5:00) sudden death with four skaters per team on the ice.

10.4. Shootout

If a game is tied after regulation or playoff overtime, a three (3) round minimum shootout will take place.

10.5. Icing

Icing is ruled as ‘Blue-Line’. Meaning the puck is sent from behind a team’s defensive blue line the entire length of the playing surface, past the opposite goal line without being touched by any player. Icing is also ruled as ‘No-Touch’ meaning the referee may blow the whistle as soon as the puck crosses the opposing goal line without waiting to be touched by the non-offending team.

Icing will be waived off if:

- The defending goalie leaves their crease before the whistle is blown.

- The puck enters the goal.

- The puck touches the defending goalie.

10.6. Puck out of Play

A puck out of play will be blown dead by the officials

The play may continue if the puck hits the upper netting and falls back to the playing surface, unless the puck comes back into play with an unfair advantage to the offensive team, leading to a goal; the goal will be waived off and a faceoff will take place in that zone.

10.7. Forfeit

Any forfeit will award the opposing team a 5-0 victory, or current score at time of the forfeit (whichever is greater).

10.7.1. Reasons for forfeit

- Any team is unable to supply the minimum (5 skaters, 1 goalie) players to begin the game

- The goalie is ejected from the game (6 skaters may play, or a forfeit; captain’s choice)

- A team plays with any ineligible player.

11. Player Substitutions

Captains are expected to make their best effort to ensure they have a minimum of 5 skaters and 1 goalie at every game. If a team is unable to attend a game, notice must be given to league directors as soon as possible.

11.1. Substitution Process

When a captain knows their team will have less than 10 skaters, they may make a request to the opposing team captain or the League Directors to use additional players who are not on their active roster. The team will be capped at 10 skaters when using any substitutions to avoid stacking a team and ensure fairness.

Substitute players must be chosen from actively rostered players of the same skill division.

In the event a substitute player is not an actively rostered player of another team (i.e. a friend in town temporarily), the league director must approve the substitute.

11.2. Substituted Player Behavior

Substituted players are subject to all rules and restrictions as written in this rule book, as well as all directives of the in-game officials. If necessary, any supplemental discipline incurred by a substituted player may be imposed on the team captain at the league manager’s discretion.

12. Decision and Rule Finality

The League Directors have final say in all rule enforcements except for on-ice or game-time calls made by officials. One of the main goals for the league is to ensure all participants get a fair chance to play and enjoy their time in the league. Systematic efforts by participants to create abuses against the intent of the rulebook will result in penalties, suspensions, game forfeitures, and/or removal from the league.

13. Information and Communication Flow

The League Directors will send out notices to the captains and/or the players. Occasionally the League Directors may solicit feedback from participants, but players are expected to bring issues to their team captain for resolution.

If there is an issue involving the captain, players can go directly to the League Manager for resolution.

All League decisions are FINAL; any protests of league or game decisions MUST be done in writing with a $50 Protest Fee that is forfeited in the event the written protest is not upheld. Note that in-game referee judgement calls are NOT available for appeal or protest

The League Directors reserves the right to modify, supplement, or interpret the rules herein at their discretion. Any change in the regulations listed in this rulebook will be made known to all team captains.