Helmet and Heart Unity Cup Tournament Rules & Policies

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants, please review the following Tournament Policies. By registering, all teams and participants agree to adhere to these guidelines.

1. Team Registration & Payment Policy:

• Entry Fee: The entry fee for each team is $950, with a required $400 non-refundable deposit due at the time of registration. The remaining balance of $550 is due by September 15, 2025.

• Registration Deadline: The final registration deadline is September 15, 2025. Teams must submit their full payment by this date to participate.

• Deposit: The $400 deposit secures your team’s spot in the tournament and is non-refundable. If the team cancels, the deposit will not be refunded.

• Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid in full by the final payment deadline. Teams that have not paid the full entry fee by this date will forfeit their spot in the tournament and lose their deposit.

2. Team Composition & Eligibility:

• Team Divisions: Teams must register in one of the following divisions:

  • Competitive Division: For skilled players who regularly play in high-level leagues.

  • Intermediate Division: For a mix of competitive and casual players with solid hockey experience.

  • Rec Division: For newer players or those returning to the sport after a long break.

• Roster Limits: Each team’s roster must include a minimum of 6 players and a maximum of 20 players.

• Age Restrictions: Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of the tournament. Players under the age of 18 will not be allowed to participate.

• Ineligible Players: Any player found to be ineligible (due to inappropriately playing in a division or age group) will be removed from the tournament, and their team will forfeit the game in which they participated.

3. Tournament Format & Rules:

• Game Format: 3-game guarantee for each team.

• Championship Game: Each division will have a championship game to determine the winner.

• Goalie Game: A special fun goalie game will be scheduled in addition to the division games. Details will be provided at the tournament.

• Timekeeping: The tournament will be strictly timed. All teams are expected to be ready to play at least 5 minutes before their scheduled game time.

• Game Rules: The tournament will follow standard USA Hockey rules with some modifications specific to the event. Please review the full rulebook upon registration.

4. Cancellation & Refund Policy:

• Cancellation by Teams: Teams that cancel their participation after submitting a deposit will forfeit their deposit. Teams that cancel after the final payment deadline (September 15, 2025) will forfeit the entire entry fee.

• Refunds: Due to the nature of tournament planning and ice time scheduling, no refunds will be issued for any payments made (deposit or final payment).

• Cancellation by Organizers: If the tournament is canceled by the organizers due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., facility issues, weather, etc.), a full refund will be issued to all teams, including deposits.

5. Code of Conduct:

• Sportsmanship: All players and teams are expected to maintain high standards of sportsmanship. Any behavior deemed inappropriate, including physical altercations, abusive language, or unsportsmanlike conduct, will not be tolerated.

• Zero Tolerance for Fighting and Disrespect of any kind: Fights will result in an immediate game ejection for the player involved. The player may also be disqualified from the tournament at the discretion of the tournament organizers.

6. Team Captains and Communication:

• Team Captain: Each team must designate a team captain as the primary point of contact for tournament communication. The captain will receive all tournament updates, schedules, and important notices.

• Communication: Teams must ensure their captain is available for communication during the tournament. It is the team captain's responsibility to relay all tournament information to the rest of their team.

7. Liability & Insurance:

• Waiver: All participants must sign a waiver of liability prior to the tournament. This waiver releases the organizers and venue from responsibility for any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur during the event.

• Insurance: All teams are encouraged to obtain sports insurance for their players, as the tournament organizers do not provide coverage for player injuries or accidents.

8. Event and Venue Policies:

• Parking: Teams and spectators are required to park in designated areas at North East Hockey Arena and Parade Ice Garden. Parking fees may apply.

• Spectators: Spectators are welcome to attend the games, but must follow all rink guidelines and policies. Any disruptive behavior from spectators will be addressed by the rink staff.

9. Photography & Media Release:

• Media Coverage: By participating in the Helmet and Heart Unity Cup, all players and spectators grant permission to the event organizers to take photos and videos for promotional and marketing purposes. These photos and videos may be used on social media, websites, or other event-related media.

10. Tournament Changes and Modifications:

• Schedule Changes: The tournament organizers reserve the right to make changes to the tournament schedule, including game times, locations, and divisions, if necessary. Teams will be notified of any schedule changes in advance.

• Tournament Modifications: The tournament organizers reserve the right to modify the rules or structure of the tournament as needed to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all teams.