4-0n-4 Stars Rules

1. Team Composition

• Teams may roster a maximum of 12 skaters and 1 goaltender.
• Each team will have 4 skaters and 1 goaltender on the ice at all times.
• If a team does not have a goaltender available, a substitute skater may play in net (no special goaltender privileges apply).
• Goaltenders may play for multiple teams when necessary to prevent a skater from having to play goal.

2. Rink & Game Format

• Games will be played on a standard full-ice rink.
• Standard hockey markings apply (blue lines, centre line, goal creases).

Line Changes

• Line changes occur every one (1) minute on the buzzer.
• Players must immediately change when the buzzer sounds.
• Players leaving the ice may not touch the puck after the buzzer.
• Players entering the ice will continue play from wherever the puck is located.
• If a player is double-shifting, they must fully leave the ice surface and re-enter before touching the puck.

Game Length

• Three (3) periods of 15 minutes run-time.
• 1–2 minute intermissions between periods.
• Regular season games may end in a tie.
• Playoff games tied at the end of regulation will be decided by a shootout.

3. Faceoffs

• Faceoffs occur only at the start of each period at centre ice.
• All other stoppages resume play according to league flow (no additional faceoffs).

4. Offsides & Icing

Icing

• When a team ices the puck, they must clear the offensive zone.
• The icing team may not forecheck until the opposing team carries the puck back past the blue line.

Offside

• If a team enters the offensive zone offside, they must immediately leave the puck and clear the zone.
• The defending team must gain possession before play continues.

5. Body Contact

• This is a non-checking league.
• Body contact is permitted only while making a play on the puck.
• Body checking, boarding, and charging are strictly prohibited.

6. Penalties

General Rule

All penalties result in a penalty shot taken by the player who was fouled.

The following minor infractions apply:

• Tripping
• Hooking
• Slashing
• High-sticking
• Interference
• Roughing

Penalty Shot Procedure

• Teams remain at 4-on-4 (no player is removed from play).
• The shooter begins with the puck at centre ice.
• All other players must line up on the blue line behind the shooter.
• Players may not leave the blue line until the shooter begins skating forward.
• Play continues live following the shot attempt.

Additional Infractions

• Too many players on the ice results in a penalty shot.
• Goaltender interference results in a penalty shot taken by a player selected by the goaltender (must have been on the ice at the time of the infraction).

7. Goals & Scoring

• Standard hockey goal-scoring rules apply.
• The puck must completely cross the goal line to count as a goal.
• After a goal is scored, the scoring team must clear back to the red line before re-engaging in play.

8. Equipment

All players must wear:

• CSA/HECC-approved helmet with full face mask or full shield (fishbowl)
• Neck guard
• Shoulder pads
• Elbow pads
• Gloves
• Hockey pants
• Jock or Jill
• Shin guards
• Skates
• Mouthguard (if required by league policy)

Goaltenders must wear full goaltender equipment.

9. Sportsmanship

• Fighting results in automatic ejection.
• Abuse of officials results in automatic ejection.
• Post-game handshakes are encouraged.