Rule 2.2 – Players in Uniform

Each team is entitled to a maximum of 20 players in uniform (up to 18 skaters and 2 goaltenders) for any game or pre-game warm-up, all of whom must be registered in accordance with Hockey Canada Regulations. The players registered as goaltenders are eligible to play as goaltenders only. Teams in regional competition must have both goaltenders in uniform and ready to play. A minimum of six (6) eligible players in uniform on each team (which may or may not include a goaltender) are required to start a game.

Note 1: If, at any time during the game, a team cannot place the correct number of players on the ice, whether due to injury or penalties, the game will be suspended and the Referee will report the details of the incident to the appropriate Member or league.
Before the start of the game, the Team Official in charge of each team will give the Referee or Official Scorer a list of names and numbers of the players and goaltenders who will be eligible to play in that game. The Team Official in charge of the Visiting Team must be the first to list their lineup on the Official Game Report.

No change or addition to the line-up will be permitted after the commencement of the game except:
1. When a player has been inadvertently omitted from the Official Game Report, the Referee will permit the name to be added to the Game Report before the game has ended; providing such player was in uniform and on the ice or on their Players’ Bench at the start of the game; or
2. If a Referee notices a player with an open cut, or blood either on the skin or on the jersey, at the earliest opportunity the Referee should inform the player that the cut must be treated or the jersey changed before the player is eligible to return to the ice. If the player requires a new jersey, that new number must be noted on the Official Game Report.
Note 1: When a player is late and their name has been included on the Official Game Report prior to the game, they will be permitted to participate.
Any team official who gives a false statement on the Official Game Report with regard to eligible players, will be dealt with by the appropriate Member or league.
At any time, the Referee may request that a player remove their helmet or facial protection or request that any Team Official provide their name for the purposes of identification. Any player or team official who refuses to do so will be penalized under Rule 10.6 (f) – Illegal Equipment.
Each player will wear an individual number of at least 25.40 cm (10 in.) in height on the back of their sweater.

Note 1: Each team will declare its colours to the appropriate Member or League at the beginning of each season. If these colours are accepted, they may not be changed during the season without the approval of the appropriate Member or League. In regional competition, it will be the responsibility of the Home Team to change its sweater and socks if the colours of the competing teams conflict. The decision in this matter will be left to the Referee in charge of the game.
Each team will be allowed one goaltender on the ice at one time. The goaltender may be substituted for an additional skater. That substitute player will not be permitted the privileges of a goaltender.
No player, other than a goaltender or their replacement will be permitted to wear the equipment of a goaltender.
When the alternate goaltender enters the game, they will take their position immediately and play will resume without delay. No warm-up will be permitted.
When both teams are on the ice during the pre-game warm-up, players will be restricted to their own half of the ice. Where a team violates this rule, the Referee will report the violation to the appropriate Member or league, who may take appropriate action.
The Referee will penalize any player who commits a violation of the rules during the pre-game warm-up. The penalty will be served at the start of the game.

Note 1: In the case of a Minor, Bench Minor, or Misconduct penalty, the offending player is permitted to complete the pre-game warm-up, prior to serving their penalty. In the case of a Major, Match, Game Misconduct, or Gross Misconduct penalty, the player will be removed from the ice immediately and any time penalty will be served by another player on the same team.
During the pre-game warm-up, a total of 20 players can be dressed and participate in the warm-up. These 20 players do not have to be included on the Official Game Report for the game. If a player is assessed a penalty during the pre-game warm-up, then this player must be included on the Official Game Report. A player does not have to participate in the pre-game warm-up in order to be included on the Official Game Report. If a team has more than the 20 players in their pre-game warm-up, the incident must be reported to the appropriate Member or league, but no penalty is assessed. Players may be substituted during the pre-game warm-up, as long as the maximum of 20 players is not exceeded.
No player under suspension may participate in the pre-game warm-up or occupy the Players’ Bench.
In Minor and Female, a player that is registered to a team roster but unable to participate in a game due to injury is permitted to take a position on the bench during the game, as long as they are listed as a player in uniform on the official game report and wearing the minimum equipment of a BNQ throat protector (minor and female), CSA approved Helmet and CSA facial protector, in accordance with the requirements for their registered category of play.