Rule 10.17 – Time of Game

Rule 10.17 – Time of Game

  1. Three 20-minute periods of actual playing time, with a 10-minute intermission between each period, will be the time allowed for each game. 

  2. The team scoring the greater number of goals during the three 20-minute periods shall be the winner and shall be credited with two points in the league standing. 

  3. Teams shall change ends after the completion of each regulation period and each overtime period (except as stated in Rule 10.16 (a)(1).

  4. In the interval between periods, the ice surface shall be flooded, unless mutually agreed to by the competing clubs or unless the facilities are not available.

  5. If any unusual delay occurs within five minutes before the end of the first or second period, the Referee may order the next regular intermission to be taken immediately. The balance of the period will be completed on the resumption of play with the teams defending the same goals, after which the teams will change ends and resume play of the ensuing period without delay.

  6. Each team shall be permitted to take one time-out of 30 seconds during the course of regular playing time or overtime. This time-out must be taken during a normal stoppage of play. Any player designated by the Coach may indicate to the Referee that their team is exercising their option and the Referee will report the time-out to the Game Timekeeper who shall be responsible for signalling the termination of the time-out. 

    Note 1: All players, including goaltenders, on the ice at the time of the time-out will be allowed to go to their respective benches. 

    Note 2: Both teams may take their respective time-outs during the same stoppage of play. However, once a team has called its time-out, the second team must indicate its intentions to take a time-out during the same stoppage of play before the initial 30 seconds are over. 

    Note 3: The time-out rule is permitted in minor and female hockey stop-time games wherever the local Member gives approval. In Hockey Canada minor and female hockey regional and national championships, the time-out rule is to be used. 

SITUATION 1 Rule 10.17 (f) 

TIME-OUT GUIDELINES 

  1. Each team may have one 30-second time-out per game. This includes any overtime. 
  2. Both teams may take their time-out during the same stoppage of play. 
  3. All players, including goaltenders, may go to their respective benches during the time-out. 
  4. The Referee must advise the Timekeeper of the time-out and the Timekeeper will indicate when the time-out is over. 
  5. The Referee shall allow the calling of a time-out after a stoppage of play at any time up to the point the official blows the whistle to initiate the face-off procedure. 
  6. Subsequent to the time-out, the line change procedure shall recommence.