Warmups
3-minute warmups before every game.
Ref rules · Updated 02/21/26
The
rulebook.
HIHA plays under AAU/USARS rules plus the league rules below. The Referee-in-Charge can review any call or no-call via LiveBarn after the fact.
Game day basics
Before the puck drops
Short bench
Teams cannot start with fewer than 4 skaters and 1 goalie. A 5-minute grace period is given, but the team takes a 2-minute bench minor to start, gets no further warmup, and the game starts as soon as they have 4 skaters and a goaltender. The goaltender must remain in goaltending equipment even if pulled for an extra skater.
Forfeit
Still short at the end of the grace period? The game is a forfeit and the forfeiting team exits the rink. The winning team may practice on the rink until 5 minutes before the next game.
Game play
Periods, mercy &
overtime
Youth 6U to 18U
- Three 10-minute periods, stop time
- 8-goal lead is mercy: officials leave the floor and teams may scrimmage (2nd or 3rd period)
- A player on the leading team with 4 goals is frozen and ineligible to score while their team leads. A frozen player who scores takes a delay-of-game minor and the goal does not count
- Two complete periods (20 minutes) counts as a complete game if weather stops play; anything less is rescheduled and resumes from the same clock
Adult League nights
- Three 15-minute periods, run time
- Stop time inside the final 2 minutes when the lead is 2 goals or less
- 8-goal lead is mercy: officials leave the floor and teams may scrimmage (2nd or 3rd period)
Overtime, all divisions: no intermission, teams change ends. Five minutes of 3-on-3 run time; still tied goes to a 3-man shootout, then sudden death shooters. Players serving penalties are not eligible for the shootout. Coincidental penalties play 4-on-4.
Discipline
Penalties & conduct
The clock
2-minute minor, 4-minute double minor, 5-minute major, 10-minute misconduct. Three non-misconduct penalties in a game is an ejection; two majors in a game is an ejection. All penalties and no-calls are subject to review by the Referee-in-Charge.
No checking
HIHA is a non-checking league, youth AND adult. Competitive contact happens, but open-ice hits, ice-hockey-style interference, and checks along the boards are not tolerated. Any attempt to injure is examined closely and can mean suspension or ejection from the league.
Fighting & abuse
Fighting is not tolerated: every fighting major includes a game misconduct and a minimum one-game suspension, subject to further review. Abuse of officials brings one warning, then unsportsmanlike minors, then ejection. Referees report all misconducts and ejections to the Referee-in-Chief within 24 hours.
The fine print
Extended rules
- All required safety gear, always, on any rink surface, practice or game: helmet with full cage and straps fastened, mouthpiece, hockey shin pads, hockey gloves, and cup/pelvic protection. Chest protectors and elbow pads recommended
- Register by the deadline set by the Board. Late registrations are not accepted, because jerseys are ordered with each player's name
- Teams are selected by coach draft using numerical player ratings from evaluations and coach rating sheets. Players play on their assigned team, no exceptions for carpooling. Siblings in the same age group may be placed together if requested at registration
- A coach's child is automatically on the coach's team; no team has more than one coach for this purpose
- Playing up one division requires a written request before evaluations end, Board approval, and selection in the first two draft rounds
- Provide the correct jersey size at registration; replacements only when the league is at fault
- Only the Board reschedules games, and only for rainouts; reschedule requests are not heard
- Rosters are set at the draft. No borrowing players or goalies from other teams or divisions, ever. Short a team? The game is a forfeit recorded 1-0, though a scrimmage may be played with borrowed players at the officials' discretion
- Coaches equalize playing time; this is a recreational, instructional league
- Bench areas: players, coaches, and league officials only. Maximum two people including coaches per bench (8U and younger get one extra helper). Everyone in a bench area needs AAU insurance and a Hendersonville Parks background check. No non-player children under 18
- Refs get no pay for games cancelled 12+ hours out, 50% inside 12 hours, and full pay once games have started for the day
- Coaches submit 1-to-5 player rating sheets to the Board at season's end
- Skates or athletic shoes only on the rink; no skateboards or bikes. Do not damage the facility; you break it, you fix it
- HIHA activities take precedence at the rink, and all rink use is scheduled through the appropriate Board member. Non-HIHA coaches using the rinks need a Hendersonville Parks background check
- Coaches must be AAU Double Goal certified or USA Hockey certified, hold AAU membership, and pass the Parks background check. Concussion forms are required from all players
Honor the Game
Play it right
Established in 2019 by Hendersonville Parks and Recreation, the Honor the Game sportsmanship program is built on good sportsmanship, character, positive play, and integrity. HIHA requires the highest standard of conduct from athletes, coaches, officials, staff, and parents.
RRespect the rules, players, coaches, officials, parents, and fans
HHeart: compete with heart and hustle
LLearn: build skill and confidence through success and failure
PPlay for the enjoyment of the game
See you at the rinks.
Fall 2026 is underway. Spring 2027 registration will be announced on the league's socials.