TCQHA League Game Rules

As of September 30, 2026

1. TCQHA is an inclusive, mixed-level, community hockey league. Our first and foremost rule is to treat others with respect, dignity, and encouragement, on and off the ice. Anyone who disrespects or mistreats others, no matter how they identify, will face discipline, up to and including removal from the league.
2. Overly aggressive or intentionally dangerous play will not be tolerated. This is a no-check league: competitive contact, puck battles, skating, and shooting should be appropriate to the level of the players on the ice.
3. TCQHA has a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to transphobia, homophobia, sexism, and racism.

1. Unless otherwise stated, TCQHA rules are those of USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules of Ice Hockey.
2. Where these league rules differ from USA Hockey’s rules, these league rules apply.
3. TCQHA has final authority concerning all rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, suspensions, expulsions, and general discretion of conduct.

1. All teams are expected to follow the rules and guidelines posted by arena management. Violations may result in discipline from TCQHA based on the circumstances, up to game forfeiture or suspension.
2. Consuming alcohol or other impairing substances before a game is unacceptable. Players will not be allowed to play if the captain and/or referee believes they are under the influence. Any post-game consumption is at players’ discretion and must follow the venue’s rules.

1. As a last resort, TCQHA may adjust team rosters at any point during the season to ensure competitive balance and team parity.
2. Roster sizes are set by division each season and published with registration.
3. All players must agree to the league’s terms and liability waiver. This is done as part of the online registration process.
4. Only registered players–either on team rosters or approved sub lists–are eligible to play, with the exception of requiring a goalie sub. Non-registered goalie subs must sign a liability waiver and be approved by the league’s commissioner prior to game play.
5. All subs must be registered with TCQHA and on the active sub list.
6. Unless approved by the league commissioner and the opposing team’s captain, subs must be of equal or lower skill level than the player they replace.
7. Teams may use only as many subs as needed to reach their team’s full-time roster size, and captains should not use subs to create a numbers advantage over their opponent.
8. League commissioners reserve the right to move subs between teams during a game, at their discretion, to ensure competitive parity.
9. Refer to TCQHA’s Sub Player Policy for additional guidance.
10. Captains who violate the rules surrounding pulling players from the active sub pool will not be asked to return as a captain.
11. Using an ineligible player may result in game forfeiture. The league commissioner and Board of Directors will weigh intent and actual impact: violations meant to gain a competitive advantage will be treated seriously, while honest roster mistakes will be reviewed case by case.

1. Absolutely no Body Checking or Fighting.
2. Remember, treat others with respect and dignity, both physically and verbally.
3. Refer to TCQHA’s Code of Conduct for additional guidance.
4. Failure to abide by these player conduct rules may result in various levels of discipline, up to and including multiple game ejections or expulsion from the league without a refund, as determined by TCQHA’s Board of Directors based on the circumstances.

1. Any player having been assessed three (3) minor penalties in the same game will be automatically ejected from that game, however no further discipline will result.
2. A 10-minute misconduct or major penalty will result in ejection from that game and a suspension for the team’s next game.
3. A second ejection because of a major penalty or a 10-minute misconduct will be reviewed by TCQHA’s Board of Directors. Depending on the circumstances, repercussions may include up to expulsion for the remainder of that season without a refund.
4. A third ejection, and each ejection after that, whether within a season or across multiple seasons, will be reviewed by TCQHA’s Board of Directors in each instance. Depending on the circumstances, repercussions may include up to expulsion from the season or from the association entirely, without a refund.
5. Body-checking penalties will count as two (2) offenses. Two (2) body-checking penalties (4 offenses) in the same game will result in immediate ejection from that game and a suspension for the team’s next game.

1. TCQHA jerseys are central to our brand and to queer visibility in the wider hockey community, so all players are expected to wear one during league play. Players without a jersey will not be penalized outright; captains will direct them to buy one, borrow one from the league’s jersey stock, or request scholarship support if cost is a barrier.
2. All players must wear the protective equipment required for the Adult classification under the USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules of Ice Hockey. TCQHA encourages full gear during league play.
3. Sticks must be in good condition, free of cracks or defects that could injure other players, except for assistive devices approved for play.

1. All games are played in 60-minute ice slots and consist of a short warm-up and 3 periods.
2. Periods 1 and 2 are 17 minutes of running time.
3. Period 3 uses the remaining time and should end a few minutes before the ice slot does, leaving time for handshakes and for clearing the benches before the next group.
4. Regular season games do not have overtime or a shootout. If a game is tied at the end of the 3rd period, it is recorded as such.
5. Only team captains and assistant captains are allowed to approach the refs regarding the game.
6. Abuse of referees will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the league.
7. If one or both teams do not have a goalie the game will still be played as a regular game. If one goalie is missing that team will either use the place of the goalie board on the net or play with an extra skater. If both goalies are missing teams will use the goalie boards or flip both nets forward from their pegs and have to bounce the puck off the back boards and in to score a goal. Refs will still do the game and everyone will make the best of the situation.
8. If there are no referees, the game will be played pickup style, with each team keeping its own score. Each team may designate a player to drop the puck and call offsides and icing. After an icing or a goalie covering the puck, the team that lost possession should fall back to the neutral zone before re-entering the opponent’s zone.
9. TCQHA reserves the right to remove a player from a division or league if they do not fit the skill level or play in the spirit of the program. The player will be offered either another division to move to if there are spots available or a pro-rated refund.

• Be a good teammate and a good opponent. In other words, don’t be a jerk!
• Be aware of your ice time - try to keep ice time equal by taking quick shifts.
• Be aware of lower-level players and give them time and space, especially in the corners. 
• Be aware of more skilled players and play them cleanly. Avoid slashing, hooking, holding, or anything else that would draw a penalty.