Mission & Vision

The Sno-King Adult Hockey League (SKAHL) is a semi-competitive, USA Hockey-sanctioned recreational league for players 18 and older and exists to foster a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for adult hockey players of all skill levels. We aim to build “players for life” through a strong hockey community, sportsmanship, and skill development.

The SKAHL is a “Captains’ League,” and requires active involvement from team Captains, individual players, and all participants to build, maintain, and improve the League and the Sno-King Adult Hockey community.

What We Value

• Community
  • We are committed to building a vibrant, supportive hockey community where all players and participants feel connected, valued, and united by our shared love for the game.
• Safety
  • We prioritize the safety of all participants by enforcing rules, providing guidance, and fostering an environment that minimizes risks, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
• Sportsmanship
  • We uphold the principles of fair play, integrity, and respect, encouraging players to compete honorably and with consideration for their teammates, opponents, and officials.
• Respect for Others
  • We treat everyone with dignity and respect, fostering an atmosphere of mutual appreciation and understanding both on and off the ice, regardless of background or skill level.

What We Strive For

• A fun & competitive experience
• Team and Division Parity
• Consistent Officiating
• Up-to-date scores, standings, and statistics
• Advanced game scheduling
• Timely discipline reviews

Affiliation and Governance

Sno-King Adult Hockey League operates under the guidelines set forth by USA Hockey and is governed by its own League Administration.

Skills Ratings & Division Placement

Below is a table our league administrators use as a guideline to rank players according to the appropriate skill level of hockey in our league. The table provides the USA Hockey rating system with a description of the skill set that corresponds to the appropriate division in SKAHL.

Zero Tolerance Policy

SKAHL maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind both on and off the ice to ensure a respectful environment for everyone. All participants and spectators are expected to demonstrate personal behavior that respects the game, opponents, and officials. SKAHL also reinforces the USA Hockey Zero-Tolerance Policy.

Furthermore, the SKAHL will not tolerate players who exhibit “donkey” behavior. Players who behave in this manner may be subject to league discipline (including suspension, probation, and/or expulsion).

Affiliate Leagues & Tournaments

Other leagues and tournaments under the umbrella of SKAHL are held to the same standards as outlined in this document. However, some variations in game format may be altered with the SKAHL Director’s approval.

All participants in the Sno-King Adult Hockey League are expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior on and off the ice.

Players must:

• Respect teammates, opponents, referees, and officials.
• Refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, harassment, or abusive language.
• Follow league rules, rink policies, and instructions from officials.
• Prioritize safety and avoid dangerous or reckless actions.
• Accept responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Failure to adhere to this code may result in disciplinary action.

General

As members of the Sno-King Adult Hockey League, we are committed to treating all rink facilities and equipment with care and respect. We understand these shared resources are essential for our hockey community and all other athletes who use them regularly. All participants are expected to avoid actions that could cause damage or abuse to rink property and to promptly report any issues to arena staff.

Arena Property

Any damage to Sno-King property will be paid for by the individual(s) responsible, before participation in any further League games. Non-compliance constitutes automatic indefinite suspension from the League and possible legal action.

Personal Property

The League accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen personal property. We strongly suggest that no valuables be taken into the arena. It is the team’s responsibility to secure any valuables players may have.

NOTE: Some facilities may have dressing room keys available in exchange for a deposit or car keys (contact the facility manager for verification).

Locker Room Policies

The locker room is a shared space where all participants are expected to maintain a clean, respectful, and safe environment. Personal belongings should be secured, and all players must respect the privacy and property of others. Any form of inappropriate behavior, including harassment or vandalism, will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action. Please dispose of trash properly and leave the locker room in good condition for the next team.

Accidents and Injuries

All accidents and injuries must be reported to the arena management immediately. An incident report must be completed and forwarded to the League Director.

League Management and Rights

The Sno-King Adult Hockey League reserves the right to manage and enforce all aspects of league operations, including the establishment of rules, scheduling, team placements, and disciplinary actions. League management has the authority to make decisions in the best interest of the league without notice. All league participants agree to abide by these decisions and policies, understanding that they are made to preserve the integrity and spirit of the game.

Participation and Eligibility

All players must be 18 years of age, have a current USA Hockey Membership, and be registered with the league before playing in any SKAHL game. Players must also sign a waiver of liability and release to participate in any league game and to use Sno-King facilities every year.

NOTE: USA Hockey membership is valid from Sept. 1 – Aug. 31 annually.

Player Evaluations

SKAHL typically hosts complimentary pre-season evaluation skates before each season to assist players seeking placement in the league. These sessions allow league officials to assess individual skill levels and assign players to appropriate divisions and teams. Evaluations focus on skating, puck handling, game awareness, and overall performance. By accurately placing players, the league promotes evenly matched games, enhances the playing experience, and fosters growth and development for all participants. No guarantees are made to be placed on a team and placement is subject to availability and need. 

Team Fees and Registration

All teams participating in the Sno-King Adult Hockey League must complete registration by the deadlines set by the league. This includes the payment of team fees, which cover ice time, referees, and administrative costs. Registration is only considered complete once the team deposit and required forms are submitted. Late payments for team fees will result in captain’s suspension, forfeiture of games, and collections fees (progressively enacted until team fees are paid in full).

Refund Policy

Refunds for league fees are granted only under specific circumstances such as league cancellation, significant injury, or other exceptional situations approved by league management. All refund requests must be submitted in writing and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. A prorated refund may be offered depending on the timing of the request and the portion of the season completed. Processing fees may apply, and refunds are not guaranteed once the season has started or after a specified cutoff date. No refunds are given for player suspension or expulsion due to player discipline.

Scheduling and Rescheduling of Games

The Sno-King Adult Hockey League schedules all games to ensure consistency and fairness throughout the season. Game schedules are released as far in advance as possible. Because team compositions often change from season to season, adjustments are made to the schedule in batches to ensure parity within divisions.

In cases of unforeseen circumstances, such as severe weather or rink closures, games may be rescheduled at the league’s discretion. Teams requesting to reschedule must do so in advance, and approval is not guaranteed. The league aims to accommodate reschedules while maintaining the overall integrity of the season schedule.

Game Forfeiture Policy

Teams are expected to attend all scheduled games. A game will be forfeited if a team fails to show up with the minimum required players within 5 minutes of the scheduled start time or if an ineligible player is used. Forfeited games are recorded as a loss for the offending team, and the opposing team is awarded a win. Repeated forfeitures may result in additional disciplinary action, including fines or removal from the league. Teams must communicate any potential forfeits to the league as early as possible.

Player Safety & Discipline

The Sno-King Adult Hockey League enforces a strict player discipline policy to ensure a safe and respectful environment. Players are expected to adhere to all league rules, and violations will result in disciplinary actions such as penalties, suspensions, or expulsions. The league’s Discipline Committee reviews all game misconduct and match penalties incurred in league games. Captains may also request, in writing, a review of any dangerous and/or reckless incident the on-ice officials may have missed or overlooked that could be interpreted as a game misconduct or match penalty according to the USA Hockey rulebook. Minor infractions will not be reviewed and will be dismissed. Repeated offenses or severe misconduct may lead to escalated penalties, including permanent removal from the league.

The Discipline Committee (DC) includes the Leagues Director, Administrators, and the Referee-in-Chief. Decisions made by the DC are to be reviewed by the appropriate division captains for approval who may elect to increase the discipline outcomes to affected players. Division administrators will communicate the outcomes and return-to-play date(s) to the affected players following the captain’s review and approval.

Players suspended from league play are prohibited from playing or substituting on any team in the SKAHL or affiliate leagues (BEHL, DBHL, TechRec, Women’s) including any SKAHL-sponsored drop-ins.

Table of Player Discipline

Team Captain/Manager Responsibilities

Team captains and managers play a crucial role in the Sno-King Adult Hockey League. They are responsible for ensuring their team adheres to all league rules and policies, including roster management, communication with league officials, representing their team in league meetings, and ensuring team compliance with locker room policies. Captains and managers are also responsible for team logistics, such as organizing player participation, submitting required forms, managing team finances, and meeting financial deadlines.

Game protests are only allowed by Team Captains/Managers and must be submitted, in writing, to their Division Administrator within 24 hours of the protested offense and will only be considered for violation of eligibility rules. Protests may result in additional penalties, game forfeitures, and/or suspensions to players upon investigation.

Captains and managers may also ask their Division Administrator for a player safety review for any dangerous and/or reckless incident that may have been missed or overlooked by on-ice game officials that could be interpreted as a game misconduct or match penalty according to the USA Hockey Rulebook (see Player Safety & Discipline).

Specific Captain Duties:

• Meet all team financial obligations by the specified dates the league sets.
  • Captains will be suspended from league play and/or forfeit scheduled games until the balance is paid in full.
• Secure adequate and appropriate personnel for all games.
• Submit accurate game rosters (players and numbers) at least 5 minutes before the game starts through the SportNinja App.
  • Failure to do so may incur a bench minor penalty to begin the game.
  • You must ensure all players have the same colored jersey and a unique jersey number on game day (captains must have extra jerseys on hand for players and substitutes if needed).
• Ensure team sportsmanship and proper conduct on and off the ice.
• Communicate League messages to your team in a timely fashion.
• Participating in disciplinary reviews as needed and in a timely manner.
• Attend all Captains’ meetings (or arrange a proxy).
  • Captains will meet as needed to discuss league changes and updates, identify potential issues, and socialize as a community. Typically this includes a meeting with all League Captains once before the Fall/Winter season and then once a season among SKAHL letter divisions. Captains’ Meetings will be coordinated by the SKAHL administration.
• Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in disciplinary action or removal as the captain.

Standard of Play

The Sno-King Adult Hockey League (SKAHL) emphasizes a high standard of play based on fairness, safety, and sportsmanship. The league follows USA Hockey rules and incorporates additional guidelines to ensure that games are competitive yet respectful. Players are expected to uphold the integrity of the game by avoiding unsportsmanlike behavior (“donkey”), adhering to the rules, and showing respect to teammates, opponents, and officials. SKAHL’s goal is to create a positive hockey experience that is enjoyable for all participants.

General

• ALL players must be at least 18 years of age.
• USA Hockey “Zero Tolerance Policy” rules for abuse and misconduct will be followed by all SKAHL participants at all times.
• On-ice officials will be the final authority during SKAHL games and only team Captains may communicate directly with Referees and Scorekeepers. Arguing with officials will not be tolerated. Any referee feedback should be directed to the SKAHL Administration.
• Team Captains will be responsible for the overall conduct of their teams, and compliance with USA Hockey and SKAHL rules and regulations.
• USA Hockey Official Rules of Ice Hockey will govern all gameplay unless otherwise noted.

Team Composition and Rosters

• All players (including substitutes) must have an active and valid USA Hockey registration and be officially registered with the SKAHL prior to participating in any league games.
• No player will be allowed to play down more than one SKAHL letter division than they are currently registered or have experience in, unless approved by the SKAHL administration; including goalies.
• If, at any time before or during the season, a player is determined to be too skilled for a particular division, the SKAHL administration reserves the right to restrict that player to a higher letter division.

Player Substitution and Ineligible Players

Substitution Rules:

• Substitutes must be registered players with the league (see Team Composition and Rosters).
• Substitutes should have comparable skill levels to the team and must be approved by league management.
  • Team Captains may utilize players and goalies from the same SKAHL letter division or skill level (or lower) for substitutions without approval.
  • Team captains seeking to use players from a higher letter division must have League approval AND/OR the opposing captain’s approval.
  • Game results with approved substitutes will be final and may not be challenged.
• Player and Goalie substitutes may not play down more than one SKAHL letter division or skill level unless approved by the SKAHL administration.

Ineligible Players:

• Players not listed on the official team roster are considered ineligible.
• Players playing under false names or as another player will be strictly prohibited.
• The use of ineligible players will result in an automatic forfeit of the game.
• Persistent use of ineligible players may lead to further disciplinary actions against the team.

Equipment & Jerseys

Required Equipment:

• All players must wear USA Hockey-approved protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and pads.
• Facial protection is required for all players. At a minimum, players must have at least a visor attached to the helmet but a full-face cage is highly recommended.

Jersey Requirements:

• Teams must wear matching jerseys, including goalies and substitute players, with unique, permanently affixed, and clearly visible numbers on the back. Taped numbers will not be allowed.
• Captains are responsible for ensuring their teams’ jersey numbers match the official team roster submitted for the scoresheet.
• Team captains are requested to affix the letter “C” or the letter “A” to front of their jersey to denote team captain or alternate captain.

Condition and Compliance:

• Equipment should be in good condition and comply with league standards.
• Referees have the authority to remove players with unsafe or non-compliant gear from the game.

Game Format

Warm-Ups and Pre-Game:

• Locker rooms will be assigned before game time and displayed in the entrance area of the Sno-King facility.
• Warm-up pucks are provided by the Sno-King facility.
• Teams are allotted a 5-minute warm-up period before the start of the game.
• Team rosters are due to the scorekeeper at the time the warm-up begins. A bench minor penalty may be assessed for late or incomplete rosters.
  • Captains may not submit a full roster with known scratches or absences to avoid being penalized.

Game Format:

• Games consist of three periods of 18 minutes each.
  • The first and second periods will be running clock with the last 30 seconds of each period being stop time.
  • The third period will use stop time unless there is a goal differential of six (6) goals or more, in which case the clock will revert to running time and remain so until the end of the game regardless of the goal differential (see mercy rule below).
• Each team is permitted one 30-second timeout per game.
• There is a short 1 minute intermission between periods.

Overtime Rules:

• There will be no overtime periods during regular season play.
• In playoff games where there must be a determined winner, and the teams are tied at the end of regulation, the following procedure shall be followed:
  1. Period Length:
     • 18-minute, stop-clock period.
     • The team scoring the first goal wins the game.
     • If a goal isn’t scored, additional 18-minute periods will be played until a winner is determined.
  2. On-Ice Strength:
     • Each team will play with three skaters (3v3) and one goalie on the ice.
     • Teams must switch ends from the previous period.
  3. Penalties:
     • Carry-over penalties from regulation will be served. Penalties lead to a 4-on-3 advantage for the non-offending team.
     • Players with expiring penalties may join gameplay with substitutions until a stoppage of play whereby both teams must reset to 3v3.
     • Penalty times will carry the same lengths as the normal 18-minute stop time 3rd period.

Supplemental Rules

Hat Trick (Gretzky) Rule:

• In all divisions C and lower the number of goals one player can score per game will be limited to three (3). Any player scoring a fourth (4) goal will be assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and the goal will be disallowed.
• This rule excludes divisions B and higher.

Mercy Rule:

• If a team leads by a six (6) goal or more margin before or during the third period the game clock will revert to running time for the remainder of the game regardless of the goal differential thereafter.

Player Playoff Eligibility

Minimum Games Requirement:

• Players must participate in at least half the regular season games to be eligible for playoffs unless players are full-time paid or half-time paid on the official registered SKAHL roster.

Substitutions:

• Substitutes are not allowed during playoffs unless pre-approved by league management under exceptional circumstances.

Disciplinary Eligibility:

• Players under suspension or with pending disciplinary actions are ineligible for playoff games.

Verification Process:

• Team Captains are responsible for ensuring their players meet all eligibility criteria before playoffs begin.

General

The Sno-King Adult Hockey League (SKAHL) expects all players to exhibit respectful and sportsmanlike conduct both on and off the ice. The league enforces strict discipline for any behavior that violates these standards, including unsportsmanlike conduct, dangerous play, or other rule violations. Disciplinary actions may include penalties, suspensions, or expulsions, depending on the severity of the offense. The league’s Discipline Committee (DC) reviews incidents and ensures that all players are held accountable, maintaining the integrity and safety of the league.

Game Ejections

• Players who incur three penalties in a game are ejected for the remainder of the game without further discipline.

Misconduct (discretionary), Game Misconduct, and Match Penalties

• Referees are allowed to use a discretionary misconduct penalty for players who exhibit “donkey” behavior without having to first penalize that player’s team with a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior. The penalty shall be recorded as a 10-minute penalty against the player.
• Players assessed a game misconduct or match penalty receive an automatic 1-game suspension AND may not play in any SKAHL-sanctioned games until supplemental discipline has been communicated to the player of their return to play date by the Discipline Committee.

Supplemental Discipline

Discipline Review Process

• All game misconduct and match penalties are subject to automatic review by the Discipline Committee.
• Reviews are conducted promptly, with input from referees, captains, and any available video evidence.
• The Committee evaluates the severity of the incident and determines appropriate sanctions.

Communication

• Decisions will be communicated to the involved player(s) and team captain/manager.
• Players have the right to appeal disciplinary actions through a formal process (see below).

Sanctions:

• Supplemental discipline may include additional suspensions, probation, or expulsion depending on the severity and nature of the offense.

Suspensions and Appeals

Suspensions:

• Players receiving a suspension must sit out the specified number of games.
• Suspensions are effective immediately and apply to both regular season and playoff games.
• Players under suspension are prohibited from participating in any league activities during the suspension period.

Appeals Process:

• Suspended players may appeal the decision by submitting a written request to the Discipline Committee within 48 hours of the sanctions communicated to the player.
• The appeal will be reviewed by the Committee, which may include additional interviews or evidence.
• Final decisions on appeals are communicated promptly, and the Committee’s ruling is final and binding.

Disclaimer and Reservation of Rights

The Sno-King Adult Hockey League (SKAHL) reserves the right to modify, amend, or enforce its rules, policies, and procedures at any time to ensure the safety, fairness, and integrity of the league. All participants are subject to these regulations, and it is their responsibility to stay informed of any changes. The league is not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses incurred during participation. By joining the league, players and teams agree to abide by all current and future rules and policies.