FAIR AND EQUAL ICE TIME IS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT ALL PLAYERS GET THE SAME OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE OUTCOME OF GAMES, REGARDLESS OF SKILL OR ABILITY.
WHAT IS EQUAL ICE TIME?
Equal Ice Time means that, on average, all players in the same general position will be on the ice the same amount of time.
(a) All coaches must strive to provide EQUAL ICE TIME to all players, period by period (Including overtime periods in playoff games.)
EXCEPT
1) In the last three (3) minutes of a closely contested game.
2) When a coach is sitting out a player for disciplinary reasons as the result of an event where a player displayed unsportsmanlike conduct that took place prior to or during the game.
3) If any overtime period is required in a playoff game a team can abandon equal ice time for either the FIRST, or LAST three {3} minutes of the overtime period but NOT for the entire period.
4) Goalies are exempt for the equal ice time rule.
NOTE: A coach benching a player for disciplinary reason, should notify the home teams timekeeper, scorekeeper or appropriate NDHL Association Representative before, or during a game that the player, because of disciplinary reasons, will not be receiving equal ice time. This will be noted on the game sheet.
WHAT IS FAIR ICE TIME?
Fair Ice Time recognizes that game situations present opportunities for coaches to ice specific lines; for example, power play or penalty kill. Fair Ice Time means that over a season coaches will afford all players the opportunity to play in these situations.
TIPS FOR A COACH you have the responsibility to encourage players to be the best they can be, and provide equal opportunities for them to develop self-esteem and sport skills. When you play your talented athletes more often, you make other players feel less important and deny them the chance to improve their skills.
TIPS FOR A PARENT you have the responsibility to understand the challenges of equal and fair ice time and speak up if you feel it is abused. Give our coaches some latitude and consider your position over at least 3 games. Please don’t bring your stopwatch to the game.