Pond Hockey World Cup - Rules

The Pond Hockey World Cup 2026 will be held in Levi on January 23-24, 2026. The event will bring together teams from all over Finland and the world to play in the Pond Hockey spirit - relaxed, fair and safe.

This rulebook defines the format, rules, and operating principles of the tournament. The purpose of the rules is to ensure that the tournament is conducted in a fair, safe, and enjoyable manner for all participants.

All participating teams and players are deemed to accept these rules upon registering for the tournament.

Game format

• Tournament matches will be played in a 3 vs. 3 format.
• In the Fun Hockey series, it is possible to play with mixed teams (men and women on the same team).
• Team size: maximum 9 players.
• There are no goalkeepers on the field.
• Only three players per team are allowed on the field at a time.
• Changes are made ”on the fly.”

Game time and gameplay

• The playing time is 1 x 15 minutes of direct time.
• In overtime games, if the score is tied, overtime will be played until the score is decided (no time limit).
• Matches begin with the starting signal given by the game director.
• There are no offsides in the game, and scoring is allowed from the entire playing area.
• If the puck crosses the boundaries of the field, the game continues with a new puck provided by the organizer or an old puck retrieved from outside the field, on the defending team's side of the field.

Ground rules

• The puck may be raised to knee height.
• Punch shots are prohibited.
• Tackling is prohibited. Light body contact is permitted as a natural part of the situation.
• Violations result in the puck being awarded to the opponent, and the offending team must retreat to their own half of the field before play can resume.
• For more serious violations, a penalty shot is awarded, which is taken from the center of the field into an empty goal.
• Repeated or intentional violations may result in a player being removed from the match at the discretion of the game director.
• Unsportsmanlike behavior, violence, or insulting an opponent, referee, or organizer may result in the team being disqualified from the tournament without a refund.

Equipment

Mandatory equipment:

• Skates
• Hockey stick
• Uniform and numbered jersey
• The use of a helmet is strongly recommended.
• The use of other protective equipment (e.g. gloves, knee pads, shin guards) is optional but recommended.

The organizer is not responsible for any damage, loss or condition of equipment.

Tournament system

The best teams in the preliminary groups advance to the next round.

The result of the match is divided into:

• 2 points for a win
• 1 point for a draw
• 0 points for a loss

The size of the groups and the number of teams advancing to the next round will be determined by the final number of teams in the event.

Ties

If teams are tied on points in the group stage, the ranking within the group will be decided as follows:

1. The result of the mutual match
2. Goal difference
3. Goals scored
4. Raffle (raffle conducted by the organizer)

The comparison of teams between groups is as follows:

1. Points per match / points ratio
2. Goal difference per match / goal ratio
3. Goals scored per match / goals scored ratio

Refereeing and game control

• The games are supervised by a game director appointed by the organizer, who is responsible for following and interpreting the rules.
• The game director's decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
• Players are expected to follow the spirit of fair play and respect their opponents and the game director.

Insurance and liability

• Players participating in the event are not insured by the organizer.
• Each player participates at their own risk and is responsible for their own insurance coverage.
• The organizer is not responsible for any injuries, illnesses, property damage, or equipment breakage during the event.
• The organizer is not responsible for indirect costs (e.g. travel or accommodation costs) if the event is canceled or schedules change.

Safety and conditions

• The tournament is played on outdoor ice, so weather conditions may affect the condition of the fields and the match schedule.
• The organizer may postpone, suspend or cancel matches for safety reasons without any obligation to compensate.
• Players should consider the condition of the ice, the weather, and the safety of their own equipment before playing.
• Players must follow the instructions of the organizer and security personnel in all situations.

Right to play

• Each player must be listed on the team roster before the start of the tournament.
• A player can only participate in one team in the same series.
• The organizer has the right to check the identity of the players if necessary.
• The organizer may prevent a player from participating if they violate the rules or act unsportsmanlike.

Organizer's rights

• The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the match program, rules and schedules if circumstances or safety factors require it.
• The organizer may end the match early if safety or circumstances require it.
• The organizer may remove a team from the tournament if its actions violate the rules, safety instructions, or the spirit of sportsmanship.

Force majeure and filming rights

The organizer is not responsible for any cancellation or changes to the event due to force majeure situations (e.g. weather conditions, official regulations, epidemics, technical failures or other reasons beyond the organizer's control).

By participating in the event, players and teams agree that the organizer may use photo and video material taken at the event for marketing the Pond Hockey World Cup without separate permission or compensation.

Limitation of liability and acceptance of the rules

• By participating in the tournament, the team and its players accept these rules in their entirety.
• The organizer's decisions regarding the tournament, rules and interpretations are final.
• The organizer is not obligated to refund the participation fee if a team or player is removed from the event due to rule violations.

Contact information

Pond Hockey World Cup Team
info@pondhockey4all.com
www.pondhockey4all.com

This rulebook is valid for all participants in the Pond Hockey World Cup 2026. Acceptance of it is a prerequisite for participation in the tournament.