- ICE Hockey League clubs must report cases in which the ice surface is unusable for play and any other obstructions to conducting games to the ICE Hockey League Office, to the referees assigned to the game, and to the opponent without delay.
- In cases where the referees determine that a game cannot be carried out properly due to force majeure or technical problems (e.g., a defective ice surface or poor lighting), opening or continuing a championship game is not permitted.
- In cases where the referees are forced to interrupt a previously commenced game for the reasons indicated in paragraph (2), the game cannot be abandoned fully until a 45-minute waiting period has elapsed.
- In cases where a game cannot be started due to the delayed arrival of a team resulting from force majeure, the visiting club is required to report this by telephone. After a maximum waiting period of 90 minutes, the game is to be cancelled by the referee. Games which are not started due to technical problems must be made up in coordination with the ICE Hockey League.
- In cases where a game is abandoned prior to the end of the second period (accepting abandonment of a game caused by team), a new game has to be played. An abandoned game equals a completed game in terms of penalties imposed.
- In cases where two full periods have been played and the game is abandoned prior to the start of the third period, a continuation game must be ordered. In such a continuation game, the third period must be played, starting with the score at the time when the original game was abandoned.
- In cases where a game is abandoned during the third period, a continuation game must be ordered as well. In such a continuation game, the remaining playing time must be played starting with the score at the time when the original game was abandoned.
- In a continuation game, only those players who appeared on the official game sheet on the day of the incomplete game will be eligible to play.
- When a game is replayed, see paragraph (5), all players who appeared on the official game sheet at the start of the incomplete game will be considered eligible for the replay game.
- In cases where a game is abandoned only a few minutes before the end of the third period and the team leading the game at that point can no longer lose its lead (based on human judgment), the game may be certified with the outcome as of the time of abandonment.
- In cases where it is not possible to continue a game due to threatening conduct or attacks on the part of the players or spectators, the referees must interrupt the game. The game should only be abandoned if the required security (which may even require closing the game to the public) cannot be ensured if the game is continued.
- In cases where a game is made up or continued, the home club will remain the organizer of the event. The visiting club is to be reimbursed for the additionally incurred usual travel costs for up to 28 persons.
§ 5 Delay, Interruption, or Abandonment of Games
- Parent Category: Fundamental Rules
- Category: II. League Play