skip navigation

12U Q-and-A: Time for Rest and Recovery?

01/31/2017, 10:00am MST
By Bob Mancini, ADM Regional Manager

Q: Are there any rules regarding how much rest time a team should have between games?
 
A: Yes, USA Hockey does have a rule that governs the time between games played at the USA Hockey National Championships, and it stands as a minimum recommendation that every youth and girls hockey tournament should implement. From a health, safety and skill development standpoint, it’s in the players’ best interest and it also helps produce a higher quality of play.
 
Here’s the rule: (as listed in the National Championship Tournament Guidebook, Section 2, Subsection Q, Paragraph 2):
 
No team shall be required to play more than two (2) games per day, and no team shall be required to play a second game in one day against a team playing its first game on that day, except with specific written prior approval of the National Championship chairperson. There shall be a minimum of four (4) hours between games on the same day and twelve (12) hours between games played on consecutive days.
 
However, while USA Hockey also recommends the same guidelines for district championships, it’s not a rule and therefore it’s up to each district to decide whether to follow this USA Hockey recommendation. The same holds true for all play outside of the USA Hockey National Championships. Some affiliates and districts have their own rules regarding the time between games; USA Hockey’s rule solely governs its national championships.
 
Players and parents should not only recognize the importance of proper hydration and nutrition during multi-game events and tournaments, but also recognize the important role that rest plays in relation to performance. While it may sometimes be very difficult to find tournaments and events that prioritize player development and performance over the number of games played, parents should feel comfortable talking to their coaches about seeking out events that prioritize their child’s development.
 
Parents who would like to learn more about proper nutrition, hydration and rest for youth hockey players can watch the USA Hockey age module below.


The author, Bob Mancini, is a longtime hockey coach and player-development expert. His experience includes two seasons in the NHL as an Edmonton Oilers development coach and more than a decade as a head coach in the NCAA Division I and OHL ranks.

More Newsletter Articles

Tag(s): Q&A Articles