Running Time Rules

1. Definition: A game is at running time when the scoreboard clock does not stop during a stoppage of play.
2. Leagues using Running Time:
   1. CSHL uses running time for the first 19 minutes of the first period, the first 19 minutes of the second period, the first ten minutes of the third period, and all but the last minute of any overtime period. (If the mercy rule is in effect, all of the third period is running time.)
   2. SFAHL games use running time only when running out of ice time, or in mercy rule situations. It is also used for the first 4 minutes of overtime.
   3. LIAHL Beginner Level games (levels DD and below) use running time for all 20 minutes of the first and second periods, and for the first 18 minutes of the third period. It is also used for the first 4 minutes of overtime (which only happens in playoff games).
   4. LIAHL Intermediate Level games (levels D through B) use running time only when running out of ice time, or in mercy rule situations. It is also used for the first 4 minutes of overtime (which only happens in playoff games).
   5. LIAHL Over 35 League uses running time at all times, no exceptions.
   6. LYHL High School uses running time only when running out of ice time, or in the first 4 minutes of overtime (which only happens in championship games).
   7. LYHL Youth League uses running time for all 17 minutes of the first and second periods, and for all but the last minute of the third period.
   8. PHA uses running time in situations of limited ice rental time, at the scorekeeper's discretion, and for all but the last minute of any overtime period.
3. Penalty Rules: The calling and serving of penalties is different in running time, as follows.
   1. Minor penalties are three minutes in length; major penalties are seven minutes.
      CSHL Exception: a minor penalty called between 49:00 and 50:00 will expire at exactly 52:00. A major penalty called between 48:00 and 50:00 will expire at exactly 55:00.
      LIAHL Exception for Intermediate level games (D through B): minor penalties are two minutes and majors are five, even in running time, unless the entire third period is running time due to limited ice time, in which case they are three and seven, respectively.
      LYHL Exception for High School and Mini-Mites but nothing in between: minor penalties are two minutes and majors are five, even in running time.
      PHA Exception: major penalties are five minutes in length, even in running time.
   2. Penalties begin at the first puck drop following the assessment of the penalty.
   3. If a penalty ends while play is not in progress, the penalized player must remain on the penalty bench, and the penalized team must remain at its penalized strength, until after the puck is dropped.
   4. These rules apply when a penalty is assessed during running time, regardless of whether the game changes to stopped time before the penalty expires.
4. The officials must not permit a team to abuse running time by stalling.
5. The scoreboard clock usually stops during an injury situation, rink problem, or official's time out, even in a running time game. The clock does not stop during an altercation, or while penalties are being discussed or assessed. Note: Leagues that use running time typically do so because of tight rink schedules. They expect the officials to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the games remain on schedule.
6. If a game has gone to running time because of limited ice rental time, time outs are not permitted. This is true even if the game returns to stopped time for the final minute of a period.
   LIAHL Exception for all adult levels: time-outs are permitted even in the final stopped-time minutes.