Approved by: FFHL Discipline Committee
1. REVISION LOG
2025/10/31 1.0 Commissioner – Version 1.0 approved by the league committee. Section: N/A
2. ABOUT THE LEAGUE
a. LEAGUE INFO
The Flying Farang Hockey League (FFHL) is a competitive recreational non-contact league. The FFHL is a not-for-profit amateur sports league run by volunteers and supported by sponsors. Visit our website and social media for more information.
b. EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
1) Be grateful for the opportunity to play ice hockey in Thailand.
2) Play clean; everyone generally has to work the next day.
3) Remain unselfish; change to keep the lines together, play fair.
4) Leave all interactions with referees and league committee to your captain.
5) Stay mature and professional; online, on and off the ice.
6) Respect the referees; without them there is no game.
7) Support our sponsors; they help pay for your hobby.
8) Be on time and notify well in advance in case of absence.
9) Appreciate the work put in by League management.
10) Have fun, and celebrate responsibly after games.
c. LEAGUE MANAGEMENT
League Committee (2026) Commissioner – Michael Belanger Secretary – Vacant Treasurer – Pascal Tanguay Marketing & Sponsorship – August Pothong Draft Director – August Pothong Team Managers/Captains – Domnick Dumais, Ralf Dittmer, Marc Spiegel, Simon Kititeekakul FFHL League Rules – 2026 Season Version 1.0, Dec 2025
d. TROPHIES & AWARDS
Awards recognize achievement and sportsmanship in the FFHL. Most trophies are passed year-to-year with player names engraved. See our website for categories and history.
3. SEASON FORMAT & TEAMS
a. DATES & LOCATION
Games are played Monday nights at Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena (TIIHA), Bangkok. The 2026 season begins January 12, 2026.
b. SEASON
6 regular-season games per team; playoffs include semifinals, a third-place game, and a winner-takes-all championship final.
c. TIES IN STANDINGS
1. Highest Points 2. Most Wins 3. Head-to-Head record among tied teams 4. Goal Ratio = GF / (GF + GA) 5. Lowest Goals Against 6. Lowest PIMs
d. TEAMS
Four teams are drafted to be as competitive as possible by the FFHL Committee and Team Managers/Captains. Additional teams may be added before the season starts if sufficient interest exists. Requests to play on the same team as a friend from registration will be considered but cannot be guaranteed. The League may rebalance rosters in-season if necessary for competitive integrity.
e. PLAYING ON MULTIPLE TEAMS
No full-time player may play on more than one team during the season unless specifically asked by the FFHL Committee.
4. ADMINISTRATION
a. NOTICES
League news, rules amendments, schedules, and standings are shared via email and official FFHL social channels. Team Managers should check in regularly with the Committee and communicate concerns to the President.
b. LEAGUE FEES
League fees include ice time, referees, scorekeeping, uniforms, water, trophies/awards, and administrative expenses. Players must pay in full before the draft. Fees are non-refundable FFHL League Rules – 2026 Season Version 1.0, Dec 2025
after the start of the league, except as outlined in the FFHL Reimbursement Policy. Failure to meet the payment schedule without contacting the Treasurer may result in suspension until the account is current. Substitute playing fees are fixed and equal for all games.
c. UNIFORMS
All teams must wear matching jerseys and socks; each player must have a unique number that matches the game sheet. Players not in full uniform will not be permitted to play. Jerseys are provided by the league to team managers for distribution.
d. WAIVERS
All regular players and game-time substitutes must agree to the FFHL Waiver and Release of Liability prior to play. No signed waiver, no play.
e. STATISTICS
Team Managers review and sign score sheets immediately after each game; once signed, stats are considered final.
f. COMPLAINTS
Send email to flyingfaranghockeyleague@gmail.com to file a complaint. Keep communications professional and constructive.
g. PLAYER OF THE GAME
One player per game is named “Player of the Game” each game (selected by referees and team managers; scorekeeper casts a tie-break vote if needed).
A player that was assessed two penalties in a game or a game misconduct are not eligible for player of the game.
5. ROSTERS
a. ROSTER
This is a draft league. Standard roster: 15 skaters and 1 goalie. Players may be male or female, age 16+.
b. ELIGIBILITY
To ensure balance, inclusiveness, and fair play, the following eligibility rules apply:
– Former NHL/Top European Pro: Must be 55 years old or older to play.
– Former Semi-Pro in Europe / North America (AHL, ECHL, Europe Div. 2+): Must be 50 years old or older.
– Former Junior Major (CHL, USHL, LHJMQ etc.) or NCAA Division I players: Must be 40 years old or older.
– Former NCAA Div. III, CIS, or lower-level Junior players: Must be 35 of older.
– Active players and substitutes in the SHL and in the National Men’s team are not eligible.
– Recreational / Beer League players: Eligible at any age 16+.
– Goalies: All goalies follow the same eligibility rules as players. FFHL League Rules – 2026 Season Version 1.0, Dec 2025
Special Exemptions: The league commissioner and eligibility committee may approve players under the thresholds if their current skill level is in line with recreational play, or reject players who are deemed above the caliber of the league.
c. SUBSTITUTIONS (SUBS)
Each team must roster at least 9 skaters and 1 goalie. A maximum of 4 subs may be used in a game unless specifically approved by the Committee. Team Managers are responsible for attendance and reporting to the Commissioner. No-shows may lead to suspension. The Commissioner assigns subs (with the aim of balancing teams) and may consult managers but has final say. Playoff sub rules mirror regular season; the league will strive to keep original rosters intact.
d. TEAMS WITH NOT ENOUGH SKATERS
If a team does not have 5 skaters and 1 goalie at the scheduled start, the game is forfeited and recorded 1–0 for the opposing team (see Defaulted Games).
e. SUBSTITUTE GOALTENDERS
Appropriately skilled substitute goalies may be used in the regular season. If a goalie is injured mid-game, a skater may be dressed with goalie “rights,” or an available goalie from an adjacent game may fill in.
f. GAME SHEETS
Managers must complete game sheets with the timekeeper at least 5 minutes before warm-up. Referees/timekeepers will verify numbers. Captains verify post-game; sheets are then final.
6. RULES OF PLAY
a. ICE GAMEPLAY RULES
The governing rulebook is IIHF except where modified herein.
Hybrid non-touch icing is called once the puck crosses the goal line when shot from behind the far blue line. If the goalie leaves the crease on an icing, the icing is called off.
Goalie-crease interference, high-stick puck touches above shoulder height (when offending team gains control), broken/removed goalie mask, and intentional pucks over glass in the defensive zone (2-minute delay of game) are enforced per IIHF principles. FFHL League Rules – 2026 Season Version 1.0, Dec 2025
b. TIMING OF GAME
2-minute warm-up. Three 17-minute running-time periods. In the final 2 minutes, stop-time applies if the goal differential is 2 or fewer; otherwise straight-time continues. One timeout per team per game.
During game stoppage, teams are to line up for faceoff in a reasonable time. If one of the team is lined up for faceoff and ready, the referee can drop the puck for faceoff, or assess a 2-minutes delay of game penalty to the other team.
c. CHANGING PLAYERS
Changes are permitted at even strength, shorthanded, and on the power play. After an icing call, the defending team may not change. Referees will use a “hurry-up” faceoff procedure; deliberate delay may be penalized.
d. GAMES TIED AT THE END OF REGULATION
During the regular season, games ending in a tie at the end of regulation time will end in a draw, with both teams receiving 1 point.
During the playoffs and finals, a 3-minute sudden death 3 on 3 will be played. Followed by a shootout if the tie is not broken.
e. DEFAULTED GAMES
Teams must be ready at the scheduled start. If a team lacks 5 skaters and 1 goalie at puck drop, it forfeits. A 1–0 win is recorded; the game may still be played but will not be rescheduled.
f. RESCHEDULING GAMES
A minimum of 1 month’s notice is required to request rescheduling. The Committee will try to accommodate preferences but cannot guarantee alignment.
7. PENALTIES
Standard penalties (e.g., elbowing, hooking, tripping, interference, holding, kneeing, unsportsmanlike conduct, too many players) follow IIHF practice. Only Team Managers/Captains may discuss calls with referees. Questionable situations may be reviewed by the Referee-in-Chief and could result in supplemental discipline.
a. PENALTY SUBSTITUTIONS
Another player may serve a penalty only when: • The penalty is assessed to the goalie. • A major or match penalty removes the offending player. • The penalized player is ejected for 3 penalties. • The penalized player leaves due to injury. The serving player must have been on the ice at the time of the infraction. FFHL League Rules – 2026 Season Version 1.0, Dec 2025
b. LENGTH OF PENALTIES
Minor – 2 minutes stop clock. Major – 5 minutes stop clock. Match & Misconduct – 10 minutes stop clock in time penalties & ejection.
A player getting 3 minor penalties in one game is automatically ejected from the game. Another player will need to serve the third penalty.
c. GAME EJECTIONS & MISCONDUCTS
• Three (3) game misconducts = season suspension. • Three (3) penalties in one game (excluding delay, bench minor, too many players) = game ejection (does not count toward season misconduct totals).
• A game misconduct solely for abuse of officials (IIHF 116) or unsportsmanlike conduct (IIHF 168) = automatic 1-game suspension and counts toward the season total. • Goalies ejected for penalties may finish the current game but are suspended for their next scheduled game (and cannot play for any other FFHL team until served). Repeat offenders may face supplementary discipline.
d. TRASH TALKING, UNPROFESSIONAL, RACIAL OR ETHNIC COMMENTS
Depending on severity, referees may assess minor, major, match, misconduct, game misconduct, game ejection, or gross misconduct penalties. Abuse of referees, players, timekeepers, league officials, or arena staff—including emails, texts, and social media—may result in supplemental discipline.
e. HEAD CONTACT
Any blow to the head/neck or forcing a head into the glass = at least minor + misconduct (2’+10’). If injury results, a match penalty will be given.
f. HIGH STICKING
Goals scored with a stick above the crossbar do not count. Contact to an opponent above shoulder height may result in minor, double-minor, major, or match at referee discretion; injury/blood typically elevates severity.
g. BODY CONTACT, BOARDING & CHARGING
Intentional body checking is not permitted. Minor, Major + Game Misconduct, or Match may be assessed at referee discretion.
h. BUTT-ENDING
Double-minor or Match, depending on intent. FFHL League Rules – 2026 Season Version 1.0, Dec 2025
i. ROUGHING
Minor, double-minor, or Major + Game Misconduct. Repeated rough play may trigger league review.
j. SPEARING
Major penalty or Match; match for deliberate/forceful jabs or when injury occurs.
k. SLASHING
Minor, Major + Game Misconduct, or Match depending on severity/intent.
l. CROSS-CHECKING
Minor, Major + Game Misconduct, or Match. Injury typically results in Major + Game Misconduct at minimum.
m. SLEW-FOOTING OR CHECKING FROM BEHIND
Automatic Game Misconduct for either infraction; injury may elevate to Major + Game Misconduct or Match. Any Checking from Behind minor/double-minor includes an automatic Game Misconduct and may trigger further discipline.
n. ATTEMPT TO INJURE
Attempt to injure is an automatic Match penalty and subject to Committee review; outcomes/injuries may drive additional discipline.
8. SUSPENSIONS
All infractions before, during, and after scheduled league games may be reviewed by the Committee. Suspensions may be assessed during exhibition, regular season, and playoffs.
a. APPEALS
No appeals for 1-game suspensions. Only Team Captains may file an appeal (players may not appeal their own suspensions). Appeals must be submitted in writing (email is acceptable) no later than the day after the game.
b. FIGHTING
This is a recreational league. Fighting may result in a season-ending suspension. “Fighting” includes dropping gloves and delivering blows (with or without gloves) with intent to injure. Single blows/head shots may be penalized separately at referee discretion and reviewed by the League.
c. HALLWAY ALTERCATIONS
Altercations in hallways or dressing rooms will be seriously investigated and may result in suspensions.
d. ENGAGING REFEREES
Only Captains (wearing “C” or “A” ) may communicate with referees about gameplay issues. Any player engaging referees during or after the game (including hallways, dressing rooms, FFHL League Rules – 2026 Season Version 1.0, Dec 2025
or outside the arena) may be suspended for the season. Threats, verbal abuse, defamation, or physical contact are grounds for severe penalties.
e. OFF-ICE CONDUCT
Players ejected must proceed directly to the dressing room and then leave the building once changed. Interference with game operations or continued disruption may result in a season-ending suspension.
Players must remember that they represent the Flying Farangs and the FFHL at all times, including on the ice, online and also off the ice. Behaviours that are against our core values and/or detrimental to the image of the organization can lead to a review by the discipline committee including but not limited to game or season suspension.
Harassment
f. BONDING RULE
To help maintain a safe environment, the Committee will review players who reach the following season PIM totals: 20 PIM – Review and possible 1-game suspension. 30 PIM – Second review; further suspensions possible. 40 PIM – Review and potential season-ending suspension.
g. HARASSEMENT & ABUSE POLICY
The Flying Farangs Hockey League is committed to providing a safe, respectful environment for all participants. Any form of harassment or abuse – sexual or non-sexual – directed at players, goalies, captains, coaches, team staff, referees, timekeepers, league officials, volunteers, or fans is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal, physical, or online harassment; bullying or intimidation; threats; discriminatory or hateful language; and any unwanted sexual comments, advances, or contact.
Parents, relatives, and supporters of players or teams are also required to behave respectfully at all times at league games, practices, events, and online platforms associated with the league. Teams are responsible for the conduct of their spectators.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action at the sole discretion of the League (or its Discipline Committee), up to and including game suspension, multi-game suspension, season suspension, permanent removal from the league, and/or bans from attending league events. Repeated or severe misconduct by a team’s supporters may lead to sanctions against that team, including forfeits or removal from the league. FFHL League Rules – 2026 Season Version 1.0, Dec 2025
9. SECTION 9: PROPERTY & SAFETY
a. ALCOHOL & SMOKING
No player may participate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is the responsibility of the captains to ensure their players are fit and safe to play.
Only designated arena staff may sell alcohol. Please enjoy post-game beverages responsibly in designated areas or at league-supported venues.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the arena. Violations may result in suspension.
Tobacco, drugs and alcohol is not permitted on the bench or on the ice at all times. The use of Snus or chewing tobacco is prohibited on the bench and on the ice. Violations may result in suspension.
b. PROPERTY DAMAGES
Players are responsible for damages they cause to arena property and must settle costs before returning to play. All players must follow TIIHA rules and guidelines. Pre-game, no one (including pucks) may enter the ice until resurfacing is complete and Zamboni doors are closed. Post-game, leave the ice immediately.
c. PERSONAL PROPERTY
The FFHL and TIIHA are not responsible for lost/stolen items. Avoid bringing valuables; keep essentials on the bench. Lockers are available for rent at TIIHA.
d. EQUIPMENT
Players without proper equipment will be removed from play until corrected; failure to comply may result in a minor penalty for illegal equipment and report to the League.
Helmets: Must be worn at all times by all players, with chinstraps properly fastened. Leaving a helmet or face protector on the ice will stop play immediately.
U18 Players must also wear:
– Neck laceration protector
– Helmet with ear protection and full facial cage or visor
e. ACCIDENTS & INJURIES
The FFHL does not provide insurance. Players must obtain their own medical/accident coverage and play at their own risk. All accidents impacting a player’s ability to continue must be reported by the Team Manager to the President immediately.
f. FIRST AID & BLOOD DRAWN
Participants should be familiar with TIIHA emergency procedures and keep a phone on the bench. Officials/timekeepers will assist when possible. Any player who is bleeding must leave the ice to clean and bandage before returning.