Table of Contents

• League Purpose & Values
• 1. Tournament Roles
• 1.1 Commissioner
• 1.2 Staff
• 1.2.1 Referee
• 1.3 Production
• 1.4 Managers
• 1.4.1 Manager Removal
• 1.5 Players
• 1.5.1 Player Responsibilities
• 1.6 Free Agents
• 1.7 50% Player
• 1.8 Practice Squad / Free Agent Affiliation
• 2. Player Eligibility Guidelines
• 2.1 Player Application Requirement
• 2.2 Games Played / Combine Requirement
• 2.3 Broader Player Eligibility Requirements
• 3. League Structure
• 3.1 League Draft
• 3.1.1 Draft Order
• 3.1.2 The Draft Process
• 3.2 Teams
• 3.2.1 Team Brandings
• 3.3 Divisions
• 3.4 Season Structure
• 3.4.1 Challenger Division Split
• 3.4.2 Regular Season Schedule
• 3.4.3 Point System
• 3.4.4 Premier Division Playoffs
• 3.4.5 Challenger Division Playoffs
• 3.4.6 Tiebreakers
• 4. Player Transactions
• 4.1 General Principles
• 4.2 Cross Divisional Functionality
• 4.2.1 Premier Division Free Agents
• 4.2.2 Premier Division Releases
• 4.3 Trades
• 4.3.1 Transaction Window & Trade Deadline
• 4.4 Waivers
• 4.4.1 Cross Divisional Waiver Functionality
• 4.5 Player Release & Trade Requests
• 4.6 Mutual Releases
• 4.7 Team-Enforced Releases
• 4.8 Roster Lock
• 4.9 Practice Squad System (PSI)
• 4.9.1 Free Agent Status & Practice Squad Cap
• 4.9.2 Practice Squad Fluidity & Transfers
• 4.9.3 Managing Practice Squad Affiliations
• 4.9.4 Main Roster Signings & Right of First Refusal (24-Hour Hold)
• 4.9.5 Inactivity & Unresponsive Players
• 5. Match Format
• 5.1 General Match Rules
• 5.1.1 Substitutes & Emergency Substitutes (E-Subs)
• 5.2 Game Duration & Format
• 5.3 Overtime Rules
• 5.4 Ruleset Mod Calls & Challenge Protocols
• 5.4.1 Ruleset Mod Evidence & Replay Limitations
• 5.5 Goaltender Interference
• 5.5.1 Contact In The Crease
• 5.5.2 Contact Outside The Crease
• 5.5.3 Goaltender Interference Challenges
• 5.5.4 Goaltender Challenge Impacts
• 5.6 Pulling The Goalie & Goalie Pull Mod Mechanics
• 5.7 Positional Swap Abuse
• 5.8 Too Many Men
• 5.9 Vision Blocking & Stick Abuse
• 5.10 Intermission Substitutions
• 5.11 Player Disconnects & Pause Rules
• 5.12 Match Chat Spam / Abuse
• 6. Scheduling & Servers
• 6.1 Match Scheduling
• 6.1.1 Match Rescheduling
• 6.1.2 Short-Notice & Emergency Reschedules
• 6.2 Servers
• 6.2.1 Mid-Match Server Issues
• 7. Permitted League Mods
• 8. League Discipline
• 8.1 General Principles
• 8.2 Suspension Types
• 8.3 Grounds for Suspension
• 8.3.1 Grounds for Permanent Bans
• 8.4 Notification of Suspension
• 8.5 Impact of Suspensions
• 8.6 Appeals
• 9. Rulebook Disclaimer

League Purpose & Values

By taking part in the Ponce Puck Hockey League (PPHL), all members agree to engage in a generally positive manner with fellow players, managers, staff, and spectators. By being involved in the PPHL or the larger Ponce Puck server network, all members agree to uphold these standards to ensure a fair, competitive, and respectful environment.

League Standards:

• Treat other league members with respect and avoid straying from banter to harassment.
• Listen to and communicate with league staff to ensure the PPHL is functioning as intended.
• Compete ethically, and maintain a general level of sportsmanship and levelheadedness during matches.
• Honor your commitments to teammates and opponents. Respect match schedules and be on time for games.
• Continue to follow established Ponce Puck server rules while engaging in PPHL matches, discussion, or productions.

1Tournament Roles

1.1Commissioner

The commissioner oversees the general operations of the Ponce Puck Hockey League (PPHL) and is the primary decision maker regarding the league’s format, structure, and rules. The commissioner is responsible for the selection of league staff and team managers, and can change any part of the league’s rulebook, function, or personnel at any time to which they see fit.

1.2Staff

PPHL staff is responsible for being the primary support system for the league, while also working closely with the commissioner to ensure league operations run smoothly. Staff are expected to contribute in some meaningful way if they wish to retain their status as league staff.

Staff members may both play on and/or manage teams; however, they are expected to remain neutral in all league matters involving other teams. In any situation where a staff member’s own team is directly involved, responsibility for handling the matter will be deferred to the remaining staff members or the commissioner to avoid conflicts of interest.

1.2.1Referee

Referees are responsible for overseeing league games and ensuring that all matches are played fairly and in accordance with league rules.

Referees are expected to remain impartial, enforce rules consistently, communicate professionally with players and managers, and report any significant incidents or rule violations to league staff.

All players and team personnel are expected to respect the authority of referees during league games. Harassment, abuse, or repeated arguing with referees may result in warnings, suspensions, or other disciplinary action as determined by league staff.

1.3Production

League production refers to all individuals who contribute to the presentation and coverage of the league. This may include streaming or recording games, casting matches, creating weekly recap videos or streams, and producing league models, stream assets, or graphics.

1.4Managers

Managers serve as the primary representative of their team, and are responsible for overseeing team operations. Their role is to place their team in the best possible position to succeed while maintaining strong communication with league staff. Managers are expected to be actively involved in the internal workings of their team and to represent their team in all official matters.

At the start of each season, managers are responsible for establishing a team brand. They are then responsible for hosting pickup games to scout players, drafting players to complete their roster, and promptly communicating any roster changes, scheduling changes, and similar requests mid-season to league staff. Managers may also play for their team, but this must be specified prior to the draft. Each team may only have one manager.

1.4.1Manager Removal

In the event a team feels they are being mismanaged, or that their manager is not present enough within the team, they may be removed from the team if at least 75% of the team’s players agree to replace them. League staff will then review the team's request to remove their manager, and provide the final ruling on the fate of the team’s manager.

1.5Players

Players are the active league-eligible participants that are rostered on teams to play in games. Players are eligible to be traded, waived, or signed by their team or other teams. Any player who refuses to play for their team will be subsequently given a season ban from the PPHL.

Strict Name Consistency Rule: Players must play under the exact name they signed up under. If a player's name is anything different from what the league expects to see them as (including spelling, capitalization, punctuation, or alternate accounts), they MUST submit an official support ticket prior to match time. Failure to open a ticket for a mismatched name will result in immediate disciplinary action and potential game invalidation.

1.5.1Player Responsibilities

Players are expected to follow all league rules and guidelines while maintaining a respectful and professional attitude in their interactions with fellow league members. Good sportsmanship, cooperation, and respect for opponents, teammates, and staff are required at all times.

Players should include information regarding their current & future schedule/availability in the player application to the best of their ability. If a player's availability drastically changes, they should notify their team manager as soon as possible to help their team prepare in advance.

1.6Free Agents

Individuals that have filled out the player application and were declared eligible prior to the draft, but were not drafted or signed to a team, classify as free agents. Pending approval from league staff, free agents may fill in as substitute players for teams in PPHL games in the event that a team doesn’t have enough rostered players for a game. Most free agents are eligible to sign with any team while the transaction window remains open; some premier-level free agents may be only able to sign with premier division teams, with these cases being determined by league staff.

1.750% Player

A 50% Player is a participant whose availability is limited and is therefore only eligible to participate in up to 50% of their team’s scheduled regular season games.

This designation is assigned due to known availability concerns and must be disclosed to league staff. Teams are responsible for ensuring that a 50% Player does not exceed the maximum number of games permitted under this designation. Violations may result in disciplinary action or roster penalties as determined by League Staff.

Playoff Eligibility Restriction: In the playoffs, 50% Players remain restricted to a 50% maximum allocation per series, enforced as a strict ban on playing back-to-back games. If a 50% Player plays in Game 1 of a series, they cannot play Game 2 under any circumstance. This alternating restriction applies across the entirety of any playoff series duration.

1.8Practice Squad / Free Agent Affiliation

Practice Squad players are not a separate class or tier of players—they are active Free Agents. The Practice Squad system is an organizational framework designed to encourage team managers to actively scout the Free Agent pool, build relationships with available players, and integrate Free Agents into team activities (such as scrims, VOD reviews, and community events). Free Agents retain full autonomy over their status and may freely move between Practice Squads across the league.

2Player Eligibility Guidelines

2.1Player Application Requirement

In order to be an eligible player in the PPHL, every player must submit a player application to be accepted by staff. Upon filling out the player application, players are expected to provide as honest an assessment of their availability/schedule as possible, and must disclose any information regarding their involvement in other ongoing Puck leagues. Players must be willing to play the role(s) for which they submitted an application.

While all players are encouraged to apply, not all may be accepted upon review by league staff. Player applications may be denied by league staff due to notable bans or negative behavior from other major Puck leagues, Puck server networks, or Puck server discords. Generally speaking, most player applications will be accepted as long as the player is not known to have a problematic reputation within the broader Puck community.

If a player’s application is denied, or ruled to be pending further approval, a staff member will reach out to the applicant to notify them of their status.

2.2Games Played / Combine Requirement

In order to be declared draft eligible, players must have either a sizeable number of games played on the broader Ponce Puck server network, or play in PPHL combine events prior to the draft to allow all managers a fair shot at assessing their skill.

2.3Broader Player Eligibility Requirements

In addition to the requirements detailed above, broader requirements to maintain PPHL eligibility include the following:

• Maintain good standing in the broader Ponce Puck server network.
• Only play on the Steam account provided to league staff in the player application (a change may be requested if desired).
• Are not under investigation or suspended by league staff.
• Not permanently banned from Pugs.
• Must maintain in-game name for the entire season, and Discord name must match in-game name.

3League Structure

3.1League Draft

The PPHL will utilize a draft system to form teams from the player applicant pool. Managers of each team will be given a list of all players declared eligible prior to the draft to select players from. Upon filling out a player application, players may be eligible to be selected as a skater, goalie, or as both depending on the positions they signed up under. After being drafted, players will be removed from the available pool, and join the team that selected them.

3.1.1Draft Order

The PPHL will utilize a draft determined by two weighted draft lotteries: one for the first round, and one for the remaining snake rounds. The draft will run in a snake format to ideally equalize talent between teams, with draft lottery odds being determined via league staff relative to perceived manager talent levels.

3.1.2The Draft Process

Team managers will be in charge of making draft picks for their team. Roster requirements managers must meet are as follows:

1. Managers must construct an initial roster meeting minimum player requirements.
2. Managers may construct a roster of up to a maximum of 8 to 10 players.
3. Managers must select at least 2 players who signed up to play goaltender.
4. Managers are included towards their team’s roster total.
5. Managers will be given 2 minutes per draft pick to make a selection.

After reaching the league minimum number of players, managers may opt to stop drafting players, or continue drafting players up to the league maximum roster limit. Shortly following the conclusion of the draft, team roles will be distributed to players, and players should join their respective team discords/channels.

3.2Teams

The PPHL will be composed of 14 total teams, with each team composed of a minimum of 8 players and a maximum of 10 players. Each team must have at least 2 players rostered who applied to play goalie. Teams must stay within these boundaries at all times, regardless of signings, trades, releases, etc.

Upon suspension, players remain as part of their team's player count. Upon a ban, teams must comply to get within limits if they drop below the player minimum. If a team drops below the player minimum outside of the transaction window, league staff will work with team managers to find the best solution on a case-by-case basis.

To promote playtime for all players on their roster, team managers should strive to play all rostered players in at least five games in a season (where a "game" is defined as playing two periods or more of a single match). Players picked up mid-season should be played in a proportional equivalent (1/4 of remaining games).

3.2.1Team Brandings

Each PPHL team will take on a unique branding not inspired by any currently or previously established hockey team/brand. Each manager will work with league staff prior to the draft to generate an approved branding, consisting of:

• A league-approved US or Canadian based City/Region.
• A league-approved Name.
• Three primary/secondary/tertiary colors for logos, jerseys, etc.
• A general concept/inspiration for a logo & team identity.

3.3Divisions

The PPHL will divide its 14 teams into two divisions. The Premier Division will feature 6 teams, and the Challenger Division will feature 8 teams.

3.4Season Structure

The PPHL regular season and playoffs are organized to ensure competitive balance, divisional rivalries, and a fair path to the championship.

3.4.1Challenger Division Split

The league’s eight Challenger Division teams will be split evenly into two sub-divisions. Division alignment will be determined by league staff prior to the start of the season.

3.4.2Regular Season Schedule

Each team will play a 20-game regular season scheduled as follows:

• Premier Teams: Each team will play each other Premier Team 4 times (20 games total).
• Challenger Teams: Each team will play 20 games total:
• In-Division: Play the other three teams in their sub-division 4 times each (12 games).
• Out-of-Division: Play the four teams from the opposite sub-division 2 times each (8 games).

Official match times will be scheduled between 7:30 PM EST and 9:00 PM EST.

3.4.3Point System

• Regulation Win: 3 points
• Overtime / Shootout Win: 2 points
• Overtime / Shootout Loss: 1 point
• Regulation Loss: 0 points

3.4.4Premier Division Playoffs

The top four out of the six Premier Division teams qualify for the playoffs.

• Semifinals: (1) vs (4) and (2) vs (3) – Best-of-5 series.
• Finals: Semifinal winners – Best-of-7 series.

3.4.5Challenger Division Playoffs

All 8 Challenger teams qualify for the playoffs (no byes).

• Quarterfinals: Best-of-3 (BO3) — (1v8, 2v7, 3v6, 4v5)
• Semifinals: Best-of-5 (BO5)
• Finals: Best-of-7 (BO7)

3.4.6Tiebreakers

1. Total Points
2. Regulation Wins (excluding OT/SO Wins)
3. Regulation & Overtime Wins (excluding SO Wins)
4. Head-to-Head Record
5. Goal Differential
6. Coin Flip

4Player Transactions

4.1General Principles

All player transactions must be conducted with transparency, honesty, and open communication between managers and league staff. Any attempt to misrepresent player availability, status, or ability during a transaction will result in disciplinary action. Staff reserve the right to review, approve, reject, or retract any transaction.

4.2Cross Divisional Functionality

Players drafted to both divisions may have opportunities to join a team in the other division or play in both divisions. Players may always move up to the Premier Division from Challenger, and in select cases, move down to Challenger from Premier.

4.2.1Premier Division Free Agents

Following the start of the season, Challenger Division players will indicate if they are interested in joining a Premier Division team. Interested players enter the Premier Free Agent pool and become available to sign with Premier teams while remaining on their Challenger roster.

4.2.2Premier Division Releases

If a player is released from a Premier Division roster and is not claimed by another Premier team within the 24-hour waiver period during the transaction window, that player becomes eligible for selection by a Challenger Division team. Claim priority is awarded based on current Challenger standings (lowest-ranked receiving first priority).

4.3Trades

Trades may only occur between active managers and must be communicated promptly to league staff for approval. Trades may involve players only. Non-player assets are strictly prohibited. Staff may veto trades deemed collusive, unbalanced, or damaging to competitive integrity.

4.3.1Transaction Window & Trade Deadline

The PPHL Transaction Window and Trade Deadline is open from the start of the season until exactly one week after the halfway point of regular season games for each division respectively.

• Premier Halfway Lock: One week following Week 3.
• Challenger Halfway Lock: One week following Week 3.

Once the window closes NO TRADES are permitted for the remainder of the season. Outside of this open window, waiver claims, callups, drops, and free agent signings are all allowed upon staff approval.

4.4Waivers

Released players enter the waiver system for a strict 24-hour window. Waiver priority is determined by current team standings (lowest points receive highest priority). If unclaimed after 24 hours, the player clears waivers and becomes an unrestricted Free Agent.

4.4.1Cross Divisional Waiver Functionality

Players released by Challenger teams are only eligible to be claimed by Challenger teams. Unless otherwise specified, Premier Division releases are only eligible to be claimed by Premier teams during the initial waiver period.

4.5Player Release & Trade Requests

Players may formally request a release or trade through their manager, who must relay the request to staff with context. A release request does not guarantee movement; staff will review requests to ensure competitive balance and prevent bad-faith exits.

4.6Mutual Releases

When both player and manager agree to part ways, staff approval will place the player into waivers or free agency (depending on transaction status).

4.7Team-Enforced Releases

Managers may release a player without mutual agreement by immediately providing reasonable justification to staff. Released players enter waivers. Unjustified forced releases are subject to penalties.

4.8Roster Lock

Once the trade window closes (one week after the division's halfway point), rosters are officially locked. No roster moves will be permitted for the remainder of the regular season or playoffs, barring emergency staff-approved additions.

4.9Practice Squad System (PSI)

The Practice Squad Implementation (PSI) operates directly within the Free Agent pool to promote active scouting, player development, and community engagement.

4.9.1Free Agent Status & Practice Squad Cap

• Free Agent Classification: All Practice Squad players retain 100% Free Agent status. Designation to a Practice Squad does not make a player a contractually rostered league player, nor does it grant exclusive rights to a team outside of active main roster promotions.
• Practice Squad Cap: Each team manager may affiliate a maximum of 4 Free Agents to their Practice Squad at any given time to encourage targeted scouting and direct player interaction.

4.9.2Practice Squad Fluidity & Transfers

• Fluid Player Movement: Free Agents are permitted to move freely from one team's Practice Squad to another at any time during the season, provided the receiving team has an open slot under their 4-player cap.
• No Player Withholding: Teams cannot block, withhold, or restrict a Free Agent from leaving their Practice Squad to join another team's Practice Squad. Teams do not own player rights on the Practice Squad. If a Free Agent chooses to switch Practice Squads, the transfer will be processed immediately upon request via a support ticket.

4.9.3Managing Practice Squad Affiliations

• Activation Window: Managers may begin assigning Free Agents to their Practice Squad immediately following the conclusion of Week 1 waivers.
• Flexible Assignments: Managers may add, drop, or swap Practice Squad Free Agents at any point on a continuous, first-come, first-served basis. There are no mandatory weekly roster resets, Monday drops, or mid-season deadlines for Practice Squad designations.
• Streamlined Processing: All Practice Squad additions, transfers, and drops are managed through the official league ticket system and logged on the master Free Agent tracker.

4.9.4Main Roster Signings & Right of First Refusal (24-Hour Hold)

• Because Practice Squad players remain active Free Agents, any team in the league may request to sign them to an active main playing roster at any time during an open transaction window.
• 24-Hour Hold Period: If an outside team attempts to sign a Practice Squad Free Agent to their active main playing roster, the player's current affiliated Practice Squad team is notified immediately and granted a 24-hour window of first refusal.
• Team Option: Within this 24-hour window, the affiliated team has the exclusive right to promote the Free Agent to their own active main roster first. If the affiliated team declines or fails to promote the player within 24 hours, the outside team may finalize the main roster signing.

4.9.5Inactivity & Unresponsive Players

• Free Agents on a Practice Squad are encouraged to stay in communication with their affiliated manager.
• Unresponsive Player Removal: If a manager reports to league staff that a Practice Squad Free Agent is unresponsive ("didn't reply"), staff will remove the player's Practice Squad tag and return them to the unassigned Free Agent pool.

5Match Format

5.1General Match Rules

All PPHL games feature standard 5v5 play (4 skaters, 1 goalie). Games are played on official Ponce Puck servers using the designated PPHL server config.

A 10-minute grace period after the scheduled start time is allowed for technical issues or player arrivals before forfeit penalties are assessed. Server slot priority is always given to official production and staff members over excess roster substitutes.

5.1.1Substitutes & Emergency Substitutes (E-Subs)

Teams must field a minimum of 4 skaters and 1 goaltender at game start time. Failure to do so requires using Emergency Substitutes (E-Subs) or forfeiting (assessed as a 3-0 win for the opponent).

• Teams are limited to using E-Subs in a maximum of 4 games per season. Persistent attendance issues beyond this limit will prompt direct league intervention.
• E-Subs must be drawn exclusively from the approved free-agent pool and cleared by staff/referees via ticket prior to match start.
• Roster locks apply: higher-tier rostered players cannot act as E-Subs for lower-tier matches.

5.2Game Duration & Format

Matches follow standard Puck rules with 6-minute regulation periods.

5.3Overtime Rules

• Regular Season: Single sudden-death OT period featuring strict 4v4 play (3 skaters, 1 goalie) for 5 minutes. If still tied, the match proceeds to a 3-round shootout.
• Playoffs: Continuous, full sudden-death OT periods (5v5 format) until a winner is decided. No shootouts occur in playoff matches.

5.4Ruleset Mod Calls & Challenge Protocols

The PPHL utilizes oomtm450’s ruleset mod by default to automate calls for offsides, icing, high sticking, and goaltender interference. Any call automatically made by the ruleset mod is presumed valid unless formally challenged under strict evidence protocols.

5.4.1Ruleset Mod Evidence & Replay Limitations

If a team wishes to challenge a call or non-call made by the Ruleset Mod:

• Live Video Clip Requirement: To overturn any call made by the Ruleset Mod, a team must submit CLEAR AND INDISPUTABLE EVIDENCE in a video clip recorded directly from live gameplay as it happened (e.g., screen capture software, broadcast capture, or local live recording).
• Ineligibility of Replay Files (.rep): In-game Replay files are known to be unreliable for assessing precise stick contact, stick placement, and fine-grain collision hitboxes. Therefore, replay files CANNOT be presented or accepted as evidence to overturn a Ruleset Mod decision.
• Post-Game Review Only: Under no circumstances may a game be paused mid-match to request, review, or argue a mod call. All challenges must be submitted by the team captain/manager via a support ticket post-match.

5.5Goaltender Interference

Goaltender interference occurs when an attacking player, using their body or stick, makes physical contact with the goaltender, impeding their movement or ability to make a save, particularly within the goal crease.

5.5.1Contact In The Crease

Physical contact to a goaltender inside their crease may be ruled as interference, including:

• Preventing goalies inside the crease from dashing.
• Using sticks to obstruct a goalie’s view in the crease.
• Hitting or bumping goaltenders to score or create a goal-scoring opportunity.
• Intentionally positioning behind the goaltender to pin or restrict movement.
• Intentionally chopping or lifting the goalie's stick to prevent a save.

Incidental contact caused by defending players or simultaneous puck plays in the crease will generally not be ruled as interference.

5.5.2Contact Outside The Crease

A goaltender returning to their crease or making a play near their crease remains protected from overt targeting. However, goalies handling the puck well outside the crease in a passing/skating motion or intentionally initiating contact with skaters are eligible for standard contact.

5.5.3Goaltender Interference Challenges

Challenges for goaltender interference follow the general Ruleset Mod Challenge protocols outlined in Section 5.4.1. Games must be played to completion; no mid-game pauses are permitted for challenges.

5.5.4Goaltender Challenge Impacts

If post-game staff review confirms indisputable live video evidence that a goal or non-call should be overturned according to league guidelines, staff will retroactively adjust match scores, player statistics, and standings data accordingly.

5.6Pulling The Goalie & Goalie Pull Mod Mechanics

Upon trailing in a regular season game during the 3rd period (or anytime while trailing in playoff games), teams may pull their goaltender to gain a 5th skater on the ice. Teams trailing by more than 3 goals in the regular season may not pull their goalie.

Goalie Pull Mod Mechanics & Guidelines:

The league utilizes a dedicated Goalie Pull Mod allowing goaltenders to convert into an extra skater on the fly.

• Converting Goalie to Skater: Activating the mod converts the goaltender into an active skater.
• Returning to Goalie Position: The Goalie Pull Mod DOES NOT automatically restore the player back to the goaltender position when undone.
• Manual Position Reassignment: To put the goaltender back in net, the player must manually reassign themselves back to the goaltender position using the base game position select method during a stoppage in play.

5.7Positional Swap Abuse

Players may not switch positions mid-play to gain unfair positional advantages from spawn points. Positional changes may only occur during stoppages in play or intermissions. Violations are subject to disciplinary review.

5.8Too Many Men

Any team playing with excess skaters or pulling their goalie outside permitted situational guidelines (e.g., prior to the 3rd period or while trailing by 4+ goals in the regular season) will face immediate disciplinary penalties.

5.9Vision Blocking & Stick Abuse

Consistently and intentionally blocking opposing players' vision using stick placement exploits is strictly prohibited. Repeated usage of this tactic may lead to match forfeits or suspensions upon review.

5.10Intermission Substitutions

Teams may carry up to 10 players on a roster, but must strictly adhere to the 5-player maximum inside the server lobby during play.

STRICT SUBSTITUTION RULE: All player substitutions—including both skater and goaltender substitutions—can be done ONLY at period intermissions (between the 1st and 2nd periods, and between the 2nd and 3rd periods).

Substitutions during mid-period stoppages in play (e.g., out of bounds, icing, offsides, penalties, goals, etc.) are strictly prohibited. This rule is strictly enforced to prevent teams from abusing Ruleset Mod stoppages to cycle personnel mid-period. Additionally, substitutions may not be made between the 3rd period and overtime/shootout periods.

5.11Player Disconnects & Pause Rules

• Strict Technological Pause Protocol: Games may ONLY be paused due to a player disconnection. Both sides must vote to pause immediately upon a disconnect.
• 5-Minute Reconnect Window: The disconnected player has 5 minutes to reconnect. If they fail to reconnect within 5 minutes, an eligible intermission sub may enter (or an E-Sub via referee clearance), and the disconnected player is barred from the rest of the match.
• Three-Strike Rule: If a player disconnects 3 times in a single match due to unstable connection, they must be substituted out immediately for the remainder of the match.
• Unpausing: Teams must vote for a faceoff before unpausing.
• Goals Scored During Disconnects: If a defensive player/goalie disconnects and a goal is scored before the pause, the goal is nullified, provided the disconnected player was in a position to impact the play. If the disconnected player was completely uninvolved in the play, the goal stands.

5.12Match Chat Spam / Abuse

In-game match and voice chat during active play are reserved exclusively for active players. Spectators and extra roster members in the lobby are prohibited from spamming chat mid-game. Spectators who violate this rule may be muted or removed from the server.

6Scheduling & Servers

6.1Match Scheduling

Official match times are published in Eastern Standard Time (EST). Managers are responsible for communicating time zone conversions to their rosters.

6.1.1Match Rescheduling

If both managers mutually agree to a reschedule, they may submit a formal request to league staff. Rescheduled games must generally be completed within the same scheduling week.

Requests must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to the originally scheduled start time via ticket, accompanied by proof of mutual agreement (Discord link/screenshot).

6.1.2Short-Notice & Emergency Reschedules

Reschedule requests submitted inside the 24-hour window will only be considered for verified emergency situations (widespread server outages, major technical failures, or verified personal emergencies). Teams suspected of fabricating emergencies to avoid matches face severe league penalties.

6.2Servers

Official matches take place by default on Chicago-based Ponce Puck network servers. Teams wishing to move a match to a different server location must receive staff approval at least 24 hours prior to match time.

6.2.1Mid-Match Server Issues

If persistent server instability occurs affecting both teams, managers may agree to a technical pause. In the event of a total server crash, managers must document the exact score, period, and time remaining, then notify staff immediately to resume from the point of failure.

7Permitted League Mods

Permitted Mods:

• All default server-side mods installed on Ponce Puck network servers.
• Purely cosmetic client mods (stick skins, jersey skins, rink textures, puck trails).
• Visual presentation mods (e.g., Toaster’s Crispy Shadows, Toaster’s Celly Cam).
• IFeelLeftOut or equivalent camera/positional utility mods for goaltenders.

Prohibited Mods:

• Any script, macro, handedness-toggle, or mechanical mod that alters physical gameplay execution or provides competitive input advantages.
• Custom camera mods providing non-standard ice sightlines or unfair spatial advantages.

Questions regarding unlisted mods must be submitted via support ticket. Staff reserve the right to ban additional mods at any time.

8League Discipline

8.1General Principles

Disciplinary actions enforced by staff are designed to preserve league integrity, sportsmanship, and fair play.

8.2Suspension Types

• Game Suspension: Ineligible for a specified number of scheduled matches.
• Season Suspension: Barred for the remainder of the active season.
• Indefinite Suspension / Permanent League Ban: Complete removal from PPHL operations until further review or permanently.

8.3Grounds for Suspension

• Code of Conduct violations (harassment, toxicity, hate speech, threats).
• Utilizing unapproved/banned mods, macros, cheats, or exploits.
• Mid-match result tampering, ice griefing, intentional match throwing, or targeted unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Active temporary or permanent bans on the broader Ponce Puck server network.

8.3.1Grounds for Permanent Bans

• Use of racial, ethnic, or discriminatory slurs.
• Account sharing, smurfing, or misrepresenting player identity.
• Match-fixing or throwing.
• Permanent bans issued across the general Ponce Puck network.

8.4Notification of Suspension

Suspensions will be issued in writing to the player and manager via private ticket detailing the infraction, penalty duration, and effective dates.

8.5Impact of Suspensions

Suspended players cannot participate in official matches as starters or substitutes. Suspended players continue to occupy a roster slot on their team.

8.6Appeals

Appeals must be submitted in writing via a support ticket within 48 hours of suspension notification. Appeals must include a clear explanation and supporting evidence (live video capture, screenshots).

The Commissioner and unaligned staff members will review the submission. The Commissioner holds final decision-making authority over all appeals.

9Rulebook Disclaimer

The PPHL Rulebook provides structural guidelines for league operations but is not an exhaustive list of all possible scenarios. League staff and the Commissioner reserve the right to interpret, adjust, or amend rules as necessary to preserve competitive balance and fairness. The Commissioner’s ruling serves as the final authority in all unaddressed matters. Continued participation in the PPHL constitutes acceptance of this rulebook and official staff rulings.