Rule 637. Time of Match or Time-outs

1. The maximum time allowed for a game shall be three twenty-minute periods of actual play with a rest intermission between periods.

   Play shall be resumed promptly following each intermission upon the expiration of fifteen minutes from the completion of play in the preceding period. A preliminary warning shall be given by the Game Timekeeper to the Officials and to both teams three minutes prior to the resumption of play in each period and the final warning shall be given in sufficient time to enable the teams to resume play promptly.

   (Note) For the purpose of keeping the spectators informed as to the time remaining during intermissions, the Game Timekeeper will use the electric clock to record length of intermissions.

2. The team scoring the greater number of goals during the three periods shall be the winner, and shall be credited with two points in the standings.

3. In the intervals between periods, the ice surface shall be flooded unless mutually agreed to the contrary.

4. If any unusual delay occurs in the first or second periods, the Referee may order the next regular intermission to be taken immediately and the balance of the period will be completed on the resumption of play with the teams defending the same goals, after which the teams will change ends and resume play of the ensuing period without delay.

5. Each team shall be permitted to take one time-out of a one-minute duration during the game, which must be taken during a stoppage of play. If one team takes a time-out, the opposing team may exercise the rights of a time-out, including warming up a goalkeeper. Non-penalized players and goalkeepers may proceed to their respective team bench during any time-out.

   A time-out must be requested prior to the conclusion of the line change procedure. A team that is requesting its time-out during the same stoppage of lay as their opponent's time-out must make such request prior to the conclusion of the first time-out.

   When the time-out is used to warm up goalkeeper(s), no more than four (4) pucks per team shall be allowed on the ice.

   During a game that has a time curfew (see Glossary), no time-outs shall be permitted.

6. If, in the opinion of the Referee, playing conditions beyond the control of the Officials and game participants (such as ice conditions, broken glass or weather) become unsatisfactory during the course of the game, the game may be suspended.