Events/Tournament Restrictions

Rule Update, Effective October 9, 2026: Teams may now roster a maximum of two (2) rated players from the division above, down from four (4). This applies to all Ballhockey.com events. WOBHC Weekend #2 (October 2–4, 2026) was the final event played under the previous four-player limit.

This change follows our review of competitive results from across the 2026 event season, which showed that even a small rated-player advantage has a significant impact on game outcomes. A two-player maximum keeps every division competitive while still giving teams the flexibility to bring in a couple of players from the tier above.

To ensure competitive balance and transparency across all Ballhockey.com events, the chart below outlines divisional roster restrictions for each category, including Men’s (A, B, C, D, Over 35, Over 50), Women’s (A/B), and Co-ed (Open, Intermediate, Rec). Please review it carefully before submitting your roster.

Divisional Restriction Chart

Men’s A: No roster restrictions (open restrictions)
Men’s B: Max 2 Men’s A-rated players
Men’s C: No Men’s A-rated players / Max 2 Men’s B-rated players
Men’s D: No Men’s A or B-rated players / Max 2 Men’s C-rated players
Men’s Over 35: Born 1989 or earlier / Max 2 Men’s A-rated players
Men’s Over 50: Born 1974 or earlier / Max 3 players born 1977 or earlier
Women’s A/B: No roster restrictions
Women’s C: Max 2 Women’s A or Women’s B-rated players.
Co-ed Open: No roster restrictions (open restrictions)
Co-ed Intermediate: No Men’s A-rated players / Max 2 Men’s B-rated players / Max 2 Women’s A-rated players
Co-ed Rec: No players from the restricted list

All players participating in Ballhockey.com adult events must be 16 years of age or older.

How the Two-Player Maximum Works

Each team may include up to two players rated one tier above its division. For example, a Men’s D team may roster up to two Men’s C-rated players, and a Men’s C team may roster up to two Men’s B-rated players. Players rated two or more tiers above a division are not eligible for that division at all.

A player’s rating is determined by the Events Player Ratings Database. If a player qualifies under more than one rating, the higher rating always applies. You can look up any rated player at ballhockeyratings.com.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Division labels listed in player bios (e.g., “Division 1,” “Co-ed Competitive”) refer to a player’s prior participation in Ballhockey.com seasonal league divisions. They do not correspond to Ballhockey.com tournament ratings. For example, Division 1 is not equivalent to Men’s A. These are two separate classification systems and are not interchangeable.

Player Ratings Database (Updated November 2026)

The Ballhockey.com Events Player Ratings Database is a transparent, event-based system used to determine player eligibility across sanctioned events. It evaluates performance at major national and international tournaments so that roster restrictions are applied fairly and consistently.

The November 2026 update is now live on ballhockeyratings.com and is in effect for all Ballhockey.com events until the next scheduled update. It was released ahead of schedule to help teams building rosters for upcoming tournaments. The only event still to be added is Clash of the Titans 2026, which will be included once the event concludes.

Included Events

2026 ISBHF World Championships (Men’s A & Women’s A)
2026 CBHA National Championships (Men’s A, B & C; Women’s A, B & C)
2025 CBHA National Championships (Women’s A & B)
2025 Clash of the Titans (Men’s A)
2025 USA Ball Hockey Club Championships (Men’s A, B & C)
2026 USA Ball Hockey Club Championships (Men’s A & B)
2025 OBHF Provincials (Men’s B & C)
2026 OBHF Provincials (Men’s C & D)
2025 WOBHC (Men’s B & C)
2026 WOBHC (Men’s B, C & D)
2026 Gateway to WOBHC (Men’s C & D)
2026 Garden City Classic (Men’s D)

Coming Soon: 2026 Clash of the Titans (Top 4 teams rated Men’s A; remaining teams rated Men’s B)

Women’s CBHA National Championships results count for two years, so the two most recent Nationals both contribute to women’s ratings. Men’s CBHA results count for the most recent year only.

If a player qualifies under two or more ratings (for example, A and B), the higher rating is always applied.

Third-Party Roster Verification (CBHA, OBHF, etc.)

If a player appears on an official roster published by a recognized third-party organization or event (e.g., CBHA, OBHF) but does not appear in the Ballhockey.com Player Ratings Database, Ballhockey.com will default to the roster information listed on that organization’s official site. This policy applies only for the purpose of validating a player addition, ensuring alignment with sanctioned event records.

For Team Reps and Players

Team Reps are responsible for confirming that every player meets divisional eligibility, including the two-player maximum, before submitting a roster.
Players should know their current rating and make sure they are registering in an eligible division.
Ballhockey.com management reserves the right to review or adjust rosters at any point to maintain competitive integrity.

Event Rating Appeals

Player eligibility for Ballhockey.com tournaments is determined by the Events Player Ratings Database, which is generated from event rosters of external organizations as well as Ballhockey.com. In some cases, a rating may appear even if a player did not ultimately participate in that event.

If you believe your rating is inaccurate because you did not participate in a listed event (for example, you were rostered but did not play), you may be eligible to submit a rating appeal. Appeals require official confirmation from the issuing event organizer and must be submitted at least seven (7) days before the tournament start date.

For full eligibility requirements, documentation guidelines, and submission instructions, visit the Event Rating Database Appeal Process page.

The Included Events list is still the July set, so add any new events from the November update before it goes live.