2011 TOURNAMENT FAQ
as of 10/27/2011
 Boys Tournament ID: ILH1112002

Rules & Regulations a 


The call volume into our office from parents, managers, coaches, and scouts, is overwhelming over the course of a hockey season. Thus, in order to better help you, here are some FAQ and the answers to them: We will do our best to list on a regular basis questions that are asked of us that can easily be answered here. If your question is not listed below, do not hesitate to email us.  

Is there any benefit to sending in my 2011 application and deposit early?
The 2010 Bauer International AAA Invite was completely full by May 15th last year.  To be considered for an entry spot both the application and deposit fee must be submitted.  We accepted 408 Boy’s teams last year and there were 160 teams on the waiting list. The 2010 Girl’s Bauer Invite Tournament had 120 teams participate list year and another 60 plus on the waiting list.  Any team wishing to apply for entry into the Bauer International AAA Invite must complete an Application Form (available on-line), provide a resume of the past seasons accomplishments along with the deposit fee of $475.00 (US).   The total entry fee is $1,475 (Boy’s) & $1,100 (Girl’s). A 10% discount is offered for teams paying in full by April 30, 2011.

How do I know if you received my application and deposit?
Once the application is received, it is input into our database. An email is then sent out automatically to the email address indicated on the application (please print your email address clearly to ensure that the return email is sent to the correct address). This email acknowledges receipt of your application as well as provides you with further information.  This email is not a final offer of acceptance into the tournament.

Do I have to submit my team's game results from 2010-11?
Yes. The Bauer International AAA Invite organizing committee requests that each team send in game results from last season, including all exhibition games, tournament games and league games. This information is used when determining the appropriate divisions (“AAA Elite” and “AAA”) for each team boy’s team as well as in the seeding process.

How are the divisions separated?
The Girl’s U19, U16, U14, and U12 are separated into “A” and “AA.  The Boy’s 02, 01, 00, 99, 98, 97, and U16 age levels will be separated into two Divisions – “AAA Elite” and “AAA”.  The Bauer International AAA Invite only wants the very best teams at every age level.  Your submission of the application and past season’s results will be evaluated.  Our top competitive level is AAA Elite.  This division is open to any “validated” team that wants to compete at the highest and most competitive level. If the team is not to the standard of the “AAA Elite” division it will be considered for the “AAA” division. The AAA Division is designed for teams who are not quite ready to compete with the very best elite teams. Examples of teams that enter this division include (but are not limited to): teams that have players from a limited geographic area, small town teams, or new teams. From a USAH national perspective, the top ten (10) tier 2 (AA) teams in the country are comparable and can compete in this level of competition.  If the team is not to the standard of the “AAA” division, it will not be allowed into the tournament. The Tournament Team Selection Committee reserves the right to select from the list of applications and make appropriate placements. Once approved for either division, the completion of the registration procedure (payment, hotel forms and roster) must be completed.

When will we know if we have been accepted?
All competitive
“AAA Elite” Boy’s teams and “AA” Girls teams that apply before May 30th will be guaranteed acceptance immediately.  All other teams will be notified no later than Monday, July 25th, 2011.  * If total applications once again exceed the number of teams the tournament can accept ~ earlier notification will be given. Please note that all offers of acceptances are tentative until your application and deposit are received.

What is the Refund Policy?
Any team not accepted to the Bauer International AAA Invite will be refunded their entire deposit. Any team accepted to either the
“AAA Elite” or “AAA” Boy’s Divisions or “AA” and “A” Girl’s Divisions has a non-refundable deposit.  If we have a team on the waiting list who can replace your team then a refund will be issued.  No refunds will be issued at either AAA divisions after August 26th, 2011.

When does my team have to be ready to play and when can we depart?
All teams must be ready to play their first game on Friday, November 4th, 2011 at 7:00 a.m.  All championship games conclude by 4:30pm on Sunday, November 6th.  Every team should arrange to be in on Thursday night November 3rd, 2011. There is a mandatory coach/manager check-in and reception between 6-10pm on Thursday, November 3rd.   

Are there discount airline and car partners? United Airlines is our official Airline for the Bauer International AAA Invite. Call the Special Meeting Desk at 1-800-521-4041 and refer to Meeting ID Number 589 EK to receive a tournament discount.  The tournament website also has information for BUDGET on car rentals by referring to Convention Discount # U061950 car and bus rentals under “TRANSPORTATION”.

What is the 2011 Tournament Format?
BOYS ~ CHICAGO, IL

2003’s:  6 Total Teams.   One Division.  6 teams in the “AAA” Division will comprise of 1 bracket. Three (3) teams will crossover and play three (3) teams in their bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six within their bracket.  The top four (4) teams after the round robin will advance to the semi finals and championship round.  Teams finishing 5th or 6th in the bracket will play each other in a consolation game.

2002’s:  14 Total Teams.   Two Divisions.  10 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 4 teams in the “AAA” Division.  The AAA Elite Division will comprise of 2 brackets of 5 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top 2 teams in each bracket (4 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3rd, 4th or 5th in their bracket will have completed the tournament. The AAA Division will comprise of 1 bracket of 4 teams.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). Teams will be ranked 1st through 4th after the round robin and advance to the semi final and championship round. 

2001’s:  36 Total Teams.   Two Divisions. 16 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 20 teams in the “AAA” Division.  The AAA Elite Division will comprise of 4 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). Teams will be ranked 1st through 4th in each division (all 16 teams) after the round robin and advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round.  The AAA Division will comprise of 4 brackets of 5 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top 2 teams in each bracket (8 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3rd,4th or 5th in their bracket will have completed the tournament.

2000’s:  64 Total Teams.  Two Divisions.  32 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 32 teams in the “AAA” Division will comprise of 8 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top two teams in each division (16 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3rd or 4th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

1999’s:  64 Total Teams.  Two Divisions.  32 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 32 teams in the “AAA” Division will comprise of 8 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top two teams in each division (16 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3rd or 4th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

1998’s:  64 Total Teams.  Two Divisions.  32 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 32 teams in the “AAA” Division will comprise of 8 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top two teams in each division (16 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the sweet sixteen, quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3rd or 4th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

1997’s:  80 Total Teams.  Two Divisions. 40 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 40 teams in the “AAA” Division will comprise 8 brackets of 5 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top teams in each bracket (8 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th in their bracket will have completed the tournament.

U16’s (1995/1996):  80 Total Teams.  Two Divisions. 40 teams in the “AAA Elite” Division and 40 teams in the “AAA” Division will comprise 8 brackets of 5 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top teams in each bracket (8 total teams) after the round robin will advance to the quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th in their bracket will have completed the tournament.

GIRLS ~ ROCHESTER, NY

U12’s:  24 Total Teams.   Two Divisions.  16 teams in the “AA” Division and 8 teams in the “A”  Division. The AA Division will comprise of 4 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top team in each division (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to the semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 2nd, 3rd or 4th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket. The A Division will comprise of 2 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top two teams in each division (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to the semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3rd or 4th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

U14’s:  36 Total Teams.  Two Divisions.  24 teams in the “AA” Division and 12 teams in the “A” Division.  The AA Division (24 teams) will comprise 6 brackets of 4 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top team in each bracket (6 teams) and the top two (2) wildcard teams after the round robin will advance to the quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 2nd, 3rd or 4th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.  The A Division (12 teams) will comprise of 2 brackets of 6 teams each.  Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top two (2) teams in each bracket (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in the other bracket.

U16’s:  24 Total Teams.   Two Divisions.  16 teams in the “AA” Division and 8 teams in the “A” Division.  The AA Division (16 teams) will comprise 4 brackets of 4 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top team in each bracket (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to the semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 2nd, 3rd or 4th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.   The A Division (8 teams) will comprise of 2 brackets of 4 teams each.  Teams will play each team in their bracket once (3 games). The top two (2) teams in each bracket (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to the semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 3rd or 4th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.

U19’s:  36 Total Teams.   Two Divisions.  24 teams in the “AA” Division and 12 teams in the “A” Division.  The AA Division (24 teams) will comprise 6 brackets of 4 teams each. Teams will play each team in their bracket once (4 games). The top team in each bracket (6 teams) and the top two (2) wildcard teams after the round robin will advance to the quarter final, semi final and championship round.  Teams finishing 2nd, 3rd or 4th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in a different bracket.  The A Division (12 teams) will comprise of 2 brackets of 6 teams each.  Three (3) teams will crossover and play 3 teams in their own bracket once (3 games).  At the conclusion of round robin play, teams will be ranked one through six.  The top two (2) teams in each bracket (4 teams) after the round robin will advance to semi final and championship round. Teams finishing 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th in their bracket will play a fourth and final game with a similar finisher in the other bracket.


GAME TIMES for BOYS

All games will be run under Stop Time. Game length will be as follows:

v      Round Robin Games & Sweet Sixteen Games – 3 x 15 minute periods. U16’s and 1997’s will have an ice make after every two periods.

v      Quarter, and Semi-Finals – 2 x 15 minute periods.  No ice makes at any age level.

v  Championship Games – 3 x 15 minute periods.  U16’s and 1997’s will have an ice make after every two periods.   

GAME TIMES for GIRLS

All games will be run under Stop Time. Game length will be as follows:

v      U12 ~ Round Robin, Semi-Final & Championship Games – 3 x 13 minute periods.

v  U14 ~ Round Robin, Semi-Final & Championship Games – 3 x 14 minute periods.

v     U16 and U19 ~ Round Robin, Semi-Final & Championship Games – 3 x 15 minute periods.   Ice Make after every two periods.

Almost every team will play 2 games on Friday, and 2 games on Saturday. The Boy’s sweet sixteen for the 01’s, 00’s, 99’s, 98’s, & 97’s will begin Saturday late afternoon and evening.  All quarter, semi and championship  games are on Sunday, and are always over at the latest 4:30pm. You will play games on Sunday, if you qualify for the playoffs, starting at 7:00am. Some consolation games fall on Sunday as well.

What hotel should we book at?
All accepted teams must stay in authorized tournament hotels and submit all pre-registration forms. All hotels are in close proximity to arenas, restaurants, shopping malls and other attractions.  A hotel tournament packet will be emailed out to all accepted team contacts by July 15th, 2011 and also posted on the web site.  All hotel correspondence should be done through bauerinvite@aol.com

How do I know you have received all my information?
A team checklist for each age level will be posted on the website in early July. This online document details various information that needs to be completed including application, deposits, balance, hotel forms, team roster etc.  The website is updated every few days to keep track of what the Bauer AAA International Invite has received and what is still missing from each accepted team.  Please note that final team balances are due by September 2nd, 2011.  Any team not paid in full by this date will lose their spot.

If the Head Coach has more than one team to oversee can scheduling arrangements be made?
We understand there can be personal conflicts that may hinder some coaches with multiple teams.  Although we can not promise that we can accommodate everyone's request. If a request is put in prior to August 1st we will make every attempt possible to help coordinate your games.

When is the schedule released?
The schedule for the 2010 Bauer International AAA Invite will be released on October 7th, 2011.  Any requests prior to August 2nd, 2010 will be taken into consideration.  Once the main schedule is released this will be FINAL.

Will the schedule change?
We make every attempt not to make changes to the schedule after October 7th, however sometimes things happen that are out of our control and changes are made. It is important to monitor the website at www.invitebauer.com  for updates. We will send emails as well. Please be sure your email address is legible in order to receive these important updates.

When is the last day to submit my team roster for the tournament program?
The last day to submit your team roster and any changes is October 13th, 2011.

What if there is an error in the on-line Pointstreak roster and/or the number on the jersey?
When you register your roster on-line this information is used for Pointstreak statistics and the tournament program.  Once Pointstreak has the team rosters up on line and you see any discrepancies, please email our office immediately.

What do I do when I get to the Bauer International AAA Invite?
Your team managers/coaches will handle all check in procedure at the Thursday night reception. Specific information will be given to all team personnel at this mandatory meeting.

Does the team manager and or coach have to attend the check-in/reception on Thursday Nov. 3rd  between 5-10pm?
YES.
The Bauer International AAA Invite MANDATORY check-in/reception is an unique and innovative way to gather all team personnel for a social gathering.  In addition, each team picks up player gifts and additional tournament information that evening. Both are considered featured, and favorite events for the coaches/managers. When teams accept entrance into the Bauer AAA International Invite they do so knowing that participation in the manager/coach reception is mandatory for ALL teams.

Is there a fee for admission?
NO
. Your team entry fee allows any individual to attend any games for free.

Are there many scouts that attend? And where are they from?
YES
. The United States Hockey League (USHL) and College Hockey Inc., are just two of our major tournament sponsors.  Over 120 scouts attended the 2010 Bauer International Invite. The scouts came from Juniors (USHL, NAHL, EJHL, and Canadian Major Junior), Div 1 and 3 colleges, and many NHL teams. This tournament is the best choice for players/teams who are looking for Junior, College and Pro Exposure.

Will there be a photographer for the tournament?
YES
.  Some time later this summer ~ Under Tournament Contacts you will see the Photographers contact information for each level.

What are the rules?
Please see last year’s 2010  Official Tournament Rules
and Regulations posted on the website. Teams must be affiliated with one of the following: CHA, USA Hockey or IIHF.  The 2011 Rules and Regulations will be posted on Friday, October 7th when the tournament schedule is released.

What are the rule differences between USAH and Canada?
 All games are operated under USAH Rules and Regulations. Neck guards are only required and mandatory if your US state/affiliate requires them.  All USAH registered players, including goalkeepers in the Peewee (99, 00) through Midget (U16 age classifications are required to wear a colored (non clear) internal mouthpiece that covers all the remaining teeth of one jaw, customarily the upper. Canadian teams will abide by the equipment requirements of their governing organization.  For the first violation of this rule, the team shall be issued a warning.  A misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper of that team for a subsequent violation during that game. For Squirts and Peewess - USA Hockey replaced the delayed offside rule with an automatic whistle. Consequently, if a player is offside, the whistle will be blown immediately.  If the offside is accidental then the face-off will occur just outside the offensive zone blue-line, an intentional offside will be whistled down with the face-off occurring in the violating team's defensive zone. Checking is only permitted at the 1998 and older age classifications.

I want to become involved as a sponsor for this event. Who do I get in touch with?
Andrea Hahn, danandandreahahn@aol.com or 630.521.1111.

I have a question that is not on this list, what do I do?
On the BOYS side please email the Tournament Director at kmhinc@aol.com or call the Main Office and ask for Kevin Mann 630.521.1111. On the GIRLS side please email the Tournament Director at dirgirls@ryhockey.com or call 585-315-0098 and ask for Ray Cardella.