Rules
While the English Premier Ice Hockey League follows the rules of ice hockey that are used in international games organised by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) such as the Olympics.
The league does however operate under a number of restrictions, allowing it to classify itself as a 'developmental league'.
The main restriction placed on the member clubs is a limit of 4 non EIHA trained, EU passport holding 'import' players dressed per game. Further to this, only 3 of these players may be on the ice simultaneously, with certain exceptions. The EU passport requirement is not enforced by the EPIHL per se, rather it is a product of the fact that the UK Border Agency only grants work permits to non-EU players who wish to sign for teams in the Elite Ice Hockey League. Despite the 4 imports dressed rule, it is not uncommon for some teams to sign a 5th import as 'backup' in case of injuries to an 'active' import.
The league has no wage limitations, although it is generally accepted that due to the import restriction, wage bills are lower than teams in the EIHL. Despite the lower wages paid, the league still suffers from teams folding, or quitting the league due to financial problems.
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