Short answer: Stay-to-play is a youth sports tournament rule that requires teams travelling from outside a set distance to book their rooms at the tournament’s partner hotels, usually through a booking link run by the tournament or a housing company. Teams that book elsewhere can face a penalty or lose their place. Organizers may receive a rebate or commission from the hotels, which can help cover the cost of running the event.
How stay-to-play works
- The distance rule. Teams from beyond a set distance must stay at partner hotels. The distance varies by tournament. For example, PLAY Hockey events require teams from more than 96 km (60 miles) away to book through their housing partner, with a penalty for teams that don’t (PLAY Hockey event page, checked 10 Oct 2026).
- The booking link. After registration, the tournament or its housing company sends a link or code. Families book their own rooms through it so the rooms count toward the team.
- The room block. Hotels hold a set of rooms for the event, often at a group rate. Rooms not booked by the hotel’s cut-off date usually go back on general sale.
- The deadline. There is usually a date by which rooms must be booked. After it, rates and availability can change.
Why tournaments use it
- Organizers may receive a rebate or commission from the hotels on rooms booked in the block, which can help pay for running the event (EventPipe’s stay-to-play guide, checked 11 Oct 2026).
- A large block can get better rates than families booking one room at a time.
- It guarantees enough rooms near the venues for visiting teams on busy weekends.
- It makes planning easier for the organizer, because they know which teams are staying where.
What it means for your team
- Your choice is usually between the tournament’s hotels, not every hotel in the city. That choice still matters: price, breakfast, a pool and drive time to each venue can differ a lot.
- Book through the tournament’s link, even if a hotel website shows a lower price. Booking around the system can cost the team.
- Local families who live within the distance are often exempt. Check the policy.
- It is common in hockey, and many tournaments in other travel sports, such as volleyball, baseball and soccer, use it too.
Questions to ask before you book
- What is the distance rule, and is our team inside or outside it?
- Which hotels are on the list, and how do families book them?
- What is the booking deadline, and what is the penalty for booking elsewhere?
- What are the cancellation terms if the team is knocked out early or a family can’t come? Group rates can come with stricter cancellation terms than a normal booking.
- Do families who live nearby or stay with relatives need to tell anyone?
Related: Tournament trip checklist · Sideline Away FAQ