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NEW Standards of play
Through the new standard of rules enforcement, our game, much like the
National Hockey League, will continue to allow the opportunity for
improved skill development and a more positive hockey environment for
all participants. The mission of USA Hockey is clear; through this new
initiative a greater emphasis will be placed on skating, puck possession
and the proper use of the body to establish position and a competitive
advantage.
The goal of the enforcement standard is to reduce restraining
infractions in the game.
The principles of this new enforcement standard include the following:
* The use of the stick will be limited to only playing
the puck.
* The stick will not be allowed to in any way impede a player's progress.
* The use of a free hand/arm will not be allowed to grab or impede a player's
progress.
* Players who use their physical skills and/or anticipation and have a
positional advantage shall not lose that advantage as a result of illegal acts
by the opponent.
* Players will be held accountable for acts of an intimidating or dangerous
nature.
Enforcement Standard - These penalties are to be called with very strict
enforcement
HOOKING
* A player cannot use his/her stick against an opponent's body (puck carrier or
non-puck carrier) to gain a positional advantage.
Examples include:
- tugs or pulls on the body, arms or hands of the opponent which allows for the
space between the players to diminish
- placing the stick in front of the opponent's body and locking on - impeding
the opponent's progress or causing a loss of balance.
- stick on the hand/arm that takes away the ability for the opponent to pass or
shoot the puck with a normal amount of force
TRIPPING
* A player cannot use his/her stick on the legs or feet of an opponent in a
manner that would cause a loss of balance or for them to trip or fall.
Examples include:
- placing the stick in front of the opponent's legs for the purpose of impeding
progress, even if on the ice, with no effort to legally play the puck
- placing the stick between the legs of the opponent (can opener/corkscrew)
that causes a loss of balance or impedes the progress of the opponent.
HOLDING
* A player cannot wrap his/her arms around an opponent or use a free hand to
clutch, grab or hold the stick, jersey or body on the opponent in a manner that
impedes their progress.
Examples include:
- wrapping one or both arms around the opponent along the boards in a manner
that pins them against the boards and prevents them from playing the puck or
skating
- grabbing the opponent's body, stick or sweater with one or both hands
- using a free arm/hand to restrain or impede the opponent's progress
INTERFERENCE
* A player cannot use his/her body ("pick" or "block") to
impede the progress of an opponent with no effort to play the puck, maintain
normal foot speed or established skating lane.
Examples include:
- intentionally playing the body of an opponent who does not have possession or
possession and control of the puck.
- using the body to establish a "pick" or "block" that
prevents an opponent from being able to chase a puck carrier
- reducing foot speed or changing an established skating lane for the purpose
of impeding an opponent from being able to chase a puck carrier
* Allowed Actions
- a player is entitled to the ice he/she occupies as long as they are able to
maintain their own foot speed and body position between opponent and puck
- players are allowed to compete for body position using their strength and
balance in front of the goal or along the boards
SLASHING
* The use of the stick will be limited to only playing the puck.
Any stick contact, as a result of a slashing motion, to the hands/ arms or body
of the opponent will be strictly penalized. In addition, hard slashes to the
upper portion of the stick (just below the hands) of an opponent, with no
attempt to legally play the puck, shall also be penalized.
OTHER INFRACTIONS
* In addition to the above mentioned enforcement standards, all other
infractions, including contact to the head, checking from behind, cross checking,
high sticking and roughing (including late avoidable
checks) shall be penalized to a strict enforcement standard.
CONCLUSION
All members of USA Hockey share an equal
responsibility to ensure the
integrity of the game is upheld. The onus to incorporate change is not
only on the officials, but also on administrators, coaches, parents and
players, as well.
Administrators are expected to hold players, coaches, officials and
parents accountable for their actions in an effort to promote a safe and
positive environment for all participants.
Coaches are expected to teach proper skills and hold their players
accountable for illegal and dangerous actions, regardless as to whether
they are properly penalized, or not.
Parents are expected to support the decisions of the officials and
support the coaches in teaching the proper skills in a safe and positive
environment.
Officials shall enforce a strict penalty standard according to the
guidelines that have been established.
Players are expected to compete within the playing rules.
All USA Hockey members must demonstrate awareness and support for the
application, spirit and the respect of the rules in order for continued
improvement in the game of hockey.
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