Question
of the Month Archives
for Rulebook
Years 1998-2001
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6/98 | 7/98 | 8/98 | 9/98 | 10/98 | 11/98 | 12/98 Bonus 12/98 |
| 1/99 | 2/99 | 3/99 | 4/99 | 5/99 | 6/99 | 7/99 | 8/99 | 9/99 | 10/99 | 11/99 | 12/99 |
| 1/00 | 2/00 | 3/00 | 4/00 | 5/00 | 6/00 | 7/00 | 8/00 | 9/00 | 10/00 | 11/00 | 12/00 |
| 1/01 | 2/01 | 3/01 | 4/01 |
A player swings his stick at an opponent during the course of an altercation. What penalty or penalties must be assessed?
The Referee has three options:
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If an Official sees a stick which appears cracked, chipped
or splintered, is he permitted to have such stick removed from the game
without assessing a penalty to the player in possession of it?
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During a delayed penalty signal to Team A, Team B scores
a goal. The signaled penalty is not assessed. Is the signaled infraction
included in the cumulative penalty rules for players and teams (Midget
and below)?
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What is the USA Hockey interpretation of Rule 640 (Unnecessary
Roughness) in "No Check" hockey? Is a penalty required every time body
contact is made?
No. Rule Reference 640(a) Note 2.
The rule does not require a penalty every time there is body contact between a puck carrier and an opponent. The rule is to be applied when a player deliberately plays a puck carrier's body rather than the puck. It is considered a violation of this rule if a player impedes the movement of a puck-carrying opponent by pushing or shoving him with the hands or arms, or deliberately contacting him with a shoulder, hip or other part of the torso.
However, considerable body contact between puck carrier and opponents will occur that should not be considered "body checking" and should not be penalized providing there has been no overt hip, shoulder or arm movement knocking the opponent off the puck. Also, if a puck carrier attempts to go through too small a gap between the boards and a stationary opponent, providing the opponent makes no overt move to check the puck carrier with his hands or body, no "body checking" penalty should be called following the inevitable collision.
Deliberate body contact on the part of the puck carrier
may also be penalized under this rule. Remember as
well that a penalty cannot be called for "intent to body check. "For a
body checking penalty to be called there must be enough contact made that
the puck carrier's movements have been impeded. As always, good judgment
is required in the application of this rule.
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The goalkeeper, in the act of proceeding to his players' bench, unintentionally bumps into another player and loses possession of his stick in front of his goal. The goalkeeper does not retrieve the stick and continues to the bench. The puck then hits the stick. Is a penalty required in this situation (pg. 88)?
Yes - A goal must be awarded. Rule reference 621(b) and 616(b) note 2.
It makes no difference whether or not the goalkeeper deliberately
left his stick in front of the goal. It is the responsibility of the goalkeeper
to keep the area near his net free of any obstacles that may prevent the
scoring of a goal. If the puck hits the goalkeeper's stick, which is anywhere
in front of the goal, and the goalkeeper is in the act of leaving or has
left the ice, a goal must be awarded. (USA Hockey Playing Rules Handbook,
Pg. 88, Rule 621 Interference, Situation 4)
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The goalkeeper leaves his crease to stop a shot. Before he can return to his crease, an attacking player enters the crease before the puck and a teammate shoots the puck into the goal. Is the goal legal?
Yes - Rule reference 621(d) .
If the goalkeeper is completely out of his crease, an attacking player may precede the puck into the crease and any otherwise legally scored goal in this situation shall be allowed.
However, if the goalkeeper is attempting to return to the goal crease and there is any interference by the attacking player which prevents the goalkeeper from making a direct path back to the crease, or in playing the puck in the crease, then the goal must be disallowed.
(USA Hockey Playing Rules Handbook. 621 Interference,
Situation 11 pg. 89)
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Here is our
QOTM for 12/98:
A team has eighteen players and two goalkeepers listed on the game score sheet. What happens if a player who is not listed on the score sheet participates in the game and scores a goal?
The goal shall be disallowed. Rule References 203(b), 201(a) and 625(j).
Once the matter has been brought to the attention of the
Referee, he shall immediately order
the player out of the game. Because he was the twenty-first
player on the roster, he is
deemed to be an illegal player and his addition to the
roster must be deemed as an
intentional attempt to add more players to the roster.
This case cannot be looked upon as a
"clerical" error, thus the goal must be disallowed. (USA
Hockey Handbook, page 7 Situation 6).
An attacking
player straddling the attacking blue line receives a pass on his stick
in the Neutral Zone. He then brings the skate which was in the Neutral
Zone over the line while the puck is still on his stick in the Neutral
Zone. He then pulls the puck over the blue line. Is he off-side?
No. Rule References 626(a), and 626(c Note 2) .
As long as the player receiving the pass has possession and control of the puck while at least one skate is in contact with the Neutral Zone, he can legally precede the puck into the Attacking Zone while he maintains possession and control. (USA Hockey Handbook, page 97, situation 12)
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A player taking a face-off, is deliberately delaying getting set for the face-off. Should the Official conducting the face-off, after a short time, drop the puck with only one player ready?
Yes. Rule References 611(c).
The Official must exhaust every possibility in an effort to get the player to line up promptly before the puck is dropped. The attempt to delay must be obvious. (USA Hockey Handbook, Rule 611 Situation 9).
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A goalkeeper leaves his crease and
rushes forward to a loose puck inside his privileged area, in an attempt
to beat a lone attacker who is also skating toward the puck. The goalkeeper
reaches the puck first and falls on it, causing a stoppage of play, should
the Referee assess a minor penalty for Delaying the Game?
No. Rule References 612(b).
This action by the goalkeeper may be considered to be
done "in the act of playing goal" and should not be penalized. (USA Hockey
Handbook, Rule 612 Situation 6).
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This QOTM comes from The Illinois Hockey Officials Association
A player on the ice makes a direct
and unmistakable obscene comment to an on-ice official in protest to a
penalty. There has been no previous problems with the player. My understanding
is an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and/or misconduct is the initial
penalty. Yet, under the new 601(f)(2) rule "obscene gestures or racial/ethnic
slurs" an obscene gesture to anyone, anywhere at anytime is an immediate
game misconduct penalty. Is this correct in both cases?
Our response is from Bob Hayden, USA Hockey National Referee-in-Chief
Your situation referenced a "direct and unmistakable obscene comment." The unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty (protesting a decision) or the misconduct penalty (not protesting a decision) is the correct call.
Our "new" 601(f)2 only added the "racial/ethnic slurs" verbiage. It has been a game misconduct penalty for quite some time for the obscene gesture. Remember, you mentioned "obscene language" not "obscene gesture." It is the gesture that we want to punish more severely since it involves everybody in the arena - especially spectators. the obscene language, unless exceptionally loud or in a quiet arena, is generally shared with only the game participants.
Ed Note: This was originally posted on the Illinois
Hockey Official Association. I felt this would be a good topic for
our Question of the month given the rule interpretation topic of our Feb.
24, 1999 meeting. Keep in mind that in accordance with New York State
Amateur Hockey Assoc., a gross misconduct is called for when assessing
601f2 for a "racial/ethnic slur". This rule modification can be found in
the NYSAHA Guide book. Section
8 PLAYING RULES-MODIFICATIONS TO USA HOCKEY OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES BEGINNING
1991: D. A gross misconduct shall be assessed for ethnic and/or racial
slurs.
Tony Janicik
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What criteria must be met in order for a penalty shot to be assessed when a player on a break-away is fouled from behind by an opponent?
1.) The fouled player must have possession and control
of the puck.
2.) The fouled player must be on his opponent's side
of the center red line.
3.) The fouled player must have no opponent to pass except
the goalkeeper.
4.) The fouled player must have been fouled directly
from behind.
5.) The fouled player must have been deprived of a reasonable
scoring opportunity.
Rule References 406(c) and 639(b).
If any of these required criteria are not met, a penalty shot must not be awarded and the proper penalty, if any, must be assessed in the normal manner.
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The penalty to player A #1 terminates while the puck is in the Defending Zone of his team. A #1 leaves the penalty bench and his teammate attempts to pass the puck to him while he is still in the Neutral Zone. The pass deflects off an opposing player and is received by A #1 in the Neutral Zone. Is this pass considered a legal pass because of the deflection?
No. Rule Reference 625(k).
If A#1 does not return to his Defending Zone, another player must have possession and control of the puck in the Neutral Zone before the penalized player is eligible to receive the puck in the Neutral Zone from his Defending Zone. A deflection does not constitute possession and control.
Situation 10 of the 1997-99 USA Hockey Handbook for Rule 625.
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Our QOTM for 6/99 has 2 parts:
The answer is the same in both instances with the
same rule references. No. Rule Reference 624(a)
& 614(c).
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The Linesman signals a delayed off-side. The defending team ices the puck. Where does the ensuing face-off take place?
At the end face-off spot, as for regular icing. Rule Reference 626(d).
Once the puck leaves the Defending Zone, the delayed off-side is nullified by the Linesman who lowers his arm when the puck leaves the Defending Zone. He must then immediately raise his arm again to signal the potential icing.
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A face-off occurs with ten seconds remaining in the period. As play commences, one of the On-Ice Officials notices that the clock has not started. Should the Official stop play immediately to remedy the situation?
No. Rule Reference 111(b).
As soon as the official notices that the clock has not started, he must begin counting down the remaining seconds in his head. If he counts down to 0:00 and the period should have ended but didn't, he must stop play to end the period. (Situation 3 Rule 111 of the 97-99 Playing Rules Handbook)
Part 2: If the official properly counts down to 0:00 in the above situation, but does not stop the play for whatever reason, and a goal is scored, does that goal count?
No. Any goal scored after the official has counted down in this situation shall be disallowed.
(USA Hockey Handbook 97-99, page 3, situation 3, Rule 111)
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If a player completely paints a HECC approved helmet to change the color of the helmet, is the helmet considered to be an altered piece of protective equipment?
Yes. Rule Reference 304(b).
A helmet that is *COMPLETELY* painted voids the manufacturer's warranty and may weaken the plastic components of the helmet. Thus, such a helmet does not meet the HECC standards for helmets. Helmets that have small painted logos or small stickers attached to them shall be deemed to be legal under this rule, provided that such paint or sticker does not cover the entire surface of the helmet. (Situation 6 Rule 304 of the 99-2001 Playing Rules Handbook, page 19).
This particular question then leads us to...
Part 2: A goalkeeper is wearing a custom painted HECC approved helmet/facemask combination. Should the Referee allow this mask to be worn?
Yes. Rule Reference 304(b).
A painted goalkeeper's helmet/facemask, such as many of the currently marketed models, should not be considered to be an altered piece of equipment, as a player's painted helmet normally would. These particular masks are made of materials that are not affected by the painting, thus they may be painted as desired by the goalkeeper. It is recommended, however, that such equipment be painted according to the manufacturer's specifications.
(USA Hockey Handbook 99-2001, page 19, situation 7, Rule 304)
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Player A1 pushes teammate A2 into an opponent who is thrown against the boards violently enough to warrant a boarding penalty. Which Team A player is assessed the penalty?
A1. Rule Reference 604(a).
Even though A2 actually made contact with his opponent,
A1 provided the momentum, so he must be the one penalized.
(Situation 2 Rule 604 of the 99-2001 Playing Rules Handbook,
page 63).
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A team arrives with only five players, but, is willing to play the entire game short-handed. Should the game be played?
No. Rule Reference 201(a).
A team is defined as having six players. If a team cannot
put six players on the ice at the start of the game or if a team is reduced
to less than four players during the game, the "team" is not considered
a "team" and must forfeit the game to its opponents.
(Situation 1 Rule 201 of the 99-2001 Playing Rules Handbook,
page 5).
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A player is not given 3 seconds in which to drop the puck nor may he take one or more strides while holding the puck. He may not fake as if to drop it somewhere else. The motion of catching, then dropping the puck, must be virtually one continuous motion. While no specific time is given in which to drop the puck, the move to get rid of it must take place immediately. Rule Reference 616 (a).
In addition, "dropping" does not imply "throwing". While
a player may bat the puck the length of the ice with his hand, he may not
catch the puck and then throw it away from his body. The puck must be dropped
to the ice in his immediate vicinity.
(Situation 1 Rule 616 of the 99-2001 Playing Rules Handbook,
page 79).
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During a scramble around the goal, the back end of the goal frame is accidentally lifted off the ice for a brief moment, but the goal posts remain properly positioned on the goal line. The moment the back of the goal lifts off the ice, a pass from behind the goal goes under the goal frame and directly out in front of the goal and an attacking player legally shoots the puck into the goal. Is the goal considered to be legal?
No. Rule Reference 103 (a).
Even though the puck was legally propelled into the goal,
the manner in which the pass was received from behind the goal was illegal.
It is not necessary for the Referee to blow the whistle every time the
goal frame momentarily lifts off the ice. (Situation 1 Rule 103 of the
99-2001 Playing Rules Handbook, page 1).
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What constitutes an altercation?
For any kind of interaction between 2 opposing player to be called an altercation, there must be at least 1 penalty assessed. Rule Reference613 (d).
Thus if there is pushing and shoving between 2 players and a third player moves in between them, thereby effectively stopping the pushing and shoving, and the Referee feels that no penalty should be assessed to either of the first 2 players, rule 613(d) may not be applied and there can be no game misconduct penalty imposed on the third player.
If, however, in the same situation one of the "pushes" becomes slightly elevated to the point where it takes on the appearance of a punch to the head and the Referee determines the efforts worthy of a penalty, then the third player must be assessed the game misconduct penalty when he steps in between the two opposing players. (Situation 9 Rule 613 of the 99-2001 Playing Rules Handbook, page 76).
Ed Note: When evaluating this situation, keep in mind the glossary definition of an altercation: "Any physical interaction between 2 or more opposing players resulting in a penalty or penalties being assessed" Page 163 of the 1999-2001 rulebook.
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Player Able (team A) having been struck by a punch from Player Baker (team B) "turtles". Player Baker continues to rain punches down on Player Able. What penalty or penalties should be assessed?
Player Baker from team B fighting. Player Able for team A nothing. Rule Reference 613 (a, b, & Note 1).
In this instance since only 1 player has thrown punches (player Baker for team B), he is the only one that has committed a foul. Player Able has "turtled", has not fought back, and therefore cannot be assessed any fighting penalty. The officials should be aware of what occured prior to the fight as other penalties may need to be assessed.
Ed Note: 613 A (Note 1) "The Referee is provided very wide latitude in the penalties which he may impose under this rule. This is done intentionally to enable him to differentiate between the obvious degrees of responsibility of the participants either for starting the fighting or persisting in continuing the fighting..." It is therefore possible that a single player can be assessed a fighting penalty in this type of circumstance. This interpretation has been verified with the MHHOA RIC.
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A player is discovered to be wearing his elbow pads outside of his sweater. What action shall the Referee take to correct this situation?
The Referee must inform the offending player that all pads, except gloves, helmet/face mask and goalkeeper's leg guards, must be worn under the uniform and order him off the ice until the situation is corrected. Rule Reference 304 A.
If the player returns to play with the pads outside of the sweater, the Referee shall assess a minor penalty to the offending player.
(USA Hockey Playing Rule Handbook: Equipment
situation 2)
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A delayed penalty is to be called on Team A. Team B pulls their goalkeeper. Team B, in possession of the puck, attempts a pass which deflects off a player of Team A and enters the Team B goal. Is the goal allowed?
Yes. The goal is allowed and the minor penalty is assessed. Rule reference 409B Note 2 and 409C.
The deflection (by Glossary definition) shall not be considered to be "possession and control."
(USA Hockey Playing Rule Handbook: Calling of penalties, Situation 5)
Glossary:
Deflecting the puck: "The action
of the puck contacting any person or object, causing it to change direction."
(USA Hockey Official Rules of Ice Hockey Page 165)
Possession and Control : "The last player or goalkeeper to make contact with the puck and who also propels the puck in a desired direction." (Usa Hockey Official Rules of Ice Hockey Page 168)
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For a tripping penalty to be assessed, must the fouled player fall to the ice?
No. Rule Reference 639(a).
The rule book uses the words "trip or fall" to describe the offense. In the case where a player staggers, his progress impeded, the degree of impeding should be the determining factor as to whether or not a penalty is warranted. However, for tripping to be called where the offended player has not fallen to the ice, the degree of impeding should be substantial. If the stick was used to impede the player's progress, a hooking penalty may be the more proper call.
(USA Hockey Officials Handbook 2000-2001, Tripping rule 639 Situation 1)
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A player on the ice makes physical contact with an Official following a decision made by that Official. What penalty or penalties shall be assessed?
A misconduct, game misconduct or gross misconduct penalty, depending on the severity of the offense. Rule References 601(e.1 & g.1).
In all instances where abuse is physical in nature, a minor penalty for Unsportsmanlike Conduct shall not apply.
(USA Hockey Officials Handbook 2000-2001, Rule 601 Abuse of Official and Other Misconduct Situation 8)
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Will a player meet HECC helmet and face mask standards if he plays with a goalkeeper helmet and face mask combination?
No, unless the two components of the goalkeeper helmet and face mask meet ASTM standards. Rule Reference 305 (b). (Ed. Note: I believe this is a typo in the handbook. 305b deals with gloves and not helmets. I'm trying to get a clarification from the NYS RIC. I believe the proper rule reference should be 304 (b) and 303(c) .)
At the time of publication, there were two HECC/ASTM standards for hockey headgear - one for helmets and one for face masks. Thus a participant at any position, including goalkeeper, will meet the "HECC approved" requirement if wearing an approved helmet and an approved face mask.
HECC approved goalkeeper headgear does not necessarily meet the entire ASTM standards for both helmets and face masks, thus HECC permits such equipment only for goalkeepers. As such, unless the equipment meets both ASTM standards, it may not be worn by a non-designated goalkeeper.
(USA Hockey Playing Rules Handbook 1999-2001 Rule 303 Situation 6, page 17)
Ed Note: Please make sure to read the rule references as there are different standards for adult hockey and youth hockey.
Thank you to IHONC for inspiration for this QOTM.
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In Junior and Senior (male & female): Is the defending goalkeeper eligible to play the puck on a delayed off-side (non-intentional situation) without causing a stoppage of play? (ed: be careful with this one, remember there are different rules regarding this situation between youth, and junior/senior, mens & women?)
Yes. Rule Reference 626(d).
As long as the goalkeeper is not preventing the original pass or shot from entering the goal, he may play the puck without causing a stoppage of play for the off-side infraction.
(USA Hockey Playing Rules Handbook 1999-2001 Rule 626 Situation 51)
Ed Note: Please make sure to read the rule references as there are different standards for adult & junior hockey and youth hockey. This QOTM deals with adult (male & female) and Junior
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What criteria should be used in determining when to assess a minor penalty for holding or a major plus a game misconduct for grabbing an opponent's face mask?
The major and game misconduct penalty should be assessed any time it is apparent that the offending palyer has placed his fingers inside the face mask in such a manner that he has virutal control over the movement of the opponent's head and neck. Rule reference 618 B.
There is no provision for any other penalty assessment. If the face mask is merely pushed with the open hand, perhaps in an attempt to get the opponent away from the area, and there is no grabbing of the face mask, then Rule 618(b) does not apply.
(USA Hockey Officials Handbook 2000-2001, Rule 618 Hold an Opponent, Situation 2)
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What penalty is imposed on a player who collides with a Linesman and verbally abuses him for being in the way with no reference made to a previous decision?
A misconduct Penalty. Rule reference 601 (D 1).
If he continues his verbal abuse, the next step is a game misconduct penalty. This situation does not fall under 601 (A) because there was no dispute of a ruling.
(USA Hockey Officials Handbook 2000-2001, Rule 601, Situation
6, page 59)
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Can a goalkeeper participate in a face-off? (ed note: Yes I've actually seen this!)
No. Rule references 611 (A), 301 and 303.
The rules do not permit a goalkeeper to take a face-off because of the measurement restrictions on his stick and protective equipment.
(USA Hockey Officials Handbook 2000-2001, Rule 611, Situation 3, page 68)
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The QOTM for this month was asked on the net:
"...Bad line change on the visitors. Home team gets a two on nothing from centre ice. First player gets hauled down from behind but as he is falling he passes to other player. Goalie throws his stick knocking the puck off the second players stick.
2 Questions.
1. How many
penalty shots do you call?
If you say
two.
2. What happens
if he scores on the first shot? Is the second one wiped out?"
"...Only one penalty shot is awarded because only one scoring opportunity was lost (thrown stick) and a minor penalty (no penalty shot as no scoring opportunity was lost as the puck went straight to a teammmate who was still on a breakaway) shall be assessed for the other infraction.
Scoring on the penalty shot would not wipe out the other minor penalty, in this case, so the team would still skate shorthanded.
Matt Leaf
Director, Officiating Education Program"
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A Team A player receives a double minor at 3:00 elapsed in the first period. The opposing team does not score during the first minor. Exactly at 5:00 a minor penalty is assessed to a Team B player. Does the "Coincident Minor" rule apply?
**Ed note: Chart was added by editor
| Time (elapsed) | Team A | Team B | On Ice Strength |
| 3 Minutes | Player A1 2+2 (double minor) | A=4, B=5 | |
| 5 Minutes | First penalty of double minor expires | Player B1 2 (minor) | ????? |
No. Rule reference 402(f).
Even though both minor penalties will start at the same time, the "coincident Minor" rule does not provide for immediate substitution in such a situation. (USAH Playing Rules Handbook, rule 402 situation 23, page 29)
**Ed note: Chart was added by editor
| Time (elapsed) | Team A | Team B | On Ice Strength |
| 3 Minutes | Player A1 2+2 (double minor) | A=4, B=5 | |
| 5 Minutes | First penalty of double minor expires | Player B1 2 (minor) | A=4, B=4 |
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A team has two players dressed and listed as goalkeepers in addition to 17 players. In the third period, the coach decides to dress the substitute goalkeeper as a forward. The goalkeeper goes to the dressing room, changes equipment and returns to the players' bench. Is he allowed to play at any position other than goalkeeper?
Yes, as long as the scoresheet lists less than 18 players and less than 20 participants (otherwise no). Rule reference 203 (B & F).
Once a player has been designated as a goalkeeper, he may not arbitrarily play as a forward or defenseman. In order to do so, he must be added to the game roster (see Situation 3 under this rule), and his team will be assessed a bench minor penalty.
USA Hockey Handbook Rule 203 Situation 5
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Team A, losing late in the game, substitutes its goalkeeper for an extra attacker. Before the change is completed, Team B gains possession of the puck and carries it into Team A's defending zone. The substitute player for the goalkeeper goes onto the ice before the goalkeeper is within ten feet of the players bench (noted by the back Linesman). A Team A player gains possession of the puck behind his own goal and the whistle stops play. Are any penalties to be assessed and where is the ensuing face-off to take place?
No penalties are to be assessed, as this is a "premature substitution for the goalkeeper" violation. The ensuing face-off must take place at the nearest end zone face-off spot.. Rule reference 205(B) Note.
No penalty is assessed for premature substitution of the goalkeeper. Normally, the puck will be in the offending team's attacking half of the ice when premature substitution occurs, in which case the ensuing face-off will take place at center ice. If the puck is in the offending team's defending half of the ice, as in this situation, the ensuing face-off will become a last play face-off.
USA Hockey Handbook Rule 205 Situation 5 page 9.