From the USAH website:
 
"...The Board of Directors also considered the 180 rule-change proposals that were submitted following review by the various committees and councils of USA Hockey. Key playing-rules changes, which will go into effect in 2001-02, are as follows:
 

• Tag-up at the defensive blue line for a player returning to the game from the penalty bench (Youth and Girls/Women) is no longer required.
• Mouthpiece attachment to the helmet/face mask is no longer required.
• The gross misconduct penalty was eliminated. All such infractions become match penalties.
• The goaltender may no longer play with a stick defined as broken.
• The use of electronic devices to communicate with players and goaltenders is prohibited.
• Teams may now have a captain and up to two alternate captains.
• A minor penalty will now be assessed to the goaltender for not playing the puck when unpressured.
• A new rule will also go into effect preventing head checking, which will be more specifically defined at a later date.
• The proposal to ban body checking at the Pee Wee level was defeated. "

Last updated 6/13/01