The NCAA News - News and FeaturesMay 25, 1998
Ice hockey rules group focuses on player safety, protective equipment
Player safety and protective equipment, specifically mouthguards, were the primary topics of discussion at the annual NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Rules Committee meeting May 12-15 in Indianapolis.
The committee adopted several rules changes and highlighted a number of safety-related rules as points of emphasis for the 1998-99 season that it believes will increase the level of safety for student-athletes.
Of primary concern for the committee is the apparent increase in the number of stick-related injuries and penalties, specifically high-sticking, cross-checking and slashing.
No tolerance
Citing data from the Division I penalty-analysis information, which indicates that high-sticking, cross-checking and slashing account for 20 percent of all penalties, the committee was adamant in its position that stick-related penalties must be treated with zero tolerance by officials and coaches.
In addition to illegal use of the stick, the committee also included hitting from behind and charging among the points of emphasis. In keeping the two issues among the points of emphasis, the committee felt strongly that officials and coaches must continue their efforts to eliminate those dangerous tactics from the game.
With regard to protective equipment, the committee made several changes pertaining to the mouthguard, the most prominent of which was a modification of the penalty structure for players violating the rule.
Citing a lack of compliance with the rule, the committee toughened the penalty structure by voting that a player who does not wear a mouthguard shall be immediately replaced on the ice, and the referee shall warn the offending team that subsequent violations by any player of that team shall result in the player being assessed a misconduct penalty.
Currently, a player in violation of the rule is assessed a misconduct penalty and replaced on the ice. A second violation by the same player in the same game results in that player being assessed a game misconduct penalty.
In addition to altering the penalty structure, the committee also added mouthguards to the list of equipment that can be challenged.
Other highlights
Men's Ice Hockey Rules Committee
May 12-15/Indianapolis
Cited illegal use of the stick (that is, high-sticking, cross-checking and slashing), hitting from behind, charging, interference, mouthguards and ethical behavior, which includes taunting, as points of emphasis for 1998-99.
Adopted goal-crease markings currently used by the National Hockey League. The markings require two "L's" in each goal crease. Each line shall be five inches (12.7 cm) long and two (5.08 cm) wide. The corners shall touch the goal-crease line, four feet out from the goal line. The lines shall be parallel to and perpendicular to the goal line. (Rule 1-4-d)
Determined that light-colored jerseys may be worn by the visiting team only when teams have agreed before the season. (Rule 2-1-b)
Determined that during an altercation the captain may not exercise his privileges until the referee has entered the referee's crease or, in the absence of penalties, signals a face-off location. (Rule 2-2-e)
Determined that a minor penalty shall be assessed only to any player or goalkeeper who uses a stick not conforming to Rule 3-1. Previously, a minor penalty and misconduct penalty were assessed to players violating the rule. (Rule 3-1-d)
Recommended to the NCAA Executive Committee that Rule 3-4-c be revised to state that it is recommended, not required, that goaltenders wear an internal mouthguard. Currently, all players, including goaltenders, are required to wear mouthguards. (Rule 3-4-c)
Clarified the progressive-game disqualification structure to state that a player who receives a disqualification penalty in any game (including exhibition games) shall not be permitted to play in the team's next regular-season or tournament game against an NCAA member institution. Also noted that an exhibition game cannot be used to fulfill the disqualification penalty. (Rule 4-5-e)
Determined that in the three-man officiating system (one referee, two assistant referees), the referee shall face off the puck at the center ice face-off spot only at the start of the game. (Rule 5-3-b)
Determined that the assistant referee shall conduct all face-offs with the exception of the face-off at the start of the game. (Rule 5-4-b)
Determined that the linesman's duties shall include stopping play to report a goal not observed by the referee. (Rule 5-5-c)
Clarified Rule 6-12-q (Face-offs) to state that: When a stoppage of play in an end zone takes place and is followed by an altercation (whether a penalty is called or not), an attacking player on the ice or other player coming from the bench shall not enter the end zone farther than the outer edge of the face-off circles nearest the blue line. For violation of this rule, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest neutral zone face-off spot.
Determined that an altercation is concluded when the referee enters the referee's crease or, in the absence of penalties, signals a face-off location. (Rule 6-14-e)
|
