The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee approved a two-referee, two-linesman system – first approved in 2006 – as the only officiating system for all levels of college hockey. The proposal postpones implementation for Division III institutions until the 2009-10 season. All rules proposals must be approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which meets July 2.

“The committee strongly believes that having one officiating system for all levels of college hockey is the right decision,” said John Harrington, secretary-editor of the committee and head coach at St. John’s (Minnesota). “In today’s game, two referees and two linesmen are necessary to properly enforce our rules.”

Protection of the puck carrier and faceoff protocols were identified as the committee’s points of emphasis. The committee believes officials have properly handled obstruction away from the puck, but believes the puck carrier must be afforded more opportunities to make offensive plays. In the area of faceoffs, the committee will continue to emphasize the administration of the line change procedure and increase the enforcement of interference and obstruction fouls immediately after a faceoff.

The committee forwarded several major proposals intended to enhance the game:

• Goals scored by kicking. The committee spent a considerable amount of time discussing goals that are scored with the use of the skate. To make this rule as clear as possible, the group proposed adjustments to its rules that will allow all goals scored as a result of deflections. This will include deflections off an attacking player who is in the act of stopping, provided neither skate is used to direct the puck into the net. Pucks that are directed or kicked with the skate moving toward the goal will not be allowed.
• Shootout. The committee voted to maintain the traditional game structure (60 minutes, followed by a five-minute overtime), but will allow interested conferences to use shootouts at their discretion. This will in no way alter national rankings or the NCAA championship selection process.
• Icing. The committee approved a proposal dealing with icing. The rule will not allow a team that ices the puck to change its on-ice personnel.
• Faceoff locations. Starting next season, all faceoffs will be conducted at one of the nine faceoff spots.

A full listing of the committee’s proposals will be distributed to the NCAA membership for comment. The Playing Rules Oversight Panel will consider these changes and membership feedback before final implementation.