The Playing Rules Oversight Panel has approved a two-referee, two-linesman system for Division I men’s and women’s ice hockey beginning in 2008-09, but not for Divisions II and III.

The original recommendation last month from the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee was to adopt the officiating system for all three divisions. However, the Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which evaluates rules proposals that have a financial effect on institutions or that impact safety or image of the game, believes the two-referee, two-linesman system has financial ramifications for Divisions II and III institutions that trump the philosophical intent of the recommendation.

PROP members said they agree with the rules committee’s philosophy and support the research and process the committee went through to reach its recommendation. Though the Ice Hockey Rules Committee felt strongly that one officiating system for all levels of college hockey was important, PROP believes the financial impact on Divisions II and III institutions outweigh the philosophical arguments.

The decision means that all Division I teams this coming season (including Division II schools that sponsor hockey as Division I sport) will use the two referee-two linesmen system. Divisions II and III teams will continue to use the traditional two-referee, one-linesman system used at the Division III national championships.

PROP approved all other recommendations from the rules committee. For a summary of the recommendations from the Ice Hockey Rules Committee’s annual meeting in June, click here.