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Ask the Official

USA Hockey's "Ask the Official" question forum for the 2022-23 season has concluded. Best wishes for a safe and relaxing off-season, and we look forward to receiving questions for the 2023-24 Season beginning August 1, 2023.

IMPORTANT NOTEDiscipline, Suspension, and Team Roster related questions cannot be answered at this forum. Please contact your USAH Affiliate for answers to these questions. Contact information is located in the Directory of the USA Hockey Annual Guidebook.

ASK THE OFFICIAL

2022-23 ATO | WEEK 30

By USA Hockey Officiating Program 03/24/2023, 6:45am MDT

QUESTIONIs slap shots allowed in the 10U level?

ANSWER: Unlike during previous seasons, there are no longer any rules in the USA Hockey Playing Rules that prohibit slap-shots at any level.

 

QUESTIONIs it still tripping if the player is coming down the wing, gets his/her shot off (without impediment), and then a sliding defender (who was trying to block the shot/poke check the puck) takes the shooter's legs out?

ANSWER: Casebook Situation #3 under Rule 639 in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“A defending player leaves his feet and slides into the puck carrier. The defending player gains possession of the puck and the attacking player falls to the ice after being hit by the defending player’s body. Should a penalty be assessed?

Yes. Rule Reference 639Note 3 & (a).

When a player leaves his feet and slides into an opponent, thereby causing him to fall, a penalty for tripping must be called regardless of who gains possession of the puck. The only exception is when a player drops to his knees to block a shot and his momentum carries him into the player shooting the puck, causing him to fall. In that event, no penalty is to be assessed.”

 

QUESTIONIn a 3 referee game the referees don't see a possible head contact penalty and play continues. The offending team scores a goal, at the stoppage of play the linesman gives his account of what happened. The referees then place the offending payer in the box for 5 mins, is the goal allowed or disallowed.

ANSWER: Casebook Situation #7 under Rule 502 in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states:

“A Linesman has determined that a major penalty infraction has occurred unseen by the Referee and is waiting for the next stoppage of play to report to the Referee. The next stoppage of play occurs when the offending team scores a goal, whereupon the Linesman reports his version of the infraction. The Referee concurs that a major penalty should be assessed. What procedures does the Referee follow?

Disallow the goal and assess the penalty. Rule References 502(c) and 503(e).

Linesmen cannot stop play, but must wait for the first stoppage of play to report their version of the incident to the Referee.”

 

QUESTIONAre there any training materials for referees on how to recognize a concussion on the ice or any training on concussions at all?

ANSWER: All USA Hockey Officials are required to complete an online video module regarding concussions and player safety every three seasons, and additional information can be found at the Concussion Information webpage at USAHockey.com.

With that being said, officials are not trained medical professionals and they spend no time around the players outside of the game which means they have no behavior baseline to measure symptoms against. Therefore, game officials have extremely limited responsibility with determining whether a player should leave the game. The game officials are required to bring any potential “red flags” they notice to the team bench and the decision regarding removal, treatment and returning rest with the team coaches and parents.

 

QUESTIONTeam B pulls their goalie with a minute left in the game. Team A ices the puck, but it deflects of the goalpost of Team B and crosses the line (not into the net), is icing enforced, or is it waived off?

ANSWERRule 624(a) in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“When a player of a team shoots, bats with the hand or stick or deflects the puck from his own half of the ice completely beyond the goal line of the opposing team, play shall be stopped and a face-off shall take place at an end zone face-off spot in the defending zone of the offending team

(Note) If a team ices the puck during a delayed whistle as a result of a foul committed by the opposing team, the ensuing face-off shall take place at a neutral zone face-off spot nearest the defending zone of the team icing the puck.

However, if the puck has entered the goal as a result of a legal action by the team shooting the puck, the goal shall be allowed.”

Furthermore, Rule 624(b) states,

“Icing shall be nullified if any of the following conditions have been met:

-  (For Adults [male and female], High School and Youth/Girls' 16 and Under age classifications and above only) The offending team is shorthanded (below the on-ice numerical strength of their opponent) when the puck is shot. The determination is made at the time the penalty expires and if the puck was shot prior to the penalty time expiration, regardless as to the position of the penalized player, no icing shall be called.
-  The puck is shot by an attacking player and rebounds off of the body or the stick of a defending player on their defensive half of the center red line.
-  The puck travels the length of the ice as a result of either player participating in a face-off.
-  The puck touches any part, including stick, skates or body, of an opposing player prior to crossing the goal line.
-  If, in the opinion of the Linesman, an opposing player – except the goalkeeper – has an opportunity to play the puck, and has not done so, prior to the puck crossing the goal line.”

 

The USA Hockey Playing Rules are now available as a mobile device app! Check your Apple, Android, or Windows app store to download this playing rule app free of charge.

Check out the USA Hockey mobile-friendly online rulebook application! Enter usahockeyrulebook.com into your mobile device’s web browser to gain instant access to the USA Hockey Playing Rules (must have mobile or internet service).

The USA Hockey Playing Rules Casebook and other educational material can be found under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com.

2022-23 ATO | WEEK 29

By USA Hockey Officiating Program 03/17/2023, 6:45am MDT

QUESTIONThe goalie makes contact with an attacking player standing outside the crease, preventing the goalie from making a save. Should a minor penalty for interference be assessed and/or a potential goal be disallowed? (In this situation, the goalie initiates the contact.)

ANSWER: A player cannot be penalized for interference with the goalkeeper if the goalkeeper initiated the contact. Assuming the attacking player was positioned outside the goal crease, that player has every right to the space they occupy, and the goalkeeper is not entitled to initiate any physical contact with him/her.

 

QUESTIONIn Team B's end-zone. Team A forward passes the puck back to the defenseman at the blue line who wasn't there. Puck goes down the ice. Team B forward just coming off the bench is on the ice prior to the puck entering his attacking zone and plays the puck. What is the call?

ANSWERRule 603.b in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“Off-sides shall be waived if a player legally carries or passes the puck back into his own Defending Zone while a player of the opposing team is in the Defending Zone.”

 

QUESTIONWith the opposing goalkeeper in net, a Team A player is fouled from behind (warranting a penalty shot) and a delayed penalty is signaled. The Team A player loses possession of the puck as a result from being fouled from behind and the puck goes into the corner. Before Team B gains possession, the Team B goalkeeper throws his stick at the puck in the corner. Since, by rule, both actions call for a penalty shot (or optional minor), can two penalty shots be awarded to team A in this instance?

ANSWER: Since the “spirit and intent” of a penalty shot is to replace a lost scoring opportunity, only one penalty shot can be awarded in this situation. The other offense would be assessed a minor penalty.

 

QUESTIONCan 10U players ice the puck to kill a penalty and not have it called as an infraction?

ANSWER: Rule 624.b in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states:

"Icing shall be nullified if any of the following conditions have been met:
 (For Adults [male and female] and High School classifications only) The offending team is shorthanded (below the on-ice numerical strength of their opponent) when the puck is shot. The determination is made at the time the penalty expires and if the puck was shot prior to the penalty time expiration, regardless as to the position of the penalized player, no icing shall be called.
"

These two age groups (Adult & High School) do not include Youth (10U) players.

 

QUESTIONCan a rostered Tier I player play for a Tier II team for a tournament?

ANSWER: Unfortunately, we cannot answer this question since it does not specifically regard the USA Hockey Playing Rules.

We encourage you to contact your District or State Registrar (through your local hockey association) with this question. Registrars are responsible for tracking all team rosters and player eligibility in their respective areas.

 

The USA Hockey Playing Rules are now available as a mobile device app! Check your Apple, Android, or Windows app store to download this playing rule app free of charge.

Check out the USA Hockey mobile-friendly online rulebook application! Enter usahockeyrulebook.com into your mobile device’s web browser to gain instant access to the USA Hockey Playing Rules (must have mobile or internet service).

The USA Hockey Playing Rules Casebook and other educational material can be found under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com.

2022-23 ATO | WEEK 28

By USA Hockey Officiating Program 03/10/2023, 6:15am MST

QUESTIONWhen a player is awarded a minor and misconduct, how long is the player in the penalty box? Twelve minutes plus whistle, or ten minutes plus whistle?

ANSWERIf a player receives a Minor and Misconduct penalty he must serve the entire twelve minutes (2+10) consecutively. The additional player his team must place in the box is serving the shorthanded time (not the Minor itself). Since the Minor penalty must be served first (and posted on the penalty clock) the additional player is in the box so their team will have someone available to leave the penalty box and enter the game at the end of the Minor.

If the opposing team scores during the shorthanded Minor penalty time, the Minor is immediately terminated and the Misconduct penalty begins. In other words, the player who received the penalties will be released at the first whistle after ten minutes after the goal.

 

QUESTIONIf the goalie unintentionally displaces the net in the act of making a save, but the displacement of the net allows him to stop a puck that very likely would have been a goal had the net stayed on it's moorings, should this be ruled a goal, save, penalty shot or something else?

ANSWER: Rule 610.e in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states:

"Play shall be stopped immediately when the goal frame has been displaced from its normal position. A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player (including a goalkeeper) who deliberately displaces the goal frame."

If the net was displaced unintentionally, then no penalty should be assessed.

 

QUESTIONA player is checked, falling to the ice. The player stands up and tracks the player that delivered the initial check 30 - 40 feet into the corner at a high rate of speed and attempts to deliver a forceful check, but misses. Because no contact is made, this is not Charging, but is there another penalty or misconduct that could be applicable?

ANSWER: There is no penalty assessed for missing a body check. Unless the player violated USAH Rule 601, we see no violation that would constitute a penalty.

 

QUESTIONA goalie looses his stick and is handed a player's stick by a teammate. A few seconds later the forward with no stick picked up the goalie stick to return to the goalie but enters play, after a failed kick of the puck he plays the puck with the goalie stick. Does this scenario result in a penalty under violation of rule 301(c) for "illegal equipment" as the goalie stick exceeds the player stick max measurements?

ANSWER: A player may not participate in play while in possession of a Goalkeeper Stick due to the fact that the Goalkeeper Stick does not conform to the legal dimensions of a Player Stick as outlined in USAH Rule 301.b.

 

QUESTIONDoes this NHL rule also apply to USA Hockey games? In a situation where there is less than five minutes remaining in play, should unequal simultaneous penalties be assessed , then instead of both sides serving their full times, the minor penalty is cancelled and its time subtracted from the major penalty, which is then assessed against that team.

ANSWER: No, the USA Hockey Playing Rules do not include that rule at any level.

 

The USA Hockey Playing Rules are now available as a mobile device app! Check your Apple, Android, or Windows app store to download this playing rule app free of charge.

Check out the USA Hockey mobile-friendly online rulebook application! Enter usahockeyrulebook.com into your mobile device’s web browser to gain instant access to the USA Hockey Playing Rules (must have mobile or internet service).

The USA Hockey Playing Rules Casebook and other educational material can be found under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com.

2022-23 ATO | WEEK 27

By USA Hockey Officiating Program 03/03/2023, 6:45am MST

QUESTION: If a goalkeeper who is standing with his skate against the inside of the post ("hugging the post") uses his stick to freeze the puck between his stick, his skate blade, and the post, should a penalty be assessed?

ANSWER: In general, a goalkeeper is only allowed to cover the puck while in the “act of playing goal”. The determination as to whether a Delay of Game penalty must be assessed will be based on the location of the puck in relation to the goal-post and whether there are attacking players near the puck. A puck that is right next to the post or located a few inches behind the post would not likely qualify for a Delay of Game penalty. However, if the puck is located several inches behind the post, one could argue there is no immediate scoring opportunity and therefore the goalkeeper should be penalized if he/she covers the puck.

Additionally, a goalkeeper cannot cover a puck if there are no attacking players near the puck, regardless of where the puck is located.

 

 

QUESTIONIf the puck is sitting on the top or back of the goal netting and the goalkeeper covers it with his glove while part of his body is in the crease, should a penalty be assessed?

ANSWER: Rule 631.b in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states:

"Play shall be stopped immediately if the puck comes to rest in the netting on top of the goal frame.

Play shall be stopped and deemed unplayable if the puck becomes lodged in the netting outside of either goal and neither team is able to dislodge the puck within three seconds."

However, a minor penalty for delay of game should be assessed to a goalkeeper who freezes the puck while located on the back-netting of the goal. This action is not considered in the "act of playing goal".

 

QUESTIONDoes contact have to be made for a Charging penalty to be called? The player takes more than two strides and covers a good distance but his opponent falls before the check, and the player completely misses the hit, falling into the boards himself.

ANSWER: Under the USA Hockey Playing Rules interpretations, contact must be made for a Charging infraction to occur. This is different than other infractions (Spearing, Kicking, etc.).

 

QUESTIONIf an offensive player’s stick is in motion to flip the puck into the net and an opponent’s stick comes between the offensive players stick and the puck, is it still a goal when the puck goes in the net even though it was flipped in by both sticks?

ANSWERRule 617(b) in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“A goal shall be legally scored if:

-  The puck has been propelled into the goal by the stick of an attacking player provided it was done in accordance with Rule 621 High Sticks.
-  The puck enters the goal as a result of any action by the defending team.”

 

QUESTIONQuestion is on a scoresheet, a team lists 3 goalies, makes no scratches. Game ends. What's the ruling? I know rule 201 only allows 2 goalies & 18 skaters. For full clarity, the team only dressed 1 goalie.

ANSWERRule 201(a) in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“A team must start a game with a minimum of six players. Any time that a team has been reduced to less than four players, the game shall be declared a forfeit.

A maximum of 20 players, in which not more than 18 are skaters, shall be permitted to play in the game.”

A team may list three goalkeepers on their game roster provided they do not have more than 20 total participants.

 

The USA Hockey Playing Rules are now available as a mobile device app! Check your Apple, Android, or Windows app store to download this playing rule app free of charge.

Check out the USA Hockey mobile-friendly online rulebook application! Enter usahockeyrulebook.com into your mobile device’s web browser to gain instant access to the USA Hockey Playing Rules (must have mobile or internet service).

The USA Hockey Playing Rules Casebook and other educational material can be found under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com.

2022-23 ATO | WEEK 26

By USA Hockey Officiating Program 02/24/2023, 6:15am MST

QUESTIONGoalie goes to the corner to play the puck, but turns the puck over to an attacking player. The goalie then body-checks the attacking player. Is this a penalty?”

ANSWERRule 640.f in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states:

A minor penalty shall be assessed to any goalkeeper who body checks an opponent.

 

QUESTIONAfter the whistle, Player A and Player B are jawing at each other. Player Red-A drops their gloves, looking to provoke a fight. Player B does not reciprocate, and Player A does not throw a punch. Referees step in the middle and separate the players. What penalty should be assessed to Player A, considering they seemed to be intending on fighting and attempted to provoke one, but did not actually throw a punch?

ANSWERRule 601.a in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be assessed to any player who commits the following actions:

-  Challenges or disputes the rulings of any official.
-  Taunts or incites an opponent.
-  Creates a disturbance during the game.
-  Shoots the puck after the whistle, if in the opinion of the Official such shot was avoidable.”

 

QUESTIONWhat can an official do if a game will exceed the scheduled ice time? Rink management has no time to finish the game and no local league rule address this. Can you apply Rule 636.e and suspend the game?

ANSWER: The USA Hockey Playing Rules are written with the expectation that all games will be scheduled with enough ice time for completion. That is why you will find no reference about “Running Clocks”, “Mercy Rules”, or other time management devices. However, sometimes games are delayed or not enough ice time is purchased. In this case, the Rink Management is under no obligation to allow the game to continue if they have committed the next slot of ice to another customer.

Therefore, the Game Officials will have to work with the Team Officials to decide how to manage the result. In some cases, the game will be just a Rec-League friendly match and the final score is meaningless. However, the case of League Games or games involving “Tournament Bound” teams will need a resolution. In this case, the teams should not be allowed to select the final result (due to potential conflict of interest). The Game Officials will have to suspend the game and submit a report to the governing league or entity so they can decide the final result which will affect league standings. From there, it’s in the hands of the league to decide.

 

QUESTIONA goalie has altered and cut a deep "V" notch into the top of the paddle of his goal stick, on the back-side, approx 1" down from where the shaft of the stick and flat part of the paddle meet. The goalie has taped this area up to cover sharp edges? All other stick measurements are within legal standards. Is this stick legal to play with?

ANSWER: Provided the alterations to the stick do not make the stick’s dimensions illegal under Rule 301 in the USA Hockey Playing Rules and all rough or sharp edges have been covered to prevent injury to players, there should be nothing to prevent this stick from being used in a game. The USAH Playing Rules do not mandate that a goalkeeper’s stick-paddle must be completely straight-edged.

 

QUESTIONPlayer A loses his stick on the ice and play continues. A short while later as Player A goes to retrieve his stick, Player B uses his skate to move the stick out of the way using a kicking motion. Normally, this is a straightforward Interference penalty. In this case, when Player A picks the stick up as the penalty is being reported, the stick is unplayable as it is broken. Does that change the scenario?

ANSWER: In your situation, the fact that the stick was broken does not affect the call.

 

The USA Hockey Playing Rules are now available as a mobile device app! Check your Apple, Android, or Windows app store to download this playing rule app free of charge.

Check out the USA Hockey mobile-friendly online rulebook application! Enter usahockeyrulebook.com into your mobile device’s web browser to gain instant access to the USA Hockey Playing Rules (must have mobile or internet service).

The USA Hockey Playing Rules Casebook and other educational material can be found under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com

2022-23 ATO | WEEK 25

By USA Hockey Officiating Program 02/17/2023, 6:45am MST

QUESTIONA goalie had his pant suspenders off his shoulders but attached to his pants (they were hanging off the back of his pants). The opposing coach was complaining about it. The goalie's jersey actually covered most of the suspenders you could barely see them. Is this an equipment violation?

ANSWERRule 304.h in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“All players must wear the required, or recommended, protective equipment in the manner for which it is designed.

For violation of this rule, following a team warning, a misconduct penalty for an equipment violation shall be imposed.”

Since suspenders are an optional piece of equipment, they must be worn properly or removed from the pants.

 

QUESTIONIt's near the end of a game, and a team pulls their goalie for a sixth skater on the ice. An official mistakenly calls "Illegal Substitution" (too many players). Where is the ensuing face-off located? This has happened twice in the last year, with the face-off being located at center ice in one case, and at the nearest face-off dot where the play was whistled dead in another case. 

ANSWERRule 612.b in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“A last play face-off will take place in any instance where a stoppage of play occurs as a result of the actions of both teams or if play is stopped for any reason other than what is specified in the rules.”

Since there is no specific rule that dictates where the face-off should be located in your situation, the face-off shall located at the nearest “Last Play” face-off spot.

 

 

QUESTIONAre goalie masks with "cat-eye" style cages illegal under USA Hockey rules?

ANSWERRule 304.d in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“All players, including goalkeepers, in all age classifications below Adults, are required to wear a facemask certified by HECC, plus any chin protection that accompanies the facemask.”

At the Youth/Girls level, as long as the helmet and facemask each have a valid HECC Sticker, then the equipment is legal for use.

 

QUESTIONTeam A is short-handed. A Team A defenseman has possession of the puck in the neutral zone, skates backwards into his defensive end-zone, and stops with the puck in open ice. The defenseman is not pressured by anyone of Team B and is the only player in his zone. The Team A defenseman makes no effort to advance the puck and is deliberately wasting time to kill the penalty. The referee verbalizes to the defenseman to move the puck several times. Should a delay of game be called?

ANSWER: No, there is no rule in the USA Hockey Playing Rules that states a team must advance the puck up the ice.

 

QUESTIONA player shot the puck on net after the horn sounded to end the period. The officials assessed a misconduct, stating no minor penalty exists for this. The shot was absolutely avoidable, but was not a hard shot (I reviewed the video to confirm). The closest official was at the blue line while my player was about 10 ft. from the net, so there was clearly no attempt to prevent the official from retrieving the puck under 601(c). How should this have been called?

ANSWERRule 601.a in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be assessed to any player who commits the following actions:

-  Challenges or disputes the rulings of any official.

-  Taunts or incites an opponent.

-  Creates a disturbance during the game.

-  Shoots the puck after the whistle, if in the opinion of the Official such shot was avoidable.

 

The USA Hockey Playing Rules are now available as a mobile device app! Check your Apple, Android, or Windows app store to download this playing rule app free of charge.

Check out the USA Hockey mobile-friendly online rulebook application! Enter usahockeyrulebook.com into your mobile device’s web browser to gain instant access to the USA Hockey Playing Rules (must have mobile or internet service).

The USA Hockey Playing Rules Casebook and other educational material can be found under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com.

2022-23 ATO | WEEK 24

By USA Hockey Officiating Program 02/10/2023, 6:15am MST

QUESTIONAs a linesman who works higher levels of youth hockey, I see a lot of aftermath pushing and shoving. I believe that older players are inevitably going to get shoved or pushed in front of the net, but what subsides a Roughing from Fighting?

ANSWER: There's no easy answer or simple math equation that determines when an altercation escalates from Roughing to Fighting. The officials must use good judgement to determine when the players cross the line from pushing/grabbing to actually engaging in a fight.

First and foremost, the best way to manage this issue is to immediately penalize after-the-whistle infractions fairly and consistently. If two opponents equally engage in roughing after the whistle, then they should be penalized equally with coincidental minors. However, if one player is an instigator or aggressor, then he/she should earn the extra or isolated penalty.

Secondly, good communication and a strong presence at the net or near gatherings will let the players know you're nearby and watching. Good management of players sets a strong tone for a fun, positive and competitive game, and good penalty application will let players know where the line is. 

 

QUESTIONA team intentionally only sends four players out on a defensive zone face-off. As soon as the puck is dropped, the fifth player enters play and receives a pass after his team wins the face-off. Rules in either face-off procedure or team player change do not seem to validate or invalidate this “trick” play.

ANSWER: Rule 204.a in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states:

"Both teams must place the full number of players on the ice to which they are entitled to prior to the face-off."

Furthermore, Rule 629.e in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states:

“Play shall be stopped and the face-off conducted at the last play face-off location anytime a team starts play with fewer players than entitled to and the additional entering player is the first to play any puck coming from his defending zone, unless he has first made skate contact with his defending zone.”

 

QUESTIONWhat is the penalty for spraying the goalie with snow after the goalie has tied up the puck?

ANSWER: This act of “taunting an opponent” should be penalized with a minor penalty for Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Rule 601.a).

 

QUESTIONIs there any rule regarding playing music over the rink speakers during stoppages and goals of a youth game, or is it up to the rink management to decide?

ANSWER: The use of music during stoppages is not covered by the USA Hockey Playing Rules. This question should be directed to your local hockey association, league or rink staff.

 

QUESTIONWe were told by an on-ice official that USA Hockey has rules limiting players to only score three goals in a game for Rec. Level league or tournaments. In four years of coaching I have never heard of such a rule, and after reading the entire rulebook I cannot find even a reference of such a rule. I also checked our district rulebook and cannot find this rule.”

ANSWER: There are no rules in the USA Hockey Playing Rules that limit how many goals a team or player may score. However, local hockey leagues, associations and tournaments are entitled to created rules with the approval of the local USA Hockey Affiliate. Therefore, you may check with them if these rules exist.

 

The USA Hockey Playing Rules are now available as a mobile device app! Check your Apple, Android, or Windows app store to download this playing rule app free of charge.

Check out the USA Hockey mobile-friendly online rulebook application! Enter usahockeyrulebook.com into your mobile device’s web browser to gain instant access to the USA Hockey Playing Rules (must have mobile or internet service).

The USA Hockey Playing Rules Casebook and other educational material can be found under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com.

2022-23 ATO | WEEK 23

By USA Hockey Officiating Program 02/03/2023, 6:00am MST

QUESTIONWho determines if a player is injured, the Referee or the injured player's Head Coach or Trainer? Should the Injured player be allowed to remain on the bench or be required to leave the game?

ANSWER: Since almost all game officials are not medical professionals, USA Hockey instructs them to use their best judgment while determining  whether a player is injured, and always error on the side of caution. Ultimately, it is the decision of the player and team staff to determine if the player should remain in a game. The best an official can do is make note of any "irregular behavior" and bring this to the coach's attention (and it would be very wise to record and file this incident in a summary email report to the Local Supervisor of Officials).

 

QUESTION: In the offensive zone, is a player allowed to use his hands while the puck is on the ice to hold it for himself (essentially, he covered the puck with his hand and moved it to himself after he fell)?

ANSWERRule 618.a in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“Play shall be stopped and a last play face-off shall occur anytime a player (except the goalkeeper) closes his hand on the puck and does not immediately drop the puck to the ice.

A minor penalty for delay of game shall be assessed to any player, other than the goalkeeper, who picks the puck up from the ice with his hand(s) while play is in progress.

A penalty shot/optional minor penalty shall be awarded to the non-offending team anytime a defending player, other than the goalkeeper, picks the puck up off the ice with his hand or holds the puck while play is in progress and the puck is in the goal crease. If this infraction occurs while the goalkeeper has been removed from the ice and prevents and obvious and imminent goal, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.”

The “spirit and intent” of this rule is to keep the puck in play at all times and prevent a player from making the puck “unplayable by an opponent” by covering it.

 

QUESTIONWhile in Team A’s defensive zone, a player on Team A blocks a shot by a player on Team B. The puck hits an un-padded part of the body and the player immediately falls to the ice with an obvious injury. The official allows play  continue while the injured player lies on the ice unable to move. Team B then gains possession of the deflected puck and proceeds to score a goal. Should the goal be allowed?

ANSWERRule 206.a in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“When a player is injured or compelled to leave the ice during a game, he may retire from the game and be replaced by a substitute under the player substitution rules.

When a player is injured and is unable to continue play or go to his bench, play shall be stopped immediately unless the opposing team is in possession of the puck, in which case play shall not be stopped until a change of possession has occurred.

In the case where it is obvious that a player has sustained a serious injury, the Referee and/or Linesman may stop the play immediately."

 

QUESTION: During a game, a team received their third consecutive penalty and the ref made the team play three players short. I always thought during my playing career that the third player (even though in the penalty box at time of penalty) would not start until the oldest penalty expired or a goal was scored.

ANSWERRule 408.a in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“If a third player shall be penalized while two players of the same team are serving non-coincidental penalties, he shall proceed to the penalty bench immediately and may be replaced by a substitute on the ice. However, the penalty time of the third player shall not begin until the first such penalty has expired.”

 

QUESTIONCan a team forfeit in the middle of a game? We just played a game today and we were winning 3-0. With five minutes left in the third period, the other team got up off the bench and said they were forfeiting. Our coaches and the refs tried to get them to finish the game, but the coach from the other team said our kids were too big.

ANSWERRule 633.a in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“With both teams on the ice, after the game has started, a team for any reason refuses to play after being ordered to do so by the Referee, the Referee shall warn the Captain and allow the team 15 seconds to resume play.

A bench minor penalty for delay of game shall be assessed to the offending team who still refuses to start play and if the same team refuses to continue play, the Referee shall suspend the game and assess a match penalty to the responsible Team Official(s).”

 

The USA Hockey Playing Rules are now available as a mobile device app! Check your Apple, Android, or Windows app store to download this playing rule app free of charge.

Check out the USA Hockey mobile-friendly online rulebook application! Enter usahockeyrulebook.com into your mobile device’s web browser to gain instant access to the USA Hockey Playing Rules (must have mobile or internet service).

The USA Hockey Playing Rules Casebook and other educational material can be found under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com.

2022-23 ATO | WEEK 22

By USA Hockey Officiating Program 01/27/2023, 6:30am MST

QUESTION: If you have a player with a suspension, and you tell the referee to record it on the scoresheet before a game because the player is sitting out, but the referee comes over before the game a tells you he talked to the league and said he can play what should you do?

ANSWER: All suspensions and other forms of discipline are managed by the local USAH Affiliate of the team, and referees cannot determine player eligibility. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the Team Coach to make sure players serve their suspensions. Therefore, it would be wise to receive any disciplinary notice from the local Affiliate first-hand.

 

QUESTIONA player is in the penalty box serving a minor penalty. Play continues 5 v. 4 while the player complains about the call. Play is stopped when the referee assesses the penalized player a second minor penalty for Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Should two minutes be added to the time remaining on the scoreboard for the player's first penalty, or should a second penalty be placed on the scoreboard with play then continuing "5 v. 3"?

ANSWER: In this situation, the same player earned both penalties. Therefore, two minutes must be added to the remaining time on the player’s first penalty and play resumes 5 v. 4.

 

QUESTIONAttacking team in the attacking zone gets a delayed penalty for High-Sticking. The defensive team clears the puck out of the zone and the penalized team's goalie plays the puck. I would like to know where the ensuing face-off should take place.

ANSWER: Since play stopped due to the offending team’s goalkeeper securing possession and control of the puck, the face-off would be located at the nearest face-off spot (in the same zone) as where the goalkeeper played the puck.

 

QUESTIONIf a goalie kicks the net off, can a goal still be scored? Situation is a goal mouth pass came from left to right, goalie slid across, knocking the net off, and a pass was then sent back across to the for an open net goal. Ref called it a "goal" and then realized the net was off and called it "no goal".

ANSWERRule 610.e in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states:

“Play shall be stopped immediately when the goal frame has been displaced from its normal position.”

Therefore, if the officials are 100% certain that the goal frame was displaced before the puck entered the goal, they must disallow the goal.

 

QUESTION:  If a player of the opposing team swears at a coach, what is the punishment for that player?

ANSWERRule 601.c in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states:

“A misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who commits the following actions:

Persists in any conduct where they were previously assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Using obscene, profane or abusive language to any person anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game.

Intentionally knocking or shooting the puck out of the reach of an official who is retrieving it during a stoppage of play.

Not proceeding directly and immediately to the penalty bench or to the dressing room, after being penalized and ordered to do so by the officials (equipment shall be delivered to him by a teammate, if necessary).

Entering or remaining in the Referee’s Crease, unless invited to do so.

Interfering in any non-physical manner with any Game Official including the Referee, Linesman, Timekeepers or Goal Judges in the performance of their duties.”

 

The USA Hockey Playing Rules are now available as a mobile device app! Check your Apple, Android, or Windows app store to download this playing rule app free of charge.

Check out the USA Hockey mobile-friendly online rulebook application! Enter usahockeyrulebook.com into your mobile device’s web browser to gain instant access to the USA Hockey Playing Rules (must have mobile or internet service).

The USA Hockey Playing Rules Casebook and other educational material can be found under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com.

2022-23 ATO | WEEK 21

By USA Hockey Officiating Program 01/20/2023, 6:45am MST

QUESTIONMay an official officiate a game if his/her child is playing?

ANSWER: In general USA Hockey always discourages game assignors from assigning officials to games that may present a “conflict of interest”. However, since the USA Hockey National Office does not coordinate or monitor any game assignments we cannot completely address this concern. Therefore, we suggest asking your league about this situation and for clarification on the game assignment process in your area.

 

QUESTIONWhere can I find the USAH Official/Referee Evaluation Form on the web site?

ANSWER: The USA Hockey Officiating Evaluation Form is not available on the USA Hockey website. Since the Evaluation Program has moved to an entirely online website-based system, USAH Evaluators are no longer required to complete the old paper-form. If you are a trained evaluator, you may access the online Evaluation System through your District Evaluation Coordinator.

 

QUESTIONI got kicked out of a game for hitting my stick against the glass and cheering after we scored while in the penalty box. The ref came over and told me it was illegal and signaled for me to be thrown out until I talked him out of it. Is it illegal to touch the glass in the penalty box?

ANSWERRule 601.d in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“A misconduct or game misconduct, at the discretion of the Referee and based on severity, shall be assessed to any player who commits the following actions:

- Touches or holds any official with his hand or stick.
- Attempts to continue an altercation after been ordered to stop, or resists the linesman in stopping the altercation.
- Intentionally bangs the boards or protective glass or goal frame with his stick or any other object at anytime. If done in protest of an officials’ decision, an additional minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct shall also be assessed.”

 

QUESTIONAfter two years of animated debate, I as the tournament EMT, have been told that I am "confused" on the rule which requires Squirt level players to wear mouth guards. I think they are required after reading Section 304 and the coaches in Rochester Mn read the rule as an option at this level. Am I confused?

ANSWERRule 304.f in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“All players, including goalkeepers, in the 12 & under (Youth and Girls’) through Youth 18 & under (including High School) and Girls’ 19 & under age classifications are required to wear a colored (non-clear) internal mouthpiece that covers all the remaining teeth of one jaw, customarily the upper. It is strongly recommended, in all classifications, that all players wear a mouthpiece form fitted by a dentist.”

 

QUESTIONI disallowed a goal in a game because the net was knocked off as the player was shooting. A Level 4 official told me that if the puck would have gone in even though net was off, its still a goal. I disagreed based on rule stating once the net is off and official is aware, play should be blown dead. Could he be thinking of college rules because USA Hockey doesn’t have this in their rules?

ANSWERRule 610.e in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states,

“Play shall be stopped immediately when the goal frame has been displaced from its normal position.”

Therefore, if the officials are confident that the net was displaced prior to the puck crossing the line then the goal must be disallowed.

 

The USA Hockey Playing Rules are now available as a mobile device app! Check your Apple, Android, or Windows app store to download this playing rule app free of charge.

Check out the USA Hockey mobile-friendly online rulebook application! Enter usahockeyrulebook.com into your mobile device’s web browser to gain instant access to the USA Hockey Playing Rules (must have mobile or internet service).

The USA Hockey Playing Rules Casebook and other educational material can be found under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com.

  • 2022-23 ATO | WEEK 11

  • By USA Hockey Officiating Program 11/11/2022, 6:15am MST
  • THIS WEEK: High-Sticking...serving goalkeeper penalties...equipment...and more.
  • Read More

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