SECTION ONE: THE RINK

Rule 1 Rink

The game of "Ice Hockey" shall be played on an ice surface known as the "RINK."

(NOTE) There shall be no markings on the ice except as provided under these rules without the express written permission of the League. On-ice logos must not interfere with any official game markings.

Rule 2 Dimensions of Rink

(a) The official size of the rink shall be two hundred feet (200') long and eighty-five feet (85') wide. The corners shall be rounded in the arc of a circle with a radius of twenty-eight feet (28').

The rink shall be surrounded by a wooden or fibreglass wall or fence known as the "boards" which shall extend not less than forty inches (40'') and not more than forty-eight inches (48'') above the level of the ice surface. The ideal height of the boards above the ice surface shall be forty-two inches (42''). Except for the official markings provided for in these rules, the entire playing surface and the boards shall be white in color except the kick plate at the bottom of the board which shall be light yellow in color.

Any variations from any of the foregoing dimensions shall require official authorization by the League.

(b) The boards shall be constructed in such a manner that the surface facing the ice shall be smooth and free of any obstruction or any object that could cause injury to players.

All doors giving access to the playing surface must swing away from the ice surface.

All glass or other types of protective screens and gear to hold them in position shall be properly padded or protected. Protective glass shall be required in front of the penalty benches to provide for the safety of the players on and off the ice. All equipment used to hold the glass or screens in position shall be mounted on the boards on the side away from the playing surface.

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Rule 3 Goalposts and Nets

(a) Thirteen feet (13') from each end of the rink and in the center of a red line two inches (2") wide drawn completely across the width of the ice and continued vertically up the side of the boards, regulation goal posts and nets shall be set in such a manner as to remain stationary during the progress of a game. The goal posts shall be kept in position by means of flexible pegs affixed in the ice or floor. The flexible pegs shall be eight inches (8") in length and yellow in color.

Where the length of the playing surface exceeds two hundred feet (200'), the goal line and goal posts may be placed not more than fifteen feet (15') from the end of the rink. The National Hockey League must grant prior approval.

(b) The goal posts shall be of approved design and material, extending vertically four feet (4') above the surface of the ice and set six feet (6') apart measured from the inside of the posts. A cross bar of the same material as the goal posts shall extend from the top of one post to the top of the other.

(c)There shall be attached to each goal frame a net of approved design made of white nylon cord which shall be draped in such a manner as to prevent the puck coming to rest on the outside of it, yet strung in a manner that will keep the puck in the net.

A skirt of heavy white nylon fabric or heavyweight white canvas shall be laced around the base plate of the goal frame in such a way as to protect the net from being cut or broken. This protective padding must be attached in a manner that will not restrict the puck from completely crossing the goal line. This skirt shall not project more than one inch (1'') above the base plate.

(NOTE) The frame of the goal shall be draped with a nylon mesh net so as to completely enclose the back of the frame. The net shall be made of three-ply twisted twine (0.130 inch diameter) or equivalent braided twine of multifilament white nylon with an appropriate tensile strength of 700 pounds. The size of the mesh shall be two and one-half inches (2½") (inside measurement) from each knot to each diagonal knot when fully stretched. Knotting shall be made as to ensure no sliding of the twine. The net shall be laced to the frame with medium white nylon cord no smaller in size than No. 21.

(d)The goal posts and cross bar shall be painted in red and all other exterior surfaces shall be painted in white.

(e)The red line, two inches (2'') wide, between the goal posts on the ice and extended completely across the rink, shall be known as the "GOAL LINE."

Rule 4 Goal Crease

In front of each goal, a "GOAL CREASE" area shall be marked by a red line two inches (2") in width.
(b) The goal crease shall be laid out as follows: One foot (1') outside of each goal post a two inch (2'') line shall be painted extending four feet, six inches (4'6") in length. These lines shall be at right angles to the goal line. A semi-circle line six feet (6') in radius and two inches (2") in width shall be drawn using the center of the goal line as the center point and connecting both ends of the side of the crease. On the side of the crease lines, four feet (4') from the goal line, extend a five-inch (5") line into the crease.
(c) The goal crease area shall include all the space outlined by the crease lines and extending vertically four feet (4') to the level of the top of the goal frame. The area outlined by the crease line and the goal line shall be painted a light blue color. (Paint code PMS 298.)
(d) The area inside the goal frame to the goal line shall be painted a gloss white color.
 

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Rule 5 Division of Ice Surface

(a) The ice area between the two goals shall be divided into three parts by lines, twelve inches (12'') in width, and blue in color, drawn sixty feet (60') out from the goal lines, and extended completely across the rink, parallel with the goal lines, and continued vertically up the side of the boards.

(b) That portion of the ice surface in which the goal is situated shall be called the "DEFENDING ZONE" of the Team defending that goal; the central portion shall be known as the "NEUTRAL ZONE," and the portion farthest from the defended goal as the "ATTACKING ZONE."

(c) There shall also be a line, twelve inches (12'') in width and red in color, drawn completely across the rink in center ice, parallel with the goal lines and continued vertically up the side of the boards, known as the "CENTER LINE." This line shall contain regular interval markings of a uniform distinctive design, which will readily distinguish it from the two blue lines...the outer edges of which must be continuous.

Rule 6 Center Ice Spot and Circle

A circular blue spot, twelve inches (12'') in diameter, shall be marked exactly in the center of the rink; and with this spot as a center, a circle of fifteen feet (15') radius shall be marked with a blue line two inches (2'') in width.

Rule 7 Faceoff Spots in Neutral Zone

Two red spots two feet (2') in diameter shall be marked on the ice in the neutral zone five feet (5') from each blue line. The spots shall be forty-four feet (44') apart and each shall be a uniform distance from the adjacent boards.

Rule 8 End Zone Faceoff Spots and Circles

In both end zones and on both sides of each goal, red face-off spots and circles shall be marked on the ice. The face-off spots shall be two feet (2') in diameter. Within the face-off spot, draw two parallel lines three inches (3'') from the top and bottom of the spot. The area within the two lines shall be painted red, the remainder shall be painted white.

The circles shall be two inches (2'') wide with a radius of fifteen feet (15') from the center of the face-off spots. At the outer edge of both sides of each face-off circle and parallel to the goal line shall be marked two red lines, two inches (2'') wide and two feet (2') in length and three feet (3') apart.

One foot away from the outer edge of the face-off spot, two lines shall be drawn parallel with the sideboards that shall be four feet (4')in length and eighteen inches (18") apart. Parallel to the end boards, commencing at the end of the line nearest to the face-off spot, a line shall extend two feet ten inches (2'10") in length. All lines shall be two inches (2") in width.

(b) The location of the face-off spots shall be fixed in the following manner:

Along a line twenty feet (20') from each goal line and parallel to it, mark two points twenty-two feet (22') on both sides of the straight line joining the center of the two goals. Each such point shall be the center of a face-off spot and circle.

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Rule 9 Players Benches

(a)Each rink shall be provided with seats or benches for the use of players of both Teams. The accommodations provided, including benches and doors, MUST be uniform for both Teams. Such seats or benches shall have accommodation for at least fourteen (14) persons of each Team. The benches shall be placed immediately alongside the ice as near to the center of the rink as possible. Two doors for each bench must be uniform in location and size and as convenient to the dressing rooms as possible.

Each players' bench should be twenty-four feet (24') in length and when situated in the spectator area, they shall be separated from the spectators by a protective glass of sufficient height so as to afford the necessary protection for the players. The players' benches shall be on the same side of the playing surface opposite the penalty bench and should be separated by a substantial distance, if possible.

(NOTE) Each players' bench shall have two doors which must be uniform in location and size. ("Mirrored image benches") All doors opening to the playing surface shall be constructed so that they swing inward.

(b) No one but players in uniform, the Manager, Coach and Trainer shall be permitted to occupy the benches so provided.

(NOTE) One non-uniformed player shall be permitted on the players' bench in a coaching capacity. He must be indicated on the Roster Sheet submitted by the Coach to the Referee or Official Scorer prior to the start of the game in accordance with Rule 15 - Players in Uniform.

Rule 10 Penalty Bench

(a) Each rink must be provided with benches or seats to be known as the "PENALTY BENCH." These benches or seats must be capable of accommodating a total of ten persons including the Penalty Timekeepers. Separate penalty benches shall be provided for each Team and they shall be situated on opposite sides of the Timekeeper's area, directly across the ice from the players' benches. The penalty bench(es) must be situated in the neutral zone.

(b) On the ice immediately in front of the Penalty Timekeeper's seat there shall be marked in red on the ice a semi-circle of ten foot (10') radius and two inches (2") in width which shall be known as the "REFEREE'S CREASE."

(c) Each Penalty Bench shall be protected from the spectator area by means of a glass partition which shall not be less than five feet (5') above the height of the boards.

Rule 11 Signal and Timing Devices

(a) Each rink must be provided with a siren, or other suitable sound device, for the use of Timekeepers.

(b) Each rink shall be provided with some form of electrical clock for the purpose of keeping the spectators, players and game officials accurately informed as to all time elements at all stages of the game including the time remaining to be played in any period and the time remaining to be served by at least five penalized players on each Team.

Time recording for both game time and penalty time shall show time remaining to be played or served.

The game time clock shall measure the time remaining in tenths of a second during the last minutes of each period.

(c) Behind each goal, electrical lights shall be set up for the use of the Goal Judges. A red light will signify the scoring of a goal and a green light will signify the end of a period or a game.

(NOTE) A goal cannot be scored when a green light is showing.

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Rule 12 Police Protection

All clubs shall provide adequate police or other protection for all players and Officials at all times.

The Referee shall report to the Commissioner any failure of this protection observed by him or reported to him with particulars of such failure.

SECTION TWO: TEAMS

Rule 13 Composition of Team

A Team shall be composed of six (6) players on the ice who shall be under contract to the Club they represent.

(b)Each player and each goalkeeper listed in the line-up of each Team shall wear an individual identifying number at least ten inches (10'') high on the back of his sweater. Sweater numbers such as 00, ½ (fractions), .05 (decimals), 101 (three digit) are not permitted. In addition, each player and goalkeeper shall wear his surname in full, in block letters three inches (3'') high, across the back of his sweater at shoulder height.

All players of each Team shall be dressed uniformly with approved design and color of their helmets, sweaters, short pants, stockings and skates.

Altered uniforms of any kind, i.e. velcro inserts, over-sized jerseys, etc. will not be permitted. Any player or goalkeeper not complying with this Rule shall not be permitted to participate in the game.

Each Member Club shall design and wear distinctive and contrasting uniforms for their home and road games, no parts of which shall be interchangeable except the pants.

Rule 14 Captain of Team

(a) One Captain shall be appointed by each Team, and he alone shall have the privilege of discussing with the Referee any questions relating to interpretation of rules which may arise during the progress of a game. He shall wear the letter "C", approximately three inches (3'') in height and in contrasting color, in a conspicuous position on the front of his sweater.

In addition, if the permanent Captain is not on the ice, Alternate Captains (not more than two) shall be accorded the privileges of the Captain. Alternate Captains shall wear the letter "A" approximately three inches (3'') in height and in contrasting color, in a conspicuous position on the front of their sweaters.

(NOTE) Only when the captain is not in uniform, the Coach shall have the right to designate three Alternate Captains. This must be done prior to the start of the game.

(b) The Referee and Official Scorer shall be advised prior to the start of each game, the name of the Captain and the Alternate Captains of both Teams.

(c) Only the Captain, when invited to do so by the Referee, shall have the privilege of discussing any point relating to the interpretation of rules. Any Captain or player who comes off the bench and makes any protest or intervention with the officials for any purpose must be assessed a misconduct penalty in addition to a minor penalty under Rule 41(b) - Abuse of Officials.

A complaint about a penalty is NOT a matter "relating to the interpretation of the rules" and a minor penalty shall be imposed against any Captain or other player making such a complaint.

(d) No playing Coach or playing Manager or goalkeeper shall be permitted to act as Captain or Alternate Captain.

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Rule 15 Players in Uniform

(a) At the beginning of each game, the Manager or Coach of each Team shall list the players and goalkeepers who shall be eligible to play in the game. Not more than eighteen players, exclusive of goalkeepers, shall be permitted.

(b) A list of names and numbers of all eligible players and goalkeepers must be handed to the Referee or Official Scorer before the game, and no change shall be permitted in the list or addition thereto shall be permitted after the commencement of the game.

i) If a goal is scored when an ineligible player is on the ice, the goal will be disallowed.

ii) The ineligible player will be removed from the game and the club shall not be able to substitute another player on its roster.

(c) Each Team shall be allowed one goalkeeper on the ice at one time. The goalkeeper may be removed and another player substituted. Such substitute shall not be permitted the privileges of the goalkeeper.

(d) Each Team shall have on its bench, or on a chair immediately beside the bench, a substitute goalkeeper who shall, at all times, be fully dressed and equipped ready to play.

The substitute goalkeeper may enter the game at any time following a stoppage of play, but no warm-up shall be permitted.

(e) Except when both goalkeepers are incapacitated, no player in the playing roster in that game shall be permitted to wear the equipment of the goalkeeper.

(f) In regular League and Playoff games, if both listed goalkeepers are incapacitated, that Team shall be entitled to dress and play any available goalkeeper who is eligible. No delay shall be permitted in taking his position in the goal, and he shall be permitted a two-minute warm-up. However, the warm-up is not permitted in the event a goalkeeper is substituted for a penalty shot.

(g) The Referee shall report to the Commissioner for disciplinary action any delay in making a substitution of goalkeepers.

Rule 16 Starting Lineup

(a) Prior to the start of the game, at the request of the Referee, the Manager or Coach of the visiting Team is required to name the starting line-up to the Referee or Official Scorer. At any time in the game, at the request of the Referee made to the Captain, the visiting Team must place a playing line-up on the ice and promptly commence play.

(b) Prior to the start of the game, the Manager or Coach of the home Team, having been advised by the Official Scorer or the Referee the names of the starting line-up of the visiting Team, shall name the starting line-up of the home Team. This information shall be conveyed by the Official Scorer or the Referee to the Coach of the visiting Team.

(c) No change in the starting line-up of either Team as given to the Referee or Official Scorer, or in the playing line-up on the ice, shall be made until the game is actually in progress. For an infraction of this Rule, a bench minor penalty shall be imposed upon the offending Team, provided such infraction is called to the attention of the Referee before the second face-off in the first period takes place.

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Rule 17 Change of Players

(a)Players may be changed at any time from the players' bench provided that the player or players leaving the ice shall be within five feet (5') of his players' bench and out of the play before the change is made.

A goalkeeper may be changed for another player at any time under conditions set out in this section.

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(NOTE 1) When a goalkeeper or skater of the Team in possession of the puck leaves the ice surface for an extra skater, but does so prematurely, play shall be stopped immediately.

There shall be no time penalty to the Team making the premature substitution, but the resulting face-off will take place at the center ice face-off spot.

In all other situations not covered in the above, a minor penalty may result for "too many men on the ice."

(NOTE 2) The Referee shall request that the public address announcer make the following announcement: "Play has been stopped due to premature entry of a player from the players' bench." If in the course of making a substitution, the player entering the game plays the puck with his stick, skates or hands or who checks or makes any physical contact with an opposing player while the retiring player is actually on the ice, then the infraction of "too many men on the ice" will be called.

If in the course of a substitution either the player entering the play or the player retiring is struck by the puck accidentally, the play will not be stopped and no penalty will be called.

(b)If by reason of insufficient playing time remaining, or by reason of penalties already imposed, a bench minor penalty is imposed for deliberate illegal substitution (too many men on the ice) which cannot be served in its entirety within the legal playing time, or at any time in overtime, a penalty shot shall be awarded against the offending Team.

(c)A player serving a penalty on the penalty bench, who is to be changed after the penalty has been served, must proceed at once by way of the ice and be at his own players' bench before any change can be made.

For any violation of this Rule, a bench minor penalty shall be imposed.

(d)Following the stoppage of play, the visiting Team shall promptly place a line-up on the ice ready for play and no substitution shall be made from that time until play has been resumed. The home Team may then make any desired substitution which does not result in the delay of the game.

If there is any undue delay by either Team in changing lines, the Referee shall order the offending Team or Teams to take their positions immediately and not permit a line change.

(NOTE) When a substitution has been made under the above Rule, no additional substitution may be made until play commences.

(e)The Referee shall give the visiting Team a reasonable amount of time to make their change after which he shall put up his hand to indicate that no further change shall be made by the visiting club. At this point, the home Team may change immediately. Any attempt by the visiting Team to make a change after the Referee's signal shall result in the assessment of a bench minor penalty for delay of game.

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Rule 18 Injured Players

(a) When a player other than a goalkeeper is injured or compelled to leave the ice during a game, he may retire from the game and be replaced by a substitute, but play must continue without the Teams leaving the ice.

(b) If a goalkeeper sustains an injury or becomes ill, he must be ready to resume play immediately or be replaced by a substitute goalkeeper and NO additional time shall be allowed by the Referee for the purpose of enabling the injured or ill goalkeeper to resume his position. The substitute goalkeeper shall be allowed a two (2) minute warm-up during all pre-season games. No warm-up shall be permitted for a substitute goalkeeper in all regular League or playoff games. (See also Section (d).)

(c) The Referee shall report to the Commissioner for disciplinary action any delay in making a goalkeeper substitution.

The substitute goalkeeper shall be subject to the regular rules governing goalkeepers and shall be entitled to the same privileges.

(d) When a substitution for the regular goalkeeper has been made, such regular goalkeeper shall not resume his position until the first stoppage of play thereafter.

(e) If a penalized player has been injured, he may proceed to the dressing room without the necessity of taking a seat on the penalty bench. If the injured player receives a minor penalty, the penalized Team shall immediately put a substitute player on the penalty bench, who shall serve the penalty without change. If the injured player receives a major penalty, the penalized Team shall place a substitute player on the penalty bench before the penalty expires and no other replacement for the penalized player shall be permitted to enter the game except from the penalty bench. For violation of this Rule, a bench minor penalty shall be imposed.

The injured penalized player who has been replaced on the penalty bench shall not be eligible to play until his penalty has expired.

(f) When a player is injured so that he cannot continue play or go to his bench, the play shall not be stopped until the injured player's Team has secured possession of the puck; if the player's Team is in possession of the puck at the time of injury, play shall be stopped immediately unless his Team is in a scoring position.

(NOTE) 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.

(g) When play has been stopped by the Referee or Linesman due to an injured player, such player must be substituted for immediately (except goalkeeper).

If when the attacking Team has control of the puck in its attacking zone, play is stopped by reason of any injury to a player of the defending Team, the face-off shall take place in the defending Team's end zone face-off spot.

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SECTION THREE: EQUIPMENT

Starts with Rule 19Sticks

(NOTE 1) A request for a measurement of any equipment covered by this section shall be limited to one request per Team during the course of any stoppage in play.

(NOTE 2) Altered uniforms of any kind, e.g. Velcro inserts, over-sized jerseys, etc., will not be permitted. Any player or goalkeeper not complying with these Rules shall not be permitted to participate in the game.

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(NOTE 3) These equipment regulations are written in the spirit of "fair play." If at any time the NHL feels that this spirit is being abused, the offending equipment will be deemed ineligible for play until a hearing has ruled on its eligibility.

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(NOTE 4) At random during the season, goalkeepers' and players' equipment shall be checked by League staff.

Rule 19 Sticks

(a) The sticks shall be made of wood or other material approved by the Rules Committee, and must not have any projections. Adhesive tape of any color may be wrapped around the stick at any place for the purpose of reinforcement or to improve control of the puck. In the case of a goalkeeper's stick, there shall be a knob of white tape or some other protective material approved by the League. This knob must not be less than one-half inch (½") thick at the top of the shaft.

Failure to comply with this provision of the Rule will result in the goalkeeper's stick being deemed unfit for play. The goalkeeper's stick must be changed without the application of a minor penalty.

(b) No stick shall exceed sixty-three inches (63") in length from the heel to the end of the shaft nor more than twelve and one-half inches (12½") from the heel to the end of the blade.

The blade of the stick shall not be more than three inches (3") in width at any point nor less than two inches (2"). All edges of the blade shall be beveled. The curvature of the blade of the stick shall be restricted in such a way that the distance of a perpendicular line measured from a straight line drawn from any point at the heel to the end of the blade to the point of maximum curvature shall not exceed one-half inch (½").

(c) The blade of the goalkeeper's stick shall not exceed three and one-half inches (3½") in width at any point except at the heel where it must not exceed four and one-half inches (4½") in width; nor shall the goalkeeper's stick exceed fifteen and one-half inches (15½") in length from the heel to the end of the blade.

There is to be no measurement of the curvature of the blade on the goalkeeper's stick. All other elements of the stick are subject to a measurement and the appropriate applicable penalty.

The widened portion of the goalkeeper's stick extending up the shaft from the blade shall not extend more than twenty-six inches (26'') from the heel and shall not exceed three and one-half inches (3½") in width.

(d) A minor penalty plus a fine of two hundred dollars ($200) shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who uses a stick not conforming to the provisions of this Rule.

(NOTE 1) When a formal complaint is made by the Captain or Alternate Captain of a Team, against the dimensions of any stick, the Referee shall take the stick to the Timekeeper's bench where the necessary measurement shall be made immediately. The result shall be reported to the Penalty Timekeeper who shall record it on the back of the penalty record.

If the complaint is not sustained, a bench minor penalty shall be imposed against the complaining club in addition to a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).

(NOTE 2) A player who participates in the play while taking a replacement stick to his goalkeeper shall incur a minor penalty under this Rule but the automatic fine of two hundred dollars ($200) shall not be imposed. If his participation causes a foul resulting in a penalty, the Referee shall report the incident to the Commissioner for disciplinary action.

(NOTE 3) A request for a stick measurement in regular playing time or overtime is permitted. A request for a stick measurement following a goal in overtime is not permitted.

(e) A minor penalty plus a ten (10) minute misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who refuses to surrender his stick for measurement when requested to do so by the Referee. In addition, this player shall be subject to a two hundred dollar ($200) fine.

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Rule 20 Skates

(a) All hockey skates shall be of a design approved by the Rules Committee. All skates worn by players (but not goalkeepers) and by the Referee and Linesmen shall be equipped with an approved safety blade.

When the Referee becomes aware that any person is wearing a skate that does not have the approved safety blade, he shall direct that it be replaced immediately. If such replacement is not carried out, the Referee shall report the incident to the Commissioner for disciplinary action.

(b) The use of speed skates or any skate so designed that it may cause injury is prohibited.

Rule 21 Goalkeeper's Equipment

These equipment regulations are written in the spirit of "fair play." If at any time the NHL feels that this spirit is being abused, the offending equipment will be deemed ineligible for play until a hearing has ruled on its eligibility.

(a)With the exception of skates and stick, all the equipment worn by the goalkeeper must be constructed solely for the purpose of protecting the head or body, and he must not wear any garment or use any contrivance which would give him undue assistance in keeping goal.

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(b)The leg guards worn by goalkeepers shall not exceed twelve inches (12") in extreme width when on the leg of the player. No attachments such as plastic puck foils are permitted. Calf protectors must follow the contuor of the calf and ankle and can have a thickness of no greater than one-and-a-half inches (1 1/2").

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(NOTE) These inspections can take place anytime, before, during, or after a game. A member of the League Staff (Hockey Operations and/or Security Departments) may obtain the equipment from any or all four participating goalkeepers. This equipment may be removed to a secure location for measuring.

Any violation of this Rule will result in an automatic one (1) game suspension for the next League game to the offending goalkeeper. Should both goalkeepers on a Club have illegal equipment, both will be suspended in sequence. The goalkeeper who played the day/night of the measurement will be suspended for the next game, and the back-up goalkeeper will be suspended for the following game.

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The recalling of minor league goalkeepers to ensure a complete lineup for subsequent games, shall be deemed to be an Emergency Recall, and subject to the twenty-three (23) man roster limitations.

Refusal to submit the equipment for League measurement will result in the same sanctions as that of a goalkeeper with illegal equipment.

Any violation of this Rule shall be reported to the Club involved and to the Commissioner of the League.

(c) Chest and Arm Pads:

(i) No raised ridges are allowed on the front edges or sides of the chest pad, the inside or outside of the arms, or across the shoulders.

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(ii)Layering at the elbow is permitted to add protection but not to add stopping area. This layering, both across the front and down the sides, to protect the point of the elbow shall not exceed seven-and-one-half inches. (7 1/2")

(iii) Shoulder Cap Protectors must follow the contour of the shoulder cap without becoming a projection/extension beyond or above the shoulder or shoulder cap. This contoured padding must not be more than one inch (1") in thickness beyond the top ridge of the shoulder and shoulder cap.

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(iv)On each side the Shoulder Clavicle Protectors are not to exceed seven inches (7") in width. Their maximum thickness is to be one inch (1"). This protection is not to extend or project above or beyond the shoulder or shoulder cap nor extend beyond the armpit. No insert is allowed between the Shoulder Clavicle Protector and the chest pad that would elevate the Shoulder Clavicle Protector.

(v)If, when the goalie assumes his normal crouch position, the shoulder and/or shoulder cap protection is pushed above the contour of the shoulder, the chest pad will be considered illegal. (See Rule 23(a) - Dangerous Equipment)

(d) Pants:

(i)No internal or external padding is permitted on the pant leg or waist beyond that to provide protection (no outside or inside ridges)

(ii)The maximum width (straight line) of the thigh pad across the front of the leg is eleven inches (11"). If the groin and/or hip pads extend beyond the edge of the front thigh pad they are to be included in this eleven-inch measurement. This measure-ment is to be taken while the goalie is in an upright standing position. This measurement is to be made five inches (5") up from the bottom of the pant.

(e) Goalkeepers' Jerseys:

(i)The maximum jersey size is illustrated below.

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(ii)No inserts or additions are to be added to the standard goalie cut jersey as produced by the manufacturer. (Modifications at the manufacturer are not allowed unless approved in advance by the League.)

(iii) No "tying down" of the sweater is allowed at the wrists if it creates a tension across the jersey such that a "webbing effect" is created in the armpit area.

(iv)No other tie downs are allowed that created a "webbing effect."

(v)The length of a jersey is illegal if it covers any area between the goalies' legs.

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(f) Catching glove

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(i)A maximum perimeter of forty-eight inches (48") is permitted. The perimeter of the glove is the distance around the glove. (See measurement procedures below)

(ii)The wrist cuff is to be a minimum of four-and-a-half inches (4½") in height. The cuff of the glove is considered to be the portion of the glove protecting the wrist from the point where the thumb joint meets the wrist. Any protection joining/enhancing the cuff to the glove will be considered part of the glove rather than the cuff.

 

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(iii) The wrist cuff is to be a maximum of eight-and-one-half inches (8 1/2") in width (this includes the bindings). All measurements follow the contour of the cuff.

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(iv) The distance rfom the heel of the glove along the pocket and following the contour of the inside of the trap of the glove to the top of the "T" trap must not exceed nineteen inches (19"). The heel is considered to be the point at which the straight vertical line from the cuff meets the glove.

(v) Measuring Procedures for Goalkeepers' Catching Glove

 

(a)Suggested Equipment - binder clip, pins and a 5/8" fiberglass cloth measuring tape that measures 1/8ths of an inch.

 

(b)Procedure -

(1) The tape is to be placed on the outside edge of the glove with the midway line of the tape following the top ridge of the edge/binding.

(2) At the "starting point" of the measurement, anchor the tape with a pin or binder clip.

(3) Ensure that the midpoint line of the measuring tape follows the outside top ridge of the edge/binding.

(4) If at the junction of the cuff and catch portions of the glove there is a "jagged point"; the measurement tape will follow the imaginary perpendicular line to the glove ridge above. (A "jagged joint" anywhere else on the glove will not be allowed this "straight line" privilege, i.e. where the trap joins the main glove)

*NEW*
(g) Blocking Glove:

(i) Protective padding attached to the back or forming part of the goalkeeper's blocking glove shall not exceed eight inches (8") in width nor more than sixteen inches (16") in length at any point (this includes the bindings). All measurements follow the contour of the back of the glove.

*NEW*
(ii) The blocking glove must be rectangular in shape.

(h)Protective masks of a design approved by the Rules Committee may be worn by goalkeepers.

(NOTE) The Officiating Department is specifically authorized to make a check of each Teams' equipment to ensure the compliance with the Rule. It shall report its findings to the Commissioner for his disciplinary action.

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Rule 22 Protective Equipment

(a) All protective equipment, except gloves, headgear and goalkeepers' leg guards must be worn under the uniform. For violation of this Rule, after warning by the Referee, a minor penalty shall be imposed.

(NOTE) Players including the goalkeeper violating this Rule shall not be permitted to participate in the game until such equipment has been corrected or removed.

(b) All players of both Teams shall wear a helmet of design, material and construction approved by the Rules Committee at all times while participating in a game, either on the playing surface or the players' or penalty benches.

(c) A glove from which all or part of the palm has been removed or cut to permit the use of the bare hand shall be considered illegal equipment and if any player wears such a glove in play, a minor penalty shall be imposed on him.

When a complaint is made under this Rule, and such complaint is not sustained, a bench minor penalty shall be imposed against the complaining club under Rule 51 - Delaying the Game.

Rule 23 Dangerous Equipment

(a) The use of pads or protectors made of metal, or of any other material likely to cause injury to a player, is prohibited.

(NOTE) All elbow pads which do not have a soft protective outer covering of sponge rubber or similar material at least one-half inch (½'') thick shall be considered dangerous equipment.

(b) A mask or protector of a design approved by the Rules Committee may be worn by a player who has sustained a facial injury.

In the first instance, the injured player shall be entitled to wear any protective device prescribed by the club doctor. If any opposing club objects to the device, it may record its objection with the Commissioner.

(NOTE) The Officiating Department is specifically authorized to make a check of each Team's equipment to ensure the compliance with this Rule. It shall report its findings to the Commissioner for his disciplinary action.

Rule 24 Puck

(a) The puck shall be made of vulcanized rubber, or other approved material, one inch (1'') thick and three inches (3'') in diameter and shall weigh between five and one-half ounces (5½ oz.) and six ounces (6 oz.). All pucks used in competition must be approved by the Rules Committee.

(b) The home Team shall be responsible for providing an adequate supply of official pucks which shall be kept in a frozen condition. This supply of pucks shall be kept at the penalty bench under the control of one of the regular Off-Ice Officials or a special attendant.

Rule 24a Players' Jerseys

(a) The maximum jersey size is illustrated below.

(b) No inserts or additions are to be added to the standard players' jersey as produced by the manufacturer. (Modifications at the manufacturer are not allowed unless approved in advance by the League.) (see Rule 13(b) - Composition of Team).

(c) No alteration of the neck opening is permitted.

(d) Sleeves must extend into the cuff of the glove.

(e) Jerseys must be "tied down" properly at all times.

SECTION FOUR: PENALTIES

Rule 25 Penalties

Penalties shall be actual playing time and shall be divided in the following classes:

(1) Minor penalties
(2) Bench minor penalties
(3) Major penalties
(4) Misconduct penalties
(5) Match penalties
(6) Penalty shot

When coincident penalties are imposed on players of both Teams, the penalized players of the visiting Team shall take their positions on the penalty bench first in the place designated for visiting players.

(NOTE) When play is not actually in progress and an offense is committed by any player, the same penalty shall apply as though play was actually in progress.

Rule 26 Minor Penalties

(a) For a "MINOR PENALTY," any player, other than a goalkeeper, shall be ruled off the ice for two (2) minutes during which time no substitute shall be permitted.

(b) A "BENCH MINOR" penalty involves the removal from the ice of one player of the Team against which the penalty is assessed for a period of two (2) minutes. Any player except a goalkeeper of the Team may be designated to serve the penalty by the Manager or Coach through the playing Captain and such player shall take his place on the penalty bench promptly and serve the penalty as if it was a minor penalty imposed upon him.

(c) If while a Team is "short-handed" by one or more minor or bench minor penalties, the opposing Team scores a goal, the first of such penalties shall automatically terminate.

(NOTE) "Short-handed" means that the Team must be below the numerical strength of its opponents on the ice at the time the goal is scored. The minor or bench minor penalty which terminates automatically is the one which causes the Team scored against to be "short-handed." Thus coincident minor penalties to both Teams do NOT cause either side to be "short-handed."

This Rule shall also apply when a goal is scored on a penalty shot, or when an awarded goal is given.

Minor penalty expiration criteria
(i) Is the Team scored against short handed?
(ii) Is the Team scored against serving a Minor Penalty on the clock?

If both criteria are satisfied, the minor penalty with the least amount of time on the clock shall terminate except when coincidental penalties are being served.

When the minor penalties of two players of the same Team terminate at the same time, the Captain of that Team shall designate to the Referee which of such players will return to the ice first and the Referee will instruct the Penalty Timekeeper accordingly.

When a player receives a major penalty and a minor penalty at the same time, the major penalty shall be served first by the penalized player, except under Rule 27(c) in which case the minor penalty will be recorded and served first.

(NOTE) This applies to the case where BOTH penalties are imposed on the SAME player. See also Note to Rule 32.

(d) When ONE minor penalty is assessed to ONE player of EACH Team at the same stoppage in play, these penalties will be served without substitution provided there are no other penalties in effect and visible on the penalty clocks.

Unless paragraph one of this Rule is applicable, when coincident minor penalties or coincident minor penalties of equal duration are imposed against players of both Teams, the penalized players shall all take their places on the penalty benches and such penalized players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiry of their respective penalties. Immediate substitution shall be made for an equal number of minor penalties OR coincident minor penalties of equal duration to each Team so penalized and the penalties of the players for which substitutions have been made shall not be taken into account for the purpose of the Delayed Penalty Rule (Rule 32).

Rule 27 Major Penalties

(a) For the first "MAJOR PENALTY" in any one game, the offender, except the goalkeeper, shall be ruled off the ice for five (5) minutes during which time no substitute shall be permitted.

An automatic fine of one hundred dollars ($100) shall also be added when a major penalty is imposed for any foul causing injury to the face or head of an opponent by means of a stick.

(b) For the third major penalty in the same game to the same player, or for a major for butt-ending, checking from behind, clipping, cross-checking, high-sticking, slashing or spearing, he shall be ruled off the ice for the balance of the game, but a substitute shall be permitted to replace the player so suspended after five (5) minutes have elapsed. (Major penalty plus game misconduct with automatic fine of two hundred dollars ($200).)

(c) When coincident major penalties or coincident penalties of equal duration, including a major penalty, are imposed against players of both Teams, the penalized players shall all take their places on the penalty benches and such penalized players shall not leave the penalty benches until the first stoppage of play following the expiry of their respective penalties. Immediate substitutions shall be made for an equal number of major penalties, or coincident penalties of equal duration including a major penalty to each Team so penalized, and the penalties of the players for which substitutions have been made shall not be taken into account for the purpose of the Delayed Penalty Rule, (Rule 32).

Where it is required to determine which of the penalized players shall be designated to serve the delayed penalty under Rule 32 - Delayed Penalties, the penalized Team shall have the right to make such designation not in conflict with Rule 26 - Minor Penalties.

(d) During the last five (5) minutes of regulation time, or at any time in overtime, when a minor penalty and a major penalty are assessed to two opposing players on the same stoppage of play, the three-minute differential shall be served immediately as a major penalty. This is also applicable when coincidental penalties are negated, leaving the aforementioned example. In such instances, the Team of the player receiving the major penalty must place the replacement player in the penalty bench prior to expiration of the penalty. The differential will be recorded on the penalty clock as a three (3) minute penalty, and served in the same manner as a major penalty.

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Rule 28 Misconduct Penalties

(a) In the event of "MISCONDUCT" penalties to any players except the goalkeeper, the players shall be ruled off the ice for a period of ten (10) minutes each. A substitute player is permitted to immediately replace a player serving a misconduct penalty. A player whose misconduct penalty has expired shall remain in the penalty box until the next stoppage of play.

When a player receives a minor penalty and a misconduct penalty at the same time, the penalized Team shall immediately put a substitute player on the penalty bench and he shall serve the minor penalty without change.

When a player receives a major penalty and a misconduct penalty at the same time, the penalized Team shall place a substitute player on the penalty bench before the major penalty expires and no replacement for the penalized player shall be permitted to enter the game except from the penalty bench. Any violation of this provision shall be treated as an illegal substitution under Rule 17 calling for a bench minor penalty.

(b) A misconduct penalty imposed on any player at any time shall be accompanied with an automatic fine of one hundred dollars ($100).

(c) A "GAME MISCONDUCT" penalty involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game but a substitute is permitted to replace immediately the player so removed. A player incurring a game misconduct penalty shall incur an automatic fine of two hundred dollars ($200) and the case shall be reported to the Commissioner who shall have full power to impose such further penalties by way of suspension or fine on the penalized player or any other player involved in the altercation.

(d) The Referee may impose a "GROSS MISCONDUCT" penalty on any player, Manager, Coach or Trainer who is guilty of gross misconduct of any kind. Any person incurring a "gross misconduct" penalty shall be suspended for the balance of the game and shall incur an automatic fine of two hundred dollars ($200) and the case shall be referred to the Commissioner of the League for further disciplinary action.

(NOTE) For all game misconduct and gross misconduct penalties regardless of when imposed, a total of ten minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.

(e) In regular League games, any player who incurs a total of three (3) game misconduct penalties in the "General Category" and exclusive of other designated categories, shall be suspended for the next League game of his Team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty, the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game. For each suspension of a player, his Club shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000).

In Playoff games, any player who incurs a total of two game misconduct penalties shall be suspended automatically for the next Playoff game of his Team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty during the Playoffs, the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game. For each suspension of a player during Playoffs, his club shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(f) In regular League or Playoff games, any player who incurs a total of two (2) game misconduct penalties for Abuse of Officials related infractions penalized under Rule 41(b) Abuse of Officials and other Misconduct, shall be suspended automatically for the next League or Playoff game of his Team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty, the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.

(g) In regular League games, any player who incurs a total of two (2) game misconduct penalties for stick related infractions penalized under Rule 27(b) shall be suspended automatically for the next League game of his Team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty, the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.

In playoff games any player who incurs a total of two (2) game misconduct penalties for stick related infractions penalized under Rule 27(b) shall be suspended automatically for the next Playoff game of his Team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty during the Playoffs the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.

Prior to the commencement of each Stanley Cup Finals, a player will have his current stick-related, boarding and checking from behind game misconducts removed from his current playoff record. They will remain part of his historical record.

(NOTE 1) Any game misconduct penalty for which a player has been assessed an automatic suspension or supplementary discipline in the form of game suspension(s) by the Commissioner shall NOT be taken into account when calculating the total number of offenses under this subsection.

(NOTE 2) When a player has played in 41 consecutive regular League games without being assessed a stick-related major and a game misconduct according to Rule 27(b) - Major Penalties or Rule 28(f) - Misconduct Penalties, he will have the previous game misconduct penalties removed from his current record. They will remain part of his historical record.

(NOTE 3) When a player has played in 41 consecutive regular League games without being assessed a boarding and/or a checking from behind major and a game misconduct according to Rule 44 - Board Checking and Rule 48 - Checking from Behind, he will have the previous game misconduct penalties removed from his current record. They will remain part of his historical record.

(NOTE 4) A player's total games played will cover a two year time period from the date of the first game misconduct penalty for each category of foul.

(NOTE 5) The automatic suspensions incurred under this subsection in respect to League games shall have no effect with respect to violations during playoff games.

Rule 29 Match Penalties

A "MATCH" penalty involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game and the offender shall be ordered to the dressing room immediately. A substitute player is permitted to replace the penalized player after five (5) minutes playing time has elapsed when the penalty is imposed under Rule 43 - Attempt to Injure or Rule 52 - Deliberate Injury of Opponents.

(NOTE 1) Regulations regarding additional penalties and substitutes are specifically covered in individual Rules 43, 52 and 69. Any additional penalty shall be served by a player to be designated by the Manager or Coach of the offending Team through the playing Captain, such player to take his place in the penalty box immediately.

For all match penalties, regardless of when imposed, or prescribed additional penalties, a total of ten minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.

(NOTE 2) When coincident match penalties have been imposed under Rule 43, Rule 52 or Rule 69 to a player on both Teams, Rule 27(c) covering coincident major penalties will be applicable with respect to player substitution.

(NOTE 3) The Referee is required to report all match penalties and the surrounding circumstances to the Commissioner of the League immediately following the game in which they occur.

Rule 30 Penalty Shot

(a) Any infraction of the rules which calls for a "PENALTY SHOT" shall be taken as follows:

The Referee shall ask to have announced over the public address system the name of the player designated by him or selected by the Team entitled to take the shot (as appropriate). He shall then place the puck on the center face-off spot and the player taking the shot will, on the instruction of the Referee, play the puck from there and shall attempt to score on the goalkeeper. The player taking the shot may carry the puck in any part of the neutral zone or his own defending zone but once the puck has crossed the attacking blue line it must be kept in motion towards the opponent's goal line and once it is shot, the play shall be considered complete. No goal can be scored on a rebound of any kind (an exception being the puck off the goal post, then the goalkeeper and then directly into the goal), and any time the puck crosses the goal line, the shot shall be considered complete.

Only a player designated as a goalkeeper or alternate goalkeeper may defend against the penalty shot.

(b) The goalkeeper must remain in his crease until the player taking the penalty shot has touched the puck and in the event of violation of this Rule or any foul committed by a goalkeeper, the Referee shall allow the shot to be taken and if the shot fails, he shall permit the penalty shot to be taken over again.

The goalkeeper may attempt to stop the shot in any manner except by throwing his stick or any object, in which case a goal shall be awarded.

(NOTE) See Rule 88.

(c) In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded under Rule 51(c), deliberately displacing goal post during course of a breakaway; under Rule 67(i), Interference; under Rule 72(m), illegal entry into the game; under Rule 88(a) for throwing a stick; and under Rule 91(b), fouling from behind, the Referee shall designate the player who has been fouled as the player who shall take the penalty shot.

In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded under Rule 17(b), deliberate illegal substitution with insufficient playing time remaining; under Rule 51(d), deliberately displacing goal post; under Rule 55(c), falling on the puck in the crease; under Rule 59(d), picking up the puck from the crease area, the penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected by the Captain of the non-offending Team from the players on the ice at the time when the foul was committed. Such selection shall be reported to the Referee and cannot be changed.

If by reason of injury, the player designated by the Referee to take the penalty shot is unable to do so within a reasonable time, the shot may be taken by a player selected by the Captain of the non-offending Team from the players on the ice when the foul was committed. Such selection shall be reported to the Referee and cannot be changed.

(d) Should the player in respect to whom a penalty shot has been awarded himself commit a foul in connection with the same play or circumstances, either before or after the penalty shot has been awarded, be designated to take the shot, he shall first be permitted to do so before being sent to the penalty bench to serve the penalty except when such penalty is for a game misconduct, gross misconduct or match penalty in which case the penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected by the Captain of the non-offending Team from the players on the ice at the time when the foul was committed.

If at the time a penalty shot is awarded, the goalkeeper of the penalized Team has been removed from the ice to substitute another player, the goalkeeper shall be permitted to return to the ice before the penalty shot is taken.

(e) While the penalty shot is being taken, players of both sides shall withdraw to the sides of the rink and in front of their own player's bench.

(f) If, while the penalty shot is being taken, any player of the opposing Team shall have by some action interfered with or distracted the player taking the shot and, because of such action, the shot should have failed, a second attempt shall be permitted and the Referee shall impose a misconduct penalty on the player so interfering or distracting.

(g) If a goal is scored from a penalty shot, the puck shall be faced-off at center ice. If a goal is not scored, the puck shall be faced-off at either of the end face-off spots in the zone in which the penalty shot was tried.

(h) Should a goal be scored from a penalty shot, a further penalty to the offending player shall not be applied unless the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to incur a major, match or misconduct penalty, in which case the penalty prescribed for the particular offense shall be imposed.

If the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to normally incur a minor penalty, then regardless of whether the penalty shot results in a goal or not, no further minor penalty shall be served.

If the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to incur a double minor penalty, the scoring of a goal on a penalty shot shall negate one minor only of the double minor penalty to be originally assessed.

(i) If the foul upon which the penalty shot is based occurs during actual playing time, the penalty shot shall be awarded and taken immediately in the usual manner notwithstanding any delay occasioned by a slow whistle by the Referee to permit the play to be completed, which delay results in the expiry of the regular playing time in any period.

The time required for the taking of a penalty shot shall not be included in the regular playing time or overtime.

(j) If, after a player's stick has been ruled illegal, he attempts to take a penalty shot with a second stick that is also ruled illegal prior to taking the penalty shot, the opportunity to take the penalty shot shall be disallowed. The player shall be assessed one minor penalty for the first illegal stick.

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Rule 31 Goalkeeper's Penalties

(a) A goalkeeper shall not be sent to the penalty bench for an offense which incurs a minor penalty, but instead, the minor penalty shall be served by another member of his Team who was on the ice when the offense was committed. This player is to be designated by the Manager or Coach of the offending Team through the playing Captain and such substitute shall not be changed.

(NOTE) A penalized player may not serve a goalkeeper's penalty.

(b) A goalkeeper shall not be sent to the penalty bench for an offense which incurs a major penalty, but instead, the major penalty shall be served by another member of his Team who was on the ice when the offense was committed. This player is to be designated by the Manager or Coach of the offending Team through the playing Captain and such substitute shall not be changed.

(c) Should a goalkeeper incur three major penalties in one game penalized under Rule 27(b) - Major Penalties, he shall be ruled off the ice for the balance of the playing time and his place shall be taken by a member of his own club, or by a regular substitute goalkeeper who is available. Such player will be allowed the goalkeeper's equipment. (Major penalty plus game misconduct penalty and automatic fine of two hundred dollars ($200).)

(d) Should a goalkeeper on the ice incur a misconduct penalty, this penalty shall be served by another member of his Team who was on the ice when the offense was committed. This player is to be designated by the Manager or Coach of the offending Team through the Captain and, in addition, the goalkeeper shall be fined one hundred dollars ($100).

(e) Should a goalkeeper incur a game misconduct penalty, his place will then be taken by a member of his own club, or by a regular substitute goalkeeper who is available, and such player will be allowed the goalkeeper's full equipment. In addition, the goalkeeper shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200).

(f) Should a goalkeeper incur a match penalty, his place will then be taken by a member of his own club, or by a substitute goalkeeper who is available, and such player will be allowed the goalkeeper's full equipment. However, any additional penalties as specifically called for by the individual rules covering match penalties will apply, and the offending Team shall be penalized accordingly. Such additional penalties will be served by other members of the Team on the ice when the offenses were committed. These players are to be designated by the Manager or Coach of the offending Team through the Captain. (See Rules 43, 52 and 69.)

(g) Should a goalkeeper incur a match penalty, the case shall be investigated promptly by the Commissioner who shall have full power to fine or suspend the penalized goalkeeper or any other players in the altercation.

(h) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a goalkeeper who leaves the immediate vicinity of his crease during an altercation. In addition, he shall be subject to a fine of two hundred dollars ($200) and this incident shall be reported to the Commissioner for such further disciplinary action as may be required.

(NOTE) All penalties imposed on a goalkeeper, regardless of who serves the penalty or any substitution, shall be charged in the records against the goalkeeper.

(i) If a goalkeeper participates in the play in any manner when he is beyond the center red line, a minor penalty shall be imposed upon him.

Rule 32 Delayed Penalties

(a) If a third player of any Team shall be penalized while two players of the same Team are serving penalties, the penalty time of the third player shall not commence until the penalty time of one of the two players already penalized has elapsed. Nevertheless, the third player penalized must at once proceed to the penalty bench but may be replaced by a substitute until such time as the penalty time of the penalized player shall commence.

(b) When any Team shall have three players serving penalties at the same time and because of the delayed penalty rule, a substitute for the third offender is on the ice, none of the three penalized players on the penalty bench may return to the ice until play has stopped. When play has been stopped, the player whose full penalty has expired may return to the play.

Provided however that the Penalty Timekeeper shall permit the return to the ice in the order of expiry of their penalties, of a player or players when, by reason of the expiration of their penalties, the penalized Team is entitled to have more than four players on the ice.

(c) In the case of delayed penalties, the Referee shall instruct the Penalty Timekeeper that penalized players whose penalties have expired shall only be allowed to return to the ice when there is a stoppage of play.

When the penalties of two players of the same Team will expire at the same time, the Captain of that Team will designate to the Referee which of such players will return to the ice first and the Referee will instruct the Penalty Timekeeper accordingly.

When a major and a minor penalty are imposed at the same time on players of the same Team, the Penalty Timekeeper shall record the minor as being the first of such penalties.

(NOTE) This applies to the case where the two penalties are imposed on DIFFERENT players of the same Team. See also Note to Rule 26 - Minor Penalties

Rule 33 Calling of Penalties

(a) Should an infraction of the rules which would call for a minor, major, misconduct, game misconduct or match penalty be committed by a player of the side in possession of the puck, the Referee shall immediately blow his whistle and penalize the offending player.

The resulting face-off shall be made at the place where the play was stopped unless the stoppage occurs in the attacking zone of the player penalized in which case the face-off shall be made at the nearest face-off spot in the neutral zone.

(b) Should an infraction of the rules which would call for a minor, major, misconduct, game misconduct or match penalty be committed by a player of the Team not in possession of the puck, the Referee will blow his whistle and impose the penalty on the offending player upon completion of the play by the Team in possession of the puck.

(NOTE) There shall be no signal given by the Referee for a misconduct or game misconduct penalty under this section.

The resulting face-off shall be made at the place where the play was stopped, unless during the period of a delayed whistle due to a foul by a player of the side NOT in possession, the side in possession ices the puck, shoots the puck so that it goes out of bounds or is unplayable, then the face-off following the stoppage shall take place in the neutral zone near the defending blue line of the Team shooting the puck.

If the penalty to be imposed is a minor penalty and a goal is scored on the play by the non-offending side, the minor penalty shall not be imposed but major and match penalties shall be imposed in the normal manner regardless of whether or not a goal is scored.

When the penalty to be imposed is applicable under Rule 46(a) - Butt-Ending; Rule 60(a) - Head Butting; Rule 61(c)(1) - High Sticks, or Rule 86(a) - Spearing, and a goal is scored, two minutes of the appropriate penalty will be assessed to the offending player. (This will be announced as a double minor for the appropriate foul and the player will serve two (2) minutes only.)

If when a Team is "short-handed" by reason of one or more minor or bench minor penalties, the Referee signals a further minor penalty or penalties against the "short-handed" Team and a goal is scored by the non-offending side before the whistle is blown, then the goal shall be allowed. The penalty or penalties signalled shall be assessed and the first of the minor penalties already being served shall automatically terminate under Rule 26(c) - Minor Penalties. Major and match penalties shall be imposed in the normal manner regardless of whether or not a goal is scored.

(NOTE 1) "Completion of the play by the Team in possession" in this Rule means that the puck must have come into the possession and control of an opposing player or has been "frozen." This does not mean a rebound off the goalkeeper, the goal or the boards, or any accidental contact with the body or equipment of an opposing player.

(NOTE 2) If after the Referee has signalled a penalty but before the whistle has been blown, the puck shall enter the goal of the non-offending Team as the direct result of a player of that Team, the goal shall be allowed and the penalty signalled shall be imposed in the normal manner.

(c) Should the same offending player commit other fouls on the same play, either before or after the Referee has blown his whistle, the offending player shall serve such penalties consecutively.

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Rule 33a Supplementary Discipline

In addition to the automatic fines and suspensions imposed under these Rules, the Commissioner may, at his discretion, investigate any incident that occurs in connection with any Pre-season, Exhibition, League or Playoff game and may assess additional fines and/or suspensions for any offense committed during the course of a game or any aftermath thereof by a player, Trainer, Manager, Coach or club executive, whether or not such offense has been penalized by the Referee.

(NOTE) If an investigation is requested by a Club or by the League on its own initiative, it must be initiated within twenty-four (24) hours following the completion of the game in which the incident occurred.

Rule 33b Suspensions Arising from Pre-season and Exhibition Games

Whenever suspensions are imposed as a result of infractions occurring during pre-season and exhibition games, the Commissioner shall exercise his discretion in scheduling the suspensions to ensure that no Team shall be short more players in any regular League game than it would have been had the infractions occurred in regular League games.

SECTION FIVE: OFFICIALS

Rule 34 Appointment of Officials

(a) The Commissioner shall appoint one or two Referees (as appropriate), two Linesmen, Game Timekeeper, Official Scorer, two Goal Judges and a Video Goal Judge for each game.

(b) The Commissioner shall forward to all clubs a list of Referees, Linesmen, and Off-Ice Officials, all of whom must be treated with proper respect at all times during the season by all players and officials of clubs.

Rule 35 Referee

(a) The Referee(s) shall have general supervision of the game and shall have full control of all game officials and players during the game, including stoppages; and in case of any dispute, his decision shall be final. The Referee shall remain on the ice at the conclusion of each period until all players have proceeded to their dressing rooms.

(b) All Referees and Linesmen shall be dressed in black trousers and official sweaters.

They shall be equipped with approved whistles, tape measure and an official stick measuring gauge.

(c) The Referee(s) shall order the Teams on the ice at the appointed time for the beginning of a game and at the commencement of each period. If for any reason, there is more than fifteen (15) minutes' delay in the commencement of the game or any undue delay in resuming play after the fifteen-minute intervals between periods, the Referee shall state in his report to the Commissioner the cause of the delay and the club or clubs which were at fault.

(d) It shall be his duty to see to it that all players are properly dressed, and that the approved regulation equipment (including the approved on-ice branded exposure program) is in use at all times during the game.

(e) The Referee(s) shall, before starting the game, see that the appointed Game Timekeeper, Penalty Timekeeper, Official Scorer and Goal Judges are in their respective places and ensure that the timing and signalling equipment are in order.

(f) It shall be his duty to impose such penalties as are prescribed by the rules for infractions thereof and he shall give the final decision in matters of disputed goals. The Referee may consult with the Linesmen, Goal Judge or Video Goal Judge before making his decision.

(g) The Referee shall announce to the Official Scorer regarding the legality of an apparent goal. The Official Scorer, with the assistance of the Video Goal Judge, will confirm the goal scorer and any players deserving of an assist. See also Rule 57 (Note) - Goals and Assists.

The Referee shall have announced over the public address system the reason for not allowing a goal every time the goal signal light is turned on in the course of play. This shall be done at the first stoppage of play regardless of any standard signal given by the Referee when the goal signal light was put on in error.

The Referee shall report to the Official Scorer the name or number of the goal scorer but he shall not give any information or advice with respect to assist.

(NOTE) The name of the scorer and any player entitled to an assist will be announced on the public address system. In the event that the Referee disallows a goal for any violation of the rules, he shall report the reason for disallowance to the Official Scorer who shall announce the Referee's decision correctly over the public address system.

The infraction of the rules for which each penalty has been imposed will be announced correctly, as reported by the Referee, over the public address system. Where players of both Teams are penalized on the same play, the penalty to the visiting player will be announced first.

Where a penalty is imposed by the Referee which calls for a mandatory or automatic fine, only the time portion of the penalty will be reported by the Referee to the Official Scorer and announced on the public address system, and the fine will be collected through the League office.

(h) The Referee shall see to it that players of opposing Teams are separated on the penalty bench to prevent feuding.

(i) He shall not halt the game for any infractions of the rules concerning off-side play at the blue line or center line, or any violation of Rule 65, icing the puck. Determining infractions of these rules is the duty of the Linesmen unless, by virtue of some accident, the Linesman is prevented from doing so in which case the duties of the Linesman shall be assumed by the Referee until play is stopped.

(j) Should a Referee accidentally leave the ice or receive an injury which incapacitates him from discharging his duties while play is in progress, the game shall be automatically stopped.

(k) If, through misadventure or sickness, the Referee and Linesmen appointed are prevented from appearing, the Managers or Coaches of the two clubs shall agree on a Referee and Linesman. If they are unable to agree, they shall appoint a player from each side who shall act as Referee and Linesman; the player of the home club acting as Referee and the player of the visiting club as Linesman.

(l) If the regularly appointed Officials appear during the progress of the game, they shall at once replace the temporary Officials.

(m) Should a Linesman appointed be unable to act at the last minute or through sickness or accident be unable to finish the game, the Referee shall have the power to appoint another in his stead, if he deems it necessary, or if required to do so by the Manager or Coach of either of the competing Teams.

(n) If, owing to illness or accident, the Referee (or one Referee in a Two Referee game) is unable to continue to officiate, one of the Linesmen (or the remaining Referee in a Two Referee game) shall perform the duties of the ill or injured Referee during the balance of the game. If the Linesman is to be assigned the Referee or Officiating Supervisor will select him. In the event that an NHL Supervisor is in attendance at a game where a spare Official is present, he shall have the authority to substitute the injured Referee with the spare Official.

(o) The Referee shall check club rosters and all players in uniform before signing reports of the game.

(p) The Referee shall report to Commissioner promptly and in detail the circumstances of any of the following incidents:

(i) When a stick or part thereof is thrown outside the playing area - Rule 88(c) - Throwing Stick;

(ii) Every obscene gesture made by any person involved in the playing or conduct of the game whether as a participant or as an official of either Team or of the League, which gesture he has personally observed or which has been brought to his attention by any game official - Rule 73(a) - Obscene or Profane Language or Gestures;

(iii) When any player, Trainer, Coach or club executive becomes involved in an altercation with a spectator - Rule 68(b) - Interference by/with Spectators;

(iv) Every infraction under Rule 27(b) - Major Penalties, major and game misconducts.

(q) In the event of failure by a club to comply with a provision of the League constitution, by-laws, resolutions, rules or regulations affecting the playing of a game, the Referee shall, if so directed by the Commissioner or his designee, refuse to permit the game to proceed until the offending club comes into compliance with such provision.

Should the offending club persist in its refusal to come into compliance, the Referee shall, with the prior approval of the Commissioner or his designee, declare the game forfeited and the non-offending club the winner. Should the Referee declare the game forfeited because both clubs have refused to comply with such a provision, the visiting club shall be declared the winner.

If the game is declared forfeited prior to its having commenced, the score shall be recorded as 1-0 and no player shall be credited with any personal statistics.

If the game was in progress at the time it is declared forfeited, the score shall be recorded as zero for the loser and 1, or such greater number of goals that had been scored by it, for the winner; however, the players on both clubs shall be credited with all personal statistics earned up to the time the forfeit was declared.

(r) In the event of any dispute regarding time or the expiration of penalties, the matter shall be referred to the Referee for adjustment and his decision shall be final. He may use the Video Goal Judge to assist in rendering the final decision. (See Rule 93(g) - Video Goal Judge.)

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Rule 36 Linesman

(a) The Linesman shall stop play:

1. When premature substitution of the goalkeeper or skater has occurred: Rule 17(a) - Change of Players.

2. When he deems that a player has sustained a serious injury and this has gone undetected by either of the referees: Rule 18(f) - Injured Players.

3. For premature entry into the face-off area: Rule 54(a)(e) - Face-offs.

4. When the puck has been deliberately hand passed to a Teammate in any zone other than the defensive zone and this has gone undetected by either of the referees: Rule 59(e) - Handling the Puck with Hands.

5. When the puck is struck above the height of the shoulders and this has gone undetected by either of the referees: Rule 61(d) - High Sticks.

6. For violation of icing the puck: Rule 65 - Icing the Puck.

7. When there has been interference by/with spectators: Rule 68 - Interference by/with Spectators.

8. For any infraction of the rules concerning off-side play at the blue line: Rule 74 - Off-Sides.

9. For any infraction of the rules concerning off-side at the red line: Rule 75 - Passes or at the blue line: Rule 77 - Preceding Puck into the Attacking Zone.

10. When the puck is out of bounds or unplayable: Rule 80 - Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable.

11. When a goal has been scored that has not been observed by the Referee.

12. When the puck is interfered with by an ineligible player/person.

13. The calling of a penalty shot under Rule 88(a) - Throwing Stick.

The Linesman may stop play and report what he witnessed to the referee(s) regarding:

1. Too many men on the ice: Rule 17 - Change of Players.

2. Articles thrown on the ice from the players' bench or penalty bench: Rule 41(k) - Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct.

3. (Bench minor) when Team personnel interfere with a game official: Rule 41(l) - Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct.

4. Receiving an illegal stick from players' bench or penalty bench: Rule 45(c) - Broken Stick.

The Linesman must report upon completion of play, any circumstances pertaining to:

1. Match penalties: Rule 43 - Attempt to Injure and Rule 52 - Deliberate Injury of Opponents.

2. Bench minor penalties (Unsportsmanlike Conduct): Rule 41(a) - Abuse of Officials.

3. Misconducts, Game Misconducts and Gross Misconducts: Rule 28 - Misconduct Penalties.

(b) The Linesman shall face-off the puck at all times except at the start of each period and following the scoring of a goal.

(c) The Linesman shall give to the Referee his interpretation of any incident that may have taken place during the game.

Rule 37 Goal Judge

(a) There shall be one Goal Judge at each goal. They shall not be members of either club engaged in a game, nor shall they be replaced during its progress, unless after the commencement of the game it becomes apparent that either Goal Judge, on account of partisanship or any other cause, is guilty of giving unjust decisions, when the Referee may appoint another Goal Judge to act in his stead.

(b) Goal Judges shall be stationed behind the goals during the progress of play, in properly protected areas, if possible, so that there can be no interference with their activities. They shall not change goals during the game.

(c) In the event of a goal being claimed, the Goal Judge of that goal shall decide whether or not the puck has passed between the goal posts and entirely over the goal line.

Rule 38 Penalty Timekeeper

(a) The Penalty Timekeeper shall keep, on the official forms provided, a correct record of all penalties imposed by the Officials including the names of the players penalized, the infractions penalized, the duration of each penalty and the time at which each penalty was imposed. He shall report in the Penalty Record each penalty shot awarded, the name of the player taking the shot and the result of the shot.

(b) The Penalty Timekeeper shall check and ensure that the time served by all penalized players is correct. He shall be responsible for the correct posting of penalties on the scoreboard at all times and shall promptly call to the attention of the Referee any discrepancy between the time recorded on the clock and the official correct time and he shall be responsible for making any adjustments ordered by the Referee.

He shall upon request, give a penalized player correct information as to the unexpired time of his penalty.

(NOTE 1) The infraction of the rules for which each penalty has been imposed will be announced twice over the public address system as reported by the Referee. Where players of both Teams are penalized on the same play, the penalty to the visiting player will be announced first.

(NOTE 2) Misconduct penalties and coincident major penalties should not be recorded on the timing device but such penalized players should be alerted and released at the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their penalties.

(c) Upon the completion of each game, the Penalty Timekeeper shall complete and sign four copies of the Penalty Record to be distributed as quickly as possible to the following persons:

(1) One copy to the Official Scorer for transmission to the League Commissioner;

(2) One copy to the visiting Coach or Manager;

(3) One copy to the home Coach or Manager;

(4) One copy to the home Team Public Relations Department.

(d) The Officiating Department shall be entitled to inspect, collect and forward to League headquarters the actual work sheets used by the Penalty Timekeeper in any game.

(e) The Penalty Timekeeper shall have an official stick measuring gauge available for the Officials' use during the game.

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Rule 39 Official Scorer

(a) Before the start of the game, the Official Scorer shall obtain from the Manager or Coach of both Teams a list of all eligible players and the starting line-up of each Team which information shall be made known to the opposing Manager or Coach before the start of play, either personally or through the Referee.

The Official Scorer shall secure the names of the Captain and Alternate Captains from the Manager or Coach at the time the line-ups are collected and will indicate those nominated by placing the letter "C" or "A" opposite their names on the Referee's Report of Match. All this information shall be presented to the Referee for his signature at the completion of the game.

(b) The Official Scorer shall keep a record of the goals scored, the scorers, and players to whom assists have been credited and shall indicate those players on the lists who have actually taken part in the game. He shall also record the time of entry into the game of any substitute goalkeeper. He shall record on the Official Score Sheet a notation where a goal is scored when the goalkeeper has been removed from the ice.

(c) The Official Scorer shall award the points for goals and assists and his decision shall be final. The Official Scorer shall use the Video Goal Judge system to verify the proper awarding of goals and assists. The awards of points for goals and assists shall be announced twice over the public address system and all changes in such awards shall also be announced in the same manner.

No requests for changes in any award of points shall be considered unless they are made at or before the conclusion of actual play in the game by the Team Captain.

(d) At the conclusion of the game, the Official Scorer shall complete and sign four copies of the Official Score Sheet for distribution as quickly as possible to the following persons:

(1) One copy to the Official Scorer to be transmitted to the League Commissioner;

(2) One copy to the visiting Coach or Manager;

(3) One copy to the home Coach or Manager;

(4) One copy to the home Team Public Relations Department.

(e) The Official Scorer shall also prepare the Official Report of Match for signature by the Referee and forward it to the League Commissioner together with the Official Score Sheet and the Penalty Record.

(f) The Official Scorer should be in an elevated position, well away from the players' benches, with house telephone communication to the public address announcer.

Rule 40 Game Timekeeper

(a) The Game Timekeeper shall record the time of starting and finishing of each period in the game. During the game the Game Timekeeper will start the clock with the drop of the puck and stop the clock upon hearing the Officials' whistle or the scoring of a goal.

(b) The Game Timekeeper shall signal the Referee and the competing Teams for the start of the game and each succeeding period and the Referee shall start the play promptly in accordance with Rule 90 - Time of Match.

For the purpose of keeping the spectators informed as to the time remaining during intermissions, the Game Timekeeper will use the electric clock to record the length of intermissions. The clock will not start for the intermission until all players and officials have left the ice.

To assist in assuring the prompt return to the ice of the Teams and the officials, the Game Timekeeper shall give preliminary warnings five (5) and two (2) minutes prior to the resumption of play in each period.

(c) If the rink is not equipped with an automatic signalling device or, if such device fails to function, the Game Timekeeper shall signal the end of each period by blowing a whistle.

(d) He shall cause to be announced on the public address system at the nineteenth minute in each period that there is one minute remaining to be played in the period.

(e) In the event of any dispute regarding time, the matter shall be referred to the Referee for adjustment and his decision shall be final. The Game Timekeeper shall assist to verify game time via an additional timing device. (NHL approved stop watch)

(f) The Game Timekeeper is required to synchronize his timing device with the Television Producer of the originating broadcast.

(g) In accordance with Rule 93 - Video Goal Judge, the Officials may use the Video Goal Judge system to establish the correct time on the official game clock, provided the game time is visible on the Video Goal Judge's monitors.

Rule 40a Statistician

(a) There shall be appointed for duty at every game played in the League a Statistician and such assistants or alternates as may be deemed necessary.

(b) The duty of the Statistician(s) is to correctly record on official League forms all of the required data concerning the performances of the individual players and Teams.

(c) These records shall be compiled and recorded in strict conformity with the instructions printed on the forms supplied and shall be completed as to totals where required and with such accuracy as to ensure that the data supplied is "in balance."

(d) At the conclusion of each game, the Statistician shall sign and distribute four copies of the final and correct Statistician's Report to each of the following persons:

(1) One copy to the Official Scorer for transmission to the League Commissioner;

(2) One copy to the visiting Coach or Manager;

(3) One copy to the home Coach or Manager;

(4) One copy to the home Team Public Relations Department.

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SECTION SIX: PLAYING RULES

Rule 41 Abuse of Officials and other Misconduct

(NOTE) In the enforcement of this Rule, the Referee has, in many instances, the option of imposing a misconduct penalty or a bench minor penalty. In principle, the Referee is directed to impose a bench minor penalty in respect to the violations which occur on or in the immediate vicinity of the players' bench but off the playing surface and in all cases affecting non-playing personnel or players. A misconduct penalty should be imposed for violations which occur on the playing surface or in the penalty bench area and where the penalized player is readily identifiable.

(a) A misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who uses obscene, profane or abusive language to any person or who intentionally knocks or shoots the puck out of the reach of an Official who is retrieving it or who deliberately throws any equipment out of the playing area.

(b) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who challenges or disputes the rulings of any Official during a game. If the player persists in such challenge or dispute, he shall be assessed a misconduct penalty and any further dispute will result in a game misconduct penalty being assessed to the offending player.

In the event that a teammate of a penalized player challenges or disputes the ruling of the Official in assessing the penalty, a misconduct penalty shall be imposed.

(NOTE) Any player who, having entered the penalty bench, leaves the penalty bench prior to the expiration of his penalty, shall be assessed the appropriate penalties. He shall also be automatically suspended for the next three regular League and/or playoff games of his club. This Rule does not replace any other more severe penalty that may be imposed for leaving the penalty bench. See also Rule 72 - Leaving Players' or Penalty Bench.

(c) A misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player or players who bang the boards with their sticks or other objects at any time, showing disrespect for an Official's decision.

In the event that the Coach, Trainer, Manager or club executive commits an infraction under this Rule, a bench minor penalty shall be imposed.

(d) Where coincident penalties are imposed on players of both Teams, the penalized players of the visiting Team shall take their positions on the penalty bench first in the place designated for visiting players.

(e) Any player who, following a fight or other altercation in which he has been involved is broken up and for which he is penalized, fails to proceed directly and immediately to the penalty bench, or who causes any delay by retrieving his equipment (gloves, sticks, etc. shall be delivered to him at the penalty bench by teammates), shall incur an automatic fine of one hundred dollars ($100) in addition to all other penalties or fines incurred.

(f) Any player who persists in continuing or attempting to continue a fight or altercation after he has been ordered by the Referee to stop, or who resists a Linesman in the discharge of his duties shall, at the discretion of the Referee, incur a misconduct or game misconduct penalty in addition to any penalties imposed.

(g) A misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who, after warning by the Referee, persists in any course of conduct (including threatening or abusive language or gestures or similar actions) designed to incite an opponent into incurring a penalty.

If, after the assessment of a misconduct penalty, a player persists in any course of conduct for which he was previously assessed a misconduct penalty, he shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty.

(h) A bench minor penalty shall be imposed against the offending Team if any player, club executive, Manager, Coach or Trainer uses obscene, profane or abusive language or gesture to any person or uses the name of any Official coupled with any vociferous remarks.

(i) In the case of any club executive, Manager, Coach or Trainer being guilty of such misconduct, he is to be removed from the bench by order of the Referee and his case reported to the Commissioner for further action. (Refer to Rule 73(c) - Obscene or Profane Language or Gestures.)

(j) If any club executive, Manager, Coach or Trainer is removed from the bench by order of the Referee, he must not sit near the bench of his club nor in any way direct or attempt to direct the play of his club.

When a Coach has been removed from the bench, he shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty.

(k) A bench minor penalty shall be imposed against the offending Team if any player, Trainer, Coach, Manager or club executive in the vicinity of the players' bench or penalty bench throws anything on the ice during the progress of the game or during stoppage of play.

(NOTE) The penalty provided under this Rule is in addition to any penalty imposed under Rule 45(c) - Broken Stick.

(l) A bench minor penalty shall be imposed against the offending Team if any player, Trainer, Coach, Manager or club executive interferes in any manner with any game official including the Referee, Linesmen, Timekeepers or Goal Judges in the performance of their duties.

The Referee may assess further penalties under Rule 76 (Abuse of Officials) if he deems them to be warranted.

(m) A misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player or players who, except for the purpose of taking their positions on the penalty bench, enter or remain in the Referee's crease while he is reporting to or consulting with any game official including Linesmen, Timekeeper, Penalty Timekeeper, Official Scorer or Announcer.

(n) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player who is guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct including, but not limited to hair-pulling, biting, grabbing hold of face mask, etc.

(NOTE) If warranted the Referee may apply Rule 28(d) - Gross Misconduct.

(o) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who attempts to draw a penalty by his actions ("diving").

Rule 42 Adjustment to Clothing or Equipment

(a) Play shall not be stopped nor the game delayed by reasons of adjustments to clothing, equipment, skates or sticks.

For an infringement of this Rule, a minor penalty shall be given.

(b) The onus of maintaining clothing and equipment in proper condition shall be upon the player. If adjustments are required, the player shall leave the ice and play shall continue with a substitute.

(c) No delay shall be permitted for the repair or adjustment of goalkeeper's equipment. If adjustments are required, the goalkeeper shall leave the ice and his place shall be taken by the substitute goalkeeper immediately.

(d) For an infraction of this Rule by a goalkeeper, a minor penalty shall be imposed.

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Rule 43 Attempt to Injure

(a) A match penalty shall be imposed on any player who deliberately attempts to injure an opponent and the circumstances shall be reported to the Commissioner for further action. A substitute for the penalized player shall be permitted at the end of the fifth minute.

(b) A game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who deliberately attempts to injure an Official, Manager, Coach or Trainer in any manner and the circumstances shall be reported to the Commissioner for further action. (See also Rule 76 - Physical Abuse of Officials.)

(NOTE) The Commissioner, upon preliminary investigation indicating the probable imposition of supplementary disciplinary action, may order the immediate suspension of a player who has incurred a match penalty under this Rule, pending the final determination of such supplementary disciplinary action.

Rule 44 Boarding

(a) A minor or major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, based upon the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be imposed on any player who checks an opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to be thrown violently in the boards.

(NOTE) Any unnecessary contact with a player playing the puck on an obvious "icing" or "off-side" play which results in that player being knocked into the boards is "boarding" and must be penalized as such. In other instances where there is no contact with the boards, it should be treated as "charging."

(b) When a major penalty is imposed under this Rule for a foul resulting in an injury to the face or head of an opponent, a game misconduct shall be imposed.

(c) Any player who incurs a total of two (2) game misconducts for Boarding under Rule 44 (b), in either Regular Season or Playoffs, shall be suspended automatically for the next game of his Team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.

(d) When a major penalty is imposed under this Rule, an automatic fine of one hundred dollars ($100) shall be imposed.

Rule 45 Broken Stick