A brand new penalty reference, protest/delays of game forfeits, and refinements to instant replay
highlight this upcoming season's rules from the NCAA.

Based on its decisions from their May meetings in Indianapolis, the rules committee has shown
clear signs of where it is heading for the upcoming season.  Please note that the rules will not be
officially released for another few months.

NEW PENALTY REFERENCE - OBSTRUCTION
This is a minor penalty which will be assessed to players interfering with non-puck carrying
players.  This will be in addition to the infraction, so the new Obstruction signal will be followed
by an infraction signal.  My announcement would sound like, "...two minutes for Obstruction -
Holding...".

This is actually an offshoot of Interference and will give more details on the type of Interference
call.  You can look for a possible increase in penalty minutes per game.  The intent of this type
of rule is usually to open up the offense and cut down on the sloppy, low-skill level defense.  In
the NHL, there are some instances where this has resulted, but obstruction has also been under
scrutiny over the last few years for hindering play and bogging down games.

TOURNAMENT INSTANT REPLAY CLARIFICATIONS MADE:
1.  The replay official will have the ability to alert on-ice officials of questionable calls.

2.  All goals will be reviewed by replay prior to play resuming.

3.  Coaches will have the ability to call a timeout for the purpose of reviewing instant replay that
was not observed by the on-ice officials.  To be reviewed, it must meet the criteria for review.
The team will be charged a time out regardless of outcome of the call.

These changes with replay will bring to college hockey the same pitfalls the NFL has had to deal
with.  The pressure will be on the officiating team to get an accurate call made within a
reasonable amount of time.  The coaches will also be under more pressure to make correct
decisions on when/if to use a timeout for a call.

PENALTIES FOR REFUSAL TO START PLAY:
The referee will call a minor for the first incident where a team refuses to start play.  If it
happens again, a major will be assessed.  If the behavior persists, the game will be forfeited.  If a
coach removes all or part of the team in protest of a referee's decision, the game will be
automatically forfeited.

(Okay, a dollar for every time Jack Parker entered your mind).

OFFSIDE RULE REDEFINED:
When an attacking player is "forced" across the blue line to cause an offsides call, either the
attacking player will be called offsides or the defending player will be called for Interference.
(Currently the official are instructed to ignore the offsides).

Look for a call to be made every time this occurs.

FOUR-ON-FOUR OVERTIME FORMAT STRUCK DOWN:
The committee voted down the proposed 4-on-4 format for the five-minute overtime.  No change
is made.

Those looking forward to the NCAA following suit with the NHL on this will have to wait at
least another year.

SPITTING AND TAUNTING GIVEN STIFFER PENALTIES:
Now spitting = game misconduct, and taunting = misconduct or game misconduct, based on the
referee's discretion.

I believe referee's will be hard pressed to enforce these changes completely.  Most ref's are used
to ignoring such activities.

THIS YEAR'S EMPHASIS ITEMS INCLUDE:
Obstruction (see above)
Diving (further clarification and enforcement)
Cross-Checking and Slashing (further training of officials)
Illegal Substitution To Stop Scoring Chance (Penalty shot will be awarded)
Goal Judges (Emphasis on officials for these positions)
Goal Pins (Must be used whenever possible)

This is a summary of rule committee issues.  Hopefully this posting will help fans become more
comfortable with the game and its rules.  I hope you find this helpful.

Joe Kennedy
PA Announcer - Maine Hockey


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