I will leave the exact rules to the gurus on the list, but (and please
correct me if I am wrong), isn't the goaltender only fair game when he is
out of the "safety area" (I am not sure of the terminology, but the area
surronding the goal that goes to the two face-off circles and back to
the boards).  Otherwise, I thought the goalie was immune from checking.
 
Now, to the suggestions that Craig had...
>
> If a goaltender comes out of his net to play the puck (as a defensemen
> would) should they be considered "fair-game".
>
> I think that they should be. Here are my "ground rules":
>
> 1.) If a goaltender plays the puck from behind his net, and has completed
> his pass, he will not be considered fair game. (i.e.- I come behind my net,
> pass it to the winger, and on my way back to the net a forward hits me.)
 
Agreed.  Whenever he does not have the puck and is close to the net, no
contact.
 
>
> 2.) Shall be considered fair game if he plays the puck behind his net and
> has control of the puck while an attacking player arrives.
>
To some extent.  However, if everything was allowed, wouldn't this make an
open-season on goalies?  Where would the line be drawn?  Could you check
the goalie behind th net, while a teammate of yours grabs the puck and
shoots it into an open net?
 
> 3.) Shall be considered fair game, if the goalie leaves his crease at any
> time to play the puck like a forward, but is not fair game while trying to
> freeze the puck. (Goalies have strict rules now as to where and how they
> may freeze the puck.)
>
For the most part, I agree with that.  If a goalie is trying to bring it
up ice, then I don't have a problem with it.  However, would this allow
full contact?
 
> I've always thought that goaltenders are sometimes given too much
> "protection" from the rule book and referees. If these suggestions were
> implemented, how many goalies would start staying in their crease???
>
Many!
 
 
My biggest concern would be the players going out of their way to check
the goalies.  A team can handle to loss of one or two forwards much
better than the loss of one or two goalies.
 
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