NCAA Major Rules Changes for 1997
 
This is a summary of changes taken directly from the "1997 NCAA(R) ICE
HOCKEY Rules" book.  Comments, questions and additional information is
shown within square brackets [].  Wayne Smith ([log in to unmask])
 
 
1-3-a    Only two goal cages allowed on the ice during
            pregame warm-up and game.
 
2-3-a Note 1 Bench minor penalty deleted if a traveling team's
            goalkeeper sustains injury or is unable to suit up.
 
2-5-d    Penalized players returning to the ice from the penalty
            box or players' bench are eligible to play the puck.
 
3-1-b    Maximum length of sticks increased to 63 inches.
 
3-4-c    Penalties for mouthguard violations revised.
         [The warning is deleted.  1st offence is a misconduct
            penalty, 2nd is a game misconduct]
 
3-6 Note 1 Home team to provide pucks for pregame and game.
 
4-4-b    Post-penalty protocol revised for players who receive
            a game misconduct penalty.
         [The following text is added: "The offending player, coach
            or nonplaying persons must leave the bench and playing
            surface immediately and may not communicate or contact
            team personnel in any manner until the contest is
            completed.  Note 1: A trainer cannot be assessed a game
            misconduct penalty."   Does the bus driver count?]
         [A disqualification penalty used to refer to "while in
            uniform". No more.  No contact or communication with
            "team personnel" nor occupy any player area during the
            duration of the penalty, including any progressive
            game-disqualification penalty.  Comment:  does this
            include talking to the coaches the next day?  attending
            team study hall?  bunking with or eating with team on
            a road trip?
5-2      Officiating systems revised.
         [There are substantial changes here.  3 systems are allowed.
         (1) 1 ref, 2 asst refs; (2) 2 refs, 1 linesman; (3) 2 refs.]
 
5-3      Referee(s) duties revised.
 
5-4      Assistant referees' duties added.
         [Signals infraction and reports to ref; ref shall signal and
            assess the penalty. Other duties.]
 
5-5      Linesman's duties revised.
 
[5-10    Instant replay official is permissible in regular-season
            tournament and postseason tournament competition.]
 
6-20     Penalties for hitting from behind revised.
         [A "flagrant violation" (same definition) causes the player
         to be assessed a major and a game misconduct (plus optional
         disqualification).  Last season it was a major and a
         disqualification.]
 
6-44-b   Instant replay allowed for tournament competition
         [Replay must be conclusive to overturn on-ice official.
            The referee may request instant replay only if
 
         (1) A puck crossing the goal line;
         (2) A puck in the net before the goal frame is dislodged;
         (3) A puck in the net before or after expiration of time
             at the end of a period;
         (4) A puck directed into the net by a hand or foot;
         (5) A puck directed into the net by an official;
         (6) A puck hit into the net by a high stick;
         (7) To determine if a fight occurred and those individuals
             who participated in a fight;
         (8) To establish the correct time on the clock; or
         (9) To determine if an attacking player was illegally
             in the goal crease when the puck entered the goal cage.]
 
Wayne T. Smith                         Systems Group -- CAPS
[log in to unmask]                    University of Maine System
Co-owner of the College Hockey lists - Hockey-L/Info-Hockey-L/Hockey3