Shell
05-05-2003, 08:19 AM
Mon, May 5, 2003
It's time to straighten out a few rules
By AL STRACHAN, Toronto Sun
DALLAS -- It is at this time of the season, when the competition is so intense and the stakes are so high, that the weaknesses are exposed.
Not only the weaknesses in the teams. The weaknesses in the game itself.
At times during the regular season, we see the flaws. But the occasion may be a nothing game in a hockey backwater. Or the perceived flaw may have no effect on the outcome. As a result, no one pays much attention.
But now we're in the playoffs, and these events are magnified and suddenly we wonder if, among other things, the rules regarding nets and their moorings make any sense.
ANSWER
The answer comes fairly quickly. No they don't.
As it happens, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks went on to win Game 1 against the Dallas Stars in the fifth overtime. But they should have won it in the third overtime when Steve Thomas scored. However, the net was ruled to have been off its moorings.
What possible difference could that make? The far post was at most an inch off the ice when the puck dropped over the goal line.
When the short goal pegs originally were introduced, the rule allowed a referee to envision the net in place. A goal could be scored even if the net was in the platinum seats by the time the puck crossed the line.
But that got amended because it was considered to be too much of a judgment call. And then, even softer plastic pegs were introduced, so now, the net wobbles in a strong breeze.
In the case in point, the Ducks had done nothing wrong. They scored, but Dallas goaltender Marty Turco dislodged the net. Why should the Ducks be punished?
And it might not do any harm to look at the rules governing the serving of penalties. At the moment, when multiple penalties are called, sometimes you play 4-on-4, sometimes you don't. If there are coincidental penalties with a man in the box, it's still 5-on-4, not 4-on-3.
But surely the game needs more scoring. And surely, we want the skilled players to be able to show their stuff.
The teams that rely on skill-killing tactics abhor 4-on-4 situations. It makes it tougher for them to check the opposition to a standstill. They treat 4-on-4 as a short-handed situation.
But without affecting the fabric of the game or without making radical changes, the league could reward the skilled players simply by giving them more room to move for limited periods.
If each team is a man short, it should always be a 4-on-4 situation, even if fighting majors are being served. Let's get the stars out there and give them a chance to make a difference.
Another outmoded rule has come to the forefront in this post-season. There are prohibitions against playing with a broken stick, yet the new-technology synergy sticks are breaking at a phenomenal rate.
The rule -- a two-minute penalty is assessed to a player who continues to play when his stick is broken -- goes back to the days when sticks were wooden and could shatter in irregular fashion. It was considered too dangerous to have a guy playing with a stick that had jagged splinters sticking out of it.
But today's sticks break cleanly along the shaft. If a player wants to use the remains of his stick, as if he were playing floor hockey, why not let him? That broken stick is no more dangerous than a complete stick. Probably less so, in fact.
LUCK
At least he would be able to use his stick to block passes along the ice or, with a bit of luck, poke a puck away.
Usually, those sticks break because an opponent has chopped it. It goes back to the same principle as the net moorings. The guy with the broken stick has done nothing wrong. Why should he be punished for the actions of his opponent?
And one more thing. As overtimes drag on into the wee hours and more games finish with the time-honoured soccer score of one-nil, here's an interesting concept.
Call interference as it is written in the rulebook.
Shell
05-05-2003, 10:08 AM
Rule 62 Holding an Opponent (different from holding a stick)
A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who holds an opponent by using his hands, arms or legs.
(NOTE) A player is permitted to use his arm in a strength move, by blocking his opponent, provided he has body position and is not using his hands in a holding manner, when doing so.
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Rule 67 Interference
(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who interferes with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck.
(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who restrains an opponent who is attempting to "forecheck."
(c) A minor penalty shall be imposed on an attacking player who deliberately checks a defensive player who is not in possession of the puck.
(d)A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who shall cause an opponent who is not in possession of the puck to be forced off-side, causing a stoppage in play.
(e) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who deliberately knocks a stick out of an opponent's hand, or who prevents a player who has dropped his stick or any other piece of equipment from regaining possession of it.
(f) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who knocks or shoots any abandoned or broken stick or illegal puck or other debris towards an opposing puck carrier in a manner that could cause him to be distracted. (See also Rule 88(a) - Throwing Stick.)
(g) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player on the players' bench or penalty bench who, by means of his stick or his body, interferes with the movements of the puck or any opponent on the ice during the progress of the play.
(h) If, when the goalkeeper has been removed from the ice, any member of his Team (including the goalkeeper) not legally on the ice, including the Manager, Coach or Trainer, interferes by means of his body, stick or any other object with the movements of the puck or an opposing player, the Referee shall immediately award a goal to the non-offending Team.
(i) When a player in control of the puck on his opponent's side of the center red line and having no other opponent to pass than the goalkeeper is interfered with by a stick or any part thereof or any other object thrown or shot by any member of the defending Team including the Manager, Coach or Trainer, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending Team.
(NOTE 1) Obstruction:
Obstruction shall be defined as any tactic by a player who attempts to or who restrains an opponent who is not in possession of the puck, or who physically prevents an opponent from moving freely in the direction he wishes to go. The term "obstruction" shall be used coupled with the appropriate foul (holding, hooking, interference, tripping) when the obstruction offence occurs in the neutral zone.
(NOTE 2) Body Position:
Body position shall be determined as the player skating in front of or beside his opponent, traveling in the same direction. A player who is behind an opponent, who does not have the puck, may not use his stick, body or free hand in order to restrain his opponent, but must skate in order to gain or reestablish his proper position in order to make a check. Failure to do so may result in an obstruction penalty being assessed.
A player is allowed the ice he is standing on (body position) and is not required to move in order to let an opponent proceed. A player may "block" the path of an opponent provided he is in front of his opponent and moving in the same direction. Moving laterally and without establishing body position, then making contact with the non-puck carrier is not permitted and will be penalized as interference. A player is always entitled to use his body position to lengthen an opponent's path to the puck, provided his stick is not utilized (to make himself "bigger" and therefore considerably lengthening the distance his opponent must travel to get to where he is going); his free hand is not used and he does not take advantage of his body position to deliver an otherwise illegal check.
(NOTE 3) Possession of the Puck:
The last player to touch the puck, other than the goalkeeper, shall be considered the player in possession. The player deemed in possession of the puck may be checked legally, provided the check is rendered immediately following his loss of possession.
(NOTE 4) Restrain:
The actions of a player who does not have body position, but instead uses illegal means (e.g. hook with stick; hold with hands, trip with the stick or in any manner) to impede an opponent who is not in possession of the puck. Illegal means are acts which allow a player to establish, maintain or restore body position, other than by skating.
(NOTE 5) Pick:
A "pick" is the action of a player who checks an opponent who is not in possession of the puck and is unaware of the impending check/hit. A player who is aware of an impending hit, not deemed to be a legal "battle for the puck," may not be interfered with by a player delivering a "pick." A player delivering a "pick" is one who moves into an opponent's path without initially having body position, thereby taking him out of the play. When this is done, an interference penalty shall be assessed.
(NOTE 6) Free Hand:
When a free hand is used to hold, pull, tug, grab or physically restrain an opponent from moving freely, this must be penalized as holding or obstruction - holding. The free hand may be used by a player to "fend off" an opponent or his stick, but may not be used to hold an opponent's stick or body.
(NOTE 7) Stick:
A player who does not have body position on his opponent, who places his stick above the waist or uses his stick (either the blade or the shaft, including the butt end of the shaft) to impede or prevent his opponent from moving freely on the ice shall be assessed a hooking or an obstruction - hooking penalty. EXCEPTION: When a player is in possession of the puck, a defending player may check the offensive player by using his stick as long as he does not break any other rule such as slashing, cross-checking, high sticking, etc. Use of the stick in these situations would only be permitted once the player has already established body position and the position of his stick is only to assist him with directing his opponent into the boards for the purpose of separating the player from the puck (a legal body check)
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Rule 78 Protection of Goalkeeper
The revised crease rule is intended to implement a "no harm, no foul, no video review" standard. The rule is based on the premise that an attacking player's position, whether inside or outside the crease, should not, by itself, determine whether a goal should be allowed or disallowed - i.e., goals scored while attacking players are standing in the crease may, in appropriate circumstances be allowed. Goals should be disallowed only if: (1) an attacking player, either by his positioning or by contact, impairs the goalkeeper's ability to move freely within his crease or defend his goal; or (2) an attacking player initiates more than incidental contact with a goalkeeper, inside or outside of his goal crease. Incidental contact with a goalkeeper will be permitted, and resulting goals allowed, when such contact is initiated outside of the goal crease, provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such contact. The rule will be enforced exclusively in accordance with the on-ice judgement of the Referee(s), and not by means of video replay or review.
(a) If an attacking player initiates any contact with a goalkeeper, incidental or otherwise, while the goalkeeper is in his goal crease, and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed.
(b) If an attacking player initiates any contact, other than incidental contact, with the goalkeeper, while the goalkeeper is outside of his goal crease, and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed.
(c) In all cases in which an attacking player initiates other than incidental contact with a goalkeeper, whether or not the goalkeeper is inside or outside the goal crease, and whether or not a goal is scored, the offensive player will receive a penalty (minor or major, as the Referee deems appropriate). See also Rule 47 (c) - Charging.
(NOTE 1) In exercising his judgment under subsections (a) and (b) above, the Referee should give more significant consideration to the degree and nature of the contact with the goalkeeper than to the exact location of the goalkeeper at the time of the contact.
(NOTE 2) If an attacking player has been pushed, shoved, or fouled by a defending player so as to cause him to come into contact with the goalkeeper, such contact will not be deemed to be contact initiated by the attacking player for purposes of this rule, provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such contact.
(NOTE 3)A goalkeeper is not "fair game" just because he is outside the goal crease. The appropriate penalty should be assessed in every case where an attacking player makes unnecessary contact with the goalkeeper. However, incidental contact will be permitted when the goalkeeper is in the act of playing the puck outside his goal crease provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such unnecessary contact.
(d) If (i) a goalkeeper initiates contact with an offensive player who is in the goal crease; and (ii) such contact (a) is initiated by the goalkeeper in order to establish position in his goal crease; and (b) results in an impairment of the goalkeeper's ability to defend his goal, and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed.
(e) If, after any contact initiated by a goalkeeper who is attempting to establish position in his goal crease, the attacking player does not immediately vacate his current position in the goal crease (i.e., give ground to the goalkeeper), and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed. In all such cases, whether or not a goal is scored, the offensive player will receive a minor penalty for interference.
(NOTE 4)The overriding rationale of subsections (d) and (e) above is that a goalkeeper should have the ability to move freely within his goal crease without being hindered by the actions of an attacking player.
(NOTE 5) In attempting to establish position in his goal crease, a goalkeeper who engages in acts which would otherwise warrant a penalty (e.g., cross-checking, slashing, etc.) will be assessed an appropriate penalty.
(f) When a goalkeeper has played the puck outside of his crease and is then prevented from returning to his crease area due to the deliberate actions of an attacking player, such player may be penalized for interference. Similarly, the goalkeeper may be penalized, if by his actions outside of his crease he deliberately interferes with an attacking player who is attempting to play the puck or an opponent.
(g) If an attacking player establishes a significant position within the goal crease, so as to obstruct the goalkeeper's vision and impair his ability to defend his goal, and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed.
(NOTE 6)For this purpose, a player "establishes a significant position within the crease" when, in the Referee's judgment, his body, or a substantial portion thereof, is within the goal crease for more than an instantaneous period of time.
(h) Subject to (i) below, if an attacking player enters the goal crease and, by his actions, impairs the goalkeeper's ability to defend his goal, and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed.
(i) In a rebound situation, or where a goalkeeper and offensive player(s) are simultaneously attempting to play a loose puck, whether inside or outside the crease, incidental contact with the goalkeeper will be permitted, and any goal that is scored as a result thereof will be allowed.
(j) In the event that a goalkeeper has been pushed into the net together with the puck after making a stop, the goal will be disallowed. If applicable, appropriate penalties will be assessed.
(k) A goalkeeper who deliberately initiates contact with an attacking player other than to establish position in the crease, or who otherwise acts to create the appearance of other than incidental contact with an attacking player, is subject to the assessment of a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
(l) An attacking player who, in the judgment of the Referee, initiates contact with the goalkeeper, whether inside or outside the crease, in a fashion that would otherwise warrant a penalty, will be assessed an appropriate penalty (minor or major and/or a game misconduct) and will be subject to additional sanctions as appropriate pursuant to Rule 33A - Supplementary Discipline.
(NOTE 7)For purposes of this rule, "contact", whether incidental or otherwise, shall mean any contact that is made between or among a goalkeeper and attacking player(s), whether by means of a stick or any part of the body.
(NOTE 8) The above-stated standards relating to when a goal will be disallowed will be applied in all situations in which the puck enters the net regardless of whether it was directed into the net by the attacking or defensive team.
CREASE SITUATION EXAMPLES
1.The goalkeeper is in the goal crease:
A.An attacking player is standing in the goal crease when the puck enters the crease then crosses the goal line. In no way does he affect the goalkeeper's ability to defend his goal.
Goal
B.An attacking player makes incidental contact with the goalkeeper, however, no goal is scored on the play.
Play Continues - No Whistle
C.An attacking player makes incidental contact with the goalkeeper at the same time a goal is being scored.
No Goal
D.An attacking player makes other than incidental contact with the goalkeeper, however, no goal is scored on the play.
A minor penalty, plus assessment of whatever other penalties may be appropriate up to and including Supplementary Discipline.
E.An attacking player makes other than incidental contact with the goalkeeper at the time a goal is being scored.
No goal, and a minor and/or major penalty, plus assessment of whatever other penalties may be appropriate up to and including Supplementary Discipline.
2.The goalkeeper is out of the goal crease:
A.An attacking player makes incidental contact with the goalkeeper, however, no goal is scored on the play.
Play Continues - No Whistle
B.An attacking player makes incidental contact with the goalkeeper at the time a goal is scored.
Goal
C.An attacking player makes other than incidental contact with the goalkeeper, however, no goal is scored on the play.
A minor and/or major penalty, plus assessment of whatever other penalties may be appropriate up to and including Supplementary Discipline.
D.An attacking player makes other than incidental contact with the goalkeeper at the time a goal is being scored.
No goal, and a minor and/or major penalty, plus assessment of whatever other penalties may be appropriate up to and including Supplementary Discipline.
3.A defending player pushes, shoves, or fouls an attacking player into the goalkeeper, who is in or out of the goal crease:
A.The attacking player, after having made a reasonable effort to avoid contact, makes contact with the goalkeeper at the time a goal is scored.
Goal
B.The contact by the attacking player with the goalkeeper is other than incidental and the attacking player, in the judgment of the Referee, did not make a reasonable effort to avoid such contact. However, no goal is scored on the play.
A minor and/or major penalty, plus assessment of whatever other penalties may be appropriate up to and including Supplementary Discipline.
C.The contact by the attacking player with the goalkeeper is other than incidental and the attacking player, in the judgment of the Referee, did not make a reasonable effort to avoid such contact at the time a goal is being scored.
No goal, and a minor and/or major penalty, plus assessment of whatever other penalties may be appropriate up to and including Supplementary Discipline.
4.Battle for loose puck with the goalkeeper while the goalkeeper is in or out of the goal crease:
A.An attacking player makes incidental contact with the goalkeeper while both are attempting to play a loose puck at the time a goal is being scored.
Goal
B.An attacking player makes other than incidental contact with the goalkeeper while both are attempting to play a loose puck at the time a goal is scored.
No goal, and a minor and/or major penalty, plus assessment of whatever other penalties may be appropriate up to and including Supplementary Discipline.
C.An attacking player makes other than incidental contact with the goalkeeper while both are attempting to play a loose puck, however, no goal is scored on the play.
A minor and/or major penalty, plus assessment of whatever other penalties may be appropriate up to and including Supplementary Discipline.
5.Screening situations:
A.An attacking player skates in the crease in front of the goalkeeper, at the same time a goal is being scored. The attacking player remains in motion and does not maintain a significant position in the crease in front of the goalkeeper.
Goal
B.An attacking player skates in the crease in front of the goalkeeper, however, no goal is scored on the play. The attacking player, whether he is in motion or not,establishes a significant position in the crease in front of the goalkeeper obstructing the goalkeeper's vision and impairing his ability to defend his goal.
Play Continues - No Whistle
C.An attacking player skates in front of the goalkeeper, inside the crease, at the same time a goal is being scored. The attacking player remains in motion and impairs the goalkeeper's ability to defend his goal.
No Goal
D.An attacking player skates in front of the goalkeeper, outside the crease, at the same time a goal is being scored. The attacking player remains in motion and impairs the goalkeeper's ability to defend his goal.
Goal
E.An attacking player plants himself within the goal crease, as to obstruct the goalkeeper's vision and impair visibility to defend his goal, and a goal is scored.
No Goal
F.An attacking player plants himself outside the goal crease, as to obstruct the goalkeeper's vision and impair visibility to defend his goal, and a goal is scored.
Goal
G.An attacking player enters the goal crease and by his actions, physically or otherwise disrupts the goalkeeper, impairing the goalkeeper's ability to defend his goal, and a goal is scored.
No Goal
6.Crowding the goalkeeper:
A.A goalkeeper initiates contact with an attacking player to establish position in the crease and the attacking player vacates the position immediately. No goal is scored on the play.
Play Continues - No Whistle
B.A goalkeeper initiates contact with an attacking player to establish position in the crease and the attacking player does not vacate the position, however, no goal is scored on the play. A possible penalty depends on the Referee's judgment as to the degree of contact and degree of resistance with the attacking player and whether the goalkeeper was truly trying to establish a position.
Minor Penalty
C.A goalkeeper initiates contact with an attacking player in the crease to establish position and the attacking player vacates the position immediately at the time a goal is scored. Even though the attacking player vacates his position immediately, the contact impairs the goalkeeper's ability to defend his goal.
No Goal
D.A goalkeeper initiates contact with an attacking player to establish position in the crease and the attacking player refuses to give ground, however, no goal is scored on the play.
Minor Penalty
E.A goalkeeper initiates contact with an attacking player to establish position in the crease and the attacking player refuses to give ground at the time a goal is scored.
No Goal - minor penalty is not assessed, loss of the goal only
F.A goalkeeper deliberately initiates contact with an attacking player other than to establish position in the crease, or otherwise acts to make unnecessary contact with the attacking player.
Minor Penalty to Goalkeeper (slashing, etc.)
G.A goalkeeper initiates contact with an attacking player to establish position in the crease by using excessive force or acting in a manner which would otherwise warrant a penalty, and the attacking player refuses to give ground at the time a goal is scored.
No Goal - Coincidental Minors (goalkeeper/attacking player)
H.A goalkeeper initiates contact with an attacking player to establish position in the crease by using excessive force or acting in a manner which would otherwise warrant a penalty, and the attacking player vacates the crease at the time a goal is scored.
No Goal - Minor Penalty to Goalkeeper
I.A goalkeeper initiates contact with an attacking player to establish position in the crease by using excessive force or acting in a manner which would otherwise warrant a penalty and the attacking player vacates the crease, but no goal is scored.
Minor Penalty to Goalkeeper
7.An attacking player initiates contact with the goalkeeper, inside or outside the goal crease, in a fashion that would otherwise warrant a penalty (e.g. "runs" the goalkeeper):
Appropriate penalty (minor and/or major and a game misconduct) and subject to additional sanctions as appropriate, pursuant to Rule 33 A (Supplementary Discipline)
8.A defensive player directs the puck into his own net while an attacking player initiates contact with the goalkeeper:
No Goal, and a minor and/or major penalty, plus assessment of whatever other penalties may be appropriate up to and including Supplementary Discipline
9.A defensive player directs the puck into his own net while an attacking player is standing in the goal crease. In no way does the attacking player affect the goalkeeper's ability to make the save:
Goal
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I'm guessing that may be a bit more than you wanted LOL. Sorry!
AbNormal27
05-05-2003, 10:38 AM
What we should all keep in mind is that these calls are ALL made at the referee's discretion. I'll give you an example. I was in Detroit, taking in a Wings/Islanders game when Ron Hextall was in net for the Isles. Hextall came out of his net and fired the puck up out of his zone. The puck travelled in the air he glass in the DETROIT zone. The Detroit fans (the geniuses they all are) were all up in arms looking for a delay of game call. By definition of the rule, yes, there could have been a penalty assessed, but it was the referee's discretion to not make the call.
If there needs to be a little more clarity as to how these calls should be made, the NHL should stop dicking with them! The refs are human, and humans make mistakes, but when the governing body keeps make "adjustments" on how things are to be called, how are these human referees to make the right call? JMHO, but I don't think that the calls made in this year's playoffs have been all that bad. Yes, there has been some bad ones, but for the most part, the refs have put the whistles away and let them battle.
Aaryn
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