Can a game be played on a rink that does not adhere to USA Hockey's
recommended dimensions or on an ice surface that does not adhere to
the proper ice markings? ANS >> Yes.
For icing purposes, how high does the goal line extend? ANS >>
Indefinitely. The goal line extends horizontally across the entire width of
the rink and visibly up the side boards. Vertically, the goal line extends
as high as the puck can travel.
Is the two-inch thickness of the red goal line considered to be a part of
the goal line? ANS >> Yes. The thickness of the goal line is considered to
be a part of the line. In order for a goal to be allowed or icing to be
called, the entire puck must completely cross the edge closest to the
end boards.
,Do the principles of the goal line and goal crease apply to the cross-ice
goal line and crease in the same manner? ANS >> Yes. If used, the cross-
ice goal lines and crease would be handled the same way as the rule
applying to the regular goal line and crease.
Is the two-inch red line outlining the goal crease considered to be a part
of the goal crease? ANS >> Yes. The goal crease area includes the space
bounded by the outside edges of the semi-circular crease lines.
How is the "goal crease" to be interpreted if playing a game in an arena
with a different goal crease design? ANS >> All rulings must be made
based on the USA Hockey standard crease.
In which zone are the blue lines considered to be a part? ANS >> The
zone in which the puck is located.
In which half of the ice is the centre red line located? ANS >> The half in
which the puck is located.
What is the purpose of the Referee's Crease? ANS >> To provide an area
where On-Ice and Off-Ice Officials can converse with each other without
player interference.
During a scramble around the goal, the back end of the goal frame is
accidentally lifted off the ice for a brief moment, but the goal posts
remain properly positioned on the goal line. The moment the back of
, the goal lifts off the ice, a pass from behind the goal goes under the
goal frame and directly out in front of the goal and an attacking player
legally shoots the puck into the goal. Is the goal considered to be legal?
ANS >> No. It is not necessary for the Referee to blow the whistle every
time the goal frame momentarily lifts off the ice while the posts are in
the proper position. However, it is not reasonable to allow a pass to
take place that goes under the goal frame that has been lifted. In this
instance, play should be stopped and a last play face-off occur.
In an arena that has the penalty benches located directly
next to the players' benches, which penalty bench shall be designated
for the home team? ANS >> The penalty bench closer to the home team's
players' bench.
During the middle of the first period the timekeeper accidentally blows
the horn. What procedure should the On-Ice Officials follow? ANS >>
Stop play immediately. As always, safety is one of our major concerns
during all USA Hockey games. Play is dead the instant the horn blows,
and the On-Ice Officials must blow their whistles to ensure that all
participants are aware of this situation. The ensuing face-off will be
conducted at the last play face-off location.
A goal is scored with one second remaining in the period, but the
buzzer sounds to end the period before the timekeeper can stop the
clock. The goal is allowed, but should the ensuing face-off take place?
ANS >> No.