NCAA approves rule changes for this season

More from NCAA

Some minor rule changes were approved by the NCAA oversight panel for both Men’s and Women’s hockey. Among these changes is a new option for referees, where they may penalize a player with an interference

major

for big hits/contact that occur away from the head and neck.

The new rules also institute a broader use of video replay, including plays that may have been offside, as well as potential too many men on the ice penalties. Video review can also now be used to see if a goal was scored before a penalty was called.

The actual video’s that referees will be looking at will change as well, as they will now be allowed to review any video source made available to them, rather than just television broadcasts (so fans, bring your cameras and help your teams!)… (just kidding).

Here are the rest of the rule changes headed to college rinks this fall, courtesy of USCHO.com

"Major penalty for interference: To assist officials in properly penalizing significant contact — particularly blindside hits — that is not to the head or neck area, the panel approved the addition of a major penalty for interference.Hand pass by faceoff player: The players taking a faceoff are no longer allowed to use their hand to play the puck. A violation of this rule will result in a minor penalty, similar to the NHL rule.Faceoff procedure: During end zone faceoffs, the defending team’s player is required to put their stick down first. Previously, the attacking team was required to do so. Center ice and neutral zone faceoffs will continue to require the visiting team to put their stick down first.Goal pegs: 10-inch goal pegs that are anchored into the ice or floor must be in place at all NCAA levels by the 2016-17 season.Faceoff location (offensive scoring opportunity): If the offensive team is attempting to score and the puck goes out of play, the faceoff will remain in the attacking zone.Faceoff location (high stick/hand pass): In these cases, the ensuing faceoff will be one zone closer to the offending team’s goal.Penalty shot/shootout: During a shootout or penalty shot, if the goal becomes dislodged by the goalkeeper, the referee can either award a goal (if intentional, or if the goal was obvious and imminent) or allow the team to shoot again.Penalty shot: If a player who is awarded a penalty shot is injured and unable to take the shot, one of the players on the ice at the time of the infraction will be chosen to shoot.Look-Up Line: The committee approved the use of a warning-track-style line intended to positively impact safety near the boards. The installation of this line will not be mandatory, but is permissible.Experimental women’s rule: The panel also approved an experimental rule in women’s ice hockey only to allow the puck to be played legally with a high stick."

Home/NCAA