1. Standard of Play This presentation will: –Introduce you to the new standard –Show officials what their role is in the transition –Offer some tips to help officials

2. New Standard of Play Minor hockey at all levels of play in all 13 Branches across Canada received a facelift in the 2006-07 season with the implementation of a standard of play and rule emphasis initiative.

3. New Standard of Play Hockey Canada believes that this will place a greater emphasis on the basic building blocks of the game: Skating, puck possession and proper body positioning.

4. Why? The mission of Hockey Canada is clear; the game will be improved through the application of the new standard of enforcement and rules emphasis. Through the new standard of the rules enforcement, our game will continue to allow the opportunity for improved skill development and provide positive hockey experiences.

5. What does it involve? The stick will not be allowed to in any way impede a player's progress It is imperative that coaches teach the players that the stick can only be used to play the puck

6. Restraining Fouls Hooking - Tripping - Holding - Interference These penalties are to be called with very strict enforcement.

7. Hooking/Tripping A player cannot use his stick on the legs or feet of an opponent in a manner that causes the opponent to lose balance and fall. Placing the stick between the legs of the opponent thus causing him to fall should be called “tripping”. Impeding progress or hindering lateral movement by placing the stick between the legs should be called “hooking”.

8. Hooking/Tripping Tugs or hooks on the body or arms that has in anyway impeded the player. Locking on Hooks causing loss of balance, puck control and position or advantage of position.

9. Tripping of a player will be penalized with a strict enforcement. The use of the stick between a player's legs (can- opener/corkscrew) for impeding progress, loss of balance or tripping is to be penalized. Hooking/Tripping

10. Holding/Interference The use of the free arm/hand to clutch, grab, hold, hold the stick, pin or impede a player is to be penalized as holding or interference. Interference of a player will be penalized with a strict enforcement. The use of a "pick" or a "block" is no longer permitted.

11. Holding Danger Zone The free hand may be used to push an opponent. Removing the hand from the stick and placing it on the opponent’s body shall be considered as in a ``danger-zone``. Once the free hand is in this position, any act of consequence shall be penalized. Consequence shall be interpreted as: - restraining or impeding progress. - grabbing the body, stick, or sweater. - reducing the opponent’s ability to pass or shoot the puck or to receive a pass.

12. Pin against the boards The defensive player may make initial contact with the puck-carrier against the boards. Once this initial contact has been made, the defensive player must play the puck. Once the puck leaves the area (on the boards), the onus is on the defensive player to release the opponent immediately.

13. This is not a legal pin

14. Interference The non-puck-carrier must be allowed to pursue the puck or to gain his position without being restrained or impeded in any manner. Should the defensive player be within the range of ``arm- length + stick-length``, he shall be entitled to finish the check legally provided he commits to the check prior to or immediately following the release of the puck. The puck-carrier should not be excused from an imminent hit simply because he decides to get rid of the puck.

15. Stick Fouls Cross-Checking – Slashing The use of the stick will be limited to only playing the puck. Sticks are not to be used to cross-check or slash opponents, these fouls will be penalized with a strict enforcement.

16. Cross-Checking/Slashing examples: The use of a stick to slash an opponent's body or hands. Cross-checking an opponent will be penalized with a strict enforcement including fouls in front of the net.

17. How does the standard change the game? Several key elements of the game are affected: –Face Offs –Defensive Play –Offensive Play

18. Face Offs Face-offs are an area where a high volume of infractions will arise. Common tactics used over the past 20 years such as “centre tie up your man” or “hold up the winger” can no longer be employed. Officials have to monitor face-offs carefully; many things going on at once.

19. Defensive Play Key scenarios that produce great opportunity for obstruction penalties include –Backchecking –1 vs 1 play off the rush –play in front of net –1 vs 1 play down low Tactics like “stick on the man”, “pinning”, “can opener” and “lasso” no longer apply in the new game.

20. Offensive Play Potential for infractions on picks and interference and hold-ups on the fore-check. Players need to be careful in situations such as cycling or give and go’s. Offensive players can not impede the opposition team’s ability to move defensively.

21. What is my role? The new standard of play involves a re-programming of how the game is taught… and officiated. How will you best officiate a game that is built on speed, skill and the ability to make decisions quickly?

22. The Role of an Official Apply the rules of the game as fairly and as accurately as possible at all times. Uphold the philosophy and the rights of all hockey participants to “Fair Play” and penalize accordingly all violent acts.

23. The Role of an Official Raise the standard of play in each game you officiate Do the best job you can in each game, no matter what the category of hockey. We ask players to work hard, try their best ….. the same holds true for the official.

24. Get in position and see the play Hockey is a game of speed and balance in which players frequently go down following incidental contact. Officials must be in position to see the foul in order to make the proper call.

25. Don’t Guess In cases where the official has not seen the infraction but has seen only the end result, officials must be aware that a possible “missed infraction” is justifiable whereas a “phantom call” is unacceptable.

26. Apply the standard To many officials, applying the standard is a tough task. It takes concentration and a clear understanding of the new standard to be able to react accordingly.

27. It is what it is “Call it what it is” - If a foul has been committed like a hold, a hook, a crosscheck or a rough, then it is important to avoid the generic interference call and identify the foul for what it really is.

28. Be a Communicator An official must be able to communicate with players and coaches. The role of an official is to be a part of the game. The ability to assist all participants in understanding the rules will make the job easier if everyone is on the same page.

29. Stay on top of the Rules and New Standard Review the Standard of Play DVD and continue to learn the playing rules. Knowing the rulebook will help you out of any situation

30. Have fun!