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January 9, 2007
NG004
“Officials are assigned to administer the rules of the game. Their training, experience and integrity
qualify them for their role in this event”. (Hockey Canada Playing Rules – page2)
As officials we are asked to make the game environment for players fair and safe. One of the many ways to
achieve this is to uphold the Rules Emphasis as laid out by Hockey Canada each season.
The 2006-07 Rules Emphasis includes the following initiatives:
SHARED RESPECT
The “SHARED RESPECT INITIATIVE” calls for all participants in the game to respect one another. The intent
of Hockey Canada is to enforce a standard of play that promotes an exciting and fun game for all its
partners. All partners share an equal responsibility to ensure the integrity of the game is upheld. Through
this process of change, the onus is not only on the game officials but all its participants. Positive changes
in the great game of hockey can only happen through this improved standard of play. We ALL play a role in
supporting the improvement of our game.
CHECKING TO THE HEAD
(contact physically or with a stick to another
players’ head area).
Deliberate checks to the head continue to be a serious concern in today's game. Concussions not only
deprive players of playing time, they end players' careers and can have serious long term health effects.
Checks to the head demonstrate a lack of respect and fair play and as a consequence must be penalized. Any
moderate or severe blow to the head must be penalized with a “minor penalty and a misconduct” or a “major
penalty and a game misconduct” for Checking to the Head. A “match penalty” could also be assessed under this
rule. These are aggressive fouls and must be called at ALL occurrences during the hockey game, including
shorthanded situations. Whether it is elbowing, high sticking, roughing or cross-checking, hits to the head
are an intentional act of violence and must be treated with zero tolerance on the part of the official at all
times.
CHECKING FROM BEHIND
Hockey Canada’s goal is to continue to work to eliminate any contact from behind, as the resulting
injuries, especially to the head and neck can be catastrophic. It is a dangerous and cowardly act. It is
imperative that coaches instruct their players to STOP and eliminate all checking from behind. Strict
application of this rule is needed to remove this foul from our game.
“It takes teamwork to bring about change. Coaches, managers, officials, owners, trainers, players, parents
and administrators must take ownership to affect change regarding the rules emphasis for the 2006 / 07
season. All partners must demonstrate awareness and support for the application, spirit and the respect of
the rules.”
As we enter into the play-offs and tournaments, officials are encouraged to continue to enforce the
standard of play, the rules emphasis and ensure they are on top of their knowledge of the rules.
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