NIHOA's origin dates back to 1933. NIHOA was formally organized in 1955. NIHOA was established by officials for the betterment of ice hockey officials and the game of ice hockey. This site serves as a resource to both present and future members. Feel free to check out the different sections. For those thinking of becoming members of the ever growing NIHOA family, you will find applications for individual members and entire chapters in the Contact NIHOA section of this site.

Monday, January 05, 2009 07:33 PM

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Dec 29, 2008 -
HAPPY NEW YEAR - Wishing all of NIHOA's members and friends a most Happy New Year. Be safe and be well!

Dec 16, 2008 -
NCAA RULE 6-21-d CLARIFICATION
High Stick of Puck by Defending Player Deflecting Off Goalkeeper and Into Net

Clarification dealing with the defensive team high sticking the puck directly into their goalkeeper and into their net. The NCAA Rules Committee conducted a conference call recently and clarified this issue. The Committee hopes this interpretation and clarification will assist the officials, coaches, and administrators with an understanding of the corresponding rule. It is anticipated that some questions will be presented and some guidance may be needed. This document is intended to assist with these potential questions.

Question 1: Rule 6-21-d (HR-72) states: “When the puck is struck above 4 feet directly to the goalkeeper, there shall be an immediate whistle...” Is this referring to a puck struck by either the attacking team or defensive team? Answer: Only the attacking team.

Guidance: In this situation, if the puck is struck above 4 feet and DEFLECTS directly off a defending team’s player (may include the goalkeeper), and into the net this is a legal play and the goal should be allowed. Since the puck deflected off the goalkeeper, no possession was acquired by the defending team and therefore, there should be no whistle and the goal should be allowed.

Question 2: A1 deflects the puck above four feet when contact is made with A1’s stick. The puck then deflects off B1 entering Team B’s goal. Should the goal be allowed? RULING: The goal should be disallowed. A1 was still in possession of the puck when it entered the goal, deflection off of the defending player does not change possession of the puck. The determining factor as to high stick of the puck is the height at which the puck and stick make contact, not the height of the stick when contact is made.

Rule 6-18-c-10 (HR-69) states: “A goal shall not be allowed: If an attacking player propels the puck illegally with the stick, and it deflects off any player into the net”.

Dec 05, 2008 -
REEBOK-CCM ICE HOCKEY HELMET RECALL
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

The NFHS was contacted by two member state associations who notified the NFHS about a Reebok-CCM ice hockey helmet recall. See Release #09-058 from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for complete details regarding this recall.

The release states: “Hazard: The helmet’s chinstrap can unexpectedly disengage while in use. If this happens, the helmet can fall off, posing a head and neck injury risk to consumers.”

NFHS Rule 3-4-7 and NCAA Rule 3-5-a state that an immediate whistle must be blown when a player’s helmet or face mask becomes dislodged during play.

Reebok Helmets: HT8K, HT6K, HT6K Combo, HT4K, HT4K Combo
CCM Helmets: HTV10, HTV10 Combo, HTV08, HTV08 Combo, HT692, HT692 Combo

Sep 26, 2008 -
2008 NCAA RULES INTERPRETATION VIDEO

NCAA Rules Video - 2008

Sep 25, 2008 -
NCAA RULES INTERPRETATION

Play 1, Faceoffs: In an even-strength situation, an end zone faceoff is set up in Team A’s attacking zone. Before the puck is dropped, a penalty is assessed to player A9. Where is the faceoff? Ruling: The faceoff will be in Team B’s attacking zone.
Play 2, Faceoffs: At a stoppage of play in the neutral zone, Team B is assessed a penalty. While lining up for the faceoff in Team A’s attacking zone, A16 takes a penalty, creating a four-on-four scenario. Where is the faceoff? Ruling: This faceoff reverts to a last-play faceoff. Therefore, the faceoff will be conducted at the nearest neutral zone spot.
Play 3, Faceoffs: Team A ices the puck. During the icing Team B takes a penalty. Where is the faceoff? Ruling: The icing is ignored for the penalty enforcement. The faceoff will be conducted in Team A’s attacking zone.
Play 4, Faceoff after Misconduct: In an even-strength situation, an end zone faceoff is set up in Team A’s attacking zone. Before the puck is dropped, a misconduct penalty is assessed to player A9. Where is the faceoff? Ruling: The faceoff will be at the neutral zone spot outside Team A’s attacking zone.
Play 5, Faceoff When Misconduct Penalty Assessed: During the play, a referee assesses Player A14 a misconduct penalty. The puck goes out of play in the neutral zone and the official blows the whistle. Where is the faceoff? Ruling: Given that the on-ice strength is not altered, the faceoff will be at the nearest neutral zone faceoff spot.
Play 6, Minor and Misconduct Assessed: Team B is assessed a minor penalty. Before the puck is dropped, a Team A player is assessed a misconduct penalty. Ruling: Because the misconduct will not affect on-ice strength, the faceoff will be in Team A’s attacking zone.
Play 7, Four-on-Four Situation, Misconduct Assessed: Players of both teams are assessed a minor penalty at the same stoppage of play, which results in a faceoff in Team A’s attacking zone. Before the puck is dropped, Player A5 is assessed a misconduct penalty. Where is the faceoff? Ruling: The faceoff will be at the nearest neutral zone spot outside of Team A’s attacking zone.
Play 8, Faceoff after penalty: Player B7 takes a delayed minor penalty in Team A’s attacking zone. During the play, a referee notices Player A20 is on the ice with an apparent injury. The official blows the whistle for the injury. Ruling: Because a penalty is being enforced that will create a power play, the faceoff will be in Team A’s attacking zone. The injured player must be removed from play.
Play 9, Change of Players During Icing: Team A ices the puck. During the icing, Player A20 takes a minor penalty. Is Team A allowed to change its players? Ruling: Yes. By rule, if the on-ice strength is altered as a result of a penalty, both teams shall be allowed to change players.
Play 10, Change of Players During Icing: Team A ices the puck. After the whistle is blown for the icing, Player A14 is on the ice with an apparent injury. Ruling: Player A14 may be replaced, but all other Team A players must remain.
Play 11, Obtainable Pass: When enforcing the obtainable pass rule, does the puck have to remain on the ice the pass to be deemed receivable? Ruling: Yes. In the case where the puck bounces over the intended recipient’s stick, icing shall be enforced.
Play 12, Delayed Offside – Puck Shot On Goal: With several teammates inside the attacking zone, defenseman A44 attempts to keep the puck in the zone at the point. However, the puck leaves the zone. A44 shoots the puck on net. Goalkeeper B31 deflects the puck with the blocker out of play. Ruling: The faceoff will be at the nearest neutral zone spot outside Team A’s attacking zone for the offside infraction.
Play 13, Shootouts: In a non-conference game, the two teams agree before the game to use a shootout if the game ends in a tie after the five-minute overtime. Is this legal? Ruling: Yes. For NCAA selection and record keeping purposes, this game will be considered a tie. It is recommended that the teams make this determination at least 24 hours before the game and notify the game officials. This decision must be made and officials notified before the start of the warm-up.

Faceoff Location When Assessing a Penalty – Exceptions to End Zone Faceoff
There are two exceptions to the committee’s rule change that is intended to start power plays in the non-offending team’s attacking zone. All faceoffs after a goal is scored and at the start of a period will take place at center ice, regardless of on-ice strength.

Hooking/Slashing
With the increased emphasis on protecting the puck carrier, it is important to remember that there are legal defensive tactics that may be used. According to Rule 6-26, Hooking (Page HR-73), it is legal to temporarily lift an opponent’s stick to obtain the puck or prevent the opponent from playing the puck. It is not legal, however, to hold the stick in the reverse position or to knock the stick from possession of the opposing player.

Equipment Violations
As a reminder, goalkeeper equipment, zippered/ripped pants and back-up goalkeepers wearing helmets on the bench are not violations that may be challenged by the opposing team. Violations of these rules are to be handled directly by the on-ice officials with the exception of goalkeeper equipment, which should be reported to the conference office.

Editorial Clarifications
Clarification of Rule 4-9, A.R. 1 on Page HI-13: This faceoff should take place in the non-offending team’s attacking zone. For reference, the pre-season guidance memorandum included the following play:
Rule 6-15, A.R. 12 (HI-17): Team A ices the puck. During the icing, B12 slashes a Team A player and the referee calls the infraction. FACEOFF: Team A’s attacking zone. In this situation, the icing infraction is ignored and the enforcement of the penalty takes precedence.
Clarification of Rule 6-15, A.R. 8 on page HI-17: This faceoff should be in the neutral zone.

2008 Rules and Officiating Video
For additional clarification, please be sure to view the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules and Officiating video, which was mailed to each institution and conference office. The rules video may also be viewed and downloaded at the following link:
http://web1.ncaa.org/web_video/ice_hockey/2008_ih_rules.html

NIHOA 2009 ANNUAL MEETING - MARCH 28 - MANCHESTER, NH

NIHOA ELECTION OF OFFICERS - An election for the positions of President, 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President of the Association will be held at the 2009 annual meeting. A member of the Association having been elected by his/her chapter as a Director may be a candidate for these positions. Those interested in becoming a candidate must forward their intention, along with resume, to NIHOA’s Secretary-Treasurer prior to January 25, 2009.