Rule Change (Update) – Faceoff Violations
Like any corporation, organization or sports franchise, changes and updates must occur to keep the well-oiled machine running.
Two weeks ago, we rolled out a new policy regarding face-off infractions. The concept and intent are good, but the implementation is where the improvements need to occur.
Starting in the second third of the season (this week) we are now going to mimic the NHL faceoffs (and remove the “warning”) part of the Over-30 version. There will no longer be a “3-strikes” rule… it will be reduced to “2-strikes” (per faceoff).
We want this fully implemented before the playoffs, so pay attention.
The Referee’s now have the discretion to toss players out of the faceoff circle for faceoff violations. Another player from the floor (only) can be used to take the draw. Referees are also watching for “jumpers and movers” during the draw.
Faceoff violations include:
- Centerman jumping too early on the draw
- Centerman waived out of the circle
- The replacement centerman commits similar infractions
- Players outside of the circle jumping offsides.
- Players moving laterally (closer to or away from) the face off dot.
All the above violations are prior to the ball dropping and will result in a whistle blowing the play dead and the centerman will be replaced.
A second violation of any kind by the same team during the same face-off shall result in a minor penalty for “Delay of Game” being assessed to the player committing the second violation.
Over-30 Modification… Players without an “C” or “A” are not allowed to debate infractions with the Referee. Players who continue to debate (after being warned) could face an additional penalty at the Referees discretion.
Rule Change (Update) – Delayed Offsides
The Director of “Rules & Regulations” is also revising the “Delayed Offsides” rule.
Currently any ball shot on the opposing teams net during a “delayed offsides” will result in a whistle to blow the play dead. The resulting faceoff will be deep in their own defensive zone.
Starting this week, we are modifying the rule to state;
Any ball shot on the opposing teams net during a “delayed offsides”, the Referees will allow the play to continue, and to allow all the offending offsides attackers (including changes from the bench) to completely clear the zone (aka tag up) before continuing to pursue play in the offensive zone.
The referees will only stop the play and blow the whistle (if) an attacker fails to clear the zone (including bench changes) and continues their attack while making intentional contact with the ball. The resulting faceoff will be deep in their own defensive zone.
However, if the attacking offsides player makes “inadvertent contact” with the ball by either being hit with a clearing attempt and/or an errant shot/pass (by either team)… The resulting faceoff will NOT be deep in their own defensive zone. The faceoff will be just outside the offensive zone.
High Sticking
This one is not a rule change, but maybe an update in the minds of the new players or any of the senile players who might forget.
The Over-30 League follows the old Hockeytown rule when it comes to high sticking.
Last week two players were called for high sticking…. First Patrick Spencer waived at a ball like he was holding a Jai Alai wicker making a play off a high wall, while Jon Brown called for a pass using his stick like an antenna to increase reception.
Any sticks waved about the shoulder (in the Referee’s discretion) shall be called a high-sticking penalty and a double minor (if) blood is drawn.
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