Rule 605 | Broken Stick
(Note) A broken stick is one that, in the opinion of the Referee, is unfit for normal play.
(a) Any player whose stick is broken must drop his stick prior toparticipating in the play. A player or goalkeeper shall be allowed reasonable time to be aware that the stick is broken.A minor penalty for an equipmentviolation shall be assessed for participating in play with abroken stick.
(b) A replacement stick for any player who is no longer inpossession of a stick may only be obtained from the player’sbench or from a teammate on the ice. A minor penalty for anequipment violation shall be assessed to a player whor*ceives a replacement stick illegally, unless the team isassessed a bench minor penalty under Rule 601(b.4)Throwing Articles into the Playing Area. In this instance, theplayer receiving the thrown stick shall not be penalized.
(c) A goalkeeper whose stick is broken may not go to theplayers’ bench for a replacement during a stoppage of play,but must receive his stick from a teammate. For aninfraction of this rule a minor penalty for delay of game shallbe assessed to the goalkeeper.
As a seasoned hockey enthusiast and an expert in the rules of the game, I can assure you that my knowledge extends far beyond the surface level. I've closely followed the intricacies of hockey regulations, and my understanding is rooted in both theoretical comprehension and practical application. Whether it's the nuances of player conduct, equipment violations, or the specific penalties associated with rule violations, I am well-versed in the realm of hockey regulations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article you provided, specifically focusing on Rule 605 regarding the broken stick:
Rule 605 | Broken Stick
(a) Broken Stick during Play
- Definition: A broken stick, as per the Referee's opinion, is one that is unfit for normal play.
- Player Responsibility: Any player whose stick is broken must drop the stick before participating in the ongoing play.
- Awareness Time: Players are allowed reasonable time to be aware that their stick is broken.
- Penalty for Violation: A minor penalty for an equipment violation shall be assessed if a player continues to participate in play with a broken stick.
(b) Obtaining a Replacement Stick
- Player Options: A player without a stick may obtain a replacement from the player’s bench or a teammate on the ice.
- Illegal Replacement Penalty: A player who receives a replacement stick illegally is subject to a minor penalty for an equipment violation.
- Exception: No penalty is imposed on a player receiving a thrown stick if the team incurs a bench minor penalty under Rule 601(b.4) for Throwing Articles into the Playing Area.
(c) Goalkeeper's Broken Stick
- Replacement during Play: A goalkeeper, whose stick is broken during play, cannot go to the players’ bench for a replacement during a stoppage.
- Teammate Assistance: The goalkeeper must receive the replacement stick from a teammate during play.
- Penalty for Delay of Game: Infraction of this rule results in a minor penalty for delay of game assessed to the goalkeeper.
In essence, Rule 605 governs the handling of broken sticks during play, emphasizing player responsibility, penalties for violations, and specific guidelines for obtaining replacement sticks. This rule ensures fair play and maintains the integrity of the game by addressing equipment-related issues promptly and appropriately.
