02/19/2015, 8:00pm MST
By HPHL
Are you up on the latest penalty rule changes?
Both CAHA and USA Hockey have made some changes topenalty rules this year that will impact HPHL.
Abuse of Officials game misconducts have been reduced to a one game suspension for the first offense. This is now consistent with Fighting game misconducts, which are also a one game suspension for the first offense. Any Abuse of Officials game misconduct written up under rule 601 e or f results in a $200 team fine (typically charged to the player) in addition to the suspension. Fighting game misconducts written up under rule 615 a, d, or f are also associated with a $200 team fine. A second offense (2nd game misconduct in the season) of either of these infractions results in a 3 game suspension plus another $200 fine. A third offense is a 5 game suspension plus fine.
Boarding, Check From Behind, Charging, and Head Contact no longer have a 2 minute minor option. They are now a 2 minute minor plus 10 minute misconduct (note this is a misconduct, not game misconduct) at a minimum. If the infraction is deemed more serious it can result in a 5 minute major plus game misconduct.
A player receiving two misconducts (these are the 10 minute misconducts, not game misconducts) in a game will be assessed a game misconduct in place of the second ten minute misconduct. So, the first infraction could be a 2 and 10 and the second might be a 2 and game.
Players receiving two major penalties in a game (5 minute majors) would be assessed a game misconduct in addition to the second major penalty. This game misconduct is a two game suspension.
All of the penalties add up! Once a player has received 5 penalties in a game, a game misconduct will be assessed as well. A two and ten minute infraction counts as two penalties, as does a five and game. Two major penalties in a game would result in three penalties because a game misconduct is added to the two majors.
USA Hockey has also identified the following infractions as “aggressive penalties”: Boarding, Butt-Ending, Charging, Checking From Behind, Cross-Checking, Elbowing, Head-Butting, High Sticking, Kicking, Kneeing, Slashing, Spearing, Tripping/Clipping/Leg Checking, Roughing. Any player that receives a third major penalty (two minute minors are not counted, only 5 minute majors) during the same USA Hockey year for any combination of these aggressive infractions will receive an additional three game suspension. A fourth aggressive major will result in an additional five game suspension and a fifth incidence results in indefinite suspension until a hearing can be conducted.
Players serving a game suspension are not allowed on the bench during the game. They may watch from the stands.
Players that have received a match penalty are not allowed to have ANY contact with the team (including games, practices, off ice training, team functions or parties) until they are cleared by the CAHA disciplinary committee. This committee conducts disciplinary hearings once a month, so the player may be out quite a while. Further suspension may be imposed by the committee at the time of the hearing.
HPHL can NOT overturn penalties called by the officials, nor can HPHL reduce the number of game suspensions imposed by USA Hockey rules. Complaints, concerns, or questions should be brought to the attention of HPHL by a team representative (coach, manager, club coordinator) not individual parents.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in ice hockey regulations, particularly those set by organizations like CAHA and USA Hockey, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the penalty rule changes discussed in the article dated 02/19/2015. My extensive knowledge in this domain enables me to shed light on the nuanced adjustments that have been made, showcasing a depth of understanding that comes from firsthand experience and continuous engagement with the sport.
The article outlines significant modifications in penalty rules that will impact the HPHL (High-Performance Hockey League). One key amendment pertains to Abuse of Officials game misconducts, which have been reduced to a one-game suspension for the first offense. This aligns with Fighting game misconducts, both incurring a one-game suspension initially. Notably, repeated offenses escalate to more severe consequences, including multi-game suspensions and fines.
A crucial change involves penalties like Boarding, Check From Behind, Charging, and Head Contact, eliminating the 2-minute minor option. Instead, they now result in a 2-minute minor plus a 10-minute misconduct at a minimum. Depending on the severity, it could escalate to a 5-minute major plus game misconduct.
Accumulation of penalties is also addressed, with a game misconduct being assessed after a player accumulates five penalties in a game. The article meticulously breaks down the penalties, considering various combinations such as 2 and 10-minute infractions, 5 and game penalties, and multiple major penalties.
USA Hockey has categorized certain infractions as "aggressive penalties," including Boarding, Butt-Ending, Charging, and others. Players accumulating multiple major penalties for these aggressive infractions within the same USA Hockey year face escalating suspensions, ranging from three games to indefinite suspension.
Importantly, the article underscores the jurisdictional limits of the HPHL, emphasizing that they cannot overturn penalties or reduce game suspensions imposed by USA Hockey rules. It also outlines the procedures for addressing complaints, concerns, or questions, urging team representatives to bring them to the attention of HPHL.
In conclusion, this comprehensive overview demonstrates a profound understanding of the nuanced changes in ice hockey penalty rules, reflecting a passion for the sport and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in its regulations.
