USA Hockey InLine
Adopts New Standard of Play
There is a movement going on in the hockey community and
USA Hockey InLine is proud to be a part of it. As many people know, last
season the NHL changed their standard of play and the end result was a
better game for everyone to enjoy. Recently USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine
adopted a similar Standard of Play and Rules Enforcement initiative. This
initiative is also being embraced by the International Ice Hockey Federation
(for both ice and inline hockey), the National Collegiate Athletic
Association and the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association.
Through the new Standard of Play and Rule Enforcement,
our game will continue to allow the opportunity for improved skill
development and a more positive hockey environment for all participants. The
mission of USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine is clear. Through this new
initiative a greater emphasis will be placed on skating, puck possession and
the proper use of the body to establish position and a competitive
advantage.
The goal of the enforcement standard is to reduce
restraining infractions in the game, not to remove legal body contact. Using
body position to gain a competitive advantage over the opponent should not
be penalized as long as it is performed within the rules.
The principles of the new enforcement standard include the following:
