Rule 304 - Protective Equipment

Shall the Referee assess a misconduct penalty to a player who participates in play with their helmet strap fastened, but loose enough as to be deemed not in the manner in which it was intended?

The Referee would direct the player off the ice and warn the team. Rule References 304(c) and 304(g).

The helmet strap is intended to be worn with one finger width between the strap and the chin. If worn improperly, the player must be ruled off the ice until corrected and the team is issued their warning. For a subsequent violation by any player on the same team, a misconduct penalty is  assessed.

Rule 613 - Face Off Procedures

The official is set to drop the puck which is accidentally knocked out of their hand by a player taking the face-off. What procedure does the official follow?

The Official conducting the face-off stops play immediately. Rule References 613(a) and 503(c).

If the Official feels the action was deliberate, a misconduct or game misconduct penalty should be assessed to the offending player.

If deemed to be an accident, the offending player is removed from the face-off.

 Rule 616 - Fouled from Behind

What criteria must be met in order for a penalty shot to be assessed when a player on a breakaway is fouled from behind by an opponent?

1) The fouled player has control of the puck.
2) The fouled player is beyond their Defending Zone.
3) The fouled player has no opponent to pass except the goalkeeper.
4) The fouled player is fouled from behind (beyond their peripheral vision).
5) The fouled player has been denied a reasonable scoring opportunity.

This includes situations where the foul committed has denied the fouled player the ability to make a reasonable attempt to score.

Rule References 616(Note 1 and Note 2).

All of these criteria need to be met in order to award a penalty shot. If one or more are not met, then the appropriate penalty shall be assessed in the normal manner.