INTERPRETATIONS

Interpretation 1

Rule 4.12 (a)

The determining factor for this rule is that the puck must be in the neutral or attacking zone not the player in possession and control of the puck, or their skates. Any such infraction taking place after the puck is in the neutral or attacking zone will result in an Awarded Goal. Any such action taking place before the puck is in the neutral or attacking zone will be dealt with the appropriate Minor, Major, or Match penalty.

Interpretation 2

Rule 4.12 (a)(b) 

A goal may be awarded goaltender has been substituted for but is still physically on the ice.

Interpretation 3

Rule 4.12 (a)(b) 

What happens if, in the course of being substituted for another player, the goaltender throws their stick at the puck carrier who has no other player (except the goaltender) between the goal and themselves and the puck is in the neutral or attacking zone of the player on a breakaway?

RULING:

If the goaltender is still on the ice and not yet substituted for an extra attacker, a Minor penalty will be assessed to them if the player is in the neutral zone and the stick has been thrown from the side. The Referee will not award a goal under Rule 10.5 (a) – Throwing or Shooting Stick or Object. If the goaltender throws the stick from behind the player who is on a breakaway, and that player is fouled from behind and thus prevented from having a clear, unimpeded shot on goal, a Penalty Shot will be awarded, even if the player is in the neutral or attacking zone under Rule 4.11 (a) – Penalty Shots. If the puck or puck carrier is in the attacking zone (defending zone of the goaltender), a Penalty Shot will be awarded under Rule 10.5 (a) – Throwing or Shooting Stick or Object. 

If the goaltender has already been legally substituted for within the 3.05 m (10 ft.) limit, the Referee will award a goal.

Interpretation 4

Rule 4.12 (a)(b) 

The goaltender is on the ice but away from their goal crease. A player of the opposing team takes possession and control of the puck and shoots it towards the open goal. As the puck is about to enter the open goal, a defending player knocks the goal off its moorings. Do you award a goal?

RULING:

No. No goal may be awarded as the goaltender is on the ice and has not been legally substituted for.

Interpretation 5

Rule 4.12 (a)(b) 

A goaltender in the act of proceeding to their Players’ Bench deliberately places their stick or any portion thereof across the goal crease.

QUESTION:

What happens if the opposing team shoots the puck which hits the stick, preventing a goal;

a)  While the goaltender is still in the act of leaving the ice?

b)  When the goaltender is off the ice (or legally substituted for within the 3.05 m (10 ft.) limit)? 

ANSWER:

a) A Penalty Shot will be awarded, as the goaltender is still on the ice.

b) A goal will be awarded.

Interpretation 6

Rule 4.12 (a)(b) 

A team has removed their goaltender in favour of an extra player. With the goaltender off the ice, an opponent, who has control of the puck in their attacking zone, shoots the puck towards the open goal. Subsequently, a defending player deliberately pulls or knocks the goal off its moorings, preventing a goal.

RULING:

Award a goal. 

GUIDELINES:

1.  The goal must be taken off its moorings.

2.  The shot must be taken from anywhere on the ice and go into the area normally occupied by the goal.

Note 1: If no shot is taken, or if the puck did not go into the area normally occupied by the goal, then no goal may be awarded. Where there is no goal awarded for this action, Rule 10.1 (a) - Delay of Game - must be applied.

Interpretation 7

Rule 4.12 (a)(b) 

The goaltender has been removed and an opposing player gains possession and control of the puck on a breakaway in the neutral or attacking zone. The puck is knocked off the stick of the player in control by a stick thrown by a defending player. The attacking player is not interfered with and could regain possession of the puck easily.

QUESTION:

Should the Referee stop play immediately and award a goal, or permit play to continue and only award a goal if the attacking player fails to score?

ANSWER:

Stop play immediately (regardless of whether the stick makes contact) and award the goal.