Rule 5.3 - Linespersons

Rule 5.3 - Linespersons

  1. Linespersons are authorized to stop the play when:

    1. An off-side situation arises.
    2. An icing the puck situation arises.
    3. There has been premature entry into the face-off circle.
    4. The puck goes outside the playing area.
    5. The puck is interfered with by an ineligible person.
    6. The puck has been batted with the hand from one player to a teammate and it has become obvious the Referee has not seen the infraction.
    7. The puck has been struck with a high stick and it has become obvious the Referee has not seen the infraction.
    8. There are too many players on the ice. If it is a delayed penalty, the Linesperson will stop play when the offending team gains possession and control of the puck, but the Linespersons will NOT raise their arm in this situation.
    9. The goal has been displaced from its normal position and the Referee has not observed this situation. The Linesperson will follow the guidelines specified in Interpretation 1 of this rule and in Rule 10.1 - Delay of Game (Interpretation 1).
    10. There has been a premature substitution of a goaltender.
    11. The Referee is injured or accidentally leaves the ice, preventing them from performing their duties.
    12. It is obvious that a player has sustained a serious injury and the Referee has not seen this situation

  2. If the Linesperson observes a “Too Many Players Infraction” and the offending team does not have or gain control of the puck, the Linesperson will report this infraction to the Referee at the next stoppage of play.

  3. Linespersons will identify the offender and report to the Referee at the first stoppage, their version of any infraction of the rules which calls for a Minor, Bench Minor or double Minor penalty for Rules: 

    1. 7.1 (a) – Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury
    2. 7.6 (a) – Head Contact (double Minor penalty only)
    3. 7.8 (a) – Kneeing
    4. 7.11 (a) – Instigator & Aggressor
    5. 8.4 (a) – Interference from the Bench
    6. 8.8 (a) – Slew-Footing
    7. 9.1 (a) – Butt-Ending
    8. 9.4 (a) – Spearing
    9. 9.5 (a) – High Sticking – Junior A/Senior (double Minor penalty only)
    10. 10.1 (a) – Delay of Game
    11. 10.4 (a) – Leaving the Players’ or Penalty Bench
    12. 10.5 (a) – Throwing or Shooting Stick or Object
    13. 10.6 (a) – Illegal Equipment
    14. 10.7 (a) – Too Many Players
    15. 11.1 (a) – Unsportsmanlike Conduct

  4. Linespersons will identify the offender and report to the Referee at the first stoppage, their version of any infraction of the rules that calls for a Major, Match, Misconduct, Game Misconduct, or Gross Misconduct penalty.

  5. Linespersons will, when requested by the Referee, give their version of any incident that may have taken place during the game.

INTERPRETATIONS

Interpretation 1

Rule 5.3 (a) 

Linespersons are to stop play when more than the correct number of players are on the ice, but must still follow the regular procedure for calling penalties. If the offending team has control of the puck, the Linespersons will stop play immediately; however, if the offending team does not have control, it then becomes a delayed call. In both situations, the Linespersons must report the infraction to the Referee at the first stoppage of play.

Note 1: There is no signal that the Linespersons should use in the delayed penalty situation 

Interpretation 2

Rule 5.3 (c) 

A Linesperson cannot award a Penalty Shot where a player is fouled from behind on a breakaway in the neutral or attacking zone and the Referee has not observed the infraction. 

Interpretation 3

Rule 5.3 (c)

A Linesperson is about to report a penalty (Minor, Bench Minor, double Minor, Major, Misconduct, Game Misconduct, Gross Misconduct or Match), but before they do so, the offending team scores a goal. What procedure does the Referee follow?

RULING:

The Referee washes out the goal, as the infraction occurred before the goal was scored. Linespersons do not stop play, but must wait for the first stoppage of play to report their version to the Referee. Therefore, if the infraction occurs before the goal is scored, this infraction will be pointed out to the Referee who would wash out the goal and assess the penalty. 

Interpretation 4

Rule 5.3 (c) 

A Linesperson cannot report a Checking from Behind infraction that calls for a Minor penalty and Game Misconduct.