Rule 6.18 – Goaltender Safety

In categories of U13 and below should a Goaltender be struck in the head by the puck the Referee shall stop play as soon as it is safe to do so, unless the puck deflects directly into the goal, in which case the goal shall be allowed. If no goal has been scored by an immediate deflection off the goaltender, play will be stopped, and the resulting face-off shall take place at the nearest end-zone face-off location to where the shot was taken.

Officials should always allow team staff to evaluate the goaltender during a stoppage under this rule (if necessary) to allow for concussion protocols be applied.

INTERPRETATIONS

Interpretation 1

To determine if a goal is allowed when the puck ‘deflects’ into the goal after striking the goaltender’s head, it is best for the Referee to abstain from blowing the whistle immediately. The puck may deflect off the goaltender’s head directly into the goal or subsequently the goal frame and then directly into the goal, granted the puck has not been contacted by any other player of either team, prior to entering the goal. As soon as a player from either team contacts the puck after it has struck the goaltender’s head, the whistle may be blown and any goal scored after such contact shall be disallowed.

Interpretation 2

Rule 6.18 – Goaltender Safety

For the purpose of this rule the reference to the goaltender’s head refers to the protective mask / helmet and does NOT include any throat protectors that may be affixed to or hanging from the mask or helmet.