September 1, 2006

NCRHA Fast Face-Off Procedure

(for players and coaches)

This year, all NCRHA games will use a â??fast face-offâ?? procedure. The purpose of the â??fast face-offâ?? procedure is to keep the games moving and allow teams to take advantage of the â??homeâ?? team having the right to the last change to match lines. It is also to cut down on the delaying tactics of centers who skate around â??coachingâ?? their teammates rather than lining up properly for the face-off.

Theoretically, the goal of the procedure is to put the puck back in play within 15 seconds of a typical stoppage, such as the goalie freezing the puck, puck goes out of play, hand pass or high stick, etc. More time will be needed between the stoppage and the ensuing face-off in situations that require such things as the reporting of penalties and goals.

Under this procedure, it is important that the Visiting Team be ready to change players immediately after the stoppage if they wish to do so. It is also important to note that the right of the home team to the last change will be maintained as long as they are able to make such change in an expeditious manner.

The following is an outline of the Fast Face-off Procedure:

1. After a stoppage of play, both refereesâ?? primary responsibility is still to make sure that the players have stopped play and that there are no extra-curricular activities going on.

2. Five seconds after the whistle, the referee not conducting the face-off shall be in a position to observe the visiting teamâ??s bench and coaching staff, allowing them no more than five seconds to complete their line change.

3. Once the Visiting Team makes their change, or once it appears to the referee that they are not going to make any changes, the referee signals the end of the change by raising one arm, hand slightly in front of and above the head towards the Visiting Team bench.

4. The referee then faces the Home Team bench with the arm still raised, indicating that it is now time for the home team to change lines and allowing them no more than 5 seconds in which to do so.

5. Once the Home Team completes their line change, or it appears to the referee that they have no intention of changing lines, the referee drops his or her arm and turns to face the referee conducting the face-off, signifying that the line changes are complete and that the face-off should commence.

6. The referee that will conduct the face-off then immediately blows the whistle and begins a silent 5 second count in his or her head. At this point the referee should do everything in his or her power to get both teams properly lined up for the face-off, and drop the puck within 5 seconds.

a) if one team or the other has not taken their proper positions, or fails to maintain their proper position to take the draw, the referee shall remove the center of the offending team or teams and another player on the surface shall take their place.

b) For a second violation during the same face-off attempt, the referee shall have no choice but to impose a minor penalty for â??delay of gameâ?? on the offending team.

c) If after a warning from the referee the center has not lined up for the face-off, the referee may conduct the face-off without the offending center present.

Notes:

Â· Teams need to change all players they wish to change all at once. They should not be throwing two players on and then waiting 4 seconds to throw another two on.

Â· The teamâ??s right to change is considered complete when the changing players hit the floor. The referee should consider the change complete when the retiring players are closer to the bench than the fresh players (so that the referee knows which players they are replacing).

Â· Coaches and players shall not be permitted to play games with the line changes for the purpose of delaying the game. However, referees will attempt to work with teams and coaches that are legitimately trying to get it right.