2011-12 USA Hockey Rules Changes and points of emphasis

MAHA has released the 2011-12 USA Hockey rules changes and points of emphasis.  The Coaches information has been updated and anyone interested in the changes may click on the link below to get the PDF of the document.

 Please click here for the 2011-12 USA Hockey rules changes and points of emphasis document


This year the points of emphasis deal with checking -- excerpt from letter below, allow delayed off-sides (tag up) in 14U, and prohibit Body checking in the 12 & under as a part of the progressive Checking Skill Development Program :

Intimidation tactics have no place in ice hockey. These tactics include any contact to the head of the opponent, checking from behind and late avoidable body checks to an opponent who is no longer in possession and control of the puck. Officials are instructed to enforce these rules to a high standard and assess the appropriate penalty when these actions occur. In addition, officials are expected to strictly enforce any avoidable contact occurring after the whistle – including during scrum situations around the goal.

In non-check classifications, legal body contact shall be allowed and players allowed to compete using proper body position skills. However, any deliberate body checks shall be penalized accordingly. If a body check is delivered for the purpose of intimidation, a major penalty should be assessed to the offending player.

In classifications where body checking is allowed, the purpose of the check shall be to separate the opponent from the puck and officials should strictly penalize any illegal actions such as boarding, charging and a late avoidable body check to a player who is no longer in possession and control of the puck.