From:
Marcel Redekop, Officer, Hockey Canada, Chair Officiating Committee
Vernon Doyle, Referee-in-Chief, Hockey Canada

Please ensure that this Bulletin is given the widest possible distribution, especially at all development clinics.

The 2010 – 2011 Rules Emphasis has been approved by the Hockey Canada Board of Directors, and mandates that all Hockey Canada participants are to adhere to these guidelines. The enforcement of this rules standard in our game will continue to allow for improved skill development and positive hockey experiences.

The mission of Hockey Canada is clear; the game will be enhanced through the application of the standard of enforcement and rules emphasis.

RULES EMPHASIS:

CHECKING TO THE HEAD – (contact physically or with a stick to another players’ head area).

Please ensure that this Bulletin is given the widest possible distribution, especially at all development clinics. The 2010 – 2011 Rules Emphasis has been approved by the Hockey Canada Board of Directors, and mandates that all Hockey Canada participants are to adhere to these guidelines. The enforcement of this rules standard in our game will continue to allow for improved skill development and positive hockey experiences. The mission of Hockey Canada is clear; the game will be enhanced through the application of the standard of enforcement and rules emphasis. RULES EMPHASIS • CHECKING TO THE HEAD – (contact physically or with a stick to another players’ head area). Deliberate checks to the head remain to be a major problem in today's game. Concussions not only deprive players of playing time, they end players' careers and can have long term effects. HOCKEY CANADA Action Bulletin d’action 2 Checks to the Head demonstrate a lack of respect and fair play and must be penalized. Any moderate or severe blow to the head must be penalized with a Minor Penalty and Misconduct or a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct. Checking to the Head incidents result in our players suffering concussions and other more severe head injuries which is having a major impact on our game. A Match penalty could also be assessed under this rule. The appropriate Checking to the Head penalty must be assessed in all situations where players deliberately target the head of their opponent. Aggressive fouls that have severe consequences for players who are on the receiving end of these undisciplined fouls. These types of infractions cannot and must not be tolerated at anytime throughout the game, no exceptions. Whether it is elbowing, high sticking, roughing or cross-checking, hits to the head are an intentional act of violence and must be treated with zero tolerance on the part of the official at all times. We ALL play a role in supporting the improvement of our game. All partners must demonstrate awareness and support for the application, spirit and the respect of the rules. If you have any questions regarding the standard of play or rules emphasis for this season, please contact your Branch Referee-in-Chief for further clarification. Yours in hockey, Marcel Redekop Chairman, Officiating Committee