Can a game be played on a rink that does not adhere to USA Hockey’s recommended dimensions or on an ice surface that does not adhere to the proper ice markings?

Yes. Rule Reference Section 1.

Although rinks that do not adhere to USA Hockey’s

recommended dimensions may not be eligible to host state, district or national tournament games, the spirit and intent of the rule is to allow the game to be played as long as the rink is in good condition and provides a safe playing environment.

During a scramble around the goal, the back end of the goal frame is accidentally lifted off the ice for a brief moment, but the goal posts remain properly positioned on the goal line. The moment the back of the goal lifts off the ice, a pass from behind the goal goes under the goal frame and directly out in front of the goal and an attacking player legally shoots the puck into the goal. Is the goal considered to be legal?

No. Rule Reference 103(b).

It is not necessary for the Referee to blow the whistle every time the goal frame momentarily lifts off the ice while the posts are in the proper position. However, it is not reasonable to allow a pass to take place that goes under the goal frame that has been lifted. In this instance, play should be stopped and a last play face-off occur.

For icing purposes, how high does the goal line extend?

Indefinitely. Rule References 103(a) and 624(Note).

The goal line extends horizontally across the entire width of the rink and visibly up the side boards. Vertically, the goal line extends as high as the puck can travel.

Is the two inch thickness of the red goal line considered to be a part of the goal line?

Yes. Rule Reference 103(a) and 624 (Note).

The thickness of the goal line is considered to be a part of the line. In order for a goal to be allowed or Icing to be called, the entire puck must completely cross the edge closest to the end boards.

Do the principles of the goal line and goal crease apply to the cross-ice goal line and crease in the same manner?

Yes. Rule Reference 103(a) and 104(a).

If used, the cross-ice goal lines and crease would be handled the same way as the rule applying to the regular goal line and crease.

Is the two inch red line outlining the goal crease considered to be a part of the goal crease?

Yes. Rule Reference 104(a).

The goal crease area includes the space bounded by the outside edges of the semi-circular crease lines.

How is the “goal crease” to be interpreted if playing a game in an arena with a different goal crease design?

All rulings must be made based on the USA Hockey standard crease. Rule Reference 104(a).

In many rinks, there may also be creases marked that are different from the USA Hockey goal crease. In situations where the USA Hockey crease is not outlined, the official will need to mentally outline where the USA Hockey crease would be if properly marked. In many cases, only a truncated version of the crease is shaded blue, but the edges of the USA hockey crease are still marked with a red line. This area must be considered part of the crease even though it may not be shaded blue.

Does the goalkeeper’s Privileged Area include the area behind the goal line?

Yes. Rule Reference 104(b).

The goalkeeper’s Privileged Area extends to the closer end boards.