During the middle of the first period the timekeeper accidentally blows the horn. What procedure should the On-Ice Officials follow?
Stop play immediately. Rule Reference 109(a and b).
As always, safety is one of our major concerns during all USA Hockey games. Play is dead the instant the horn blows, and the On-Ice Officials must blow their whistles to ensure that all participants are aware of this situation. The ensuing faceoff will be conducted at the last play face-off location.
A goal is scored with one second remaining in the period, but the buzzer sounds to end the period before the timekeeper can stop the clock. The goal is allowed, but should the ensuing face-off take place?
No. Rule References 109(a and b).
It is not necessary for the Referee to conduct the center ice face-off. The players may use the face-off as an opportunity to start an altercation, and the sounding of the buzzer signifies the end of a period.
A face-off occurs with ten seconds remaining in the period. As play begins, one of the On-Ice Officials notices that the clock has not started. Should the Official stop play immediately to remedy the situation.
No. Rule Reference 109(a and b).
As soon as the Official notices that the clock has not started, they must begin counting down the remaining seconds in their head. If they count down to 0:00 and the period should have ended but didn’t, they must stop play to end the period.
If the Official properly counts down to 0:00 in the above situation, but does not stop the play for whatever reason, any goal that has been scored after they count down to 0:00 shall be disallowed.
