During play, the Referee notices that a player’s skates do not conform to the rules. What procedure must the Referee follow?
At the next stoppage of play, the Referee shall order that player off the ice until the skates have been replaced. Rule Reference 302(a).
Even though the rule states that the player must be ordered off the ice “immediately,” the Referee shall not stop play for this infraction.
During the pre-game warm-up, the Referee notices that a player’s skates do not conform to the rules. Should the Referee order their replacement immediately or should they wait until the player participates in the play?
The skates must be replaced before the player is allowed to play. Rule Reference 302(a).
When the Referee notices the skates are not permissible, it becomes their responsibility to inform the player that the correction must be made.
May a “skater” wear goalkeeper’s skates during play?
No. Rule References 302(a and b).
Goalkeeper’s skates are specifically designed for goalkeeper’s play and cannot be used by a skater.
May an On-Ice Official wear goalkeeper’s skates to officiate a game?
No. Rule References 302(a and b).
Goalkeeper’s skates are specifically designed for goalkeeper’s play and cannot be used by an official.
What action should the Referee take when a “skater’s” skate blade falls out of the skate?
Allow play to continue as long as there is no immediate danger to the skater. Rule Reference 302(a).
A skater will have the ability to move to the players’ bench for a change, even without the steel portion of one skate blade. Therefore, play shall continue unless that skater is in a vulnerable or defenseless position on the ice where multiple players are physically engaged in obtaining possession of the puck.
What action should the Referee take when a “goalkeeper’s” skate blade falls out of the skate?
Keeping safety as the primary consideration, the Referee should stop play whenever the goalkeeper loses a skate blade and is in a vulnerable position UNLESS there is an imminent scoring opportunity in which play should be allowed to continue until the imminent scoring opportunity has passed. Rule Reference 302(a).
