A Linesman has dropped the puck during a Neutral Zone face-off and as they back away is accidentally tripped. As a result, they are unable to determine from which zone the puck was shot for icing purposes. Who determines the outcome of the play?
Their partner. Rule References 503(a).
It is the responsibility of the other Linesman to cover for their partner while they are out of position and they should have good overall awareness of the situation to make the proper call.
In conducting an end zone face-off, whose responsibility is it to blow the whistle for the first premature entry into the circle by a player who is positioned behind the Linesman conducting the face-off?
The back Linesman is responsible for stopping the play for encroachment of players behind their partner’s back. Rule References 503(b) and 613.
The Referee will only get involved if a penalty needs to be assessed for delay of game or if encroachment continues to be a problem and their presence will assist the players in maintaining their proper position.
In conducting an end zone face-off, whose responsibility is it to blow the whistle for the first premature entry into the circle by a player who is facing the Linesman who is conducting a face-off?
The Linesman who is conducting the face-off blows the whistle to stop play for encroachment in this instance. Rule References 503(b) and 613.
The Referee will only get involved if a penalty needs to be assessed for delay of game or if encroachment continues to be a problem and their presence will assist the players in maintaining their proper position.
The Referee is caught behind the play. The Linesman who is covering for them skates deep into the Attacking Zone with the play and positions themself beside the goal to observe the outcome of the play. A goal is scored which is not observed by the Referee. What procedure does the Linesman employ?
The Linesman shall signal the goal. Rule Reference 503(c.6) and Signals.
The Linesman shall signify the scoring of the goal by pointing to the goal and blowing the whistle to stop play. The Referee must be aware of the situation and respond accordingly.
On the delayed calling of a penalty, who has the responsibility for watching the exchange of players if a team substitutes for the goalkeeper?
The Linesman. Rule Reference 503(c.8).
The Linesman will stop play after witnessing the premature substitution and the offending team has gained possession and control of the puck.
If a Linesman sees that a team has too many players on the ice, should they raise their arm to signal a delayed penalty?
No. Rule Reference 503(d).
They should stop the play when the offending team gains possession of the puck. No delayed signal is given by the Linesman for any penalty they may observe.
May a Linesman call a penalty shot where a player is fouled from behind on a breakaway and the Referee has not observed the infraction?
No. Rule Reference 503(e).
They must give their version of a potential penalty shot infraction to the Referee at the next stoppage of play.
The Team A coach verbally abuses the Linesman, an infraction calling for a bench minor penalty, but for which the Linesman cannot stop play. What signal, if any, is given by the Linesman and what procedures do they follow?
No signal is given. Rule Reference 503(e).
The Linesman cannot stop play for this infraction. They must report the infraction to the Referee at the next stoppage of play.
What constitutes an “injury potential penalty?”
An aggressive foul that recklessly endangers or has the potential to cause injury to an opponent. Rule References 503(e) and Glossary.
The determining factor as to whether or not an infraction is an “injury potential infraction” is the penalty infraction itself. An injury to a player or goalkeeper is not a necessary requirement for a penalty to be classified as an “injury potential penalty.” Any action that “recklessly endangers” an opponent could be considered under this guideline.
What guidelines should be followed by the Linesman when determining whether or not to report an infraction that has occurred behind the play?
The infraction must: 1) constitute an “injury potential” penalty (see Glossary), 2) occur behind the play, and 3) have been unobserved by the Referee. Rule References 503(e) and Glossary.
The Linesman does not stop play for these infractions, but reports to the Referee at the next normal stoppage of play. The Referee has the final decision as to whether a penalty is assessed.
Good teamwork and communication between the Referee and Linesmen is necessary in order for the officiating team to be successful. Part of this teamwork is trust and confidence in your partner(s). The chances are good that if the Linesman feels strong enough to report the incident to the Referee at the stoppage of play, the action warrants the assessment of the proper penalty. The attitude of “I didn’t see it, so I am not going to call it” does not give proper respect to the game, the officiating team or hold the player(s) accountable for their actions.
