The teams will test a Centre Line Off-
Side rule, which CIHA has implemented
in the past during the International
World Inline Cup events. This rule does
not permit a player to pass the puck
over the red line into the offensive
zone to a teammate. The puck must be
carried over the red line and then can
be passed. A player is still permitted
to cross the red line prior to the
puck, but a pass cannot be made to the
player from the defensive zone over the
red line to a teammate. In many cases
this rule creates more speed to the
game because the players re-group in
the neutral zone for puck support and a
quick transition, instead of a long
pass from one end to the other to a
stationary player.
The second rule to be tested is a
clearing rule (icing), which is simply
having the face-off return to the
defensive zone if a pass is attempted
but not touched by a teammate prior to
crossing the far goal line. This rule
could eliminate the player from just
shooting the puck the length of the
rink without attempting to make a more
creative play.
Finally a “tag-up” rule while on a
Power Play will be tested during the
weekend event. This rule requires the
entire team on a Power Play to tag-up
(everyone must be tagged up before re-
entering the offensive zone), if the
defending team (team on penalty kill)
clears the puck over the red
line.
The intent of these rule changes is to
determine if better skilled players
will be developed because of these
changes and that spectators will
perceive a higher entertainment value
by allowing more strategy to be
implemented.
The team General Managers will
determine if the new rules will be
implemented for the 2003 season
immediately following the Early Bird
Tournament.
These rules already exist in some
international events and the GLi are
attempting to provide a more
entertaining game and develop more
skilled players as a result.
For more information contact the CIHA
office:
mswayze@canadianinlinehockey.com
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