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Crashing the Net Rule – Important Reminder

Hello ARL Players;

The ARL Committee and referees want to remind you that player safety and respect for our goaltenders are a high priority in this league. We understand that hockey is a fast paced game and sometimes on ice collisions are difficult to avoid but one area that we can all work to prevent dangerous situations is the instance of cutting hard to the net, through the crease area and colliding with our goaltenders.

Please be reminded of the rule and consider this while playing at all levels of the ARL.

Players DO NOT cut to the net in an aggressive manner – it almost always results in a collision.

We are strongly discouraging players from cutting to the front of the net with the puck in attempt to score. While ‘crashing’ the net may look enticing, there is a strong potential of a high impact collision with the goaltender which may result in injury. This is a play more suited to a league with a higher level of competition. As we have frequently noted, safe and cooperative play is paramount to the ARL mission. Due to the fast pace of the game calls related to this rule will be in the hands of the referees. While there will be no rule AGAINST cutting to the net in attempt to score, if contact is made with the goalie violating players will need to live with the consequences. Players who make incidental contact with the goalie while attempting this play may face a two minute minor penalty at the referees discretion. Players who make direct (not incidental) contact with the goalie while attempting this play will be assessed a five minute major, a game misconduct and a suspension at the discretion of the committee, in consultation with the officiating referees. In the name of consistency, and to be sure this rule is enforced the following penalty structure will be implemented for players violating this rule: First offence, a 5 minute major and a game misconduct, plus a minimum one game suspension. Second offence, a 5 minute major and a game misconduct plus a minimum two game suspension. A third offence will result in expulsion from the league. Once again, we want players to have fun and we want friendly competition in the spirit of the league, but the level of play must exist with an emphasis on player safety.

If you have questions regarding this rule please contact a committee member or your captain for clarification.

Thanks

The ARL Committee