6.8 LINE CHANGE

6.8                LINE CHANGE PROCEDURE

 

PROCEDURE SUMMARY
• Referee starts procedure as soon as it is safe to do so, after the stoppage of play. Even before the Referee or official gets to the face-off position.
• Looks to visitors’ bench.
• Gives 5 second count to allow for visitor change.
• Raise arm in direction of visitors’ bench.
• Looks to home bench.
• Gives 5 second count to allow home team to change.
• Drops arm to indicate that no further changes will be permitted.

NOTES
• Cooperation, not confrontation will ensure success.
• May use either hand.
• Make eye contact with coach.
• Perform procedure at every stoppage of play.
• Start procedure promptly even if engaged in discussion.

COMMON FAULTS
• Late to start
• No eye contact
• Too nonchalant
• Too mechanical
• Incorrect timing
• Lack of enforcement

VIOLATION PROCEDURE
• Blow whistle.
• Order players back.
• Warn offending team through captain or alternate.
• Penalize 2 infraction by the same team.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A LINE CHANGE?
• 1 to 5 players.
• No player can come onto the ice and then leave.
• There is a common practice of changing the forwards and defensemen separately or at slightly different times. As long as they adhere strictly to the time frame this is perfectly acceptable.