New Standard of Play - Letter from the President of USA Hockey

from usahockey.com

September 6, 2006

Dear Friends,

Another hockey season is underway and, understandably, we’ve received a wide range of comments regarding USA Hockey’s new Standard of Play and Rules Enforcement initiative being implemented throughout the country in 2006-07.

This new initiative does not change any rules, but does change the way our current rules will be called by referees in relation to hooking, holding, tripping and interference.

With the new standards, players will be rewarded offensively and defensively for their use of speed, skill, and strength.

This initiative – embraced by all levels of hockey including the National Hockey League, the International Ice Hockey Federation and the National Collegiate Athletic Association – will take patience and perseverance.

Much like raising a family (and at USA Hockey we have a big family), there will be growing pains. We WILL, however, stay the course.

The end result will be a game that is far more enjoyable to both play and watch.

While there are many opinions on this new initiative, I share with you the one below from Mike Modano, one of the greatest American players to ever play our game.

“Encouraging skill and speed through rules enforcement was a positive step forward in the NHL last season and it’s great to see USA Hockey implementing that same standard throughout the country in youth hockey. It will only lead to a better game for everyone involved.”

Please help us in carrying the positive message forward, and be sure to watch the new Standard of Play and Rules Enforcement video online (click here for Standard of Play and Rules Enforcement's home page). Together we will make our great game even better.

Sincerely,
Ron DeGregorio, President
USA Hockey

• Standards of Play Video (QUICKTIME) (29 Mb, .mov)
• Q&A with USA Hockey President Ron DeGeregorio
• 2006-07 New Standard of Play and Rules Emphasis