10.2 CH Protocols - GOALTENDER STOPPAGES, & RESPECT
If a goaltender stops the play, he is to be given the opportunity to freely move the puck (a distance of up to 3 feet) “by hand or stick” to a player on his own team.
The receiving skater should then be allowed to move the puck without opposition directly behind their own net. Note: Once the puck has been moved behind the goal, fore checking by the opposing team is permitted after a 3 second grace period.
At any stoppage of play, all opposing players must remain a minimum of 2 feet above the goaltenders crease for the duration of the 3 second grace period, or until the puck has been moved past the goal line.
The fore checking player MAY traverse from right to left on the ice surface, but cannot proceed forward until the 3 second grace period has expired.
If the play (at any time) proceeds any distance ahead of the goal line (whether via a goaltender's pass and/or any skater) the opposing team may immediately commence their attempts to retrieve the puck.
10.2b IN THE SCRAMBLE - DON'T WHACK AND HACK AT THE PUCK!
If a goaltender is down and reaching for a puck, please do not hack and jab at them to create havoc in the crease. The netminders are never to be pushed or driven into their nets at any time. Remember its rec hockey and we don't want anyone getting hurt through reckless behaviour.
However, if the goaltender does not have control of the puck - it should still be considered in play. The point here is to be in control of your stick and actions at all times.
10.2c RUNNING THE GOALTENDER
Though incidental contact between a player and goaltender sometimes is unavoidable, any player who purposefully runs into (or through) a goaltender may be subject to discipline (including suspension and or expulsion from the group).
* Players ARE NOT PERMITTED to use the momentum of their bodies to carry the puck into the net. Not only will this always be considered a no goal situation, the play may be scrutinized by the convener as a goalie run (a suspend able action). Don't do it!
* Defending players ARE NOT TO PUSH OR CHECK ANYONE INTO THEIR GOALIE - EVER!
*Sportsmanship! If a collision happens between you and the goaltender, it is ALWAYS looked more favorably upon if the player stops to determine if the goalie is "ok", followed by an apology and tap on the pads. The optics of this will substantiate the players intent and concern for person's well being.
