Hi Folks,

Here's an announcement from the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association. Check it out!

***

NCRHA Releases Rules Emphasis Statement
League-Wide Memorandum

January 14, 2005

Over the course of many national events spanning 8 seasons of collegiate roller hockey, the game has continuously developed and changed naturally. Organizationally, weâ??ve gone from 6 disjoined regional leagues to approaching national uniformity through the NCRHA and its 8 member organizations. Through the hiring of a Director of League Operations and National Referee In Chief in addition to our other staff positions, the NCRHA has increased its commitment to making decisions on the national level which can be followed by each region uniformly.

The NCRHA Board of Directors now feels it is time to again make an effort to bring the game where it should be, in many different areas. For these things to be enforced effectively at the national level, they first must be enforced at the regional level. To prepare all teams for national events effectively, weâ??d like you to understand the things the league will expect in the national tournament, and therefore in regional play, beginning immediately.

First, uniform guidelines set forth in the NCRHA Rule Book will be strictly enforced at the national championships. Teams must have identically designed jerseys, with manufacturer logos not to exceed 16 square inches. Logos must be identical, and numbers must be the same color and style. Additionally, teams must have matching pants, having at least the same predominant color for each team. Players without identical uniforms can be removed from games at any time, and not be allowed to return before correcting the issues.

Uniform rules also apply for the equipment of individual players. Players must wear chin straps, must have earpieces in their helmets, and helmets must be HECC certified. HECC certified means that you may not alter the helmet in any way from the way it was purchased and intended. All equipment rules are included in Section 3 of the NCRHA rulebook. It is the responsibility of each team to know these rules, and they will be held accountable at both the regional and national levels.

Additionally, the NCRHA and its Regional League Directors are concerned with the escalating level of body checking occurring during games at both the regional and national levels. We are committed to reversing this trend. Roller Hockey is hockey, and by definition a contact sport. It is recognized that considerable legal body contact will occur, thereby creating a physical sport. However, body checking, the act of using the hip, shoulder or forearm to separate the player from the puck whether on the open floor or against the boards, is against the rules. The NCRHA is committed to providing the opportunity for players to play defense using legal body contact, but is also committed to preventing the illegal checking that has become commonplace.

To combat the rise in checking and to increase the consistency of the officiating across the country, the NCRHA has begun an officiating education campaign. Referees will be given materials and direction by the National and Regional Referees-in-Chief, and will be directed to enforce the current rules against body checking, as well as violent physical infractions such as boarding, cross checking and checking from behind. Physical play used for the purpose of intimidation tends to escalate to dangerous levels and will also not be allowed to remain at current levels. At the same time, stick work will not be permitted to increase.

These actions will be taken for the benefit of the NCRHA as a whole, and the safety of its members. The rules that are on the books will be enforced, and teams will be responsible for the content of the rules and its applications.

Direct any questions directly to your league directors or through the message board at <A HREF="http://www.collegerollerhockey.net/bb" target="_new">http://www.collegerollerhockey.net/bb</A>.

Posted by Brennan Edwards

***

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central