USA Hockey Rules

**NoGoals** · 05-01-2002, 10:48 AM

As a person that has been playing goal the majority of my life, both inline and ice, there are certain things I have come to accept. Like, not being able to take the puck and skate "coast to coast" with it and score. Taking of my blocker and throwing a puck at someone is another thing I have accepted that I can not do.
However, after looking in the USA Hockey rule book, I came across a rule, in both the Ice and Inline versions, that seems to me just random and biased against netminders everywhere.
Can anyone tell me why they have seen fit to make a rule stating that the goaltender can not be the team's captain? I have emailed USA Hockey about this and am awaiting a reply. But if anyone has any ideas why this rule was created, please post it.

**edwardscpslo** · 05-01-2002, 11:08 AM

I can't tell you why that rule is. I just know that it has always been that way. Look at the NHL. I, as a goaltender, have often been the off-ice captain, taking care of business, but leaving the on-ice C to a player. I don't think a goaltender should be the one having discussions with the referees. It would drag out the game if the goalie had to skate back to the crease all the time after discussing a call.

Brennan Edwars
Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League
www.westernregion.net

**NoGoals** · 05-01-2002, 11:52 AM

I agree with you. But riddle me this, if the goaltender is injured and no back up is available, any player is allowed to take over as the temp. goalie, this means the captain too. There was no distinction made there. What would be the difference?

**edwardscpslo** · 05-01-2002, 05:59 PM

then would you have to appoint a temporary captain? or an Assistant Captain becomes the Acting Captain.

**AndrewMacMillan** · 05-01-2002, 06:00 PM

I believe (and do not quote me on this) that according to most rulebooks the goalie cannot cross the blueline unless he/she is going the bench for a substitution. I was penalized as a goalie when I was 10 because I went the bench (in the 2nd period) and got a new stick. It was a 2 minute minor for delay of game or I had to come out of the game for a shift.

If you can't cross the blueline it's pretty hard to go over near the ref's crease to discuss a call.

Again, not positive about the blueline rule though (it was 15 years ago).

apm

**columbus_RHstar** · 05-01-2002, 08:43 PM

If you try to figure out why goalies cant be captain it's very complicated. I am in favor of having goalies be captain. as for crossing the red line it is another pointless rule. if a goalie wants to go that far out and leave the net wide open then let him most likely cost his team a goal.

**Jockey1412** · 05-01-2002, 09:08 PM

Its the redline in rollerhockey, but it is a rule.

**Falcons77** · 05-02-2002, 11:03 AM

The Goalie can be an Alternate and I have seen it many, many times. The main reason, as stated before, that they can not be is that it would slow the game down if a goalie had to skate out to the refs circle all the time. Plus, the goaltender is NOT allowed toward or near the PLAYER BENCH area unless there is a delayed penalty, time out, or between periods, WITHOUT the refs permission. The refs are supposed to WARN the goalie the first time he/she does it, I use it alot to give my tired players more time to recover.

**Rebecca** · 05-02-2002, 09:42 PM

MHPOV and experience:

you are all correct so far, as well as the previous poster who mentioned too much risk for delays of game. This rule originated from ice hockey since goalies have additional safety equipment they can have an advantage in a fighting or checking situation. Goalies are not permitted to take face-offs either (plus the stick is required equipment and is illegal for using at a faceoff), just ask Mike Burke

Rebecca