The 2006 – 2007 Rules Emphasis has been approved by the Hockey Canada Board of Directors, and mandates that all Canadian Hockey participants are to adhere to these guidelines.
Through the new standard of the rules enforcement, our game will continue to allow the opportunity for improved skill development and provide positive hockey experiences.
The mission of Hockey Canada is clear; the game will be enhanced through the application of the new standard of enforcement and rules emphasis.
• The stick will not be allowed to in any way impede a player's progress.
• It is imperative that coaches teach the players that the stick can only be used to play the puck.

STANDARD OF PLAY

RESTRAINING FOULS - Hooking/Tripping -Holding/Interference
These penalties are to be called with very strict enforcement.

Hooking/Tripping examples include;
•Tugs or hooks on the body or arms that has in anyway impeded the player.

Locking on
• Hooks causing loss of balance, puck control and position or advantage of position. Tripping of a player will be penalized with a strict enforcement.
•The use of the stick between a player's legs (can-opener/corkscrew) for impeding progress, loss of balance or tripping is to be penalized.

Holding/Interference examples include;
• The use of the free arm/hand to clutch, grab, hold, hold the stick, pin or impede a player is to be penalized.
• Interference of a player will be penalized with a strict enforcement.
• The use of a "pick" or a "block" is no longer permitted.


STICK FOULS
Cross-Checking
Slashing
THE USE OF THE STICK WILL BE LIMITED TO ONLY PLAYING THE PUCK.
• Sticks are not to be used to cross-check or slash opponents, these fouls will be penalized with a strict enforcement.
Cross-Checking/Slashing examples include;
• The use of a stick to slash an opponent's body or hands.
• Cross-checking an opponent will be penalized with a strict enforcement including fouls in front of the net.


RULES EMPHASIS

SHARED RESPECT
The “SHARED RESPECT INITIATIVE” calls for the participants in the game to respect one another. The intent of Hockey Canada is to enforce a standard of play that promotes an exciting and fun game for all its partners. All partners share an equal responsibility to ensure the integrity of the game is upheld. Through this process of change, the onus is not only on our game officials but all its participants.
Positive changes in our great game can only happen through this improved standard of play. We ALL play a role in supporting the improvement of our game.

• CHECKING TO THE HEAD – (contact physically or with a stick to another players’ head area).
Deliberate checks to the head remain to be a major problem in today's game. Concussions not only deprive players of playing time, they end players' careers and can have long term effects.
Checks to the Head demonstrate a lack of respect and fair play and must be penalized. Any moderate or severe blow to the head must be penalized with a Minor Penalty and a Misconduct or a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct for Checking to the Head as concussions and other head injuries are having a major impact on the game. A Match penalty could also be assessed under this rule. These are aggressive fouls and must be called at ALL occurrences during the hockey game, including shorthanded situations.
Whether it is elbowing, high sticking, roughing or cross-checking, hits to the head are an intentional act of violence and must be treated with zero tolerance on the part of the official at all times.


• CHECKING FROM BEHIND
We want to continue to work to eliminate any contact from behind, as the resulting injuries, especially to the head and neck can be catastrophic. It is a dangerous and cowardly act. It is imperative that coaches instruct their players to STOP and eliminate all checking from behind. Strict application of this rule is needed to remove this foul from our game.
It takes teamwork to bring about change. Coaches, managers, officials, owners, trainers, players, parents and administrators must take ownership to affect change regarding the rules emphasis for the 2006 / 07 season. All partners must demonstrate awareness and support for the application, spirit and the respect of the rules.