TO: SHA Executive, Officiating Instructors, Officiating Supervisors, Officials. All Hockey Associations, Senior Leagues, SJHL, PJHL, SMAAAHL.

FROM: James Mays, SHA Referee-in-Chief.

RE: New Rule 3.5 (Goaltender's Equipment)

As you are well aware Hockey Canada has implemented new rules regarding Goaltender's Equipment for the 2009-2010 season. These Rules are designed to reduce the size of Goalie Equipment (Blocker, Trapper and Leg Pads).

These changes have been discussed for at least three years and Branches, Leagues and Associations have been pre-warned of their inclusion in the rules for this season.

The Rule in question is Rule 3.5 Goaltenders Equipment and can be found on page 31 of the Hockey Canada Rule/Case Book. Detailed diagrams of the equipment and the exact measurements can be seen under Appendix B on page 135.

Because of the advanced warning it is the position of Hockey Canada and the SHA that these rules will be enforced when requests for measurements are carried out. Infractions will result in the appropriate penalties as dictated by the rules.

It has however come to our attention that some Leagues may choose to design "Gentlemen's agreements" that would eliminate the requesting of such measurements in their Leagues. While this has happened in the past under other conditions, there are some points that must be mentioned so all concerned are on the same page.

            1) Any such agreement would be restricted to the members of a specific League only and would not be endorsed by the Officials working said League. This means that if a Coach or Team Official broke the Agreement and requested a measurement the Officials would be compelled to carry it out as per the rules.

            2) Any such agreement WILL NOT be applicable in any Provincial Playoffs.

            3) Further no agreements of this nature will be allowed in any Inter-Branch play.

            4) Any sanctioned SHA Tournaments will be expected to be played under the rules as they are laid out in the Rule Book.

I do not foresee any major problems, and I would also hope that this letter goes a long way to clearing up any confusion that may arise.

Sincerely,

James Mays
SHA, R-I-C