Theokritos
Global Moderator
- Apr 6, 2010
- 12,541
- 4,937
On the day before the end of the 2018 World Championship in Denmark, the IIHF Congress has added a new rule to the 2018-2022 IIHF Rule Book. As per the IIHF website:
The new rule book with the precise wording isn't out yet, but it will be interesting to see how the sections in question (in particular rule 150, "Interference", in the 2014-2018 rule book) are rearranged.
A late hit in the new Rule 153 is defined as a bodycheck to a skater who is in a vulnerable position because of not being in control or possession of the puck anymore and will be sanctioned with a penalty. It can be a minor penalty if the opponent is aware of the impending contact. A major penalty and automatic game-misconduct penalty is assessed for a late hit against an unsuspecting opponent or a match penalty if the opponent is recklessly endangered.
An additional clause also sanctions an early hit, meaning a bodycheck before the opponent has received the puck, with an interference penalty.
The new rule book with the precise wording isn't out yet, but it will be interesting to see how the sections in question (in particular rule 150, "Interference", in the 2014-2018 rule book) are rearranged.
