For this edition of Fred’s Fundamentals I will be going into the NHL rulebook once again to bring you some of the finer points from the section on player uniforms. Just like with most all of the NHL’s rules, there are some details that most people would not think about when it comes to governing the uniform that a player wears when he is on the ice.
Section 9 of the NHL rule book is all about uniforms, and the way they are worn.
Colors and Lettering/Numbering
All players of each team shall be dressed uniformly
with approved design and color of their helmets, sweaters, short
pants, stockings and skates.
This is kind of a no brainer. It’s why they call it a ‘uniform.’ Any violation of this section means the offending player will not be allowed to participate in the game. This (according to the rule) includes “Velcro inserts, over-sized jerseys, altered collars, etc.”
Numbers and Lettering
Each player and each goalkeeper listed in the line-up of
each team shall wear an individual identifying number at least ten
inches (10”) high on the back of his sweater. Sweater numbers such
as 00, ½ (fractions), .05 (decimals), 101 (three digit) are not permitted.
Fractions and decimals may never see the light of day on the back of a jersey, but in the future if enough numbers are retired on a single team you might see the three digit part bent.
In addition, each player and goalkeeper shall wear his surname in full,
in block letters three inches (3”) high, across the back of his sweater
at shoulder height.
I didn’t realize the lettering was only 3 inches. looks bigger than that on TV.
Jersey Alterations
No alteration of the neck opening is permitted.
Sleeves must extend into the cuff of the glove.
Jerseys must be “tied down” properly at all times.
Keeps ‘em from looking trashy I suppose. I wouldn’t want to cut up the neck of my jersey either though. Such a fashionable piece of clothing.
There are a couple points for the goaltender that regard alterations giving an unfair advantage in stopping pucks.
No “tying down” of the sweater is allowed at the wrists if it creates
a tension across the jersey such that a “webbing effect” is created in
the armpit area.
I guess the butterfly style is enough. No Batman style is permitted.
The length of a jersey is illegal if it covers any area between the
goalkeeper’s legs.
This seems to me like it would hinder a goaltender’s play. Seems like kind of a big sacrifice just to protect the 5-hole.
The following tables show the maximum size for player and goaltender jerseys.
Equipment
Most of the rest of rule 9 deals with protective equipment and how it should be worn (yawn). One of the more interesting parts of the protective equipment section is the rules regarding a goaltender’s mask.
When a goalkeeper deliberately removes his helmet and/or face
mask in order to secure a stoppage of play, the Referee shall stop
play as outlined above and in this case assess the goalkeeper a minor
penalty for delaying the game.
I’ve never seen this one play out, but I think the goalie would be mighty embarrassed to get that penalty.
If the goalkeeper deliberately removes
his helmet and/or face mask when the opposing team is on a
breakaway, the Referee shall award a penalty shot to the non offending
team.
Which brings us to…
If the goalkeeper deliberately removes his helmet
and/or face mask during the course of a penalty shot or shootout
attempt, the Referee shall award a goal to the non-offending team.
The ultimate fail. If I were a goalie who did this during the playoffs or against a rival team, I don’t think I would be able to show my face around town.
These are some of the things I find particularly interesting about rule 9 in the NHL Rulebook. There’s a lot more to this rule and most of it can get pretty mundane. You can always look up the gory details of all the rules at NHL.com if you’re into the mundane.
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