Goaltender Rules

In the sport of hockey, there are rules governing the size of the field, the type of equipment allowed, the number of players and so forth. Goaltender rules are common to most sports. They do differ from sport to sport. Field hockey goalie rules, for example vary from those of ice hockey.

In ice hockey, initial rules required goalies stayed on their feet. This changed in 1918. Similarly, new NHL goalie rules pop up in an attempt to reflect the game. In 1989, for instance, the league widened goalie pads from 10 to 12 inches. The NHL reversed this particular goaltender equipment regulation in 2005-2006, reducing the size to 11 inches. The rationale was simple – to increase goal-scoring opportunities and build up fan frenzy.

There are various goalie equipment regulations. Ice hockey goalies, for example, cannot leave the ice to obtain a new stick. If the goalie stick breaks, the goalie continues to play waiting until a team member brings a new stick. To leave the box results in a penalty. Under ice hockey goalkeeper rules, a penalized goalie in this instance, does not serve the penalty. A member of his or her team who was present on the ice during the time of the offence serves the time.

Other NHL goaltender equipment regulations concern goalie jerseys, no inserts added and no tying at the wrists if this produces a “webbing effect” in the armpit area. Goalies must use the specified stick size, stick shape and other specifications. Furthermore, according to Rule 21, a goalie must not wear any equipment or garment or “use any contrivance which would give undue assistance in keeping goal. In the 2005-2006 season, new NHL goaltender equipment rules stated: “The leg guards worn by goalkeepers shall not exceed eleven inches (11") in extreme width when on the leg of the player.” Furthermore, the maximum length of the leg pad cannot exceed 38 inches

Ice hockey is not the only hockey to have specific goal tender rules. There are several goalie rules for field hockey. One field hockey goal keeper rule dictates the specific equipment a goalie must wear. This varies according to the league and governing body. In general, the FIH, NCAA and the Field Hockey Federation all require a helmet or protective headgear. Federation rules are stricter. Not only must a Shirt color be different from either team, but also a goalie must wear a full mask-helmet, leg pads, chest and wrap around throat protectors and gloves or hand protectors. In play, a goalie can employ every part of his or her body to stop or deflect the ball. As with the ice hockey goaltender, field hockey goalies are restricted to playing within the goal circle.