[Uwh-announce] Rule of the Last Week-Dangerous play

[Sinclair, Angus (DEDTA)]

Hi all,
I was on leave last week, and email takes a dismal last place on my priority list. So apologies for the late "Rule of the week".
I have been asked about dangerous play. This is a really good rule, as it is designed to keep players teeth, noses, eyeballs etc. intact so that they can finish a game. The puck only weighs 1.3 kg, is made of lead and travels at insane speeds when flicked. Hence the rule. It comes under the Unsportsmanlike conduct rulings.

What is a dangerous play? In short, it is (but not restricted to) a head shot. It is where a pass results in the puck passing through a "window" around (and including) a players head, that generally speaking is a square that is shoulder width, and starts just below the shoulders. It is often argued that this window is different for different grades, and I agree. The window is bigger for B and C grade, as the ability to control the puck isn't as precise as the A graders. It can also include any player who flicks "blind", as in is not looking in the direction of the flick when it is carried out. I'm not going to get into that discussion today, that's one for you to ask any guild ref poolside for a more in depth discussion.

In relation to the dangerous flick:

1.       If it doesn't come of any other surface prior to entering the "window" then it is a dangerous flick

2.       The puck is awarded against the offending team

3.       The player who flicked it gets at least 2 minutes. There isn't any wriggle room on this. The rules are quite clear, for a reason, in that they are designed to discourage dangerous play.

If the puck did come off another stick, the side wall, the bottom, or a wayward penguin, and it hits a player, it may be a good idea for the ref to pull up play where required (ref's prerogative), to make sure nobody is hurt, and if they are, that the injury is dealt with quickly and properly. No penalty is required as it does not come under the definition of a dangerous flick.

The order of proceedings for the referee following a dangerous flick should be:

1.       Stop play

2.       Check to make sure that all players are OK and deal with any injuries should they arise

3.       Award the puck to the opposing team

4.       Give the offending player 2 minutes rest to chat with the deck ref. no question at all on this.

The rule is in CMAS Rules Volume 2, page 45, rule 17.13.

And remember:
Regardless of what you think of the call, it's what it is. Live with it, and move on.

See you all poolside

Angus Sinclair
Chief Referee, Tasmania

P 03 6237 6401 | F 03 6233 5800
M 0427 501 890
email: angus.sinclair at development.tas.gov.au<mailto:angus.sinclair at development.tas.gov.au>



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