Rule 3.1 - NHL Rule Book
NHL Rule 3.1 - Players' Benches
Having been a long time hockey fan, I feel that I know almost every aspect of the game. However, the other day, someone asked me a question regarding the player benches and I did not have the complete answer. As a result, I decided to look it up and realized that there are some very specific things about the game that I did not know. Consequently, from time to time, I will be sharing them with you.
The question asked was: "Can an organization make the visitor's bench shorter and uncomfortable for the opposing team?" My intial gut answer was "no", but I wasn't sure if it was truly a rule. Moreover, I did not have an exact answer. Fortunately, I eventually found it and here it is...
NHL Rule 3.1
Each rink shall be provided with seats or benches for the use of players of both teams. The accommodations provided, including benches and doors, MUST be uniform for both teams. Such seats or benches shall have accommodation for at least fourteen (14) persons of each team. The benches shall be placed immediately alongside the ice as near to the center of the rink as possible. Two doors for each bench must be uniform in location and size and as convenient to the dressing rooms as possible.
Each players' bench should be twenty-four feet (24') in length and when situated in the spectator area, shall be separated from the spectators by a protective glass of sufficient height so as to afford the necessary protection for the players. The players' benches shall be on the same side of the playing surface opposite the penalty bench and should be separated by a substantial distance, if possible.
Each players' bench shall have two doors which must be uniform in location and size. ("Mirrored image benches") All doors opening to the playing surface shall be constructed so that they swing inward.
RSS Feed (XML)
MovableType
Subscribe via Feedburner