Did you know it was a rule change year? Per USA Hockey Bylaw 8.A.(2).(a), the USA Hockey Playing Rules shall undergo a rule change process every four years. In January of 2025, at USA Hockey Winter Meeting, final proposals were approved and the new rules go into effect

There are always lots of great conversations in Rule Change years, but what are the big takeaways that you'll need as an on-ice official starting in August?

• 624 B, Icing The Puck: Allows teams at the Youth 15-Only and above, and Girls 16U and above, to ice the puck while playing shorthanded.

• 630 D, Offside: Allows teams at the Youth 15-Only and above, and Girls 16U and above, to play with Delayed/Tag-up Offsides.

Yes, this is a switch back to previous rules, but only applied to Youth Hockey for certain age groups. One of the key components of rule changes is the affect they will have on the development of the game for all age levels.

Head over to USA Hockey and read about the Rule Change Process.

And, while we know that you will never make a mistake as an official (that's sarcasm), if an official were to make an error in the process of calling icing, here's:

• 624 C, Icing the Puck: Requires center-ice face-off location if game officials err in calling icing.

Stay tuned for more information on the 2025-2029 Rule Changes as the season wraps up! And, if you'd like to learn more, get a jump start on your registration and education this season with USA Hockey!