The Zero Tolerance Policy explains that the game will be stopped when spectator problems occur. Once the violators are removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced.
The Atlantic District Policy and the USA Hockey Policy differ slightly on the definition of when/how play will be stopped and when/how play will resume.
The Atlantic District Policy States the Following:
If one or more spectators become a problem and interfere with the orderly progress of the game, the referee may take appropriate action as follows:
OPTION ONE - The referee may warn the offending spectator(s) to stop the inappropriate action, depending on the situation. The warning must be from on the ice. The referee shall not leave the ice.
OPTION TWO - The referee may stop the game, and ask each bench to have the spectator(s) stop the inappropriate action, depending on the situation.
WHEN the referee determines it is time to remove the offending spectator(s) from the rink, the referee should do the following:
1 - Stop play.
2 - Tell both benches that the game will not proceed until the offending spectator(s) leave the rink, and names are provided.
3 - Stand in the referee's crease and wait for the offending spectator(s) to leave and names are provided.
4 - If the coaches say that they cannot make the spectator(s) leave, tell the coaches to ask rink management to make the offenders leave.
5 - If order is not restored, wait until the time slot expires.
6 - Suspend the game based on EXPIRATION OF THE TIME SLOT. The proper authorities will take it from there.
7 - Complete the appropriate Game Incident Report
USA Hockey Policy
During the time when the referee stops the game and when the game begins, the USA Hockey policy allows the game clock to continue to run. The lost time on the game clock would not be replaced.
This policy is NOT to be used in games played in the Atlantic District.
The game clock MUST BE STOPPED while waiting for the spectator to exit the rink area.
Always use your best judgment in determining which of these steps to take, and when to take them.
With the consistent use of this procedure, on-ice officials will be able to better manage the game and its surroundings.
Some Examples of Spectator Problems Include:
1 - Challenging or disputing the ruling of any official.
2 - Inciting, taunting, baiting, ridiculing, threatening, or using physical violence with anyone in the rink.
3 - Creating a disturbance.
4 - Using obscene, profane, vulgar, or abusive language.
5 - Throwing anything in the spectators area, players bench, penalty box, or onto the playing area.
(An exception to this ruling is throwing hats on the ice after a "hat trick", since this is a long hockey tradition. The team scoring the hat trick is responsible for having the hats removed.)
6 - Not leaving the rink if directed to do so.
7 - Interfering in any non-physical manner in the conduct of the game.
8 - Touching, holding, or hitting an Official in any manner.
9 - Banging the boards, protective glass, dasher boards or any other part of the rink.
10 - Using obscene gestures
11 - Any other detrimental conduct.
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