What is a challenge in hockey?
A challenge refers to a process where a coach can ask the referees to review a specific play on the ice if they believe that a wrong call was made. The challenge system was introduced to help ensure fair and accurate decisions during the game.
How the ice hockey challenge works:
When can a challenge be made?
A coach can only make a challenge in certain situations that are eligible for review. The most common reasons for challenging a play are:
- Offside: If the attacking team entered the offensive zone before the puck did.
- Goaltender Interference: If there was contact between an attacking player and the goaltender, affecting the goalie’s ability to make a save.
- Potential Goals: If the coach believes there was goaltender interference or the puck did not completely cross the goal line on a scoring chance.
How is a challenge made?
To initiate a challenge, the coach must inform the referees during a stoppage in play. They make a clear “challenge” signal, usually by raising their hand or using a specific hand gesture. They must also specify the particular play or situation they want to be reviewed.
Review Process:
Once the challenge is made, the referees will stop the game and go to a video review area located near the ice. They will watch multiple camera angles of the play in question to make an accurate decision.
Outcomes of the Challenge:
Call Overturned: If the video review shows that the referees’ original call was incorrect, the call will be overturned. The new decision will be based on the evidence from the video review, and appropriate action will be taken.
For example, if a goal was disallowed due to goaltender interference, but the review shows there was no interference, the goal will be counted.
Call Stands: If the video review confirms that the referees’ original call was correct, the call will stand, and the challenging team will lose their right to make any more challenges for the remainder of the game.
Goals of the challenge system
The primary goal of the challenge system is to ensure that critical decisions are made accurately and fairly. It adds an extra layer of review to avoid significant errors that could impact the outcome of the game.
It’s important to note that each team has a limited number of challenges they can use during a game, usually one or two, depending on the league’s rules. If a team uses a challenge and is successful (the call is overturned), they retain the right to make another challenge later in the game.
Challenges can be an exciting part of the game, and they demonstrate the sport’s commitment to using technology to make better decisions on the ice.
Hockey challenge rules
The challenge system is in place to ensure fairness and accuracy in critical moments of the game. Here are the basic rules of the hockey challenge system, explained for a beginner:
Types of Challenges:
There are specific situations in which a coach can use a challenge. The most common types of challenges are:
- Offside Challenge: When the defending team believes that the attacking team entered the offensive zone (the attacking blue line) before the puck did, resulting in an offside violation.
- Goaltender Interference Challenge: When the defending team believes that an attacking player interfered with their goaltender, impeding their ability to make a save.
- Potential Goal Challenge: When either team believes that a goal should or should not be awarded due to certain circumstances, such as goaltender interference, puck crossing the goal line, or high-sticking.
Using a Challenge: To initiate a challenge, the coach must notify the referees during a stoppage in play. They must clearly state which specific play or decision they want to challenge and indicate that they are challenging the call. Each team is usually allowed one or two challenges per game, depending on the league’s rules.
Video Review Process: After the challenge is made, the referees will stop the game and go to a designated video review area near the ice. They will carefully review multiple camera angles of the disputed play to make an accurate decision.
Outcomes of the Challenge:
- Successful Challenge: If the video review shows that the referees’ original call was incorrect, the call will be overturned. The new decision will be based on the evidence from the video review, and appropriate action will be taken. For example, if a goal was disallowed due to goaltender interference, but the review shows there was no interference, the goal will be counted.
- Unsuccessful Challenge: If the video review confirms that the referees’ original call was correct, the call will stand, and the challenging team will lose their right to make any more challenges for the remainder of the game.
Penalties for Unsuccessful Challenges: In some leagues, if a coach’s challenge is unsuccessful, the team may receive a minor penalty for the delay of the game. This is to prevent coaches from using frivolous challenges and to keep the game flowing smoothly.
The main goal of the challenge system is to maintain fairness and integrity in the sport and provide a fair playing field for both teams.
FAQ’s
How does a coach challenge a player in hockey?
To challenge a play in hockey, a coach must notify the referees during a stoppage in play immediately after the disputed event. They make a “challenge” gesture, usually raising their hand, and inform the referees that they are challenging the specific call or decision they want to be reviewed.
What types of plays can be challenged in hockey?
The plays that can be challenged in hockey typically include offside violations, goaltender interference, and potential goals where there may have been a rule infraction. For example, a coach can challenge whether a player entered the offensive zone before the puck or whether there was interference with the goaltender on a scoring chance.
How many times can a team use a challenge in a hockey game?
The number of times a team can use a challenge in a hockey game varies depending on the league’s rules. Generally, each team is allowed one challenge per game, and if the challenge is successful, they retain the right to use another challenge later in the game.
What happens if a challenge is successful in hockey?
If a challenge is successful, it means that the video review shows the referees’ original call was incorrect. The decision is overturned, and the appropriate action is taken. For example, if a goal was disallowed due to goaltender interference, but the review shows there was no interference, the goal will be counted.
What happens if a challenge is unsuccessful in hockey?
If a challenge is unsuccessful, it means that the video review confirms the referees’ original call was correct. The call stands, and the challenging team loses its right to make any more challenges for the rest of the game. In some leagues, an unsuccessful challenge may also result in a minor penalty for delay of the game.
Can any play on the ice be challenged in hockey?
No, not all plays on the ice can be challenged in hockey. Challenges are limited to specific situations defined by the league’s rules. Judgment calls like penalties are generally not subject to challenges.
How does the video review process work in hockey challenges?
After a challenge is made, the referees will stop the game and head to a video review area near the ice. They will carefully watch multiple camera angles of the disputed play to make an accurate decision on whether the call on the ice should be upheld or overturned.
What are some common scenarios in hockey where coaches might use a challenge?
Coaches might use a challenge in hockey for situations such as determining whether a player was offside before a goal was scored, if there was goaltender interference on a scoring play, or if the puck fully crossed the goal line for a potential goal.
How does the challenge system impact the pace of the hockey game?
he challenge system can slow down the pace of the game since play is halted while the referees conduct the video review. However, it also ensures that critical decisions are made accurately, which is crucial for maintaining fairness in the sport.
Are there any limitations to how challenges can be used in hockey?
Yes, challenges are subject to certain limitations. In most leagues, coaches cannot challenge judgment calls like penalties, nor can they challenge plays that happened a significant time before the goal was scored.
Can players request challenges in hockey?
No, challenges can only be initiated by the head coach or assistant coaches. Players on the ice cannot request a challenge; it is solely the responsibility of the coaching staff.
How does the crowd and atmosphere in the arena react when a challenge is initiated in hockey?
Initiating a challenge can create a tense and exciting moment in the game. The crowd often becomes more engaged, waiting eagerly to see the outcome of the video review, especially when a critical goal or pivotal play is being challenged.
How has the introduction of the challenge system impacted the fairness of hockey games?
The introduction of the challenge system has improved the fairness of hockey games by allowing for more accurate decisions. It helps avoid potential mistakes made by the on-ice officials, ensuring that critical plays are thoroughly reviewed before final decisions are made.
Have there been any controversial or memorable challenge moments in hockey history?
Yes, there have been several controversial and memorable challenge moments in hockey history. Some challenges have led to game-changing decisions, sparking debates among fans, players, and coaches.
Is the challenge system used in all hockey leagues worldwide?
The challenge system is used in various professional and high-level hockey leagues, but its implementation can vary. Not all leagues have adopted the challenge system, and some may have slightly different rules regarding its usage.
How does the video review process ensure accuracy in challenging plays in hockey?
The video review process in hockey uses multiple camera angles and technology to provide a detailed and comprehensive view of the disputed play. This helps the referees make a more informed decision, ensuring accuracy and reducing the likelihood of errors.
Can coaches challenge goals scored during overtime in hockey?
Yes, coaches can challenge goals scored during overtime in most hockey leagues, just like during regulation time. The challenge rules remain the same regardless of the game’s timing.
Can referees initiate a challenge in hockey?
Referees did not have the authority to initiate challenges in hockey. Only coaches have the right to challenge specific plays or decisions.
Are there any time limits for coaches to make a challenge in hockey?
Yes, coaches must make a challenge promptly after the disputed play occurs. There is a limited window of time within which they can request a challenge, usually within a few seconds after the event on the ice.
Can coaches lose their right to challenge if they use their timeout during a game?
No, using a timeout during a game does not affect a team’s right to challenge. Coaches can still make a challenge even if they have already used their timeout.
Is there a limit to the number of challenges that can occur in a single game, considering both teams?
Yes, the number of challenges in a game is usually limited by the league’s rules. Each team typically has a set number of challenges they can use, and once they have reached that limit, they cannot challenge any more plays for the remainder of the game.