June 17, 2008

FAIRBANKS, AK – University of Alaska Fairbanks Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Forrest Karr has been named the next chair for the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee.

“Being selected by peers to serve as chair was an unexpected honor,” said Karr. “It’s humbling to work with such exceptional people. I’ve been impressed with the committee’s efforts to obtain feedback through surveys as well as the committee’s dedication to gathering information through constant communication with the body. We are always fully aware that the game belongs to student-athletes, coaches and fans.”

“I’ll do my best while serving in this new role to continue the carefully thought out direction that Coach (Enrico) Blasi (Chair 2004-06) and Colonel (Jim) Knowlton (Chair 2006-08) have taken the committee in recent years.”

Knowlton described his stint as the chair as an incredible experience, during which he came to appreciate the amount of work the rules committee puts in to making sure that the rule changes are true to the mission statement of the committee from the NCAA. The mission statement includes "acknowledging the traditions and image of the sport" and "examining existing regulations and making necessary modifications to create safe, practical, concise, and enforceable rules".

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as the chair (which ends in Sept when Forrest takes over) and am excited to see Forrest take the reigns,” said Knowlton. “He is a steady hand who has done a great job for the committee and will continue to do so as the chair. His leadership will serve the committee well as the committee members continue to work to enhance the speed of the game and allow the skill of college hockey to be showcased every game.”

Hockey has a two-year rule book and the changes proposed by the current committee, which met earlier this month, will be sent to the Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP) for approval. PROP evaluates the new rules in terms of negative impact on the image of the game, safety concerns or financial impact on institutions. Once approved, these changes will be in effect for the 2008-10 rule book.

Some of the proposed changes that once approved will take effect this season include but are not limited to officiating systems (all of college hockey will make the switch to a two referee, two linesmen system this season), faceoff locations, shootouts and goals scored by kicking.

Karr’s term as chair will culminate with June 2010 meetings that will result in changes for the 2010-12 rule book.

The committee is comprised of thirteen members (twelve voting plus one non-voting secretary-rules editor). Six are from Division I institutions, one from Division II and four from Division III and one Division II or III at large position. Within the members from Divisions I and III, one half of the members represent men's interests and one half represent women's interests.

Current NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee: