Situations about the Glossary       

Situation:  Temporary Goalkeeper
What are the general rules for a regular player stepping in for goal?

Response:  See USA Hockey Glossary: "Temporary Goalkeeper." Also see NCWHL Rule Book: "Substitute Goalies."

A Temporary Goalkeeper is defined as: A player not designated as a goalkeeper who assumes that position when no designated goalkeeper is able to participate in the game. She is governed by goalkeeper privileges and limitations, and must return as a "player" when a designated goalkeeper becomes available to participate in the game.

Additionally, NCWHL rules state that: "No player without goalie equipment shall be afforded any goalie privileges." So a player acting in the capacity of a goalkeeper must have FULL equipment; a player may NOT play with a combination of goalie's and skater's equipment (such as just using a goalie stick).

Temporary Goalkeepers are typically used when a regular goalie is not available due to tardiness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. If the team doesn't have goalkeeper equipment, or chooses not to use a goalkeeper, they may play with a "sixth skater." The sixth skater would not have ANY privileges normally afforded a goalkeeper (such as catching the puck).

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