Tony Mariconda provided the following rule interpretation issued by Bob Hayden (USA Hockey Referee-in-Chief) regarding the portion of USA Hockey Rule 502(a) that's new for 2005-07:

New Rule 502(a) - "Change in Scoresheet" Ruling

We've been asked to consider whether or not the score sheet can be edited after a game for the following scenario:

Player is assessed a major plus game misconduct penalty. It was for an automatic penalty (check from behind, fighting, spearing, etc.), where there is no option other than a game misconduct accompanying the major penalty. The player is ejected from the game. The scorekeeper fails to enter the game misconduct penalty on the score sheet.

RULING - The Referee is not changing a decision by entering the missing game misconduct on the score sheet. The penalty was properly assessed, including ejection of the player. Adding the game misconduct is a technical correction and not a de