The famous Wayne Gretzky jersey tuck has been officially outlawed by the NHL. In the new rule changes released by the NHL last week, rule 9.5 makes the Gretzky tuck illegal.
Players are not permitted to tuck their jersey into their pants in such a manner where the top padding of the pant and/or additional body protection (affixed to the pant or affixed to the Player's body) is exposed outside the jersey. The back uniform number must not be covered or obstructed in any fashion by protruding pads or other protective padding.
Washington capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin doesn't have his jersey velcroed in like Gretzky did, he says when he skates his jersey just falls in. When asked about the rule change Ovechkin said, "I'm kind of upset about it, but most important thing, nobody talk to us, the players. They think it can be dangerous for somebody. I think it's kind of stupid."
While Ovechkin objects to the new equipment rule change, there are soon to be many players objecting to other uniform changes, including coaches. Uniform violations may serve as penalties depending on how serious the league is at making sure all uniforms are, well, uniform.
Rule 9.3 governs all players to have their sleeves reach into and past the cuff of their glove. No bare skin is to be shown between the elbow pad and glove.
Rule 9.1 states all players must not alter their jerseys or equipment in any way including velcro, rips, and altered collars. An extension of this rule may be a bother to players like the Maple Leafs' Phil Kessel, as he will no longer be permitted to cut his pants down the leg to allow for better movement when skating.
Pursuant to rule 9.1, Players' pants must be worn in a uniform fashion by all players. The Pants must be one consistent color around and throughout the leg of the pant. Pant legs are not to be ripped, cut, or torn in the leg/thigh area. Under no circumstances should a player's sock, undergarment, or bare leg be exposed through the pant. Players are permitted to alter their pants for comfort or performance-related reasons; however, the pant leg must remain one uninterrupted uniform color as to not expose the bare leg/sock in the thigh area.
The new uniform rules are tricky, and slightly contradictory. Players may alter their pants for performance reasons but they may not cut, tear, or rip them. They are not allowed to have any sock showing, and pants have to be one uniform color. It is not clear whether teams will be able to have a stripe on the side of their pants.
The initiative seems to be geared towards making sure there is no exposed skin for safety reasons related to cuts. Although undergarments with logos exposed on the neck area can only be that of their team's logo.
It is unclear whether the NHL will make these rules punishable in game by means of penalty, which would make for some interesting calls due to a uniform violation for having a spot of exposed skin, or an unintentionally tucked jersey.
Also worth noting is how the NHL will police the exposed skin rules with goalies who often times will have an ankle exposed during play because of their skate height.
The first round of backlash has come from Ovechkin, but there is sure to be much more from players as the rules begin to be enforced.
If only the NHL could outlaw the jersey tuck on fans.
