Rating NCAA Proposed Rule Changes

The annual rule changes for D1 NCAA are here. Since the 5-in-5 rule hasn’t passed yet, we won’t discuss that one right now — though I do have some thoughts on it that I will share later. Instead, I'm going to give five proposed rule updates ratings based on how good of a change I think they are #1: Cut-resistant gear is recommended for 2026-27 and mandated for 2027-28 RATING: 10/10 I’m a huge fan of this rule, and I think it should be implemented immediately.

There have been multiple extremely dangerous occurrences in the NCAA in recent years due to skate blade contact. It’s possible that some of them might have been avoided with cut-resistant gear. We’re seeing this change come to most levels of the sport, including the NHL, and it’s a good move for the NCAA to do it as well.

I’m all for player safety. Great rule change. #2: Hand passes are now allowed in the defensive zone  RATING: 7/10 This is one of those rules that you see called maybe twice a year and you have to go look up why the team just got a penalty.

I’m fine with this rule change. This is allowed in the NHL, and I can’t think of a good reason why the NCAA shouldn’t instate it. Basically: sure, why not.