Is there a way to cut back on diving?

Question

I am getting frustrated with watching hockey. So many close games are ended because player A tapped the player B on the shin and player B goes down like he was shot - resulting in a penalty to player A.

Is there any way at all to get rid if divers?

Also... who do you think is the worse diver of all? (Crosby)

Answer 1

The tapes of the games should be reviewed afterwards and the divers should be fined. It's hard for the on ice officials because everything happens so fast, but when you see it on tv dives are more obvious.

Answer 2

Enforcement of the rules already in place! That and consistency. I hate referees that call a game for two periods and then let everything go in the third. Diving seems to getting worse because the rules aren't being enforced. The players know this and are getting away with it more and more.

As for the worst diver? Can't decide.. I've seen it at least once from everyone. They all want to draw that penalty..

Answer 3

The problem with calling a diving penalty is the fact they play on ice. When someone is on ice skates, the slightest thing can make them fall. Imagine skating full speed. If you get hooked the smallest bit, that could be enough to make you fall, even if it looks like it was nothing. That's why it's so hard to call the rule.

The way to get rid of diving though is not to call the dive itself, but to keep calling the hooking and holding penalties. If the players don't put the stick on other players, then there's no reason for the other player to dive. No hook, no dive. It's that simple.

As for the worst diver, I would have to go with Darcy Tucker.

Answer 4

Yes there is a way to get rid of diving in the NHL. Just need referees to start calling minor 2min penalties on all diving infractions. Just like the penalties for clutching and grabbing that they call now every 2secs, which has prompted most people in the NHL to stop doing it. Sure you are going to still get some diving but it will definitely bring down the amount that is happening at the present time.

Answer 5

All they need to do is call it, 2 minutes for diving, they let it go way too much. I don't really mind divers because they usually draw penalties left and right, you have to love a guy like that on your team, but the worst diver is probably Paul Kariya.

Answer 6

The first two answers mention fines, but that rule already exists. They even include possible suspension for continued breaking of the rule:

http://www.nhl.com/hockeyu/rulebook/rule52.html

The problem is that they don't seem to enforce it, and it's also difficult to discern sometimes what should be called a dive. Personally, I think they need to enforce this much more tightly than they've been doing, since you only have to watch this year's action to know that it's still happening.

My pick for the worst diver is Martin St. Louis, who goes down in a little ball at the slighest provocation.

Answer 7

Mike Ribeiro for worst diver.

I doubt that the fines would work because it's hard for the officials to determine if it was on purpose or if maybe, say, the ice was a bit uneven in that little part of the rink and the player just fell. I think it's up to the coaches to change it. If he know that one of his players is not playing the way he wants, then that's all part of a coach's job.

Answer 8

i would go with fines as well. and as for the biggest diver - paul kariya. terrible.

Answer 9

fines would be good or that pussy could stand up and let you beat the **** out of him