The Ottawa Rules

The Ottawa Rules app helps emergency clinicians make informed imaging decisions.

The Ottawa Rules are a set of rapid and interactive decision tools now available on smartphones and mobile devices. Developed through a series of unique studies, Dr. Ian Stiell and his emergency medicine research group developed the Ottawa Knee Rule, the Ottawa Ankle Rule and the Canadian C-spine Rule. The app now offers the Ottawa Rules images with clear guidelines and access to instructional videos, all in the palm of your hand.

The Ottawa Rules, established in 1867, serve as the foundation for modern ice hockey. Formulated by James Creighton, a Canadian dentist, the rules aimed to codify the game and establish a set of standardized regulations. These rules revolutionized ice hockey, transforming it from a chaotic and unregulated pastime into an organized sport.

Key Provisions

The Ottawa Rules introduced several groundbreaking provisions that shaped the game's fundamental structure:

* Ice Rink: The game was played on an ice rink measuring 180 feet by 80 feet, with goals placed at each end.

* Teams: Two teams of nine players each took to the ice, with each team having a goalkeeper, two defensemen, and six forwards.

* Puck: A puck, made of vulcanized rubber, replaced the traditional wooden ball, providing greater speed and accuracy.

* Time: The game consisted of three periods of 30 minutes each.

* Fouls: The rules prohibited tripping, slashing, and other forms of physical misconduct, introducing the concept of penalties for rule violations.

Gameplay

The Ottawa Rules established the basic mechanics of ice hockey gameplay:

* Face-Off: The game commenced with a face-off at the center of the ice, with two players from opposing teams vying for possession of the puck.

* Passing and Shooting: Players used sticks to pass and shoot the puck towards the opponent's goal.

* Goaltending: Goalkeepers defended the net, using their bodies and sticks to prevent the puck from entering.

* Scoring: A goal was scored when the puck crossed the goal line entirely.

Legacy

The Ottawa Rules had a profound impact on the development of ice hockey:

* Standardization: The rules provided a consistent framework for the game, ensuring uniformity across different leagues and competitions.

* Skill and Strategy: The rules fostered a focus on skill, speed, and strategic play, elevating the game beyond mere physicality.

* Popularity: The Ottawa Rules helped popularize ice hockey, attracting a wider audience and establishing the sport as a beloved pastime.

Conclusion

The Ottawa Rules laid the foundation for modern ice hockey, transforming it from a rudimentary game into an organized and highly skilled sport. These rules established the fundamental structure, gameplay, and ethical guidelines that continue to govern the game today, ensuring its enduring popularity and appeal.