1. All decisions made by on-ice officials are based on their discretion in understanding, adjudicating, and interpreting this rule book in an unbiased manner.

2. Either the three-official system (one referee and two linesmen) or the four-official system (two referees and two linesmen) is used in all IIHF championships, tournaments, and international games involving national teams. The duties of the referees and linesmen are the same in either system.

3. Member national associations have the authority to use the two-man- official system (two on-ice officials working as both referees and linesmen) or other official systems in games which are completely under their jurisdiction.

4. The video-goal judge system is mandatory only for specific IIHF competitions.