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(NewsDakota.com) A few rules that govern high school hockey across the country, including North Dakota, have recently gone through a makeover, and some will be in the rule books starting in the 2012-13 season.

One of the changes which will be seen next season, and passed by the National Federation of State High School Associations Ice Hockey Rules Committee deals with an increase of enforcement of checking from behind. Any player that pushes, charges, cross-checks or body checks an opponent from behind in open ice will now be issued both a minor and misconduct penalty. If a player commits any of the infractions against the boards or along the goal frame, that player will be given a game misconduct.

The look of the playing surface will look a little different next season as the size of the goal crease will change. The crease will change in shape from the half-circle look in front of the goal to the semi-square box that is currently used by the NCAA and the NHL.

On-Ice officials will also be required to wear a half face shield on their helmets starting in the 2013-14 season.