Most ice hockey is played under Hockey Canada, International Ice Hockey Federation and USA Hockey. These organizations have their own rulebooks. Amateur hockey in North America uses the USA Hockey and Hockey Canada rulebooks. Professional leagues use the International Ice Hockey Federation rulebook.
Most of the North American professional leagues get their rules from the National Hockey League, which has its own rulebook. Colleges use the rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The National Federation of State High School Association rulebook is used by high schools.
These organizations have their own rule meetings. They also hold a conference so changes that affect the game can be changed. Amateur hockey leagues change rules to make the game better to play. Professional hockey leagues change rules to make the game better to watch.
USA Hockey and Hockey Canada rulebooks are different from others on technical concerns. The International Ice Hockey Federation rulebook calls for a rink with different dimensions than the others. Changes in rules are easier for the National Hockey League because it is a smaller league.
Many people today think that if the current rules were more strongly applied, rule changes would not be necessary.