Remember last season when there was talk of trying to get the ECAC to reduce the penalties of the four Sioux players suspended for fighting at Yale? It couldn't be done. I remember the Sicatoka quoting the rule over and over again.
And then there was the Cory LaRose incident just before the 2000 Frozen Four. He was called for butt-ending in the final minutes of Maine's victory over Michigan. LaRose was the Black Bears' captain and one of their leading scorers.
Many people didn't think he deserved a suspension, especially right before Maine played UND in the Frozen Four. But there was nothing to be done because no appeal was allowed and no penalty could be reduced. LaRose didn't play and UND beat Maine 2-0.
I don't know how long the rule has been in effect, but it's certainly been around since 2000.