ICE HOCKEY

2006 NCAA® Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations

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Rules and Interpretations

NCAA 50112-8/05 IH 06
2006 NCAA MEN’S
AND WOMEN’S
ICE HOCKEY
RULES AND
INTERPRETATIONS

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

 [ISSN 0735-9195]

THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6222
317/917-6222
www.ncaa.org
August 2005

Manuscript Prepared By: Paul J. Duffy, Secretary-Rules Editor, NCAA Men’s and Women’s
Ice Hockey Rules Committee.
Editorial Assistance Provided By: Jack Doherty, National Ice Hockey Officials Association.
Edited By: Ty Halpin, Associate Director for Playing Rules Administration.

To purchase additional or future copies of NCAA publications, please call 888/388-9748 or go to

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marks of the Association and use in any manner is prohibited unless prior approval is obtained
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COPYRIGHT, 1974, BY THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

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PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Contents
page
NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee ..........................4
Major Rules Changes for 2005-06 ........................................................................7
Point of Emphasis ....................................................................................................8
Commissioners and Supervisors Statement ................................................. 8
Part I: Official NCAA Ice Hockey Rules
Rule 1—The Rink ........................................................................................HR-9
Rule 2—Teams............................................................................................HR-19
Rule 3—Equipment ..................................................................................HR-27
Rule 4—Penalties ......................................................................................HR-33
Rule 5—Officials and Officiating Systems............................................HR-44
Rule 6—Playing Rules ..............................................................................HR-51
Rule 7—Rules for Women’s Ice Hockey ..............................................HR-80
Rule 8—Game Protocol ............................................................................HR-81
Appendix A: Minigame protocol................................................................HR-84
Appendix B: Shootout protocol ..................................................................HR-85
Appendix C: Video replay protocol ..........................................................HR-86
Summary of Penalties....................................................................................HR-89
Summary of Face-Off Locations..................................................................HR-94
Officials’ Signals ............................................................................................HR-96
Part II: Official Ice Hockey Rules Interpretations........................................HI-1
Index to Interpretations..................................................................................HI-22
Part III: Officials’ Mechanics: 1 Referee, 2 Assistant Referees................HM-1
Part IV: Officials’ Mechanics: 2 Referees, 1 Linesman ..........................HM-20
Index to Rules ......................................................................................................161
Crowd-Control Statement
The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee recom-
mends that all member institutions that host intercollegiate ice hockey read
the following statement before each game:
“The (name of college or university) and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s
Ice Hockey Rules Committee promote good sportsmanship by student-
athletes, coaches and spectators. We request your cooperation by support-
ing the participants and officials in a positive manner. Profanity, racial or
sexist comments, or other intimidating actions directed at officials, student-
athletes, coaches or team representatives shall not be tolerated and are
grounds for removal from the site and, if needed, additional disciplinary
action.”
3
NCAA Men’s and
Women’s Ice Hockey
Rules Committee

Rico Blasi Paul J. Duffy Rick Comley Brian Dickinson

John Harrington Mark Johnson Jim Knowlton Keith Levinthal

Div./Gender Term Expires
I/M Chair: Enrico Blasi, Miami (Ohio) University............................................ 9-1-06
Miami University, 230 Millett Hall, Oxford, OH 45056
Phone: 513/529-3343; e-mail: blasie@muohio.edu
III Secretary-Rules Editor: Paul J. Duffy, ....................................................... —
3579 Avon-Geneseo Road, Geneseo, New York 14454
Phone: 585/243-4394; e-mail: duffyp@geneseo.edu
I/M Rick Comley...................................................................................................... 9-1-09
Munn Ice Arena, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
Phone: 517/355-1639; e-mail: comley@ath.msu.edu
III/M Brian Dickinson, State University College at Brockport.......................... 9-1-08
350 Campus Drive, Brockport, New York 14420
Phone: 585/395-5351; e-mail: bdickins@brockport.edu
4
NCAA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY RULES COMMITTEE 5

Digit Murphy Dan Stauber Jeff Vizenor

Div./Gender Term Expires

III/M John Harrington, St. John’s University (Minnesota) .............................. 9-1-06
P.O. Box 7277, 1 Champion Drive, Collegeville, Minnesota 56321
Phone: 320/363-2242; e-mail: jharringtone@csbsju.edu
I/W Mark Johnson, University of Wisconsin, Madison................................. 9-1-09
1440 Monroe Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53715
Phone: 608/262-0101; e-mail: mej@athletics.wisc.edu
I/M Jim Knowlton, United States Military Academy... ................................. 9-1-07
639 Howard Road, West Point, New York 10996
Phone: 845/938-8086; e-mail: wj6093@usma.edu
III/M Keith Levinthal, Manhattanville College.................................................. 9-1-08
2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, New York 10577
Phone: 914/323-7270; e-mail: levinthalk@mville.edu
I/W Digit Murphy, Brown University............................ .................................. 9-1-08
P.O. Box 1847, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
Phone: 401/863-3704; e-mail: digit@brown.edu
III/M Dan Stauber, University of Wisconsin, Superior... ................................. 9-1-09
Wessman Arena, P.O. Box 2000, Superior, Wisconsin 54880
Phone: 715/394-8362; e-mail: dstauber@uwsuper.edu
II/W Jeff Vizenor, Minnesota State University, Mankato............................... 9-1-06
1251 Monks Avenue #2, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507/389-6936; Fax: 507/389-6378; e-mail: jeffrey.vizenor@mnsu.edu
I/W To be determined .......................................................................................... 9-1-09

Committee members whose terms expired September 1, 2005, or resigned from the committee:

Bob Deraney, Providence College

Bill Mandigo, Middlebury College
Al MacCormack, Lebanon Valley College
Margot Page, Niagara University
Ken Taylor, Metro Atlantic Athletic Association
Frank White, Colgate University
6 NCAA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY RULES

The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules have been designat-
ed as either administrative rules or conduct rules. Typically, adminis-
trative rules are those dealing with preparation for the competition. The
conduct rules are those that have to do directly with the competition.
Rules may not be altered, unless flexibility is indicated in a specific rule.
NCAA member institutions are required to conduct their intercolle-
giate contests according to these rules.
The administrative rules included in this book are listed below. All
other rules deal with the conduct of competition.
Rule 1 (except 1-9-b)
Rule 3-8
Rule 5
Rule 6
Section 39
Rule 8
Major Rules Changes
for 2005-06
The figures below refer to rule, section and article, respectively. Each changed or
altered segment is indented and identified in the rules by a shaded background.
Rules Explanation HR Page(s)
4-7-e Goalkeepers not allowed to freeze the puck
(unless to prevent a goal) outside of the crease....................40
4-9-c Definition of possession and control clarified...........................42
5-2-a On-ice officials required to wear NCAA crest ..........................44
6-3, 6-6-a Boarding and charging defined as from front or side.......53, 54
6-5, 6-48 Butt-ending and spearing penalties revised to be
game misconduct or game disqualification referee’s
discretion ...............................................................................54, 74
6-18-a, Goal will count that is directed with the skate
6-18-c(2), on the ice, provided distinct kicking motion
6-56-c-1-d is not used ........................................................................60, 61, 77
6-18-c (7) Attacking player may be in goal crease as long as
they do not interfere with goalkeeper defending goal........61
6-18-c (12) Clarified when goal cage is considered dislodged...................61
6-23 Hitting from behind note added to encourage
better enforcement ......................................................................65
6-50 Added “deliberately” to spraying the goalkeeper
language........................................................................................74
6-59-b Added new rule to allow video review during
regular season..............................................................................79
8-2-h Coaches may remain on bench or go through line
after game .....................................................................................83
NCAA member institutions or allied conferences that desire to experiment with
the rules during the 2006-07 regular season should submit a request to the Men’s
and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee not later than June 1, 2006.

7
Points of Emphasis
The “Points of Emphasis” section calls attention to certain areas of the
game that the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee
believes must be improved, not through additional rules but by a stronger
emphasis on existing rules.
This year the rules committee requests that players, officials and coaches
concentrate on the following areas:
Overall Rules Enforcement
The committee was pleased overall with the effect of last season’s focus
on proper rules enforcement.
It remains the responsibility of coaches, players, officials and adminis-
trators to support this initiative. In addition to last year’s focal points, the
committee points attention to the following two areas:
• Diving. An unintended result of the rules initiative was an increase in
diving. A player shall not attempt to draw a penalty through any exaggerated
or deceitful action.
• Strength. A player should not be penalized in a contact situation sole-
ly because of their size or strength.
Hitting From Behind
This dangerous act continues to be an area of concern to the committee.
Any hit from behind must be penalized without exception and regardless
of the severity of the hit. Boarding and charging penalties were redefined
by the committee to distinguish from hitting from behind.
Goalkeeper Interference
The committee voted to alter the rule regarding the crease. However, this
should not be construed as a lessening on the protections allowed the goal-
keeper. Anytime an opposing player prevents the goalkeeper from pre-
venting a goal, interference must be called.
Freezing the Puck
The committee also points to Rule 4-7-e, which refers to the privileges of
the goalkeeper. The committee feels there are too many unnecessary whis-
tles in situations where the goalkeeper freezes the puck illegally and added
several approved rulings to assist officials and players with this rule.

8
RULE 1
The Rink
The Rink
SECTION 1. Ice hockey shall be played on an area of ice called a rink.
Note: The rules committee recognizes that some institutions play in off-campus
facilities which do not conform to all NCAA rink standards.
Rink Dimensions
SECTION 2. a. As nearly as possible, the dimensions of the rink shall be 200
feet long and 85 feet wide. The corners should be rounded in the arc of a
circle with a radius of 20 feet.
b. The rink should be surrounded by a wooden or fiberglass wall known
as the “boards’’ that shall extend not less than 40 inches and not more
than 48 inches above the level of the ice surface. The ideal height of the
boards above the ice surface shall be 42 inches.
Except for the official markings provided for in these rules, the entire
playing surface and the boards should be predominantly white in color
except the kick plate at the bottom of the boards, which should be a light,
contrasting color.
Commercial, institutional or conference logos and/or names are per-
mitted in the ice only in the neutral zone.
c. It is recommended boards be constructed so that the surface facing the
ice shall be smooth. The boards shall be free of any object that could
cause injury to players.
All doors providing access to the playing surface must swing away from
the ice surface.
All glass, wire or other types of protective screens and gear used to hold
them in position shall be mounted on the boards on the side away from the
playing surface.
Goal Posts and Nets
SECTION 3. a. A maximum of 15 feet and a minimum of 10 feet from each
end of the rink and in the center of a red line two inches wide, drawn com-
pletely across the width of the ice and continued vertically up the side of
HR-9
HR-10 RULE 1/THE RINK

the boards, regulation goal posts and nets shall be set in such a manner as
to remain stationary during the progress of a game. The red line shall be
known as the goal line.
Only two goal cages are permitted on the ice during the pregame
warm-up period.
Note: The committee recommends that goal pins should be used whenever possi-
ble.
b. The goal posts shall extend vertically 4 feet above the surface of the ice.
They shall be set 6 feet apart, measured from the inside of the posts. A
crossbar of the same material as the goal posts shall extend from the top
of one post to the top of the other.
Goal posts shall be affixed in the ice or floor with a release-type fixture.
c. A net shall be attached to each goal frame.
d. The goal posts and crossbar shall be painted red. All other surfaces
shall be painted white.
e. The goal area, enclosed by the goal line and the base plate of the goal,
shall be painted white. It is mandatory that all nets have an open, half-
circle padded base.
f. It is recommended that the interior metal of the goal cage be padded
(excluding the goal posts and cross bar).
Goal Crease
SECTION 4. a. In front of each goal, a goal crease area shall be marked by
a red line 2 inches in width.
b. The goal crease shall be laid out as follows: One foot outside of each
goal post a 2 inch wide line shall be painted extending 4 feet, 6 inches
in length. These lines shall be at right angels to the goal line. A semi-cir-
cle line 6 feet in radius and 2 inches in width shall be drawn using the
center of the goal line as the center point and connecting both ends of
the sides of the crease.
c. The goal crease area shall include all the space outlined by the crease
lines and extending vertically 4 feet to the level of the top of the goal
frame.
d. There shall be two markings in each goal crease. Each line shall be 5
inches long and 2 inches wide. The lines shall extend from the goal
crease lines, 4 feet out from the goal line. The lines shall be parallel to
the goal line (see special spot and goal crease diagrams).
RULE 1/THE RINK HR-11

Division of Ice Surface

SECTION 5. a. The ice area between the two goals shall be divided into
three parts by lines 12 inches in width and blue in color, drawn 60 feet out
from the goal lines, extending completely across the rink parallel with the
goal lines, and continuing vertically up the side of the boards. (Blue line
and goal line extended are included in 60-foot measurement.)
b. That portion of the ice surface in which the goal is situated shall be
called the defending zone of the team defending that goal, the central
portion shall be known as the neutral zone and the portion farthest from
the defending goal shall be known as the attacking zone. The zone line
shall be considered part of the zone in which the puck is.
c. There also shall be a line 12 inches in width and red in color, drawn com-
pletely across the rink in center ice, parallel with the goal lines and con-
tinuing vertically up the side of the boards, known as the “center line.’’
This line shall contain at regular intervals markings of a uniform dis-
tinctive design that shall easily distinguish it from the two blue lines; the
outer edges must be continuous.
Center Ice Spot and Circle
SECTION 6. A circular blue spot 1 foot in diameter shall be marked in the
center of the rink; and with this spot as a center, a circle of 15 feet radius
shall be marked with a blue line 2 inches in width.
Two blue lines 2 feet long and 2 inches wide, parallel to the blue lines, shall
be marked on the ice extending from the outer edges of both sides of the
face-off circle. These lines shall be 4 feet apart, 2 feet on each side of the cen-
ter of the face-off spot and circle.
Neutral Zone Face-Off Spots
SECTION 7. Two red spots 2 feet in diameter shall be marked on the ice in
the neutral zone 5 feet from each blue line. Within each face-off spot, draw
two parallel lines 4 inches from the top and bottom of the spot. The area
within the two lines shall be painted red; the remaining area shall be paint-
ed white. The spots shall be 44 feet apart and each shall be a uniform dis-
tance from the adjacent boards (see rink diagram).
End Zone Face-Off Spots and Circles
SECTION 8. a. In both end zones and on both sides of each goal, red face-
off spots and circles shall be marked on the ice. The face-off spots shall be 2
feet in diameter. Within the face-off spot, draw two parallel lines 4 inches
from the top and bottom of the spot. The area within the two lines shall be
painted red; the remaining area shall be painted white.
HR-12 RULE 1/THE RINK

The circles shall be 2 inches wide with a radius of 15 feet from the cen-
ter of the face-off spots. Eighteen feet and 22 feet from the goal line and par-
allel to it, two red lines 2 feet long and 2 inches wide shall be marked on the
ice extending from the outer edge of both sides of each face-off circle (see
rink diagram).
One foot from the outer edge of the face-off spot, two lines shall be
drawn parallel with the sideboards that shall be 4 feet in length and 18 inch-
es apart. Parallel to the end boards, commencing at the end of the line near-
est to the face-off spot, a line shall extend 2 feet, 10 inches in length. All lines
shall be 2 inches in width (see rink diagram).
b. The location of the face-off spots shall be fixed in the following manner:
Along a line 20 feet from each goal line and parallel to it, two points shall
be marked 22 feet on both sides of the straight line joining the centers of
the two goals. Each such point shall be the center of a face-off spot and
circle.
Players’ Bench
SECTION 9. a. The rink shall provide seats or benches for the use of play-
ers of both teams that accommodate at least 21 persons of each team. The
benches should be placed immediately alongside the ice in the neutral
zone, as near to the center of the rink as possible, with the doors opening in
the neutral zone, convenient to the dressing rooms. When players’ benches
are situated in the spectator area, they should be separated from the spec-
tators by a protective screening of sufficient height to afford the necessary
protection to the players and team personnel. Benches may be situated on
opposite sides or on the same side of the rink, in which case the two teams
should be separated by a substantial distance.
Where physically possible, each players’ bench should have two doors
opening in the neutral zone. All doors opening to the playing surface shall
be constructed so that they swing away from the ice surface.
Each players’ bench should have an elevated coaches’ walkway behind
the area where the players are seated.
b. Only players in uniform and six additional team personnel shall be per-
mitted to occupy the bench area. For a violation, after a warning by the
referee, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed.
Penalty Bench
SECTION 10. a. The rink must be provided with benches or seats to be
known as the penalty bench. It is preferable to have penalty benches for
each team separated from each other and substantially separated from
RULE 1/THE RINK HR-13

either players’ bench. When penalty benches are situated in the spectator
area, they should be separated from the spectators by a protective glass of
sufficient height to afford the necessary protection to penalized players and
any other personnel. The penalty bench(es) should be situated in the neu-
tral zone. The penalty bench(es) should accommodate at least 10 persons,
including the timekeeper, the penalty timekeeper, the scorer and penalized
players. Only penalized players may occupy the penalty-bench area. For a
violation, after a warning by the referee, a bench minor penalty shall be
assessed.
b. Immediately in front of the penalty timekeeper’s bench, there shall be
marked in red on the ice a semicircle of 10 feet radius and 2 inches in
width, which shall be known as the referee’s crease.
Signal and Timing Devices
SECTION 11. a. A suitable sound device, such as a buzzer, horn or siren,
must be provided for the use of timekeepers. A backup sound and timing
device must be provided by the home team.
b. An electrical clock, or other timing device, shall be provided for the pur-
pose of keeping the spectators, players and game officials accurately
informed as to all time elements at all stages of the game, including the
time remaining to be played in any period.
Time recording for both game time and penalty time shall show time
remaining to be played or served.
Time displayed on clock or timing device shall take precedence over any
disparity with lights or horn signaling the end of a period or game.
c. Behind each goal, electric lights should be set up for the use of the goal
judges. A red light shall signify scoring of a goal. Where automatic lights
are available, a green light shall signify the end of a period or a game.
Goal judges’ boxes should be properly isolated so that there shall be no
interference with the activities of the judges.
Goalkeeper’s Privileged Area
SECTION 12. The goalkeeper’s privileged area is an area bounded in the
rear by the end of the rink, in front by an imaginary line connecting the spe-
cial spots, and on the sides by imaginary lines from the special spots to the
end boards.
 Commercial, institution or conference logos
and/or names are allowed in the ice only in the
neutral zone.
15' (18.29m) 60' Varies (18.29m) 60' 15'
(4.57m) Defending Zone Penalty Attacking Zone (4.57m)
Timekeeper
s
iu
ad ed (3m)
) r nd 10' R
1m e Red
6. m
' ( om (5.08cm)
20 ec 2"
R
Red
RINK DIAGRAM

(6.71m)

(6.71m) 22'
22'

Blue

Recommended Width
Privileged Area

100' (30.48m)
Goalkeeper’s

HR-14
Blue

(1.52m) 5'

(6.71m) 22'
(6.71m)

(1.52m)
22'

(1.22m) 4'
5' 12" Wide Blue
(30.48cm)
12" Wide Blue (30.48cm)
20'
Red (6.1m) Red
Red 20 Re
2"
(5.08cm)

' ( co
6. m
1 m
0 m en
) r de
ad d
iu
(5.49m) (1.22m) s
15' 18' 4' (0.58cm)
(4.57m) To Goal 2" Red 12"
Line All faceoffs must be conducted along these lines.
Maximum 15' (4.57m)
Minimum 10' (3.05m)
 SPECIAL SPOT AND GOAL CREASE
4'
(1.22m)
18' (5.49m) 15' (4.57m) maximum
10' (3.05m) minimum
2" red Extension Line to Goal Line

(0.61m)
(5.08cm)
2'
Red

.5 R
)
2"

7m
(4 15'
(5.08cm)
3'

22" 18"

3'

3'10" 1' 2' 1' 3'10"

4' 4'
All lines are 2" in width

6'
(1.22m)

Face-Off Spot
and Circle Detail–
End Zone

4'
(1.22m)
2" blue
(0.61m)

(5.08cm)
2'

4" 4" Blue

(10.16cm) (10.16cm)

16"
(40.64cm)
.5 R
)
7m
(4 15'

Face-Off Spot–End Zones

and Neutral Zones 2"
2' (0.61m) Dia. Blue (5.08cm)
Color Red

Face-Off Spot–Center Ice

12" (30.5cm) Dia.
Detail–Center Ice
Spot and Circle

HR-15
 DETAIL OF RECOMMENDED GOAL CREASE

2"
(5.08cm)

8’ (2.43m)

6"
(.15m)
6’
(1.83m)
4’ 6"
(1.37m)
2" Red
(5.08cm) 4’
(1.22m)

6’ (1.83m)
Inside Posts Goal Crease Detail
Use Center of Goal
Line for Center Point
of Semicircle

1’ (.305m)
Inside Posts

HR-16
 NCAA OPTIONAL LAYOUT
30' Inside

Step Up See Note Step Up

5'-6" Inside Dim. Recommended
Players’ (5' Inside Dim. Minimum)
18"
2'-8" Visitor Players’ Box 18"

Blue Line Location (NCAA Preferred)

W/Goal Line 15' from Rink End

Blue Line Location (NCAA Acceptable)

W/Goal Line 10' from Rink End

HR-17
Blue Line Location (NCAA Preferred)
W/Goal Line 15' from Rink End

Blue Line Location (NCAA Acceptable)

W/Goal Line 10' from Rink End

Timer’s Table Home 2'-8" Home Players’

Note: Visitor 18" 18" 5'-6" Inside Dim. Recommended
Penalty Box Penalty Box Players’
Players’ Bench 27' Long Timer’s Box (5' Inside Dim. Minimum)
15 Players @ 21.5" Each Bench Bench Step Up See Note Step Up

8' 7' 8' 30' Inside

54' Nominal
 NCAA OPTIONAL LAYOUT
24' Inside
8' 8' 8'

Bench Bench
Timer’s Box 5' Inside Dim.
Penalty Box Penalty Box (4' Inside Dim. Minimum)
Timer’s Table

HR-18
Blue Line Location (NCAA Preferred)
Blue Line Location (NCAA Preferred)
W/Goal Line 15' from Rink End
W/Goal Line 15' from Rink End

Blue Line Location (NCAA Acceptable) Blue Line Location (NCAA Acceptable)
W/Goal Line 10' from Rink End W/Goal Line 10' from Rink End

Players’ 2'-8" Players’ 18"

18" 5'-6" Inside Dim. Recommended
Players’ Players’ (5' Inside Dim. Minimum)
Step Up Step Up Step Up See Note Step Up
Note: Players' Bench 27'
30' Inside 3'-8" 30' Inside long
15 Players @ 21.5" Each
65' Nominal
RULE 2
Teams
Composition of Team
SECTION 1. a. A team shall have not more than six players on the ice
at any one time while play is in progress. These six players shall be
designated as follows: goalkeeper, right defense, left defense, center,
right wing and left wing.
b. Each player and each goalkeeper listed in the lineup of each team
shall wear an individual identifying number at least 10 inches high
on the back of the jersey and at least 4 inches high on the front or
on both sleeves. The visiting team shall wear dark-colored jerseys
and stockings; the home team shall wear light-colored jerseys and
stockings.
Light-colored jerseys (e.g., white, gold, yellow or light blue) may
be worn, during the regular season, by the visiting team only when
the teams have agreed prior to the game. If the teams are unable to
agree, the visiting team will wear dark-colored jerseys.
All players of each team shall dress uniformly, in that day’s game
jersey.
PENALTY—Bench minor to offending team.
Captain of Team
SECTION 2. a. One game captain shall be appointed by each team,
and shall be the only player to have the privilege of discussing with
the referee any questions relating to interpretation of rules that may
arise during the progress of a game. The captain may not dispute a
judgment decision of the referee. The captain should wear the letter
“C,’’ approximately 3 inches in height and in contrasting color, in a
conspicuous position on the front of the jersey.
If the captain is not available because of injury or an imposed
penalty, another player may be designated to act as captain.
A complaint about a penalty is not considered a matter “relating to
the interpretation of the rules,’’ and the captain nor any other player
may make such a complaint.

HR-19
HR-20 RULE 2/TEAMS

PENALTY—Misconduct. For further violation, game misconduct.

b. The referee and official scorer shall be advised before the start of
each game of the name of the captain of the team and the desig-
nated alternate.
c. A goalkeeper shall not be entitled to exercise the privileges of cap-
tain.
d. The captain of each team shall meet with the referee(s) before the
start of each game (see Rule 8).
e. During an altercation, the captain may not exercise his or her priv-
ileges until the referee(s) has entered the referees’ crease.
Players in Uniform
SECTION 3. a. At the beginning of each game, the coach of each team
shall list the players and goalkeepers who shall be eligible to play in
the game. A maximum of 18 players, plus not more than three nor less
than two goalkeepers, shall be permitted; and a captain shall be des-
ignated.
PENALTY—Bench Minor.
A substitute goalkeeper must be on the bench at the start of the game
and shall at all times be fully dressed and equipped and ready to play.
Upon entering the game, the substitute goalkeeper shall take his posi-
tion without delay. A team shall not start a game with less than two
goalkeepers.
PENALTY—Forfeiture (score will be recorded as 1-0).
Note: A team must travel to an away game with a minimum of two goalkeepers
on the roster. If one of the goalkeepers sustains an incapacitating injury or,
because of extenuating circumstances, is not able to suit up, a forfeiture penalty
shall not be called. Officials are instructed to play the game and report it to the
rules committee and appropriate conference, if applicable. The rules committee
is the sole arbitrator of these extenuating circumstances.
b. Only players from each team shall participate in the pregame
warm-up. Not more than 19 players and three goalkeepers may
participate in the pregame warm-up. These players do not neces-
sarily have to be the same players listed on the official game report
form. It is mandatory, however, that 18 players and not more than
three goalkeepers listed on the official game report form are the
players who shall dress for the game.
RULE 2/TEAMS HR-21

PENALTY—Bench minor.
c. Each team shall be allowed one goalkeeper on the ice at one time.
The goalkeeper may be removed and another player substituted.
d. Except when all goalkeepers are incapacitated, another player
shall not be permitted to wear the equipment of the goalkeeper.
Starting Lineup and List of Eligible Players
SECTION 4. a. Fifteen minutes prior to the start of the game, a list of names
and numbers of all eligible players and goalkeepers, including starting line-
ups, shall be submitted to the official scorer or referee. The coach of the home
team, having been advised by the official scorer or referee of the names of eli-
gible players and starting lineup of the visiting team, shall name the eligible
players and starting lineup of the home team; this information shall be con-
veyed by the official scorer or the referee to the coach of the visiting team.
Changes or additions may not be made to the submitted player eligibility lists
(see 8-1).
PENALTY—Bench minor whether deliberate or unintentional.
Forfeiture if, after the completion of the game, it is
determined by the proper administrative authorities
that the violation was deliberate.
b. Changes in the starting lineup of either team, as given to the referee or
official scorer, or in the playing lineup on the ice, shall not be made until
the game is actually in progress unless a penalty changes the on-ice
strength or an injury occurts prior to the first face-off.
PENALTY—Bench minor if brought to the attention of the referee
before the second face-off in the first period.
c. Teams shall be on the ice ready to play promptly at the beginning
of each period. The home team shall take the ice first. After each
intermission, all players except the starting lineup shall go direct-
ly to the players’ bench (see 8-2).
PENALTY—Bench minor.
d. A team shall not use a puck(s) on the ice before the start of any
period.
PENALTY—Timeout charged to offending team. Bench minor if
timeout already used.
HR-22 RULE 2/TEAMS

Change of Players
SECTION 5. a. Players may be changed at any time from the players’
bench, provided the player or players leaving the ice always are at the
players’ bench and out of the play before any change is made.
A player, in the course of making a substitution while entering or
leaving the game, may not deliberately play the puck with the stick,
skates or hands, or check or make physical contact with an opposing
player while the retiring player is leaving the ice.
PENALTY—Bench minor (“too many players on the ice’’).
If, in the course of substitution, a player entering the game or leaving
the ice surface is struck accidentally by the puck, the play shall not be
stopped and a penalty shall not be called.
A goalkeeper may be changed for another player at any time under
the conditions of this section. When a goalkeeper leaves the goal area
and proceeds to the players’ bench for the purpose of substituting
another player, an on-ice official shall be responsible for seeing that
the substitution is not illegal because of the premature departure of
the substitute from the bench (before the goalkeeper is at the players’
bench and out of the play). If the substitution is made prematurely, an
on-ice official shall stop the play immediately by blowing the whistle
unless the nonoffending team has possession of the puck, in which
event the stoppage shall be delayed until the puck changes hands. A
time penalty shall not be assessed against the team making the pre-
mature substitution.
FACE-OFF—Center face-off spot. When play has stopped with the puck
in the offending team’s defending half of the ice, the face-
off shall take place at the point of the stoppage of play.
b. The line change procedure for all stoppages of play, except during
games with television timeouts, is as follows:
1. Referee points to location of the face-off. This starts the line
change procedure. The referee should be positioned at the blue
line or in the neutral zone.
2. The referee signals the visiting team that it has up to five sec-
onds to change players.
3. The referee puts his or her hand up to the visiting team indi-
cating no further changes can be made, and signaling the home
team that it has up to 8-seconds to change players.
RULE 2/TEAMS HR-23

4. When the referee’s hand comes down, the official dropping the
puck blows a quick whistle, signaling the start of the face-off and
that the puck will be dropped in no more than five seconds.
PENALTY – If a team intentionally delays the line change it shall
be warned. This serves as that team’s warning for the
remainder of the game. If that team intentionally
delays a line change later in the game, a bench minor
penalty shall be assessed (see 6-15).
When a substitution has been made under this rule, an additional
substitution may not be made unless a penalty is assessed during the
stoppage of play.
If, before the game, the home team has not been designated, the
competing teams shall decide which is to be the home team by mutu-
al agreement; that is, by the flip of a coin or a similar method.
c. A player serving a penalty on the penalty bench, must step on the
ice and proceed to the respective player’s bench before a change
may be made.
PENALTY—Bench minor.
d. A player who has received a time penalty or one who is serving for
a disqualified player, must remain in the penalty bench until the
penalty time is completed.
PENALTY—Minor and the offending player must serve the balance
of the initial penalty.
e. When a penalized player or immediate substitute, either from the
penalty bench or the players’ bench, returns to the ice, the player
shall be eligible to play the puck.
f. Both teams must start play with the proper number of players.
PENALTY — First offense: warning.
Second and subsequent offenses: Bench minor.
g. Should a team start with fewer players than allowed and the officials err
in detecting this situation, any subsequently entering players shall not
be eligible to play the puck coming from the player’s defensive zone
until that player has returned to the defensive zone or until possession
and control of the puck have been gained by another player in the neu-
tral zone or in the player’s attacking zone.
FACE-OFF—Where puck was last legally played. Immediate whis-
tle if played by the ineligible player.
HR-24 RULE 2/TEAMS

h. If at any time a team plays too many players, it immediately shall

withdraw the extra player or players.
PENALTY—Bench minor.
i. If an extra player from the bench or the penalty bench tries to pre-
vent a breakaway, there shall be a delayed whistle.
PENALTY—Bench minor, penalty shot/optional minor and miscon-
duct. If this illegal act prevents an obvious and immi-
nent goal, a goal shall be awarded.
j. There shall not be a deliberate illegal substitution in the last two
minutes of regulation time or any time during overtime.
PENALTY—Penalty shot/optional minor. If the illegal substitution
comes from the penalty bench, an additional minor
shall be assessed on that player. If this illegal act pre-
vents an obvious and imminent goal, a goal shall be
awarded.
k. The number of times a player may be substituted (i.e., withdrawn
from, or returned to, the game within the same period, or other-
wise) is unlimited. A substitute player is not required to notify an
on-ice official before engaging in play; and, while the officials shall
not begin play with extra players on either team, the responsibili-
ty of the proper number rests with the teams.
Injured Players
SECTION 6. a. When a player other than a goalkeeper is injured or
compelled to leave the ice during a game, the player may retire from
the game and be replaced by a substitute; but play must continue
without the teams leaving the ice.
b. When a team has fewer than six substitutes available and none is
in goalkeeper’s equipment, and it becomes necessary to substitute
for the goalkeeper because of incapacitation by injury, breaking a
skate or receiving a time or misconduct penalty, a reasonable
length of time shall be allowed for the substitute to change into
goalkeeper equipment. If a goalkeeper sustains an injury or
becomes ill, the goalkeeper must be ready to resume play within a
reasonable amount of time or be replaced by a substitute goal-
keeper.
When substitution for an injured goalkeeper is made, the substi-
tute goalkeeper must play in goal until the first stoppage of play
RULE 2/TEAMS HR-25

thereafter, except when a team substitutes a sixth player for the goal-
keeper when a delayed penalty is signaled against the opposing team.
c. If a penalized player has been injured, the player may proceed to
the dressing room without taking a seat on the penalty bench. If
the injured player receives a minor and/or major penalty, a sub-
stitute player shall be placed on the penalty bench immediately
and shall serve the penalty without change. A replacement for the
penalized player shall not be permitted to enter the game except
from the penalty bench.
An injured penalized player (minor or major penalty) who has
been substituted for on the penalty bench may not return to play until
the penalty has expired. However, if the injured penalized player is
ready to return to the game, the player may take the substitute play-
er’s place on the penalty bench during a stoppage of play. The substi-
tute player becomes eligible to participate in the game.
d. When a player is injured and unable to continue play or go to the
bench, play shall not be stopped until the injured player’s team has
secured possession of the puck. If the player’s team is in posses-
sion of the puck at the time of injury, play shall be stopped imme-
diately, unless that team is in a scoring position.
When it is obvious that a player has sustained a serious injury, an
on-ice official may stop play immediately.
e. When there is a stoppage of play due to an injury to a player other
than the goalkeeper, the injured player must leave the ice until the
completion of the ensuing face-off.
PENALTY—Minor.
f. Aggressive treatment of open wounds or skin lesions should be fol-
lowed. In particular, whenever a player incurs a wound that causes
bleeding, the officials must stop the game at the earliest possible
time and require the player to leave the game for treatment.
When a player’s or official’s uniform has blood on it (whether it is
the player’s or official’s blood or someone else’s blood), the official
must stop the game at the earliest possible time and require the play-
er or official to leave the game to have the uniform evaluated by med-
ical personnel. If the team’s medical personnel determine that the
blood has saturated the uniform, the player or official must change
that part of the uniform. If saturation has not occurred, the player or
official may continue to wear the uniform.
HR-26 RULE 2/TEAMS

If a change in uniform causes a number change, the player must

report the change to the official scorer before being permitted to reen-
ter the game.
RULE 3
Equipment
The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee is respon-
sible for formulating the official playing rules for the sport. The commit-
tee is not responsible for testing or approving playing equipment for use
in intercollegiate ice hockey.
Equipment manufacturers have undertaken the responsibility for the
development of playing equipment that meets the size and weight spec-
ifications established by the committee. The NCAA urges manufacturers
to work with the various independent testing agencies to ensure the pro-
duction of safe products. Neither the NCAA nor the NCAA Men’s and
Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee certifies the safety of any ice
hockey equipment. Only equipment that meets the weight and size
dimensions specified in the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey
Rules may be used in intercollegiate competition.
While the committee does not regulate the development of new
equipment and does not set technical or scientific standards for testing
equipment or the approval or disapproval of specific playing equipment,
the committee may provide manufacturers with informal guidelines as
to the equipment performance levels it considers consistent with the
integrity of the game. The committee reserves the right to intercede in
order to protect and maintain that integrity.
The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee sug-
gests that manufacturers planning innovative changes in ice hockey
equipment submit the equipment to the committee for review before
production.
Sticks
SECTION 1. a. It is recommended that sticks be made of wood or a com-
bination of wood and other materials, and must not have any projec-
tions. Adhesive tape of any color may be wrapped around the stick at
any place for the purpose of reinforcement or to improve control of the
puck.

HR-27
HR-28 RULE 3/EQUIPMENT

The curvature of the blade of all sticks shall be restricted in such a

way that the distance of a perpendicular line measured from a straight
line drawn from the base of the heel to the base of the toe and the point
of maximum curvature shall not exceed 1⁄2 inch [1.27cm].
b. A stick shall not exceed 63 inches [160.02cm] in length from the heel
to the end of the shaft nor more than 12 1⁄2 inches [31.75cm] from the
heel to the end of the blade. The blade of the stick shall not be more
than 3 inches [7.62cm] nor less than 2 inches [5.08cm] in width at any
point. All edges of the blade shall be beveled.
c. The blade of the goalkeeper’s stick shall not exceed 3 1⁄2 inches
[8.89cm] in width at any point except at the heel where it cannot
exceed 4 1⁄2 inches [11.43cm] in width; nor shall it exceed 15 1⁄2 inches
[39.37cm] in length from the heel to the end of the blade.
The widened portion of the goalkeeper’s stick extending up the shaft
from the blade shall not extend more than 26 inches [66.04cm] from the
heel and shall not exceed 3 1⁄2 inches [8.89cm] in width.
PENALTY—Minor for a., b. and c. above.
d. When a formal complaint is made by the captain of a team about the
dimensions of any stick, the referee shall make the necessary mea-
surements immediately. Measurement of a challenged stick is to be
made at the first stoppage of play (or during the stoppage of play
when the challenge is made). If a player’s stick is found to be illegal,
the penalty begins immediately (see 3-9).
PENALTY—Minor if stick is found to be illegal. Bench minor to chal-
lenging team if stick is found to be legal.
If a goal is scored with a stick that is found to be illegal, the goal is
allowed and the penalty is assessed and begins immediately.
A player shall not break or have a stick broken intentionally or change
the stick before a measurement can be made.
PENALTY—Minor and misconduct.
e. A player or goalkeeper shall not participate in play while in posses-
sion of more than one stick, except that a penalty shall not be assessed
to a player who is struck accidentally by the puck while carrying a
replacement stick to a teammate (see 6-4-c).
PENALTY—Minor.
RULE 3/EQUIPMENT HR-29

Skates
SECTION 2. All players must wear ice hockey skates. Skates shall be free
from points or dangerous extensions. The ends of the skates (both toe
and heel) shall be rounded and blunt without points that might cause
injury.
Goalkeeper’s Equipment
SECTION 3. a. With the exception of skates and stick, all equipment
worn by the goalkeeper must be constructed solely for the purpose of
protecting the head or body. The goalkeeper cannot wear any garment or
use any contrivance that would provide undue assistance in keeping
goal. Aprons or webbing extending more than 3 inches [7.62cm] below
the crotch are not permitted.
b. The goalkeeper’s leg pads shall not exceed 12 inches [30.48cm] in
width.
c. The goalkeeper’s blocker glove shall not exceed 9 inches [22.86cm] in
width or more than 17 inches [43.18cm] in length.
The cuff of the goalkeeper’s catching glove shall not exceed 9 inches
[22.86cm] in width. The maximum length of the catching glove shall not
exceed 17 inches [43.18cm]. Any bar or attachment (cheater bar) between
the cuff and the thumb only shall extend from the cuff to the thumb in a
straight line.
d. Goalkeepers are required to wear HECC-approved face masks. Form-
fitting face masks are not permitted. It is recommended that goal-
keepers wear a throat protector.
e. A goalkeeper shall not use illegal equipment in a game. When a for-
mal complaint is made by the captain of a team regarding the mea-
surement of a goalkeeper’s equipment, the referee shall measure the
goalkeeper’s equipment immediately.
PENALTY—Minor if goalkeeper’s equipment found to be illegal.
Bench minor to challenging team if goalkeeper’s equip-
ment found to be legal.
Note: These specifications will change to the National Hockey League specifications
beginning with the 2006-07 season.
Protective Equipment
SECTION 4. a. Each participant is responsible for wearing protective
equipment. The equipment shall include gloves, shin pads, shoulder
pads, elbow pads, hip pads or padded hockey pants, protective cup,
pelvic protector, and any other equipment proscribed in these rules.
HR-30 RULE 3/EQUIPMENT

b. All protective equipment, except gloves, helmets and goalkeeper’s leg

guards, must be worn under the uniform. A glove from which all or
part of the palm has been removed or cut to permit the use of the
bare hand shall be considered illegal equipment.
PENALTY—Players, including goalkeepers, shall not be permitted to
participate in the warm-up and game until equipment has
been corrected or removed. Misconduct for second offense
by same player in same game. Game misconduct for third
offense by the same player in the same game.
Helmet
SECTION 5. a. All players, including goalkeepers, are required to wear
ice hockey helmets with throat straps securely fastened. There shall only
be enough room between the throat strap and the chin to insert two fin-
gers.
PENALTY—Minor.
It is recommended that all players, including goalkeepers, wear a
HECC-approved hockey helmet.
b. If a player’s (including goalkeepers) mask and/or helmet is dis-
placed, there shall be an immediate whistle. The player or goalkeep-
er must replace the helmet and/or facemask, properly fasten all
straps, or go to the players’ bench.
c. All players, including goalkeepers, are required to wear face masks
that have met the standards established by the HECC-ASTM F 513-
95 Eye and Face Protective Equipment for Hockey Players Standard.
PENALTY—Players, including goalkeepers, shall not be permitted to
participate in the warm-up and game until equipment
has been corrected. Misconduct for second offense by the
same player in the same game. Game misconduct for
third offense by the same player in the same game.
Note: An on-ice official shall check each starting goalkeeper’s throat strap prior
to the start of the game.
Mouth Guard
SECTION 6. All players, including goalkeepers, are required to wear an
internal mouth guard that covers all the remaining teeth of one jaw. The
mouth guard shall not be altered from original manufacturer specifica-
tions, except with the prescription of a medical authority.
RULE 3/EQUIPMENT HR-31

PENALTY—For initial violation, offending player shall be immedi-

ately replaced on the ice, and the referee shall warn the
offending team that subsequent violations by any player
of that team shall result in the player being assessed a
misconduct.
Note: It is recommended that mandatory protective mouth guards be made
from a colored material for easy identification.
Dangerous Equipment
SECTION 7. a. The use of pads or protectors made of metal, or of any
other material likely to cause injury to a player, is prohibited.
The Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee recommends the
use of any protective equipment that is not injurious to the player
wearing it or other players.
b. Jewelry shall not be worn, except for religious or medical medals,
which shall be taped to the body under the uniform.
PENALTY—Players, including goalkeepers, shall not be permitted to
participate in the warm-up and game until equipment
has been corrected or removed. Misconduct for second
offense by same player in same game. Game misconduct
for third offense by the same player in the same game.
Puck
SECTION 8. The puck shall be black and shall be made of vulcanized
rubber, 1 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter, and shall weigh between
5 1⁄2 and 6 ounces. Any logo placed on a puck shall be situated in the
center of the puck; the diameter of the logo shall not exceed 1 1⁄2 inch-
es.
The home team shall provide warm-up and game pucks. It is recom-
mended that game pucks be frozen before the game.
Note: The home team will have five pucks available at the scorer’s table for each
team, should either team wish to warm-up a goalkeeper during their time-out.
Measurement and Challenging of Equipment
SECTION 9. A request to measure or check any equipment covered in
Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Rule 3 shall be limited to one request by each
team per stoppage of play and may involve only one player during
each stoppage of play.
HR-32 RULE 3/EQUIPMENT

PENALTY—Bench minor to challenging team if player’s equipment

is found to be legal.
Uniform Logos
SECTION 10. In accordance with NCAA Bylaw 12.5.4-(b):
a. An institution’s uniform or any item of apparel (e.g., team jersey) that
is worn by a student-athlete while representing the institution in
intercollegiate ice hockey may contain only a single manufacturer’s or
distributor’s logo or trademark on the outside of the apparel (regard-
less of the visibility of the logo or trademark). The logo or trademark
must be contained within a four-sided geometrical figure (e.g., rec-
tangle, square, parallelogram) that does not exceed 2 1⁄4 square inches.
The item of apparel may contain more than one manufacturer’s or
distributor’s logo or trademark on the inside of the apparel, provided
the logo or trademark is not visible.
b. A single manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo or trademark, not to
exceed 2 1⁄4 square inches, may appear on both the jersey and pants of
a student-athlete’s uniform.
c. If an institution’s uniform or any item of apparel worn by a student-
athlete in competition contains washing instructions on the outside of
the apparel or on a patch that also includes the manufacturer’s or dis-
tributor’s logo or trademark, the entire patch must be contained with-
in a four-sided, geometrical figure (e.g., rectangle, square, parallelo-
gram) that does not exceed 2 1⁄4 square inches.
d. The restriction on the size of a manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo or
trademark is applicable to all apparel worn by student-athletes dur-
ing the conduct of the institution’s competition, which includes any
pregame or postgame activities (e.g., postgame celebrations on the
ice, pre- or postgame press conferences).
RULE 4
Penalties
Penalties
SECTION 1. Penalties shall be divided into the following classes:
a. Minor penalties
b. Bench minor penalties
c. Major penalties
d. Misconduct penalties
e. Disqualification penalties
f. Penalty shot
g. Game misconduct penalty
Where coincidental penalties are imposed on players of both teams, the
penalized players of the visiting team shall take their positions on the
penalty bench first in the place designated for visiting players, or where
there is not a special designation, on the bench farthest from the gate.
When play is not in progress and an infraction is committed by any
player, the same penalty shall apply as though play actually is in progress.
Note: These penalties may be assessed before, during or after the game.
If the penalty time is unexpired at the end of the period, the penalty shall carry over
into the next regular or overtime period.
Minor Penalties
SECTION 2. a. For a minor penalty, any player, other than a goalkeeper,
shall be ruled off the ice for two minutes, during which time a substitute
shall not be permitted. (For goalkeeper, see 4-7-a.)
b. A bench minor penalty involves the removal from the ice of one player
of the offending team for a period of two minutes. Any player except a
goalkeeper of that team may be designated to serve the penalty by the
coach through the playing captain, and such player shall proceed to the
penalty bench promptly and serve the penalty as if a minor penalty was
imposed.

HR-33
HR-34 RULE 4/PENALTIES

c. If the opposing team scores a goal while a team is short-handed by one

or more minor penalties, the short-handed team shall be permitted to
replace immediately on the ice the player whose minor or bench minor
penalty caused the team to be short-handed, except when a goal is
scored on a penalty shot.
Note: Short-handed means that the team must be below the numerical strength of
its opponent on the ice at the time the goal is scored. The minor penalty that termi-
nates automatically is the one that causes the team scored against to be short-hand-
ed. A minor penalty shall not terminate as a result of a penalty-shot goal.
If a short-handed team is scored upon while serving a major and a non-
coincidental minor penalty (two different players), the minor penalty shall
terminate.
d. If the referee signals an additional minor penalty(s) against a team that
already is short-handed because of one or more minor or bench minor
penalties, and a goal is scored by the non-offending team before the
whistle is blown, the goal shall be allowed, the delayed penalty(s) shall
be assessed, and the minor penalty already being served that caused the
team to be short-handed shall terminate automatically (see 4-2-c and 4-
9-b).
When two minor penalties are called on one player simultaneously and
the opposing team scores a goal before the expiration of the first minor, the
remaining time on the first minor shall be eliminated and the time on the
second minor immediately begins (see 4-2-c).
When the minor penalties of two players of the same team terminate at
the same time, the captain of that team shall designate to the referee which
of the players shall return to the ice first and the referee shall instruct the
penalty timekeeper accordingly.
When a player receives a major penalty and a minor penalty at the same
time, the major penalty shall be served first by the penalized player.
e. When penalties are not in effect and not visible on the clock and one
minor penalty is assessed to one player of each team at the same stop-
page of play, these penalties shall be served without substitution.
When penalties are not in effect and not visible on the clock and one minor
penalty is assessed to one player of each team, with an additional penalty
or penalties (minor or major) assessed at the same stoppage of play, imme-
diate substitutions on ice shall be made for an equal number of coinciden-
tal minor penalties (penalties assessed during the same stoppage of play) to
each team so penalized. The penalized players substituted for shall take
RULE 4/PENALTIES HR-35

their places on the penalty bench and shall not leave the penalty bench until
the first stoppage of play after the expiration of their respective penalties.
Penalties of the players for which substitutions have been made shall not be
taken into account for the purpose of the delayed penalty rule (see 4-8-a).
When penalties are in effect and visible on the clock and coincidental
minor penalties are imposed against players of both teams, immediate sub-
stitutions on ice shall be made for an equal number of coincidental minor
penalties to each team so penalized. The penalized players substituted for
shall take their places on the penalty bench and shall not leave the penalty
bench until the first stoppage of play after the expiration of their respective
penalties. Penalties of the players for which substitutions have been made
shall not be taken into account for the purpose of the delayed penalty rule
(see 4-8-a).
Any other penalties assessed at the same stoppage of play as minor
penalties covered in this rule shall be served in the manner prescribed else-
where in these rules and shall not affect the application of this rule.
Major Penalties
SECTION 3. a. For any major penalty, the offender shall be ruled off the ice
for five minutes, during which time a substitute shall not be permitted. (For
goalkeeper, see 4-7-b.)
b. When coincidental major penalties (penalties assessed during the same
stoppage of play) are assessed against players of both teams, immediate
substitutions on ice shall be made for an equal number of coincidental
major penalties to each team so penalized. The penalized players sub-
stituted for shall take their places on the penalty bench and shall not
leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play after the expira-
tion of their respective penalties. Penalties of the players for which sub-
stitutions have been made shall not be taken into account for the pur-
pose of the delayed penalty (see 4-8-a).
Any other penalties assessed at the same stoppage of play, as penalties
covered in this rule, shall be served in the manner prescribed elsewhere in
these rules and shall not affect the application of this rule.
Where it is required to determine which of the penalized players shall
be designated to serve the delayed penalty under Rule 4-8, the penalized
team shall have the right to make such designation not in conflict with Rule
4-2.
HR-36 RULE 4/PENALTIES

Misconduct Penalties
SECTION 4. a. A misconduct penalty involves the removal of a player,
including a goalkeeper, from the game for a period of 10 minutes; howev-
er, a substitute is permitted to replace that player immediately. A player
whose misconduct penalty has expired shall remain in the penalty bench
until the next stoppage of play.
If a minor and/or major penalty is imposed on the same player in addi-
tion to the misconduct penalty, the 10-minute misconduct penalty shall be
served in addition to the minor and/or major penalty; however, a substi-
tute must enter the penalty bench along with the player receiving the mis-
conduct penalty. The substitute may enter the game when the time penal-
ty has elapsed but the offending player must remain in the penalty box
until the expiration of both penalties. If another penalty has not been
imposed in addition to the misconduct penalty, a substitution may be made
immediately.
b. A game misconduct penalty involves the suspension of a player, coach
or other non-playing persons for the balance of the game; however, a
substitute is permitted to replace a player immediately. The offending
player, coach or non-playing persons must leave the bench and playing
surface immediately and may not communicate with or contact team
personnel in any manner until the game is completed. Any contact with
game officials is prohibited.
Medical personnel cannot be assessed a game misconduct penalty.
A player who is assessed a game misconduct penalty is suspended for
the remainder of that game only. The player shall be allowed to play in the
team’s next scheduled game.
The referee shall describe to the captain the violation that caused the
misconduct penalty if requested to do so.
Disqualification Penalties
SECTION 5. a. A disqualification penalty involves the removal of a player,
including a goalkeeper, for the remainder of the game plus a major penal-
ty, and may be assessed before the start of the game, during or after the
game.
When coincidental disqualification penalties are assessed against an
equal number of players of each team, the teams then shall be permitted
substitutions on the ice for the penalized players.
The offending player may not go to the penalty bench and may not, for
the duration of the penalty (including any progressive game-disqualifica-
tion penalty), occupy any area designated or reserved for players, and may
RULE 4/PENALTIES HR-37

not communicate or contact team personnel in any manner for the duration
of the disqualification penalty(s). A substitute, other than a spare goal-
keeper, must enter the penalty bench immediately in the place of the dis-
qualified player(s) and enter the game after the five-minute penalty(s) has
elapsed.
A player may be assessed more than one disqualification penalty in a
game.
b. The progressive game-disqualification structure shall be:
(1) First disqualification penalty—that game plus one.
(2) Second disqualification penalty—that game plus two.
(3) Third disqualification penalty—that game plus three.
(4) Fourth disqualification penalty—that game plus four.
(The progression shall continue after the fourth disqualification penalty.)
c. Progressive game-disqualification penalties shall carry over to the next
season for players with remaining eligibility.
d. The team of the disqualified player(s) shall be permitted to dress a sub-
stitute player or players (equal to the number of disqualified players) in
the next scheduled game.
A player who receives a disqualification penalty in any game (including
exhibition games) shall not be permitted to play in the team’s next played
regular-season or tournament game against an NCAA member institution.
Exhibition games cannot be used to fulfill the disqualification penalty.
Penalty Shot/Optional Minor Penalty
SECTION 6. a. When any infraction of the rules calls for a penalty shot not
involving a major, disqualification or misconduct penalty, the non-offending
team shall be given the option of accepting the penalty shot or having a minor
penalty assessed to the offending player. If, however, a major, disqualification
or misconduct penalty is incurred with the penalty shot, the shot shall be
awarded and the penalty for the prescribed infraction shall be assessed.
b. A penalty shot shall be handled as follows: As directed by the referee, the
player designated to take the penalty shot shall be announced by the pub-
lic address announcer. The referee then shall place the puck on the center
face-off spot and the player taking the shot shall, after the instruction of the
referee, play the puck from there and attempt to score on the goalkeeper.
Once the player taking the shot has touched the puck, it must be kept in
motion toward the opponent’s goal line. When the puck is shot, the play
shall be considered complete. A goal cannot be scored on a rebound of any
HR-38 RULE 4/PENALTIES

kind, and any time the puck crosses the goal line the shot shall be consid-
ered complete. Only a goalkeeper or alternate goalkeeper, as designated on
the official score sheet, may defend against a penalty shot.
c. The goalkeeper must remain in the crease until the player taking the
penalty shot has touched the puck; the goalkeeper must remain in the
goalkeeper’s privileged area until the completion of the play. In the event
of violation of this rule or any foul committed by a goalkeeper, the refer-
ee shall allow the shot to be taken, and if the shot fails the referee shall
permit the penalty shot to be taken again. The goalkeeper may attempt
to stop the penalty shot in any manner except by throwing the stick or
any object, in which case another penalty shot shall be awarded.
d. When a penalty shot is awarded under Rules 2-5-h, i and 6-34-e (illegal
entry into the game), 6-10-f (in the last two minutes of regulation time or
anytime during overtime, displacing the goal post, goalkeeper remov-
ing the helmet and/or face mask, or deliberately displacing the goal to
prevent the puck from entering the goal at any time) or 6-16-b (defend-
ing player falling on, holding or gathering the puck into the body or
hands when the puck in within the goal crease), the captain of the non-
offending team shall designate any player who is not serving a penalty
at that time to take the penalty shot. Such selection shall be reported to
the referee and cannot be changed.
When a penalty shot is awarded under Rules 6-29-e (interference) and 6-
58-b (fouling from behind), the referee shall designate the player who has
been fouled as the player who shall take the penalty shot.
When a penalty shot is awarded under Rule 6-10-f (during the course of
a breakaway, a goalkeeper or player deliberately displaces the goal post or
a goalkeeper deliberately removes the helmet and/or face mask), the penal-
ty shot shall be taken by the player last in possession of the puck.
e. If the player designated to take the penalty shot commits a foul in con-
nection with the same play or circumstances, either before or after the
penalty shot has been awarded, the player shall be permitted to take the
shot before going to the penalty bench unless the penalty is a game mis-
conduct or disqualification penalty. In that case, the penalty shot shall be
taken by a player selected by the captain of the non-offending team from
the players who are not serving a penalty at that time. Such selection
shall be reported to the referee and cannot be changed.
f. If, at the time a penalty shot is awarded, the goalkeeper of the penalized
RULE 4/PENALTIES HR-39

team has been removed from the ice to substitute another player, the
goalkeeper shall be permitted to return to the ice before the penalty shot
is taken.
g. While the penalty shot is being taken, players of both teams shall with-
draw to the sides of the rink beyond the attacking blue line.
h. If any player of the opposing team interferes with or distracts the play-
er taking a penalty shot and thereby causes the shot to fail, a second
attempt shall be permitted and the referee shall impose a misconduct
penalty on the offending player.
i. If a goal is scored from a penalty shot, the puck shall be faced off at cen-
ter ice in the usual way. If a goal is not scored, the puck shall be faced
off at either of the end face-off spots in the zone in which the penalty
shot was attempted.
j. If the infraction for which the penalty shot was awarded was one that
normally would incur a minor penalty, the offending team shall not be
short-handed as a result.
If a goal is scored from a penalty shot, a further penalty to the offending
player shall be assessed if the infraction for which the penalty shot was
awarded was such as to incur a major, disqualification or misconduct
penalty. In that case, the penalty prescribed for the particular offense shall
be imposed.
k. If the infraction upon which the penalty shot is based occurs during
actual playing time, the penalty shot shall be awarded and taken imme-
diately in the usual manner even if a slow whistle permitting the play to
be completed results in the expiration of the period.
The time required for the penalty shot shall not be included in the regu-
lar playing time or any overtime.
Goalkeeper’s Penalties
SECTION 7. a. A goalkeeper shall not be sent to the penalty bench for an
offense which incurs a minor penalty. Instead, the captain of the offending
team shall designate another member of the team who was on the ice when
the offense was committed to serve the penalty, and such substitute shall
not be changed.
b. If a goalkeeper incurs a major or misconduct penalty, the goalkeeper
shall serve the time penalty; but a substitute player in goalkeeper’s
equipment shall be allowed in the game replacing some other player.
When a major penalty is assessed, a player without goalkeeper’s equip-
HR-40 RULE 4/PENALTIES

ment shall go to the penalty bench with the goalkeeper and shall go on
the ice in place of the penalized goalkeeper when the penalty time has
expired. The penalized goalkeeper may not leave the penalty bench
until the first stoppage in play after the expiration of the penalty.
c. If a goalkeeper, in goalkeeper’s equipment, participates in the play in
any manner while beyond the center red line, a minor penalty shall be
assessed to the goalkeeper. However, the goalkeeper may proceed with-
out participating in the play to the players’ bench if it is beyond the cen-
ter red line.
d. Within the rectangular area bounded in the rear by the player’s end of
the rink, in front by an imaginary line connecting the special spots and
on the sides by imaginary lines from the special spots to the end boards,
the goalkeeper has certain privileges (see rink diagram). When outside
of this area, however, the goalkeeper must play the puck in the same
manner as that prescribed for other players and is subject to the same
penalties (see 6-19-b-2 and 6-40-c). The goalkeeper shall not body check
an opponent in the privileged area.
PENALTY—Minor.
e. A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who, when located
entirely outside the boundaries of the crease area (except to prevent a
goal), deliberately falls on or gathers the puck into the body or who
holds or places the puck against any part of the goal or against the
boards (see 6-19-b-2).
f. A penalty shot/optional minor penalty shall be assessed if a goalkeeper
leaves any stick, broken or otherwise, on the ice to prevent a goal.
If a player shoots the puck and it hits the stick, preventing an obvious
and imminent goal, a goal shall be awarded.
g. If the goalkeeper for the defending team deliberately displaces the goal
to prevent an obvious and imminent goal, the puck would have entered
the goal had it not been displaced, a goal shall be awarded.
Delayed Penalties
SECTION 8. a. If a player is penalized while two players of the individual’s
team are serving penalties, the penalty time of the third player shall not
begin until the penalty time of one of the other two players has elapsed. The
third player penalized must proceed at once to the penalty bench, but may
be replaced by a substitute until the penalty time of the penalized player
begins (see 4-2-c). If the third player penalized with a minor penalty is a
RULE 4/PENALTIES HR-41

goalkeeper, a player from the ice must proceed to the penalty box to serve
the goalkeeper’s minor penalty.
b. When a team has three players serving penalties at the same time and,
because of the delayed penalty rule, a substitute for the third offender is
on the ice, none of the three penalized players on the penalty bench may
return to the ice until play is stopped. When play is stopped, the player
whose full penalty has expired may return to the ice.
However, the penalty timekeeper shall permit a player or players, or
their substitutes, to return to the ice in the order of the expiration of their
penalties when, because of such expiration, the penalized team is entitled
to have more than four players on the ice.
c. In the case of delayed penalties, the referee shall instruct the penalty
timekeeper that players or their substitutes whose penalties have
expired only shall be allowed to return to the ice when there is a stop-
page of play (see 4-2-c).
When the penalties of two players of the same team shall expire at the
same time, the captain of that team shall designate to the referee which of
the players shall return to the ice first and the referee shall instruct the
penalty timekeeper accordingly.
When a major and a minor penalty are assessed at the same time to play-
ers of the same team (see also 4-2-c, d), the penalty timekeeper shall record
the minor as being the first of such penalties.
Calling of Penalties
SECTION 9. a. If an infraction of the rules is committed by a player of the
side in possession of the puck, the appropriate on-ice official shall blow the
whistle immediately and a referee shall assess the penalties.
The resulting face-off shall be made at the place where the play was
stopped unless the stoppage occurs in the attacking zone of the player
penalized, in which case the face-off shall be made at the nearest face-off
spot in the neutral zone.
b. If an infraction of the rules calling for a minor, bench minor, major, mis-
conduct or disqualification penalty is committed by a player of the team
not in possession of the puck, the appropriate on-ice official shall signal
the calling of a penalty and immediately upon completion of the play by
the team in possession, blow the whistle and the penalty shall be
assessed by a referee.
The resulting face-off shall be made at the place where the play was
stopped, unless during the delayed whistle, the side in possession commits
an infraction that calls for a faceoff elsewhere in these rules (e.g., icing).
HR-42 RULE 4/PENALTIES

If the penalty or penalties to be imposed are minor penalties (while

the teams are at equal strength) and a goal is scored on the play by the
non-offending team, the first minor penalty shall not be imposed.
However, all other infractions shall be imposed in the normal manner,
regardless of whether a goal is scored. If any other penalties are com-
mitted on the same play or after the appropriate on-ice official has
stopped play, the offending players shall be penalized (see 4-2-d).
If, after the referee has signaled a penalty (but before the whistle has
been blown), the puck enters the goal of the non-offending team as the
direct result of the action of a player of that team, the goal shall be
allowed and the penalty signaled shall be assessed.
c. The appropriate on-ice official shall use a “delayed whistle” when a
foul is committed against the team in possession of the puck, thereby
postponing the stoppage of play until the offending team shall have
possession and control of the puck.
The last player to control the puck, other than the goalkeeper, is the last
player to be deemed in possession of the puck. Control of the puck is
defined as the act of propelling the puck with the stick, hand or skate.
Possession and control is not a rebound off the goalkeeper, an opposing
player, the goal or the boards or any incidental contact with the body or
equipment of an opposing player. Batting the puck with the hand or kick-
ing the puck is considered to be controlling the puck. Touching the puck
(e.g., poke check or deflection) is not considered control of the puck.
During a delayed penalty, a goal may not be scored by the penalized
team as a result of a deflection off of a penalized team player.
Supplementary Discipline
SECTION 10. The proper disciplinary authority may, at the conclusion of
the game, and at its discretion, investigate any incident that occurs in
connection with any game and may assess additional suspensions for
any offense committed before, during or after a game by a player, coach
or non-playing personnel, independent of whether such offense had
been penalized by a referee. The proper disciplinary authority may not
decrease any penalties assessed before, during or after the game by the
on-ice officials.
Note: The proper disciplinary authority has a responsibility to identify the prop-
er penalized player.
NCAA Tobacco Policy
SECTION 11. In accordance with NCAA Bylaws 11.1.7 and 17.1.12, the
RULE 4/PENALTIES HR-43

use of tobacco by student-athletes or game personnel (e.g., coaches,

trainers, managers and officials) is prohibited during practice and com-
petition.
Any student-athlete or game personnel who use tobacco during prac-
tice or competition shall be disqualified for the remainder of that practice
or competition.
During regular-season competition, it is the responsibility of each insti-
tution to enforce the rule for its own student-athletes and game personnel.
During championships competition, the games committee shall enforce
the rule.
RULE 5
Officials and
Officiating Systems
Appointment of Officials
SECTION 1. All games shall be officiated by a three-person officiating sys-
tem. The on-ice officials should be the referees, assistant referees and lines-
man; the off-ice officials should be a game timekeeper, official scorer, two
goal judges and, for tournament competition, an instant-replay official. All
officials should be supplied by the proper governing authority. It is rec-
ommended that goal judges be officials. The officials shall conduct the
game in accordance with the official rules and interpretations, and employ
the mechanics of officiating contained in this rules book.
Officiating Systems
SECTION 2. The three-person officiating systems consist of either one ref-
eree and two assistant referees or two referees and one linesman.
a. The on-ice officials should arrive on the ice at the beginning of the
warm-up period before the start of the game and shall remain on the ice
at the conclusion of each period until all players have proceeded to their
dressing rooms. The on-ice officials shall be dressed in black trousers,
the official sweater with official NCAA crest and a black ice hockey hel-
met with throat strap fastened.
They shall be equipped with whistles, a tape measure with a minimum
length of 6 feet, a stick-measurement device and a current copy of the
NCAA ice hockey rules book. It is the responsibility of the referee to pro-
vide these items at the penalty bench.
The referees in the three-person systems should wear arm bands.
b. Should one of the appointed officials be unable to officiate because of
sickness or accident or be unable to finish the game the remaining offi-
cials shall officiate the game using either a two-referee or one-referee,
one-linesman system.
c. If an on-ice official accidentally leaves the ice or receives an injury that
incapacitates the individual from discharging the duties of the job while
HR-44
RULE 5/OFFICIALS AND OFFICIATING SYSTEMS HR-45

play is in progress, the game shall be stopped immediately by a remain-

ing on-ice official, unless one of the teams has the puck in a scoring posi-
tion, in which case the play shall be allowed to be completed. If it is obvi-
ous that the injury sustained is of a serious nature, play shall be stopped
immediately.
d. The referee shall order the teams on the ice at the appointed time for the
start of the game and at the commencement of each period. Teams shall
be notified three minutes before play is to start before the end of each
intermission (see 8-1).
e. The referee shall ensure that the required equipment is in use and, if it
does not conform to the regulations, assess the proper penalty.
f. The game officials are not required to confer with coaches during the
game or its intermission periods.
Referee(s)
SECTION 3. The duties of the referee(s) are as follows:
a. Have general supervision of the game and full control of game officials
and players from the time the teams exit their dressing rooms, during
the warm-up, during the game, including any stoppages or interrup-
tions of play, and after the game until such time as the teams enter their
dressing rooms. In case of any dispute, the referee(s) may change the
decision or that of any other official, provided the change is made before
play is renewed.
The referee(s) decision is final; there is no appeal.
b. In the one referee, two assistant referees system, the referee shall drop
the puck at the center ice face-off spot at the start of the game.
c. Before starting the game, see that the appointed game timekeeper,
penalty timekeeper, official scorer, goal judges and, for tournament
competition, instant-replay official, are in their respective places and
that the timing and signaling equipment is in order.
An on-ice official shall check each starting goalkeeper’s throat strap
prior to the start of the game.
d. Assess such penalties as prescribed by the rules for infractions thereof,
to stop play for any other infraction of the rules and to give final deci-
sions in the matters of disputed goals. The referee(s) may, in matters of
disputed goals, consult with other on-ice officials before making a deci-
sion.
HR-46 RULE 5/OFFICIALS AND OFFICIATING SYSTEMS

e. Announce to the official scorer or penalty timekeeper all goals and

assists legally scored, as well as penalties, and for what infractions such
penalties are assessed. However, conferences and tournament directors
may determine an alternate policy for awarding assists.
The referee shall ensure that the name of the goal scorer and any player
entitled to an assist are announced on the public-address system. If a goal is
disallowed for any violation of the rules, the referees shall report the reason
for the disallowance to the official scorer, who shall announce the referees’
decision over the public-address system.
The infraction of the rules for which each penalty has been assessed shall
be announced over the public-address system.
f. If the conditions among the players and/or spectators become unsatis-
factory during the course of the game, the referee(s) may stop the game
at any time. It shall be “no contest” unless two periods have been com-
pleted. Whenever a game is interrupted because of events beyond the
control of the responsible administrative authorities (e.g., not involving
the players and/or spectators), it shall be continued from the point of
interruption, unless the teams agree otherwise or there are conference,
league or association rules to cover the situation (see 6-55-d).
Note: The rules committee has made a distinction between a game that has been
stopped because of the actions of the players and/or spectators and a game that is
“interrupted” because of other events (e.g., loss of electricity, hazardous ice). A
“stopped” game shall not be considered a game unless two periods have been com-
pleted. An “interrupted” game would be replayed from the point of suspension. In
either case or any situation, conference, league or association rules shall be the ulti-
mate consideration.
Assistant Referees
SECTION 4. The duties of the assistant referees are as follows:
a. Determine infractions of the rules concerning penalties not observed by
the referee, offsides and icing.
Note: The prime responsibility to call penalties resides with the referee. It is expect-
ed that assistant referees will call major penalties, minor penalties behind the play,
and flagrant minor penalties (not observed by the referee), particularly those that
deny a scoring opportunity or could lead to injury or an altercation, regardless of
where they occur on the ice surface.
b. Conduct all face-offs with the exception of the face-off at the start of the
game.
RULE 5/OFFICIALS AND OFFICIATING SYSTEMS HR-47

c. Stop play:
(1) By signaling and reporting to the referee any infraction constituting
a minor, bench minor, major, misconduct, disqualification, or game-
misconduct penalty that occurs and is not observed by the referee.
The referee shall signal and assess the penalty for such infractions;
(2) When the puck goes outside the playing area;
(3) For premature substitution of a goalkeeper (see 2-5-a);
(4) For injured player(s) (see 2-6-a, d) and officials;
(5) When the puck is struck with a stick above the height of 4 feet
[1.22m];
(6) When the goal post has been displaced from its normal position;
(7) For all face-off violations;
(8) For too many players on the ice;
(9) When a stick, puck or any foreign object is thrown on the ice;
(10) To report a goal not observed by the referee; and
(11) To report an ineligible player playing the puck.
d. Disallow an illegal goal not observed by the referee.
e. An on-ice official shall check each starting goalkeeper’s throat strap
prior to the start of the game.
Linesman
SECTION 5. The linesman’s duties are as follows:
a. Determine infractions of the rules concerning offsides and icing.
b. Conduct face-offs.
c. Stop play:
(1) When the puck goes outside the playing area;
(2) For premature substitution of a goalkeeper (see 2-5-a);
(3) For injured player(s) (see 2-6-a, d) and officials;
(4) For too many players on the ice;
(5) When a stick, puck or any foreign object is thrown on the ice;
(6) To report a goal not observed by the referee; and
(7) To report an ineligible player playing the puck.
HR-48 RULE 5/OFFICIALS AND OFFICIATING SYSTEMS

d. At the first stoppage of play, report to the referee any conduct calling
for an unsportsmanlike or misconduct penalty.
Goal Judge
SECTION 6. The goal judge should signal the referee when the puck enters
the goal cage. The referee may ask the goal judge how the puck entered the
goal cage. The referee(s) shall make the final decision as to whether or not
the goal will be allowed.
The goal judge shall judge at the same goal cage throughout the game.
Goal judges should be isolated from the spectators.
Penalty Timekeeper
SECTION 7. a. The penalty timekeeper shall keep, on the official forms
provided, a record of all penalties imposed by the officials, including the
names of the players penalized, the infractions penalized, the duration of
each penalty and the time at which each penalty was imposed. The penal-
ty timekeeper shall report in the penalty record each penalty shot assessed,
the name of the player taking the shot and the result.
b. The penalty timekeeper shall check to be sure that the time served by
all penalized players is correct. The individual shall be responsible for
the correct posting of penalties on the scoreboard at all times, and
promptly shall call to the attention of the referee any discrepancy
between the time recorded on the clock and the official correct time,
and shall be responsible for making any adjustments ordered by the
referee.
The penalty timekeeper shall, upon request, give a penalized player
correct information as to the unexpired time of the individual’s penalty.
The penalty timekeeper shall notify the referee, when play is stopped,
if a penalized player entered the rink before the individual’s penalty time
was complete. In case of a delayed-time penalty, the penalty timekeeper
shall see that a penalized player does not return to the ice until there is a
stoppage of play.
c. When players of both teams are penalized on the same play, the penal-
ty to the visiting player shall be announced first.
d. Misconduct penalties, coincidental minor penalties for which on-ice
substitutions have been made, coincidental major penalties and coinci-
dental disqualification penalties shall not be recorded on the timing
device. Players serving these penalties shall be alerted and released at
the first stoppage of play after the expiration of the penalties.
RULE 5/OFFICIALS AND OFFICIATING SYSTEMS HR-49

Official Scorer
SECTION 8. a. After the pregame warm-up, the official scorer shall obtain
from the coaches of both teams a list of all eligible players and the starting
lineup of each team (15 minutes before the game, see 2-4-a and 8-1). This
information shall be made known to the opposing team’s coach before the
start of play, either personally or through the referee.
The official scorer shall secure the names of the captain and designated
alternate from the coach at the time the lineups are collected and shall so
indicate by placing the letter “C” or “A” opposite their names on the score
sheet. This information shall be presented to the referee for the individual’s
signature at the completion of the game.
b. The official scorer shall keep a record of the goals scored and who scored
them and players to whom assists have been credited and shall indicate
those players on the lists who actually have taken part in the game. The
official scorer also shall record the time of entry into the game of any
substitute goalkeeper. The official scorer shall record on the official score
sheet a notation where a goal is scored when the goalkeeper has been
removed from the ice.
Note: Both schools should participate in any changes involving scoring.
c. The official scorer shall ensure that the awarding of points for goals and
assists are announced over the public-address system, and all changes
in such awards also are announced in the same manner.
Requests for changes in any awarding of points shall not be considered
unless they are made by the team representative to the referee at or before
the conclusion of actual play in the game.
d. The official scorer also shall prepare the official score sheet for the refer-
ee’s signature.
Game Timekeeper
SECTION 9. a. The game timekeeper shall signal the referee and the com-
peting teams for the start of the game and each succeeding period, and the
referee shall start the play promptly in accordance with Rule 6-51.
To assist in ensuring the prompt return to the ice of the teams and the
officials, the game timekeeper and/or home team personnel shall give a
preliminary warning three minutes before the resumption of play for each
period (see 8-1).
b. If the rink is not equipped with an automatic buzzer, horn or siren, or if
such a device fails to function, the game timekeeper shall signal the end
of each period by blowing a whistle.
HR-50 RULE 5/OFFICIALS AND OFFICIATING SYSTEMS

c. The game timekeeper shall announce over the public-address system at

the 19th minute in each period that there is one minute remaining to be
played in the period.
d. The game timekeeper shall be responsible for timing and signaling the
termination of the timeout by blowing the horn.
e. In the event of any dispute regarding time, the matter shall be referred
to the referee for adjustment; the referee’s decision shall be final.
Instant-Replay Official
SECTION 10. An instant-replay official is permissible in regular-season
tournament and postseason tournament competition. The instant-replay
official shall be in the rink proper and have a clear view of the ice surface.
See Appendix C for complete instant replay procedures.
RULE 6
Playing Rules
Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct
SECTION 1. a. A coach or non-playing person shall not challenge or dis-
pute the rulings of any official before or during a game.
PENALTY—Bench minor. If this action persists, with the exception of
medical personnel, a game misconduct shall be assessed.
b. A player shall not challenge or dispute the rulings of any official before
or during a game.
PENALTY—Misconduct.
c. A player, coach or non-playing person shall not bang the boards with a
stick or other instrument.
PENALTY—Minor or bench minor. If a player persists in such action, a
misconduct shall be assessed. If a coach or non-playing
person, with the exception of medical personnel, persists in
such action, a game misconduct shall be assessed. Medical
personnel are subject to supplementary discipline penal-
ties.
d. A coach or non-playing person shall not enter the rink except by per-
mission of the referee in case of injury to a player.
Activities of a coach during the progress of the game shall be confined
to the immediate area of the bench (this is to discourage walking up and
down alongside the rink to coach).
A player, coach or non-playing person connected with a team shall not
throw any object on the ice surface. If a puck is thrown on the ice surface
and interferes with or confuses play, play shall be stopped immediately. If
play is not interfered with or confused, a slow whistle is in order.
PENALTY—Player: Minor and game misconduct.
Coach or non-playing person: Bench minor and game mis-
conduct. Medical personnel are subject to supplementary
discipline penalties.
HR-51
HR-52 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

e. A player, coach or non-playing person shall not interfere in any manner

with any on- or off-ice official in the performance of their duties.
PENALTY—Player: Misconduct or game misconduct.
Coach or non-playing person: Bench minor. If a coach or
non-playing person, with the exception of medical, persist
in such action, a game misconduct shall be assessed.
Medical personnel are subject to supplementary discipline
penalties.
f. A coach or other non-playing person connected with a team shall not
use foul or abusive language; obscene gestures; threatening language or
gestures; or other unsportsmanlike conduct to an official or opposing
player or otherwise try to influence or intimidate an official or opposing
player either before or during a game.
PENALTY—Bench minor. For further violation, with the exception of
medical personnel, a game misconduct shall be assessed.
Medical personnel are subject to supplementary discipline
penalties.
g. A player shall not use obscene, profane, threatening or abusive language
or gestures or other unsportsmanlike conduct before or during a game
or after a game.
PENALTY—Player to player: Minor. If this action persists, a game mis-
conduct shall be assessed.
Player to official: Misconduct, game misconduct, or dis-
qualification, at the discretion of the referee.
h. A player, coach or other non-playing person shall not direct ethnic or
racial slurs to an official, opposing player or opposing team personnel.
PENALTY—Game misconduct, with the exception of medical personnel.
Medical personnel are subject to supplementary discipline
penalties.
i. A player shall go directly and immediately to the penalty bench when
assessed a penalty.
PENALTY—Misconduct.
j. A player, except for the purpose of taking a position on the penalty
bench, shall not enter or remain in the referee’s crease while the referee
is reporting to or consulting with any game officials.
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-53

PENALTY—Misconduct.
k. A player shall not persist in any action for which he or she previously
had been assessed a misconduct penalty.
PENALTY—Game misconduct.
l. A player shall not resist an official or persist in continuing or attempting
to continue an altercation after the player has been ordered by any on-
ice official to stop.
PENALTY—Misconduct, game misconduct or disqualification, at the
discretion of the referee.
m. A player shall not physically or deliberately make contact with an offi-
cial before, during or after the game.
PENALTY—Disqualification.
Adjustment to Clothing and Equipment
SECTION 2. a. Play shall not be stopped nor the game delayed for adjust-
ments to clothing, equipment, skates or sticks.
PENALTY—Minor.
b. The responsibility of maintaining clothing and equipment in proper
condition shall be upon the player. If adjustments are required, the
player shall retire from the ice; play shall continue without interruption
with a substitute.
c. Unnecessary delay shall not be permitted for the repair or adjustment of
a goalkeeper’s equipment. If major adjustments are required, the goal-
keeper shall retire from the ice and be replaced by the substitute goal-
keeper immediately. A referee may allow for minor delays.
PENALTY—Minor.
Boarding
SECTION 3. A player shall not body check, cross-check, elbow, charge or
trip an opponent from the front or side in such a manner that causes the
opponent to be thrown violently into the boards (see 6-23).
PENALTY—Minor or major at discretion of the referee, based on degree
of violence of the impact with the boards.
Broken Stick
SECTION 4. a. A player without a stick may participate in the game. A
player whose stick is broken may participate in the game provided the
player drops the broken stick.
HR-54 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

PENALTY—Minor.
Note: A broken stick is one that, in the opinion of the official, is unfit for normal
play. A stick with a chipped or cracked blade shall not be considered broken, pro-
vided the blade is entirely covered with tape and there are not any projecting points.
Sticks should be kept low at all times.
b. A goalkeeper may continue to play with a broken stick until a stoppage
of play or until the goalkeeper legally has been provided with a stick.
c. A player whose stick is broken may not receive a stick thrown onto the
ice from any part of the rink but must obtain a stick at the players’ bench
or be handed one by a teammate not serving a penalty. A goalkeeper
whose stick is broken may not receive a stick thrown onto the ice surface
from any part of the rink but may receive a stick from a teammate with-
out proceeding to the players’ bench.
PENALTY—Bench minor.
Butt-Ending
SECTION 5. A player shall not butt-end an opponent. A butt-end is when
a player uses the shaft of the stick above the upper hand to jab an opponent.
Butt-ending includes all cases where a butt-end gesture is made regardless
of whether contact occurs.
PENALTY—Major and game misconduct or disqualification at the dis-
cretion of the referee.
Charging
SECTION 6. a. A player shall not skate more than two steps or jump into
or charge an opponent. Charging is the action of a player, who as a result
of distance traveled, checks an opponent violently in any manner from the
front or side.
Note: A fair body check is one in which a player checks an opponent who is in pos-
session of the puck, by using the hip or body from the front or diagonally from the
front or straight from the side.
PENALTY—Minor or major at discretion of the referee.
b. A player shall not charge or otherwise foul a goalkeeper while the goal-
keeper is within the crease or privileged area (see 6-19-b-2-g).
PENALTY—Minor or major at discretion of the referee.
Clipping
SECTION 7. A player shall not deliver a check at or below the opponent’s
knees. Clipping includes all cases where an attempt to clip is made regard-
less of whether contact occurs.
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-55

PENALTY—Minor or major or disqualification at the discretion of the

referee.
Contact to the Head
SECTION 8. A player shall not make contact with an opposing player’s
head or neck area in any manner.
PENALTY—Minor or major or disqualification at the discretion of the
referee. Contact to the head shall be assessed in front of the
infraction (i.e. contact to the head – elbow).
Note: The Rules Committee instructs officials to use a zero tolerance policy in this
area.
Cross-Checking
SECTION 9. A player shall not cross-check an opponent. A cross-check is
a check delivered by extending the arms with both hands on the stick and
making contact with the opponent.
PENALTY—Minor or major or disqualification at the discretion of the
referee.
Delaying the Game
SECTION 10. a. A player or goalkeeper shall not delay the game by delib-
erately shooting or batting the puck outside the playing area during play or
after a stoppage of play.
PENALTY—Minor.
b. A player or goalkeeper shall not deliberately hold (freezes) the puck
against the boards, cage or ice with the stick, skate, foot or any other part
of the body for the purpose of delaying the game (see 6-16-b).
PENALTY—Minor.
c. A player, including the goalkeeper, shall not delay the game by deliber-
ately displacing a goal post from its normal position. The referee shall
stop play when a goal post has been displaced.
Note: If the non-offending team has an offensive opportunity and their defensive
goal cage has been displaced, play shall be allowed to continue until the scoring
chance is complete.
PENALTY—Minor. With less than two-minutes remaining in regulation
time or any time during overtime, penalty shot/optional
minor. If this illegal act prevents an obvious and imminent
goal at any time during the game, a goal shall be awarded.
HR-56 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

d. A player or goalkeeper shall not deliberately displace the goal post to

prevent a goal, regardless of when it happens during a game.
PENALTY—Penalty shot/optional minor. If this illegal act prevents
an obvious and imminent goal, a goal shall be awarded.
e. A player or goalkeeper shall not deliberately remove the helmet
and/or face mask during play (see 3-5-b).
PENALTY—Minor. With less than two-minutes remaining in regula-
tion time or any time during overtime, penalty
shot/optional minor. If this illegal act prevents an obvi-
ous and imminent goal, a goal shall be awarded.
f. During the course of a breakaway a player or goalkeeper shall not
deliberately displace the goal post, or deliberately remove the hel-
met and/or face mask.
PENALTY—Penalty shot/optional minor. The shot shall be taken by
the player last in possession of the puck. If this illegal
act prevents an obvious and imminent goal, a goal shall
be awarded.
Note: A player with a breakaway is a player in control of the puck, on the oppo-
nent’s side of the center red line, without opposition between the player and the
opposing goal and with a reasonable scoring opportunity.
g. A player shall not intentionally drop the gloves and/or stick. This
includes delay of the game by unnecessarily adjusting equipment or
clothing, tying skates, conferring with coaches, players or others, or
committing any act for the obvious purpose of stalling or delaying
the game (see 6-41-b).
PENALTY—Minor.
Diving
SECTION 11. A player shall not attempt to draw a penalty through any
exaggerated or deceitful action (“diving”).
PENALTY—Minor.
Elbowing
SECTION 12. A player shall not use the elbow in such a manner as to foul
an opponent.
PENALTY—Minor, major or disqualification at discretion of the referee.
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-57

Excessive Roughness
SECTION 13. A player shall not commit an action not permitted by the
rules that may cause or causes an injury to an opponent, to team personnel
or to a game official.
PENALTY—Disqualification.
Face Masks
SECTION 14. a. A player shall not grasp the face mask of an opponent.
PENALTY—Major.
b. A player shall not intentionally place or push with the open hand on the
face mask. The inadvertent or accidental placement of an open hand on
the face mask shall not be ruled a penalty.
PENALTY—Minor.
Face-Offs
SECTION 15. a. The puck shall be faced off by an on-ice official dropping
the puck on the ice between the sticks of the players facing off. Players fac-
ing off shall stand squarely facing their opponents’ end of the rink, within
the proper markings.
The puck shall be faced off at the center ice face-off spot at the start of
each period and overtime period, and after a goal is scored. The player of
the visiting team shall place the stick on the ice first. When the face-off
takes place in any of the end face-off circles, the sticks of both players fac-
ing off shall be on the ice, within the designated white area. The player of
the attacking team in the attacking half of the rink shall place the stick with-
in the white area first. Both players shall stand squarely facing their oppo-
nents’ end of the rink.
Other players shall not be allowed to have the skates inside the face-off
circle or beyond the parallel face-off lines extended or come within 15 feet
[4.57m] of the players facing off the puck.
PENALTY—For initial violation, the official shall order the player(s) tak-
ing the face-off replaced. Second violation by the same
team during the same face-off shall be penalized with a
minor for delay of game assessed to the player committing
the violation.
b. If either of the players fails to take the proper position for the face-off,
the official shall be entitled to proceed with the face-off.
c. During any face-off anywhere on the playing surface, a player facing off
shall not make any physical contact with the opponent’s body by means
HR-58 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

of the player’s own body or stick, except in the course of playing the
puck after the face-off has been completed.
PENALTY—Minor.
d. If a player facing off fails to take the proper position immediately when
directed by the official, the official may order the player replaced for that
face-off by any teammate then currently on the ice.
Substitution of players shall not be permitted until the face-off has been
completed and play has resumed, except when a penalty is imposed that
shall affect the on-ice strength of either team.
On all face-offs, players must take a stationary position in the vicinity of
the face-off before the puck is dropped.
Note: This should be treated as a face-off violation. The intent of this rule is to
negate any advantage a team gains by putting players in motion prior to the face-
off.
e. When a violation of a rule has been committed or a stoppage of play has
been caused by any player of the attacking team in the attacking zone,
except high stick or illegal substitution of the goalkeeper, the ensuing
face-off shall be made in the neutral zone at the nearest face-off spot.
This includes a stoppage of play caused by a player of the attacking
team shooting the puck onto the back of the defending team’s net with-
out any intervening action by the defending team and a stoppage of
play caused by a player of the attacking team when the goal cage acci-
dentally becomes dislodged.
f. When a violation of a rule has been committed by players of both teams
on the play resulting in the stoppage, the ensuing face-off shall be made
at the point where the puck was when the stoppage occurred.
g. When a stoppage occurs between the end face-off spots and near the end
of the rink, the puck shall be faced off at the end face-off spot on the side
where the stoppage occurred, unless otherwise expressly provided by
these rules.
h. When a goal is scored illegally as a result of a puck being deflected direct-
ly off an official anywhere in the defending zone, the resulting face-off
shall be at the end face-off spot in the defending zone. When a puck is
deflected directly into the goal off an official outside the defending zone,
the face-off shall take place where the puck was last played.
i. When the game is stopped for any reason not specifically covered in the
official rules, the puck must be faced off where it was last played.
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-59

j. When a team shoots the puck and it is unintentionally deflected by a

glove or stick protruding from the opponents’ bench, the face-off shall
be in the neutral zone face-off spot nearest the bench.
k. The whistle shall not be blown by the official to start play. Playing time
shall begin the instant the puck is faced off and shall stop when the
whistle is blown or an official signals a goal.
l. If the goal cage is dislodged accidentally by a defending player, the face-
off shall be at the near end face-off spot.
m. If the puck strikes an overhead obstruction, the ensuing face-off is a last-
play face-off. If the stoppage of play is caused by an attacking player in
the player’s attacking zone, the face-off shall be at the zone line. If the
stoppage of play is caused by a defending player in the defending zone,
the ensuing face-off is a last-play face-off.
n. If an on-ice official mistakenly stops play, the face-off shall be at center
ice unless, in the opinion of the official, the center ice face-off would
unduly penalize either team.
o. When a stoppage of play in an end zone takes place and is followed by
an altercation (whether a penalty is called or not), an attacking player
shall not enter the end zone farther than the outer edge of the face-off
circles nearest the blue line.
PENALTY—Face-off at the nearest neutral zone face-off spot.
Note: All face-offs must be conducted along imaginary lines, parallel with the side
boards, that connect the end-zone face-off spots, other than faceoffs conducted at
center ice. See diagram in Rule 1 for further clarification.
Falling on or Diving for the Puck
SECTION 16. a. A player, other than the goalkeeper, shall not deliberately
fall on or gather a puck into the body.
Any player who drops to the knees to block shots should not be penal-
ized if the puck is shot under the player or becomes lodged in clothing or
equipment, but any use of hands to make the puck unplayable should be
penalized promptly.
PENALTY—Minor.
b. A defending player, except the goalkeeper, shall not be permitted to fall
on the puck or hold the puck or gather a puck into the body or hands
when the puck is within the goal crease.
PENALTY—Penalty shot/optional minor; an additional penalty shall not
be assessed.
HR-60 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

c. If a player leaves the feet to play the puck and does not make contact
with the opponent, play shall continue.
Note: This section is intended to restrict the diving or sliding type of body block.
It is not intended to restrict a player who has fallen to the ice from playing the
puck or to prevent a player from going down on one or both knees to block a shot.
Fighting or Punching
SECTION 17. a. A player shall not fight an opponent or participate in a
fight, on or off the playing surface (punching or attempting to punch is
considered fighting).
PENALTY—Disqualification.
b. A player who does not retaliate after being struck shall not be
assessed a penalty.
c. When a fight occurs on the ice, all non-participating players, exclud-
ing goalkeepers, must proceed immediately and directly to their
respective players’ bench at the signal of the referee. Goalkeepers
must remain in the immediate vicinity of their goal crease.
PENALTY—Minor to offending player(s) or goalkeeper.
Goals and Assists
SECTION 18. a. A goal is scored when the puck shall have been put
between the goal posts by the stick of a player of the attacking team,
entering from the front, and below the top of the net and completely
across the goal line with the goal frame in its proper position. If the puck
was touched last by a defending player before it entered the cage, the
goal is allowed, unless otherwise identified in Rule 6-18-c-10.
A goal shall be allowed if the puck has been directed into the goal by
an attacking player with the skate on the ice, unless a distinct kicking
motion is used.
If the puck is deflected into the goal from the shot of an attacking
player by striking any part of the person of a player of the same side, the
goal shall be allowed. The player who deflected the puck shall be cred-
ited with the goal.
If the puck is between the goalkeeper’s pads or lodged in the equip-
ment and is carried over the goal line by a teammate pushing the goal-
keeper or if the goalkeeper propels it over the goal line, the goal shall be
allowed (see 6-18-c-13).
b. A goal scored shall count one point for the team not defending the
cage in which the goal is made.
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-61

c. A goal shall not be allowed in any of the following cases:

(1) If an attacking player strikes the puck with a stick when the puck
is above the height of the crossbar of the goal frame (4 feet
[1.22m]);
(2) If the puck has been propelled by a distinct kicking motion,
thrown or otherwise directed into the goal by any means other
than a stick;
(3) If the attacking team has committed a foul that assisted in the
making of a goal;
(4) If the attacking team had too many players on the ice at the time
the goal was scored;
(5) If the goal was contributed to by a nonplayer;
(6) If the puck hits an official and goes directly into the net (see 6-43);
(7) If any member of the attacking team (other than the player in pos-
session of the puck) was in or skating through the goal crease
when the goal was scored from outside the crease, unless:
i. The goalkeeper was outside the crease when the goal was
scored; or
ii. An attacking player was in the crease but, in the opinion of the
official, did not prevent the goalkeeper from defending the
goal.
(8) If a goal is scored by an attacking player carrying the puck into the
cage upon any part of the body, or kicking the puck into the cage;
(9) If a goal is scored after an on-ice official or timekeeper has sig-
naled play to stop;
(10) If an attacking player propels or deflects the puck other than with
the stick, or illegally with the stick or skate, and it bounds or
deflects off the person or equipment of any player into the net;
(11) If a linesman or assistant referee reports to a referee any conduct
calling for a time penalty and the referee concurs with the report,
any goal scored by the offending team after the infraction shall
not be allowed;
(12) If the goal cage has been moved or dislodged. The goal frame is
considered to be displaced if any portion of the goal frame is not
in its proper position (e.g., Frame must be completely flat on the
HR-62 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

ice surface, goal posts must be in proper place and affixed secure-
ly in place with its pegs.).
(13) If the puck is between the goalkeeper’s pads or lodged in the
equipment and is carried over the goal line by an opponent pro-
pelling the goalkeeper into the cage; and
(14) If the puck enters the defending team’s goal during a delayed off-
side, the goal is disallowed. The face-off will be in the neutral zone
at the face-off spot nearest the attacking zone of the offending
team, if the puck was “carried” offside. The face-off shall be at the
origin of the pass, if passed offside.
d. A goal shall be credited in the scoring records to a player who propels
the puck into the opponents’ goal. If a goal is scored by a defensive
player, credit shall go to the last offensive player to have touched the
puck. Each goal shall count one point in the player’s record.
When a player scores a goal, an assist shall be credited to the player or
players taking part in the play preceding the goal, even though the play
may originate in the defensive zone; but not more than two assists can be
given on any goal. Each assist so credited shall count one point in the play-
er’s record.
For statistical purposes, a save for a goalkeeper shall be credited only
when the goalkeeper has prevented the puck from entering the net, regard-
less of which team shot the puck.
Handling the Puck
SECTION 19. a. The puck may be stopped, carried or kick-passed by the
skate or by any other part of the body, but not carried or held. A player
may use the hand to stop the puck on or off the ice. The puck may be bat-
ted by the open hand but the player who batted it must be the first to recov-
er it for that team.
FACE-OFF—At the point of the infraction.
Play shall not be stopped for any hand pass by players in their respec-
tive defensive zone, provided the pass is initiated and completed in the
defensive zone.
If the puck is caught and dropped immediately, play shall continue. If
the puck is carried or held, play shall be stopped. If the puck is thrown, a
minor penalty shall be assessed.
b. A team shall have only one goalkeeper, with goalkeeper’s equipment or
privileges, on the ice at any one time; and only a player in goalkeeper’s
equipment is entitled to the privileges outlined below:
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-63

(1) With the feet or stick, the goalkeeper may play the puck in any man-
ner or direction (except by throwing the stick).
(2) Within the privileged area bounded in the rear by the goalkeeper’s
end of the rink, in front by an imaginary line connecting the special
spots and on the sides by imaginary lines from the special spots to
the end boards, the goalkeeper has certain privileges (see rink dia-
gram). When outside of this area, the goalkeeper does not have
these privileges and must play the puck in the same manner as that
prescribed for other players, and is subject to the same penalties as
other players (see 4-7-c).
(a) In stopping the puck, the goalkeeper may catch it, propel or bat
it with the hands or stick in any direction. In clearing the puck,
the goalkeeper may pick it up, carry it out of the crease or throw
it toward the goalkeeper’s end of the rink (but not forward). In
doing these things, however, the goalkeeper shall not hold the
puck for more than three seconds.
PENALTY—Special spot face-off. After a warning, the goalkeeper may
be assessed a minor for delay of game.
(b) The goalkeeper may not deliberately conceal the puck in any
piece of equipment.
(c) The goalkeeper may not throw the puck toward the opponents’
end of the rink.
(d) With the hands or arms, the goalkeeper may propel the puck on
the ice or bat it in the air toward the opponents’ end of the rink.
If, in the opinion of an on-ice official, such propelling or batting is done
for the purpose of passing the puck to a teammate, and it is played by a
teammate, play should be stopped immediately and the puck faced off at
the special spot.
PENALTIES—(b) through (d)—Special spot face-off.
(e) The goalkeeper may not interfere with an opponent who is not
playing the puck (see 6-29-a)
(f) In the act of preventing a goal, the goalkeeper may play the puck
with the stick at any height; however, if injury results from the
goalkeeper’s high stick, the goalkeeper is liable to the appropri-
ate penalty (see 6-21-b).
(g) The goalkeeper shall not be body checked in the privileged area
or within the crease (see 6-6-b).
HR-64 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

(h) A goalkeeper shall not participate in the play in any manner

when beyond the center red line.
PENALTY—Minor.
Head-Butting
SECTION 20. A player shall not head-butt an opponent with the face mask
or helmet. Head-butting includes all cases where a head-butting gesture is
made regardless of whether contact occurs.
PENALTY—Major or disqualification at discretion of the referee.
High Sticks
SECTION 21. a. Carrying sticks above the height of 4 feet [1.22m], height of
the goal cage, is prohibited.
PENALTY—Minor.
b. A player shall not violently use the stick for contact to the head or neck
region of the opponent.
PENALTY—Major or disqualification at discretion of the referee.
c. When the puck is above the height of four feet [1.22m] it shall not be bat-
ted with the stick, and when it occurs there shall be a whistle unless:
(1) The puck is batted to an opponent, in which case the play shall con-
tinue. When a player bats the puck to an opponent, an on-ice offi-
cial shall give the washout signal immediately.
(2) A player of the defending team bats the puck directly into his or her
own goal, in which case the goal shall be allowed.
PENALTY—Face-off at one of the end-zone face-off spots adjacent to the
goal of the team causing the stoppage of play.
d. When the puck is struck above 4 feet directly to the goalkeeper, there
shall be an immediate whistle.
PENALTY—Face-off at one of the end-zone face-off spots adjacent to the
goal of the team causing the stoppage of play.
Hitting After the Whistle
SECTION 22. A player shall not make physical contact with an opponent,
including the goalkeeper (see 6-6-b), anywhere on the ice after the whistle
has blown if, in the opinion of a referee, the player had sufficient time after
the whistle to avoid such contact.
PENALTY—Minor or major at discretion of the referee.
Note: Officials are encouraged to pay particular attention to a player who instigates
or escalates an incident after play is stopped.
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-65

Hitting From Behind

SECTION 23. a. A player shall not push, charge, cross-check or body check
an opponent from behind.
PENALTY—Minor or major at the discretion of the referee.
b. Hitting from behind into the side boards, end boards or goal cage is a
flagrant violation.
PENALTY—Major and game misconduct or disqualification at the dis-
cretion of the referee.
Note: This dangerous act continues to be an area of concern to the committee. Any
hit from behind must be penalized without exception and regardless of the severity
of the hit.
Holding
SECTION 24. A player shall not hold or grab an opponent in any manner
(stick, hand, etc.).
PENALTY—Minor.
Holding the Stick
SECTION 25. A player shall not hold an opponent’s stick in any manner.
PENALTY—Minor.
Hooking
SECTION 26. A player shall not impede the progress of an opponent by
hooking with the stick or by using the stick in a reverse position to obtain
the puck or prevent the opponent from playing the puck.
The lifting of an opponent’s stick for the purpose of obtaining the puck
or preventing the opponent from playing the puck is permissible.
PENALTY—Minor.
Icing the Puck
SECTION 27. a. For the purpose of this rule, the center line shall divide the
ice into halves. Should any player of a team, equal or superior in numeri-
cal strength to the opposing team, shoot, bat or deflect the puck from the
player’s own half of the ice beyond the goal line extended of the opposing
team, play shall be stopped and the puck faced off at the end face-off spot
of the offending team, unless on the play the puck enters the net of the
opposing team, in which case the goal shall be allowed.
For the purpose of this rule, the point of last contact with the puck by the
team in possession shall be used to determine whether icing has occurred.
Last contact with the puck must be made completely over the center red
line of the team in possession of the puck to nullify icing.
HR-66 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

Icing the puck shall occur the instant the puck crosses the opponents’
goal line extended.
If, during the period of delayed whistle due to a penalty by a player of
the team not in possession, the team in possession ices the puck, then the
face-off after the stoppage of play shall take place in the neutral zone near
the defending blue line of the team icing the puck.
When a team is short-handed as the result of a penalty and the penalty
is about to expire, the decision whether icing has occurred shall be deter-
mined at the instant the penalty expires; if the puck is shot before the penal-
ty expires, icing shall not be called. The action of the penalized player
remaining in the penalty bench shall not alter the ruling.
When the puck is shot and rebounds from the body or stick of an oppo-
nent in the player’s own half of the ice so as to cross the goal line extended
of the player shooting, it shall not be considered icing.
b. If the puck was shot by a player of a team below the numerical strength
of the opposing team, play shall continue and the face-off shall not take
place.
c. If the puck goes beyond the goal line extended at the opposite end of the
ice directly from either of the two players facing off, it shall not be con-
sidered a violation of the rule.
d. If, in the opinion of an on-ice official, a player of the opposing team
except the goalkeeper, is able to play the puck before it passes the play-
er’s goal line extended, but does not do so, the icing shall be nullified
and play shall continue.
e. If the puck touches any part of a player of the opposing team at any time
before crossing the goal line extended, it shall not be considered icing
the puck and play shall continue.
f. If the officials err in calling an icing-the-puck infraction (regardless of
whether either team is short-handed), the puck shall be faced off at the
center ice face-off spot unless, in the opinion of the referee, the center ice
face-off unduly penalizes either team. (See 6-15-n.)
Instigating
SECTION 28. When an altercation results in penalties on both teams and,
in the opinion of the official, one player was instrumental in starting the
altercation, that player shall receive an additional penalty for instigating.
PENALTY—Minor.
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-67

Interference
SECTION 29. a. A player shall not interfere with or impede the progress of
an opponent who is not in possession of the puck, or deliberately knock a
stick out of an opponent’s hand, or prevent a player who has dropped the
stick, or any other piece of equipment from regaining possession of it or
knock or shoot any abandoned or broken stick or illegal puck or other
debris toward an opposing puck carrier in a manner that could cause the
player to be distracted.
Waving of arms in front of a goalkeeper by an opponent is interference.
PENALTY—Minor.
Note: The last player to touch the puck, other than the goalkeeper, shall be consid-
ered the player in possession. In interpreting this rule, a referee should make sure
which of the players is the one creating the interference—often it is the action and
movement of the attacking player that causes the interference since the defending
players are entitled to stand their ground or shadow the attacking players. Players
of the team in possession shall not be allowed to run interference for the puck car-
rier.
b. A player on the players’ or penalty bench shall not, by means of the stick
or body, interfere with the movements of the puck or of any opponent
on the ice during the progress of play.
PENALTY—Minor. The ensuing face-off shall be held at the end zone
face-off circle of the offending team.
c. A player of the attacking team may stand on the goal crease line or in
the goal crease, or skate through the goal crease while the attacking team
has possession of the puck, unless, in the opinion of the official, the play-
er is preventing the goalkeeper from defending the goal.
A player of the attacking team may stand or stay in the crease when the
puck is in the crease or when the player has possession of the puck.
PENALTY—Face-off at the nearest neutral zone face-off spot.
d. If a player of the attacking team has been physically interfered with by
the action of any defending player so as to cause the player to be in the
goal crease, and the puck should enter the net while the player so inter-
fered with is still within the goal crease, the goal shall be allowed.
e. A player controlling the puck on the opponent’s side of the center red
line and having no opponent to pass other than the goalkeeper shall not
be interfered with by a stick or part thereof or any other object thrown
or shot by any member of the defending team.
PENALTY—Penalty shot/optional minor.
HR-68 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

f. A player shall not physically interfere with a spectator.

PENALTY—Game misconduct or disqualification, at the discretion of
the referee.
Interference by Spectators
SECTION 30. a. In the event that objects that interfere with the progress of
the game are thrown onto the ice, the official shall blow the whistle and
stop the play; and the puck shall be faced off at the spot where play is
stopped.
Fans are not permitted to throw objects on the ice. At the discretion of
the referee, a warning may be issued before the game.
b. Spectators are not permitted to use artificial noisemakers, air horns or
electronic amplifiers while the game is in progress.
c. The band(s) shall not be allowed to play while the game is in progress.
PENALTIES—a. through c.—Warning or bench minor against offending
fans’ team for delay of game.
It is the referee’s discretion, depending on the severity of the action,
whether or not a warning is necessary.
Note: Conferences or the proper disciplinary authority are encouraged to develop
policies in this area if necessary.”
Kicking a Player
SECTION 31. A player shall not kick another player. Kicking includes all
cases where a kicking gesture is made regardless of whether contact occurs.
PENALTY—Disqualification.
Kicking the Puck
SECTION 32. a. Kicking the puck shall be permitted in all zones, but a goal
may not be scored by the kick of an attacking player.
b. The puck may not be played by the so-called “kick shot,” which com-
bines the use of the leg and foot driving the shaft and blade of the stick
and producing a very dangerous shot.
PENALTY—Misconduct.
Kneeing
SECTION 33. A player shall not use the knee in such a manner as to foul
an opponent.
PENALTY—Minor or major or disqualification at discretion of the refer-
ee.
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-69

Leaving Penalty Bench or Entering Game Illegally

SECTION 34. a. Except at the end of each period, or on expiration of a
penalty, a player may not leave the penalty bench at any time.
Penalized players must remain on the penalty bench during stoppages
of play and timeouts.
b. A penalized player may not leave the penalty bench before the penalty
time has expired, whether play is in progress or not.
PENALTY—Minor after serving the unexpired penalty time.
c. If a player leaves the penalty bench before the penalty is served fully, the
penalty timekeeper shall note the time and notify a referee at the next
stoppage of play.
d. A player who returns to the ice before the penalty time has expired
because of an error of the penalty timekeeper is not to serve an addi-
tional penalty, but must serve the unexpired time.
e. A player shall not illegally enter the game and interfere with a player in
possession of the puck having no opposition between the player and the
opposing goalkeeper.
PENALTY—Bench minor, penalty shot/optional minor and miscon-
duct. If this illegal act prevents an obvious and immi-
nent goal, a goal shall be awarded.
f. A player may not leave the players’ bench or penalty bench at any time
during an altercation. Substitutions made before the altercation shall be
permitted provided the players substituting do not enter the altercation.
For purposes of this rule, an altercation is considered to be concluded
when the referee enters the referee’s crease or, in the absence of penal-
ties, signals a face-off location.
PENALTY—Disqualification.
Obstruction
SECTION 35. A player shall not interfere with a non-puck carrying player.
PENALTY—Minor for obstruction. Obstruction shall be assessed in
front of the infraction (i.e. obstruction-holding).
Offsides
SECTION 36. a. The position of the player’s skates and not that of the stick
shall be the determining factor in all instances deciding an offside. A play-
er is offside when both skates are completely over the outer edge of the blue
line involved in the play at the instant the puck completely crosses the outer
HR-70 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

edge of that line. While the position of the player’s skates is what deter-
mines whether a player is offside, the question of offside never arises until
the puck completely has crossed the outer edge of the line.
A player is onside when either of the skates is in contact with or on the
player’s own side of the line at the instant the puck completely crosses the
outer edge of that line. (see 6-38-a)
b. If, in the opinion of the official, an intentional offside has been made, the
puck shall be faced off at the end face-off spot in the defending zone of
the offending team.
If the defensive player retreats or fails to advance the puck, a zone-line face-
off shall result. If the puck is shot into the attacking zone by an attacking
player with one or more teammates already in the attacking zone, and the
puck is intentionally played by an attacking player, intentional offsides
shall be called.
c. If the official errs in calling an offside infraction, the puck shall be faced
off at center ice unless, in the opinion of the official, the center ice face-
off would unduly penalize either team.
d. If an attacking player precedes the puck, which is shot, passed or
deflected into the attacking zone, but a defending player is able to play
the puck, the official shall signal a delayed offside. If a puck is shot on
goal, however, play shall be stopped immediately for the offside viola-
tion. The official shall drop the arm to nullify the offside violation and
allow play to continue if:
(1) The defending team passes or carries the puck into the neutral
zone, or
(2) All attacking players in the attacking zone clear the zone by mak-
ing skate contact with the attacking blue line.
If the attacking team does not clear the attacking zone, the official shall
stop play for the offside violation if any attacking player touches the puck,
or attempts to gain possession of a loose puck while the puck is still in the
attacking zone, or forces the defending puck carrier further back into the
attacking zone.
The attacking zone must be completely clear of attacking players before
a delayed offside can be nullified with the puck still in the attacking zone.
Note: If the puck enters the defending team’s goal during a delayed offside, the goal is
disallowed. The face-off will be in the neutral zone at the face-off spot nearest the attack-
ing zone of the offending team, if the puck was “carried” offside. The face-off shall be at
the origin of the pass, if passed offside.
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-71

e. Whenever a defensive player gains possession of the puck on a delayed

offside, play should not be stopped when that player has a clear open-
ing for advancing the puck.
Passes
SECTION 37. a. The puck may be passed by any player to a player of the
same team within any of the three zones into which the ice is divided.
b. Should the puck, having been passed, contact any part of the body, stick
or skates of a player of the same team who legally is onside, the pass
shall be considered to have been completed.
c. The last player to control the puck shall be deemed to be in possession.
Rebounds off the goalkeeper’s pad or other equipment shall not be con-
sidered as a change of possession or the completion of the play by the
team when applying Rule 4-9-b.
Preceding Puck into Attacking Zone
SECTION 38. a. Players of an attacking team must not precede the puck
into the attacking zone. For violation of this rule, the play shall be stopped
and the puck faced off in the neutral zone at the face-off spot nearest the
attacking zone of the offending team, if the puck was “carried” offside. The
face-off shall be at the origin of the pass, if passed offside.
A player in full control of the puck who crosses the blue line ahead of the
puck shall not be considered offside.
b. If the puck is intercepted cleanly by a member of the defending team
and is carried or passed by the player’s team into the neutral zone, the
offside shall be ignored and play permitted to continue, even if a mem-
ber of the attacking team has preceded the puck into the attacking zone.
(Officials shall carry out this rule by means of the slow whistle.)
c. If a player legally carries or passes the puck back into his or her own
defending zone while a player of the opposing team is in that defending
zone, the offside shall be ignored and play permitted to continue.
Protests
SECTION 39. Protests are not recognized or allowed.
Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable
SECTION 40. a. When the puck goes outside the playing area at either end
or side of the rink or strikes any obstacles above the playing surface other
than the boards or glass, it shall be faced off from where it was shot or
deflected, unless otherwise provided for in these rules.
HR-72 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

b. When the puck becomes lodged in the netting on the outside of either
goal so that it is unplayable, the official shall stop the play and face off
the puck at either of the adjacent face-off spots, unless in the opinion of
the official the stoppage of play was caused by a player of the attacking
team, in which case the resulting face-off shall be conducted in the neu-
tral zone. This includes stoppage of play caused by a player of the
attacking team shooting the puck onto the back of the defending team’s
net without any intervening action by the defending team.
The defending team or the attacking team may play the puck off the net at
any time. However, if the puck remains on the net for longer than three sec-
onds, play shall be stopped and the face-off shall take place in the end face-off
zone except when the stoppage is caused by the attacking team, in which case
the face-off shall take place on a face-off spot in the neutral zone.
c. The goalkeeper shall not deliberately drop the puck on the goal netting
to cause a stoppage of play.
PENALTY—Minor.
d. If the puck comes to rest on top of the boards surrounding the playing
area, it shall be considered in play and may be played legally by hand
or stick.
Puck Must Be Kept in Motion
SECTION 41. a. The puck must be kept in motion at all times.
b. Except to carry the puck behind its goal once, a team in possession of the
puck in its own defending zone must advance the puck toward the
opposing goal, unless it is prevented from so doing by players of the
opposing team.
PENALTY—For initial violation, play shall be stopped and a face-off
conducted at either end zone face-off spot adjacent to the
goal of the team causing the stoppage, and the referee shall
warn the captain of the offending team of the reason for the
face-off. For a second violation by any player of the same
team in the same period, a minor shall be assessed to the
offending player.
c. A player, including the goalkeeper, shall not hold, freeze or play the
puck with the stick, skates or body along the boards in such a manner
as to cause a stoppage of play. There shall not be a whistle for a stalled
puck along the boards unless a player falls on the puck. However, the
referee may stop play along the boards if allowing play to continue
leads to unnecessary contact surrounding the puck.
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-73

PENALTY—Minor.
Puck Out of Sight and Illegal Puck
SECTION 42. a. If a player accidentally falls on the puck and the puck is
out of sight of the official, the official immediately shall blow the whistle
and stop play. The puck then shall be faced off at the point where play was
stopped, unless otherwise provided for in these rules.
b. If at any time while play is in progress a puck, other than the one legal-
ly in play, shall appear on the playing surface, the play shall not be
stopped but shall continue with the legal puck until the play then in
progress is completed by change of possession.
Puck Striking Official
SECTION 43. Play shall not be stopped if the puck touches an official any-
where on the rink (See 6-18-c-6).
Refusing to Start Play
SECTION 44. a. Refusal to obey the decision of the referee shall not be per-
mitted.
PENALTY—Bench minor penalty for delay of game. If this continues, a
major penalty shall be assessed. Should this behavior per-
sist, the game shall be forfeited (score shall be 1-0).
Note: The referee has the authority to determine the length of time for which the
sequence of penalties are assessed.
b. Removal of all or part of a team in protest of a referee’s decision shall not
be permitted.
PENALTY—Forfeit (score shall be 1-0).
Roughing
SECTION 45. A player shall not push or shove an opponent with unnec-
essary force.
PENALTY—Minor.
Shooting Puck After the Whistle
SECTION 46. a. A player shall not shoot the puck away from an official
after the whistle has blown.
PENALTY — Misconduct.
b. A player shall not shoot the puck at the goalkeeper or bench after the
whistle.
PENALTY—Minor and misconduct, game misconduct or disqualifica-
tion at the discretion of the referee.
HR-74 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

Slashing
SECTION 47. a. A player shall not slash an opponent with the stick.
Slashing includes all cases where a slashing gesture is made regardless of
whether contact occurs.
PENALTY—Minor or major at discretion of the referee.
b. A player shall not swing the stick at another player in the course of an
altercation.
PENALTY—Major and game misconduct or disqualification at the dis-
cretion of the referee.
Spearing
SECTION 48. A player shall not spear an opponent. Spearing shall mean
stabbing an opponent with the point of the stick blade while the stick is
being carried with one or both hands. Spearing includes all cases where a
spearing gesture is made regardless of whether contact occurs.
PENALTY—Major and game misconduct or disqualification at the dis-
cretion of the referee.
Spitting
SECTION 49. A player shall not spit on an official, player or non-playing
person.
PENALTY—Game misconduct.
Spraying the Goalkeeper
SECTION 50. A player shall not deliberately spray the goalkeeper.
PENALTY—Minor.
Start of Game and Periods
SECTION 51. a. The game shall commence at the scheduled time by a face-
off in the center of the rink and shall be renewed promptly at the conclu-
sion of each intermission in the same manner.
Delay shall not be permitted by reason of any ceremony, exhibition,
demonstrations or presentation unless consented to in advance by the vis-
iting team.
The home team shall have the choice of ends at the start of the pregame
warm-up (see 8-2-a).
b. The teams shall change ends at the beginning of each subsequent regu-
lar period. If, in the opinion of the official, ice conditions are more favor-
able to play at one end of the rink than at the other, the official may
equalize opportunities by having teams change ends at the middle of
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-75

one or all three regular and overtime periods, but not in only two regu-
lar periods. Positioning of the benches is not a criteria to split periods.
The official must rule that this change is to be made before the com-
mencement of the game or period.
c. During the pregame warm-up (which shall not exceed 15 minutes in
duration), each team must confine its activity to its own end of the
rink for the duration of the warm-up teams must confine their activ-
ity to the half of the ice they will defend in the first period (see 8-2-
a).
Taunting
SECTION 52. A player shall not taunt an official or opponent.
PENALTY—Player to player: Minor. If this action persists, a game mis-
conduct shall be assessed.
Player to official: Misconduct, game misconduct, or dis-
qualification, at the discretion of the referee.
Throwing Stick
SECTION 53. a. A player, including the goalkeeper, shall not throw a
stick in any zone.
PENALTY—Minor. If thrown to prevent an obvious and imminent
goal, the goal shall be awarded.
b. A player shall not throw a stick or portion of a stick from the playing
surface. It must be dropped to the ice immediately.
PENALTY—Misconduct.
c. When a player discards a broken stick by tossing it to the side of the
ice (and not over the boards) in such a way that it shall not interfere
with play or opposing players, a penalty shall not be imposed.
d. A player shall not kick or throw an opponent’s stick for the purpose
of keeping it away from the opponent.
PENALTY—Minor.
e. A player, including the goalkeeper, may not leave or discard a stick in
such a way as to prevent a goal (see 4-7-f).
PENALTY—Penalty shot/optional minor. If this illegal act prevents an
obvious and imminent goal, the goal shall be awarded.
Tied Games
SECTION 54. a. If the score is tied at the end of three regulation 20-minute
periods, the following shall take place (Exception: see 6-56):
HR-76 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

(1) There shall be a two-minute intermission.

(2) The teams shall not change ends.
(3) A five-minute period shall be played.
(4) The team that scores first wins and the game is ended. If a goal
is not scored in the five-minute period, the game shall be
declared a tie.
b. Any overtime period shall be considered part of the game and all unex-
pired penalties shall remain in force.
c. If either team declines to play in the necessary overtime period, the
game shall be declared a loss for that team.
Time of Game
SECTION 55. a. The time allowed for a game shall be three 20-minute peri-
ods of actual play with a rest intermission of 12/15 minutes between each
period. The intermission shall commence when the referee signals the
timekeeper to start the clock. The duration of the game includes all inter-
missions. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, a delay of game
penalty may be assessed to a team not adhering to the 12/15-minute inter-
missions.
Officials’ duties and powers continue during intermissions and until all
players have left the ice and entered the dressing room.
Note: It is recommended that conferences adopt a uniform intermission for-
mat (e.g., 15-minute intermission for all conference games).
b. The team scoring the greatest number of goals during the three 20-
minute periods shall be the winner.
c. If any unusual delay occurs in the first or second periods, the official
may order the next regular intermission to be taken immediately and
the balance of the period shall be completed on the resumption of play
with the teams defending the same goals. The teams shall change ends
and play the following period without delay.
d. If, at any time during the course of the game, a referee believes that the
playing conditions or the conditions among the players and/or specta-
tors have become unsatisfactory, the referee may stop the game; and the
score of the game shall be what it was when the game was stopped. It
shall be “no contest” unless two periods have been completed.
Whenever a game is interrupted because of events beyond the control of
the responsible administrative authorities (e.g., not involving players
and/or spectators), it shall be continued from the point of interruption,
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-77

unless the teams agree otherwise or there are conference, league or associ-
ation rules to cover the situation.
The referee may adjust the game clock to correct a timing error or mal-
function.
Tournament Competition
SECTION 56. a. Where advancement in a bracket or the determination of
a tournament champion is necessary, any series in a format (e.g., single
game, minigame series) that results in a tie shall be broken by 20-minute,
sudden-death overtime periods (Exception: See 6-56-b). The ice shall be
resurfaced upon completion of regulation play. The teams shall not change
ends (except as indicated in Rule 6-51-b). Third-place games may follow
the overtime procedures as described in Rule 6-54.
Note: A tied game in a minigame series must use a five-minute overtime period. If
the series is tied after the second game, a 20-minute minigame will be played after
an intermission period (12/15 minutes). See Appendix A for complete procedures.
b. For regular-season tournaments and post-season consolation games
only, any game that results in a tie may be broken by use of a shootout
under the following conditions:
(1) Teams play a standard five-minute overtime.
(2) If game remains tied, it shall officially be recorded as a tie.
(3) Teams participating in the tournament must be notified not later than
October 1 of the upcoming season that the shootout option will be
used.
Note: For shootout procedures, see Appendix B.
Timeouts
SECTION 57. Each team shall be allowed a one-minute timeout during the
game; the timeout may be taken anytime during a stoppage of play.
The timeout may be used for warming up the substitute goalkeeper or
any other purpose. If a team takes a timeout, the opposing team may exer-
cise the rights of a timeout, including warming up a goalkeeper (see 6-34-
a). Each team is allowed the legal number of players on the ice (no more
than six players and five pucks).
The game timekeeper shall be responsible for timing and signaling the
termination of the timeout by blowing the horn.
Tripping
SECTION 58. a. A player shall not place the stick or any part of the body
in such a manner that causes an opposing player to trip or fall.
HR-78 RULE 6/PLAYING RULES

PENALTY—Minor.
Note: See interpretation section for clarification of diving sweep check.
b. A player shall not trip or foul from behind a player in control of the puck
on the opponent’s side of the center red line, thus preventing a reason-
able scoring opportunity.
PENALTY—Penalty shot/optional minor.
If a penalty shot is awarded, the player fouled shall be designated by the
referee as the player to take the penalty shot.
If the player fouled is unable to take the penalty shot, the captain of the
non-offending team shall designate any player who is not serving a penal-
ty as the player to take the penalty shot.
The official shall not stop play until the attacking team has lost posses-
sion of the puck to the defending team. If a goal is scored by the non-
offending team, no further penalty to the offending team shall be assessed
unless the offense for which a penalty shot would have been awarded was
such as to incur a major, misconduct or disqualification penalty (see 4-6-d
and 2-5-i).
Note: “Control of the puck” is defined as the act of propelling the puck with the
stick, hand or skate. If, while it is being propelled, the puck is touched by another
player or that player’s equipment, hits the goal or goes free, the player shall not be
considered in control of the puck (see 6-37-c).
Video Replay
SECTION 59. The use of video replay is permissible in any game using
either of the following procedures:
a. NCAA Championship Procedures.
(1) A replay must be conclusive for an instant-replay official to overturn
an on-ice official’s call. One of the following criteria must be met for
replay to be used:
(a) A puck crossing the goal line;
(b) A puck in the net before the goal frame is dislodged;
(c) A puck in the net before or after expiration of time at the end of
a period;
(d) A puck directed into the net by a hand or a distinct kicking
motion;
(e) A puck deflected into the net by an official;
RULE 6/PLAYING RULES HR-79

(f) A puck hit into the net by a high stick;

(g) To identify individuals who participated in a fight or committed
an infraction;
(h) To establish the correct time on the clock, or to determine the
correct location of a face-off;
(i) To determine if an attacking player was illegally in the goal
crease and prevented the goalkeeper from defending the goal
when the puck entered the goal cage;
(j) To determine if a goal was scored as the direct result of a hand
pass or high stick by an attacking player to a teammate, initiat-
ed or completed within the goalkeeper’s privileged area; or
(k) To determine if a goal was scored, as a direct result of the puck
deflecting off of the protective netting above the glass, by the
first team to gain possession of the deflecting puck.
(2) All goals will be reviewed by the instant replay official. Play shall
not resume before the on-ice official verifies the review.
(3) The instant replay official may request to review a potentially non-
detected goal.
(4) A team may use its timeout for the purpose of reviewing situations
that are in the video replay criteria or a potentially non-detected
goal. Regardless of the outcome of the review, the team will be
charged its timeout.
Note: See Appendix C for complete policies and procedures.
b. On-ice official procedure.
The referee may use a video monitor located at ice level to review any of
the criteria in 6-59-a (1). In this procedure, only the referee may initiate a
review.
RULE 7
Rules For Women’s
Ice Hockey
The following rules are to be used for women’s ice hockey competition:
Body Checking (Rule 6-6-a, Note)
SECTION 1. Body checking is not permitted in any area of the ice. Body
checking occurs when a player’s intent is to gain possession of the puck by
separating the puck carrier from the puck with a distinct and definable
moment of impact.
PENALTY — A minor, major or disqualification, at the discretion of the
referee.
Angling
SECTION 2. Angling is permissible. Angling is a legal skill used to influ-
ence the puck carrier to a place where the player must stop due to a play-
er’s body position.
Incidental contact
SECTION 3. Incidental contact, when two players collide unintentionally,
may occur.

HR-80
RULE 8
Game Protocol
Time Schedule
SECTION 1. The following time schedule shall be used at all games:
Pregame
Put 60 minutes on the clock and start exactly one hour before game.
43:00—Home team personnel notifies teams and officials that five minutes
remain before teams are to take the ice for warm-up.
39:00—Officials take ice for warm-up.
38:00—Home team takes ice for warm-up.
37:50—Visiting team takes ice for warm-up.
24:00—Horn sounds, signaling one minute remaining in warm up; team
captains meet with officials.
Note: Meeting with captains may be held prior to the start of this time schedule.
23:00—Both teams off ice; ice will be resurfaced.
15:00—Eligible players and starting lineups submitted to official scorer. The
home team notifies the visiting team as to the length of intermis-
sions.
10:00—Home team personnel notifies teams and officials that three minutes
remain before teams are to take the ice.
8:00—Officials take ice.
7:00—Home team takes ice.
6:50—Visiting team takes ice.
6:00—Horn sounds signaling teams to assemble on their respective goal
lines.
5:00—Starting lineups announced; national anthem, crowd control state-
ment read. Officials check each starting goalkeeper’s throat straps.
0:00—Timekeeper puts 20 minutes on clock; game starts.
Intermission
12:00 or 15:00—Official instructs timekeeper to start clock. Intermission
will be 12 or 15 minutes in length.
HR-81
HR-82 RULE 8/GAME PROTOCOL

4:00—Home team personnel notifies teams and officials that three minutes
remain before the teams are to take the ice.
2:00—Officials take ice.
1:00—Home team takes ice.
0:50—Visiting team takes ice.
0:00—Period starts.
Note: The order in which teams take the ice surface may be altered if a common
entrance/exit is used.
Guidelines
SECTION 2. The following guidelines shall be followed at all games:
a. All teams must adhere to the game protocol time schedule.
b. Upon entering the ice for warm-ups, teams must proceed directly to and
remain in their designated half of the ice. Teams must warm up in the
half of the ice they will defend in the first period (see 6-51-c). The home
team shall take the ice, followed by the visiting team.
Both teams must warm-up and the ice must be resurfaced following
warm-ups. Only two goal cages are permitted on the ice during the pre-
game warm-up period (see 1-3-a).
c. When both teams exit the ice surface through a common exit, the team
whose players’ bench is closest to the exit shall leave the ice first. On-ice
officials may hold or direct players at their discretion.
d. Upon re-entering the ice for team introductions, players must proceed
directly to and remain in their designated half of the ice. The home team
shall enter the ice surface, followed by the visiting team. At the five-
minute mark, both teams must be assembled on their respective goal
lines.
e. As starters are introduced, they shall proceed to their respective blue
lines and shall face center ice, followed by the remaining team members
(the goalkeeper may stay in the crease area). Players shall face center ice
as they are introduced. When the public address announcer indicates
the playing of the anthem, players shall face the flag. (Players shall
remain stationary on the blue line for the completion of the national
anthem. Players may huddle at their respective goal only before the start
of the game. )
f. Upon the referee’s direction, starting players shall line up for the face-
off; remaining players shall proceed directly to their respective benches.
RULE 8/GAME PROTOCOL HR-83

g. The intermission shall begin when the referee signals the timekeeper to
start the clock.
Upon entering the ice in subsequent periods, starting players shall
remain in their half of the ice and proceed to the center-ice face-off posi-
tions. All remaining players shall proceed directly to their benches.
PENALTY—a. through g.—Bench minor for noncompliance.
h. At the conclusion of each game, players shall assemble at center ice for
the traditional handshake. Coaches shall exchange handshakes and
remain on the ice or at their respective bench areas until the conclusion
of the player handshake.
Appendix A

Minigame Format
This protocol is only to be used as in NCAA rule 6-56-a.
For a playoff or championship series where a two-game series is used, a
minigame may be used to break the tie and determine the advancing team.
Each game in the series shall include three 20-minute periods and a five-
minute overtime period in accordance with NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice
Hockey Rules book.
If the two-game series is split or if both games end in a tie, a 20-minute
minigame may be played immediately after the second game. At the end of
the second game there shall be a 15-minute intermission, both teams shall pro-
ceed to their locker rooms and the ice shall be resurfaced. Ten minutes prior
to the start of the minigame, a list of names and numbers of all eligible play-
ers and goalkeepers, including starting line-ups, shall be submitted, first by
the visiting coach and then by the home coach, to the official scorer or referee.
The announcer will introduce the starting lineups and the teams shall not
change ends (except as provided for in the NCAA rules book).
The 20-minute minigame is to be treated as another game with the excep-
tion that it is not counted statistically or in a team’s overall won-loss record.
All NCAA playing rules will be followed in the minigame. Each team shall be
awarded one timeout for the minigame.
If the score remains tied after the minigame, the tie will be broken by 20-
minute, sudden-death periods (see 6-56). There will be no additions to a
team’s roster during overtime periods.
If a player receives a game disqualification penalty during the first game of
a two-game, minigame series, that player is ineligible to participate in the
remainder of that game and the second game of the series. If a minigame is
necessary, that player shall be eligible to participate in the minigame.
If a player receives a game disqualification in the first game of a two-game,
minigame series and had received a disqualification previously, the NCAA
progressive game-disqualification structure will be followed. That player is
ineligible to participate in the remainder of that game, plus the second game
and minigame, including any overtime periods associated with the
minigame. If a player is ineligible to participate in the minigame and the over-
time periods associated with the minigame, the minigame and overtimes will
count as a game for progressive disqualification structure purposes.
HR-84
Appendix B

NCAA Ice Hockey Shootout Protocol

This protocol is only to be used in accordance with rule 6-56-b.
1. At the end of the five-minute overtime period, the head official will
instruct the timekeeper to put two minutes on the clock and immedi-
ately start the clock.
2. The other two officials will request a list of five shooters from each
coach.
3. The head official will meet at center ice with the captains to explain the
protocol during the two-minute period.
4. The goalkeepers remain in the same ends as the overtime period.
5. The home team has the option of shooting first or defending first. If
Team A’s first three players score, while none of Team B’s players score,
the shootout is over and Team A advances.
6. If the shootout remains tied at the end of the first round, the same five
players will shoot again in the same order, this time in a sudden death
situation. Each team has an equal number of chances to shoot before a
winner is declared.
Notes
• Players serving penalty time shall not be eligible for the shootout.
• If a shooter is injured in the shootout, the player may be replaced in sub-
sequent rounds by a player off the bench.
• If a goalkeeper is injured in the shootout, the goalkeeper may be imme-
diately replaced by a goalkeeper off the bench. The injured goalkeeper
may not reenter the shootout.
• All players not participating in the shootout must be on the bench.
Players participating in the shootout shall stay in the neutral zone at
their respective bench area during the shootout.
• Goalkeepers may be substituted, but no warm-up time will be allowed.

85
Appendix C

NCAA Ice Hockey Video Replay

Policies and Procedures
Rule 5-10 of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules states “An
instant-replay official is permissible in regular season tournament and postsea-
son tournament competition. The instant-replay official shall be in the rink
proper and have a clear view of the ice surface.”
See rule 6-56-c for detail as to what may be reviewed by the instant-replay offi-
cial.
Instant-replay official. The committee will assign a qualified person to
the duty of serving as the instant replay official. Note: this person will
not serve in any other capacity during the game (e.g., backup on-ice offi-
cial).
The instant-replay official’s duties will be:
• Responsible to the tournament committee.
• Review of all goals before play resumes.
• View play and, if necessary, request a stoppage of play to review
replays.
• Review replays of disputed goals when requested to do so by the
referee.
• After reviewing the situation, promptly convey a decision directly
to the referee at the timer’s bench. When a play has been referred
to the instant-replay official, the decision by the instant-replay
official shall be final.
During the review, the instant-replay official may consult with the
NCAA National Coordinator of Officials or the NCAA Men’s and
Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee secretary-rules editor, if applica-
ble.
Procedure (Goal Scored). When a goal is scored, the instant-replay offi-
cial shall immediately review the goal to ensure the goal was scored
legally. If the goal was scored legally, the instant-replay official will alert
the time-out coordinator that play may resume.

HR-86
APPENDIX C HR-87

If the instant-replay official would like to review the goal further, the
instant replay official will alert the time-out coordinator and play will
not resume before the instant-replay official has completed review of the
goal. Use the procedure outlined in Section 3-b for this situation.
Procedure (Video review). When a Referee requests a review, they will
contact the instant-replay official by direct phone from the timer’s bench.
When a review is requested by the Referee or instant replay official,
the Public Address Announcer shall make the following announcement:
“The play is being reviewed by video replay.”
Following the decision, one of the following announcements shall be
made by the public address announcer:
• A goal has been scored at ______ of the ______ period by number
______ (name); or
• Upon review of the video, no goal has been scored.
The instant-replay official will use all available facilities to review the
situation and reach a conclusion as to the accurate time of the goal. It is
the responsibility of the instant-replay official to record the time of the
disputed goal and the clock is to be reset accordingly.
The instant-replay official shall communicate a decision to the referee
as quickly as possible and will attempt to complete the process within
two minutes from the start of the review.
When the referee indicates there is to be a replay review, all players
shall go to their respective benches.
During the period of review, no replay of the situation may be shown
on the arena video screen or any other public video monitor.
Logistics and Equipment. The instant-replay official must be located in
a secluded area of the building with an unobstructed view of the ice sur-
face.
The location must be large enough to seat three people and have
space necessary for monitors, replay and recording equipment.
The instant-replay official must be provided with a 20-inch monitor
for replay, with other equipment to be designated by the tournament
committee.
All potential replay angles will be made available for review. All rel-
evant personnel shall be made aware of what angles will be available.
The instant-replay official must be supplied a telephone with direct
contact to the timer’s bench.
HR-88 APPENDIX C

For NCAA tournament competition, the NCAA will be responsible

for the expenses involved with wiring the replay equipment.
The television producer shall “burn in” the game clock showing the
time remaining in the period during the last minute of each period.
Summary of Penalties
Minor (Two Minutes)
Rule Sec. Par.
Abuse of officials................................................................................... 6 1 a
Broken stick........................................................................................... 6 4 a
Coincidental penalties............................................................................ 4 2 e
Delay of game........................................................................................ 6 2 a, c
6 10
6 15 a
6 41 b, c
6 44 a
Displacing goal cage ............................................................................. 6 10 c
Disputing ruling..................................................................................... 6 1 a
Diving .................................................................................................... 6 11
Falling on puck deliberately................................................................... 6 16 a
Hand on face mask ............................................................................... 6 14 b
Helmets ................................................................................................. 3 5 a
High sticks............................................................................................. 6 21 a
Holding .................................................................................................. 6 24
Holding the stick.................................................................................... 6 25
Hooking ................................................................................................. 6 26
Illegal stick............................................................................................. 3 1 d-f
Injured player refuses to leave ice ........................................................ 2 6 e
Instigating.............................................................................................. 6 28
Interference ........................................................................................... 6 29
Interfering with game official ................................................................ 6 1 e
Keeping stick away from opponent ...................................................... 6 29 a
6 53 d
Leaving penalty bench illegally ............................................................. 6 34
Obstruction............................................................................................ 6 28 g
Penalized player on ice too early........................................................... 2 5 d
6 34 b
Players to bench during altercation ...................................................... 6 17 c
Position of players at face-off ............................................................... 6 15 a, c
Puck leaving rink (deliberately)............................................................. 6 10 a
Replacing penalized player from other than penalty bench.................. 2 6 c
Roughing............................................................................................... 6 45
Spraying goaltender .............................................................................. 6 50
Taunting player to player....................................................................... 6 52
Throwing puck (except goalkeeper)...................................................... 6 19
Throwing stick (not to prevent a goal) ................................................. 6 53 a
Tripping ................................................................................................. 6 58 a
Unsportsmanlike conduct (player to player) ........................................ 6 1 g
Waving arms in front of goalkeeper ..................................................... 6 29 a

Bench Minor (Two Minutes)

Rule Sec. Par.
Banging boards with stick..................................................................... 6 1 c

HR-89
HR-90 SUMMARY OF PENALTIES

Rule Sec. Par.

Challenged equipment found legal........................................................ 3 1 d
3 3 e
3 9
Challenging ruling................................................................................. 6 1 a
Changing player-eligibility list ............................................................... 2 4 b
Coaches and nonplaying persons:
Abusive language.............................................................................. 6 1 f
Entering rink...................................................................................... 6 1 d
Interference with game officials ....................................................... 6 1 g
Obscene gestures ............................................................................. 6 1 f
Threatening language ....................................................................... 6 1 f
Coaches’ conduct .................................................................................. 6 1 f
Coach entering rink ............................................................................... 6 1 d
Delay of game (after warning) .............................................................. 2 5 b
Disputing ruling..................................................................................... 6 1 a
Failing to start game promptly.............................................................. 2 4 c
8 2
Home team—ice first............................................................................ 2 4 c
8 2
Interference by spectators .................................................................... 6 30
More than 19 players and three goalkeepers participate in
pregame warm-up ............................................................................ 2 3 b
Penalized player does not reach players’ bench to be replaced
after penalty ...................................................................................... 2 5 c
Player receiving illegal stick from bench or penalty box ...................... 6 4 c
Players dressed uniformly .................................................................... 2 1 b
Protocol procedures violation ............................................................... 8 2 a-g
Pucks on ice before the start of the second or subsequent periods.... 2 4 c
Starting game with too many players................................................... 2 3 a
Starting line-up change ......................................................................... 2 4 b
Throwing stick from bench to player.................................................... 6 4 c
Too many players on the ice................................................................. 2 5 a, g
Unsportsmanlike conduct ..................................................................... 6 1 g

Goalkeepers’ Minor Penalties

Delay of game........................................................................................ 6 2 c
6 10
6 19 b
6 40 c
6 41 c
Deliberate removal of helmet and/or facemask .................................... 6 10 e
Deliberately falls on puck outside crease area...................................... 4 7 e
Participate in play beyond center red line............................................. 4 7 c
Using illegal equipment......................................................................... 3 3 e
4 7 d

Minor or Major (Referee Discretion)

Boarding ................................................................................................ 6 3
Charging ................................................................................................ 6 6 a
Charging or fouling goalkeeper in privileged area or crease................ 6 6 b
Clipping.................................................................................................. 6 7
SUMMARY OF PENALTIES HR-91

Rule Sec. Par.

Contact to the head ............................................................................... 6 8
Cross-checking...................................................................................... 6 9 a
Elbowing................................................................................................ 6 12
Hitting after the whistle ......................................................................... 6 22
Hitting from behind ............................................................................... 6 23 a
Kneeing.................................................................................................. 6 33
Slashing................................................................................................. 6 47 a

Minor and Misconduct

Rule Sec. Par.
Breaking stick intentionally to avoid measurement .............................. 3 1 d
Shooting the puck after whistle at goalkeeper...................................... 6 46 b
6 1 d

Minor/Penalty Shot/
Optional Minor/Misconduct
*Player illegally enters game ................................................................
2 5 h
6 34 e
*Goal may be awarded if illegal actions listed prevented an obvious and imminent goal.

Penalty Shot/Optional Minor

Covering puck in crease........................................................................ 6 16 b
*Deliberate illegal substitution .............................................................. 2 5 i
*Displacing the goal cage ..................................................................... 4 7 g
6 10 c, d, f
*Goalkeeper deliberately removes helmet or facemask ....................... 6 10 e
Interference ........................................................................................... 6 29 e
*Leaving stick on ice............................................................................. 4 7 f
6 53 e
*Throwing stick..................................................................................... 6 53 a
Tripping ................................................................................................. 6 58 b
*Goal may be awarded if illegal actions listed prevented an obvious and imminent goal.

Major Penalty (Five Minutes)

Grabbing face mask .............................................................................. 6 14 a
Head-butting with face mask ................................................................ 6 20
High sticks............................................................................................. 6 21 b
Refusal to start play .............................................................................. 6 44

Major Penalty and Game Misconduct or Disqualification

Buttending ............................................................................................. 6 5
Hitting from behind into boards or goal cage ...................................... 6 23 b
Spearing ................................................................................................ 6 48

Misconduct Penalties (10 Minutes)

Abuse of officials............................................................................. 6 1
Abusive language (player to official) ............................................... 6 1 g
HR-92 SUMMARY OF PENALTIES

Rule Sec. Par.

Complaint about penalty.................................................................. 2 2 a
6 1 b
Continue altercations............................................................................. 6 1 l
Illegal equipment (second violation)..................................................... 3 4 a, d
3 5 c
3 7 a-b
Kick shot................................................................................................ 6 32 b
Mouthguard (subsequent violations same team)................................. 3 6
Obscene gesture, threatening language, ethnic or racial slurs
used by a player (to official) ............................................................. 6 1 g
Penalized player, failure to go to penalty bench ................................... 6 1 i
Player interference with official............................................................. 6 1 e
Player interference with penalty shot.................................................... 4 6 h
Player to official-Taunting ..................................................................... 6 52
Puck shot after whistle.......................................................................... 6 46
Referee crease violation ........................................................................ 6 1 j
Throwing stick off ice............................................................................ 6 53 b
Unsportsmanlike conduct ..................................................................... 6 1 g

Game Misconduct
Abusive language or acts of disrespect ............................................... 6 1 h
Continued complaint ............................................................................. 2 2 a
Continuing violations by coach and nonplaying persons..................... 6 1 a, c-f
Continuing violations by players........................................................... 6 1 k
Ethnic or racial slurs ............................................................................. 6 1 h
Illegal equipment (third violation) ......................................................... 3 4 a
3 5 c
Player interferes with spectator ............................................................ 6 29 f
Player and player after minor throwing object on ice........................... 6 1 d
Spitting .................................................................................................. 6 49

Disqualification
Continued abuse of officials.................................................................. 6 1 m
Excessive roughness............................................................................. 6 13
Ethnic slurs............................................................................................ 6 1 h
Fighting/Punching ................................................................................. 6 17 a
Kicking a player ..................................................................................... 6 31
Leaving bench during altercations........................................................ 6 34 f
Physical contact with official................................................................. 6 1 m
Progressive game.................................................................................. 4 5 b
Swinging stick during altercation.......................................................... 6 47 b

Forfeiture of Game
Deliberately changing player-eligibility list............................................ 2 4 a
Refusal to obey referee ......................................................................... 6 44 a
Removal of all or part of team .............................................................. 6 44 b
Starting game with less than two goaltenders ..................................... 2 3 a

Scoring
Goal not allowed.................................................................................... 6 18 c
SUMMARY OF PENALTIES HR-93

Loss of Timeout
Rule Sec. Par.
Pucks on ice before the start of any period.......................................... 2 4 d
Request for use of video replay ............................................................ 6 56 c(4)
Summary of
Face-Off Locations
Center Ice
Rule Sec.
Change of ends at midpoint of period ...................................................................... 6 49b
Goal scored (including after penalty shot)................................................................ 4 6i
*Officials err in calling icing...................................................................................... 6 26f
*Official errs in calling offside................................................................................... 6 34c
*Official mistakenly stops play.................................................................................. 6 14n
Premature substitution of goalkeeper....................................................................... 2 5a
Start of game, each period, each overtime period ................................................... 6 49a
*Note: Referee may change location if the center ice face-off would unduly penalize either team.

Defensive Zone
Goal cage dislodged by defending player ................................................................. 6 13l
Goal illegally scored by deflecting off official............................................................ 6 13h
Penalty shot not scored ............................................................................................ 4 6i

Last Play
Fouls committed by players of both teams .............................................................. 6 13f
Object thrown on ice interferes with progress of game ........................................... 6 29a
Penalty called on player of the side not in possession of the puck (note
exceptions)............................................................................................................ 4 9b
Premature substitution of goalkeeper (with puck in offending team’s
half of the ice) ....................................................................................................... 2 5a
Puck deflects off official outside defending zone ..................................................... 6 13h
Puck out of sight, or illegal puck (note exceptions) ................................................. 6 40a
Puck passed offside .................................................................................................. 6 36a
Puck strikes an overhead obstruction....................................................................... 6 13m
Puck unplayable at either end or side of rink (note exceptions) .............................. 6 38a
Stoppage of play caused by a defending player in the defending zone
(note exceptions) .................................................................................................. 6 13m
Team starts play with fewer players than entitled and player who enters
after that point illegally plays the puck ................................................................. 2 5f

Special Spot (Offending Team)

Goalkeeper penalties—handling the puck ................................................................ 6 18
Icing........................................................................................................................... 6 26a
Intentional offside...................................................................................................... 6 34b
Player(s) interfere with movement of puck or progress of play from bench
or penalty box ....................................................................................................... 6 28b
Puck high-sticked directly to goalkeeper .................................................................. 6 20d
Striking the puck above the height of 4 feet............................................................. 6 20c

HR-94
SUMMARY OF FACE-OFF LOCATIONS HR-95

Special Spot (Other)

Stoppages occurring between end face-off spots and near the ends of rink .......... 6 14g

Zone Line (Neutral Zone)

Attacking player precedes puck into attacking zone................................................. 6 36a
Coincidental penalty and icing .................................................................................. 6 26a
Crease violation by player of attacking team ............................................................ 6 28c
Offending players entering end zone after stoppage of play .................................... 6 13o
Puck carried offside................................................................................................... 6 36a
Puck deflected by glove or stick protruding from bench ......................................... 6 14j
Stoppage of play caused by attacking player in attacking zone ............................... 6 14e
 Officials’ Signals

Boarding Butt-Ending Charging Checking

Strike the clenched fist of A crossing motion of the Rotating clenched fists (Women’s Only)
one hand into the open palm forearms, one moving under around one another in front The nonwhistle hand is
of the other hand directly in the other. of chest. placed on the shoulder and
front of the chest. then moved out and to the
side.

Clipping Contact to Cross- Delayed

Keep both skates on the ice the Head Checking Calling of
when signaling, using right Extend arm above head and A single forward and back
hand on the leg.
Penalty
tap head with open palm. motion with both fists
clenched in front of the Extend arm to upright posi-
chest. tion.

Delayed Fighting/
Delay of Game Elbowing
Offsides The nonwhistle hand, palm open, Tapping either elbow with
Punching
is placed across the chest and the opposite hand. A double “punching” motion
Extend arm in air and point
then fully extended directly in front with fist clenched, fully
to line with other arm.
of the body. extended in front of the body.

HR-96
 Goal Scored Grasping
Roughing Hand Pass
Point at the net with the non- the Face
Fist clenched, fully extend- The nonwhistle hand (open
whistle hand, palm open. Mask
ing arm from the side. hand) and arm are placed
A single or double straight down alongside the
motion as if grasping body and swung forward and
a face mask and up once in an underhand
pulling it down. motion.

High-Sticking Hitting From Holding

Holding both fists, clenched, Behind Clasp wrist of whistle hand
one a short space immedi- Arm placed behind the back, with the other hand well in
ately above the other to the elbow bent, forearm parallel front of the chest.
side of the head. to the ice surface.

Icing
Holding the Stick Hooking
A series of tugging motions with The back official signals the icing situation by fully extending his
Clasp wrist of whistle hand with the other
both arms, as if pulling some- free arm (without whistle) at a 66˚ angle
hand well in front of chest. Next, hold
both fists, clenched, one a short space in thing toward the stomach. The front official shall indicate the icing is completed by extend-
front of the other at waist height. ing his free arm over his head, up straight, and blowing his whis-
tle.
The back official then will move to the face-off spot and cross
arms to indicate the icing.

HR-97
 Intentional
Interference Kneeing Misconduct
Offside A single slapping of the right Hands should be moved
Crossed arms with fists
After blowing whistle for offside, clenched stationary in front palm to the right knee, keep- once from sides down to
point toward offending team’s spe- of chest. ing both skate blades on the hips. Thus, point to player
cial spot with nonwhistle hand. ice. first, hands to hips second.

Spearing Slashing
Obstruction A single jabbing motion with
Penalty Shot both hands together, thrust
One chop with the nonwhis-
Hands in middle of body in Arms crossed (fists clenched) tle hand across the straight-
forward in front of the chest,
shape of an “O”. Additional above the head. ened forearm of the other
then dropping hands to the
infraction following obstruc- hand.
side.
tion.

Timeout/ Tripping “Wash-out”

Unsportsmanlike Keep both skates on the ice Both arms swung shoulder
when signaling, using right height, not waist height.
Conduct hand on the leg.
Using both hands to form a “T” in front
of the chest.

HR-98
Part II
Interpretations
Foreword
The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Interpretations are an
official supplement to the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules.
The interpretations contain approved rulings (A.R.) that are in accord with
those rules.
The format used in this book provides for separate rules and interpretations
sections. The interpretations section follows precisely the order of presenta-
tion of the official rules and uses corresponding rule and section numbers.
PAUL J. DUFFY
Secretary-Rules Editor

HI-1
RULE 1
The Rink
SECTION 2. Rink Dimensions
A.R.: Is it allowable to have commercial or institutional logos in the ice in
either of the attacking zones? RULING: No. Logos are allowed in the ice
in the neutral zone only.
SECTION 3. Goal Posts and Nets
A.R. : Is the 2-inch thickness of the red goal line considered part of the goal
line? RULING: Yes. For a goal to be allowed or icing to be called, the entire
puck must cross the edge closer to the end of the boards.
SECTION 4. Goal Crease
A.R.: Is the 2-inch red line outlining the goal crease considered part of the
goal crease? RULING: Yes. The goal crease area includes the space bound-
ed by the outside edges of the crease lines, as well as the space extending
vertically 4 feet to the level of the top of the goal frame.
SECTION 5. Division of Ice Surface
A.R.: How is it determined in which half of the ice the center red line is
part? RULING: Similar to the blue line, the determining edge of the center
red line is always the edge further from the half of the ice in which the puck
is located.
SECTION 12. Goalkeeper’s Privileged Area
A.R.: The Team A goalkeeper skates with the puck beyond his end zone
face-off circle and is body-checked by a Team B forward. Should a penalty
be assessed? RULING: No. The Team A goalkeeper is beyond the imagi-
nary line connecting the special spots in the end zone face-off circles, out-
side his privileged area, and is subject to the same playing rules as other
players.

HI-2
RULE 2
Teams
SECTION 2. Captain of Team
A.R. 1: During the pregame warm-up, the officials notice three players
wearing a “C” on their uniforms. RULING: The referee should determine
from the team’s roster if one captain has been designated. If not, the refer-
ee must request the coach to designate one of the three players as the team
captain. He also must inform the coach that the other two players will not
have captain’s privileges; however, one player may be designated to act as
captain if the captain is not available due to injury or imposed penalty.
A.R. 2: May a team appoint more than one alternate captain to ensure that
a captain is on the ice at all times? RULING: No. Only the player designat-
ed as captain before the start of the game may hold the privileges of the cap-
tain. Should the player designated as captain be injured, penalized or
removed from the game, another player may be designated to act as cap-
tain. The designated player does not have the privileges of the captain as
long as the captain is in the game.
SECTION 3. Players in Uniform
A.R. 1: A team’s player eligibility-availability list includes the name of an
eligible player with an incorrect number. RULING: The referee must assess
the offending team a bench minor penalty.
A.R. 2: A team begins warm-ups with one goaltender. Is the game an auto-
matic forfeit? RULING: No. The referee should note the situation on the
score sheet and report it to the proper disciplinary authority.
SECTION 5. Change of Players
A.R. 1: Team A controls the puck in Team B’s zone. The official signals a
delayed penalty on Team B. The Team A goalkeeper, seeing the delayed
penalty signal, skates toward the Team A bench; however, before the goal-
keeper is at the bench, the Team A substitute enters the game prematurely.
RULING: Immediate whistle, since both teams have committed an infrac-
tion. Face-off at center ice even though Team B fouled, since the play was
stopped for an infraction by Team A.
A.R. 2: A Team A player intentionally delays a faceoff by repeatedly skat-
HI-3
HI-4 INTERPRETATIONS

ing offside. RULING: The official conducting the faceoff shall not allow
Team A’s center to take the faceoff for the first offense in a game. If this
action continues, a delay of game must be assessed.
A.R. 3: During a line change, Team A’s players are late in getting to a defen-
sive zone faceoff. RULING: Team A must be given a warning for delaying
the game. This serves as Team A’s line change warning for the entire game.
If any Team A player intentionally delays a line chnage during the same
game, the referee must assess Team A a delay of game penalty.
A.R. 4: After both teams have made player substitutions, Team A’s center
is talking to a Team A defensemen at the end of the 18 seconds allotted for
changes. Should the official conducting the faceoff drop the puck? RUL-
ING: Yes. As long as both teams are on-side, the faceoff should proceed,
even though the center is not ready for the drop.
A.R. 5: Where should the referee be positioned to conduct lineup changes?
RULING: The official should be anywhere from the blue line to center ice.
SECTION 6. Injured Players
A.R.: Team A controls the puck in the neutral zone. A Team B player falls
injured in the Team A zone. As Team A receives an offsides pass in Team
B’s zone, the back official blows a whistle due to injury, while the front offi-
cial whistles the play offside. RULING: Last “fairly” played also must
mean last “legally” played. Face-off in the neutral zone where the offside
pass originated.
RULE 3
Equipment
SECTION 1. Sticks
A.R.: A goal is scored with a legal stick, but in an immediate challenge
before the face-off, the “assisting” stick is found to be illegal. RULING: The
goal counts and the player using the illegal stick is assessed a minor penal-
ty.
SECTION 3. Goalkeeper’s Equipment
A.R.: Team A’s captain requests the referee to measure the Team B goal-
keeper’s leg pads. The Team B goalkeeper wishes to remove some tape on
the sides of the pads before they are measured. RULING: The referee must
not allow any tape to be removed before the pads are measured. The pads
must be measured in the same condition in which they were used in play.
SECTION 5. Helmet
A.R. 1: A player is able to immediately replace a helmet that has been dis-
lodged, but is unable to fasten the throat strap before participating in the
play. RULING: The referee must stop play immediately when a player’s
helmet or facemask is dislodged.
A.R. 2: A goalkeeper’s helmet becomes dislodged during play. The referee
correctly blows the whistle to stop play. During the stoppage, an official
notices that the goalkeeper’s helmet has no throat strap. RULING: A minor
penalty shall be assessed to the goalkeeper and that player may not partic-
ipate until the equipment is corrected.
A.R. 3: During the pre-game inspection, an official finds that one goalkeep-
er does not have a throat strap on the helmet. RULING: The goalkeeper
will not be allowed to play in the game until the helmet is corrected.

HI-5
RULE 4
Penalties
SECTION 1. Penalties
A.R.: Can referees assess penalties during the pregame warm-up? RULING:
Yes. Referees must penalize any infractions they observe during the warm-up
in the same manner as if play is actually in progress. Penalties assessed dur-
ing the warm-up will begin at the opening face-off.
SECTION 2. Minor Penalties
A.R. 1: What are the guidelines a referee may follow in making the correct
decision as to which penalty expires, if any, when the question arises? RUL-
ING: The guidelines a referee may follow in determining which penalty
expires, if any, are:
1. A penalty cannot expire as the result of a goal if both teams are at equal
numerical strength.
2. The penalty that expires must be a non-coincidental minor or bench minor
that caused the team to be short-handed at the time of the goal.
3. A major penalty cannot expire as the result of a goal.
4. Double minor penalties are always treated as two separate minor penal-
ties.
5. When two minor penalties to different players of the same team expire at
the same time, the team captain shall choose which player will return first.
6. A penalty cannot expire as a result of a goal scored on a penalty shot.
A.R. 2: A1 receives a minor penalty and B1 a double minor, both at 1:00. B2
receives a minor at 2:45. At 4:04, Team A scores. Which penalty should termi-
nate? RULING: B2’s penalty would terminate, as it is the only penalty with
time on the clock. Since B1 had been substituted for on the ice, B1 must remain
on the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play after 5:00, serving the
complete time of the two minor which had been assessed.
A.R. 3: A1 receives a major penalty at 1:00, A2 and B1 receive coincidental
minors at 1:30. Team B scores at 2:00. RULING: No one comes out, since A1’s
major was the only penalty to actually “cause” a short-handed situation.
HI-6
INTERPRETATIONS HI-7

A.R. 4: A1 receives a major penalty at 1:00; A2 receives a minor at 1:30, and B1

receives a minor at 2:00. Team B scores at 2:30. RULING: A2 comes onto the
ice (see 4-2-c). Even though A1 initially caused the short-handed situation, A2
also caused a short-handed situation and only a minor penalty can automati-
cally terminate.
A.R. 5: A1 receives a minor penalty at 1:00; B1 receives a minor penalty at 1:30,
and A2 receives a minor penalty at 1:40. Team B scores a goal at 1:50. Who
comes out for Team A? RULING: A2 comes onto the ice (see 4-2-c) since B1’s
penalty “evened” the situation and A2 “caused” the short-handed situation
that existed when Team B scored.
A.R. 6: A1 is assessed a double minor penalty (slashing and interference) at
1:00. A2 receives minor penalty at 2:00. Team B scores a goal at 3:30. Which
penalty expires? RULING: A2’s penalty expires since that penalty was the first
one of the two being served that caused the team to be short-handed at the time
of the goal. The double minor penalty is considered two separate penalties.
A1’s second minor had not started until 3:00. A2’s had started at 2:00.
A.R. 7: With no penalty time on the clock, A1 is assessed a minor and a mis-
conduct. B1 is assessed a minor. What is the on-ice strength? RULING: Four-
on-four.
A.R. 8: A1 is assessed two minor penalties at 3:00. At exactly the 5:00 mark,
Team B scores. What is the on-ice strength? RULING: Both teams are at full
strength. Unless 2:01 is showing on the penalty clock, the second penalty to
Team A expires because of the goal.
Coincidental Minor and Major Penalties
(Same Stoppage of Play)
If only coincidental minor penalties are to be assessed—a penalty or penalties
must be in effect and visible on the clock—the officials must add the minor
penalties for both sides. (Remember to add the total amount of penalties and
not the amount of players in the penalty box for the coincidental minor penal-
ties.) If the minor penalties are equal, the penalties cancel each other and noth-
ing is put on the clock. The penalty time will start immediately (no delay on
canceled-out penalties) and the on-ice strength will be the same as before the
penalties were called. Players will return on the first stoppage of play after
their penalty expires.
If major penalties are called on both teams or a combination of major and
minor penalties on both teams, use the same formula as above.
When coincidental major penalties are called on both teams, it is not necessary
to have any penalty or penalties in effect or visible on the clock to have imme-
diate on-ice substitutes for the penalized players.
HI-8 INTERPRETATIONS

If a player receives a disqualification penalty, his place must be taken by a

teammate on the penalty bench to serve the major penalty associated with the
disqualification penalty. If coincidental major penalties (one major on each
team) are assessed, no replacements on the penalty bench are necessary. The
penalized players will go to the penalty bench and the on-ice strength of each
team at the time of the coincidental major penalties were assessed will not be
affected.
If there is an uneven amount of penalties on one team, the captain has the
choice of which penalty or penalties would be considered coincidental and
which penalty or penalties will go on the penalty clock.
A.R. 9: Team A and Team B are at full strength. At 1:00 on the same stoppage
of play, A1 and B1 are assessed minor penalties. RULING: A1 and B1 must
both go to their penalty benches and serve two-minute minor penalties. No
on-ice substitutes are permitted. Team A and Team B are each one player
short. A1 and B1 may return to ice when their two-minute penalties are com-
pleted. Both penalties go on the clock.
A.R. 10: A1 receives a minor penalty at 1:00. At 1:30, A2 and B1 receives minor
penalties. RULING: On-ice substitutions shall be made for A2 and B1.
However, A2 and B1 shall remain on the penalty benches until the first stop-
page of play after the expiration of their penalties.
A.R. 11: A1 receives a minor penalty at 1:00. At 1:30, A2 receives a minor
penalty and B1 receives two minor penalties. RULING: A2’s and B1’s first
minor penalty shall be waived and on-ice substitutions shall be made.
However, A2 and B1 shall remain on the penalty benches until the first stop-
page of play after the expiration of their penalties. B1’s second minor penalty
must be served and the time will start at 1:30. Another B player shall sit in the
penalty bench for B1’s second minor penalty. B1 must remain in the penalty
bench for the entire four minutes and will come out following the first stop-
page of play after the expiration of four minutes.
A.R. 12: A1 receives a minor penalty at 1:00. At 1:30, A2 receives two minor
penalties and B1 receives a minor penalty. RULING: A2’s first minor penalty
and B1’s minor penalty shall be waived and on-ice substitutions shall be
made. However, A2 and B1 must remain on the penalty benches until the first
stoppage of play after the expiration of their penalties. A2’s second minor
penalty must be served and the time shall start at 1:30. Another Team A play-
er shall sit on the penalty bench for A2’s second minor penalty. A2 must
remain on the penalty bench for the entire four minutes and will come out fol-
lowing the first stoppage of play after the expiration of four minutes.
A.R. 13: Team A and Team B are at full strength when there is an altercation
INTERPRETATIONS HI-9

in the Team B zone. Players A1 and B1 are assessed minor penalties for rough-
ing, and A2 and B2 are assessed minor penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct.
RULING: On-ice substitutions will be made for all four players and both
teams will remain at full strength.
The following examples (A.R.s 13-15) of coincidental minor penalties cancel
out, whether or not other penalties are in effect.
A.R. 14:
TEAM A TEAM B
A1, 2 + 2 min. B1, 2 + 2 min.
A.R. 15:
TEAM A TEAM B
A1, 2 min. B1, 2 + 2 min.
A2, 2 min.
A.R. 16:
TEAM A TEAM B
A1, 2 min. B1, 2 + 2 min.
A2, 2 min. B2, 2 min.
A3, 2 min.
The following examples (A.R.s 16-18) will have some penalty time served. In
all examples, teams are at full strength when play is stopped.
A.R. 17:
TEAM A TEAM B
A1, 2 min. B1, 2 min.
B2, 2 min.
RULING: Team B’s choice. One minor is coincidental. One minor is to be
served.
A.R. 18:
TEAM A TEAM B
A1, 2 min. B1, 2 min.
A2, 2 min. B2, 2 min.
B3, 2 min.
RULING: Team B’s choice, two cancel out and one is served.
A.R. 19:
TEAM A TEAM B
A1, 5 min. B1, 5 min.
A2, 2 min. B2, 2 min.
B3, 2 min.
RULING: Two majors cancel out. Team B’s choice, one minor coincidental.
One is to be served.
HI-10 INTERPRETATIONS

SECTION 3. Major Penalties

The following examples (A.R.s 1-2) of coincidental major penalties will have
some penalty time served. In both examples, teams are at full strength when
play is stopped.
A.R. 1:
TEAM A TEAM B
A1, 5 min. B1 2 + 2 min.
RULING: All time is served.
A.R. 2:
TEAM A TEAM B
A1, 5 + 2 + 2 min. B1, 5 + 5 min.
RULING: One major penalty on each team cancels out. Two minors and the
second major are to be served.
The following examples of penalties (A.R.s 3-5), including coincidental major
penalties, cancel out whether or not other penalties are in effect.
A.R. 3:
TEAM A TEAM B
A1, 5 + 2 min. B1, 5 + 2 min.
A.R. 4:
TEAM A TEAM B
A1, 5 min. B1, 5 + 2 min.
A2, 2 min.
A.R. 5:
TEAM A TEAM B
A1, 5 + 2 min. B1, 2 + 2 min.
A2, 2 min. B2, 5 min.
This interpretation occurs to offer some relief to Team A.
A.R. 6: Team A has two major penalties, one on A1 at 12:00 and one on A2 at
11:00. At 9:30, during a delayed minor penalty against Team A, Team B scores
a goal. RULING: The minor penalty is not served by Team A. Both major
penalties must be served in their entirety.
SECTION 4. Misconduct Penalties
A.R.: A1 receives a minor and misconduct penalty at 2:30. At 3:00, Team B
scores. What is the on-ice strength and when is A1 released? RULING: The
minor penalty terminates immediately and A1 starts serving the misconduct
penalty. A1 may enter the game following the next stoppage after the mis-
conduct penalty is served.
INTERPRETATIONS HI-11

SECTION 5. Disqualification Penalties

(With regard to on-ice strength of each team, coincidental disqualification
penalties are administered in the same manner as coincidental major penal-
ties.)
A.R. 1: In the same sequence, a player instigates two fights. Should the player
receive two majors and two disqualifications? RULING: The player must be
assessed two disqualification penalties. (Note: If only one player is involved,
a substitute player must enter the penalty bench to serve two five-minute
major penalties.) The progressive game disqualification structure requires the
player to sit out the remainder of the game plus the next three regular season
or tournament games against NCAA member institutions. This interpretation
also applies to Rule 6-17-a.
A.R. 2: A player receives a disqualification penalty in an exhibition game.
Does the player have to serve this penalty? RULING: Yes. Disqualification
penalties must be served regardless of the type of game in which it occurs.
A.R. 3: Player A is assessed three disqualification penalties in the same game.
RULING: The player must sit out the next six games. The committee is clari-
fying that each disqualification is considered as a separate disqualification and
triggers the progressive disqualification procedure.
SECTION 6. Penalty Shot/Optional Minor Penalty
A.R. 1: On a penalty shot, the shooter hits the post, the puck bounces back, hits
the goalkeeper on the back and goes into the net. RULING: The goal counts
since all motion was the result of the initial shot.
A.R. 2: A1 dekes the goaltender and in the process, the puck crosses the end
line. A1 never loses control of the puck and scores. RULING: No goal. The
shot is considered complete when the puck crosses the end line.
SECTION 7. Goalkeeper’s Penalties
A.R.: A1, in possession and control of the puck, carries the puck behind Team
B’s goal cage. The Team B goalkeeper comes out of the crease moving behind
the goal cage and stops the forward progress of A1 with a legal check. Should
the Team B goalkeeper be assessed a penalty? RULING: Yes. Within the priv-
ileged area the goalkeeper is not allowed to check an opponent and must be
assessed a minor or major penalty at the discretion of the referee.
SECTION 9. Calling of Penalties
A.R. 1: Team A ices the puck, but, while the icing situation exists, Team B com-
mits a foul. RULING: If icing occurs simultaneously with a foul by the oppos-
ing team, the face-off will take place in the neutral zone near the defending
blue line of the team icing the puck.
HI-12 INTERPRETATIONS

A.R. 2: There is a delayed whistle for a penalty against Team A. As Team B

player B1 brings the puck up ice, he swerves to avoid Team A player A2. A2
pokes B1’s stick just as B1 is swerving and causes the puck to slide into Team
B’s net. RULING: No goal. Even though A2 did not have control and posses-
sion of the puck, the stick gave the impetus for the goal. This is the exception
to the “possession and control” criterion of this rule. Face-off at the Team B
zone line.
A.R. 3: A1 commits a minor infraction. During the delayed penalty, A2 com-
mits a minor infraction. Team B scores during the delayed penalty. RULING:
Team A must be assessed a penalty. Team A’s captain has the choice between
A1 and A2.
A.R. 4: Team A is at full strength. Team B has a minor penalty on B1 and is
shorthanded. During play, A1 commits an infraction and a delayed penalty is
called. During play, Team B scores. What is the on-ice strength? RULING:
Team A remains on the power play. Team B’s goal nullifies the penalty to
Team A.
RULE 6
Playing Rules
SECTION 6. Charging
A.R.: A1 takes three steps and checks B1. RULING: Charging must be
called. No more than two steps are allowed for a body check to be legal.
SECTION 10. Delaying the Game
A.R. 1: Team A shoots the puck on goal. The shot hits the goalkeeper in the
chest and rebounds into the air. In an attempt to clear the puck from the
crease area, the goalkeeper bats the puck in the air and out of the rink. The
puck did not touch any other player or object before leaving the rink.
Should the referee assess a minor penalty for delay of game? RULING: No.
Although the puck did not hit any other player or object before leaving the
rink, the goalkeeper did not have possession and control of the puck before
batting it out of the playing area. Had the goalkeeper caught the puck,
thereby gaining possession and control, and then deliberately batted it
directly out of the playing area, a minor penalty for delaying the game
should be assessed.
A.R. 2: Immediately after a goal, the scoring team leaves its bench and
comes onto the ice to congratulate the player who scored. Should a minor
penalty for delay be assessed? RULING: No. However, this action should
be kept to a minimum. Should the situation occur after each goal, or an
unreasonable amount of time is being taken, the referee shall warn the
offending team and, if it continues, assess a minor penalty for delay.
SECTION 12. Elbowing
A.R.: What criteria should be used in determining whether to assess a
minor, major or disqualification penalty for elbowing?
RULING: A minor penalty should be assessed in most situations. When
the elbow is used in a flagrant or violent manner, a major penalty should
be assessed. Whenever injury results from fouling an opponent with an
elbow, a disqualification penalty must be assessed.
Elbowing penalties may be assessed as minor, major, or disqualification
penalties, even though physical contact with an opponent may not have
occurred. (Example: excessive roughness)

HI-13
HI-14 INTERPRETATIONS

SECTION 15. Face-Offs

Note: As a reminder, all face-offs must take place along the imaginary line that con-
nects the end-zone face-off spots parallel to the boards, with the exception of the cen-
ter-ice face-off.
A.R. 1: Player A1 is penalized for checking after the whistle in the attacking
zone. RULING: Zone line face-off. The penalty takes precedence even if the
original face-off spot was inside the attacking zone.
A.R. 2: Player A1 has lined up to take the face-off with player B1 in the
Team B special spot. Before the official can drop the puck, A1 charges B1.
A1 is assessed a minor penalty. RULING: Face-off at the nearest neutral-
zone face-off spot.
A.R. 3: May a goalkeeper participate in a face-off? RULING: No. A goal-
keeper cannot participate in a face-off due to the measurements of the goal-
keeper’s stick and protective equipment.
A.R. 4: A false face-off occurs. After the whistle, should the referee permit
the teams to change lines? RULING: No. Substitutions are not permitted
until the face-off is completed. If there is a delay in getting the original play-
ers lined up, the referee may assess a minor penalty for delay of game. If a
penalty or penalties are assessed, substitutions are permitted.
A.R. 5: In the process of conducting an end zone face-off, which official is
responsible for blowing the whistle for the first premature entry into the cir-
cle by a player positioned behind the official conducting the face-off? RUL-
ING: In the one referee-two assistant referees system, the forward referee;
and the two referees-one linesman, the back referee. If the encroachment
occurs a second time during the same attempt, the referee in the one refer-
ee-two assistant referees system; and the back referee in the two referees-
one linesman system assess a minor penalty for delay of game.
A.R. 6: Team A player A1 attempting to gain control of the puck falls on the
puck in the Team B zone between players B1 and B2. After the referee
blows the whistle to stop play, Team A players A2 and A3 skate into the
end-zone circle where player A1 has fallen on the puck. Where is the ensu-
ing face-off? RULING: At the nearest neutral-zone face-off spot.
A.R. 7: The referee signals a delayed penalty against Team A in its attack-
ing zone. Team B has control of the puck. In attempting to advance the
puck out of its zone, Team B shoots the puck onto the back of its goal.
Where is the ensuing face-off? RULING: At the nearest neutral-zone face-
off spot. The face-off must be held in the neutral zone because of the penal-
ty to be assessed to the attacking team.
INTERPRETATIONS HI-15

A.R. 8: A Team A player receives a misconduct penalty while the play is in

Team A’s attacking zone. Where is the faceoff? RULING: The face-off is at
the zone line position, outside of Team A’s attacking zone.
SECTION 17. Fighting and Punching
A.R. 1: In the same sequence of events, Team A player A1 instigates two
fights, one with player B1, who retaliates, and one with B2, who does not
retaliate. Should A1 receive two disqualification penalties? RULING: Yes.
Team A, when play resumes, also must place a player on the penalty bench
to serve the major penalty included with the disqualification penalty
assessed to A1 for fighting with B2.
A.R. 2: A fight is in progress. Another player enters the altercation only to
restrain the fighter from his own team. Should the intervening player in this
altercation be assessed a disqualification penalty? RULING: Yes. A disqual-
ification penalty must be assessed to any player that participates in fighting.
SECTION 18. Goals and Assists
A.R. 1: The puck is shot by either an attacking or defending player, hits an
official, hits another player and rebounds into the goal. Is the goal allowed?
RULING: No. If the puck deflects off an official and, as a direct result, a
goal is scored, the goal shall not be allowed.
A.R. 2: Team B player B1 is serving a minor penalty. The penalty time-
keeper does not notify B1 when B1’s penalty time has expired, and B1
remains in the penalty box. Before B1 realizes the penalty has expired and
attempts to return to the ice, Team A scores. Team B appeals to the referee
to disallow the goal. Should the goal be allowed? RULING: Yes. The refer-
ee must allow the goal. Team A should not be punished because Team B
player B1 failed to be aware when to return to the ice.
A.R. 3: Team A player A1 skates backwards into the Team B goal crease
while playing the puck outside the crease, while the Team B goalkeeper is
still in his crease. A1, while still in the crease, is able to shoot the puck from
outside the Team B crease into the Team B goal. Should the goal be
allowed? RULING: Yes. A player may skate backwards into the crease
before the puck while the goalkeeper is in the crease, provided the player
has full control of the puck.
A.R. 4: Team A player A1 shoots the puck from just inside the attacking
blue line through a maze of players in front of the Team B goal. The refer-
ee is blocked in the corner behind the Team B goal. The puck hits inside the
Team B goal cage unobserved by the referee and comes out directly in front
of the Team B goal crease. Before the Team B goalkeeper can freeze the
puck, the referee signals a delayed minor penalty on Team B player B1. At
HI-16 INTERPRETATIONS

the stoppage of play, Team A argues the puck legally entered the goal cage.
RULING: The referee should consult with the assistant referees and the
goal judge to determine if the puck did enter the goal cage. If the referee
disallows the goal, the penalty to B1 will be assessed. If the referee allows
the goal, B1’s penalty will be assessed because the infraction occurred after
the puck came out of the goal cage. If the goal is awarded, the officials
should, to the best of their ability, determine when the goal was scored and
put the time that elapsed after that point back on the clock.
A.R. 5: As in A.R. 4, when the puck comes directly out of the goal cage, and
before the Team B goalkeeper can freeze the puck, the referee signals a
delayed minor penalty on Team A player A2. At the stoppage of play,
Team A argues the puck legally entered the goal cage. RULING: The ref-
eree should consult with the assistant referees and goal judge to determine
if the puck entered the goal cage. If the referee disallows the goal, A2’s
penalty will be assessed. If the referee allows the goal, A2’s penalty will be
assessed because the infraction occurred after play should have been
stopped. If the goal is awarded, the officials should, to the best of their abil-
ity, determine when the goal was scored and put the time that elapsed after
that point back on the clock.
A.R. 6: Team A player A1 shoots the puck from just inside the attacking
blue line through a maze of players in front of the Team B goal. The goal
judge turns the goal light on signaling a goal, but play continues as the offi-
cials don’t signal a goal. At the next stoppage of play, the officials confer
with the goal judge and award a goal to Team A. The officials do not put
time back on the clock. RULING: The officials are correct in consulting
with the goal judge and, if the puck entered the goal cage, awarding the
goal to Team A. The officials were not correct, however, in not putting time
back on the clock. Given the fact that the goal was awarded, the officials
should, to the best of their ability, determine when the goal was scored and
put the time that elapsed after that point back on the clock.
A.R. 7: Player A1 drives to the net and is tripped. A1 slides into the goal-
keeper, propelling the goalkeeper and the puck into the net. RULING:
Regardless if a penalty is called, no goal shall be allowed here, because the
puck has entered the goal cage illegally.
SECTION 19. Handling the Puck
A.R. 1: A goalkeeper leaves the crease and rushes forward to a loose puck
inside the privileged area to beat a lone attacking player to the puck. RUL-
ING: If the goalkeeper reaches the puck first and falls on it a minor penal-
ty will be assessed.
INTERPRETATIONS HI-17

A.R. 2: A goalkeeper dives on the puck outside of the crease area. RULING:
A goalkeeper who, when located entirely outside the boundaries of the
crease area (except to prevent a goal), deliberately falls on or gathers the
puck into the body shall be assessed a minor penalty.
A.R. 3: A goalkeeper comes out of the crease area to cut down the angle of
a shooter. The shot is taken and the goalkeeper catches the puck in the air.
If the goalkeeper has the opportunity to drop the puck and put it in play,
he must do so.
If the shooter or other attacking players converge on the goalkeeper imme-
diately after catching the puck, preventing the goalkeeper from playing it,
the official should blow the whistle immediately and an end zone face-off
should ensue.
SECTION 21. High Sticks
A.R. 1: With the stick blade above the height of four feet, the shaft of A1’s
stick makes contact with the puck when the puck is less than four feet off
the ice, deflecting the puck into Team B’s goal. RULING: The goal should
be allowed. The determining factor is the height of the puck from the ice
when the puck and stick make contact, not the height of the stick.
A.R. 2: A1 deflects the puck above four feet when contact is made with A1’s
stick. The puck then deflects off B1 entering Team B’s goal. RULING: The
goal should be disallowed. A1 was still in possession of the puck when it
entered the goal, deflection off of the defending player does not change
possession of the puck. The determining factor as to high stick of the puck
is the height at which the puck and stick make contact, not the height of the
sick when contact is made.
SECTION 23. Hitting From Behind
A.R.: Team A player A1 and Team B player B1 are jammed against the
boards in the Team B end. Each is trying to gain control of the puck, which
is on the ice under their skates. Each is facing the glass above the boards.
Team A player A2, in an effort to free the puck for A1, skates in and checks
B1 from behind into the boards. B1 falls to the ice and the referee stops play.
B1 has to be helped from the ice. What penalty must be assessed to A2, and
where will the ensuing face-off take place? RULING: The referee may
assess A2 a disqualification penalty for checking B1 from behind into the
boards and causing an injury. The ensuing face-off should be conducted at
the Team A attacking zone line spot as it was an attacking player, A2, caus-
ing a stoppage of play in the attacking zone.
HI-18 INTERPRETATIONS

SECTION 25. Holding the Stick

A.R.: Team B player B1using the stick in the usual position presses down
on Team A player A1’s stick as A1 is playing the puck. RULING: No penal-
ty.
SECTION 29. Interference
A.R.: Team A player A1 gains possession and control of the puck in the
neutral zone. Player A2 is still in the attacking zone. A2 attempts to make
contact with the attacking zone line before A1 crosses the line with the
puck, but is blocked by Team B defenseman B1 and is prevented from “tag-
ging up.” RULING: Minor penalty for interference to B1.
SECTION 29. Interference by Spectators
A.R.: Due to a previous incident at the Team A rink, the referee has the pub-
lic-address announcer issue a warning before the game that a bench minor
will be assessed to the offending team if any objects are thrown from the
stands onto the ice. After a Team A goal is disallowed, the spectators throw
debris on ice. RULING: Team A assessed a bench minor penalty.
SECTION 33. Kneeing
A.R.: What criteria should be used in determining whether to assess a
minor, major or disqualification penalty for kneeing? RULING: A minor
penalty should be assessed in most situations. When the knee is used in a
flagrant or violent manner, a major penalty should be assessed. Whenever
injury results from fouling an opponent with a knee, a disqualification
penalty must be assessed.
Kneeing penalties may be assessed as minor, major, or disqualification
penalties, even though physical contact with an opponent may not have
occurred.
SECTION 34. Leaving Penalty Bench or Entering Game Illegally
A.R.: The penalty timekeeper mistakenly releases Team A player A1 before
the penalty time is up. While player A1 is on the ice, Team A scores a goal.
RULING: The goal is disallowed, regardless of whether the penalized play-
er took part in the score. A1 must return to the penalty box and serve the
remaining penalty time.
SECTION 36. Offsides
A.R. 1: Team A player A1 is straddling the attacking blue line. With the
stick in the neutral zone, A1 takes a pass from player A2. A1 then brings the
skate, which was in the neutral zone, into the attacking zone while the stick
and the puck are still in the neutral zone. A1 then brings the puck over the
blue line into the attacking zone. Is A1 offsides? RULING: No. As long as
INTERPRETATIONS HI-19

A1, when receiving the pass, has possession and control of the puck and at
least one skate is in contact with the neutral zone, A1 legally can precede
the puck into the attacking zone while completely crossing the blue line.
A.R. 2: Team A player A1 shoots the puck from behind the center red line.
The back official signals a potential icing. Player A2 had crossed the Team
A attacking blue line into the Team A attacking zone before the puck
crossed the attacking blue line. The forward official signals a delayed off-
sides. Before any of the Team B defending players can play the puck, it
crosses the Team B goal line extended. The forward official blows his whis-
tle stopping play. Is this offsides? RULING: No. This is an icing situation.
A.R. 3: The official has signaled a delayed offsides. In trying to clear the
puck, a Team B defending player B1 shoots the puck out of the playing sur-
face. Where is the face-off? RULING: Face-off outside the zone, “last play”
before the offsides. Since the delay was “on” when the puck left the rink,
the offsides takes precedence. If the puck had crossed the attacking zone
line (Team B defensive zone line) before leaving the rink, the face-off would
be inside the zone at the origin of the shot.
A.R. 4: Team A player A1 in the neutral zone passes to player A2 near the
attacking zone line, but the puck is deflected by a Team B player in the neu-
tral zone causing A2 to be over the attacking zone line ahead of the puck.
A2 plays the puck causing a stoppage of play. RULING: A2 is offsides, and
the puck should be faced off at the point of origin of the pass.
A.R. 5: Team A player A1 is the only player offsides when the official sig-
nals a delayed offsides. A1 is able to make skate contact with the attacking
zone line as teammate A2 is crossing the attacking zone line. A2 has one
skate completely across the attacking zone line and one skate fully on the
attacking zone line. Should the delayed offsides be nullified? RULING:
Yes. Both players are required only to make skate contact with the attack-
ing zone line.
SECTION 37. Passes
A.R.: Team A has possession and control of the puck in the attacking zone.
The referee signals a delayed penalty on Team B defenseman B1. Team A
player A1 shoots at the Team B goal. The puck rebounds off the Team B
goalkeeper to A2 who is able to shoot the puck into the Team B goal. RUL-
ING: Goal. Rebounds off goalkeepers’ pads are not deemed changes of
possession and control or completion of play.
SECTION 38. Preceding Puck Into Attacking Zone
A.R. 1: Team A player A1 attempts to pass the puck to a teammate, but the
puck deflects off the skate of Team B player B1 and goes to player A3 who
HI-20 INTERPRETATIONS

is offside in the attacking zone. The pass originated in the neutral zone.
RULING: Immediate whistle. Play is offsides since the impetus for the
deflection came from A1’s pass. Face-off at the Team A attacking zone line.
A.R. 2: Team A has possession and control of the puck in the neutral zone.
A Team A player falls injured in the Team A defending zone just as a Team
A player receives an offsides pass in the attacking zone. The back official
blows the whistle because of the injury as the front official blows the whis-
tle for the offsides. Where is the ensuing face-off ? RULING: Last “fairly”
played also must mean last “legally” played. Face-off in the neutral zone
where the offsides pass originated.
SECTION 40. Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable
A.R. 1: Team A player A1 in the attacking zone shoots the puck so that it
rebounds off the end boards and drops on top of the Team B goal cage.
Neither team is able to play it off the top of the cage within three seconds.
The referee stops play. Where is the ensuring face-off? RULING: At the
attacking zone line face-off spot in the neutral zone nearest the point where
the shot originated.
A.R. 2: The puck comes to rest on top of the boards. Team B defenseman B1
pushes the puck off the boards with a hand and then shoots it out of the
zone. RULING: Play continues. The puck is considered in play when it
rests on top of the boards and may be played with either hand or stick.
SECTION 41. Puck Must Be Kept in Motion
A.R.: Team A player A1 and Team B player B1 skate into the corner
attempting to play the puck. The puck stalls between their skates. RUL-
ING: The official is encouraged to use verbal commands in an attempt to
keep the play moving. If one of the players falls on the puck or it is evident
to the official that unnecessary contact will result from allowing play to
continue, the official should blow the whistle and stop play.
SECTION 42. Puck Out of Sight and Illegal Puck
A.R.: The Team B goalkeeper, after making a save, is lying on the ice out-
side the crease and partially covers the puck, which also is outside the
crease, with his glove. Team A player A1 shoots the puck into the Team B
goal. RULING: The referee must make a judgment as to whether the Team
B goalkeeper had possession and control of the puck. If the referee is satis-
fied the goalkeeper had possession and control of the puck, the goal would
not be allowed. If not, the goal would be allowed.
SECTION 43. Puck Striking Official
A.R. 1: Team A player A1 in Team A’s defending zone shoots the puck,
INTERPRETATIONS HI-21

which deflects off an official in Team A’s defending zone, and goes out of
the rink. Where is the face-off? RULING: The location of the shot.
A.R. 2: Where is the face-off if the puck deflects directly off an official into
the goal? RULING: End zone face-off spot of the defending team.
SECTION 51. Start of Game and Periods
A.R.: Team A’s bench is slightly closer to their attacking zone than Team B’s
to its attacking zone. RULING: The official must deny this request. The
only allowable time that teams may split the first period and change ends
is when ice conditions (not positioning of benches or any other reason) give
one team a clear advantage.
SECTION 55. Time of Game
A.R.: The Team B goalkeeper is injured with two minutes remaining in the
second period. The goalkeeper is able to skate to his team bench and go to
the dressing room for medical attention. Rather than use a substitute goal-
keeper, the Team B coach requests the referee to start the intermission and
play the remaining two minutes of the second period when the teams
return. What action, if any, should the referee take? RULING: This is not
an unusual delay. Team B should be required to use a substitute goalkeep-
er and complete the second period. If the goalkeeper only had to go to the
players’ bench for limited treatment, the referee, at his discretion, may
allow for minor delays during the period. If the injury to the goalkeeper
was such that he could not be moved due to the seriousness of the injury,
the referee, at his discretion, could consider this an unusual delay and end
the period with the remaining time to be played when play resumes.
SECTION 58. Tripping
A.R.: Player A1, on a two-on-one, has the puck. Player B1 slides on the ice,
knocking the puck away from A1, but in the process, tripping A1. RUL-
ING: Minor for tripping must be called. Tripping must be called anytime it
occurs, regardless of whether or not contact is made with the puck.
RULE 8
Game Protocol
SECTION 1. Time Schedule
A.R. 1: May the visiting team take the ice before the home team for warm-
ups. RULING: Yes. While the visiting team may not take the ice before the
time designated in the pregame time schedule, it may take the ice before the
home team if the home team is not prepared to take the ice at its appointed
time. The home team must be assessed a bench minor penalty in this situ-
ation.
A.R. 2: If a team is not able to post 60 minutes on its scoreboard clock
should a penalty be assessed for violation of game protocol? RULING: No.
A team should not be penalized based upon facility limitations; however,
such limitations shall not prevent teams from following the game protocol.
If, for example, a team can post only 20 minutes on its clock, it shall do so
60 minutes before the game and follow the time schedule by posting 20-
minute intervals on the clock.
A.R. 3: If facility limitations or circumstances prohibit a 60-minute pregame
period shall a team be penalized for violation of the time schedule? RUL-
ING: No.
A.R. 4: May the home team alter the intermission clock? RULING: No. The
clock may not be changed for any reason (e.g., promotions, contests, etc.).
The home team should ensure that this does not occur.
A.R. 5: Is it permissible for the home team to alter the protocol in situations
where there is a common entrance to the ice surface for both teams? RUL-
ING: Yes. Game management officials should avoid having teams cross
when entering or exiting the ice surface. Conferences and institutions are
encouraged to establish a written policy for visiting teams.

HI-22
Index to Interpretations
page
RULE 1—THE RINK
SECTION 2. Rink Dimensions................................................................................................................2
SECTION 3. Goal Posts and Nets ..........................................................................................................2
SECTION 4. Goal Crease .........................................................................................................................2
SECTION 5. Division of Ice Surface ......................................................................................................2
SECTION 12. Goalkeeper’s Privileged Area........................................................................................2
RULE 2—TEAMS
SECTION 1. Composition of Team .......................................................................................................3
SECTION 2. Captain of Team.................................................................................................................3
SECTION 3. Players in Uniform ............................................................................................................3
SECTION 5. Change of Players ..............................................................................................................3
SECTION 6. Injured Players ...................................................................................................................4
RULE 3—EQUIPMENT
SECTION 1. Sticks.....................................................................................................................................5
SECTION 3. Goalkeeper’s Equipment..................................................................................................5
SECTION 4. Protective Equipment .......................................................................................................5
RULE 4—PENALTIES
SECTION 1. Penalties...............................................................................................................................6
SECTION 2. Minor Penalties ..................................................................................................................6
SECTION 3. Major Penalties.................................................................................................................10
SECTION 4. Misconduct Penalties ......................................................................................................10
SECTION 5. Disqualification Penalties...............................................................................................11
SECTION 6. Penalty Shot/Optional Minor Penalty ........................................................................11
SECTION 9. Calling Penalties...............................................................................................................11
RULE 6—PLAYING RULES
SECTION 6. Charging ............................................................................................................................12
SECTION 10. Delaying the Game........................................................................................................12
SECTION 12. Elbowing..........................................................................................................................12
SECTION 15. Face-Offs..........................................................................................................................13
SECTION 17. Fighting............................................................................................................................14
SECTION 18. Goals and Assists...........................................................................................................14
SECTION 19. Handling the Puck.........................................................................................................15
SECTION 21. High Sticks ......................................................................................................................16
SECTION 23. Hitting From Behind.....................................................................................................16
SECTION 25. Holding the Stick ...........................................................................................................16
SECTION 29. Interference .....................................................................................................................16
SECTION 29. Interference by Spectators............................................................................................16
SECTION 33. Kneeing............................................................................................................................17
SECTION 34. Leaving Penalty Bench or Entering Game Illegally................................................17
SECTION 36. Offsides ............................................................................................................................17
SECTION 37. Passes ...............................................................................................................................18
SECTION 38. Preceding Puck Into Attacking Zone.........................................................................18

HI-23
HI-24 INDEX TO INTERPRETATIONS

page
SECTION 40. Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable...........................................................................18
SECTION 41. Puck Must Be Kept in Motion.....................................................................................19
SECTION 42. Puck Out of Sight and Illegal Puck............................................................................19
SECTION 43. Puck Striking Official....................................................................................................19
SECTION 55. Time of Game .................................................................................................................19
SECTION 58. Tripping...........................................................................................................................20
RULE 8—GAME PROTOCOL
SECTION 1. Time Schedule ..................................................................................................................21
Part III
Officials’ Mechanics:
1 Referee,
2 Assistant Referees

HM-1
Face-Offs
Start of the Game

AR1

AR2

The referee (R) always will face the timekeeper/penalty box when drop-
ping the puck at the start of the game.
After a goal, the R and ARs will apply the procedures outlined on the
following pages.
The AR on the blue line will pick the puck up after a goal is scored.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-2
Face-Offs
Start of Second and Third Periods, and Overtime (If necessary)

AR1
AR2
R

AR2 will drop the puck facing the timekeeper/penalty box.

The referee should always be positioned off the boards. This allows the
AR1 to move behind the R, if necessary.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-3
Goal Scored

Team A
R

AR1
AR2

AR1 on blue line will pick up the puck.

AR2 will observe players while moving to center spot.
AR1 will conduct face-off.
Note: After a goal is scored, all officials should observe players until
they are separated. There is no reason to rush in picking up the puck or
reporting a goal.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-4
Goal Scored, Benches
on Same Side
Team A

Team
A

AR1 AR2
Team
R B

AR2 drops puck facing the timekeeper/penalty box.

R and AR1 observe players and benches.
AR1 will go with the play.
AR2 will back out of the center spot and assume position depending on
which way AR1 goes.
The referee is allowed to choose the best position to observe players or
address any potential problems.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-5
Goal Scored, Benches
on Opposite Sides
Team A

Scored
AR1
R AR2

AR2 will drop the puck facing the team that scored.
R and AR1 observe players and benches, and face team scored against.
AR1 will go with the play.
AR2 will back out of the center spot and assume position depending on
which way AR1 goes.
The referee is allowed to choose the best position to observe players or
address any potential problems.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-6
After Center Ice
Face-Off
Team A

Team
A

AR1 AR2
Team
R B

If the puck proceeds into Team A’s zone, AR1 will stay on the blue line,
and AR2 will come up over the red line.
Both ARs will be responsible for calling penalties in the attacking zone
that the R does not observe.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-7
Zone Line Face-Off

Team A

AR2 AR1

Team B

AR1 will drop the puck facing the far side of the ice.
AR2 will cover the blue line. The R is inside the Team A zone.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-8
Neutral Zone After
Face-Off
Team A

AR2
AR1

Team B

If the play advances toward Team A’s zone, AR2 will cover the near
blue line. AR1, after dropping the puck, will relieve AR2 at the blue line.
AR2 will slide back toward the red line.
Both ARs will be responsible for calling all penalties in the Team A zone
not observed by R.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-9
After Zone Line
Face-Off

R
AR2
AR1

Team B

If the play advances toward Team B’s goal, AR2 will move to cover the
blue line. AR1, who has just dropped the puck, will follow the play to the
Team B blue line.
The R would move to Team B’s goal line.
Both ARs would be responsible for calling any infractions not observed
by the R as play is followed up the ice.
Once the play is deep in Team B’s zone, AR2 (on the blue line) would be
responsible for calling any infractions that the R does not observe.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-10
Offsides

R
AR1
AR2

AR1 has called an offside. AR1 will go to the spot of the face-off. AR2
will pick up the puck and bring it to AR1.
At least two officials always will keep a full field of vision of the entire
ice.
On a delayed offside, the person signaling the delay raises his arm (non-
whistle hand), brings his other hand out and points with the open palm.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-11
Special Spot Face-Off

AR1
AR2

Team B

The R’s primary responsibility is to signal a legal goal and to call all
penalties. He should be between the goal line and the circle. He should see
that a proper face-off is conducted.
AR1 will conduct the proper face-off.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-12
Special Spot After
Face-Off

AR1
AR2

Team B

AR1, after dropping the puck, will move along the boards to the blue
line.
AR2 will then move up to just inside the red line.
Once the officials are in position, both ARs will be responsible for call-
ing any penalties that the R does not see (AR1 is on the blue line).
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-13
Special Spot After
Face-Off

AR1
AR2

Team B

On the face-off, if the puck immediately proceeds to Team B’s zone, AR2
will move to cover the far blue line. AR2’s primary responsibility will be to
get to the far blue line to call an offside.
After dropping the puck, both ARs will be the trail official and will
move just over the red line. Both ARs will be responsible for calling any
penalties not observed by the R.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-14
Face-Off Between Blue
Line & Top of Special
Spot Face-Off Circle
Team A

R
AR1

AR2

When a face-off takes place in the Team A zone (between the top of the
special spot face-off circle and the blue line), AR1 wil conduct the face-off.
AR2 should line up on the blue line on the opposite side of the ice.
R will line up on the opposite side of the face-off inside the special spot.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-15
Face-Off With 10
Seconds or Less Left
In Period

AR1

AR2

AR1, after dropping the puck, will move to the goal line and assist the
R on calling a goal.
AR2 will blow the whistle when there is no time remaining on the clock.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-16
Eight Seconds or
Less in Period

AR1

AR2

AR2 will skate to the goal line to assist the R on calling a goal.
AR1 will move to the blue line.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-17
Penalty Shot

AR2

R AR1

R is on the goal line and signals a goal, if scored.

AR1 is assisting the R on calling a goal.
AR2 is positioned at the red line.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.

HM-18
Icing
Team A

AR2

AR1

AR1 signals icing by raising the non-whistle arm at a 66-degree angle

toward the Team A zone and skates with arm raised into the center ice
zone.
AR2 on receiving the icing signal skates toward the Team A goal line
extended.
If the puck crosses the Team A goal line extended before it is played or
can be played by Team A, AR2, after checking with AR1 to see that icing is
still on, immediately raises the non-whistle arm and blows the whistle stop-
ping play. AR1 lowers the arm, folds both arms across the chest and skates
backwards to the Team B special end-zone face-off circle.
AR2 retrieves the puck and delivers it to AR1 to be faced off in the Team
B end zone face-off circle.
If the puck can be played by Team A or is played by either team before
it crosses the Team A goal line extended, AR2 will give the washout sign
nullifying icing.
AR1 will be responsible for calling penalties the R does not observe.
*Note: ARs are numbered for identification only.
HM-19
Part IV
Officials’ Mechanics:
2 Referees, 1 Linesman

HM-20
Face-offs
Start of the Game, Periods, Overtime, After Goal Scored

Team A

R1

R2

Team B

L will always face the timekeeper/penalty box when dropping the

puck.
R1 and R2 will line up on the blue lines, with R1 in front of the home
team bench.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-21
Goal Scored
Team A

R1

R2

Team B

R1 will report the scoring to the scorekeeper.

L on blue line will pick up the puck and conduct the face-off facing the
team benches.
R2 will observe players for potential penalties. As players leave the
zone, R2 will skate to center ice to a position nearer and between the bench-
es, maintaining full view of players. R2 will handle the line change, unless
the team benches are on the same side as the timekeeper, in which case R1
will also handle the line change. R1 and R2 will position for the face-off in
the manner where the referee on the bench side lines up on the blue line
nearest the bench of the team which just scored.
Note: After the goal is scored, all officials should observe players until
they are separated. There is no need to rush to pick up the puck or report a
goal.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.
HM-22
Zone Line Face-Off

Team A

R1 L

R2

Team B

L will drop the puck facing the far side of the ice.
If the puck stays in the neutral zone, R1 will cover Team A’s blue line
until the L can get into position to cover it. R2 will move to cover Team B’s
blue line.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-23
After Neutral Zone
Face-Off
Team A

R1
L

R2

Team B

If play advances to Team A’s goal, R1 will make the call at the blue line,
then move into the zone to cover the goal line.
L moves to cover the blue line.
R2 moves into a position between the red line and the Team A blue line
observing the play.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-24
After Neutral Zone
Face-Off
Team A

R1 L

R2

Team B

If play advances to Team B’s goal, R2 skates backward and covers the
blue line, then goes into the zone to cover the goal line.
L moves to cover the blue line.
R2 moves up to a position between the red line and Team B’s blue line.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-25
Offside

Team A

R1

R2

Team B

The L called offside. The L will go to the spot of the face-off. The closest
R to the puck will retrieve the puck and hand it to the L. (If R1 or R2 calls
the offside, that R will go to the face-off spot and the L will retrieve the
puck.)
The R who is not involved in the offside will handle the line change.
The R’s always keep a full field of vision of the entire ice surface.
On the delayed offside, the person signaling the delay raises the arm
(non-whistle hand) and brings the other hand out and points with the open
palm.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-26
Special Spot Face-Off
Team A

R1
L

R2

Team B

R1’s primary responsibility is to signal a legal goal. R1 is between the

goal line and the circle across from the face-off.
R2 will control the line change and line up on the blue line. R1 should
see that the proper face-off is conducted and cover the goal line.
R2 will also see that the proper face-off is conducted and will hold the
blue line until L arrives at the blue line or the puck clears the zone.
L conducts a proper face-off. After the drop, L moves to the boards and
out to the blue line. R2 moves to a position between the blue line and the
red line.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-27
After Special Spot
Face-Off
Team A

R1
L

R2

Team B

After the puck is dropped, the play moves toward the Team B zone.
R2, skating backwards, moves to the Team B blue line to cover it, then
moves to the goal line.
L holds the Team A blue line until the line is cleared and it is likely that
play will move to the Team B defensive zone. L then moves to the Team B
blue line to cover it as R2 moves to the goal line.
R1 moves up to a position between the red line and Team B’s blue line
and observes the play.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.
HM-28
Between Blue Line
and Top of Special
Spot Face-Off Circle
Team A

R1

L
R2

Team B

Same positioning as for a special spot face-off. R2 will control the line
changes and line up on the blue line. R1 waits for R2 and lines up on the
opposite side from R2. Exception: If the face-off is so close to the blue line
as to make this procedure impractical, R1 and R2 should switch sides.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-29
10 Seconds or Less
Left in Period

Team A

R1
L

R2

Team B

R1 will line up across from the face-off.

L, after dropping the puck, moves to the goal line to assist R1 with
calling a goal.
R2 will blow the whistle when there is no time remaining on the clock.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-30
8 Seconds or Less
Left in Period

Team A

R2

R1

Team B

L skates to the goal line to assist R1 on calling a goal.

R2 moves up to the blue line observing play at the buzzer.
If the L is on the other side (same as R1) then R2 would go to the goal
line, with L observing the play at the buzzer.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-31
Penalty Shot

Team A

R2

R1 L

Team B

R1 is on the goal line and signals a legal goal, if scored.

L is assisting R1 on calling a legal goal.
R2 is positioned at the red line.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-32
Power Play

Team A

R2

R1

Team B

Team B is shorthanded.
If the puck is shot the length of the ice by Team B, the L will remain at
the Team B blue line. R1 will come into the neutral zone (and to the Team
A blue line, if necessary) and then skate backwards into Team B’s defen-
sive one as the play comes back into that zone.
If the puck is passed or carried out of Team B’s defensive zone, the L
will release and go to the other blue line when it is likely that the puck
will go into Team A’s defensive zone.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-33
Line Change Procedure
Team A

R1

L
R2

Team B

The R1 not involved in retrieving the puck, marking a face-off location,

or reporting a goal or penalty should be positioned in the neutral zone in
front of the benches to conduct the line change. R2 will always line up on
the side of the player’s benches.
R2 will point to the face-off location to start the line change procedure.
After five seconds, R2 will raise the non-whistle arm, indicating to the vis-
iting team their time to change players has ended. The home team has
eight seconds to complete its line change.
After eight seconds, R2 will lower the raised arm. L, conducting the
face-off, will blow the whistle briefly, indicating to the teams that the
puck will be dropped in no more than five seconds.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.
HM-34
Icing
Team A

R1

R2

Team B

Icings will be handled by the front two officials.

L signals icing by raising the non-whistle arm at a 70-degree angle
toward the Team A zone and skates with the arm raised into the center
ice zone.
R2, seeing L’s icing signal, skates to the Team A goal line extended.
If the puck crosses the Team A goal line extended before it is played or
can be played by Team A, R2, after checking with L to see that icing is still
in effect, immediately raises the non-whistle arm and blows the whistle,
stopping play. L lowers the arm, folds both arms across the chest and
skates backwards to the Team B special end-zone face-off spot where the
puck will be faced off.

HM-35
HM-36 OFFICIALS’ MECHANICS: 2 REFEREES, 1 LINESMAN

R2 retrieves the puck and delivers it to L to be faced in the Team B end

zone face-off circle.
R2 will stay in the end zone for the face-off. R1 will handle the line
change.
If the puck can be played by Team A or is played by either team before
it crosses the Team A goal line extended, R2 will give the washout signal,
nullifying the icing.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.
Altercation
The fast action of the inside referee can stop an altercation from esca-
lating. The actions of the back referee are controlled by the response of the
inside referee. If the inside referee decides to become involved in neutral-
izing an altercation, the back referee must not become involved.
The back referee will observe the altercation and then confer with the
inside referee on any penalties that will be assessed. This will be con-
trolled by the inside referee.
It is important for the referee that is not involved in neutralizing the
altercation to watch for extra players entering the altercation, any players
coming from the player’s bench area, and any other activity on the ice
that should be penalized.

HM-37
Referees’ Areas
of Focus
R1’s primary focus is on the puck and the puck carrier. R2’s primary
focus is on obstruction and battles in front of the net. If the puck goes to
the outlined area, the focus shifts. If there is a judgment call on the puck
or the puck carrier, the referee who has responsibility for the puck carrier
shall determine penalties in this area. If there is a judgment call off the
puck, either by way of peripheral vision of the referee on the puck or if
the other referee is in the focus area, either referee may call infractions.
Note: Either referee must call major or disqualification penalties observed
by that referee, regardless of where they occur on the ice.
*Note: Rs are numbered for identification only.

HM-38
Index to Rules
Rule Sec. Page
Abuse of officials ............................................................................................. 6 1a, b 51
Abusive language............................................................................................. 6 1f-g 35
To official...................................................................................................... 6 1f-g 52
Adjustment to clothing and equipment ........................................................... 6 2 53
Altercations ...................................................................................................... 6 15o 60
6 16a-c 60
Alternate captain .............................................................................................. 2 2b 19
Alternate signaling devices .............................................................................. 5 9b 49
Amplifiers ......................................................................................................... 6 30 68
Angling-women’s ............................................................................................. 7 3 81
Anthem............................................................................................................. 8 1 83
Appointment of officials................................................................................... 5 1 44
Artificial noise makers...................................................................................... 6 30 68
Assistant referees (see also Official)
Duties........................................................................................................... 5 4 46
Assists.............................................................................................................. 6 18 61
Announced................................................................................................... 5 3e 46
Awarding points ............................................................................................... 5 8c 47
Backup sound and timing devices................................................................... 1 11a 13
Banging boards with sticks ............................................................................. 6 1c 51
Band control/playing........................................................................................ 6 30c 68
Batting the puck
Above 4 feet................................................................................................. 6 20 60
By open hand............................................................................................... 6 19a 62
By player of defending team........................................................................ 6 19a 62
To an opponent............................................................................................ 6 19a 62
Bench minor penalties (see Penalties) ............................................................
Blue lines.......................................................................................................... 1 5a 11
Boarding........................................................................................................... 6 3 53
Boards.............................................................................................................. 1 2b, c 9
Body checking
Goalkeeper in privileged area ...................................................................... 6 6b 52
Body checking—women’s............................................................................... 7 1 80
Breakaway—defined........................................................................................ 6 10f Note 56
Broken stick ..................................................................................................... 6 4 53
Butt-ending ...................................................................................................... 6 5 54
Calling penalties ............................................................................................... 4 9 41
Captain’s meeting............................................................................................. 2 2d 20
Captain of team................................................................................................ 2 2 19
Caught and held puck ...................................................................................... 6 19 60
Center ice line................................................................................................... 1 5c 11
Center ice spot and circle ................................................................................ 1 6 11
Challenges........................................................................................................
Equipment.................................................................................................... 3 9 31
Sticks ........................................................................................................... 3 1d 28
Change of ends ................................................................................................ 6 51b 75
Change of players ............................................................................................ 2 5 22
Charging........................................................................................................... 6 6a 54
 INDEX TO RULES

Rule Sec. Page

Checking from behind (see Hitting from behind)
Chin straps
Players ......................................................................................................... 3 5a 30
Officials ........................................................................................................ 5 2a 44
Choice of ends ................................................................................................. 6 51a 74
8 2b 82
Clipping ............................................................................................................ 6 7 54
Coaches’ conduct............................................................................................. 6 1a 51
Coaches entering rink ...................................................................................... 6 1d 51
Coincidental penalties (see Penalties) .............................................................
Common exit.................................................................................................... 8 2c 82
Completion of play........................................................................................... 4 9b Note 42
Continuing altercation ...................................................................................... 6 1k 52
Control and possession of puck...................................................................... 6 58 Note 70
Contact to the head.......................................................................................... 6 8 54
Cross-checking ................................................................................................ 6 9a 55

Dangerous equipment...................................................................................... 3 7 31
Deflections of puck
By glove or stick protruding from players bench ....................................... 6 15j 58
Into goal off defensive player ...................................................................... 6 18 61
Off official into goal ..................................................................................... 6 15h 58
Delayed offside................................................................................................. 6 36d 70
Delayed penalties ............................................................................................. 4 8 40
Delayed whistle ................................................................................................ 4 9c 42
Delaying the game ........................................................................................... 6 10 55
Designated half of ice ...................................................................................... 6 51a 74
8 2b 82
Dimensions of rink........................................................................................... 1 2a 9
Dislodging of net
Accidental—Attacking team........................................................................ 6 15e 58
Accidental—Defending team....................................................................... 6 15l 59
Deliberate ..................................................................................................... 6 10f 56
Displaced goal post ..................................................................................... 6 10c 55
Disputing decisions.......................................................................................... 4 4a 35
Disqualification penalties (see Penalties)
Diving ............................................................................................................... 6 11 56
Diving for puck................................................................................................. 6 16 59
Division of ice surface ..................................................................................... 1 5 11
Ejections
Coach ........................................................................................................... 4 4b 36
Player ........................................................................................................... 4 5a 36
Nonplaying person....................................................................................... 4 4b 36
Elbowing........................................................................................................... 6 12 56
Electric clock .................................................................................................... 1 11b 13
Eligible-player list............................................................................................. 2 4a 21
5 8a 49
End zone face-off spots and circles................................................................. 1 8 11
Entering game illegally..................................................................................... 6 34a 69
Ethnic slurs ...................................................................................................... 6 1h 52
Eccessive roughness ....................................................................................... 6 13 57
INDEX TO RULES

Rule Sec. Page

Extra player from bench or penalty bench ...................................................... 2 5h 24
Face masks ...................................................................................................... 3 5 30
Face-offs........................................................................................................... 6 15 57
Procedures................................................................................................... 2 5b 22
Face-off locations—Summary ........................................................................ 95
Face-off spots in neutral zone ......................................................................... 1 7 11
Fair body check................................................................................................ 6 6a Note 54
Falling on puck................................................................................................. 6 16a, b 59
Fans throwing objects...................................................................................... 6 30a 68
Fighting/Punching............................................................................................ 6 17 60
Freezing the puck............................................................................................. 6 10b 55
6 40c 72
Game misconduct............................................................................................ 4 4b 36
Gathering puck into body ................................................................................ 6 16b 59
Gloves .............................................................................................................. 3 4a 29
Goal crease ...................................................................................................... 1 4 10
Diagram ....................................................................................................... 1 15, 16
Player(s) entering ........................................................................................ 6 29c 67
Goal judge ........................................................................................................ 5 6 48
Goal line ........................................................................................................... 1 3a 9
Goal lights ........................................................................................................ 1 11c 13
Goal net............................................................................................................ 1 3c 10
Goal not allowed .............................................................................................. 6 18c 60
Goal posts and nets (on ice)............................................................................ 1 3a, b 9
Goal scored ...................................................................................................... 6 18a 60
Announced................................................................................................... 5 3e 46
Illegal stick ................................................................................................... 3 1d 28
Penalty shot ................................................................................................. 4 6i 39
Recording .................................................................................................... 5 8b 49
Goalkeeper
Contact......................................................................................................... 6 6b 54
Defending against penalty shot ................................................................... 4 6c 37
Deliberately leaves stick on ice.................................................................... 4 7f 40
Deliberately removes helmet/face mask...................................................... 6 10e 55
Deliberately shoots puck outside playing area............................................ 6 10a 55
Equipment.................................................................................................... 3 3 29
Incapacitated................................................................................................ 2 3d 21
Injuries ......................................................................................................... 2 6b 24
Leaves goal area .......................................................................................... 2 5a 22
Participates in play beyond center red line ................................................. 4 7c 40
Penalties....................................................................................................... 4 7 39
Premature substitution ................................................................................ 2 5a 22
Privileged area ............................................................................................. 1 12 13
Stick ............................................................................................................. 3 1c 28
Substitute..................................................................................................... 2 3a 20
Substitution.................................................................................................. 2 6b 24
Warm up ...................................................................................................... 2 6b 24
6 57 78
8 1, 2b 81, 82
Grasping face mask ......................................................................................... 6 14a 57
Hand on face mask .......................................................................................... 6 14b 57
 INDEX TO RULES

Rule Sec. Page

Handling the puck ............................................................................................ 6 19 62
Hand pass ........................................................................................................ 6 19 62, 63
Handshake........................................................................................................ 8 2h 83
Head butt.......................................................................................................... 6 20 63
Helmets
Players and goalkeepers.............................................................................. 3 5b 30
Officials ........................................................................................................ 5 2a 44
Height of stick
Goalkeepers ................................................................................................. 6 19b 63
Players ......................................................................................................... 6 21 64
High sticks ....................................................................................................... 6 21 64
Hitting after the whistle.................................................................................... 6 22 64
Hitting from behind.......................................................................................... 6 23 64
Holding............................................................................................................. 6 24 65
Holding the stick .............................................................................................. 6 25 65
Hooking............................................................................................................ 6 26 65
Huddle.............................................................................................................. 8 2e 82
Icing the puck .................................................................................................. 6 27 65
Determined .................................................................................................. 6 27a 66
Nullified ........................................................................................................ 6 27d 66
Illegal equipment (goalkeeper) ........................................................................ 3 3e 29
Illegal pucks ..................................................................................................... 6 42b 73
Illegal stick ....................................................................................................... 3 1d 28
Illegal substitution............................................................................................ 2 5i 24
Incidental contact-women’s............................................................................. 7 3 80
Injured players ................................................................................................. 2 6 24
Blood policy ................................................................................................. 2 6f 25
Instant replay
Official .......................................................................................................... 5 10 50
Use of........................................................................................................... 6 56c 77
Protocol ....................................................................................................... Appendix C 88
Instigating ........................................................................................................ 6 28 66
Intentionally dropping gloves and/or stick ...................................................... 6 10g 56
Intentional offside ............................................................................................ 6 36b 69
Interfere with penalty shot............................................................................... 4 6b 39
Interference...................................................................................................... 6 29 66
By coaches................................................................................................... 6 1e 51
By spectators ............................................................................................... 6 30 67
Intermission ..................................................................................................... 6 51a 74
8 1 82
Interrupted game ............................................................................................. 5 3f 46
6 55d 76
Introductions.................................................................................................... 8 2d 82
Jerseys ............................................................................................................. 2 1b 19
Jewelry ............................................................................................................. 3 7b 31
Kicking a player................................................................................................ 6 31 68
Kicking the puck............................................................................................... 6 32 68
Kick shot .......................................................................................................... 6 32b 68
Kneeing ............................................................................................................ 6 33 68
Lack of conformity of equipment .................................................................... 5 2e 45
INDEX TO RULES

Rule Sec. Page

Leaving feet to play puck................................................................................. 6 16c 59
Leaving penalty bench before penalty expires ................................................ 6 34b, d 69
Leaving players’ bench or penalty bench during an altercation...................... 6 34f 69
Legal pass ........................................................................................................ 6 37 69
Linesman (see also Official)
Duties........................................................................................................... 5 5 47
Two-referee, one-linesman system ............................................................. 5 2a 44
Logos on uniform ............................................................................................ 3 10 31
Major penalties (see Penalties)........................................................................
Markings .......................................................................................................... 1 2b 9
Measurement and checking of
Equipment.................................................................................................... 3 9 31
Sticks ........................................................................................................... 3 1d 28
Goalkeeper stick........................................................................................... 3 1c 28
Measuring device............................................................................................. 5 2a 44
Metal tape......................................................................................................... 5 2a 44
Minigame format.............................................................................................. Appendix A 84
Mouthpiece ...................................................................................................... 3 6 30
No contest........................................................................................................ 5 3f 46
Nonplaying persons ......................................................................................... 1 9b 12
Misconduct 6 1 51
Objects thrown at player.................................................................................. 6 30 67
On ice........................................................................................................... 6 30 67
Obtaining stick ................................................................................................. 6 4c 54
Obscene language and gestures...................................................................... 6 1f, g 52
Obstruction ...................................................................................................... 6 35 69
Official
Accidentally leaves ice ................................................................................. 5 2c 45
Changes decision......................................................................................... 5 3a 45
Conferring with captain ............................................................................... 2 2d 20
Conferring with coaches.............................................................................. 5 2f 45
Control and supervision .............................................................................. 5 3a 45
Dress............................................................................................................ 5 2a 44
Equipment.................................................................................................... 5 2a 44
Erroneously calling offside .......................................................................... 6 36c 70
Injury............................................................................................................ 5 2c 45
Mistakingly stops play ................................................................................. 6 15n 59
Ordering teams on ice ................................................................................. 5 2d 45
Official scorer................................................................................................... 5 8 49
Officials’ signals ............................................................................................... 97
Officiating systems .......................................................................................... 5 2 44
Off-ice officials ................................................................................................. 5 1 44
Offside .............................................................................................................. 6 36 69
Delayed ........................................................................................................ 6 36d 70
Determining factor....................................................................................... 6 36a 69
Intentional .................................................................................................... 6 36b 70
Nullified ........................................................................................................ 6 36d 70
Onside .............................................................................................................. 6 36a 70
Overtime
Regulation.................................................................................................... 6 54 76
 INDEX TO RULES

Rule Sec. Page

Shootout ...................................................................................................... 6 56b 77
Tournament.................................................................................................. 6 56 77
Passes.............................................................................................................. 6 37 71
Penalties........................................................................................................... 4 1 33
Announced................................................................................................... 5 7c 48
Bench ........................................................................................................... 4 2b 33
Calling .......................................................................................................... 4 9 41
Coincidental
Disqualification ........................................................................................ 4 5a 36
Major........................................................................................................ 4 3b 35
Minor ....................................................................................................... 4 2e 34
Delayed ........................................................................................................ 4 8 40
Disqualification ............................................................................................ 4 5 36
Game misconduct........................................................................................ 4 4b 36
Goalkeeper ................................................................................................... 4 7 39
Immediate replacement ............................................................................... 4 2c 34
Major............................................................................................................ 4 3 35
Minor............................................................................................................ 4 2 33
Misconduct .................................................................................................. 4 4 35
Penalty shot/optional minor ........................................................................ 4 6 37
Progressive disqualification......................................................................... 4 5b 36
Summary of................................................................................................. 91
Unsportsmanlike.......................................................................................... 6 1c, d 51
Penalty bench (including players allowed)...................................................... 1 10a 13
Penalty shot—procedure................................................................................. 4 6b 37
Penalty timekeeper........................................................................................... 5 7 48
Physical contact with official ........................................................................... 6 1m 53
Player serving time penalty for disqualified player ......................................... 2 5d 23
Player serving time penalty for injured player................................................. 2 6c 25
Player without stick.......................................................................................... 6 4a 53
Players’ bench.................................................................................................. 1 9a 12
Players entering end zone during altercation .................................................. 6 15o 59
Players in uniform............................................................................................ 2 3a 20
Players on face-off........................................................................................... 2 5f 23
Players not involved in altercation................................................................... 6 17c 60
Playing conditions............................................................................................ 5 3f 46
6 51b 74
Possession and control of puck ...................................................................... 4 9b 41
Preceding puck into attacking zone................................................................. 6 36a 72
Pregame
Warm-up...................................................................................................... 1 3a 9
6 51c 74
8 1 81
Premature substitution of goalkeeper ............................................................. 2 5a 22
Privileged area (goalkeeper) ............................................................................ 4 7d 40
Profane language ............................................................................................. 6 1h, i 52
Protective equipment....................................................................................... 3 4 29
Protocol............................................................................................................ 8 81
Protests............................................................................................................ 6 39 71
Puck ................................................................................................................. 3 8 31
Deflects off official into goal........................................................................ 6 15h 58
Game pucks ................................................................................................. 3 8 31
INDEX TO RULES

Rule Sec. Page

High-sticked directly to goalkeeper ............................................................. 6 21d 64
In crease ...................................................................................................... 6 29c 67
Lodged in netting......................................................................................... 6 40b 72
Must be kept in motion ............................................................................... 6 41 72
Out of bounds (unplayable)......................................................................... 6 40a 72
Out of sight .................................................................................................. 6 42a 73
Strikes overhead obstruction....................................................................... 6 15m 59
Striking official............................................................................................. 6 43 73
Warm-up...................................................................................................... 3 8 31
Punching (see Fighting)...................................................................................
Racial slur ........................................................................................................ 6 1h 52
Re-facing puck ................................................................................................. 6 15a 57
Referee (see also Official)
Duties........................................................................................................... 5 3 45
Referee’s crease ............................................................................................... 1 10b 13
Player(s) entering ........................................................................................ 6 1j 52
Refusing to start play....................................................................................... 6 44a 73
Removal of all or part of a team...................................................................... 6 44b 73
Repair of goalkeeper equipment...................................................................... 6 2c 53
Replacement for injured player........................................................................ 2 6c 25
Responsibility of maintaining clothing and equipment................................... 6 2b 53
Rink .................................................................................................................. 1 1 9
Common exit ............................................................................................... 8 2c 82
NCAA optional layouts................................................................................. 1 17, 18
Roughing.......................................................................................................... 6 45 73
Scoresheet ....................................................................................................... 5 8b 49
Shooting puck after whistle ............................................................................. 6 46a 73
Shootout........................................................................................................... 6 56b 77
Protocol ....................................................................................................... Appendix B 85
Short-handed ................................................................................................... 4 2c Note 34
Signal devices .................................................................................................. 1 11 13
Skates............................................................................................................... 3 2 29
Position determining offside ....................................................................... 6 36a 69
Skating through crease.................................................................................... 6 29c 67
Slashing ........................................................................................................... 6 47 74
Spearing ........................................................................................................... 6 48 74
Spitting............................................................................................................. 6 49 74
Spraying goalkeeper ........................................................................................ 6 50 74
Stalling ............................................................................................................. 6 10f,h 56
Start of game and periods ............................................................................... 6 51 75
5 9a 49
8 81
Start of play...................................................................................................... 6 15a 57
Starting lineup.................................................................................................. 2 4 21
8 81
Sticks................................................................................................................ 3 1a 27
Additional..................................................................................................... 3 1e 28
Broken.......................................................................................................... 6 4 53
Complaint..................................................................................................... 3 1d 28
Composition................................................................................................. 3 1a 27
Deliberately left on ice by goalkeeper.......................................................... 4 7f 40
 INDEX TO RULES

Rule Sec. Page

Dimensions.................................................................................................. 3 1b 28
Goalkeeper ................................................................................................... 3 1c 28
High.............................................................................................................. 6 21 64
Holding......................................................................................................... 6 25 65
Keeping stick away from opponent............................................................. 6 29a 66
On ice for face-offs ...................................................................................... 6 15a 57
Thrown......................................................................................................... 6 53a 75
Stoppages of play
Cage accidentally dislodged ........................................................................ 6 15l 59
Caused by attacking player or team in attacking zone................................ 6 15e 58
Illegally scored goal..................................................................................... 6 15h 59
Injured player............................................................................................... 2 6a 24
Mistake by officials ...................................................................................... 6 15n 59
Offense by players of both teams ............................................................... 6 15f 58
Puck strikes an official................................................................................. 6 43 73
Reason not specifically covered in rules..................................................... 6 15i 58
Puck lodged in netting................................................................................. 6 40b 72
Puck frozen by player or goalkeeper........................................................... 6 40c 72
Puck out of bounds or unplayable .............................................................. 6 40a 72
Substitute goalkeeper ...................................................................................... 2 3a 20
Substitutions
Deliberate illegal........................................................................................... 2 5i 24
Goalkeeper ................................................................................................... 2 5a 22
Injured goalkeeper ....................................................................................... 2 6b 24
Injured penalized player............................................................................... 2 6c 25
Penalized player ........................................................................................... 2 5e 23
Players ......................................................................................................... 2 5a 22
Supplementary discipline................................................................................. 4 10 42
Swinging stick.................................................................................................. 6 47b 74
Taunting............................................................................................................ 6 52 75
Teams...............................................................................................................
Captain ......................................................................................................... 2 2a 19
Composition................................................................................................. 2 1a 19
Designated alternate .................................................................................... 2 2b 20
Threatening an official...................................................................................... 6 1f, g 52
Throwing puck—goalkeeper ........................................................................... 6 19b 63
Throwing stick ................................................................................................. 6 53a 75
To player with broken stick.......................................................................... 6 4c 54
Opponents.................................................................................................... 6 29a 66
Tied games....................................................................................................... 6 54 75
Ties in tournament competition....................................................................... 6 56 77
Timekeeper....................................................................................................... 5 9 49
Time of game ................................................................................................... 6 55 76
Time schedule.................................................................................................. 8 1 81
Timeouts .......................................................................................................... 6 57 78
Timing devices ................................................................................................. 1 11 13
Tobacco policy ................................................................................................. 4 11 42
Too many players............................................................................................. 2 5g 24
Tournaments .................................................................................................... 6 56 77
Tripping ............................................................................................................ 6 58 78
Unfavorable conditions .................................................................................... 6 51b 75
INDEX TO RULES

Rule Sec. Page

Unsportsmanlike conduct................................................................................ 6 1c, d 51
Visiting team
Positions on penalty bench ......................................................................... 4 1 33
Starting lineup.............................................................................................. 2 4a 21
Warm up—officials.......................................................................................... 5 2a 44
8 1 81
Waving arms.................................................................................................... 6 29a 67
Warnings
Band............................................................................................................. 6 30c 68
Fans.............................................................................................................. 6 30a, b 68
Women’s ice hockey rules ............................................................................... 7 80
Zones defined................................................................................................... 1 5b 11
 ICE HOCKEY
2006 NCAA® Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations
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