Denver Womens' Hockey League USA Hockey Rules These rules are printed here at the request of our members. This is not a complete list nor is it intended to be a complete list. Please visit the USA Hockey Website to view the current rulebook. 104c Goal Crease and Goalkeeper?s Privileged Area (c) The goal crease area shall include all the space outlined by the semi-circular crease lines (including crease lines) and extending vertically to the level of the top of the goal frame. 104d Goal Crease and Goalkeeper?s Privileged Area (d) The goalkeeper?s PRIVILEGED AREA is an area bounded in the rear by the end boards, in front by an imaginary line connecting the end zone face-off spots and on the sides by imaginary lines extending perpendicular from the end boards to the end zone face-off spots. (For the goalkeeper?s privileges within this area, see Rules 606(b) Note, Charging and 612(b), Falling on Puck.) 104e Goal Crease and Goalkeeper?s Privileged Area (e) The goalkeepers may only take warm-ups in the Goalkeeper?s Privileged Area extended to include the area formed by a line from each end zone face-off spot to where the goal line meets the side boards. (See Rink diagram.) For a violation of this rule, after a warning, the offending team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty. 105b Division of Ice Surface (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 defended goal as the ATTACKING ZONE. The zone line shall be considered part of the zone that the puck is in. 109b Players? Bench (b) None but players in uniform and Team Officials (up to a maximum of four) shall be permitted to occupy the bench area so provided. 109c Players? Bench (c) There shall be no use of tobacco products or alcoholic beverages on the players? bench, penalty bench, timekeeping area or on the ice by any person. A team shall be warned by the Referee for the first offense by any player or Team Official during a game and, thereafter, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed for each such offense during the game. 110a Penalty Bench (a) Each rink must be provided with benches or seats to be known as the PENALTY BENCH. It is preferable to have separate penalty benches for each team to be separated from each other and substantially separated from either player?s bench. The penalty bench(es) must be situated in the Neutral Zone. Nonpenalized players and goalkeepers are NOT permitted to occupy the penalty bench. For a violation of this rule, play shall not continue until removal of the offending person(s). 111b Signal and Timing Devices (b) Each rink shall be provided with some form of electrical clock for the purpose 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. 201a Composition of Teams (a) A team must start a game with six (6) players on the ice. Any time that a team has been reduced to less than four (4) players, the game shall be declared a forfeit. A maximum of 20 players, including goalkeepers, shall be permitted to play in a game. The maximum number of players, excluding goalkeepers, shall not exceed 18. 201b Composition of Teams (b) Each team shall appoint and designate on the scoresheet a Head Coach prior to the start of the game. The Head Coach shall be in control of and responsible for the actions of all team personnel. 202a & 202 Captain of Team (a) One Captain and not more than two Alternates shall be appointed by each team. In each instance, only one of these designated players shall have the privilege of discussing with the Referee any questions relating to interpretation of Rules that may arise during the progress of a game. They should wear the letter C or A, approximately three inches in height and in contrasting color, in a conspicuous position on the front of the sweater. (c) No goalkeepers shall be entitled to exercise the privileges of Captain. 202b Captain of Team (b) The Referee and Official Scorer shall be advised prior to the start of each game, the name of the Captain of the team and the designated Alternate(s). This information will be added to the scoresheet. 202d Captain of Team (d) Any Captain or player who comes off the bench and makes any protest or intervention with the Officials for any purpose shall be assessed a minor penalty under Rule 601 (a), Abuse of Officials. A complaint about a penalty is NOT a matter relating to the interpretation of the Rules and a minor penalty shall be imposed against any Captain or other player making such a complaint. 203a & 203 Players in Uniform (a) At the beginning of each game the Manager or Coach of each team shall list the players and goalkeepers who shall be eligible to play in the game. This list shall be given to the Referee or Official Scorer and no change shall be permitted in the list or addition thereto shall be permitted after commencement of the game, except as permitted under Rule 203b.(b) However, if the Referee deems the omission as an inadvertent clerical error, a rostered player or goalkeeper may be added to the scoresheet during a stoppage of play after commencement of the game. The offending team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty for each such addition. No roster deletions are permitted under this Rule, and maximum roster size under 201 (a) shall limit the number of allowable additions. 203c Players in Uniform (c) Each team shall be allowed one goalkeeper on the ice at one time. The goalkeeper may be removed and another player substituted. Such substitute shall not be permitted the privileges of the goalkeeper. A goalkeeper may be substituted for by another goalkeeper during play with full goalkeeper privileges. However, once a goalkeeper has been replaced by a substitute goalkeeper, he may not return to play until the next stoppage of play. For a violation, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed for illegal substitution. 203d Players in Uniform (d) Each player and each goalkeeper listed in the lineup of each team shall wear a visible individually identifying number at least 10 inches high on the back of his sweater. Only whole numbers 0 to 99, inclusive, are permitted. All players of each team shall be dressed uniformly. 203e Players in Uniform (e) It is recommended that each team have on its bench a substitute goalkeeper who shall be fully dressed and equipped to play. When the substitute goalkeeper enters the game he will take his position without delay and no warm-up shall be permitted, except when either team uses its Time-out under 637(e). 203f Players in Uniform (f) Except when the goalkeeper(s) is/are incapacitated, no player on the playing roster in that game shall be permitted to wear the equipment of the goalkeeper. If a team?s goalkeeper(s) is/are unavailable to continue, a team must immediately appoint a temporary goalkeeper or place an additional skater on the ice with none of the goalkeeper?s privileges. 204a Playing Lineup > Line Change(s) (a) Upon the Referee?s signal prior to the start of a period and following any stoppage of play, the visiting team shall promptly place a lineup on the ice, ready for play and no substitution shall be made from that time until play has been resumed. The home team may then make any desired substitution that does not result in the delay of the game. If there is any undue delay by either team in changing lines, the Referee shall order the offending team or teams to take their positions immediately and not permit line changes.(Note:) When a substitution has been made under the above Rule, no additional substitution may be made until play commences except when any penalty is imposed. 205a Change of Players (a) Players may be changed at any time from the players? bench, provided that the player or players leaving the ice shall always be at the players? bench and out of the play before any change is made. If, in the course of making a substitution, either the player entering or leaving the game deliberately plays the puck with the stick, skates or hands, or checks or makes any physical contact with an opposing player while the retiring player is actually on the ice, then a bench minor penalty for too many players on the ice will be called. (Note:) If, in the course of a substitution, either the player entering the play or the player retiring is struck by the puck accidentally, the play will not be stopped and no penalty will be called. 205b Change of Players (b) A goalkeeper may be changed for another player at any time under the conditions set out in this section, Rule 205. (Note:) When a goalkeeper leaves his/her goal area and proceeds to his players? bench for the purpose of substituting another player, the rear Linesman/Referee shall be responsible to see that the substitution made is not illegal by reason of the premature departure of the substitute from the bench (before the goalkeeper is at the bench and out of play). If the substitution is made prematurely, the Linesman/Referee shall stop the play immediately by blowing his/her whistle unless the nonoffending team has possession of the puck, in which event the stoppage will be delayed until the puck changes hands. There shall be no time penalty to the team making the premature substitution but the resulting face-off will take place on the center face-off spot. Where 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, unless otherwise covered in these Rules. 205c Change of Players (c) If there are less than two (2) minutes remaining in either regulation time or anytime during overtime and a minor or bench minor penalty is imposed for deliberate illegal substitution, such as too many players on the ice or leaving the penalty bench too soon, a penalty shot/optional bench minor shall be awarded against the offending team in lieu of the minor or bench minor penalty. (Note:) The intent of this Rule is to award a penalty shot/optional bench minor only when the extra player(s) are deliberately put on the ice. When a substitution error is made and there are too many players on the ice, the normal bench minor penalty shall be assessed regardless of the time remaining in the game. 205d Change of Players (d) A player serving a penalty on the penalty bench, who is to be changed after the penalty has been served, must proceed at once BY WAY OF THE ICE and be at his own players? bench before any change can be made. 205e Change of Players (e) During a stoppage of play a goalkeeper may NOT go to his/hers players? bench without the permission of the Referee unless he is substituted for by another player or goalkeeper. When a substitution for the goalkeeper has been made under this Rule, the goalkeeper shall not resume his/hers position until the next stoppage of play, except that he/she shall be permitted immediate re-entry into the game when any penalty is imposed. For a violation of this Rule a bench minor penalty shall be imposed unless otherwise provided in the Playing Rules. 206a Injured Players (a) When a player, other than a goalkeeper, is injured or compelled to leave the ice during a game, he/she may retire from the game and be replaced by a substitute, but play must continue without the teams leaving the ice. 206b Injured Players (b) If a goalkeeper sustains an injury or becomes ill he/she must be ready to resume play immediately or be replaced by a substitute goalkeeper. No additional time shall be allowed by the Referee for the purpose of enabling the injured or ill goalkeeper to resume his/her position. See Rule 205(e). 206d Injured Players (d) If a penalized player has been injured he/she may proceed to the dressing room without the necessity of taking a seat on the penalty bench. If the injured player receives a minor or major penalty, the penalized team shall place a substitute on the penalty bench immediately and no replacement for the penalized player shall be permitted to enter the game except from the penalty bench, provided that should the penalized player return to the game before his penalty has expired, he/she may replace the substitute player on the penalty bench during a stoppage of play. The penalized player who has been injured and been replaced on the penalty bench shall not be eligible to play until his penalty has expired. For a violation of this Rule a bench minor penalty shall be imposed. 206e & 206 Injured Players (e) When a player is injured so that he/she cannot continue play or go to his bench, the play shall not be stopped until the injured player?s team has secured possession of the puck at the time of injury, play shall be stopped immediately, unless his team is in a scoring position. (Note:) In the case where it is obvious that a player has sustained a serious injury, the Referee and/or Linesman may stop the play immediately. (f) A player other than a goalkeeper, whose injury appears serious enough to warrant the stoppage of play, may not participate further in the game until the completion of the ensuing face-off. 301a - 301 Sticks (a) The sticks shall be made of wood or other material approved by the Rules Committee, and must not have any projections. 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. The end of a hollow stick must be fully covered. (b) No stick shall exceed 63 inches in length from the heel to the end of the shaft. ....(c) The curvature of the blade of the stick shall be restricted in such a way that the distance of a perpendicular line measured from a straight line drawn form the base of the heel to the base of the toe to the point of maximum curvature shall not exceed 3/4 inch. (d) A minor penalty shall be imposed to any player or goalkeeper whose who uses a stick not conforming to the provisions of this Rule. (Note #3:) If a goal is scored with an illegal stick, the proper penalty shall be assessed & the goal shall be allowed. 304a Protective Equipment (a) Each participant is personally responsible to wear protective equipment for all games, warm-ups and practices. Such equipment should include gloves, shin pads, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hip pads or padded hockey pants, protective cup, tendon pads plus all head protective equipment as required by USA Hockey Rules. USA Hockey strongly recommends that all players & goalkeepers wear an internal mouthpiece, a HECC approved helmet and a HECC approved full facemask for all games and practices. All protective equipment, except gloves, padded hockey pants, helmet/facemask and goalkeeper?s leg guards, must be worn under the uniform. For violation of this Rule after a warning by the Referee a minor penalty shall be imposed. (Note:) Players, including goalkeepers, violating this Rule shall not be permitted to participate in the game until such equipment has been corrected or removed. 402a Penalties > Minor (a) For a MINOR PENALTY, any player, other than a goalkeeper, shall be Ruled off the ice for two (2) minutes during which time NO substitute shall be permitted. 402b Penalties > Bench Minor (b) For a BENCH MINOR penalty one player of the team against which the penalty is imposed shall be Ruled off the ice for a period of two (2) minutes, during which time no substitute shall be permitted. Any nonpenalized player of the team who was on the ice at the time of the infraction, except the goalkeeper, may be designated to serve the penalty by the Manager or Coach through the playing Captain, and such player shall take his place on the penalty bench promptly. 402c Penalties > 1st Minor Terminates if Goal Scored & (c) If the opposing team scores a goal while a team is shorthanded (below the numerical strength of its opponent on the ice at the time of the goal) by one or more minor penalties, one of such penalties shall automatically terminate. The penalty that terminates automatically is the first minor or bench minor penalty (noncoincident) then being served by the shorthanded team. Thus, if an equal number of players from each team is each serving a penalty(s) (minor, bench minor, major or match only), neither team is shorthanded. This Rule shall NOT apply when a goal is scored on a penalty shot or an awarded goal. 402f Penalties > Coincident Minor(s) (f) When coincident minor penalties are imposed against players of both teams, the penalized players shall take their place on the penalty bench and such penalized players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their respective penalties. Immediate substitutions shall be made for an equal number of minor penalties or coincident minor penalties of equal duration to each team so penalized and the penalties of the players for whom substitutions have been made shall not be taken into account for the purpose of a delayed penalty under Rule 408 (Delayed Penalties). 403a Penalties > Major (a) For the first MAJOR PENALTY in any one game, the offender, except the goalkeeper, shall be Ruled off the ice for five (5) minutes, during which time NO substitute shall be permitted. 403b Penalties > 2nd Major to same player (b) For the second major penalty in the same game to the same player or goalkeeper, that player shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty in addition to the five (5) minute major penalty. The player or goalkeeper shall be suspended for his team?s next two games. This two-game suspension is in addition to any other required suspensions incurred during the same incident. Unless immediate substitution is permitted under the coincident major penalty Rule 403(c), the penalized team shall immediately place a nonpenalized player other than a goalkeeper on the penalty bench and such player may not be changed. 404a Penalties > Misconduct (a) A MISCONDUCT penalty involves the removal of a player, other than a goalkeeper, from the game for a period of ten (10) minutes, another player is permitted to immediately replace a player so removed. A player whose misconduct penalty has expired shall remain in the penalty bench until the next stoppage of play. Unless immediate substitution is permitted under the coincident penalty Rules 40, 402(f) and 403(c), when a player receives a minor or major penalty plus a misconduct or game misconduct penalty at the same time, the penalized team shall immediately place an additional nonpenalized player other than a goalkeeper on the penalty bench and such player may not be changed. Any violation of this provision shall be treated as illegal substitution under Rule 205 (Change of Players) calling for a bench minor penalty. 404b & 404 Penalties > Game Misconduct (b) A GAME MISCONDUCT penalty involves the suspension of a Player or Team Official for the balance of the game, but another player is permitted to immediately replace a player removed. For all game misconduct penalties regardless of when imposed, a total of 10 minutes shall be charged in the records against an offending player. (c) A player or Team Official incurring a GAME MISCONDUCT penalty shall be suspended for his team?s next game on the schedule except that when such penalty is imposed under Rule 403(b) (second Major in Game) there shall be a minimum two (2) game suspension. (Note:) In all cases where a game misconduct penalty is assessed, the incident shall be reported to the proper authorities who shall have full power to impose further suspensions. 404d Penalties > Game Misconduct > Player Incurs 5 Pena (d) Any Player who incurs five (5) penalties in the same game shall be assessed a GAME MISCONDUCT penalty & shall be immediately removed from the game with no further suspension. 405a & 405 Penalties > Match (a) A MATCH penalty involves the suspension of a player or Team Official for the balance of the game, and the offender shall be removed from the game immediately. Unless immediate substitution is permitted under the coincident penalty Rules 403(c) and 405. (b), the penalized team shall immediately place a nonpenalized player other than a goalkeeper on the penalty bench to serve the time portion five (5) minutes of the match penalty, as prescribed by the applicable Rule, and such player may not be changed. The player shall also serve any additional minor or major penalty assessed to the offending player or Team Official unless immediate substitution is permitted under the coincident penalty Rules 402(f) and 403(c). For all MATCH penalties, regardless of when imposed, or prescribed additional penalties, a total of 10 minutes shall be charged in the records against the Offending Player or Team Official. 405c Penalties > Match (c) A player or Team Official incurring a MATCH penalty shall be immediately suspended from participating in any USA Hockey games and practices until his case has been dealt with by the proper authorities. A mandatory hearing by the proper authorities shall be held and a decision made relative to any further disciplinary action within 30 days of the incident. If extenuating circumstances prevent the proper authorities from conducting the mandatory hearing, the player or Team Official shall be automatically reinstated after 30 days. 406a Penalties > Penalty Shot (a) A Penalty Shot shall be taken as follows: The Referee shall communicate the name of the player designated or selected by the team entitled to take the shot (as appropriate) and shall then place the puck on the center face-off spot. The player taking the shot will, on the instruction of the Referee, play the puck from there and shall attempt to score on the goalkeeper. Once the player taking the shot has touched the puck, it must be kept in motion towards the opponent?s goal line and once it is shot the play shall be considered complete. No goal can be scored on a rebound of any kind and any time the puck crosses the goal line the shot shall be considered complete. Only a player designated as a goalkeeper, may defend against a penalty shot. If the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as would normally incur a minor or bench minor penalty, the nonoffending team may, prior to the penalty shot, elect that the minor or bench minor penalty be assessed to the offending player or team in lieu of the penalty shot. 406b Penalties > Penalty Shot (b) The goalkeeper must remain in his crease until the player taking the penalty shot has touched the puck and in the event of violation of this Rule or any foul committed by a goalkeeper the Referee shall allow the shot to be taken and if the shot fails he shall permit the penalty shot to be taken again. The goalkeeper may attempt to stop the shot in any manner except by throwing his stick or any object, in which case a minor penalty shall be assessed to the goalkeeper, whether or not a goal is scored on the penalty shot. 406e & 406 Penalties > Penalty Shot > Additional Penalties (e) While the penalty shot is being taken, players of both sides shall withdraw to the sides of the rink and beyond the center red line. (f) If, while the penalty shot is being taken, any player of the opposing team shall have by some action interfered with or distracted the player taking the shot and because of such action the shot should have failed, a second attempt shall be permitted and the Referee shall impose a misconduct penalty on the player so interfering or distracting. 406h Penalties > Penalty Shot > Additional Penalties (h) Whether or not a goal is scored from a penalty shot, if the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to incur: (1) a major, match or misconduct penalty, such penalty SHALL be imposed in addition to the penalty shot. (2) a minor or bench minor penalty, the offending team SHALL NOT be reduced in on-ice strength as a result. 407a Penalties > Goalkeeper Penalties (a) A goalkeeper shall NOT be sent to the penalty bench for an offense that incurs a minor, major or misconduct penalty, but instead any of these penalties shall be served by another member of his/her team who was on the ice when the offense was committed, such player to be designated by the Manager or Coach of the offending team through the Captain and such substitute shall not be changed. All penalties imposed on a goalkeeper, regardless of who serves the penalty, or any substitution, shall be charged in the records against the goalkeeper. 407b Penalties > Goalkeeper Penalties (b) Should a goalkeeper incur a GAME MISCONDUCT penalty involves the suspension of a goalkeeper for the balance of the game. Another player is permitted to immediately replace the goalkeeper removed. His/Her place will be taken by a member of his own team, or by a substitute or temporary goalkeeper who is available, and such player will be allowed the goalkeeper?s full equipment. He/She shall also be suspended under the appropriate game misconduct Rule 404c. 408a Delayed Penalties (a) If a third player of any team shall be penalized while two players of the same team are serving penalties, the penalty time of the third player shall not commence until the penalty time of one of the two players already penalized shall have elapsed. Nevertheless, the third player penalized must at once proceed to the penalty bench and may be replaced by a substitute until such time as the penalty time of the penalized player shall commence. 409a Calling Penalties & Ensuing Faceoff Location (a) Should an infraction of the Rules be committed by a player of the team in possession & control of the puck, the Referee shall stop play and assess the penalty(s) to the offending player(s). 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. 601a Penalties > Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduc (a) Any player who challenges or disputes the rulings of any Official or endeavors to incite an opponent (including taunting) or create a disturbance during the game shall be assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the player persists in such challenge or dispute He/she shall be assessed a misconduct penalty, and any further dispute by the same player will result in a game misconduct penalty being assessed. 601b Penalties > Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduc (b) Any player who shoots the puck after the whistle has been blown shall be assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct if, in the opinion of the Referee, the player had sufficient time after the whistle to refrain from taking such shot. 601c Penalties > Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduc (c) If any player is guilty of any one of the following, his team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty: 1) In the vicinity of the players? bench, using obscene, profane or abusive language to any person or any Official or 2) In the vicinity of the players? bench or penalty bench, throwing anything into the playing area during the progress of the game or during a stoppage of play. 601d Penalties > Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduc (d) If any player is guilty of any one of the following, he shall be assessed a MISCONDUCT penalty: 1) Using obscene, profane or abusive language to any person on the ice or anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game, 2) During a stoppage, intentionally knocking, throwing or shooting the puck out of reach of an Official who is retrieving it, 3) Deliberately throwing the stick, or any other equipment, out of the playing area at any time except as indicated in Rule 636(c), 4) After being penalized, not proceeding directly and immediately to the penalty bench and taking his place on the penalty bench, or to the dressing room, when so ordered by the Referee, 5) Entering or remaining in the Referee?s crease while the Referee is reporting to or consulting with any Game Official including Linesmen, Timekeeper, Penalty Timekeeper, Official Scorer or Announcer except for the purpose of taking his place on the penalty bench, 6) Interfering in any nonphysical manner with any Game Official including Referee, Linesman, Timekeepers or Goal Judges in the performance of their duties. 601e Penalties > Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduc (e) If any player is guilty of any one of the following, he/she shall be assessed a MISCONDUCT or GAME MISCONDUCT penalty: 1) Touching / holding the Referee, Linesman or any other Game Official with his hand or stick.... 3) Intentionally banging the boards, protective glass, dasher boards or goal with a stick or any other instrument at any time, If the offense is committed in protest of an official?s decision, a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct plus a misconduct or game misconduct shall be assessed the offending player. 601f Penalties > Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduc (f) If any player is guilty of any one of the following, he shall be assessed a GAME MISCONDUCT penalty: 1) Persisting in any course of conduct for which he has previously been assessed a misconduct penalty or 2) Using obscene gestures or racial/ethnic slurs on the ice or anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game. 601g & 601 Penalties > Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduc (g) If any player or team official who is guilty of any of the following, shall be assessed a MATCH penalty: 1) Deliberately inflicting physical harm to a Game Official in any manner or attempting to do so, 2) Deliberately injuring an Opposing Player or Team Official in any manner or attempting to do so, 3) Behaving in any manner that is critically detrimental to the conducting of the game, including spitting at an opponent, spectator, or team official, or verbally threatening a Game Official, Opposing Team Official or Opposing Player with physical harm. (Also see Rule 603.) 602a - 602 Penalties >Adjustment to Clothing and Equipment (a) Play shall not be stopped, nor the game delayed by reason of adjustment to clothing, equipment, skates or sticks. For an infringement of this Rule, a minor penalty shall be assessed. (b) The onus of maintaining clothing and equipment in proper condition shall be upon the player. If adjustments are required, the player shall retire from the ice and play shall continue uninterruptedly with a substitute. (c) No delay shall be permitted for the repair or adjustment of goalkeeper?s equipment. If adjustments are required the goalkeeper will retire from the ice and his place will be taken by the substitute or temporary goalkeeper immediately and no warm-up will be permitted unless the team uses its time-out. For an infraction of this Rule by a goalkeeper, a minor penalty shall be imposed. 603a & 603 Penalties > Attempt to Injure/Deliberate Injury of (a&b) A MATCH penalty shall be imposed on any Player or Team Official who deliberately injures or attempts to injure a Player, Team Official or Game Official in any manner & shall be immediately removed from the game. The circumstances shall be reported to the proper authorities for further action including but not limited to game(s) suspension. (See Rule 405). 603d Penalties > Attempt to Injure/Deliberate Injury of (d) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who head-butts in such a manner as to in any way foul an opponent. Head-butting may also be treated as an Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury of an Opponent under Rule 603a & 603b. 604a & 604 Penalties > Board Checking (Boarding) (a) A minor or a major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based upon the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be imposed on any player who body-checks, cross-checks, elbows, charges or trips an opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to be thrown violently into the boards (BOARDING). Any unnecessary contact with a player playing the puck on an obvious icing or off-side play that results in that player being knocked into the boards is boarding and must be penalized as such. (b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of boarding, the Referee shall have no alternative but to impose a major plus a game misconduct penalty on the offending player. 606a Penalties > Charging (a) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who runs or jumps into or charges (CHARGING) an opponent. (Note:) If more than two steps or strides are taken, it shall be considered charging. When a player injures an opponent as the result of Charging the Referee shall have no alternative but to impose a major plus a game misconduct penalty on the offending player. 606b Penalties > Charging (b) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who body checks or charges a goalkeeper while the goalkeeper is within his goal crease or privileged area. A goalkeeper is NOT fair game just because he is outside his privileged area. A penalty for interference or charging should be called in every case where an opposing player makes unnecessary contact with a goalkeeper. 607a Penalties > Checking from Behind (a) A minor plus a misconduct penalty, or a major plus a game misconduct penalty, shall be imposed on any player who body checks or pushes an opponent from behind. When a player injures an opponent as the result of Checking from Behind the Referee shall have no alternative but to impose a major plus a game misconduct penalty on the offending player. 607b Penalties > Checking from Behind (b) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who body checks or pushes an opponent from behind head first into the side boards, end boards or goal frame. (Note:) Checking from Behind may also be treated as Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury of an Opponent under Rule 603, (See Rule 405) 608a&608b Penalties > Cross-Checking (a) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who cross-checks an opponent. Cross-check shall mean a check delivered with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice. (b) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by cross-checking. 608c Penalties > Butt End (c) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who butt-ends or attempts to butt-end an opponent. Attempt to butt-end shall include all cases where a butt-end gesture is made regardless of whether body contact is made or not. (Note:) Butt-ending may also be treated as an Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury of an Opponent under Rule 603. 609a Penalties > Delaying the Game (a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who delays the game by deliberately shooting or batting the puck with his stick outside the playing area. 609c Penalties > Delaying the Game (c) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player (including a goalkeeper) who delays the game by deliberately displacing a goal post from its normal position. The Officials shall stop play immediately when a goal post has been displaced. If the defending team has deliberately displaced the goal post, thereby depriving the attacking team of an immediate and reasonable scoring opportunity or if, during the course of a break-away, the goalkeeper deliberately removes his helmet/facemask, a penalty shot/optional minor penalty shall be awarded to the nonoffending team, which shot shall be taken by the player last in possession of the puck. If a player of the defending team deliberately displaces the goal and, in the opinion of the Referee, the puck would have entered the goal had it not been displaced, or if the defending team deliberately displaces the goal when the goalkeeper is off the ice, thereby preventing an obvious and imminent goal, a goal shall be awarded in lieu of a penalty shot. 609d Penalties > Delaying the Game (d) A bench minor penalty shall be imposed upon any team that, after warning by the Referee to its Captain to place the correct number of players on the ice and commence play, fails to comply with the Referee?s direction and thereby causes any delay by making additional substitutions, by persisting in having its players off-side, including failure to line up properly for a face-off under Rule 611(a), or in any other manner. 609e & 609 Penalties > Delaying the Game (e) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player or goalkeeper who deliberately holds the puck against the boards, goal or ice with his stick, skate, foot or any other part of his body for the purpose of delaying the game. (f) A minor penalty shall be imposed on the goalkeeper who has an opportunity to play the puck with his stick prior to being pressured by an attacking player, but instead intentionally causes a stoppage of play. 609g Penalties > Delaying the Game (g) A minor penalty for delaying the game shall be assessed to a player who, after a warning by the Referee, fails to maintain a proper position during the conducting of a face-off. 610a & 610 Penalties > Elbowing or Kneeing (a) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on any player who uses his elbow or knee in such a manner as to in any way foul an opponent. (b) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent as the result of a foul committed by elbowing or kneeing. 612a & 612 Penalties > Delaying the Game > Falling on Puck (a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player other than the goalkeeper who deliberately falls on or gathers the puck into his/her body. Any use of the players hands to make the puck unplayable will be penalized. (c) No defending player, except the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to fall on the puck or hold the puck or gather the puck into the body or hands when the puck is within the goal crease. For an infringement of this Rule, play shall immediately be stopped and a penalty shot/optional minor shall be awarded to the nonoffending team. 612b Penalties > Delaying the Game > Falling on Puck (b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a goalkeeper who deliberately falls on or gathers the puck into his body, when his body is entirely outside the boundaries of the goal crease and the puck is behind the goal line or when the puck is outside the boundaries of the goalkeeper?s privileged area, or who holds or places the puck against any part of the goal or against the boards, or when having an opportunity to play the puck with his stick prior to being pressured by an attacking player. (see also Rules 609(e) and 609(f), Delaying the Game.) 613a & 613 Penalties > Fisticuffs (Fighting) (a) A major penalty & game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who engages in fisticuffs. An additional minor penalty shall be imposed on any player who starts or instigates fisticuffs. (b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who, having been struck, shall retaliate with a blow or attempted blow. However, at the discretion of the Referee a double minor or a major penalty & game misconduct may be imposed if such player continues the altercation. 613d Penalties > Fisticuffs (Fighting) (d) A game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who is the first to intervene in an altercation then in progress. This penalty is in addition to any other penalty incurred in the same incident. 614a & 614 Goals (a) A goal SHALL be scored when the puck shall have been put between the goal posts by the stick of a player of the attacking team, from in front and below the cross bar, and entirely across the goal line. (d) If the puck shall have been deflected into the goal from the shot of an attacking player by striking any part of a player of the same team, a goal SHALL be allowed. (b) A goal SHALL be scored if the puck is put into the goal in any way by a player of the defending team. 614c - 614 Goals > Scenarios NOT allowed (c) If an attacking player kicks the puck *AND* the puck goes directly into the goal or is deflected into the goal by any player, including the goalkeeper, a goal SHALL NOT be allowed. (d)....The goal SHALL NOT be allowed if the puck has been kicked, thrown or otherwise deliberately directed into the goal by any means other than a stick. (e) If a goal is scored as a result of a puck being deflected directly into the goal from an Official, the goal SHALL NOT be allowed. 615a & 615 Handling Puck with Hands (a) If a goalkeeper holds the puck with his hand for more than three (3) seconds, play shall be stopped and a face-off shall follow, however, after an initial warning by the Referee, a goalkeeper who holds the puck unnecessarily shall be assessed a minor penalty for delay of game. (c) If a goalkeeper catches the puck and throws it forward towards his opponent?s goal and it is first played by a teammate, play shall be stopped and the ensuing face-off shall be held at the nearest end face-off spot of the offending team. 616a Penalties > Head Contact (a) A minor penalty, major penalty or a major plus game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to any player who intentionally or recklessly contacts a player in the head, face or neck with the stick or by an illegal body check (Elbow, Check from Behind, Charging, Roughing etc). (b) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by head contact. 617a Penalties > High Stick (a) The carrying of any part of the sticks above the normal height of the shoulder is prohibited. The Referee may assess a minor or a major penalty on any player violating this Rule. (b) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by the use of a high stick. 617c Penalties > High Stick (c) A goal scored from any part of the stick so carried above the shoulders SHALL NOT be allowed, except by a player of the defending team. 617d Penalties > High Stick (d) Batting the PUCK above the normal height of the shoulders with the stick is prohibited and when it occurs there shall be a whistle and the ensuing face-off shall take place at one of the end face-off spots adjacent to the goal of the team causing the stoppage unless: 1) the puck is batted to an opponent and the opponent gains possession and control of the puck, in which case the play shall continue, or 2) a player of the defending team shall bat the puck into his own goal in which case the goal shall be allowed. 618a Penalties > Holding (a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who holds (HOLDING) an opponent with hands or stick or in any other way. (b) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on a player who grabs or holds the facemask of an opponent with his hand. 619a Penalties > Hooking (a) A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on a player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by HOOKING with any part of his/her stick. (b) A major plus game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by hooking. 621a Penalties > Interference (a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who interferes (INTEFERENCE) with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck, or who deliberately knocks a stick out of an opponent?s hand. A player cannot use his/her body as a pick or block to impede the progress of an opponent with no effort to play the puck, examples include: 1) Intentionally playing the body of an opponent who does not have possession or control of the puck. Excessive or forcing bodily contact with an opposing player who is not in possession of the puck, 2) Using the body to establish a pick or block that prevents an opponent from being able to chase a puck carrier, 3) When the puck carrier makes a drop pass and follows through so as to make bodily contact with an opposing player 4) Reducing foot speed or changing an established skating lane for the purpose of impeding an opponent from being able to chase the puck or the puck carrier, 5) When a player facing-off obstructs his opponent after the face-off when the opponent is not in possession of the puck. 621c Penalties > Interference (c) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who, by means of his/her stick or his body, interferes with or impedes the movements of the goalkeeper by actual physical contact, while he/she is in his goal crease unless the puck is already in the crease. 621d Penalties > Interference (d) When the puck is in the Attacking Zone and not in the goal crease, a player of the attacking team may not stand on the goal crease line or in the goal crease, hold his stick in the goal crease or skate through the goal crease(CREASE VIOLATION). If the puck should enter the goal while such a condition prevails, a goal SHALL NOT be allowed. For violation of this Rule, while the attacking team has possession of the puck, play shall be stopped and a face-off held at the nearest Neutral Zone faceoff spot. (Note:) This Rule shall not apply when the goalkeeper is out of his goal crease. 621e Penalties > Interference (e) If a player of the attacking team has been physically interfered with by the action of any defending player so as to cause him to be in the goal crease, and the puck should enter the goal while the player so interfered with is still within the goal crease, the goal shall be allowed. 621f Penalties > Interference (f) When a player in control of the puck beyond the defending blue line, and having no opponent to pass other than the goalkeeper, is interfered with by a stick or part thereof or any other object thrown or shot by any member of the defending team including any Team Official, a penalty shot/optional minor shall be awarded to the nonoffending team. 623a Penalties > Kicking (a) A MAJOR plus a GAME MISCONDUCT penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who uses their skate to push off an opponent. Any KICKING motion by a player or goalkeeper must be penalized under subsection (b). (b) A MATCH penalty shall be imposed on any player who kicks or attempts to kick another player. If a player or goalkeeper injures an opponent by kicking, a Match penalty shall be assessed. 624a Kicking the Puck (a) Kicking the PUCk is permitted in all zones, however, a goal shall not be allowed if the puck was kicked by an attacking player and entered the goal either directly or after deflecting off any player including the goalkeeper. 625a Penalties > Leaving the Players? Bench or Penalty (a) No player may leave the players? bench or penalty bench at any time during an altercation or for the purpose of starting an altercation. Substitutions made prior to the altercation shall not be penalized under this Rule provided the players so substituting do not enter the altercation. For violation of this Rule, a MAJOR plus a GAME MISCONDUCT penalty shall be imposed on any player who leaves the players? bench or penalty bench during an altercation. 625c 625f & 625i Penalties > Leaving the Players? Bench or Penalty Bench ,(c) Except at the end of each period, or on expiration of a penalty, no player may at any time leave the penalty bench. A penalized player who leaves the penalty bench before his penalty has expired, whether play is in progress or not, shall incur an additional minor penalty after serving his unexpired penalty. (f) In the case of a player returning to the ice before his time has expired through an error of the Penalty Timekeeper, he is not to serve an additional penalty, but must serve his unexpired time. (i) If a penalized player returns to the ice from the penalty bench before his penalty has expired by his own error or the error of the Penalty Timekeeper, any goal scored by his own team while he is illegally on the ice shall be disallowed, but all penalties imposed on either team shall be served as regular penalties. 625g Penalties > Leaving the Players? Bench or Penalty (g) If a player of an attacking team in possession of the puck shall be in such a position as to have no opposition between him and the opposing goalkeeper, and while in such a position he shall be interfered with by a player of the opposing team who shall have illegally entered the game, the Referee shall impose a penalty shot/optional minor against the offending player?s team. 625h Penalties > Leaving the Players? Bench or Penalty (h) If a Team Official gets on the ice after the start of a period and before that period is ended without the permission of the Referee, the Referee shall impose a bench minor penalty against the team or a game misconduct penalty on the individual or both. 625j Penalties > Leaving the Players? Bench or Penalty (j) If a player shall illegally enter the game from his own players? bench or from the penalty bench, any goal scored by his own team while he is illegally on the ice shall be disallowed, but all penalties imposed against either team shall be served as regular penalties. 625k Penalties > Leaving the Players? Bench or Penalty (k) On any face-off, if a team starts play with fewer players than entitled to, any subsequently entering player shall not be eligible to play any puck coming from his/her own Defending Zone until he/she has returned to his own Defending Zone or until possession and control of the puck has been gained by another player in the Neutral Zone or in their own Attacking Zone. For a violation of this Rule play shall be stopped and a faceoff shall be conducted at the point where the puck was last legally played. 626a&b Off-Sides (a) Players of an attacking team may not precede the puck into the Attacking Zone. The position of the player?s skates and not that of his/her stick shall be the determining factor in deciding an off-side violation. A player is OFF-SIDES when both skates are completely over the determining edge of the blue line into the Attacking Zone. (b) For a violation of this Rule, play shall be stopped and a faceoff conducted. If the puck was carried over the blue line at the time of the violation, the face-off shall take place at the nearest Neutral Zone face-off spot to where the puck crossed the line. If the puck was passed or shot over the blue line, the face-off shall take place where the pass or shot originated. 626f Off-Sides >Delayed Off-Sides (f) For Adults: If an attacking player precedes the puck that is shot, passed or deflected into the Attacking Zone, the Official shall signal a 'DELAYED OFF-SIDE'. The off-side violation will be nullified if ALL attacking players in the Attacking Zone clear the Attacking Zone by making skate contact with the blue line. The Attacking Zone must be completely clear of attacking players before a delayed off-side can be nullified with the puck still in the Attacking Zone. During the Delayed Off-Side, the Official shall stop play for the off-side 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 in the Attacking Zone. 628a Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable (a) When the puck goes outside the playing area or strikes any obstacles above the playing surface other than the boards, glass or wire, or deflects off an Official out of the playing area, it shall be faced-off from where it was shot or deflected by a player, unless otherwise expressly provided in these Rules. 628b Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable (b) When the puck becomes lodged in the netting on the outside or side of either goal so as to make it unplayable, or if it is frozen between opposing players intentionally or otherwise, the Referee shall stop the play and face-off the puck at either of the adjacent face-off spots unless in the opinion of the Referee the stoppage was caused by a player of the attacking team, in which case the resulting face-off shall be conducted in the Neutral Zone. (Note:) 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 goal without any intervening action by the defending team. The defending team and/or the attacking team may play the puck off the net at any time. However, should the puck remain on the net for longer than three (3) seconds, play shall be stopped and the face-off shall take place on an end zone face-off spot 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. If the puck comes to rest on top of the goal frame or in the netting on top of the goal frame, play shall be stopped immediately. 630a Puck Out of Sight (a) Should a scramble take place, or a player accidentally falls on the puck, and the puck is out of sight of the Referee, he/she shall immediately blow their whistle and stop the play. The puck shall then be faced-off at the point where the play was stopped. 633a-633c Penalties > Slashing (a) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on any player who slashes (SLASHING) or attempts to slash an opponent with his stick. (Note:) Referees should penalize as slashing any player who swings his/her stick at any opposing player (whether in or out of range) without actually striking the other player or where a player on the pretext of playing the puck makes a wild swing at the puck with the object of intimidating an opponent. (b) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by slashing. (c) Any player who swings his stick at another player in the course of any altercation shall be subject to a game misconduct or a match penalty. 633d Penalties > Slashing (d) A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on any player who makes STICK CONTACT with an opposing goalkeeper while he/she is in his goal crease, who has covered or caught the puck, regardless of whether or not the Referee has stopped play. 634a Penalties > Spearing (a) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on a player who spears (SPEARING) or attempts to spear an opponent. (Note 1) Spearing shall mean poking an opponent with the point of the stick blade while the stick is being carried with one hand or both hands. (Note 2) Attempt to spear shall include all cases where a spearing gesture is made regardless of whether or not bodily contact is made. 636a Penalties > Throwing Stick (a) When any player or Team Official of the defending team deliberately throws or shoots a stick or any part thereof or any other object at the puck in his Defending Zone, the Referee shall allow the play to be completed and if a goal is not scored, a penalty shot/optional minor shall be taken by the player designated by the Referee as the player fouled. If, however, the goal being unattended and the attacking player having no defending player to pass and having a chance to score on an open goal, a stick or part thereof or any other object is thrown or shot by any member of the defending team in or into its Defending Zone, thereby preventing an obvious and imminent goal, a goal shall be awarded to the attacking team. 636b Penalties > Throwing Stick (b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player on the ice who throws his stick or any part thereof or any other object in the direction of the puck in any zone, except when such act has been penalized by a penalty shot or the awarding of a goal. 636c Penalties > Throwing Stick (c) A MISCONDUCT penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who throws a stick or any part thereof outside the playing area. If the offense is committed in protest of an Official?s decision, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to the offending player. A game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who deliberately throws a stick or any part thereof outside the playing area at or in the direction of any spectators. 637e Time-Outs (e) Each team shall be permitted to take one time-out of a one minute duration during the game, which must be taken during a stoppage of play. If one team takes a time-out, the opposing team may exercise the rights of a time-out, including warming up a goalkeeper. Nonpenalized players and goalkeepers may proceed to their respective team bench during any time-out. A time-out must be requested prior to the conclusion of the line change procedure. A team that is requesting its timeout during the same stoppage of play as their opponent?s time-out must make such request prior to the conclusion of the first time-out. When the time-out is used to warm up goalkeeper(s), no more than four (4) pucks per team shall be allowed on the ice. 639a & 639 Penalties > Tripping (a) A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on any player who shall place his stick, foot, arm, hand or elbow, or extends the leg (LEG CHECKING/TRIPPING) from the front or from behind, in such a manner that it shall cause his opponent to trip or fall. (Note #2:) Any player who deliberately leaves his feet and contacts an opponent with any part of his body thereby causing the opponent to trip or fall shall be assessed a minor penalty (CLIPPING/TRIPING). (b) A major penalty plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who injures an opponent as a result of a foul committed by tripping or leg checking. 639c Penalties > Tripping (c) When a player in control of the puck beyond the defending blue line, and having no other opponent to pass than the goalkeeper, is ''Tripped' or otherwise 'Fouled from Behind' or 'Diagonally' from behind (beyond the fouled player?s peripheral vision), thus preventing a reasonable scoring opportunity, a penalty shot/optional minor shall be awarded to the nonoffending team. (Note:) The intention of this Rule is to restore a reasonable scoring opportunity that has been lost by reason of a Foul from Behind when the foul is committed in the Neutral or Attacking Zones. 639d Penalties > Tripping (d) If, when the opposing goalkeeper has been removed from the ice, a player in control of the puck beyond the defending blue line is 'Tripped' or otherwise 'Fouled' with no opposition between him/her and the opposing goal, thus preventing an obvious and imminent scoring opportunity, the Referee shall immediately stop the play and award a goal to the attacking team. 640a Penalties > Unnecessary Roughness (Roughing) (a) At the discretion of the Referee, a minor or double minor penalty may be imposed on any player deemed guilty of unnecessary roughness (ROUGHING). For a body checking (BODY CHECKING) infraction in a nonchecking classification, a minor or major penalty shall be assessed under this Rule. In all nonchecking age classifications, a penalty shall be assessed under this Rule whenever a player impedes the movement of a puck-carrying opponent by pushing him/her with the hands or arms or deliberately contacting him/her with the shoulder, hip or any other part of the torso. There are instances when considerable body contact between the puck carrier and an opponent may occur that should not be penalized, provided that there has been no overt hip, shoulder or arm contact to physically force the opponent off the puck. Likewise, there shall be no penalty assessed if the puck carrier unsuccessfully attempts to skate through too small an opening between the boards and a stationary opponent and a collision occurs, unless there has been an overt action to body check the puck carrier. A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who injures an opponent by body checking in a nonchecking classification.