Rule 601 Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct

(Note) in the enforcement of this rule the Referee has, in many instances, the option of imposing a "bench minor penalty, " "minor penalty" or a "misconduct penalty. " In principle the Referee is directed to impose a "bench minor penalty" in respect to the violations which occur on or in the immediate vicinity of the players' bench but off the playing surface, and in all cases affecting non-playing personnel or players. A "minor penalty" or "misconduct penalty" should be imposed for violations which occur on the playing surface or in the penalty bench area and where the penalized player is readily identifiable.

An infraction covered under Rules 601 (a) through (c) which occurs after the game shall be initially penalized under Rule 601 (d).

(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 shall be assessed a misconduct penalty, and any further dispute by the same player will result in a game misconduct penalty being assessed.

For Juniors only-the penalty following the misconduct shall be a game EJ, but under this rule a player may also be assessed a game misconduct penalty along with or in lieu of a game EJ.

(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.

(c) If any player is guilty of any one of the following, his team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty:

(l) In the vicinity of the players' bench, using obscene, profane or abusive language to any person or using the name of any Official coupled with any vociferous remarks.

(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.

(d) If any player is guilty of any one of the following, he shall be assessed a misconduct penalty:

(l) 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.

(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 (gloves, stick, etc., shall be delivered to him at the penalty bench or dressing room by a teammate}.

(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 non-physical manner with any Game Official including Referee, Linesman, Timekeepers or Goal Judges in the performance of their duties.

(e) If any player is guilty of any one of the following, he shall be assessed a misconduct or game misconduct penalty (or a game EJ penalty in Juniors only}:

(l) Touching or holding the Referee, Linesman, or any other Game Official with his hand or stick.

(2) Continuing or attempting to continue a fight or altercation after he has been ordered by the Referee to stop, or resisting the Linesman in the discharge of his duties.

(3) Intentionally banging the boards, protective glass, dasher boards or goal with a stick or any other instrument at any time. 1If 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.)

(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.

(2) Using obscene gestures, or racial/ethnic slurs, on the ice or anywhere in the rink before, during, or after the game.

(g) If any player is guilty of any of the following, he shall be assessed a gross misconduct penalty:

(l) Deliberately inflicting physical harm to a Game

Official in any manner or attempting to do so.

(note) Any game official assessing a gross misconduct penalty under Rule 601(g)1 shall file with their USA Hockey district Referee-in-Chief a written game report within 48 hours of the incident.

(2) Deliberately injuring an opposing Team Official in any manner or attempting to do so.

(3) Behaving in any manner which is critically detrimental to the conducting of the game, including spitting at an opponent, spectator, game or team official, or verbally threatening a Game Official with physical harm.

(Note) For Juniors only-actual injury under (g.1 or g.2), is a Gross Misconduct II penalty.

(h) If any Team Official is guilty of any one of the following, his team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty:

(l) Banging the boards with a stick or other instrument at any time.

(2) Using obscene, profane, or abusive language or abusive gestures 1including taunting) to any person or using the name of any Official coupled with any vociferous remarks.

(3) Throwing anything into the playing area from the vicinity of the players' bench during the game or during a stoppage of play.

(4) Using threatening or abusive language or gestures or similar actions designed to incite an opponent into incurring a penalty.

(5) Interfering in any non-physical manner with any Game Official including the Referee, Linesman, Timekeepers or Goal Judges in the performance of their duties.

(i) If any Team Official is guilty of any of the following, he shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty (0r a game EJ and/or a game misconduct penalty and may be subject to a fine not to exceed Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars 1$750.00) in Juniors):

(1) Using obscene gestures, or racial/ethnic slurs, on the ice or anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game.

(2) Persisting in any course of conduct for which he has previously been assessed a bench minor penalty.

(j)If any Team Official is guilty of any one of the following, he shall be assessed a gross misconduct penalty:

(l) Deliberately inflicting physical harm to a game

official in any manner or attempting to do so.

(Note) any game official assessing a gross misconduct penalty under Rule 601(j)1 shall file with their USA Hockey District referee-in Chief a written game report within 48 hours of the incident.

(2) Deliberately injuring a player or Team Official in any manner or attempting to do so.

(3) Behaving in any manner which is critically detrimental to the conducting of the game, including spitting at an opponent, spectator, game or team official, or verbally threatening a Game Official with physical harm.

(Note) For Juniors only-actual injury under (j.1 or j.2), is a Gross Misconduct II penalty. In addition, the Team official may be subject to a fine not to exceed One Thousand Dollars {$1000.00) for a Gross Misconduct or Two Thousand Dollars ($2000.00) for a Gross Misconduct II.

Rule 602 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 (See Glossary} 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.

Rule 603 Attempt to Injure/Deliberate Injury of Opponents (Head Butting)

(a) A match penalty shall be imposed on a player who deliberately injures or attempts to injure an opponent and the circumstances shall be reported to the proper authorities for further action. A substitute for the penalized player shall be permitted at the end of the fifth minute.

(b) A gross misconduct shall be imposed on any player or Team Official who deliberately injures or attempts to injure a Team Official or Game Official in any manner and the circumstances shall be reported to the proper authorities for further action.

(c) Any player wearing tape or any other material on his hands who cuts or injures an opponent during an altercation shall receive a match penalty under this rule.

(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.

(Note) "Head-butting" may also be treated as an Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury of an Opponent under Rule 603.

(e) For Juniors only-a double minor plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection of this rule.

Rule 604 Board Checking

(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.

{Note) Any unnecessary contact with a player playing the puck on an obvious Icings or "Offside" play which results in that player being knocked into the boards is boarding and must be penalized as such. In other instances where there is no contact with the boards it should be treated as "charging"

"Rolling" an opponent {if he is the puck carrier} along the boards where he is endeavoring to go through too small an opening is not boarding. However, if the opponent is not the puck carrier, then such action should be penalized as boarding, charging, interference or if the arms or sticks are employed it should be called holding or hooking.

(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.

(c) For Juniors only-a major plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection (b) of this rule.

Rule 605 Broken Stick

(a) A player without a stick may participate in the game. A player whose stick is broken may participate in the game provided he drops the stick. A minor penalty shall be imposed for an infraction of this rule.

(Note) A broken stick is one which, in the opinion of the Referee, is unfit for normal play.

(b) A goalkeeper may continue to play with a broken stick until the next stoppage of play or until he has been legally provided with a stick.

(c) A replacement for a stick which is either broken or no longer in possession of a player or goalkeeper may only be obtained from the players' bench or a teammate on the ice. For a violation of this rule a bench minor penalty shall be assessed to the team of the player receiving the replacement stick provided that no penalty is assessed under Rule 601(c.2) or (h.3) for this infraction.

The team, a member of which throws a replacement stick into the playing area, must be penalized under Rule 6011c.21 or (h.3), Throwing Articles into the Playing Area. A player receiving a stick so thrown shall not be penalized.

(Note) The intent of this rule is to provide for the assessment of one penalty for any one illegal stick replacement

(d) A goalkeeper whose stick is broken may not go to the players' bench for a replacement during a stoppage of play, but must receive his stick from a teammate.

For an infraction of this rule a minor penalty shall be imposed on the goalkeeper.

Rule 606 Charging

(a) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who runs or jumps into or charges an opponent.

(Note) If more than two steps or strides are taken, it shad 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.

(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.

Likewise, Referees should be alert to penalize goalkeepers for tripping, slashing, or spearing in the vicinity of the goal.

(c) For Juniors only-a major plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsections (a) and (b) of this rule.

Rule 607 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.

(Note) Checking from behind may also be treated as Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury of an Opponent under Rule 603.

(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.

(c) For Juniors only-the penalty options under subsections lax and (b1 of this rule for body checking or pushing an opponent from behind shall be a minor penalty, minor plus misconduct penalty, double minor plus game ejection penalty, or major plus game misconduct penalty. If injury to the opponent results, a major plus game misconduct penalty is required.

Rule 608 Cross-Checking or Butt-Ending

(a) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who "cross-checks" an opponent.

(Note) 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".

(c) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who "butt-ends" or attempts to "butt-end" an opponent.

(Note 1) 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 2) "Butt-ending" may also be treated as an Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury of an Opponent under Rule 603.

(d) For Juniors only-a major plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection (b) of this rule.

(e) For Juniors only-a double minor plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection (c) of this rule.

Rule 609 Delaying of 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.

(Note) This penalty shall apply also when a player or goalkeeper deliberately bats or shoots the puck with his stick outside the playing area after a stoppage of play.

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a goalkeeper who shoots the puck directly {non-deflected outside of the playing area, except that no penalty shall apply if the puck inadvertently leaves the playing area in a location which is not protected by glass or screen.

(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 Referee or Linesmen 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 breakaway the goalkeeper deliberately removes his helmet/face mask, a penalty shot/optional minor penalty shall be awarded to the non-offending 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.

(Note) A player with a "break-away" is defined as a player in control of the puck with no opposition between the player and the opposing goal and with a reasonable scoring opportunity.

If a minor penalty for deliberately displacing a goal, or for the goalkeeper deliberately removing his helmet/face mask during play, is assessed with less than two minutes remaining in regulation time, or at any time during overtime, a penalty shot/optional minor shall be assessed against the offending team in lieu of the minor penalty.

(d)A bench minor penalty shall be imposed upon any team which, 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, or in any other manner.

(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 (see Rule 6121b}, Falling on the Puck).

(f) A minor penalty for delaying the game shall be assessed a player who, after a warning by the Referee, fails to maintain a proper position during the conducting of a face-off.

Rule 610 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.

(c) For Juniors only-a major plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection {b} of this rule.

Rule 611 Face-Offs

(a) The puck shall be "faced-off" by the Referee or the Linesman dropping the puck on the ice between the sticks of the players "facing-off." Players facing-off will stand squarely facing their opponents' end of the rink approximately one stick length apart with the blade of their sticks touching the ice. The attacking team player shall be the first player to place his stick on the ice. For face-offs along the center red line, the visiting team player shall place his stick on the ice first.

When the face-off takes place at any of the end face-off spots, the players taking part shall be stationary and stand squarely facing their opponents end of the rink, and clear of ice marking. The sticks of both players facing-off shall have the blade on the ice in contact with the nearest white area of the face-off spot and clear of the red center area of the spot.

No other player shall be allowed to enter the face-off circle or come within fifteen feet of the players facing-off the puck, and must stand on-side on all face-offs.

If a player, other than the player facing off, fails to maintain his proper position, the center of his team shall be ejected from the face-off.

(b) A second violation of any of the provisions of subsection la) hereof by the same team during the same face-off shall be penalized with a minor penalty to the player who commits the second violation of the rule.

(c) If, after a warning by the Referee or Linesman, either of the players fails to take his proper position for the face-off promptly, the Official shall be entitled to face-off the puck notwithstanding such default.

(d) In the conduct of any face-off anywhere on the playing surface, no player facing-off shall make any physical contact with his opponent's body by means of his own body or by his stick except in the course of playing the puck after the face-off has been completed.

For violation of this rule the Referee shall impose a minor penalty or penalties on the player(s) whose action(s) caused the physical contact.

(Note) "Conduct of any face-off" commences when the On-Ice Official designates the place of the face-off and he takes up his position to drop the puck.

(e) If a player facing-off fails to take his proper position immediately when directed by the Official, the Official may order him replaced for that face-off by any teammate then on the ice.

No substitution of players shall be permitted until the face-off has been completed and play has been resumed except when any penalty is imposed.

(f) When an infringement 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 the ensuing face-off shall be made in the Neutral Zone on the nearest face-off spot.

(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.

(g) When an infringement of a rule has been committed by players of both teams in the play, resulting in a stoppage, the ensuing face-off will be made at the point where the puck was when the stoppage occurred.

(h) When stoppage occurs between the end face-off spots and near end of the rink, the puck shall be faced-off at the end face-off spot on the side where the stoppage occurs, unless otherwise expressly provided by these rules.

(i)No face-off shall be made within-fifteen feet of the goal or sideboards.

(j) When a goal is legally scored the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at center ice. When a goal is illegally scored as a result of a puck being deflected directly from an Official anywhere in the Defending Zone, the resulting face-off shall be made at the end face-off spot in the Defending Zone.

(k) 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.

(l) The whistle will not be blown to start play. Playing time will commence from the instant the puck is faced-off and will stop when the whistle is blown.

(m) When a stoppage of play in an end zone takes place and is followed by a gathering of players, no attacking player shall enter the end zone further than the outer edge of the face-off circles nearest the blue line {this includes players on the ice at the time of the stoppage of play, or players involved in a line change).

For a violation of this rule the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest Neutral Zone face-off spot.

(n) Any last play face-off that occurs between a zone line and the end zone face-off spot will take place at the nearest point along an imaginary line extending between the Neutral Zone face-off spot and the end zone face-off spot, directly opposite the location of the puck at the instant the play was stopped.

Rule 612 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 body.

(Note) Any player who drops to his knees to block a shot should not be penalized if the puck is shot under him or becomes lodged in his clothing or equipment, but any use of the hands to make the puck unplayable should be penalized promptly.

(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. (See also Rule 609(e), Delaying the Game.)

(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 infringement of this rule, play shall immediately be stopped and a penalty shot/optional minor shall be awarded to the non-offending team No other penalty shall be assessed; however, if the goalkeeper has been removed from the ice when the infraction occurs, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team and no penalty shot shall be awarded, if the action of the offending player prevents an obvious and imminent goal.

(Note) This rule shall be interpreted so that a penalty shot/optional minor will be awarded only when the puck is in the crease at the instant the infraction occurs. However, in cases where the puck is outside the crease, Rule 612(a) may still apply and a minor penalty may be imposed, even though no penalty shot is awarded.

Rule 613 Fisticuffs (Fighting)

(a) A major 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 may be imposed if such player continues the altercation.

(Note 1) The Referee is provided very wide latitude in the penalties which he may impose under this rule. This is done intentionally to enable him to differentiate between the obvious degrees of responsibility of the participants either for starting the fighting or persisting in continuing the fighting. The discretion provided shall be exercised realistically.

(Note 2) Referees are directed to employ every means provided by these rules to stop brawling" and should use Rule 601(e.2) Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct" for this purpose.

(c) A major penalty shall be imposed on any player involved in fisticuffs off the playing surface or with another player who is off the playing surface before, during or after the game.

(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. A game misconduct penalty assessed under Rule 6131d} shall not carry an additional game suspension.

(e) Any player receiving a major penalty for fisticuffs shall automatically also be assessed a game misconduct penalty. For Juniors a game EJ or game misconduct penalty shall be assessed, unless occurring after the midpoint of the third period or any part of overtime, in which case the Referee shall have no alternative but to assess a game misconduct penalty, which carries an automatic suspension for the next two scheduled games. However, at the discretion of the referee, a misconduct penalty shall be assessed to a non-offending player in lieu of automatic game ejection or game misconduct penalty if the opposing player was clearly the instigator (Juniors only).

(f) When an altercation occurs on the ice, at the signal of the Referee, all players {non-participant), excluding goalkeepers, must proceed immediately and directly to their respective players' bench. Goalkeepers must remain in the immediate vicinity of their goal crease. See Rule 407(d) (Goalkeeper's Penalties). A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player, excluding goalkeepers, who fails to move to the players' bench when so instructed by the Referee.

A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player, including a goalkeeper, who removes his glove or gloves and/or drops his stick during an altercation and who is not a participant in the original altercation. A game misconduct penalty may be added to the minor penalty if, in the judgment of the Referee, the player is the instigator of a subsequent altercation. This penalty shall be in addition to any other penalty incurred in the same incident.

(g) For Juniors only-A game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who is assessed a major penalty following the original altercation. Notwithstanding this rule, at the discretion of the Referee the automatic game misconduct may be waived and a game 4 may be assessed if the opposing player was clearly the instigator of the altercation.

(h) For Juniors only-Any team whose players become involved in an altercation other than during the periods of the game may be fined up to One Thousand Dollars ($1000.00), in addition to any appropriate penalty that may be imposed upon the participating player(s) by supplementary discipline or otherwise.

(i) For Juniors only-Any player who would be deemed to be involved in any post/pre-game altercation or pre/post period altercation and is assessed a game misconduct shall be suspended for the next two games and may face further suspension.

Rule 614 Goals and Assists

(Note) it is the responsibility of the Referee to award goals and assists, and his decision in this respect is final. Such awards shad be made or withheld strictly in accordance with the provisions of this rule. Therefore, it is essential that the Referee shall be thoroughly familiar with every aspect of this rule, be alert to observe all actions which could affect the making of an award and, above all, the awards must be made or withheld with absolute impartiality.

In cases of an obvious error in awarding a goal or an assist which has been announced, it should be corrected promptly. Changes shall not be made in the official scoring summary after the Referee has signed the Game Report.

(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.

(b) A goal shall be scored if the puck is put into the goal in any way by a player of the defending team. The player of the attacking team who last played the puck shall be credited with the goal but no assist shall be awarded.

(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) 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. The player who deflected the puck shall be credited with the goal. 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.

(f) Should a player legally propel a puck into the goal crease of the opposing team and the puck should become loose and available to another player of the attacking team, a goal scored on the play shall be valid.

(g) Any goal scored, other than as covered by the official rules, shall not be allowed.

(h) A "goal" shall be credited in the scoring records to a player who shall have propelled the puck into the opponents' goal. Each "goal" shall count one point in the player's record.

(i) When a player scores a goal, an "assist" shall be credited to the player or players taking part in the play immediately preceding the goal, but not more than two assists can be given on any goal. Each "assist" so credited shall count one point in the player's record.

(j) Only one point can be credited to any one player on a goal.

Rule 615 Gross Misconduct

(a) Original jurisdiction in any hearing resulting from a gross misconduct penalty assessed under Rule 601(g)1 or 601(j)1 (Physical Assault of Officials) shall reside with the Affiliate Association/Junior Council sanctioned league.

(b) Original jurisdiction in any hearing resulting from a gross misconduct penalty assessed under Rule 601(g)2, 601(g)3, 601(j)2 or 601(j)3 shall reside with the proper authorities of the appropriate team(see Glossary and Rule 508)

Rule 616 Handling Puck with Hands

(a) If a player, except a goalkeeper, closes his hand on the puck, play shall be stopped and a face-off shall follow; however, if the puck is dropped to the ice immediately, play shall not be stopped.

If a goalkeeper holds the puck with his hand for more than three 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.

(b) A goalkeeper shall not drop the puck into his pads or onto the goal net, nor deliberately pile up snow or obstacles at or near his goal that, in the opinion of the Referee, would tend to prevent the scoring of a goal. The penalty for infringement of this rule by the goalkeeper shall be a minor penalty.

(Note 1) The object of this rule is to keep the puck in play continuously and any action taken by the goalkeeper which causes an unnecessary stoppage must be penalized.

(Note 2) The goalkeeper may not leave his stick or part thereof in front of his goal. If he does and if the puck hits the stick thereby preventing an obvious and imminent goal while the goalkeeper is on the ice, but in the act of leaving the ice, or off the ice, the Referee shall stop play and award a goal to the non-offending team. see Rule 621(f), Interference.

(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. (See also Rule 616(e).)

(d) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player except the goalkeeper who, while play is in progress, picks up the puck off the ice with his hand.

If a defending player, except the goalkeeper, while play is in progress, picks up the puck with his hand from the ice in the goal crease, or holds the puck while the puck is in the goal crease, the play shall be stopped immediately and a penalty shot/optional minor shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

If a defending player picks up the puck from the goal crease or falls on or covers the puck in the crease thereby preventing an obvious and imminent goal when the goalkeeper has been removed from the ice, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(e) A player or goalkeeper shall be permitted to stop or "bat" the puck in the air with his hand or push it along the ice with his hand and play shall not be stopped unless he has directed the puck to a teammate in any zone other than his Defending Zone, in which case play shall be stopped and the puck faced-off at the spot where the offense occurred unless otherwise provided by these rules.

A goal shall not be allowed if the puck was propelled by the hand of an attacking player and entered the goal either directly or after deflecting off any player including the goalkeeper.

Rule 617 High Sticks

(a) The carrying of 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.

(Note) The use of the 'slap shots in the 10-and under (Squirt-Youth only) age classification and below is prohibited. A face-off shall take place at one of the end face-off spots adjacent to the goal of the offending player's team who, in the process of making a forehand shot or pass, raises the blade of his stick above his waist in the back-swing of such shot or pass.

(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.

(c) A goal scored from a stick so carried shall not be allowed, except by a player of the defending team.

(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.

(Note) When a player bats the puck to an opponent under subsection 1, the Referee shad give the "washout" signal immediately. Otherwise he will stop the play.

(e) For Juniors only-a double minor penalty or a major plus game ejection penalty also applies under subsections (a) and (b) of this rule.

(f) For Juniors only-when a player carries or holds any part of his stick above the height of his shoulders so that injury to the opposing player results, the Referee shall have no alternative but to assess one of the following:

(1) A double minor penalty when deemed to be accidental in nature.

(2) A minor plus a game ejection/misconduct penalty when it is deemed to be careless.

Rule 618 Holding an Opponent

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who holds 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 face mask of an opponent with his hand.

{c) For Juniors only-a major plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection (b) of this rule.

Rule 619 Hooking

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by "hooking" with his stick.

(b) A major plus game misconduct penalty shall b imposed on any player who injures an opponent "hooking."

(c) For Juniors only-a major plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection (b) of this rule.

Rule 620 Icing the Puck

(a) For the purpose of this rule, the center line will divide the ice into halves. Should any player of a team, equal or superior in numerical strength to the opposing team, shoot, bat with the hand or stick, kick or deflect the puck from his own half of the ice, beyond the goal line of the opposing team, play shall be stopped and the puck faced off at the end face-off spot of the offending team. If the puck shall have entered the goal of the opposing team, after being legally shot, batted with the stick or deflected, 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 or not.

(Note 1) If, during the period of a delayed whistle due to a foul by a player of the side NOT in possession, the side in possession "ices" the puck then the face-off following the stoppage of play shall take place in the Neutral Zone near the defending blue line of the team "icing" the puck.

(Note 2) When a team is "Shorthanded" as the result of a penalty and the penalty is about to expire, the decision as to whether there has been an "icing" shall be determined at the instant the penalty expires, and if the puck is shot before the penalty expires, icing shall not be called. The action of the penalized player remaining in the penalty bench will not alter the ruling.

(Note 3) For the purpose of interpretation of this rule, "Icing the Puck" is completed the instant the puck completely crosses the goal line. If the puck shall have entered the goal, the icing will not be called and a goal shall be allowed.

For Juniors only-"Icing the Puck" is completed the instant the puck is touched first by a defending player other than the goalkeeper after it has crossed the goal line, and if in the action of so touching the puck it is knocked or deflected into the goal it is NO goal.

(Note 4) When the puck is shot and rebounds from the body or stick of an opponent in his own half of the ice so as to cross the goal line of the player shooting it, airing" shall not be called.

(Note 5) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section concerning batting" the puck in respect to the icing the "puck" rule, the provisions of the second paragraph of Rule 616(e) "Handling Puck with Hands," apply and NO goal can be scored by batting the puck with the hand into the opponent's goal, whether intended or not.

(Note 6) if, while the Linesman has signalled a slow whistle for a clean interception under Rule 626(d), "Off-Sides, " the player intercepting shoots or bats the puck beyond the opponent's goal line in such a manner as to constitute "icing the puck," the Linesman's "slow whistle" shall be considered exhausted the instant the puck crosses the blue line and icing shall be called in the usual manner.

(b) If the puck was so shot by a player of a team below the numerical on-ice strength of the opposing team, play shall continue and the face-off shall not take place.

(c) If, however, the puck shall go beyond the goal line in the opposite half of the ice directly from either of the players while facing-off, it shall not be considered a violation of this rule.

(d) If, in the opinion of the Linesman, a player of the opposing team excepting the goalkeeper is able to play the puck before it passes the goal line, but has not done so, icing shall not be called and play shall continue.

(Note) The purpose of this section is to enforce continuous action and the On-Ice Officials should interpret and apply the rule to produce this result.

(e) If the puck shall touch any part of a player of the opposing team or his skates or his stick before it shall have reached the goal line, or shall have touched the goalkeeper or his skates or his stick at any time before crossing his goal line, or passes through any portion of the goal crease before crossing the goal line, it shall not be considered as "icing the puck" and play shall continue.

(f) If the opposing goalkeeper has been legally removed from the playing surface and a team at equal or superior on-ice numerical strength ices the puck, the Icing Rule 620(a) shall be in effect if the puck passes through or touches any part of the goal crease before it crosses the goal line.

(g) If the Linesman shall have erred in calling an "icing the puck" infraction (regardless of whether either team is shorthanded) the puck shall be faced on the center ice face-off spot.

Rule 621 Interference

(A) minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who interferes 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 or who prevents a player who has dropped his stick or any other piece of equipment from regaining possession of it or who knocks or shoots any abandoned or broken stick or illegal puck or other debris towards an opposing puck carrier in a manner that could cause him to be distracted. (See also Rule 636, Throwing Stick.)

(Note) The last player to touch the puck, other than a goalkeeper, shall be considered the player in possession. In interpreting this rule the 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 which causes the interference since the defending players are entitled to "stand their ground" or "shadow" the attacking player. Players of the side in possession shad not be allowed to "run" deliberate interference for the puck carrier.

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player on the players' bench or on the penalty bench who by means of his stick or his body interferes with the movements of the puck or of any opponent on the ice during the progress of play.

(c) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who, by means of his stick or his body, interferes with or impedes the movements of the goalkeeper by actual physical contact, while he is in his goal crease unless the puck is already in the crease.

(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. 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 face-off spot.

(Note) This rule shall not apply when the goalkeeper is out of his goal crease.

(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.

(f) When a player in control of the puck on the opponent's side of the center red 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 non-offending team.

(Note) The attention of Referees is directed particularly to three types of offensive interference which should be penalized:

(1) When the defending team secures possession of the puck in its own end and the other players of that team run interference for the puck carrier by forming a protective screen against forecheckers;

(2) When a Payer facing-off obstructs his opponent after the face-off when the opponent is not in possession of the puck;

(3) When the puck carrier makes a drop pass and follows through so as to make bodily contact with an opposing player.

Defensive interference consists of bodily contact with an opposing player who is not in possession of the puck.

Rule 622 Interference by Spectators

(a) In the event of a player being held or interfered with by a spectator, the Referee or Linesman shall blow the whistle and play shall be stopped, unless the team of the player interfered with is in possession of the puck at the time, in which case the play shall be allowed to be completed before blowing the whistle, and the puck shall be faced at the spot where last played at the time of stoppage.

(Note) The Referee shall report to the proper authorities for disciplinary action all cases in which a player becomes involved in an altercation with a spectator.

(b) Any player who physically interferes with a spectator shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty and the Referee shall report all such infractions to the proper authorities who shall have full power to impose such further penalty as deemed appropriate.

(c) In the event that objects are thrown on the ice which interfere with the progress of the game, the Referee shall blow the whistle and stop the play, and the puck shall be faced-off at the spot where play is stopped.

Rule 623 Kicking Player

(a) At the discretion of the Referee, a major plus a game misconduct penalty or a Match penalty shall be imposed on any player who kicks or attempts to kick another player.

(Note) The Referee is provided latitude in the penalties he may impose under this rule. This is done intentionally to enable him to differentiate between the varying degree of violence in attempting to injure and attempting to "push off" an opponent with the skate.

Rule 624 Kicking Puck

(a) Kicking the puck shall be 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.

Rule 625 Leaving the Players' Bench or Penalty Bench

(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.

(b) For violation of this rule, a major plus a game misconduct penalty (up to a maximum of five per team in Juniors only} shall be imposed on any player who leaves the players' bench or penalty bench during an altercation.

For Juniors only-In addition, any team whose players leave the players, bench or penalty bench during an altercation may be subject to a fine not to exceed One Thousand ($1,000) per occurrence per team and may also be subject to a fine of up to Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250) per player involved (up to a maximum of five per team).

For Juniors only-Any player who incurs a second penalty under this subsection in the same season shall be suspended automatically for the next taco games of his team. For each subsequent violation in the same season, the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game. In Play-Off games any player who incurs a penalty under this subsection shall be suspended automatically for the next Play-Off game of his team. For each subsequent violation, this automatic suspension shall be increased by one game. The automatic suspensions incurred under this subsection in respect to regular season games shall have no effect with respect to violations during Play-Off games.

(c) Except at the end of each period, or on expiration of a penalty, no player may at any time leave the penalty bench.

(d) 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.

(e) If a player leaves the penalty bench before his penalty is fully served, the Penalty Timekeeper shall note the time and verbally alert the Referee who will stop play when the offending player's team has or gains possession and control of the puck.

(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.

(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.

(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 and report the incident to the proper authorities.

(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.

(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.

(k) (For Youth and all Girls/Women games)

When a penalized player or his immediate substitute, either from the penalty bench or the players' bench, returns to the ice, he shall not be eligible to play any puck coming from his own Defending Zone until he 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 the Attacking Zone of the penalized player. For a violation of this rule, play shall be stopped and a face-off conducted at the point where the puck was last legally played.

(l) (For Youth and all Girls/Women games)

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 own Defending Zone until he 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 his own Attacking Zone.

For a violation of this rule play shall be stopped and a face-off shall be conducted at the point where the puck was last legally played.

Rule 626 Off-Sides

(a) Players of an attacking team may not precede the puck into the Attacking Zone.

(Note) A player actually propelling and in possession and control of the puck who shall cross the line ahead of the puck shall not be considered "off-side. "

(b) For a violation of this Rule, play shall be stopped and a face-off 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.

(c) The position of the player's skates and not that of his stick shall be the determining factor in deciding an "off-side" violation. A player is off-side when both skates are completely over the outer edge of the blue line into his Attacking Zone.

(Note 1) A player is "on-side" when neither" of his skates are in contact with the Neutral Zone ice, or when the entire player, including both skates, is completely behind the determining edge of the blue line, at the instant the puck completely crosses the outer edge of that line, regard less of the position of his stick.

(Note 2) The position of the player's skates is what determines whether a player is "off-side. ' However, the question of "off-sides never arises until the puck has completely crossed the line into the Attacking Zone, at which time the decision is to be made.

(b) It an attacking player proceeds the puck which is shot, passed or deflected into the attacking zone, but a defending player is able to play the puck at or near the blue line, the linesman shall signal a delayed off-side. The linesman shall drop his arm to nullify the off-side violation and allow play to continue if the defending team passes or carries the puck into the neutral zone.

For Juniors and Senior Male only-The off-side violation will also 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 Linesman 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.

(e) If a player legally carries or passes the puck back into his own Defending Zone while a player of the Opposing team is in such Defending Zone, the "Off-side" shall be waived and play permitted to continue. (No "delayed whistle.")

(f) If the opinion of the linesman, a player has intentionally caused an off-side play(including a puck shot on goal), the Linesman shall stop play immediately and the puck shall be faced-off at the nearest end zone of the offending team.

(Note) An intentional off-side is one which is made for the purpose of deliberately securing an immediate stoppage of play, regardless of the reason, or where an off-side play is made under conditions where there is no possibility of completing a legal play.

(g) If the Linesman shall have erred in stopping play for an off-side infraction the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest Neutral Zone face-off spot to the blue line where play was stopped in error.

Rule 627 Passes

(a) (For Youth and all Girls/Women games)

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 and may be passed forward by a player in his own Defending Zone to a player of the same team anywhere in the Neutral Zone.

(For Junior and Senior male games)

The puck may be passed by any player to a player of the same side within any one of the three zones into which the ice is divided, but may not be passed forward from a player in one zone to a player of the same side in another zone, except bat a player on the defending team, who may make and take forward passes from their own Defending Zone to the center line without incurring an off side violation. This pass, however, must be completed by a receiving player who is legally onside at the center line, or by a receiving player who is preceded by the puck across the center line, other wise play shall be stopped and the face-off shall be conducted at the spot from which the pass originated.

(Note 1) The position of the puck (not the player s skates) shall be the determining factor in deciding from which zone the pass was made.

(Note 2) Passes may be completed legally at the center red line in exactly the same manner as passes at the attacking blue line.

(b) Should the puck, having been passed, contact any part of the body, stick or skates of a player of the same team who is legally onside, the pass shall be considered to have been completed.

(c) The player last touched by the puck shall be deemed to be in possession.

Rebounds off goalkeeper's pad or other equipment shall not be considered as a change of possession or the completion of the play by the team when applying Rule 409(b) (Calling of Penalties).

(d) (For Youth and all Girls/Women games)

If the puck precedes all players of the attacking team into their Attacking Zone, any player is eligible to play the puck except when Rule 620 Icing the Puck) applies.

(For junior and Senior male games)

If a player in the Neutral Zone is preceded into the Attacking Zone by the puck passed from the Neutral Zone he shall be eligible to take possession of the puck anywhere in the Attacking Zone except when the "Icing the Puck" rule applies.

(e) If a player in the same zone from which a pass is made is preceded by the puck into succeeding zones, he shall be eligible to take possession of the puck in that zone except where the "Icing the Puck" rule applies.

(f)(For Junior and Senior male games)

If an attacking player passes the puck backward toward his own goal from the Attacking Zone, an

opponent may play the puck anywhere regardless of whether he (the opponent) was in the same zone at the time the puck was passed or not (no "slow whistle").

(g) (For Junior and Senior male games)

If the Linesman shall have erred in calling an off-side pass infraction (regardless of whether either team is shorthanded), the puck shall be faced on the center ice face-off spot.

Rule 628 Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable

(a) When the puck goes outside the playing area or strikes any obstacles above the flaying 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.

If the puck leaves the playing area or becomes unplayable due to a defect in the playing rink, a face-off will take place at the point where the puck was last played.

(b) When the puck becomes lodged in the netting on the outside 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 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. However, 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.

(c) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a goalkeeper who deliberately drops the puck on the goal netting to cause a stoppage of play.

(d) If the puck comes to rest on top of the boards surrounding the playing area, it shall be considered to be in play and may be played legally by the hand or stick.

Rule 629 Puck Must Be Kept in Motion

(a) The puck must at all times be kept in motion. Play shall not be stopped because the puck is frozen along the boards by two more opposing players, unless a player falls on or is knocked down onto the puck. If one player freezes the puck along the boards or if a player deliberately falls on the puck a minor penalty for delaying the game shall be assessed under Rule 609(e) or Rule 612(a).

(Note) Notwithstanding the above, the Referee may stop play along the boards if in his judgment allowing play to continue will lead to unnecessary contact surrounding the puck.

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player including the goalkeeper who holds, freezes or plays the puck with his stick, skates or body along the boards in such a manner as to cause a stoppage of play.

(c) A player beyond his Defending Zone shall not pass nor carry the puck backward into his Defending Zone for the purpose of delaying the game except when his team is below the on-ice numerical strength of the opponents. For an infringement of this rule, the face-off shall be at the nearest end face-off spot in the Defending Zone of the offending team.

Rule 630 Puck Out of Sight and Illegal Puck

(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 shall immediately blow his whistle and stop the play. The puck shall then be "faced-off" at the point where the play was stopped, unless otherwise provided for in the rules.

(b) if, at any time while play is in progress, a puck other than the one officially in play shall appear on the playing surface, which interferes with the progress of the game, the play shall be stopped immediately.

Rule 631 Puck Striking Official

(a) Play shall not be stopped because the puck touches an Official anywhere on the rink.

Rule 632 Refusing to Start Play

(a) If, when both teams are on the ice, one team for any reason shall refuse to play when ordered to do so by the Referee, he shall warn the Captain and allow the team so refusing fifteen seconds within which time to begin the game or resume play. If at the end of that time the team shall still refuse to play, the Referee shall impose a bench minor penalty on the offending team, and the case shall be reported to the proper authorities for further action. Should there be a recurrence of the same incident, the Referee shall have no alternative but to suspend the game and impose a gross misconduct penalty on the offending Team Official(s) responsible for the incident.

(b) If a team, when ordered to do so by an On-Ice Official, through a Team Official, fails to go onto the ice promptly, it shall receive a bench minor penalty. If the team fails to go onto the ice and start play within five minutes, the game shall be suspended and the offending Team Official(s) shall be assessed a gross misconduct penalty.

(Note) The local governing body or Disciplinary Committee shall determine whether the suspended game shall be deemed completed, forfeited, resumed from the point of suspension or cancelled and shall issue instructions pertaining to records, etc.

For Juniors only-Any team refusing to start play may be subject to a fine not to exceed One Thou sand Dollars 1$1000.00) plus financial losses incurred by the non-offending team.

Rule 633 Slashing

(a) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on any player who slashes or attempts to slash an opponent with his stick.

(b) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by slashing.

(Note) Referees should penalize as "slashings" any player who swings his stick at any opposing player (whether in or out of range) without actually striking him 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

(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.

(Note) The Referee shall impose the normal appropriate penalty provided in the other sections of this rule and shad, in addition, report to the proper authorities.

(d) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player who makes stick contact with an opposing goalkeeper while he is in his goal crease, who has covered or caught the puck, regardless of whether or not the Referee has stopped play.

(e) For Juniors only-a major plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection (b) of this rule.

Rule 634 Spearing

(a)A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on a player who spears or attempts to spear an opponent.

(Note 1) "Spearing" shad mean stabbing 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. (Note 3) Spearing may also be treated as Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury of Opponents under Rule 603.

(b) For Juniors only-a double minor plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection la} of this rule.

Rule 635 Start of Game and Periods

(a) The game shall be commenced at the time scheduled by a "face-off" at the center ice face-off spot and shall be renewed promptly at the conclusion of each intermission in the same manner.

No delay shall be permitted by reason of any ceremony, exhibition, demonstration or presentation unless consented to reasonably in advance by the visiting team.

(b) Home teams shall have the choice of goals to defend at the start of the game except where both players' benches are on the same side of the rink in which case the home team shall start the game defending the goal nearest its own bench. The teams shall change ends for each succeeding regular period.

If in the opinion of the Referee, conditions are more favorable to play at one end of the rink than the other, the Referee may equalize opportunities by having the teams change ends at the middle of one or all three regular and overtime periods, but not in only two regular periods. The Referee shall declare before the commencement of the game or period that this change is to be made, and the change shall take place at the exact midpoint of a period and not at a stoppage of play nearest that point.

*** Subsections (c) through (e} do not apply for Juniors.

(c) During the pre-game warm-up (which shall not exceed twenty minutes in duration) and before the commencement of play in any period, each team shall confine its activity to its own end of the rink so as to leave clear an area thirty feet wide across the center of the Neutral Zone.

(Note) Players shall not be permitted to come on the ice during a stoppage in play OI at the end of the first and second periods for the purpose of warming-UP The Referee will report any violation of this rule to the proper authorities for disciplinary action.

(d) Fifteen minutes before the time scheduled for the start of the game both teams shall vacate the ice and proceed to their dressing rooms while the ice is being flooded. Both teams shall be signaled by the Game Timekeeper to return to the ice together in time for the scheduled start of the game or period. It is recommended that, when both teams are to leave the ice through a common exit, the team whose players' bench is closest to the exit leave first. The home team should enter the ice surface first.

(Note) This section is intended as a guideline only. In Youth and Girls/Women games, no time is required between the warm-up and the start of the game, if mutually agreed upon by both teams.

(e) When a team fails to appear on the ice promptly without a proper justification, an On-Ice Official shall warn the team through a Team Official that it must enter the ice immediately. If the team fails to do so promptly, the Referee shall assess a bench minor penalty for Delay of the Game. (See also Rule 632, Refusing to Start Play.}

*** Subsections (f} through (m) apply only for Juniors.

(f) In order to standardize the player introduction practice throughout Junior hockey, the following shall apply. After the Referee has blown his whistle announcing the commencement of the introductions, all non-starters shall remove themselves from the ice promptly. The starting line-ups shall assemble on their respective goal lines, and shall be individually introduced, at which time each player, as his name is called, shall skate to his respective blue line and remain at that line during the remainder of the introductions. The Officials shall stand at an appropriate position on the center red line immediately following the introductions after which the National Anthem(s) shall be played. Following the completion of the National Anthem(s), the game shall be promptly commenced.

(g) During the pre-game warm-up (not less than twelve and no more than twenty minutes-recommended time is fifteen minutes) and before the commencement of play in any period, each team shall confine its activity to its own end of the rink so as to leave clear an area thirty feet wide across the center of the Neutral Zone. Any player crossing the center red line during warm-ups, before the game and between periods will receive a minor penalty. The Referee is instructed to strictly enforce this rule. (See Rule 613(h).)

(h) Fifteen minutes before the time scheduled for the start of the game, both teams shall vacate the ice and proceed to their dressing rooms while the ice is being flooded. Both teams shall be signalled by the Game Timekeeper to return to the ice together in time for the scheduled start of the game or period. It is recommended that, when both teams are to leave the ice through a common exit, the team whose players' bench is closed to the exit leave first. The home team should enter the ice surface first.

(Note) In order to speed up the start of a game, all players are required to promptly leave the ice surface at the conclusion of warm-ups and at the end of each period. A failure to exit one minute after the conclusion of a period or warm-up shall result in the following:

(1) First Offense-Written warning from the League.

(2) Second Offense-A fine not to exceed Ten Dollars ($10. 00) per occurrence per player to the team.

(i) At the end of the first and second periods, and the third period should the game be tied, all players that must come onto the ice to reach their dressing rooms must remain on the bench until the Referee gives them a signal to leave. Should both teams have to leave by way of the ice, the Referee will direct the visiting team to leave the bench first, then the home team may leave upon the Referee's signal. The home team may exit first if this prevents the teams from crossing, upon instructions to do so by the Referee. Failure to wait for the Referee's signal will result in a minor penalty to either or both teams. At the end of the game tile Referee will determine when the players have separated sufficiently to prevent any possible situations and at that time will give both teams a signal that they may leave their benches to meet their goalkeeper prior to going to their rooms. Failure to wait for this signal or any situations caused after the teams have left their benches will be reported to the League for review.

(j) At the beginning of the second and third periods and overtime periods in play-offs 10:00 on the clock}, teams must be on the ice or be observed to be proceeding to the ice. For failure to comply, a bench minor penalty for delay of game shall be imposed.

(k) Should a game be delayed by two and one-half hours at the start of the game or by two hours during the actual playing time, because of conditions beyond control 1i.e., bus problems, road conditions, playing conditions, etc.}, the Referee shall have the authority to suspend the game aver conferring with both teams. The circumstances surrounding the incident shall be immediately reported to the League. It is recommended that a Junior game not start after 9:45 p.m.

(l) A Coach and/or Team Official shall have the responsibility to be on the players' bench during all times when players from that team are on the ice, including but not limited to pre-game warm-up during each period, and at the conclusion of the period/game, until both teams have cleared the ice, unless removed by the Referee or Discipline Committee action.

(m) There shall be no handshake at the end of any regular season or play-off game until the play-off series has been concluded.

Rule 636 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.

(Note 1) If the Officials are unable to determine the person against whom the offense was made, the non-offending team, through the Captain, shall designate a player on the ice at the time the offense was committed to take the shot.

(Note 2) For the purpose of this rule, and open goal is defined as one from which a goalkeeper has been removed for an additional attacking player.

(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 penal ized by a penalty shot or the awarding of a goal.

(Note) When a player discards the broken portion of a stick by tossing it to the side of the rink (and not over the boards) in such a way as will not interfere with play or an opposing player, no penalty shall be imposed for so doing.

(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 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 play ing area at or in the direction of any spectators.

Rule 637 Time of Match or Time-Outs

(a) The maximum time allowed for a game shall be three twenty-minute periods of actual play with a rest intermission between periods.

Play shall be resumed promptly following each intermission upon the expiration of fifteen minutes from the completion of play in the preceding period. A preliminary warning shall be given by the Game Timekeeper to the Officials and to both teams three minutes prior to the resumption of play in each period and the final warning shall be given in sufficient time to enable the teams to resume play promptly.

(Note) For the purpose of keeping the spectators informed as to the time remaining during intermissions, the Game Timekeeper will use the electric clock to record length of intermissions.

(b) The team scoring the greater number of goals during the three periods shall be the winner, and shall be credited with two points in the standings.

(c) In the intervals between periods, the ice surface shall be flooded unless mutually agreed to the contrary.

(d) If any unusual delay occurs in the first or second periods, the Referee may order the next regular intermission to be taken immediately and the balance of the period will be completed on the resumption of play with the teams defending the same goals, after which the teams will change ends and resume play of the ensuing period with out delay.

(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. Non-penalized players and goalkeepers may proceed to their respective team bench during any time out.

When the time-out is used to warm up goalkeeper1sl, no more than four (41 pucks per team shall be allowed on the ice.

During a game that has a time curfew (see Glossary), no time-outs shall be permitted.

(f) If, in the opinion of the Referee, playing conditions beyond the control of the Officials and game participants (such as ice conditions, broken glass or weather1 become unsatisfactory during the course of the game, the game may be suspended

Rule 638 Tied Games

(a) Except for Juniors, if at the end of the three periods the score is tied, the following shall take place:

(l) A five minute rest period will be allowed.

(2) The teams shall not change ends. 131 A ten minute period shall be played.

(3) A ten minute period shall be played.

(4) The game shall terminate upon a goal being scored and the team scoring declared the winner. If no goal is scored, the same procedure shall be repeated.

(b) Any overtime period shall be considered part of the game and all unexpired penalties shall remain in force.

(c) If either team declines to play in the necessary overtime period or periods, the game shall be declared a loss for that team.

(Note) Districts and Regions may make their own rules regarding overtime for games under their jurisdiction.

(d) during Junior play-off and National Championships, if at the end of three periods the score is tied, the following shall take place:

(1) Teams shall return to there dressing room and the ice shall be resurfaced.

(2) Teams shall change ends.

(3) A twenty minute period shall be played.

(4) The game shall terminate upon a goal being scored and the team scoring declared the winner. If no goal is scored, the same procedure as above shall be repeated until a winner has been determined.

(Note) Each League may make its own procedure regarding overtime during exhibition and regular season games.

Rule 639 Tripping

(a) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player who shall place his stick, foot, hand or elbow in such a manor that shall cause his opponent to trip or fall.

{Note 1) if, in the opinion of the Referee, a player is unquestionably hook-checking the puck and obtains possession of it, thereby tripping the puck carrier, no penalty shall be imposed.

(Note 2) Accidental trips which occur simultaneously with or after a stoppage of play will not be penalized.

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)

(Note 3) This rule does not apply to a player who has dropped to his kneels) to block a shot.

(b) A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on any player who extends his leg in such a manor as to cause the opponent trip or fall (Leg checking). A major plenty plus a game misconduct penalty (option of major plus game ejection for Juniors only) shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent as a result of a foul committed by leg checking.

(c) When a player, in control of the puck on the opponent's side of the center red line and having no other opponent to pass than the goalkeeper, is tripped or otherwise fouled from behind, thus preventing a reasonable scoring opportunity, a penalty shot/optional minor shall be awarded to the non-offending team. Nevertheless, the Referee shall not stop the play until the attacking team has lost possession and control of the puck to the defending team.

(Note) The intention of this rule is to restore a reasonable scoring opportunity which has been lost by reason of a foul from behind when the foul is committed on the opponent's side of the center red line.

"Possession and control of the puck" (See Glossary) means the act of propelling the puck with a stick. If, while it is being propelled, the puck is touched by another player or his equipment or hits the goal or goes free, the player shall no longer be considered to be "in possession and control of the puck."

(d) If, when the opposing goalkeeper has been removed from the ice, a player in control of the puck on the attacking side of the center red line is tripped or otherwise fouled with no opposition between him 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.

Rule 640 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. Any action worthy of a major penalty under this subsection must be assessed under Rule 613 (Fisticuffs).

(Note l) in the Youth l0-and-under/Squirt and below, and in all Girls/Women classifications, body-checking is prohibited and shall be penalized under this rule.

When a team that is registered in a non-checking age classification plays against a team that is registered in a checking age classification, body-checking shad be prohibited under this rule.

(Note 2) In all non-checking age classifications, a penalty shad be assessed under this rule whenever a player impedes the movement of a puck-carrying opponent by pushing him with the hands or arms or deliberately contacting him 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.

Deliberate body contact on the part of the puck carrier may also be penalized under this rule. In order for a body checking penalty to be assessed, enough contact must have occurred to impede the movements of the puck carrier. A penalty may never be assessed for an attempt to body check.

(b) Except for Junior and Senior age classification, a minor or major penalty shall be assessed under this rule for any avoidable body check to an opponent who does not have possession and control of the puck. (see Glossary.) If the opponent is injured from this check, a major plus a game misconduct shall be assessed.

(c) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on any player who uses his forearm or hand to check an opponent above the opponent's shoulder. If the opponent is injured from this check, a major plus game misconduct shall be assessed.

(Note) This infraction may also be treated as Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury of Opponents under Rule 603.

(b) A minor or a major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be imposed on a player who makes physical contact with an opponent after the whistle has been blown if, in the opinion of the Referee, the player has had sufficient time after the whistle to avoid such contact. If the opponent is injured from this check, a major plus game misconduct penalty shall be assessed.

(e) For Juniors only-a major plus game ejection penalty option also applies under subsection (c) and (d) of this rule.