Legal checks are an essential part of ice hockey, but illegal checks can result in serious injury or even death. As a result, it’s important for players, coaches, and referees to have a thorough understanding of the rules surrounding checking in hockey.
In this article, we’ll explore the various types of illegal checks, the penalties that can result from these checks, and the proper techniques for delivering a legal check. We’ll also discuss the role of referees in enforcing checking rules and offer tips for protecting yourself from illegal checks. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of everything you need to know about cracking down on illegal checks in hockey.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Rules of Body Checking
Body checking is a crucial aspect of ice hockey, but it’s also a potentially dangerous one. It’s essential for players to understand the rules surrounding body checking to minimize the risk of injury to themselves and others. Here’s what you need to know:
Legal Body Checking Techniques
- Angling: This involves positioning your body to cut off the path of an opposing player without actually making contact with them. This technique is legal and is often used to force the other team into making a mistake.
- Pinching: This technique is used by defensemen to stop the opposing team from breaking out of their own zone. It involves stepping up and making contact with the opposing player to separate them from the puck.
- Full-Body Checks: This technique involves making contact with the opposing player using your entire body. It’s legal as long as the check is delivered to the upper body and the head is not the principal point of contact.
While these techniques are legal, it’s important to remember that you can still receive a penalty for body checking if you don’t use them properly.
Illegal Body Checking Techniques
There are several body checking techniques that are considered illegal in ice hockey:
- Checking from Behind: This involves making contact with an opposing player who is not aware of your presence and is facing away from you. It’s considered one of the most dangerous types of body checking and can result in a major penalty or even a game misconduct.
- Head Contact: This involves making contact with an opposing player’s head, either intentionally or unintentionally. It’s illegal and can result in a major penalty or even a game misconduct.
Enforcement of Body Checking Rules
The responsibility for enforcing body checking rules falls to the referees. If a player is caught using an illegal body checking technique, they may receive a penalty, which can range from a minor penalty to a game misconduct or even a suspension. It’s important to remember that the severity of the penalty will depend on the nature of the infraction and the referee’s discretion.
Overall, understanding the rules of body checking is essential for any player who wants to stay safe on the ice. By following these guidelines and using legal body checking techniques, players can minimize the risk of injury to themselves and others while still playing a fast-paced and exciting game.
Types of Illegal Checks in Hockey
Illegal checks are one of the most penalized infractions in ice hockey, as it puts the safety of players at risk. To ensure that the game remains safe, it is important to understand the different types of illegal checks.
Here are the most common types of illegal checks in hockey:
Boarding
Boarding is a type of illegal check where a player violently pushes or slams another player into the boards. This can cause serious injuries, particularly to the head and neck. To avoid boarding penalties, players should avoid hitting their opponents from behind or hitting them too hard near the boards.
Charging
Charging is another type of illegal check, where a player skates towards an opponent with excessive speed and then checks them. This can cause serious injuries, particularly if the player being checked is not expecting the hit. To avoid charging penalties, players should avoid taking long strides when approaching an opponent and should instead glide into the hit.
Cross-checking
Cross-checking is when a player uses the shaft of their stick to forcefully push or hit an opponent. This can cause serious injuries, particularly to the back and neck. To avoid cross-checking penalties, players should keep their stick below the shoulders and use their body to check their opponent.
By understanding these different types of illegal checks, players can avoid penalties and ensure the safety of everyone on the ice. It is important to prioritize safety over any other aspect of the game.
Penalties for Illegal Checks
Penalties for Illegal Checks in hockey can be severe and costly. Depending on the severity of the infraction, a player can face a range of penalties from a minor penalty to a major penalty and even game misconduct or suspension. It is important for players to understand the rules and regulations regarding illegal checks and the consequences for breaking them.
Here are some of the consequences that players can face for illegal checks:
Minor Penalty
- A minor penalty is called for any illegal check that results in minimal physical contact or interference with the opposing player.
- The offending player is sent to the penalty box for two minutes.
- The player’s team must play short-handed for the duration of the penalty or until the opposing team scores a power-play goal.
Major Penalty
For more severe illegal checks, a major penalty is called. These can include hits to the head or boarding, which is when a player hits an opponent into the boards from behind.
- A major penalty is given for any illegal check that causes injury or is deemed excessively violent.
- The offending player is sent to the penalty box for five minutes.
- The player’s team must play short-handed for the duration of the penalty or until the opposing team scores a power-play goal.
Game Misconduct or Suspension
In extreme cases of illegal checks, a player can face a game misconduct penalty or even a suspension from the league. These can include hits to the head or blindside hits, which are when a player hits an opponent from the side or behind, and the opponent is unable to see the hit coming.
- A game misconduct penalty is given for any illegal check that is deemed excessively violent or causes significant injury.
- The offending player is ejected from the game and must leave the playing surface immediately.
- The player may also face additional disciplinary action from the league, including a suspension and fine.
It is important for players to play within the rules of the game and avoid illegal checks. Understanding the penalties that can result from breaking these rules can help players stay safe and avoid costly mistakes on the ice.
The Role of Referees in Enforcing Checking Rules
Referees play a critical role in ensuring the safety of players on the ice by enforcing checking rules. They are responsible for assessing penalties for illegal checks, and penalizing players who violate the rules of the game. Additionally, they have the authority to eject players from the game or impose fines for particularly egregious infractions.
However, it can be challenging for referees to make split-second decisions in fast-paced games where players are constantly moving. This is where instant replay and video review can be extremely helpful in ensuring the correct calls are made.
Ways Referees Enforce Checking Rules
- Issuing penalties for illegal checks
- Imposing fines or ejecting players for severe infractions
- Using instant replay and video review to ensure accurate calls
Importance of Consistent Enforcement
Consistent enforcement of checking rules is critical to maintaining player safety and ensuring a fair game. If referees are not consistent in their calls, players may feel compelled to take matters into their own hands, leading to retaliation and dangerous play. Additionally, consistent enforcement helps players to understand what is and is not allowed on the ice, reducing the risk of injury and making the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.
It is also important for referees to communicate with players and coaches, both on and off the ice. This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding the rules and that there is a mutual understanding of what is expected on the ice.
Challenges Faced by Referees
- Making split-second decisions in fast-paced games
- Enforcing rules in a way that is consistent and fair to all players
- Managing emotions and reactions from players and coaches during and after games
How to Protect Yourself from Illegal Checks
Illegal checks can cause serious injuries to players on the ice, and it’s important for everyone to do their part in preventing them. Here are some tips to help protect yourself from illegal checks:
Be aware of your surroundings. Always know where other players are on the ice and be aware of their movements. This will help you avoid collisions and illegal checks.
Keep your head up. Keeping your head up and looking around will give you a better view of the ice and help you see any potential dangers, such as an incoming illegal check.
Protective Gear
Wear proper protective gear. Wearing the right protective gear can greatly reduce the risk of injury from illegal checks. Make sure to wear a helmet with a full face cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, and a protective cup.
Make sure your equipment fits properly. Equipment that doesn’t fit properly can shift during play, leaving you vulnerable to injury. Make sure your equipment fits snugly and is adjusted properly before playing.
Playing Safely
- Play within your abilities. Don’t take unnecessary risks or try to do things that are beyond your skill level. This can lead to dangerous situations and increase your risk of being the victim of an illegal check.
- Communicate with your teammates. Communication is key in preventing collisions and illegal checks. Let your teammates know where you are on the ice and what you plan to do, and ask them to do the same.
- Stay in control. Maintain control of your movements on the ice and avoid reckless behavior, such as charging or checking from behind. This will help keep you and other players safe.
By following these tips and playing safely on the ice, you can reduce your risk of injury from illegal checks. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings, wear proper protective gear, and play within your abilities.
Proper Technique for Delivering a Legal Check
Delivering a legal check is a key part of ice hockey, and doing so properly is essential for both players’ safety and for avoiding penalties. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re delivering a check legally:
Positioning: Proper body positioning is important when delivering a check. You should aim to keep your head up, shoulders level, and knees bent. Make sure to keep your elbows in and avoid leading with your stick or using your arms to push your opponent.
Timing: Timing is critical when delivering a check. You should aim to deliver a check as soon as possible after your opponent gains possession of the puck, but avoid delivering a check after they have passed the puck or are in a vulnerable position.
Proper Follow-Through
Follow-Through: Proper follow-through is important when delivering a check. Once you have made contact, make sure to push through your opponent and maintain your balance. Avoid using excessive force or delivering a check with the intent to injure.
Legal Zones for Checking
- Neutral Zone: In the neutral zone, you are allowed to deliver a check as long as you make contact with your opponent’s shoulder and not their head or back.
- Defensive Zone: In the defensive zone, you are allowed to deliver a check to any player who has possession of the puck.
- Offensive Zone: In the offensive zone, you are only allowed to deliver a check to a player who has possession of the puck, or a player who is within reach of the puck.
Remember, proper technique and following the rules of the game are essential for keeping everyone safe and enjoying the sport of ice hockey. By following these tips, you can deliver a legal check and avoid penalties while keeping the game exciting and competitive.
Importance of Fair Play in Hockey
Hockey is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport that requires a high degree of skill and athleticism. While the game can be highly competitive, it is essential that players maintain fair play throughout the match. Fair play is a critical aspect of any sport, and hockey is no exception. When players adhere to fair play, it ensures that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice.
Fair play is not only beneficial to the players, but it also sets a positive example for the spectators and the community. By displaying sportsmanship and respect towards their opponents, players can help to foster a sense of community and bring people together. Fair play also helps to promote the values of teamwork, discipline, and respect, which are essential in all areas of life.
Benefits of Fair Play in Hockey
- Reduces Risk of Injury: When players engage in fair play, it helps to minimize the risk of injury. Aggressive play and dirty hits can result in serious injuries and can detract from the overall quality of the game.
- Promotes Sportsmanship: Fair play promotes good sportsmanship and respect towards opponents. Players who engage in fair play are less likely to engage in unsportsmanlike conduct or engage in conflicts with other players.
How to Promote Fair Play in Hockey
- Lead by Example: Coaches and team leaders should set an example by displaying good sportsmanship and encouraging their players to do the same.
- Encourage Respect for Opponents: Players should be reminded to respect their opponents and play within the rules of the game.
- Discourage Aggressive Play: Aggressive play and dirty hits should not be tolerated and should be discouraged by coaches and team leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a legal check in hockey?
A legal check in hockey is a body check that is performed in accordance with the rules of the game. It is a way for a player to use their body to legally separate an opponent from the puck or to prevent them from advancing towards the goal. A legal check must be delivered within the parameters set by the rules of the game, such as not hitting the opposing player from behind, not making contact with the head or neck area, and not using excessive force.
What happens if a player delivers an illegal check?
If a player delivers an illegal check, they will likely receive a penalty from the referee. The severity of the penalty will depend on the nature of the infraction, but it can range from a minor penalty to a major penalty, and in some cases, a game misconduct or match penalty. The opposing team may also be awarded a power play if the infraction is serious enough. Additionally, a player who receives multiple penalties for illegal checks may face further disciplinary action from the league.
Are there different types of checks in hockey?
Yes, there are several different types of checks in hockey. A body check is the most common type of check, but there are also stick checks, where a player uses their stick to try to poke the puck away from an opponent, and hip checks, where a player uses their hip to knock an opponent off balance. All checks must be delivered legally, within the rules of the game, and without putting the opposing player at risk of injury.
Why is fair play important in hockey?
Fair play is important in hockey because it helps to ensure the safety of all players and promotes a level playing field for all teams. By following the rules of the game and showing respect for opponents, players can reduce the risk of injury and ensure that the outcome of the game is determined by skill and strategy, rather than unsportsmanlike conduct. Fair play also helps to promote the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for others, which are important not only in hockey, but in all aspects of life.