What Is A Crosscheck In Hockey? Discover The Rules And Penalties

Hockey is a fast-paced, physical sport that requires players to skate quickly and make quick decisions. While there are many different techniques and strategies used in hockey, one of the most important aspects of the game is proper checking.

Checking involves using physical force to take control of the puck or prevent an opposing player from making a play. However, there are certain rules and penalties that govern how checking can be done in order to ensure safety for all players on the ice.

One type of checking that is closely watched by referees and officials is the crosscheck. This move involves using both hands on the stick to push an opponent, and it can result in serious injury if not performed correctly.

If you’re new to hockey, or just want to brush up on your understanding of the game’s rules, this article will provide an overview of what a crosscheck is, how it can be properly executed, and the penalties that come with improper use. Whether you’re a player, a coach, or simply a fan of the sport, it’s important to understand the basics of checking in hockey in order to fully appreciate the game and keep everyone safe on the ice.

Definition Of A Crosscheck In Hockey

In hockey, a crosscheck refers to an illegal move where a player uses their stick horizontally and pushes it into an opponent’s body or face. This move can cause serious injuries and is considered dangerous play.

The Basics Of A Crosscheck

A crosscheck involves using the shaft of a hockey stick as a weapon against another player. It is usually done in retaliation for a perceived violation or as a way to intimidate opponents. The NHL has strict rules against crosschecking, and players who use this move can receive minor or major penalties, depending on the severity of the action.

Crosschecks can be delivered with varying degrees of force. Often, they are carried out quickly and discreetly, without referees noticing. When detected, however, a crosscheck is often punished severely, especially if it causes an injury. Repeated offenses may even result in suspension from games.

The Purpose Of A Crosscheck In Hockey

The primary purpose of a crosscheck is to disrupt an opponent’s movement or control. By pushing or striking the opposing player with their stick, the offender can make it difficult for them to pass, shoot, or skate effectively. Some players use this tactic as a way to protect their own team members by intimidating or injuring those on the other side.

Crosschecking is widely regarded as unsportsmanlike behavior in hockey. It poses significant risks for both the offender and victim, and officials have been under pressure to crackdown on such actions. Many teams also discourage their players from adopting aggressive tactics that can harm others, since injury prevention is paramount to maintain player safety and ensures a fair game.

“Using your stick defensively is okay but not dangerously… There’s a fine line between being physical and playing dirty.” -John Mitchell, former NHL player

A crosscheck is an illegal and dangerous move in hockey. It can result in penalties, suspensions, or even injuries to players. While some may argue that it has strategic value, the harms outweigh any benefits. Players and officials are responsible for staying vigilant against this type of unsportsmanlike behavior to maintain fair and safe competition.

How Is A Crosscheck Executed In Hockey?

Using Your Stick To Crosscheck

In hockey, a crosscheck is a physical move where a player hits an opponent with their stick held horizontally in front of them.

Crosschecks can be used to impede the progress of opposing players and are often used when defending against power plays or when jockeying for position in front of the net.

“The NHL rulebook states that ‘a player cannot hit an opponent with his stick above the shoulders, except if the opponent is in possession of the puck'” – The Hockey Writers

Techniques For Executing A Crosscheck

A well-executed crosscheck requires strength, skill, and proper technique. Here are some tips on how to perfect your crosschecking:

• Hold your stick securely with both hands and make sure it’s horizontal in front of you, parallel to the ice.
• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and plant them firmly on the ground to give yourself stability.
• Focus your energy on your upper body as you push the stick forward, aiming at the area between your opponent’s shoulder blades.
• Follow through with your motion, making sure to use your core muscles for extra force.

“A well-timed and executed crosscheck can neutralize even the most skilled opponent” – Pro Stock Hockey

It’s important to note that while crosschecking is a legal move in hockey, there are rules and regulations in place to ensure the safety of all players. It’s up to each individual player to execute this move properly and without causing harm to others.

What Are The Rules Regarding Crosschecking In Hockey?

In hockey, crosschecking refers to the act of hitting an opposing player with both hands on top of your stick. While crosschecking can be an effective way to stop a player from skating or shooting towards the net, it is also considered a penalty if not done within the rules set by the league.

When Crosschecking Is Considered A Penalty

Crosschecking is considered a penalty when it is deemed as being outside the rules of play. This includes any instances where the attacking player is hit with excessive force or where the attacker targets a vulnerable part of the body such as the head or neck area.

If a player gets hit while bending over at the waist, this would also be considered crosschecking and subject to penalties. Similarly, hitting someone who is already down or out of position can result in a penalty for crosschecking regardless of whether they have possession of the puck or not.

What Are The Consequences Of Crosschecking?

The consequences of crosschecking vary depending on the severity of the offense and how often the player has been penalized before. Minor penalties are usually issued for less severe offenses, which means that the offending player must spend two minutes in the penalty box.

If the infraction is particularly egregious, such as targeting the head or causing injury, major penalties might be given instead. These carry a five-minute time period in the penalty box, during which the team will play with one fewer players. Repeat offenders could receive game misconducts or other harsher punishments, depending on the nature of the offense.

What Are The Different Types Of Crosschecking Penalties?

There are four different types of crosschecking penalties in hockey:

• Minor penalty: Two-minute power play for the opposing team
• Double minor penalties: Four consecutive minutes in the penalty box or two separate two-minute minors
• Major penalty: Five consecutive minutes in the penalty box with one fewer players on the offending team.
• Match Penalty: Automatic ejection from game and suspension.

The referee will determine which type of penalty to give depending on the severity of the offense committed by the player. In general, if a player is hit with excessive force or deliberately targeted in a vulnerable area, a more severe penalty such as a major or match penalty is likely to be given.

How Do Referees Determine Crosschecking Penalties?

In order to determine crosschecking penalties in hockey, referees are instructed to look at several factors during the game. First, they consider whether the attacking player had possession of the puck when the crosscheck occurred. If the attacker did have possession, any hit that occurs after the initial check was made may result in a crosschecking penalty.

Next, referees will review the location and intensity of the hit to determine whether it constitutes an illegal use of the stick within the rules of play. If it does, the appropriate penalty will be issued accordingly. However, not all hits are considered to be fouls – referees must take into account both the intent of the player making contact, as well as the circumstances surrounding the incident in question before deciding what kind of action should be taken against them.

“Cross-checking is when you hold your stick horizontally across another player’s body using your hands to push or hit him” – Official Hockey Rulebook

To avoid getting penalized for crosschecking, players need to ensure that they always follow the guidelines set by the league. This includes being aware of their surroundings on the ice and only using their sticks in legal ways to defend themselves or make plays towards the opposing team’s net.

What Are The Penalties For Crosschecking In Hockey?

In hockey, a crosscheck is when a player uses the shaft of their stick to forcefully push an opponent away. This can result in serious injury and is considered a major penalty under the NHL rules.

Minor Penalties For Crosschecking

If a player uses a minor level of force with their crosscheck, they may receive a two-minute minor penalty for crosschecking. This is typically called if a player uses their stick to push or jab at an opponent without using excessive force.

The official NHL rulebook states that “a minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who crosschecks an opponent.” It goes on to explain that this penalty should be called when players make contact from behind or use excessive force.

A crosschecking minor penalty will not result in automatic ejection from the game, but the opposing team will go on the power play for two minutes, putting the penalized team at a disadvantage for that time period.

Major Penalties For Crosschecking

If a player’s crosscheck causes significant injury or is deemed to be excessively violent, they may receive a five-minute major penalty for crosschecking. This means they will be ejected from the game and cannot return until the penalty has expired (unless a goal is scored by the other team).

The official rulebook defines a major crosschecking penalty as follows: “A major penalty, at the discretion of the referee based on the degree of violence, shall be imposed on any player who cross-checks an opponent with unnecessary force.” This includes hits to the head, neck, spine, kidney area, etc.

Under certain circumstances, such as if the player being hit was defenseless or prone, officials may also call a match penalty. A match penalty results in an automatic ejection from the game and a minimum one-game suspension.

Players who receive major penalties for crosschecking can also face additional discipline from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, including fines or suspensions.

“When there is contact to the head — as we just saw with Sidney Crosby last week — that raises the degree of concern,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in a 2011 interview about crosschecking penalties. “We want to do everything possible to make sure players don’t engage in those types of activities.”

Crosschecking in hockey is a serious infraction that can result in both minor and major penalties, as well as additional disciplinary action from the NHL. Players should strive to play within the rules of the game to avoid causing injury to themselves or others.

What Is The Difference Between Crosschecking And Checking In Hockey?

Hockey is an intense, fast-paced sport where physical contact is a part of the game. One aspect of hockey that can confuse people new to the sport is the difference between checking and crosschecking.

Legal Checking Techniques In Hockey

Checking is defined in hockey as “the act of physically blocking an opponent with your body or stick.” It’s an important defensive tactic used to take control of the puck and prevent the other team from scoring.

The legal ways to check an opponent include:

• Using one’s shoulder to make contact with an opposing player’s torso or hip area (body checking)
• Poke-checking, which involves using a long reach with the stick to disrupt the player’s play on the puck, without making body contact
• Lifting the stick from behind the player to lift their stick off the ice so they cannot pass or shoot effectively (stick-lift checking)

In all cases, the objective in legal checking is to gain control of the puck, not just hit the other player for its own sake.

When Checking Becomes Crosschecking

Crosschecking occurs when a player makes a check while holding their stick with both hands and uses it to forcefully push, hack, or strike another player. It’s illegal because it can result in serious injury to players if done improperly. Crosschecking happens most often near the boards and is particularly dangerous when a player’s back is turned or when there isn’t enough space between the boards and the opposing players.

A rule change in 1995 made it illegal to crosscheck in any situation, regardless of whether you are competing for the puck or not. The penalty for crosschecking is a 2-minute minor and, if severe enough, can result in a game misconduct.

Physical Differences Between Checking And Crosschecking

The physical movements between checking and crosschecking are different as well. When body-checking someone with their shoulder or hip, an NHL player typically skates toward the opponent at high speed to maximize the impact of the hit.

On the other hand, when a player crosschecks someone, they will often line themselves up behind them and then use their arms to forcefully push the opposing player’s back into the boards. A crosscheck generally requires less momentum but makes up for that by using the force of a stick.

The Impact Of Checking And Crosschecking On The Game Of Hockey

Checking and crosschecking both have a significant impact on the game of hockey. Legal body checks take skill and precision; it’s used to separate opposing players from the puck and keep them from succeeding at scoring chances. Unlike illegal moves like crosschecking, proper checking techniques require players to be aware of their surroundings, avoid hitting opponents dangerously, and potentially protecting teammates on the ice.

Crosschecking remains a controversial component of hockey because it puts participants in danger unnecessarily. Injuries resulting from crosschecking occur frequently in the sport and can range from bumps and bruises to much more serious injuries such as spinal cord damage or concussions. However, criminal charges related to these types of incidents are rare, especially in professional sports scenarios.

“The risks associated with allowing cross-checks must be balanced against the benefits of continuing to permit body-checks,” -Justice Louis Lebel

While checking and crosschecking may look similar, they have very different outcomes and consequences for hockey players. Understanding the difference between checking and crosschecking is essential for players and fans alike, so they can appreciate how the game’s rules ensure player safety while still allowing the thrilling on-ice action that makes hockey exciting to watch.

How Can Crosschecking Be Prevented In Hockey?

Teaching Proper Stick Use And Checking Techniques

Crosschecking is a dangerous tactic that can lead to serious injuries for players. To prevent crosschecking in hockey, one of the most effective ways is by teaching proper stick use and checking techniques. This not only helps reduce the number of penalties but also ensures player safety.

Proper stick use includes understanding how to hold and maneuver your stick without making unnecessary contact with other players. It involves placing your hands at an appropriate position on the stick, keeping your elbows close to the body, and avoiding swinging the stick carelessly.

In contrast, improper use of the stick leads to careless and reckless behavior such as crosschecking or slashing. Proper stick use must be taught from an early age to help ensure fair play and safety.

Another critical aspect of preventing crosschecking is through teaching proper checking techniques. Players need to learn how to check safely by using their bodies instead of their sticks to make contact with opponents. Coaches should emphasize correct positioning when executing checks, such as staying low and leading with the shoulder.

Players who learn these techniques will have greater control over their actions during games. They will understand that physicality is essential in hockey, but it must be done safely, fairly, and within the rules.

Enforcing Penalties For Crosschecking

The second way to tackle crosschecking is by creating strict policies and consequences for this action. Hockey leagues should enforce stiff penalties against players caught crosschecking opponents. Doing so educates players about the seriousness of this foul, and they are less likely to engage in this sort of wrong conduct.

A stricter enforcement of existing game regulations could help decrease the rate of injuries in the sport. Referees should exercise fair judgment when penalizing players who attempt to crosscheck opponents. They need to send a message that such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The league authorities have the ultimate responsibility of ensuring player safety, and imposing penalties for crosschecking can help achieve these goals. The NHL has been attempting to eliminate crosschecking by reducing its tolerance towards this type of foul over the years, but more needs to be done at all levels of play.

Moreover, coaches must teach their players about the possible consequences of behaving recklessly during games. These are physical injuries and suspensions from matches, which could lead to fines as well. By instilling fear in the minds of players about the severe repercussions, they may desist from indulging in violent tendencies like crosschecking altogether.

“In today’s game, it’s much less common than it used to be because referees make the calls now.” – Terry O’Reilly, former professional hockey player

Crosschecking is one of the most feared actions on the ice due to its potential harm to players. Preventing it requires taking effective action through teaching proper stick use and checking techniques, alongside enforcing strict policies and consequences for those who feel they must resort to it. Coaches, referees, and even players themselves have roles to play in deterring improper conduct during play. Only with concerted efforts of all parties identified above can a safer space be established for all those playing this sport.

Frequently Asked Questions