Can a goalie cover the puck outside the crease? (2024)

The NHL loves to have the game of hockey play fast with few stoppages. This is one of the reasons that the goalie is the only player that is allowed to cover the puck in hockey to freeze the puck. However, where exactly is the goalie allowed to freeze the puck in hockey? Is it just in the crease?

There are certain times when a goalie is allowed to cover the puck outside of his crease (An in depth look at the purpose of the goalie crease) . The rules allow a goalie to cover the puck outside the crease if it is part of blocking a shot then freezing the puck immediately. Otherwise, a goalie who comes outside of the crease to freeze the puck will be assessed a 2 minute penalty for delay of game.

Let’s look at this rule more in-depth and some of the situations that can apply!

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Why goalies leave their crease to stop pucks

Playing goalie is a difficult job – it is not easy to see and stop a puck that is travelling at 100mph!

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One of the most common strategies for a goalie to stop a puck is what is termed ‘cutting down the angles’. Since it is so hard to simply react and move your body in time to stop a puck that is going 100 mph, the best strategy to make a save is to create a smaller target for the shooter to hit. By coming further out of the net towards the shooter, the goalie is able to cover more of the net thus reducing the shooting area – he has cut down the angle.

When you watch hockey the commentator will often criticize a goalie for playing too far back in his crease. This is because the shooter will be able to see too much of the net to shoot at and the goalie simply does not have a reaction time quick enough to stop the puck.

So the goalie in his attempt to cut down the angle needs to come out of his crease or play at the top of his crease to have the best opportunity to cut down the angle and make the save.

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When the goalie legally covers the puck outside of the crease?

Since the goalie’s strategy is to come out from the goal line and the crease to stop the puck, often a goalie will stop the puck outside the crease either catching the puck there or having the puck fall to the ice and then covering it up. Both of these situations are perfectly legal.

The goalie is allowed to come out of the crease, stop the shot, and cover up the puck when it is in an act of making a save in a puck directed towards the net. This play happens dozens of times each game, and is something you will see all the time.

In addition, sometimes you will see the goaltender reach outside the goal crease and cover up a puck that is coming by, but not at the net. This is perfectly legal as well as long as there is some amount of pressure by the opposing team and the goalie has part of his body in the crease area.


When will the goalie be penalized for covering the puck outside the crease?

There are instances when a goalie will be penalized if they cover the puck outside of the crease area.

Let’s look at a few examples:

Let’s say a goalkeeper leaves the crease in a foot race with one of the forwards from the opposing team and gets to the puck and falls on it to freeze it. Should the goaltender be penalized?

Yes, the goaltender in this case is not in the act of making a save on a shot from an opposing player but simply comes out of his crease to jump on a loose puck and, therefore, is assessed a delay of game. When a goaltender comes out of his crease to play a loose puck they have an obligation just like any other player to move the puck and keep the flow of the game.

Another example would be a goaltender who saves a puck and then drops the puck to his stick to put the puck back into play. Could the goaltender after playing the puck to his stick drop down and cover the puck and force a stoppage of play? If there is no immediate opposing player in the vicinity the goalie will be assessed a minor penalty for delay of game.

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Sometimes a goalie will drop the puck to his stick to only cover it again quickly if an opposing player is closer than he first thought and wants to take no chances of turning over the puck. However, if there is not opposing player close to him and he still covers the puck than a penalty will definitely be assessed. If the goalie had sufficient time to drop the puck to the ice, he is determined to have sufficient time to move the puck without having to cover it up.


Can a goalie be assessed a delay of penalty for covering up the puck in his own crease?

Yes, there are situations a goalie can be assessed a delay of penalty for covering the puck even in his crease. If the puck was to be shot on goal and there is no opposing player anywhere close to the puck and the goalie simply freezes the puck, then he will be called for a delay of game.

This is to prevent the situation where a puck has simply been fired down the ice by the opposing and goes to the goalie, and instead of the goalie playing the puck he stops it even though no player is closing in on him. The NHL wants to keep the flow of the game going and prevent unnecessary whistles. Therefore, when a goalie stops the pucks without any pressure around him this is deemed unnecessary and is assessed a delay of game penalty.

Can a goalie cover the puck outside the crease? (2024)

FAQs

How far out of the crease can a goalie cover the puck? ›

The official 'trapezoid' rule: 27.8 Restricted Area – A goalkeeper shall not play the puck outside of the designated area behind the net. This area shall be defined by lines that begin six feet (6') from either goal post and extend diagonally to points twenty-eight feet (28') apart at the end boards.

Can you hit goalie outside the crease? ›

In all cases in which an attacking player initiates intentional or deliberate contact with a goalkeeper, whether or not the goalkeeper is inside or outside the goal crease, and whether or not a goal is scored, the attacking player will receive a penalty.

Can a player cover puck in crease? ›

Conversely, defensive players in the crease area are prohibited from covering or grabbing the puck, concealing it or taking it out of play, or the official can award a penalty shot for the attacking team.

Are goalies fair game out of the crease? ›

Is a player able to bodycheck the goalie like any other opponent on the ice? The goalie in hockey is not allowed to be hit by a player. There is no instance where the goalie is 'fair game' and allowed to be checked like a regular skater, even if the goaltender is handling the puck outside of the crease area.

What is the crease rule in hockey? ›

In the NHL, the crease -- also known as the "goal crease" -- is the area of ice directly in front of the net, identified by a red border and blue interior. An attacking player is not allowed to precede the puck into the crease, though the referee is instructed to use his discretion in enforcing this rule.

Can a puck go through a goalie mask? ›

Ensuring Your Goalie Mask is Properly Certified

The cat-eye cage is illegal at every amateur level of hockey because it lacks certification from the CSA — not, as many people mistakenly think, because the puck can fit through the openings (it can't), but because the butt-end of a stick can.

What a goalie should not do? ›

Goalies should not stay back, flat footed, on the goal line. Be ready to come out. There is nothing worse than rolling the ball right into the feet of the opponent. Don't act quickly as a goalie, instead, take your time and make the right judgement!

Who is not allowed in the goalie crease? ›

No contact to a goalie is permitted while the goalie is in the crease. Again, a player can go into the crease, but if there is any contact towards the goalie (incidental or otherwise) this will result in a no goal call or a 2 minute penalty for interference.

Can goalkeeper touch ball with hand outside box? ›

1️⃣ Once goalkeepers leave their penalty area, they are considered 'normal' players and their right to handle the ball does not exist. 2️⃣ Since 2021, Law 12 emphasises that “NOT EVERY TOUCH of a player's hand/arm with the ball is an offence”. This applies also to goalkeepers outside their penalty area.

What player is allowed inside the crease? ›

Only the goalkeeper and defensive players are allowed inside the crease during a lacrosse game, and the goaltender is the only player who is allowed to control the ball inside the crease. Each lacrosse field has two creases, one around each team's net.

Can a hockey team Dress 3 goalies? ›

Teams may dress up to 19 skaters in a game. Goaltenders. Teams may dress up to three goaltenders in a game.

Who is the only player that is allowed in the crease? ›

Only the goalie is allowed inside the goal crease. The only exception when another player is allowed in the goal area is when they take off from outside the goal area, and shoots or passes the ball before landing.

Why can't goalies go in the trapezoid? ›

The trapezoid limits the goaltenders puck playing ability, by giving them a limited amount of space behind the goal line. Since the 2004-05 lockout, NHL goaltenders have not been able to show their skills with the puck as frequently because of this rule.

How long can a goalie stay in the crease? ›

Your goalie or player has 5 seconds to get the ball out of the crease after stopping and gaining control of it; they must have both feet out to be considered out and once out, they or any other player cannot go back in or through! You can pass to the goalie as much as you want if they are out of the crease.

Can a goalie cross the red line? ›

(c) If a goalkeeper deliberately participates in the play in any manner when they are beyond the center red line, a minor penalty shall be assessed.

Can a goalie freeze the puck outside the crease? ›

The rules allow a goalie to cover the puck outside the crease if it is part of blocking a shot then freezing the puck immediately. Otherwise, a goalie who comes outside of the crease to freeze the puck will be assessed a 2 minute penalty for delay of game.

Where should a goalie play in the crease? ›

Also, while the puck is in the opposite end of the ice rink or near the center red line, the goaltender should be in the center of the crease between defensive and conservative depth, ready to move to aggressive depth as the play nears the defensive zone.

What is crease violation? ›

Crease Violation—An offensive player cannot touch or enter the circle around the goal. If a player is shooting and steps in the crease, the goal will not count. Offsides—Offsides occurs when there are too many offensive or defensive players on a particular side of the field.

Why can't goalies have colored tape at the top of their stick? ›

A black knob on the end of a goaltender's stick could easily be mistaken as a puck. And when the rule was written years ago, players had two tape colors to choose from. Black and white. By mandating goaltenders use white tape, the NHL was lessening the chance of blown calls by the goal judges.

Can a goalie take his helmet off? ›

A minor penalty for delay of game shall be assessed to a goalkeeper or skater who causes a stoppage of play by deliberately removing their helmet/facemask during play.

Who was the last goalie to not wear a mask? ›

The subject today is Andy Brown, the last NHL goalie to play without a mask. Andy Brown's nickname was "Fearless." It was well-earned. Brown turned pro in 1965 and for the next dozen years guarded his crease without wearing a mask.

What is the most important thing a goalie has to do? ›

Quick Reflexes

Having quick reflexes is the most important aspect of all goalies. Having poor reflexes is like jumping into water without knowing how to swim. Reflexes is something that will not come by itself, you have to practice on it often and regularly.

Do goalkeepers need to be strong? ›

Goalkeepers need to be physically strong in order to out-muscle opposing players and keep hold of hard shots.

When can a goalkeeper not touch the ball? ›

In association football, the back-pass rule prohibits the goalkeeper from handling the ball in most cases when it is passed to them by a team-mate. It is described in Law 12, Section 2 of the Laws of the Game.

Why can't goalies play the puck in the corners? ›

The goaltenders are only allowed to play the puck inside of the trapezoid when the puck goes behind the net. The idea was that this would limit the goaltender's ability to retrieve the puck for their team and would give the attacking team a greater chance at winning possession of the puck deep in their offensive zone.

Can you score with a foot in the crease? ›

An automatic goal will be awarded if a defensive player throws a stick and/or enters the crease to prevent the puck from entering the net. No goal can be scored while an offensive player's feet are in the crease.

Can goalkeeper kick the ball into the box and then pick it up? ›

The Goalkeeper IS allowed to go outside the Penalty Box and dribble or kick the ball back inside the Penalty Box and THEN pick it up with his hands. The line that defines the Penalty Box is part of the Penalty Box, so if the ball is touching the line it is defined as being inside the Penalty Box).

How many steps can a goalkeeper take with the ball? ›

From 1 July, referees have been given mandatory instructions not to permit the goalkeeper to take more than four steps while holding the ball as stipulated in Law 12, and if the goalie holds the ball for more than five or six seconds the referee must adjudge this as time-wasting and award an indirect free-kick against ...

Can a goalkeeper save a back pass? ›

The back-pass rule states that a goalkeeper is forbidden to handle the ball when passed to them by a team-mate, according to Law 12, Section 2 of the Laws of the Game.

What does the blue crease mean in hockey? ›

The goalie crease is the area directly in front of the goal that is shaded a blue color and outlined with a red border. The goal crease is the main area that goalies play in during the game, to protect the goal; although they are not restricted to only playing in this area.

Can you score a goal from inside the crease? ›

In a nutshell, the rule is “If you're in the crease, any goal scored by your team doesn't count”. If a player shoots while standing in the crease, even if his toes are just touching the crease line, no goal. If it's his teammate who's in or touching the crease, no goal.

Can a hockey goalie go to the penalty box? ›

While goaltenders can be assessed penalties, a goaltender cannot go to the penalty box and the penalty must be instead served by another player from their team who was on the ice at the time of the infraction (the PIM will be charged to the goaltender).

Why do so many goalies wear 31? ›

Numbers in the thirties were seen as "safe" for goaltenders, since most numbers below thirty were already spoken for by forwards and defensem*n (remember that "high numbers" were essentially-unheard of at this time).

Can you have a 5 on 3 in hockey? ›

Five-on-three hockey is probably the most passive part of the game, as both teams are waiting to see what the opponent does next. Coaches often use a timeout when they get a 5v3 advantage, but why not have a plan and force the opponent to take their timeout instead?

Can you have 2 goalies on the ice? ›

No more than one goaltender per team is permitted to be on the ice at any given time. The rules do not oblige the use of a goaltender and so teams may instead opt to play with an extra skater.

Which player has no red card? ›

Karim Benzema

He has played 413 games for the club and due to his beautiful style of play has not received a red card till now.

Can the goalie use their feet in handball? ›

The goalkeepers job is to prevent players on the opposite team from scoring goals. As the only player on the team, the goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball with his or her feet, however only within the goal area.

Which player has no card in his career? ›

Gary Lineker never received a yellow or red card. It's one of those amazing statistics in football that you struggle to believe is real, but alas, the legendary England striker managed to stay out of the referee's book across a professional career spanning 1978 to 1994.

Can a player lift a goalies stick? ›

Yes. A player may lift the opponent's stick at anytime provided they do not impede their progress.

Can a player hand the goalie's stick? ›

Unlike the rules regarding other players, a goalie can continue to play with the broken stick until he can make it to the bench during a pause in the game to retrieve a new one. He can also be handed a stick from a fellow player; however, this must be considered a legal hand-off.

Why do goalkeepers dive the wrong way? ›

From goalies' perspective, if they dive left or right, at least they are making a strong attempt to stop a shot that had a high chance of getting by them anyway, so they will feel less fault and culpability for the resulting goal.

Can a hockey goalie Cover puck anywhere? ›

27.8 Restricted Area – A goalkeeper shall not play the puck outside of the designated area behind the net. This area shall be defined by lines that begin six feet (6') from either goal post and extend diagonally to points twenty-eight feet (28') apart at the end boards.

What are the rules in the crease? ›

Hockey Crease Rules

Regulations also state that the puck has to enter the crease first before an attacking player can enter; no part of the attacking player's body, or a stick or skate, can enter the crease first, otherwise they're whistled for an infraction.

Can there be goalie interference outside the crease? ›

Incidental contact with a goalkeeper will be permitted, and resulting goals allowed, when such contact is initiated outside of the goal crease, provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such contact."

What are goalkeepers not allowed to do? ›

Goalkeepers have a very physically demanding job. They are the only players allowed to use their hands, except for throw-ins. Because of this, goalkeepers are often injured during breakaways, corner kicks, and free kicks since they put their bodies on the line.

Can you pass back to the goalkeeper with your knee? ›

Therefore, a team-mate can deliberately pass the ball to the goalkeeper by using the knee, leg (above the ankle) or any other part of the body (head, chest etc.), provided that the foot and/or the ankle has not been used at any stage.

Does the 6 second rule still apply to goalkeepers? ›

The goalkeeper is allowed to hold or control the ball with their hands or arms, but they must release and play the ball within six seconds. This rule is loosely enforced, with goalkeepers often getting more time to play the ball without penalty.

How far can a goalie come out of the box? ›

A player from either team can remain in the crease without the ball. A goalie can pick the ball up as long as they have at least one part of their body in the crease. allowed to touch it/pick it up with their hands. Goalies can come out of their crease, but cannot cross half.

How far wide of the crease can you bowl? ›

Although it is considered to have unlimited length (in other words, running across the entire field) the popping crease need only be marked to at least 6 feet (1.8 metres) at right angles to, and on both sides of, the middle of the pitch.

Who is allowed in the crease? ›

Opposing players are allowed to go into the crease as long as they do not interfere or impede his ability to stop the puck. The goalie crease rules have a long history of change. Even if you go back only twenty years ago, a player was not allowed to go into the goal crease at all or the goal would be disallowed.

Can a goalie take his mask off? ›

When a goalkeeper deliberately removes his helmet and/or face mask in order to secure a stoppage of play, the Referee shall stop play as outlined above and in this case asses the goalkeeper a minor penalty for delaying the game.”

How many steps can a goalkeeper take while holding the ball? ›

Due to several time-wasting techniques which were used by goalkeepers, such as bouncing the ball on the ground or throwing it in the air and then catching it again, in the 1960s, the Laws of the game were revised further, and the goalkeeper was given a maximum of four steps to travel while holding, bouncing or throwing ...

Can you pass back to the goalie with your thigh? ›

Goalkeepers are allowed to handle the ball if the ball is played back to them by an action other than a kick or throw-in (such as a header), but defenders are not permitted to attempt to use a deliberate trick to pass the ball to the goalkeeper with a part of the body other than the foot to circumvent the rule.

Can goalie Use hands in big box? ›

Soccer Rules: Goal Keeper Rules

The number one main difference is that inside the penalty box the goalkeeper can touch the ball with any part of their body, most importantly their hands. Rules for Goalies: Once in possession of the ball, they have 6 seconds to pass it to another player.

Whats the highest you can bowl with all spares? ›

So, a game comprised of nothing but spares can produced a score ranging from 100 to 190. If a strike is allowed for the bonus ball in the 10th, the maximum score is 191.

Can you legally bowl with two hands? ›

There are some who cry foul, claiming the two-handed approach is cheating or illegal. The United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the sport's national governing body, studied this issue early on and determined there are no rules violations using the two-handed approach.

Can you bowl a 200 with an open frame? ›

Another way of bowling a 200 score is to cover any open frame with a combination of two doubles or one "triple" (three consecutive strikes during the first eleven frames) and by getting mostly nine pin counts with the spare conversions in non-strike frames.

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