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Last updated: Jan 24, 2024
There are several lines and markings on an ice hockey rink that help in positioning players and enforcing the rules. Restraining lines are important markings that regulate where players take face-offs. Keep reading to learn how restraining lines work in hockey.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Restraining Lines in Hockey?
- Where Are the Restraining Lines Located?
- What Are the Restraining Lines Used For?
- Face-Off Violations
- FAQ
What Are the Restraining Lines in Hockey?
The hockey restraining lines are markings in the face-off circle that indicate where players should be positioned when a face-off occurs on the ice.
On the outside of the face-off circle, there are two pairs of markings known as hash marks. Typically, the hash marks are red in color, on either side of the face-off circle and parallel to the goal line.The restraining lines are different from the hash marks.
Where Are the Restraining Lines Located?
The restraining lines can be found on the inside of the circle rather than the outside.In each face-off circle (besides the center circle), there are four “L” shaped markings in the center of the area.The restraining lines are only two inches wide and less than four feet by three feet long.Similar to the hash marks, they are usually marked in the color red. The color red is very easy to see and identify when on the ice.
What Are the Restraining Lines Used For?
Centers typically take the face-offs for their respective teams. When the centers are taking the face-off, they are required to properly position themselves behind the restraining lines.To avoid being called for a penalty, each center needs to position their feet on either side of the restraining lines that are parallel to the side boards.However, contact with the lines is allowed.
As the player approaches the face-off spot, the toe of their blade is not permitted to cross over the restraining lines that are perpendicular to the sideboards.If a player doesn’t comply with the position or face-off procedures, it will result in a face-off violation.The referees are carefully watching for this violation. The restraining lines are designed for both players inside the face-off circle to have a fair chance of winning the possession.
Face-Off Violations
If a player is not lined up properly on the face-off spot, a face-off violation will be called.Usually, the first time a player violates face-off procedures, they will be thrown out of the face-off and must be replaced by a teammate. Any subsequent face-off violations will result in a two-minute penalty.
FAQ
How many restraining lines are on the ice?
There are a total of 16 restraining lines marking the face-off circles.Besides the center face-off area, there are four other face-off circles on the ice. There are two face-off circles on either side of the ice. This means there are four “L” shaped restraining lines in each face-off circle.There are two pairs of restraining lines in each circle. Each pair is dedicated to one of the centers taking the face-off.
