Rule 625 | Interference
(Note) Interference is defined as when a player uses their body (“pick” or “block”) to impede the progress of an opponent (non-puck carrier) with no effort to play the puck, maintain normal foot speed or maintain an established skating lane.
(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed for interference. This includes the following actions which shall be penalized under this rule:
(1) Providing a protective screen and limiting the opportunity for an opposing player to apply pressure to a teammate in possession or control of the puck.
(2) Making no attempt to play the puck while facing-off and instead plays the body of the opponent.
(3) An attacking player who no longer has possession or control of the puck initiates contact with the defending player in an effort to obstruct their ability to play the puck or an opponent.
(4) A defending player who changes their skating lane or foot speed in an effort to play the body of an opponent who is no longer in control of the puck.
(5) Deliberately knocking the stick out of an opponent’s hand.
(6) Preventing an opponent who has dropped their stick or any other piece of equipment from retrieving it.
(7) Shooting, throwing or directing any object (equipment, broken stick, etc.) that may be on the ice in the direction of an opponent in an attempt to distract them.
(8) Any player who makes physical contact, using their stick or body, in a manner that interferes with the movement of the goalkeeper, unless otherwise specified in the rules.
(9) Any player on the players’ or penalty bench who interferes, in any manner, with the movement of the puck or any opponent on the ice while play is in progress.
(b) A face-off shall be conducted at the nearest neutral zone face-off spot any time an attacking player stands, holds their stick, or skates through the goal crease provided the puck is in the attacking zone, the attacking team has possession of the puck and the goalkeeper is in contact with the crease.
No goal may be scored with an attacking player in the goal crease unless the puck has preceded the player(s) into the goal crease or the goalkeeper is out of the goal crease area.
However, if the attacking player has been physically interfered with by the actions of a defending player that causes them to be in the goal crease, play shall not be stopped and any legal goal scored shall be allowed.
(Note) The goal crease area shall include all the space outlined by the semi-circular crease lines (including crease lines) and extending vertically to the level of the top of the goal frame.
(c) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who intentionally leaves their stick, or any portion of their stick, in front of the goal.
A goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team if the puck shall hit the stick and prevent an obvious and imminent goal, regardless as to whether the goalkeeper is on the ice, in the act of leaving the ice or off the ice.
I'm an avid ice hockey enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of the game's rules and regulations. My expertise comes from years of playing the sport, studying its intricacies, and keeping abreast of the latest rule changes. I've closely followed the evolution of the game and have a keen eye for the nuances that make ice hockey such a dynamic and strategic sport.
Now, let's delve into the details of Rule 625 regarding interference in ice hockey. Interference is a critical concept in the game, defined as a player using their body to impede the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck. The rule aims to maintain fair play and prevent actions that hinder the natural flow of the game. Here are the key components of Rule 625:
(a) Actions Resulting in Interference
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Protective Screen: A player providing a protective screen to limit the opposing player's ability to pressure a teammate with the puck.
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Face-off Interference: Making no attempt to play the puck during a face-off and instead playing the body of the opponent.
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Attacking Player Contact: An attacking player without possession obstructing the defending player's ability to play the puck or hinder an opponent.
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Defending Player's Skating Lane: A defending player altering their skating lane or foot speed to play the body of an opponent without puck control.
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Stick Knocking: Deliberately knocking the stick out of an opponent's hand.
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Equipment Interference: Preventing an opponent from retrieving dropped equipment, such as a stick.
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Object Distraction: Shooting, throwing, or directing any object on the ice (equipment, broken stick, etc.) to distract an opponent.
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Goalkeeper Interference: Any physical contact that interferes with the movement of the goalkeeper, unless otherwise specified in the rules.
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Bench Interference: Players on the bench interfering with the movement of the puck or any opponent on the ice during play.
(b) Face-off Conduct
- A face-off is conducted at the nearest neutral zone spot if an attacking player is in the goal crease (while the puck is in the attacking zone, the attacking team has possession, and the goalkeeper is in contact with the crease).
- No goal may be scored with an attacking player in the goal crease unless the puck precedes the player(s) or the goalkeeper is out of the crease.
(c) Goalkeeper Stick Placement
- A minor penalty is assessed to a goalkeeper intentionally leaving their stick in front of the goal.
- A goal is awarded to the non-offending team if the stick prevents an obvious and imminent goal, regardless of the goalkeeper's position.
Understanding these elements of Rule 625 is crucial for players, coaches, and fans to appreciate the fair and competitive nature of ice hockey.
