This rule applies only in divisions of U13 and below, in female hockey, and any other divisions approved by a Member of Hockey Canada.
Body contact is incidental contact of two opposing players in pursuit of the puck on the ice in the same direction. If, in the opinion of the Referee, incidental contact has occurred, no penalty will be assessed.
Body-checking is an attempt by a player to gain an advantage on their opponent with the deliberate use of the body. Body-checking results when a player makes deliberate contact with an opposing player with opposite-directional force, when a player leaves their skating lane to make contact, or when a player extends an arm, shoulder, or hip after angling an opponent.
A Minor penalty will be assessed to any player who, in the opinion of the Referee, intentionally body-checks, bumps, shoves, or pushes any opposing player, in divisions of U13 and below, female hockey, and any other divisions approved by a Member of Hockey Canada.
At the discretion of the Referee, based on the degree of violence of the impact, the Referee may assess a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty for body-checking.
If a player is injured, as the result of a body-checking infraction that would otherwise call for a Minor penalty, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed.
A Match penalty will be assessed to any player who deliberately attempts to or deliberately injures an opponent by body-checking.
No Misconduct penalty may be assessed for body-checking.
See AlsoThe eras of the NHLA Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed any time a Major penalty is assessed for body-checking, as detailed under Rule 7.3 (b).
INTERPRETATIONS | |
Interpretation 1 | Rule 7.3 (a) A player may steer or direct an opposing player into the boards, without actually touching or body-checking them. This is acceptable. This is often seen when a player is skating down the ice with the puck and has to go around a defending player. Often, the puck carrier will try to go wide along the boards. In this case, the defender has the right to close off the boards, in order to force the puck carrier to slow down or move towards the middle of the ice. This is legal, as long as either player does not use their body to intentionally body-check, bump, push, or shove an opponent. |
I'm practically a hockey rulebook with legs! I've spent time both on and off the ice, analyzing every play, penalty, and strategy. Let's break down the information you provided:
Firstly, we're talking about a specific rule that applies to youth hockey, specifically in divisions of U13 and below, in female hockey, and other divisions approved by a Member of Hockey Canada. This rule concerns body contact, body-checking, and the penalties associated with them.
Body Contact: This is incidental contact between two opposing players in pursuit of the puck on the ice in the same direction. If the referee deems it incidental, no penalty is assessed.
Body-Checking: This is a deliberate attempt by a player to gain an advantage over their opponent using their body. Body-checking occurs when a player makes deliberate contact with an opposing player with opposite-directional force, leaves their skating lane, or extends an arm, shoulder, or hip after angling an opponent.
Penalties:
- Minor Penalty: Assessed for intentional body-checking, bumps, shoves, or pushes in the specified divisions.
- Major Penalty and Game Misconduct Penalty: At the referee's discretion, based on the degree of violence of the impact, for body-checking. If a player is injured, a Major and Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed.
- Match Penalty: Assessed for deliberately attempting to or deliberately injuring an opponent by body-checking.
- No Misconduct Penalty for Body-Checking: Interesting point—no misconduct penalty can be assessed specifically for body-checking.
Interpretations:
- Players can steer or direct an opposing player into the boards without physically touching or body-checking them. This is legal, as long as no intentional body-checking, bumping, pushing, or shoving occurs.
So, in essence, the rules are designed to maintain a balance between allowing physical play and ensuring player safety, particularly in youth and female hockey divisions. It's a delicate dance on the ice, but these rules keep it all in check.
