Charging is when a player:
- Jumps to check an opponent.
- Builds up speed by taking two or more strides immediately prior to making contact.
- Travels an excessive distance with the sole purpose of delivering such a hit.
- Violently and unnecessarily checks an opponent in any manner.
- Delivers a body check to an opponent’s blind side.
A “charge” may be the result of a check into the boards, into the goal frame or in open ice.
A Minor penalty will be assessed to any player who charges an opponent.
Note 1: A blindside hit will be defined as an ‘open-ice body check that is delivered from an angle of approach outside a 90° peripheral point of view of a vulnerable opponent, whether or not the player has the puck. Should an open-ice body check be delivered from within a 90º angle of approach and the check is otherwise legal in all other aspects, then no penalty would be assessed.
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 charging.
If a player is injured, as the result of a charging 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 charges an opponent in such a way that they are unable to defend themselves or who deliberately attempts to injure an opponent by charging.
No Misconduct penalty may be assessed for charging.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed any time a Major penalty is assessed for Charging, as detailed under Rule 7.4 (b).
INTERPRETATIONS | |
Interpretation 1 | Rule 7.4 (a) For the purpose of this rule, a “jumping” action will be defined as when a player’s feet leave the ice prior to making body contact with their opponent. If a player’s feet come off the ice after contact is made with their opponent, during an otherwise legal check, this will NOT be considered a Charging penalty because the player’s skates were on the ice at the time of body contact |
Interpretation 2 | Rule 7.4 (b) Where a goaltender is contacted by an attacking player in their crease and that action could be described as charging, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty for Interference must be assessed (see Rule 8.5 (b) – Interference with the Goaltender). |
I've got a strong background in sports regulations, particularly in ice hockey rules and penalties. This piece about charging in hockey is pretty detailed! Charging is a penalized action involving excessive force or distance traveled before delivering a hit. It's important to note that these penalties can range from minors to majors, and even escalate to match penalties based on the severity of the impact or the intent to injure.
Here's a breakdown of the concepts used in the article:
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Charging: This is when a player travels a significant distance or builds up speed to deliver a hit with excessive force, often resulting in a penalty.
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Jumping: When a player's feet leave the ice before making body contact with an opponent. If a player's skates leave the ice after contact is made, it doesn't count as charging.
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Blindside Hit: An open-ice body check delivered from an angle outside a 90° peripheral view of a vulnerable opponent, with or without possession of the puck.
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Penalties: Various penalties are associated with charging depending on the severity: Minor penalties for charging, Major penalties with a Game Misconduct penalty if injury occurs, and a Match penalty for deliberate attempts to injure or inability to defend oneself.
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Interpretations: These clarify specific scenarios. Interpretation 1 distinguishes a jumping action as feet leaving the ice before making contact. Interpretation 2 addresses situations involving goaltenders in their crease, considering charging as interference and penalizing accordingly.
This information aims to maintain player safety and fair play within the context of hockey. Understanding these rules and interpretations is crucial for players, referees, and spectators alike to ensure the game is played safely and within the guidelines.
