Last updated: Sep 19, 2023
A high-sticking penalty in hockey occurs when a player makes contact with an opposing player above the shoulders using their stick.
High-sticking penalties occur most often when two opposing players are fighting for possession of the puck, and one player gains that possession, and the other works to take back the puck with a stick lift. When the stick lift is not executed correctly, it can miss the puck and hit a player in the head, which would result in a high-sticking penalty. This action can result in a penalty regardless of whether it was accidental or intentional.
Table of Contents
- High-Sticking Penalty
- High-Sticking the Puck
- Referee Signal
- Examples
- Helpful Links
- Similar Penalties to High-Sticking
- FAQ
High-Sticking Penalty
A high-sticking penalty can be a minor, double-minor, major penalty, or game misconduct, depending on the severity of the infraction. A two-minute minor penalty will be called when the infraction seems to have been accidental.
High-Sticking the Puck
If a player touches a puck above the height of the crossbar, around shoulder height, play will be whistled dead.Unlike a high-sticking penalty, high-sticking the puck only results in the play being whistled dead, followed by a face-off in your defensive zone. If a puck is tipped into the net by a player’s stick above the height of the crossbar, the goal will be disallowed, and a face-off will take place outside the zone.
Referee Signal
To signal a high-sticking penalty, the referee will clench both of their fists and hold them one over the other near the side of the head, mimicking a stick being held straight in the air.When calling a high-sticking penalty, the referee will stand in front of the scorer’s box and signal to let the off-ice officials know a high-sticking penalty is being called. For a high-stick on the puck, the referee will instead make this motion to the players and coaches after play is whistled dead.
Examples
Below are a few examples of high-sticking in ice hockey that count as penalties and do not count as penalties:
Penalty High-Sticking
Example 1: A player engaged in a battle for the puck mistimes a stick lift on their opponent and accidentally strikes them in the chin. A minor penalty for high-sticking will be called.
Example 2: A player is backchecking and accidentally lifts their stick into an opponent's nose, causing them to bleed as a result. A double-minor for high-sticking with injury will be called.
Example 3: A player sees a teammate losing in a fight and proceeds to hit the opposing player over the head with their stick. A game misconduct penalty for high-sticking will be assessed.
Non-Penalty High-Sticking
Example 1: A player scores a goal by tipping the puck out of the air, above shoulder height, into the net. The goal will be disallowed, and a face-off will take place in the neutral zone.
Example 2: A player tips the puck out of midair, well above shoulder height. If a teammate touches the puck, the play will be whistled dead, and a face-off will take place in the player’s defensive zone. If an opponent touches the puck first, the high-stick will be waived.
Helpful Links
FAQ
Why is high-sticking a penalty?
High-sticking is a penalty because it is a dangerous action, and players are held accountable for being in control of their hockey sticks at all times during a game.High-sticking is assessed as either a minor or major penalty, depending on the severity of the action. If intentional, this action has the potential to seriously harm or injure players. This move is inherently dangerous and is therefore banned by the rules of hockey.
Can a goalie high-stick the puck?
No players or goalies are allowed to high-stick the puck.If a goalie uses their stick to bring down a puck that is above shoulder height, the referee will stop the play, and a face-off will take place. The goalie will typically not be called for high-sticking in the net, as they more often than not use their hands to bring down the puck or save a goal. It is when the goalie is out of the net that high-sticking could be called.
Is the hockey stick allowed over your head and why?
Hockey sticks are not allowed to be swung over shoulder height.No players are allowed to contact the puck with any part of a hockey stick above the shoulders. This is an illegal move in hockey because it is an extremely dangerous action that can result in injury if a player is struck in the head. Players usually knock the puck out of the air with their hands when it is above shoulder height.
How high can you swing a hockey stick?
The general rule is that a hockey stick can be swung below shoulder height.High-sticking penalties will be called if a player’s stick makes contact with an opposing player above shoulder height. However, if a player contacts the puck with their stick above shoulder height, the play will be stopped by the referees, and a face-offwill occur in the defensive zone of the guilty party.
Pages Related to What Is High Sticking In Hockey?
Certainly! High-sticking in ice hockey is a critical penalty that arises when a player uses their stick to make contact with an opponent above the shoulders. This action can occur during battles for puck possession, particularly when a player attempts a stick lift and inadvertently strikes an opposing player's head or upper body.
The penalty severity ranges from a minor penalty to a game misconduct, contingent upon the intent and the degree of the infraction. Accidental instances may lead to a two-minute minor penalty, while more severe actions, such as deliberate hits to an opponent's head, could result in a game misconduct.
There's a distinction between high-sticking the puck and a high-sticking penalty. High-sticking the puck happens when a player touches the puck above the crossbar's height, leading to a stoppage of play and a face-off in the defensive zone. If a goal is scored with a high-stick, it will be disallowed, and a face-off will occur outside the zone.
Referees signal a high-sticking penalty by clenching both fists and holding them near the side of the head to simulate a stick held straight in the air. They stand in front of the scorer's box to communicate the penalty to off-ice officials.
Examples of high-sticking penalties versus non-penalties clarify what constitutes an infraction. For instance, accidental contact resulting in injury might lead to penalties, while goals scored with a high-stick or incidental touches of the puck above shoulder height would not result in penalties but rather in play stoppage and face-offs.
Regarding other related penalties, actions like hooking, slashing, and spearing bear similarities in their potential to cause harm or injury, resulting in penalties. The underlying reason for penalizing high-sticking lies in its inherent danger. Players must maintain control of their sticks to prevent accidents and injuries during gameplay.
As for the rules, hockey sticks should not be swung above shoulder height to ensure player safety. Contacting the puck with any part of the stick above the shoulders is illegal and can lead to penalties or play stoppage, depending on the situation.
To get deeper into these concepts, referencing resources like the USA Hockey Rulebook, specific situations, and videos on high-sticking can provide a comprehensive understanding of the rules and nuances associated with this penalty in ice hockey.
