SECTION TWO : THE PICKUP RULE

1.  During the regular season: In the event a team is short players, and there are at least 4 members of their team present (including the goalie), they may pick up enough players to create 6 skaters on their side.  In the event both teams are short, they may pick up players so both sides have an even number of skaters  (i.e. 5 on a side) up to 6 skaters per side.  During the playoffs, only goalies may be picked up under the provisions of paragraph 2.

2.  A team may pick up a goalie as needed, However, if a team has 9 or more skaters present, one of their skaters must dress as goalie.  This clause applies to both the regular season and the playoffs.

 

Rule 401: Penalties

(a) Penalties shall be actual playing time and shall be divided into the following classes:

1. Minor Penalties
2. Bench Minor Penalties
3. Major Penalties
4. Misconduct Penalties
5. Match Penalties
6. Penalty Shot

(b) When play is not actually in progress and an offense is committed by any player or Team Official, the same penalty shall apply as though play were actually in progress.

Rule 402: Minor Penalties

(a) For a "MINOR PENALTY," any player, other than a goalkeeper, shall be ruled off the playing surface for two minutes, during which time no substitute shall be permitted.

When running time is being played, the penalty will start at the moment the ensuing face-off is conducted. If a minor or bench minor penalty terminates during a stoppage of play, allowing the team to have an additional player on the playing surface, the player so penalized shall remain on the penalty bench until the ensuing face-off is conducted.

(b) For a "BENCH MINOR PENALTY" one player of the penalized team shall be ruled off the playing surface for two minutes, during which time no substitute shall be permitted. Any non-penalized player, other than a goalkeeper, may be designated to serve the penalty by the Coach or Manager and such player shall immediately serve the penalty.

(c) If the opposing team scores a goal while a team is shorthanded by one or more minor or bench minor penalties, the first of such penalties shall automatically terminate.

"Shorthanded" means that the team must be below the numerical strength of its opponents on the playing surface at the time the goal is scored. Thus, if an equal number of players from each team are serving an equal number of minor penalties, neither team is "shorthanded."

This rule shall also apply when a goal is scored on a penalty shot or an awarded goal.

(d) When the minor penalties of two players of the same team terminate at the same time, the Captain of that team shall designate to the Referee which player shall return to the playing surface first and the Referee shall instruct the Penalty Timekeeper accordingly.

(e) When a player receives a major penalty and a minor penalty at the same time, the major penalty shall be served first by the penalized player except if the major penalties are coincident, in which case the minor penalty shall be served first.

(f) When coincident minor penalties are assessed to players of both teams, the penalized players shall take their place on the penalty bench and such players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration on their respective penalties. Immediate substitutions shall be made for an equal number of minor penalties or coincident minor penalties of equal duration to each team so penalized and the penalties of the players for whom substitutions have been made shall not be taken into account for the purpose of a delayed penalty.

Rule 403: Major Penalties

(a) For a "MAJOR PENALTY," the offending player shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty and the offending team shall be short-handed for five minutes, during which time no substitute shall be permitted.

(b) When coincident major penalties or coincident penalties of equal duration including a major penalty are assessed to players of both teams, the offending team(s) shall place a substitute player(s) on the penalty bench and such penalized players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their respective penalties.

Immediate substitutions on the playing surface shall be made for an equal number of major penalties or coincident penalties of equal duration including a major penalty to each team so penalized and the penalties of the players for which substitutions have been made shall not be taken into account for the purpose of a delayed penalty.

Where it is required to determine which of the penalized players shall be designated to serve the delayed penalty under Rule 408, the penalized team shall have the right to make such designation not in conflict with Rule 402.

(c) When coincident penalties of unequal duration (each including one major penalty) are assessed to one player of each team, the penalized players shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty and a substitute player shall serve any additional penalties other than the coincidental major penalty.

The penalties which create the disparity in total penalty time shall be served first in the normal manner by the penalized players. Immediate substitutions on the playing surface shall be permitted for the major penalties of each player.

Rule 404: Misconduct Penalties

(a) A "MISCONDUCT PENALTY" involves the removal of a player, other than a goalkeeper, for a period of 10 minutes, but another player is permitted to immediately replace a player so removed. A player whose misconduct penalty has expired shall remain in the penalty bench until the next stoppage of play.

Unless immediate substitution is permitted under coincident penalty rules 402 and 403, when a player receives a minor or major penalty and a misconduct, game misconduct or a gross misconduct penalty at the same time, the penalized team shall immediately place an additional non-penalized player, other than a goalkeeper, on the penalty bench and such player may not be changed.

Any violation of this provision shall be treated as illegal substitution under Rule 205.

(b) A "GAME MISCONDUCT" penalty involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game, but a substitute is permitted to replace the player so removed.

(c) A player or Team Official incurring a game misconduct penalty for abuse of officials under Rule 601 (a, e, f, i) shall be suspended for the next regularly scheduled game of that team.

The Referee is required to report all game misconduct penalties and all surrounding circumstances to the League Authorities immediately following the game. The League Authorities shall have full power to impose further penalties.

For all game misconduct penalties regardless of when assessed, a total of 10 minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.

(d) A "GROSS MISCONDUCT" penalty involves the suspension of a player or Team Official for the balance of the game, but another player is permitted to replace a player so removed.

The Referee is required to report all gross misconduct penalties and the surrounding circumstances to the League Authorities immediately following the game. The League Authorities shall have full power to impose further penalties.

For all gross misconduct penalties regardless of when assessed, a total of 10 minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.

(e) A player who has been assessed a gross misconduct penalty shall be suspended from participating in any games or practices until the case has been dealt with by the League Authorities.

A mandatory hearing shall be held and a decision made relative to any further disciplinary action within 30 days of the incident. If circumstances prevent the League Authorities from conducting the hearing, the suspension shall be automatically terminated after 30 days.

It is recommended that league and tournament officials establish a disciplinary committee to conduct such hearings in an efficient and timely manner.

(f) A Team Official who is assessed a game misconduct or a gross misconduct penalty, may not sit near the team bench, nor in any way attempt to direct the play of the team.

Rule 405: Match Penalties

(a) A "MATCH PENALTY" involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game and the offending player shall be ordered to the dressing room immediately. Unless immediate substitution is permitted under the coincident penalty rules 403 and 405, the penalized team shall immediately place a non-penalized player, other than a goalkeeper, on the penalty bench to serve the five-minute time portion of the penalty and such player may not be changed.

The player shall also serve any additional minor or major penalty assessed to the offending player unless immediate substitution is permitted under coincident penalty rules 402 and 403.

The Referee is required to report all match penalties and all surrounding circumstances to the League Authorities immediately following the game. The League Authorities shall have full power to impose further penalties.

For all match penalties, regardless of when assessed, a total of 10 minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.

(b) When coincident match penalties have been assessed or when any combination of coincident major and match penalties have been assessed to a player or players of both teams, rule 403 covering major penalties shall be applicable with respect to player substitutions.

(c) A player who has been assessed a match penalty shall be suspended from participating in any games or practices until the case has been dealt with by the League Authorities.

A mandatory hearing shall be held and a decision made relative to any further disciplinary action within 30 days of the incident. If circumstances prevent the League Authorities from conducting the hearing, the suspension shall be automatically terminated after 30 days.

It is recommended that league and tournament officials establish a disciplinary committee to conduct such hearings in an efficient and timely manner.

Rule 406: Penalty Shot

(a) Any infraction of the rules which calls for a "Penalty Shot" shall be taken as follows:

The Referee shall identify the player entitled to take the shot (as appropriate) and shall then place the puck/ball on the center face-off spot. The player taking the shot shall, on the whistle of the Referee, play the puck/ball and shall attempt to score on the goalkeeper. Once the player taking the shot has touched the puck/ball, it must be kept in motion towards the opponent's goal line and once it is shot, the play shall be considered complete.

No goal can be scored on a rebound of any kind and any time the puck/ball crosses the goal line the shot shall be considered complete.

Only a player designated as a goalkeeper, substitute goalkeeper or temporary goalkeeper may defend against a penalty shot.

(b) The goalkeeper must remain in the goal crease until the Referee blows the whistle to start the penalty shot and the player taking the shot touches the puck/ball with their stick. In the event of violation of this rule or any foul committed by a goalkeeper the Referee shall allow the shot to be taken and if the shot fails the Referee shall permit the penalty shot to be taken again.

The goalkeeper may attempt to stop the shot in any manner except by throwing the stick or any other object, in which case a goal shall be awarded.

(c) In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded under Rule 609 (b) deliberately displacing goal post or removing helmet/facemask during a breakaway and under Rule 639 (b) for fouling from behind, the Referee shall designate the player who has been fouled as the player who takes the penalty shot.

In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded under Rule 612 (c) falling on the puck/ball in the goal crease, Rule 616 (d) picking up the puck/ball from the goal crease area, Rule 625 (c) illegal entry into the game, and Rule 636 (a) for throwing a stick, the penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected by the Coach, or in the absence of the Coach, the Captain of the non-offending team from all non-penalized, non-injured players, excluding goalkeepers, on the team. Such selection shall be reported to the Referee and cannot be changed.

If by reason of injury the player designated by a Referee to take the penalty shot is unable to do so, the shot may be taken by a player selected by the Coach, or in the absence of the Coach, the Captain of the non-offending team from all non-penalized, non-injured players, excluding goalkeepers, on the team. Such selection shall be reported to the Referee and cannot be changed.

(d) Should the player in respect to whom a penalty shot has been awarded, commit a foul in connection with the same play or circumstances, either before or after the penalty shot has been awarded, the player shall be first permitted to take the shot before being sent to the penalty bench to serve the penalty, except when such a penalty is for a game misconduct, gross misconduct or match penalty in which case the penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected by the Coach, or in the absence of the Coach, the Captain of the non-offending team from all non-penalized, non-injured players, excluding goalkeepers, on the team.

If, at the time a penalty shot is awarded, the goalkeeper of the penalized team has been removed from the playing surface for another player, the goalkeeper shall be permitted to return to the playing surface before the penalty shot is taken.

(e) While the penalty shot is being taken, all players of both teams except those involved with the taking of the penalty shot, must withdraw from the playing surface onto their respective players' bench.

(f) If, while the penalty shot is being taken, any player of the opposing team shall interfere with or distract the player taking the shot, a goal shall be awarded.

(g) If the goal is scored during a penalty shot, the puck/ball shall be faced-off at the center spot. If a goal is not scored, the puck/ball shall be faced-off at either of the end face-off spots in the zone in which the penalty shot was taken.

(h) Whether or not a goal is scored from a penalty shot, if an infraction for which the penalty shot was awarded was such to incur:

1. a major, match or misconduct penalty, the penalty shall be assessed in addition to the penalty shot.
2. a minor or bench minor penalty, a further penalty to the offending player shall not be applied.

(i) If the foul upon which the penalty shot is based occurs during actual playing time, the penalty shot shall be awarded and taken immediately following the normal stoppage of play.

The time required for the taking of a penalty shot shall not be included in the regular playing time.

Rule 407: Goalkeeper Penalties

(a) A goalkeeper shall not be sent to the penalty bench for an infraction which incurs a minor, major or misconduct penalty, but instead the penalty shall be served by a teammate who was on the playing surface at the time the infraction was committed. Such player shall be designated by the Coach and shall not be changed.

(b) When a goalkeeper incurs a game misconduct penalty, the position shall be taken by a teammate, or by a substitute or temporary goalkeeper who is available, and such player shall be allowed the goalkeeper's full equipment.

(c) When a goalkeeper incurs a match penalty, the position shall be taken by a teammate or a substitute goalkeeper who is available, and such player shall be allowed the goalkeeper's equipment.

However, any additional penalties specifically called for by the individual rules covering match penalties shall apply, and the offending team shall be penalized accordingly. Such additional penalty shall be served by another member of the team who was on the playing surface at the time the infraction was committed. Such player is to be designated by the Coach through the playing Captain and shall not be changed.

(d) All penalties assessed to a goalkeeper, regardless of who serves the penalty, or any substitution, shall be charged in the records against the goalkeeper.

(e) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who participates in the play in any manner beyond the center line.

Rule 408: Delayed Penalties

(a) If a third player of any team is penalized while two players of the same team are serving penalties, the penalty time of the third player shall not commence until the penalty time of one of the two players already penalized has elapsed. Nevertheless, the third player penalized must immediately proceed to the penalty bench and may be replaced by a substitute until such time as the penalty time of the penalized player shall commence.

(b) When any team shall have three players serving penalties at the same time and because of the delayed penalty rule a substitute for the third offender is in the playing surface, none of the three penalized players on the penalty bench may return to the playing surface until play has been stopped. When the play has been stopped, the player(s) whose full penalty has expired may return to the playing surface.

The Penalty Timekeeper shall permit the return to the playing surface in the order of expiration of their penalties, of a player or players when by reason of the expiration of their penalties the penalized team is entitled to have more than three players on the playing surface.

(c) In the case of delayed penalties, the penalized players whose penalties have expired shall only be allowed to return to the playing surface when there is a stoppage of play.

When the penalties of two players of the same team shall expire at the same time, the Captain of that team shall designate to the Referee which player shall return to the playing surface first and the Referee shall instruct the Penalty Timekeeper accordingly.

When a major and a minor penalty are assessed at the same time to different players of the same team, the minor penalty shall be recorded as being the first of such penalties.

Rule 409: Calling of Penalties

(a) Should an infraction of the rules be committed by a player of the team in possession of the puck/ball, the Referee shall immediately stop play and assess the penalty(s) to the offending player(s).

(b) Should an infraction of the rules which call for a minor, bench minor, major or match penalty, as committed by a player of a team not in possession of the puck/ball, the Referee shall signify the calling of a delayed penalty by raising the arm and, on completion of the play by the team in possession, shall immediately stop play and assess the penalty to the offending player.

"Completion of the play by the team in possession" in this rule means that the puck/ball must have come into the possession and control of an opposing player, or has been "frozen." This does not mean a rebound off the goalkeeper, the goal or the boards or any accidental contact with the body or equipment of an opposing player.

(c) The ensuing face-off shall take place at the face-off spot nearest to the location of the puck/ball when play is stopped unless the stoppage occurs in the Attacking Zone of the player penalized, in which case the face-off shall be conducted at the nearest high zone face-off spot.

(d) If the penalty to be assessed is a minor penalty, and a goal is scored on the play by the non-offending team, the minor penalty shall not be assessed, but all other minor, major or match penalties shall be assessed in the normal manner regardless of whether or not a goal is scored.

(e) If, after the Referee has signaled a penalty, but before play has been stopped, the puck/ball enters the goal of the non-offending team as the direct result of the action of a player of that team, the goal shall be allowed and the penalty signaled shall be assessed in the normal manner.

(f) If the Referee signals an additional minor penalty(s) against a team that is already shorthanded because of one or more minor or bench minor penalties, and a goal is scored by the nonoffending team before the whistle is blown, the goal shall be allowed, the delayed penalty(s) shall not be assessed and the first minor penalty being served shall terminate automatically.

(g) Should the same offending player commit other fouls on the same play, either before or after the Referee has stopped play, the offending player shall serve such penalties consecutively.

(h) All minor and bench minor penalties occurring after a goal has been scored or during the stoppage of play when a penalty shot is being attempted, shall be served in the normal manner under this rule.

Rule 410: Supplementary Discipline

(a) In addition to the suspensions assessed under these rules, the League Authorities may, at the conclusion of the game, at their discretion, investigate any incident that occurs in connection with any game and may assess additional suspensions for any offense committed before, during or after any game by a player or Team Official, whether or not such offense had been penalized by the Referee.

(b) Suspensions assessed during a USA Hockey InLine State, District or Regional Play-Off or National Championship, must be served during that same tournament. If the length of the suspension carries beyond that tournament for an advancing team, the Discipline Committee of the following tournament shall be the sole authority in determining the eligibility of the individual(s).

Section Six -- Playing Rules

Rule 601: Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct

(a) Any player who challenges or disputes the ruling of an Official, attempts to incite an opponent or create a disturbance during the game shall be assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the player persists in such conduct, a misconduct penalty shall be assessed and any further persistence by the same player shall result in the assessment of a game misconduct penalty.

In the case of a Coach or other Team Official, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed first and if such conduct continues, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed.

(b) Any player who shoots the puck/ball after the whistle shall be assessed a minor penalty if, in the opinion of the Referee, the player had sufficient time after the whistle to refrain from taking the shot.

(c) If any player does any of the following, the team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty:

1. In the vicinity of the players' bench, using obscene, profane or abusive language to any person.
2. Throws anything onto the playing surface from the players' bench or penalty bench.
3. Interferes with any Game Official, (non-physically) in the performance of their duties.

(d) If any player does any of the following, a misconduct penalty shall be assessed:

1. Uses obscene, profane or abusive language to any person before, during or after the game.
2. During a stoppage of play, intentionally shoots or throws the puck/ball out of the reach of an Official who is retrieving it.
3. After being penalized, does not proceed directly to the penalty bench or dressing room when ordered to do so by the Referee. (Equipment shall be delivered to the penalty bench or dressing room by a teammate).
4. Enters and remains in the Referee's Crease, when asked to leave, except for the purpose of skating to the penalty bench.

(e) If any player does any of the following, a misconduct or game misconduct penalty shall be assessed:

1. Touches or holds any Game Official with the hand or stick.
2. Intentionally bangs the boards, playing surface, protective glass or goal with a stick at any time.

(f) If any player does any of the following, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed:

1. Persists in any course of conduct for which the player has previously been assessed a misconduct penalty.

(g) If any player does any of the following, a gross misconduct penalty shall be assessed:

1. Uses obscene gestures, or racial/ethnic slurs, anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game.
2. Deliberately inflicts or attempts to inflict, physical harm to a Game Official or a Team Official in any manner.
3. Behaves in any manner which is critically detrimental to the conduct of the game including spitting at an opponent, Game Official or Team Official.

(h) If any Team Official does any of the following, the team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty:

1. Bangs the boards with a stick or other instrument at any time.
2. Uses obscene, profane or abusive language to any person before, during or after the game.
3. Throws anything onto the playing surface from the players' bench.
4. Interferes with any Game Official, (non-physically) in the performance of their duties.
5. Attempts to incite an opponent into incurring a penalty.

(i) If any Team Official does any of the following, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed:

1. Persists in any course of conduct for which the Team Official has previously been assessed a bench minor penalty.

(j) If any Team Official does any of the following, a gross misconduct penalty shall be assessed:

1. Uses obscene gestures, or racial/ethnic slurs, anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game.
2. Deliberately inflicts or attempts to inflict, physical harm to a Game Official or a Team Official in any manner.
3. Behaves in any manner which is critically detrimental to the conduct of the game including spitting at an opponent, Game Official or Team Official.

Rule 602: Adjustment to Clothing and Equipment

(a) Play shall not be stopped or delayed by reason of adjustment of clothing, equipment, skates, or sticks. For a violation of this rule a minor penalty shall be assessed.

(b) The onus of maintaining clothing and equipment in the proper condition shall be upon the player. If adjustments are required, the player shall retire from the playing surface and play shall continue uninterrupted with a substitute.

(c) No delay shall be permitted for the repair or adjustment of goalkeeper's equipment. If adjustments are required, the goalkeeper shall retire from the playing surface and be replaced by the substitute or temporary goalkeeper immediately and no warm-up shall be permitted.

For a violation of this rule by a goalkeeper, a minor penalty shall be assessed.

Rule 603: Attempt to Injure

(a) A match penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately attempts to injure an opponent, Official, Coach, or Trainer in any manner, and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action. A substitute for the penalized player shall be permitted at the end of the fifth minute.

Rule 604: Body-Checking and Boarding

(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to any player who intentionally bodychecks an opponent, with or without the puck/ball.

(b) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to any player who makes physical contact with an opponent after the whistle has been blown, if, in the opinion of the Referee, the player had sufficient time to avoid such contact.

(c) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based upon the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be assessed to any player who fouls an opponent in such a manner that caused the player to be violently thrown into the boards.

"Rolling" an opposing puck/ball carrier along the boards where the player is attempting to go through too small an opening is not boarding.

(d) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "boarding" or "body-checking," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

Rule 605: Broken Stick

(a) A player whose stick is broken may participate in the game provided the broken stick is dropped immediately. A minor penalty shall be assessed for an infraction of this rule.

A broken stick is one which, in the opinion of a Referee, is unfit for normal play.

(b) A goalkeeper may continue to play with a broken stick until the next stoppage of play or until a replacement stick has been legally obtained.

(c) A replacement stick may only be obtained from the players' bench or from a teammate on the playing surface. For a violation of this rule, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed to the team of the offending player, unless a penalty has been assessed under Rule 601 for throwing articles onto the playing surface.

The intent of this rule is to provide for the assessment of one penalty for one illegal stick replacement.

(d) A goalkeeper may not go to the players' bench for a replacement stick during a stoppage of play, but must receive a replacement stick from a teammate.

For an infraction of this rule, a minor penalty shall be assessed to the offending goalkeeper.

Rule 606: Charging and Checking From Behind

(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to a player who runs, jumps into, or charges an opponent.

If more than two steps or strides are taken, it shall be considered "charging."

(b) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to a player who pushes or body-checks an opponent from behind.

(c) A minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to a player who bodychecks or charges a goalkeeper while the goalkeeper is within the goal crease or privileged area.

A goalkeeper is not "fair game" just because the goalkeeper is outside the privileged area. A penalty for interference or charging must be assessed in every case where an opposing player makes unnecessary contact with a goalkeeper.

(d) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "charging" or "checking from behind," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

Rule 607: Cross-Checking and Butt-Ending

(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to a player who cross-checks an opponent.

(b) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to a player who butt-ends or attempts to butt-end an opponent.

An attempt to butt-end shall include all cases in which a butt-end gesture is made, regardless of whether body contact is made or not.

(c) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "cross-checking" or "butt-ending," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

(d) Butt-ending may also be treated as a match penalty under attempt to injure or deliberate injury to an opponent.

Rule 608: Deliberate Injury to Opponents and Head-Butting

(a) A match penalty shall be assessed to a player who deliberately injures an opponent, Team Official or Game Official in any manner, and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

(b) No substitute shall be permitted to take the place of the penalized player until after five minutes actual playing time have elapsed, from the time the penalty was assessed.

(c) A match penalty shall be assessed to a player who deliberately head-butts an opponent, Team Official or Game Official, and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

Rule 609: Delaying the Game

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper, who delays the game by deliberately shooting, batting or throwing the puck/ball outside the playing area.

This penalty shall also be assessed when it occurs during a stoppage of play.

Intentional delay of the game by a goalkeeper shall be assessed at the discretion of the Referee.

(b) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player or goalkeeper who delays the game by deliberately displacing the goal post from its normal position. Play shall be stopped immediately when the goal post has been displaced.

If a goalkeeper deliberately displaces the goal post or deliberately removes the helmet or face mask during the course of a breakaway by the attacking team, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. The penalty shot shall be taken by the player last in possession of the puck/ball.

(c) A bench minor penalty shall be assessed to any team which, after a warning by the Referee, fails to place the correct number of players on the playing surface, thereby causing a delay in any manner.

(d) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who, after a warning by the Referee, fails to maintain a proper position during the face-off.

(e) Turning the blade over and using the tip of the blade to hold the puck to the surface and stickhandle is prohibited. For a violation of this rule, play should be stopped immediately and the ensuing face-off shall take place at the closest end zone face-off spot of the offending team.

Rule 610: Elbowing and Kneeing

(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who uses the elbow or knee in such a manner as to foul an opponent, in any way.

(b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "elbowing" or "kneeing," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

Rule 611: Face-Offs

(a) The puck/ball shall be "faced-off" by the Referee dropping the puck/ball onto the playing surface between the sticks of the two players facing-off. Players facing off shall stand facing their opponent's end of the rink with the blade of their sticks in contact with the nearest white area of the face-off spot and clear of the red center area of the spot. The attacking team player shall be the first player to place the stick on the playing surface.

If a player facing-off fails to take the proper position immediately when directed by the Official, the Official may order a replacement for that face-off by a teammate on the playing surface.

No other player shall be allowed to enter the face-off circle or come within 15 feet of the players facing-off the puck/ball, and they must stand onside on all face-offs.

When a player, other than the player facing-off, fails to maintain the proper position, the center of the offending team shall be ejected from the face-off.

For a second violation of any of the provisions of this rule, a minor penalty shall be assessed to the player who commits the second violation.

No substitution of players shall be permitted until the face-off has been completed and play has been resumed except when any penalty is assessed during the face-off.

The whistle shall not be blown to start play. Playing time shall commence from the instant the puck/ball is faced-off and shall stop when the whistle is blown.

(b) If, after a warning by the Official, either of the players fails to take the proper position for the face-off promptly, the Official shall be entitled to conduct the face-off regardless of such default.

(c) During the conduct of any face-off, no player shall make any physical contact with an opponent except in the course of playing the puck/ball after the face-off has been completed.

For a violation of this rule the Referee shall assess a minor penalty to the player whose action caused the physical contact.

"Conduct of any face-off" commences when the Official designates the spot of the face-off and takes up a position to drop the puck/ball.

(d) No face-off shall be conducted at a location other than at a face-off spot.

(e) When a stoppage of play occurs between the end zone face-off spots and the near end of the rink, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the end face-off spot on the side where the stoppage occurred, unless otherwise provided in these rules.

(f) When a violation of a rule has been committed, or a stoppage of play has been caused by any player of the attacking team in the Attacking Zone, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest high zone face-off spot.

This includes a stoppage of play caused by a player of the attacking team shooting the puck/ball onto the back of the defending team's goal without any intervening action by the defending team.

(g) When a violation of a rule has been committed or a stoppage of play has been caused by players of both teams, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot (excluding center face-off spot) to where the puck/ball was when the stoppage occurred.

(h) When a goal is legally scored, the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the center face-off spot.

(i) When the game is stopped for any reason not specifically covered in the Official Playing Rules, the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot to where the puck/ball was last played.

Rule 612: Falling on Puck/Ball

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player, other than a goalkeeper, who deliberately falls on or gathers the puck/ball into the body or who holds the puck/ball against any part of the goal or the boards.

Any player who drops to block a shot shall not be penalized if the puck/ball is shot under the player or becomes lodged in any clothing or equipment.

A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who uses the hands to obtain such stoppage.

(b) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who falls on or gathers the puck/ball into the body, when the body is entirely outside the boundaries of the privileged area or who falls on or gathers the puck/ball into the body, when the body is entirely outside the goal crease and the puck/ball is behind the goal line.

A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who holds the puck/ball against any part of the goal or the boards.

(c) No defending player, except the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to fall on the puck/ball, hold the puck/ball, or gather a puck/ball into the body or hands when the puck/ball is within the goal crease.

For a violation of this rule, play shall be immediately stopped and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. However, if the goalkeeper has been removed from the playing surface when the infraction occurs, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team in lieu of the penalty shot.

This rule shall be interpreted so that a penalty shot shall be awarded only when the puck/ball is in the goal crease at the instant the infraction occurs. However, in cases where the puck/ball is outside the goal crease, Rule 612 (a) may still be applied and a minor penalty assessed, even though no penalty shot is awarded.

Rule 613: Fighting

(a) A major penalty shall be assessed to any player who is involved in a fight on or off the playing surface before, during or after the game.

(b) A minor or a double minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who, having been struck, retaliates with a punch or an attempted punch. However, at the discretion of the Referee, a major penalty shall be assessed if the player continues the altercation.

The Referee is provided with very wide latitude in regard to the penalties which may be assessed under this rule. This is done to enable the Referee to differentiate between the obvious degrees of responsibility of the participants either for starting the fight, or persisting in continuing the fight.

Referees are directed to employ every means provided by these rules to prevent "brawling."

(c) Any player receiving a major penalty for fisticuffs shall automatically be assessed a game misconduct penalty and shall also be suspended for the next regularly scheduled game of that team.

(d) A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper who is the first to intervene in a fighting altercation already in progress. This penalty is in addition to any other penalty incurred in the same incident.

(e) A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who resists the Game Officials in the discharge of their duties during an altercation.

(f) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who leaves the immediate vicinity of the goal crease to participate in an altercation. This penalty shall be in addition to any penalty incurred during the altercation.

Rule 614: Goals and Assists

(Note) It is the responsibility of the Referee to award goals and assists, and such decision is final.

In cases of an obvious error in awarding a goal or an assist which has been announced, it should be corrected promptly. Changes shall not be made on the scoring summary after the Referee has signed the Official Score Sheet.

(a) A goal shall be scored when the puck/ball has been put between the goal posts by the stick of a player of the attacking team from in front, below the cross bar and entirely across the goal line, before playing time expires.

A "goal" shall be credited in the scoring records to a player who shall have propelled the puck/ball into the opponent's goal. Each "goal" shall count as one point in the player's record.

An "assist" shall be credited to the player or players taking part in the play immediately preceding the goal, but no more than two assists can be credited on any goal.

Only one point can be credited to any one player for any one goal scored.

(b) A goal shall be scored if the puck/ball is put into the goal in any way by a player of the defending team. The player of the attacking team who last played the puck/ball shall be credited with the goal, but no assist shall be awarded.

(c) If an attacking player kicks the puck/ball and the puck/ball goes directly into the goal or is deflected into the goal by any player, including the goalkeeper, the goal shall not be allowed.

(d) If the puck/ball is deflected into the goal from the shot of an attacking player by striking any part of any player, the goal shall be allowed. The player who deflected the puck/ball shall be credited with the goal. The goal shall not be allowed if the puck/ball has been kicked, thrown, or otherwise deliberately directed by an attacking player into the goal by any means other than a stick.

(e) If a goal is scored as a result of a puck/ball being deflected directly into the goal off an Official, the goal shall not be allowed.

(f) Should a player legally propel the puck/ball into the goal crease of the opposing team and the puck/ball becomes loose in the goal crease and available to a player of the attacking team, any goal scored on the play shall be allowed.

(g) Any goal scored, other than as covered by the Official Playing Rules, shall not be allowed.

Rule 615: Gross Misconduct

(a) A Referee may suspend from the game any player, Manager, Coach, or Trainer guilty of gross misconduct of any kind and must report the incident to the League Authorities.

Rule 616: Handling Puck/Ball with Hands

(a) If a player, other than a goalkeeper, closes the hand on the puck/ball, play shall be stopped and a face-off shall follow; however, if the puck/ball is dropped immediately, play shall be allowed to continue.

If a goalkeeper holds the puck/ball with the hand for more than three seconds, play shall be stopped and a face-off shall follow; however, after an initial warning by the Referee, a goalkeeper who holds the puck/ball unnecessarily shall be assessed a minor penalty for delaying the game.

(b) A goalkeeper shall not intentionally drop the puck/ball into the pads or onto the goal net nor deliberately pile obstacles at the goal that, in the opinion of the Referee, would tend to prevent the scoring of a goal.

The object of this rule is to keep the puck/ball in play continuously and any action taken by the goalkeeper which causes an unnecessary stoppage shall be penalized.

For a violation of this rule, a minor penalty shall be assessed to the offending player.

(c) If a goalkeeper throws the puck/ball forward toward the opponent's goal and it is first played by a teammate, play shall be stopped and the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the nearest end zone face-off spot of the offending team.

(d) If a defending player, other than the goalkeeper, picks up the puck/ball in the goal crease from the playing surface with the hands, or holds the puck/ball while it is in the goal crease, the play shall be stopped immediately and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

If the above situation occurs while the goalkeeper is off the playing surface, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(e) A player shall be permitted to stop or "bat" the puck/ball in the air with the hand, or push it along the playing surface with the hand, and play shall not be stopped unless the puck/ball has been directed to a teammate in the Attacking Zone, in which case the play shall be stopped and the puck/ball faced off at the nearest high zone face-off spot.

(f) A goal that is scored as the result of the puck/ball being propelled by the hand of an attacking player and entered the goal either directly or after deflecting off any player including the goalkeeper, shall not be allowed.

Rule 617: High Sticks

(a) The carrying of the stick above the normal height of the shoulders is prohibited. The Referee shall assess a minor penalty or a major plus a game misconduct penalty to any player who strikes an opponent with a stick so carried.

(b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "high sticking," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

(c) A goal scored by an attacking player who strikes the puck/ball with the stick which is carried above the height of the goal frame cross bar, shall not be allowed.

(d) Batting the puck/ball above the normal height of the shoulders with the stick is prohibited and when it occurs play shall be stopped and the ensuing face-off shall take place at an end zone face-off spot of the offending player's team unless:

1. The puck/ball is batted to an opponent, in which case the play shall continue.
2. A player of the defending team shall bat the puck/ball into the player's own goal, in which case the goal shall be allowed.

Rule 618: Holding an Opponent

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who holds an opponent with the hands, legs, feet, stick, or in any other way.

(b) A minor or major penalty shall be assessed to any player who grabs or holds the face mask of an opponent with the hand.

(c) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "holding the face mask," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

Rule 619: Hooking

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by hooking with the stick.

(b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "hooking," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

Rule 620: Illegal Clearing (Icing)

No such rule.

Rule 621: Interference

(a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who interferes with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck/ball, deliberately knocks a stick out of an opponent's hand, prevents a player who has dropped the stick or any other piece of equipment from regaining possession of it, or shoots a stick or other object toward an opponent.

The last player to touch the puck/ball shall be considered to be the player in possession.

(b) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player on the players' or the penalty bench who, by means of the stick or body, interferes with the movements of the puck/ball or an opponent on the playing surface during the progress of play.

(c) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who, by means of the stick or body, interferes with or impedes the movements of the goalkeeper while the goalkeeper is in the goal crease area.

(d) Unless the puck/ball is in the goal crease area, a player of the attacking team may not stand on the goal crease line or in the goal crease or hold the stick in the goal crease. If the puck/ball should enter the goal while such a condition prevails, a goal shall not be allowed. For a violation of this rule, while the attacking team has possession of the puck/ball, play shall be stopped and the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest high zone face-off spot.

This rule shall not apply when the goalkeeper is out of the goal crease.

(e) If a player of the attacking team has been pushed or otherwise physically forced into the goal crease by an opposing player, and the puck/ball should enter the goal while the player so interfered with is still in the goal crease, the goal shall be allowed.

(f) When the goalkeeper has been removed from the playing surface and any member of the same team not legally on the playing surface interferes by means of the body, stick, or any other object with the movements of the puck/ball or an opposing player, the Referee shall immediately award a goal to the non-offending team.

(Note) The attention of Referees is directed particularly to three types of offensive interference which shall be penalized.

1. When the defending team secures possession of the puck/ball in its own zone and the other members of the same team run interference for the puck/ball carrier by forming a protective screen against forecheckers.

2. When a player facing-off obstructs an opponent after the face-off when the opponent is not in possession of the puck/ball.

3. When the puck/ball carrier makes a drop pass and follows through so as to make body contact with an opposing player.

Rule 622: Interference by Spectators

(a) In the event of a player being held or interfered with by a spectator, the Referee shall immediately stop the play, unless the team of the player being interfered with is in possession of the puck/ball at the time, in which case the play shall be allowed to be completed. The ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot to where the puck/ball was last played.

(b) Any player who physically interferes with a spectator shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

(c) In the event that objects are thrown onto the playing surface which interfere with the progress of the game, the Referee shall stop the play and the ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot to where the puck/ball was last played.

Rule 623: Kicking Player

(a) A match penalty shall be assessed to a player who kicks or attempts to kick another player. A substitute shall be permitted at the end of the fifth minute.

Rule 624: Kicking Puck/Ball

(a) Kicking the puck/ball shall be permitted in all zones; however, a goal that is scored as the result of the puck/ball being kicked by an attacking player and entered the goal either directly or after deflecting off any player including the goalkeeper, shall not be allowed.

Rule 625: Leaving Player or Penalty Benches

(a) No player may leave the players' bench or penalty bench at any time during an altercation. Substitutions made prior to the start of the altercation shall not be penalized under this rule provided the players so substituting do not enter the altercation.

A double minor penalty plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to the player who was the first to leave the players' or penalty bench during an altercation. If players of both teams leave their respective benches at the same time, the first identifiable player of each team shall be penalized under this rule.

For the purposes of determining which player was the first to leave the players' bench during an altercation, the Referee may consult with other Game Officials.

Any player who leaves the players' bench during an altercation and is assessed a minor, major or misconduct penalty for such actions, shall also be assessed a game misconduct penalty.

Other players who leave the players' bench or penalty bench during an altercation shall be assessed a misconduct penalty (maximum 5 per team).

If a player illegally enters the game, any goal scored by that team while the illegal player is on the playing surface shall be disallowed, but all penalties assessed to either team shall be served as regular penalties.

(b) Except at the end of each period, or upon the expiration of a penalty, no player may leave the penalty bench, at any time.

A penalized player who leaves the penalty bench prior to the expiration of the penalty, whether play is in progress or not, shall be assessed an additional minor penalty after serving the unexpired penalty time.

When a player leaves the penalty bench prior to the expiration of the penalty, the Penalty Timekeeper shall note the time and verbally alert the Referee who shall stop play when the offending player's team gains possession and control of the puck.

In the case of a player returning to the playing surface prior to the expiration of the penalty, through an error of the Penalty Timekeeper, the player is not to serve an additional penalty, but must serve the unexpired time.

A penalized player who leaves the penalty bench during an altercation shall be assessed a minor penalty plus a game misconduct penalty, in addition to any unexpired time.

When a penalized player returns to the playing surface from the penalty bench prior to the expiration of the penalty, any goal scored by that team, while the player is illegally on the playing surface, shall be disallowed, but all penalties assessed to either team shall be served as regular penalties.

(c) If a player of the attacking team in possession of the puck/ball shall be in a position as to have no opposing player to pass other than the goalkeeper, and is interfered with by a player who has entered the game illegally, the non-offending team shall be awarded a penalty shot. The penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected by the Coach, or in the absence of the Coach, the Captain of the nonoffending team from all non-penalized, noninjured players, excluding goalkeepers, on the team. Such selection shall be reported to the Referee and cannot be changed.

If the opposing goalkeeper is off the playing surface and the attacking player is interfered with by an illegal player, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(d) If a Team Official steps onto the playing surface after the start of a half and before that half is completed without the permission of the Referee, the Referee shall assess a bench minor penalty to the team of the offending Coach.

(e) During any face-off, if a team starts with fewer players than entitled to, any player subsequently entering the game shall not be eligible to play any puck/ball coming from the Defending Zone while the player is in the Attacking Zone unless the puck/ball is first played by another player in the Attacking Zone.

Rule 626: Off-Sides

No such rule.

Rule: 627 Passes

(a) The puck/ball may be passed by any player to any player of the same team within any of the two zones into which the rink is divided and may be passed forward by a player in the Defending Zone to a teammate over the center red line.

Rule 628: Puck/Ball Must be Kept in Motion

(a) The puck/ball must be kept in motion at all times. Play shall not be stopped because the puck/ball is frozen along the boards by two or more opposing players, unless one of the players falls onto the puck/ball. If one player freezes the puck/ball along the boards or if a player deliberately falls on the puck/ball a minor penalty shall be assessed for delaying the game. However, the Referee may stop the play along the boards if allowing play to continue shall lead to unnecessary contact surrounding the puck/ball.

Rule 629: Puck/Ball or Player Out of Bounds or Unplayable

(a) When the puck/ball goes outside the playing area or strikes any obstacles above the playing surface other than the boards, glass or wire, it shall be faced-off at the nearest face-off spot to where it was last played.

When the puck/ball becomes unplayable due to a defect in the rink, it shall be faced-off at the nearest face-off spot to where it was last played. However, if the puck/ball is shot out of the rink by the attacking team, the face-off shall be at the nearest high zone face-off spot.

(b) When the puck/ball becomes lodged in the netting on the outside of the goal or if it is frozen between opposing players, the Referee shall stop play and face-off the puck/ball at the nearest face-off spot to where it was last played unless, in the opinion of the Referee the stoppage was caused by a player of the attacking team, in which case the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the nearest high zone face-off spot.

The defending team and/or the attacking team may play the puck/ball off the net at any time. However, should the puck/ball remain on the net for longer than three seconds, play shall be stopped and the face-off shall take place at the nearest end zone face-off spot, except when the stoppage is caused by a player of the attacking team, in which case the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at the nearest high zone face-off spot.

If the puck/ball comes to rest on top of the goal frame, the play shall be stopped immediately.

(c) A minor penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who deliberately drops the puck/ball on the goal netting to cause a stoppage of play.

(d) If the puck/ball comes to rest on top of the boards surrounding the playing area, it shall be considered to be in play and may be played legally by the hand or stick.

(e) In temporary rinks, all players on the playing surface must remain within the confines of the playing surface while the puck/ball is in play. The play shall be stopped immediately whenever a player jumps over the boundary and out of bounds.

If, in the opinion of the Referee, a player intentionally jumps out of bounds for the purpose of obtaining a stoppage of play, a minor penalty for delaying the game shall be assessed.

Rule 630: Puck/Ball Out of Sight and Illegal Puck/Ball

(a) Should a scramble take place, or a player accidentally falls on the puck/ball and it is out of the sight of the Referee, play shall be stopped immediately. The ensuing face-off shall take place at the nearest face-off spot, unless otherwise provided for in the rules.

(b) If, at any time during play, a puck/ball other than the one officially in play shall appear on the playing surface, which interferes with the progress of the game, the play shall be stopped immediately.

Rule 631: Puck/Ball Striking Official

(a) Play shall not be stopped because the puck/ball touches an Official anywhere on the rink.

Rule 632: Refusing to Start Play

(a) If, when both teams are on the playing surface, one team for any reason shall refuse to play when ordered to do so by the Referee, the Captain shall be warned and the team so refusing shall be allowed 15 seconds to begin the game or resume play. If, at the end of that time the team shall still refuse to play, the Referee shall assess a bench minor penalty to the offending team.

Should there be a reoccurrence of the same incident, the Referee shall have no other alternative than to suspend the game and assess a gross misconduct penalty to the offending Team's designated Head Coach of that game. The surrounding circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

(b) If a team, when ordered to do so by the Referee, fails to go onto the playing surface promptly, it shall be assessed a bench minor penalty.

If the team shall still refuse to go onto the playing surface and start play within five minutes, the Referee shall have no other alternative than to suspend the game and assess a gross misconduct penalty to the offending Team's designated Head Coach of that game. The circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

Rule 633: Slashing

(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to any player who slashes or attempts to slash an opponent with the stick.

Referees should penalize as "slashing" any player who swings the stick at an opponent (whether in or out of range) without actually making contact, or when a player on the pretext of playing the puck/ball makes a wild swing at the puck/ball with the intent to intimidate an opponent.

(b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "slashing," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

(c) Any player who swings the stick at another player during the course of any altercation shall be subject to a match penalty, and the circumstances shall be reported to the League Authorities for further action.

(d) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who makes stick contact with the opposing goalkeeper, in the goal crease, who has covered or caught the puck/ball, regardless of whether or not the Referee has stopped the play.

Rule 634: Spearing

(a) A minor penalty or major plus a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to a player who spears or attempts to spear an opponent.

Attempt to spear shall include all cases where a spearing gesture is made regardless of whether body contact is made or not.

(b) When a player injures an opponent as the result of "spearing," the Referee shall assess a major plus a game misconduct penalty to the offending player.

(c) Spearing may also be treated as a match penalty under attempt to injure or deliberate injury to an opponent.

Rule 635: Start of Game and Periods

(a) The game shall start at the time scheduled by a faceoff at the center face-off spot and shall be promptly resumed for the second half in the same manner.

(b) Each team shall defend the goal furthest from its players' bench to start the game. The teams shall change ends after the first half only.

(c) During the pre-game warm-up and before each half, each team shall confine its activity to its own end of the rink. All players must wear full equipment during warm-ups and during the handshake following the game.

(d) It is recommended that when both teams are to leave the playing surface through a common exit, the team whose players' bench closest to the exit leave first. The home team should enter the playing surface first.

(e) When a team fails to appear on the playing surface without a proper justification, an Official shall warn the team that it must enter the playing surface immediately. If the team fails to do so promptly, the Referee shall assess a bench minor penalty for Delaying the Game.

Rule 636: Throwing Stick

(a) When any player or Team Official of the defending team deliberately throws or shoots a stick or any other object at the puck/ball in the Defending Zone, the Referee shall allow the play to be completed and if a goal is not scored, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. The penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected by the Coach, or in the absence of the Coach, the Captain of the non-offending team from all nonpenalized, non-injured players, excluding goalkeepers, on the team. Such selection shall be reported to the Referee and cannot be changed.

If, however, the goal is unattended and the attacking player has no defending player to pass and has a chance to score on an open goal, and a stick or any other object is thrown or shot at the puck/ball by a member of the defending team, thereby preventing a shot on the open goal, a goal shall be awarded to the non-offending team. (b) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player on the playing surface who throws or shoots a stick or any other object in the direction of the puck/ball in any zone except when such act has been penalized by a penalty shot or awarded goal.

When a player discards a broken stick by tossing it to the side of the rink (and not over the boards) in such a way that shall not interfere with play or an opposing player, no penalty shall be assessed for doing so.

(c) A misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who throws a stick or any part thereof outside the playing area. A game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who deliberately throws a stick or any part thereof outside the playing area at or in the direction of any spectators.

Rule 640: Unnecessary Roughness (Roughing)

(a) At the discretion of the Referee, a minor or double minor penalty may be assessed to any player who uses unnecessary roughness against an opponent.

(b) A minor or double minor penalty for unnecessary roughness must be assessed every time an opposing player makes unnecessary physical contact with the player in possession of the puck/ball.

It is not the intent to penalize incidental contact between two opposing players who are actively in pursuit of the puck/ball. The act of riding an opponent off the puck/ball shall not be considered to be roughing. However, this does not allow the player without the puck/ball to throw their body into the opponent to achieve possession.