400 - Players On The Ice
A team shall not have more than six players on the ice at any time while the play is in progress.
Bench Minor penalty for Too Many Players on the Ice (Rule 573).
The six players shall be: Goalkeeper, Right Defense, Left Defense, Right Wing, Center, Left Wing
Commentary
[1] Each team shall be allowed to have only one goalkeeper on the ice at a time.
[2] This goalkeeper may be removed and be substituted by another player. Such player shall not be permitted the privileges of the goalkeeper.
402 - Start of Game and Periods
[a] The game shall begin at the scheduled time with a face-off at the center face-off spot. A face-off conducted in the same manner shall take place at the start of each period.
[b] The teams shall start the game defending the goal nearest to their player bench.
[c] Teams shall change ends for each succeeding regular or overtime period.
Commentary
[1] If the home team has not been established, the competing teams shall decide which team shall be the home team by mutual agreement, by the flip of a coin or some similar method.
[2] Home team privileges:
Choice of the player's bench
Choice of uniform colours
At the face-off following a stoppage of play, the home team shall place their line-up after the visiting team.
[3] At any time in the game, the Referee may request, through the Captain, that the visiting team put a playing line-up on the ice to promptly commence play.
410 - Change Of Players And Goalkeepers
[a] Under the conditions set out in this section, the players and goalkeepers may be changed at any time during the play or during a stoppage of play.
[b] If, during a substitution, the player entering the game plays the puck or makes any physical contact with an opponent while the retiring player is actually on the ice, there shall be a penalty.
Bench Minor penalty for Too Many Players on the Ice (Rule 573).
[c] If, during the substitution, either the entering player or retiring player is struck accidentally by the puck, the play shall not be stopped and no penalty called.
Commentary
[1] No warm-up shall be allowed to any player or goalkeeper at the end of the first and second period, or at any stoppage of play.
[2] Teams shall not change ends when the ice is not resurfaced for overtime or game winning shots.
[3] In the application of the rule, the change of one or more players shall constitute a line change.
Case Book
B - Interpretation
1. A player with one skate on the ice and one skate on the bench is considered as OFF the ice.
2. The player entering the game must remain within the 3m imaginary area by his player's bench until the retiring player has left the ice.
411 - Change of Players and Goalkeepers from the Player's Bench During Play
[a] The players and goalkeepers may be changed at any time from the player's bench while the game is in progress provided that:
The changing players and goalkeepers are within an imaginary area limited by the length of the respective player's bench and 3m from the boards, as illustrated on the opposite page
The changing players and goalkeepers are out of the play before any change is made.
Bench Minor penalty (see Rule 573).
[b] If, when a goalkeeper leaves his goal crease and proceeds to his player's bench for the purpose of substituting another player and if the substitution is made prematurely, the official shall stop the play when the offending team gains possession of the puck. The ensuing face-off shall take place at the center ice face-off spot, except in cases where the offending team would gain as a result a territorial advantage, in which cases the face-off shall be where the stoppage of play occurred (See Rule 440g)
[c] If, during a substitution, the goalkeeper departing the ice plays the puck or makes any physical contact with an opponent while the retiring player is actually on the ice, the Referee shall assess a:
Bench Minor penalty for Too Many Players on the Ice (Rule 573).
Commentary
Case Book
B - Interpretation
1. There is no limit to the number of times a goalkeeper can be changed back and forth for a player or the backup goalkeeper while play is in progress.
2. Section (a) of this rule covers the process of substituting players and goalkeepers. If the goalkeeper changes for a substitute goalkeeper or back, or a player for a player, or player for goalkeeper, they shall follow the Rule 411(a). If they do not follow this rule, the Referee shall apply Rule 573 against the team.
3. Section (b) of this rule covers only the process of substitution of the goalkeeper for an extra player.
4. If, when a goalkeeper leaves his goal crease and proceeds to his player's bench for the purpose of substituting another player and if the substitution is made prematurely, the official shall stop the play when the offending team gains possession of the puck. The ensuing face-off shall take place:
a. At the center ice face-off spot - If the puck is over the center red line at the moment the play was stopped.
b. At the nearest spot on the imaginary line in the neutral zone - if the puck is between the center red line and the near blue line at the moment the play was stopped.
c. At the end zone face-off spot - if the puck is between the end zone boards and the blue line at the moment the play was stopped.
C - Situations
Situation: On a delay penalty the non-offending team made the premature substitution of the goalkeeper with the stoppage of play in the non-offending team's end zone.
Ruling: The face-off shall take place in one of the face-off spot in the neutral zone close to this zone.
412 - Change of Players Procedure During Stoppage of Play
[a] Following a stoppage of play, the visiting team shall promptly place a line-up of players on the ice for play and no substitution shall be made until play has resumed. The home team may then make any desired substitution which does not result in the delay of the game.If there is any undue delay by either team in changing lines, the Referee shall order the offending team or teams to take their positions immediately and not permit a line change.
[b] The procedure shall be carried out as follows:
The Referee shall take his position for the start of the next play, and the Linesman dropping the puck shall proceed promptly to the location of the face-off.
The Referee shall allow the visiting team five seconds to make their player changes.
After the five seconds, the Referee shall raise his arm to indicate that the visiting team shall no longer make a player change.
With the arm still up, the Referee shall allow the home team five seconds to make their player changes.
After the five seconds, the Referee shall drop his arm to indicate that the home team shall no longer make a player change.
As soon as the Referee drops his arm, the Linesman conducting the face-off shall blow the whistle, which signals to both teams that they shall have no more than five seconds to line-up for the face-off.
At the end of the five seconds, or sooner if the facing-off players are ready, the Linesman shall drop the puck. It shall not be the responsibility of the Linesman to wait for the players to come into position for the face-off.
[c] Teams are not permitted to make a player(s) substitution following a false face-off, except when a penalty is assessed that affects the on-ice strength of either team.
[d] (2009-10 IIHF Rules Bulletin) A team that is in violation of the icing rule shall not be permitted to make any player substitutions prior to the ensuing face-off.
Should the stoppage of play following the icing infraction coincide with a commercial time-out, or should the offending team elect to utilize their team time-out at this stoppage of play, they are still not permitted to make any player substitutions.
However, a team shall be permitted to make a player substitution to replace a goalkeeper who had been substituted for an extra attacker, or to replace an injured player or goalkeeper, or when a penalty has been assessed which affects the on-ice strength of either team.
The determination of players on ice will be made when the puck leaves the offending player s stick.
Commentary
[1] When a team attempts to make a player change after its allotted period of time, the Referee shall send the player(s) back to the bench and issue a warning to the Coach.
[2] Any subsequent infraction of this procedure at any time during the course of the game shall result in the team receiving a:
Bench Minor penalty (see Rule 575)
Case Book
A - Referee Procedure
1. The Referee shall put his arm up and then down during all stoppages of play, even if there is definitely no change of players.
2. In situations where the visiting team is delaying in placing players on the ice in hopes that the home team will place their players on the ice first, this procedure will control the player changes. This will give the visiting team their only change and allow the home team to place their players on the ice, giving them the last change. The Referee should be strict with the five-second count and not permit the visiting team to change players once he raises the arm. If the Referee observes that a coach is trying to get his players on the ice and is not making any deliberate attempt to delay the change (by either team), he may give teams a few extra seconds.
3. The Referee shall permit players who are in the process of coming over the boards to continue their change even though the five seconds are up, but he shall issue a warning to the team for the slow change.
4. When there has been a stoppage of play, the Referee shall look at the visiting team's players bench and, even if there is no indication of a change, count the required time and then put his arm up. The same procedure should be followed for the home team. In this case, the Referee must have some feeling for the game as to whether there will be a change of players or not.
5. After a goal has been scored, the Referee shall follow the same signaling procedure for a change of players as during any other stoppage of play.
6. The line change procedure is the responsibility of the Referee and the Linesmen shall not become involved in the process.
7. After an icing situation, the Linesman retrieving the puck shall have time to reach the end zone face off spot and shall have the opportunity to observe the line change hand signals made by the Referee.
8. If a team attempts to make a change after the required time, the Referee shall send the players back and shall not hesitate to approach the player's bench to explain the situation to the coach and warn him before a penalty is assessed.
9. The Referee shall issue a warning to the offending team when there has been a late player change that any subsequent violation of the player change procedure will result in a Bench Minor penalty.
B - Interpretation
1. If a penalty is assessed to either or both teams following a stoppage of play when one or both teams have legally completed a change of players, both teams are entitled to make a further change of players.
2. A change of players is considered to be from one to five players, excluding the goalkeeper.
3. For R 412 [d]:
No penalties given for infringement
Offending team must have original players back on ice in allocated time
Warning for first slow change
Delay of game bench minor for subsequent slow changes
C - Situations
Situation 1: During the face-off the Referee assess a Misconduct penalty to the player.
Ruling: The offending team shall replace the player assessed a Misconduct penalty. No other changes of the players are permitted by either team.
Situation 2: During the face-off the Referee assessed a penalty to a player of each team, which does not affects the on-ice strength of either team.
Ruling: No player change is permitted.
413 - Change of Players from the Penalty Bench
[a] A player serving a penalty, who is to be changed after the penalty has been served, shall proceed at once, by way of the ice, and be at his own player's bench before any change can be made.
Bench Minor penalty
415 - Change of Goalkeepers During Stoppage of Play
[a] During a stoppage of play, goalkeepers shall not be permitted to go to the player's bench except to be replaced or during a time-out.
Minor penalty (Rule 592)
[b] When a goalkeeper substitution has been made during a stoppage of play, the goalkeeper who left the game may re-enter the game as soon as the play resumes.
Commentary
No warm-up shall be permitted for a substitute goalkeeper.
Case Book
B - Interpretation
1. When a substitute goalkeeper has replaced the regular goalkeeper during a stoppage of play, he shall remain in the game until play resumes or until he is replaced by a player.
416 - Injured Players
[a] If a player is injured and cannot continue to play or go to the bench, the play shall continue until his team has secured possession of the puck, unless any team is in an immediate scoring position.
[b] If a player other than the goalkeeper is injured or compelled to leave the ice during the game, he may retire and be replaced by a substitute, but play shall continue without the teams leaving the ice.
[c] If a penalized player has been injured he may proceed to the dressing room, and if he has been assessed a Minor, Major or Match penalty, the penalized team shall immediately put a substitute player on the penalty bench who shall serve the penalty without change, except by the injured penalized player if he is able to return.
[d] The injured penalized player shall not be eligible to play until his penalty has expired.
[e] If an injured player returns to play before his penalty has expired, the Referee shall assess additionally to this player a:
Minor penalty (2)
Commentary
[1] If it is obvious that a player has sustained a serious injury, the Referee and/or the Linesman shall stop the play immediately.
[2] When play has been stopped due to an injured player, excluding the goal-keeper, the injured player shall leave the ice and shall not return to the ice until after play has resumed.
Minor penalty (see Rule 554e)
Case Book
B - Interpretation
1. A substitute player serving a penalty for an injured player shall remain in the penalty bench until the injured player is able to return to the game. When the injured player returns to play, he shall replace the substitute in the penalty bench at the next stoppage of play (See Rule 416c).
417 - Injured Goalkeepers
[a] If a goalkeeper sustains an injury or becomes ill, he shall be ready to resume play immediately or be replaced by a substitute goalkeeper.
[b] If both goalkeepers of the team are incapacitated and unable to play, the team shall have ten minutes to dress another player in uniform as a goalkeeper.
Commentary
[1] No warm-up shall be permited for the substitute goalkeeper.
[2] In this case, neither of the two regular goalkeepers shall return to the game.
Note:
In IIHF competitions where 3 goalkeepers are registered and one of the two goalkeepers on the Official Game Sheet is incapacitated, the IIHF By-Law 618(f) applies.
Case Book
A - Referee and Linesman Procedure
1. The Referee and the Linesmen have the authority to stop play for an injured goalkeeper.
2. When a goalkeeper is hit in the face or head, especially from a hard shot, or if there is any indication of a serious injury, the Referee shall stop play immediately unless there is an instant scoring opportunity.
B - Interpretation
1. If a goalkeeper is injured and returns to the player's bench, he shall be replaced. If he attempts to go back in the net at that time, he shall be assessed a Minor penalty (See Rule 592.)
2. The Referee and the Linesmen have the authority to stop play for an injured goalkeeper.
3. A player replacing an injured goalkeeper is allowed ten minutes to put on goalkeeper equipment. The ten minutes starts once the Referee is assured that the injured goalkeeper in unable to return to play. The injured goalkeeper cannot return to play once the player puts on the equipment and proceeds to the goal.
419 - Ice Cleaning
Referee has the authority to remove a build up of snow around the goal post or on the goal line near the net.
420 - Timing Of Game
The regular game shall consist of three 20-minute actual time periods and two 15 minute intermissions. The teams shall change ends for each period.
Commentary
[1] Playing time shall commence from the instant the puck is faced-off and shall stop when the whistle is blown.
[2] If any unusual delay occurs within five minutes of the end of the first and second period, the Referee may order the next regular intermission to be taken immediately. When play resumes, the remaining time shall be played with the teams defending the same goal as before the intermission, after which time the teams change ends and resume playing the ensuing period without delay.
[3] In open air rinks, teams shall change ends at the midway point of the third and overtime periods.
[4] During the intermissions the ice shall be resurfaced.
Case Book
A - Referee Procedure
1. The Referee is not required to blow the whistle at the end of the period. The sound of the siren is sufficient.
421 - Overtime Period
In a game where a winner shall be declared, the game shall be prolonged by anactual time "Sudden Victory" overtime period.If no goal is scored, game winning shots shall apply.
422 - Time-Out
[a] Each team shall be permitted one 30-second time-out during the course of regular time or during overtime.
[b] During a normal stoppage of play, any player designated by the Coach may ask the Referee for the time-out. The Referee shall report the time-out to the Scorekeeper.
[c] The players and goalkeepers of both teams, except for penalized players, are allowed to go to their respective benches.
[d] Each team may take their time-out at the same stoppage of play, but the team taking the second time-out shall notify the Referee before the end of the first time-out.
Commentary
Case Book
A - Referee Procedure
1. No time out shall be called by either team after the player change procedure has been completed and/or the players and official are in position and ready for the face-off.
2. No time out shall be called by either team after a player has been removed from a face-off.
3. A goalkeeper is not permitted to warm-up during a time out.

430 - Determining the Outcome of the Game
[a] The team scoring the greatest number of goals during the three 20-minute periods shall be declared the winner and shall be credited with two points in the standings.
[b] If, at the end of the game, the score for both teams is equal, the game shall be declared a tie with one point credited to each team.
[c] In a game where a winner shall be declared, the game shall be prolonged by an actual time "Sudden Victory" overtime period. If no goal is scored, game winning shots shall apply.
Commentary
"Sudden victory" means that, during the overtime period, the team who scores the first goal is declared the winner.
440 - Face-offs
[a] A face-off shall be conducted at the beginning of each period and after any stoppage of play.
[b] All face-offs shall be conducted exclusively:
At the nine designated face-offs spots
[c] The face-offs shall be conducted at the center ice spot:
At the start of a period,
After a goal scored,
After an error by an official on icing,
Premature substitution of a goalkeeper unless otherwise expressely provided by these rules.
[d] Face-offs shall be conducted at the end zone spots of the defending team:
After any infringement of the rules made by the defending team in his defending zone the puck shall be faced-off at the end face-off spot on the side where the stoppage occurred.
A goal illegally scored as a result of a puck deflected off an official.
After an attacking team does not score on a Penalty Shot
[e] Face-offs shall be conducted at the end zone spots of the attacking team:
When the puck is iced by the attacking team,
After an intentional off-side by the attacking team,
[f] Face-offs shall be conducted at the neutral zone spots:
After an offside,
After any infringement of a rule made by the attacking team in their attacking zone.
Following a stoppage of play, should one or both defencemen who are playing near their attacking blue line or any other player coming from the bench of the attacking team enters into the attacking zone beyond the outer edge of the end zone face-off circles.
[g] Replaced 2009-10 IIHF Rules Bulletin) Face-offs shall be conducted at one of the two end zone face off spots of the offending team:
When players are penalized at a stoppage of play so as to result in penalties being placed on the penalty time clock to one team except:
a. When a penalty is assessed after the scoring of a goal face off at center ice
b. When a penalty is assessed at the end (or start) of a period face off at center ice
c. When the defending team is about to be penalized and the attacking players enter the attacking zone beyond the outer edge of the end zone face-off circle faceoff in the neutral zone (See item (f) of this rule)
d. When the team not being penalized ices the puck face-off in the neutral zone outside the blue line of the team icing the puck
e. When an infringement of a rule has been committed by the players of both sides in the play resulting in the stoppage, the ensuing face-off will be made at the nearest face-off spot in that zone.
[h] (Added 2009-10 IIHF Rules Bulletin) Face-offs shall be conducted at the nearest face off spot outside the blue line whenever possible in the neutral zone:
When the play is stopped for any reason not specifically attributable to either team while the puck is in the neutral zone
Note: When it is unclear as to which of the four face-off spots is the nearest, the centre ice faceoff spot will be selected for the ensuring face-off
[i] (Added 2009-10 IIHF Rules Bulletin) Face-off spot after an offside pass:
The face-off shall take place in the zone faceoff spot closest to the point of origin of the shot or pass (even if deflected off an attacking or defending player or an official)
[k] (Added 2009-10 IIHF Rules Bulletin) When the game is stopped for any reason not specifically covered in the official rules, the puck shall be faced-off at a face-off spot in the zone nearest to where it was last played.
Commentary
If the game is stopped for any reason that is not specifically covered in the rules, the puck shall be faced-off at the nearest spot or imaginary line where it was last played.
Case Book
B - Interpretation
1. The end zone face-off shall take place at the end zone face off spot on the side of the ice where the puck was frozen. If the puck is shot out of play, the face-off goes to the end zone face-off spot on the side of the ice where the shot originated.
2. If both attacking and defending players are assessed penalties and the stoppage of play occurs in the end zone, the face-off shall take place in that zone, regardless of whether the same number of players on each team receive penalties, unless another rule applies that would cause the face-off to take place in the neutral zone.
3. If a player of the attacking team is assessed a penalty during the face-off in his attacking zone, the face-off shall now take place at face-off spot in the neutral zone closest to that end zone.
4. If an attacking player knocked the goal net off its mooring in his attacking zone and made no attempt to avoid the contact, the face-off shall take place at the face-off spot in the neutral zone closest to that end zone. However, if the player did not have an opportunity to avoid contact with the goal net, the face-off is to take place at the end zone face off spot of his attacking zone.
5. If there is a scrum or a gathering of players following the stoppage of play deep in the defending zone, the face-off shall be taken out to the face off spot in the neutral zone closest to that end zone if one or both point players or defensemen of an attacking team encroach beyond the outer edge of the end zone face-off circles.
6. If a Linesman signals a delayed offside and the defending team ices the puck, the face-off shall take place at the end zone face-off spot, just as for a regular icing situation.
7. If only an attacking player has been assessed a penalty in the attacking zone, the face-off shall take place at the face-off spot in the neutral zone closest to that end zone, regardless of which team was responsible for the stoppage of play.
8. If the puck strikes an official and goes out of the playing area in the neutral zone, the face-off shall take place at the nearest faceoff spot in the neutral zone closest to the place where the puck hit the official or deflected off of him. (See Rule 440d).
9. A goalkeeper shall not participate in a face-off.
C - Situations
Situation 1: Team A is short-handed because of a Minor penalty. Team B is assessed a Minor penalty (delayed) in their attacking zone. Team A intentionally refrains from playing the puck in their end zone to let time run out on their own penalty.
Ruling: The Referee shall stop play and the face-off shall take place at the end faceoff spot of the team that refrained from playing the puck (Team A).
Situation 2: The Referee signals a penalty against the attacking team in its attacking zone. The non-offending team has possession of the puck in its own defending zone and is then responsible for the stoppage of play in its own defending zone.
Ruling: The face-off shall take place at the face-off spot in the neutral zone closest to that end zone.
Situation 3: A defending player caused a stoppage of play in the defending zone and the Referee assessed a penalty to the defending team. Before play resumes an attacking player was assessed a penalt
Ruling:The face-off shall take place at one of the two end zone face-off spots of the team assessed the original penalty.
Situation 4: An attacking player is assessed a penalty in his attacking zone. The following face-off shall take place at one of the two end zone face off spots of the offending team. However, before play resumes a defending team player commits a foul and is assessed a penalty.
Ruling: The face-off shall take place at one of the two end zone face-offs spots of the team committing the original penalty.
Situation 5: An attacking team player is assessed a penalty in his attacking zone. The following face-off shall take place at the face-off spot in the neutral zone closest to that end zone, however, before play resumes a defending team player commits a foul and is assessed a penalty.
Ruling: The face-off remains in the neutral zone since the face-off was originally designated to be in that zone.
Situation 6: An attacking team player is assessed a Misconduct penalty in his attacking zone.
Ruling: The face-off shall take place at one of the face off spot in the zone nearest to location of the puck when the play was stopped. (No penalty on a clock See 2009/10 IIHF Rules Bulletin)
442 - Procedure for Conducting Face-offs
[a] The Referee or the Linesman shall drop the puck between the sticks of the two players facing-off.
[b] The players shall be positioned squarely facing their opponent's end of the rink, approximately one stick length apart, with the blade of their stick on the ice on the white part of the face-off spot.
[c] The player of the attacking team in his attacking half of the rink shall place his stick on the ice first followed immediately by the player of the defending team.
[d] However, when the face-off is at the center ice spot the player of the visiting team shall place his stick first on the ice.
Commentary
[1] The whistle shall not be blown by the official to start play.
[2] No substitution of players shall be permitted until the face-off has been conducted and play has resumed, except when a penalty is assessed that shall affect the on ice strength of either team.
[3] If the player facing-off fails to take his proper position immediately when directed to do so by the official, the official shall order him replaced for the face-off by another team-mate on the ice.
[4] If a player enters the face-off circle, the Referee or Linesman shall blow the whistle to re-face-off the puck, unless the non-offending team gains pos-session of the puck.
[5] The Referee shall assess the corresponding penalty(s) for the infraction made by the player. (See Rule 554 (g) paragraph b.)
Case Book
A - Referee Procedure
1. The procedure for conducting a face-off remains the same when a face-off takes place at positions anywhere on the ice surface.
2. The Linesman shall not telegraph the drop by raising his arm and then throwing the puck down.
3. The Linesman conducting the face-off shall not drop the puck until he is sure that his partner has returned to his correct position.
4. The Linesman conducting the face-off shall not drop the puck until all of the players who are not participating in the play leave the ice, even if the five seconds is up.
5. The Linesman conducting the face-off shall be aware that the correct numbers of players are on the ice before he drops the puck.
6. If a player taking a face-off does not properly line up with the markings on the ice, the official can remove the player with no warning.
7. Use the five seconds after the whistle to communicate with the players and correct their positioning.
8. If a player taking a face-off makes contact with an opposing player before the puck is dropped, the official shall remove the player with no warning.
9. If a player enters or is in the circle once the Linesman and the two players are ready for the face-off, the Linesman shall remove the player taking the face-off and replace him with a teammate that is on the ice with no warning.
10. If a player is removed from a face-off, the on-ice official cannot designate which player will take part in the face-off. That is a team decision, but the replacement shall be a player on the ice and he shall come for the face-off immediately.
11. Avoid removing both players taking the face-off at the end zone face off spot at the same time. If possible, remove the first offender.
12. If both teams have a player(s) enter the circle too soon on the face-off (no previous warning to either team), then both players taking the face-off shall be removed.
13. The back Linesman shall watch for players entering the circle behind the Linesman taking the face-off. If the back Linesman observes a face-off infraction (player(s) in the circle), he shall blow the whistle and notify the Linesman taking the face-off. This only applies against a team that has not yet received a warning. If it is the second violation, it is the Referee's responsibility, as it will result in a penalty.
14. A Linesman shall not remove the second player on the same team from a face-off. It is the Referee's responsibility, as it will result in a penalty.
15. The Linesmen may drop the puck if only one player is in position, but it may be better to demonstrate this process for the first time in a game in a neutral zone face-off.
16. If a player has been removed from a face-off at an end zone face off spot, the Referee shall maintain his position, and if it is the first violation he shall warn the players of that team. If the other team commits an infraction during the same faceoff, the Referee shall likewise warn that team upon their first violation.
17. If a problem occurs during the end zone face-off, the Referee may move over to assist the Linesman and warn the players. In this situation, the Referee shall blow his whistle to warn the Linesman that he is moving over. After warning the team that caused the problem, the Referee shall move back to his normal position.
18. If a team has received a warning and their player has been removed from the faceoff, and now both teams have players that enter the circle too soon, the Referee shall penalize the team that had the player removed and warn the other team.
19. When a team has been penalized, the process of a warning and the assessment of a penalty begin again.
20. Once a team has been penalized during the face-off, both teams may change players.
B - Interpretation
1. The entire blade of the stick of the player taking the face-off does not have to be flat on the ice. It is sufficient that the tip of the blade touches the ice.
2. Only the skates of the players not participating in the face-off shall be outside the face-off circle or behind the two restraining lines (hash marks).
3. Players not taking the face-off may not continually change position around the outside of the face-off circle, even if they are on side. The attacking player in his attacking part of the ice shall resume his position first.
4. A player is not permitted to rotate around on the face-off and kick the puck. However, if a player originally plays the puck with his stick and the puck is loose, a player can kick the puck back. The intention is that a player cannot turn and kick the puck without attempting to play it with his stick and, in the act, prevent the opposing player from being able to play the puck with his stick.
C - Situations
Situation 1: The Linesman is set to drop the puck but the puck is subsequently knocked out of his hand by one of the players taking the face-off.
Ruling: The Linesman conducting the face-off shall blow his whistle and determine the deliberation of the act and, if necessary, remove the offending player from the face-off.
450 - Offsides
[a] Players of an attacking team shall not precede the puck into their attacking zone.
[b] The determining factors in deciding an offside are:
The players' skates position - player is offside when both skates are completely over the blue line in his attacking zone before the puck completely crosses the line,
The puck position - the puck shall have completely crossed the blue line into the attacking zone.
[c] In violation of this rule, play shall be stopped and a face-off shall be conducted:
At the nearest neutral zone face-off spot if the puck was carried over the blue line by the attacking player,
At the place where the pass or shot originated when the puck was passed or shot over the blue line by an attacking player. (See dot-point 4 in this rule).
At the end face-off spot in the defending zone of the offending team if, in the opinion of the Linesman or Referee, a player has intentionally caused an offside.
At the end zone face-off spot in the defending zone of the offending team, if the puck was passed or shot by the attacking player from his defending zone.
Commentary
[1] A player actually propelling and in control of the puck, who crosses the blue line ahead of the puck, shall not be considered offside.
[2] If a defending player carries or passes the puck into his defending zone while a player of the attacking team is in an offside position, no offside shall be called.
[3] An intentional offside is made for the purpose of causing a stoppage of play, regardless of the reason.
Case Book
A - Referee and Linesman Procedure
1. If a Linesman makes an error on an offside play and stops play, the face-off should take place at the face-off spot in the neutral zone closest to that zone.
B - Interpretation
1. If a player is propelling the puck and crosses the line ahead of the puck while skating backwards, he is not considered offside provided he is actually in control of the puck and has both skates in the neutral zone before crossing the blue line.
2. A player shall have one skate or skate boot on the ice the instant the puck completely crosses the blue line.
3. If a player shoots the puck from his defending zone down the ice, and a teammate skates down the ice, precedes the puck across the attacking blue line and plays the puck, offside is called. The face-off shall take place at of the end zone face off spot on the side from where the puck was shot.
4. When a penalty is over and the Penalty Bench Attendant opens the door (the door is in the end zone), the player coming out would be offside. The fact that the player might wait until the puck crosses the blue line to come on to the ice would not change that he is in offside. As soon as the penalty bench door opens the player is considered to be on the ice.
C - Situations
Situation 1: A player has one skate on the blue line or in the neutral zone and one skate in the attacking zone at the instant that the puck completely crosses the blue line.
Ruling: It is not offside.
Situation 2: A player has both skates in the neutral zone but his stick is in the attacking zone at the instant that the puck completely crosses the blue line.
Ruling: It is not offside.
Situation 3: A player has one skate raised above the blue line or above the neutral zone (over top of, but not touching the ice) and one skate in the attacking zone at the instant that the puck completely crosses the blue line.
Ruling: It is offside because the skate shall be in contact with the ice.
Situation 4: A player has both skates completely positioned in the attacking zone at the instant that the puck crosses the blue line.
Ruling: It is offside.
Situation 5: A player in the neutral zone shoots the puck down the ice and another player from the same team precedes the puck across the attacking blue line but does not play the puck.
Ruling: The player is in a delayed offside position. When the player clears the attacking zone he will then be eligible to play the puck.
Situation 6: A player has one skate in the neutral zone and one skate on the blue line at the instant that the puck completely crosses the blue line.
Ruling: It is not offside.
Situation 7: A player has both skates completely situated in the attacking zone but the puck is still on the blue line.
Ruling: It is not offside until the puck completely crosses the blue line.
Situation 8: A player with both skates situated entirely in the attacking zone over the blue line receives a pass from a teammate. He stops the puck with his stick before the puck crosses the line and then pulls it over the blue line.
Ruling: It is offside. A player shall have at least one skate in the neutral zone or on the blue line before propelling the puck into the attacking zone.
Situation 9: An attacking player has both skates completely in the attacking zone over the blue line. A teammate in the neutral zone shoots the puck but it hits an opposing player, deflects off of his body or stick and then crosses the blue line.
Ruling: It is offside.
Situation 10: An attacking player has both skates completely in the attacking zone over the blue line, while an opposing player has possession of the puck in the neutral zone and shoots or passes or carries the puck back into his defending zone while an attacking player is still in the zone.
Ruling: It is not offside.
Situation 11: The attacking team has possession of the puck in the attacking zone. The puck is at the blue line but it is partly in the neutral zone and touching the blue line (partially on the blue line and partially in the neutral zone). The attacking player then moves the puck into the attacking zone.
Ruling: It is not offside, as the puck shall completely cross the blue line and be in the neutral zone.
Situation 12: An attacking player crosses the blue line with the puck and then brings the puck back over the blue line into the neutral zone on his stick while his skates are still in the attacking zone, and then once again brings the puck back into the attacking zone.
Ruling: It is offside.
Situation 13: A defending player shoots the puck out of his defending zone and the puck completely crosses the blue line. The puck then deflects off of a teammate in the neutral zone back into the defending zone while an attacking player is still in that zone.
Ruling: It is offside, as it is not considered a pass.
Situation 14: An attacking player, straddling the blue line, takes a pass on his stick in the neutral zone. He then brings the skate that was in the neutral zone over the blue line while the puck is still on his stick in the neutral zone and pulls the puck over the blue line.
Ruling: It is offside.
Situation 15: An attacking player with both skates completely positioned in the attacking zone over the blue line, receives a pass from a teammate in the neutral zone. He stops the puck with his stick before the puck crosses the blue line, then skates up with one skate on the blue line, holds his skate on the line, and pulls the puck over the blue line while his skate is still on the line.
Ruling: It is not offside.
Situation 16: An attacking player or defending player in the end zone shoots the puck back out over the blue line into the neutral zone. The puck completely crosses the blue line, hits an official in the neutral zone and then deflects off the official back over the blue line into the end zone while an attacking player is still in the attacking zone.
Ruling: It will be offside until the player comes back and clears the zone.
Situation 17: A puck is deflected, causing an attacking player to be offside, and there is a stoppage of play.
Ruling: The face-off shall take place at the nearest to this zone face-off spot in the neutral zone.
451 - Delayed Offside Procedure
If an attacking player precedes the puck into the attacking zone, but a defending player is able to play the puck, the Linesman shall raise his arm to signal a "Delayed Offside", except if the puck has been shot on goal causing the goalkeeper to play the puck.
The Linesman shall drop his arm to nullify the offside violation and allow the play to continue if:
The defending team either passes or carries the puck into the neutral zone,
Or, all attacking players immediately clear the attacking zone by making skate contact with the blue line.
Commentary
[1] The attacking zone shall be completely clear of attacking players before the delayed offside can be nullified with the puck still in the attacking zone.
[2] "Immediately" means that the attacking players shall not touch the puck, or attempt to gain possession of a loose puck, or force the defending puck carrier further back in the zone.
[3] In this second case, when the Linesman drops his arm, any attacking player may re-enter his attacking zone.
Case Book
B - Interpretation
1. A defending player in the process of clearing the zone may carry the puck behind the goal line provided he makes no attempt to delay the game.
2. If there is a hard shot at or in the vicinity of the goalkeeper, the intentional offside rule shall apply.
3. When an attacking player comes out of the end zone and deliberately plays the puck, or checks a defending player bringing the puck out, it shall be classified as an intentional offside.
4. No goal may be scored on a play by the offending team while the delayed off-side is still in effect (arm still up), unless the defending team shoots or puts the puck in their own net without ANY action or contact by the offending team.
5. If the puck is shot from behind the center red line and crosses the goal line, icing shall be called even if the delayed offside is still in effect. On any delayed offside play the Linesman shall first ensure that the puck is not moving toward the net. If it is, play shall be stopped immediately. The non-whistle arm shall be used to signal.
6. If a goalkeeper has been removed and a clearing-the-zone situation arises with the puck being shot on the open net as the attacking player(s) just clear the zone, no goal shall be awarded until a team has gained control of the puck and the zone has been cleared.
7. With reference to number 5 above, a goal may be scored by the attacking team once the delayed offside has been removed.
8. If play has stopped as a result of a delayed offside, the face-off shall take place at the face-off spot in the neutral zone closest to that zone or at the origin of the pass (On the imaginary line spot or at one of the end zone face-off spots), whichever is closest to the goal of the team causing the offside as covered by the rules.
C - Situations
Situation 1: A Linesman signals a delayed offside and a defending player shoots the puck directly out of the playing area from his defending zone and over the boards in the neutral zone.
Ruling: The face-off shall take place at the end zone face off spot on side where the defending player shot the puck and the defending player shall be assessed a Minor Penalty for Delaying the Game (See Rule 554c).
Situation 2: A Linesman signals a delayed offside and the defending team shoots the puck directly out of the playing surface in the defending zone.
Ruling: The face-off shall take place at the face-off spot in the neutral zone closest to that end zone on the side where the puck was shot and the player who shoots the puck directly outside of the playing surface shall be assessed a Minor Penalty for Delaying the Game (See Rule 554c).
Situation 3: A Linesman signals a delayed offside as the attacking team is changing players. An attacking player in the attacking zone goes over the boards to his player's bench, which is partially in the attacking zone.
Ruling: If the players coming onto the ice do so in the neutral zone, it is not considered offside provided the players leaving the ice are completely off the ice surface.
460 - Icing the Puck
[a] For the purpose of this rule, the center red line divides the ice rink into two halves. The point of last contact with the puck by the team in possession shall be used to determine whether or not icing has occurred.
[b] Should a player of a team equal or superior in numerical strength shoot, bat or deflect the puck from his own half of the ice beyond the goal line of the opposing team, play shall be stopped and icing shall be called.
[c] A face-off shall take place at the end zone face-off spot of the offending team nearest to where they last touched the puck.
[d] No icing shall be called:
If the puck enters the goal - the goal is allowed,
If the offending team is "Short Handed" at the instant the puck is shot,
If the puck touches any part of an opposing player, including the goalkeeper, before crossing the goal line,
If the puck is iced directly from a player participating in a face-off,
If, in the opinion of the Linesman, any player from the opposing team, except the goalkeeper, is able to play the puck before it crosses the goal line.
Once the goalkeeper leaves his goal crease or when the goalkeeper is outside his goal crease during icing situation and moves in the direction of the puck.
Commentary
[1] If the Linesmen have made a mistake in calling an icing, the puck shall be faced-off on the center ice face-off spot.
[2] The purpose of this section is to enforce continuous action and both Referee and Linesmen shall interpret and apply the rule to produce this result.
[3] "Short Handed" means that due to a penalty(s), the team shall be below the numerical strength of its opponents on the ice.
Case Book
A - Linesman Procedure
1. Once the front Linesman receives the icing signal from the back Linesman, the front Linesman shall take over the judgement of the icing call. However, the front Linesman shall check with the back Linesman as he crosses the blue line and again before he either blows the whistle or washes out the icing.
2. It is always the responsibility of the front Linesman to determine whether or not the player can play the puck.
3. If there is no icing signal from the back Linesman, the front Linesman shall take the responsibility to call icing if he is certain that it is icing.
4. If the front Linesman goes in deep on a possible icing and fails to acknowledge the back Linesman's washout signal and then blows the whistle to indicate icing, the face-off shall take place at centre ice spot.
5. When the back Linesman is unable to determine whether the puck has been shot or deflected from behind the centre red line, the front Linesman may give the washout signal.
6. Regardless of the situation or reason, whenever either Linesman waves off icing, the other Linesman shall also acknowledge the action by giving the washout signal.
7. If the puck passes through the goal crease or touches one of the lines of the goal crease, icing shall be called.
B - Interpretation
1. Icing is determined by the number of players on the ice surface at the time or instant that the puck is shot by either team from their side of the centre ice red line across the opposing team's goal line.
2. The resulting face-off shall take place at the end face-off spot on the side where the puck was shot on an icing the puck.
3. In icing situations, the Penalty Bench Attendant should open the door of the penalty bench at the instant that the penalty time expires to indicate that the player is classified as being on the ice.
4. Icing shall be called if the goalkeeper, being outside his goal crease when the puck has been shot from behind the center red line, moves back to his crease.
5. No icing shall be called if the goalkeeper leaves his crease after the puck has been shot from behind the center red line and then decides to go back to his crease.
6. If the goalkeeper is outside his goal crease in an attempt to go to his player's bench to be substituted for an extra player, when the puck has been shot from behind the center red line, and on his way to the player's bench:
Makes no attempt to play the puck - Icing shall be called
Makes attempt to play the puck - No icing shall be called
Turns back to his goal crease and makes no attempt to play the puck - Icing shall be called
Turns back and attempts to play the puck - No icing shall be called
7. No icing shall be called if the goalkeeper is outside his goal crease and makes no attempt to return to his crease.
8. Where the team shoots the puck in an icing situation through the imaginary 3 m zone during the course of players' change icing shall apply.
(2010 IIHF Casebook Change) The team in possession shall gain the line in order for the icing to be nullified.
(2010 IIHF Casebook Change) Gaining the line shall mean that the puck, while on the player s stick (not the player s skate) shall make contact with the center red line in order to nullify a potential icing.
C - Situations
Situation 1: A player behind the centre red line shoots the puck into the opponent's goal.
Ruling: The goal shall be allowed.
Situation 2: A player passes the puck from behind the blue line to a teammate, who is standing with both skates behind the centre red line, but the puck hits a player's stick, which is over the centre red line, and it then continues down over the opponent's goal line.
Ruling: It is not icing.
Situation 3: The puck is shot by an attacking player and hits a defending player who is behind the centre red line and, after hitting the defending player, continues down over the goal line of the team originally shooting the puck.
Ruling: It is not icing.
Situation 4: A player standing behind the centre red line shoots the puck and it lands on top of the net after crossing over the goal line.
Ruling: It is icing as the puck first crossed the goal line.
Situation 5: A player has his skates over the centre red line and the puck is on his stick, either on or behind the centre red line. From this position he shoots the puck over the goal line but does not take the puck over the red line on his stick.
Ruling: It is icing.
Situation 6: The puck contacts the stick, which is still on the centre red line and the puck goes down over the goal line.
Ruling: It is icing.
Situation 7: The puck has been shot from behind the centre red line and hits the cross bar or the goal post of the net and crosses the goal line.
Ruling: It is icing.
Situation 8: The puck is shot from behind the centre red line and bounces over the stick of an opposing player who attempts to play it, or an opposing player makes an attempt to stop the puck but misses it.
Ruling: It is icing as long as the opposing player makes an attempt to play the puck.
Situation 9: A Linesman signals a delayed offside and the defending team ices the puck.
Ruling: The face-off shall take place at the end zone face-off spot, just as it would for regular icing. At the moment the puck crosses the blue line the delayed offside is washed out, but the icing situation is still in effect.
Situation 10: A goalkeeper with one or both skates in his goal crease reaches out with his stick and lets the puck goes by.
Ruling: It is icing.
470 - Definition of a Goal
[a] A goal shall be allowed:
[1] When the puck has been put between the goal posts below the crossbar and entirely across the goal line by the stick of a player of the attacking team,
[2] If the puck has been put into the goal net in any way by a player of the defending team,
[3] If the puck has been deflected into the goal net from the shot of an attacking player by striking any part of a team-mate,
[4] If a player of the attacking team has been physically interfered with, by the action of any defending player so as to cause him to be in the goal crease when the puck enters the goal net, unless if in the opinion of the Referee, he had sufficient time to get out of the crease,
[5] If the puck should become loose in the goal crease and then put into the goal net by the stick of the attacking player,
[6] When the puck deflects directly off the skate of an attacking or defending player.
[7] If an attacking player being in the goal crease at the moment the puck crosses the goal line and in no way affects the goalkeeper's ability to make a save, unless the cases described in Rule 471.
Commentary

Puck in the net.
Note:
All such calls shall be based strictly on the judgement of the Referee.
Case Book
A - Referee Procedure
1. If the puck enters the net, the Referee shall blow his whistle and indicate toward or into the goal net.
2. If the puck enters the net before the buzzer sounds at the end of a period (19:59) and the Referee allows the goal to count, it is not necessary for the Referee to conduct a face-off at centre ice. The Referee shall ensure that the Scorekeeper records the goal at 19:59 on the Official Game Sheet.
3. If a goalkeeper catches the puck before the goal line and the glove goes back in over the goal line the goal shall be allowed. This situation can be reviewed.
4. If the puck is not seen in the net, but know it is over the goal line (i.e. in the glove) the goal shall be allowed. This situation can be reviewed.
5. Where the puck is under the body and as a referee or V.G.J. it cannot be seen over the goal line no goal shall be allowed.
6. It is possible a situation where the puck is not seen, but all other factors indicate the puck had to be in the net the goal shall be allowed.
C - Situations
Situation 1: An attacking player turns his skate to direct the puck into the goal net.
Ruling: The goal shall be allowed provided there was no distinct kicking action.
Situation 2: The puck contacts the moving skate of an attacking player and goes into the goal net.
Ruling: The goal shall be allowed provided there was no distinct kicking action.
Situation 3: An attacking player directs the puck into the goal net with his skate.
Ruling: The goal shall be allowed provided there was no distinct kicking action.
Situation 4: An attacking player is hit by the puck while standing in the goal crease and the puck drops down into the crease. The player then skates out of the goal crease and shoots the puck into the goal net.
Ruling: The goal shall be allowed.
Situation 5: The puck is shot and hits the helmet or any part of the body of an attacking player before entering the net.
Ruling: The goal shall be allowed provided there was no deliberate direction of the puck by the head or any part of the body.
Situation 6: A goal is scored but, in review, the Referee is notified that the clock had stopped and was not running when the puck entered the net.
Ruling: The goal shall be allowed provided that the period was not over.
Situation 7: The Penalty Bench Attendant made a mistake and a player spent more time in the penalty bench then required, during which time the opposing team scored a goal.
Ruling: The goal shall be allowed and the clock shall not be re-set.
471 - Disallowing a Goal
[a] No goal shall be allowed:
[1] If an attacking player deliberately kicks, throws, bats with the hands or otherwise directs the puck by any means other than his stick into the goal net even if the puck has been further deflected by any player, goalkeeper or official,
[2] If an attacking player contacted the puck with the stick above the cross bar,
[3] If the puck has been directly deflected into the goal net off an official,
[4] If an attacking player stands or holds his stick in the goal crease when the puck enters the goal net, unless he has been physically interfered with, by the action of any defending player so as to cause him to be in the goal crease when the puck enters the goal net, unless if in the opinion of the Referee, he had sufficient time to get out of the crease or unless Rule 470 applies.
[5] If the goal net has been displaced from its normal position, or the frame of the goal net is not completely flat on the ice.
[6] If an attacking player initiates contact with the goalkeeper, incidental or otherwise, while the goalkeeper is in his goal crease and a goal is scored.
[7] If an attacking player initiates any contact with the goalkeeper, other than incidental contact, while goalkeeper is outside his goal crease and a goal is scored.
[8] Where an attacking player enters or takes a position within the goal crease, so as to obstruct the goalkeeper's vision and impair his ability to defend his goal net and a goal is scored.
[9] Where a goalkeeper has been pushed into the goal net together with the puck after making a stop. If applicable, appropriate penalties shall be assessed.
[b] Where the puck is under the player who is in or around the goal crease (deliberately or otherwise), a goal cannot be scored by pushing this player together with the puck into the goal net. If applicable, the appropriate penalties shall be assessed, including the Penalty Shot (See Rule 557).
Commentary
[1] No goal shall be disallowed after the face-off immediately following the scoring of that goal.
[2] The goal crease is defined as a volume, extending from the crease area on the ice up to 1.27m above the ice surface.
Note:
"Contact" whether or otherwise, between a goalkeeper and an attacking player may be with the stick or any part of the body.
Note:
All such calls shall be based strictly on the judgement of the Referee.
Case Book
B - Interpretation
1. No goal shall be allowed if the goal net is off its moorings at the time the puck enters the goal net or crosses the goal line.
2. No goal shall be allowed if an attacking player contacts the puck with his stick above the height of the cross bar and the puck deflects off of any player, goalkeeper or official into the goal net. The same rule applies when an attacking player has batted the puck.
3. No goal shall be allowed from any type of kick shot.
4. An attacking player may not deliberately direct the puck with any part of the body into the goal net. No goal shall be allowed even if the puck has been further deflected off into the goal net of any player, goalkeeper or official, unless a player has directed the puck into his own goal net.
5. No goal shall be allowed if a player deliberately hits or directs the puck into the goal net of the opposing team with his head or helmet, facial protector, or any part of his body, other than the skates.
6. No goal shall be allowed if the time clock reads 20:00 or 0:00.
7. No goal shall be allowed after a puck deflects off of an official, unless a player shoots the puck into the goal net after the deflection.
8. No goal shall be allowed if a puck hits an official and then deflects off of a player or goalkeeper into the goal net.
9. No goal shall be allowed unless the puck crosses the goal line in one piece.
10. If an attacking player is moving through the goal crease and the puck deflects off the player or his stick and enters the goal net, the goal shall not be allowed (assuming the player was in the crease before the puck).
11. If the puck is covered and Referee has stopped play before it goes over the goal line, the goal cannot be allowed and cannot be reviewed.
C - Situations
Situation 1: A defending player puts the puck into his goal net while an attacking player is standing in the goal crease.
Ruling: The goal shall be allowed.
Situation 2: An attacking player bats the puck with his hand and it deflects off of any player (attacking or defending), his stick or skates, the goalkeeper or game official into the goal net.
Ruling: No goal shall be allowed.
Situation 3: An attacking player deliberately bats the puck with his hand. It deflects off of the opposing goalkeeper to a teammate who then shoots the puck into the goal net.
Ruling: No goal shall be allowed.
Situation 4: An attacking player deliberately bats the puck with his hand. It deflects off of the opposing goalkeeper, deflects off of another defending player to another attacking player who then shoots the puck into the goal net.
Ruling: The play shall be stopped but no goal shall be allowed.
Situation 5: The puck is batted forward by a player by hand, hits the shaft of the stick of a teammate and then goes directly into the goal of the opposing team.
Ruling: No goal shall be allowed.
Situation 6: The puck is shot into the goal net but comes out and play continues, goes up the ice and a goal is scored at the other end causing a stoppage of play. During this stoppage the game officials determine that the first goal should count.
Ruling: This judgement may only be applied after the stoppage and before play resumes. The goal that caused the stoppage of play shall be disallowed, the first goal shall be allowed, and the clock shall be reset to the time of the first goal.
Situation 7: A Linesman is about to report a Major or Match penalty to the Referee, but before he reports to the Referee the offending team scores a goal.
Ruling: The incident shall be reported by the Linesman to the Referee who shall disallow the goal and assess the penalty.
472 - Goal and Assist Awarded to the Player
[a] A "Goal" shall be credited in the scoring records to the player who propelled the puck into the opponent's net.
[b] Each goal shall count as one point in the player's record.
[c] When a goal has been scored, an "Assist" shall be credited to the player(s) taking part in the play immediately preceeding the action.
[d] No more than two assists shall be given on any goal.
[e] Each assist shall account as one point in the player's record.
Commentary
[1] Only one point shall be awarded to any one player on a goal.
[2] Two assists may be awarded when a player scores after a rebound off of the goalkeeper.
[3] In the case of an obvious error in awarding a goal or assist, the error shall be corrected promptly, but changes shall not be made once the Referee has signed the Official Game Sheet.
Case Book
B - Interpretation
1. No assist can be credited to a player when the Referee awards a goal when the puck has not entered the goal net.
C - Situations
Situation 1: A player has scored a goal or received an assist but his name is not listed on the Official Game Sheet.
Ruling: The goal shall be disallowed and the player shall be removed from the game. The fact that the player's name was not listed on the Official Game Sheet shall be brought to the attention of the Referee before play resumes. The goal cannot be disallowed at a later time in the game if it is discovered that the player's name was not on the Official Game Sheet.
Situation 2: A8 passes the puck to A9, who passes to A10, who scores a goal.
Ruling: Assists shall be awarded to A8 and A9.
Situation 3: A8 shoots the puck in the direction of the goal net but not at the goalkeeper, A9 retrieves the puck and passes it to A10 who scores a goal.
Ruling: Assists shall be awarded to A8 and A9 as no player from Team B had gained control of the puck.
Situation 4: A8 passes to A9, but the puck deflects off the body, stick or skate of B8, and it is retrieved by A9 who passes to A10 who scores a goal.
Ruling: Assists shall be awarded to A8 and A9 as no Team B player had gained control of the puck.
Situation 5: A8 shoots the puck at the goalkeeper who stops the shot. The puck it rebounds and A10 shoots the puck into the goal net.
Ruling: An assist shall be awarded to A8.
Situation 6: A8 passes the puck to A9, who attempts to pass the puck to A10, but B8 intercepts the pass and gains possession and control of the puck. A10 checks B8 and shoots the puck into the goal.
Ruling: No assist shall be awarded because a player from the opposing team had possession and control of the puck prior to the goal being scored.
Situation 7: A8 passes to A9, who passes to A10, who shoots at the goal net, but the shot is stopped by the goalkeeper and rebounds out. It is then shot into the goal net by A10.
Ruling: An assist shall be awarded to A8 and A9. (See Rule 472)
480 - Puck out of Bounds
When the puck goes outside the playing area or strikes any obstacles, other than the boards or protective glass above the ice surface, the play shall be stopped and the face-off shall take place at the nearest point on the imaginary line from where the puck was shot or deflected, unless otherwise expressly provided in these rules.
481 - Puck on the Net
When the puck is lodged in the outside netting of the goal net for more than three seconds or held against the goal net between opposing players, the Referee shall stop the play and a face-off:
[1] At the nearest end zone face-off spot.
[2] At the nearest neutral zone face off-spot if, in the opinion of the Referee, the stoppage has been caused by an attacking player.
Case Book
A- Referee Procedure
1. When the puck has been shot onto the back of the goal netting by an attacking player and a defending player has the opportunity to play the puck but makes no attempt to play it, the Referee shall verbally communicate with the player to continue play. If the player still does not makes an attempt to play the puck off the goal netting, the Referee shall stop the game and warn the defending team to play the puck off the back of the goal netting. The face-off shall remain in the end zone.
B - Interpretation
1. Players are permitted to play or knock or scoop the puck off the back of the goal netting providing the time lapse is no more than three seconds.
C - Situations
Situation 1: The puck drops on the top netting of the goal net of the defending team, but before the Referee blows the whistle, a player from the attacking team knocks the puck off from the top netting with his stick.
Ruling: The Referee shall let play continue if the action was carried out without a high sticking infraction.
Situation 2: The puck drops on the top netting of the goal net of the defending team, but before the Referee blows the whistle, a player from the attacking team knocks the puck off from the top netting with his stick and then scores a goal.
Ruling: If the player knocked the puck off without a high sticking infraction and he was not in the goal crease at the moment the puck dropped into the crease, the goal shall be allowed.
Situation 3: The puck drops on the top netting of the goal net of the defending team, but before the Referee blows the whistle, a player on the attacking team knocks the puck off from the top netting with his stick from inside the goal net and scores a goal.
Ruling: If the player knocked the puck off without a high sticking infraction and he was not in the goal crease at the moment the puck dropped into the crease, the goal shall be allowed.
482 - Puck out of Sight
Should a scramble take place or a player accidentally falls on the puck and the puck is out of sight of the Referee, he shall immediately stop the play, and the puck shall be faced-off where the play has been stopped, unless provided for in the rules.
483 - Illegal Puck
If, at any time while play is in progress, a puck other than the one legally in play shall appear on the playing surface, the play shall not be stopped until the play then in progress is completed by change of possession.
484 - Puck Striking an Official
Play shall not be stopped because the puck touches an official except when the puck has entered the goal.
490 - Stopping/Passing the Puck with Hands
[a] A player shall be permitted to stop or bat the puck in the air with the open hand or push it along the ice with his hand, unless in the opinion of the Referee, the player has deliberately directed the puck to a team-mate.
[b] If a team-mate of such player obtains possession of the puck in the Neutral Zone, play shall be stopped and the puck faced-off at the location where the offence occurred, unless the offending team gains a territorial advantage, then the face-off shall be where the stoppage of play occurred.
[c] If a team-mate of such a player obtains possession of the puck in his Defending Zone, the Referee shall not stop the play provided the hand pass is completed before the player and puck leave the zone. However, when the puck is passed with the hand from a player in the Neutral Zone to a team-mate in his Defending Zone, the Referee shall stop the play with the face-off at point of stoppage.
[d] If a team-mate of such player obtains possession of the puck in his Attacking Zone, the Referee shall stop the play with the face-off at the Neutral Zone face-off spot outside the Attacking Zone.
[e] A goal shall be disallowed if the puck was batted by an attacking player even if deflected into the goal by any player, his stick, skate, goalkeeper or official into the goal.
Commentary
Case Book
A- Referee and Linesman Procedure
1. The hand pass signal is not necessary if the defending team creates the pass in its own defending zone, unless the puck leaves the zone.
2. The Referee shall make the initial signal to indicate a possible violation and then show the wash out signal for play to continue, or stop play and repeat the signal.
3. A Linesman shall only give the signal to indicate a possible violation if the Referee has not observed the situation. The Linesmen shall always allow the Referee the first opportunity to make the call.
B - Interpretation
1. There is no limit to the number of hand passes permitted by a defending team in their defending zone.
2. A goalkeeper may make a hand pass or bat the puck to a teammate in his defending zone, but he may not catch and throw the puck forward to a teammate.
C - Situations
Situation 1: A player bats the puck by hand. It hits the opposing goalkeeper, rebounds out and is picked up by a teammate of the player that first batted the puck.
Ruling: The Referee shall stop play
Situation 2: A player bats the puck by hand. It hits the body of a teammate and is then picked up by an opposing player.
Ruling: Play shall not be stopped unless the teammate of the player that initially hit the puck plays with it. The act of the puck hitting the player does not mean that the puck was played.
Situation 3: A player in his defending zone bats the puck with his hand from his own defending zone towards the neutral zone. The puck contacts an opposing player in the neutral zone (he does not control or play the puck) and then is taken by a player (in the neutral zone) of the team originally batting the puck.
Ruling: Play shall be stopped. The face off shall take place at the end zone face off spot of the team whose player originally bats the puck.
491 - Kicking the Puck
Kicking the puck shall be permitted in all zones, but a goal may not be scored by the kick of an attacking player unless deflected off the stick of an attacking player.
Case Book
B - Interpretation
1. A kick shot is made by placing the blade of the stick behind the puck and propelling the puck by kicking the stick.
2. No goal is allowed if it results from a kick shot.
3. No penalty is assessed to a player using a kick shot unless the blade of the stick rises above the shoulder on the follow through and causes a high stick action towards his opponent. In this case the Referee shall assess a High Sticking penalty to the player who made the action.
4. No penalty shall be assessed to a goalkeeper who uses a kick shot in the process of stopping a shot.
5. Where an attacking player kicks the puck and it is deflected into the goal net off the stick of an attacking player, the goal shall be allowed.
C - Situations
Situation 1: The goalkeeper catches the puck, but before the Referee stops the game, he drops it and kicks it into the air.
Ruling: The game continues and no penalty is assessed to the goalkeeper.
492 - High Sticking the Puck
[a] Stopping or batting the puck with the stick above the height of the shoulders is prohibited, and the play shall be stopped, unless:
The puck is batted to an opponent in which case the play shall continue and the Referee shall give the "Wash Out" signal.
A player of the defending team bats the puck in his own goal, in which case the goal is allowed.
[b] If the puck has been high-sticked by an attacking player in his Attacking Zone the face-off shall take place at the nearest spot in the Neutral Zone.
[c] If the puck has been high-sticked by a player in his Defending Zone or in the Neutral Zone face-off shall take place where the offence occurred unless the offending team gains a territorial advantage, then the face-off shall be where the stoppage of play occurred.
[d] No goal shall be scored when the stick of an attacking player above the height of the cross bar of the goal net contacts the puck.
Commentary

High Sticking the Puck Signal Rule 492

Wash-out Signal
Case Book
A - Referee and Linesman Procedure
1. If a player contacts the puck with a high stick, the Referee shall make an initial High Sticking signal indicating a violation. Depending upon who gains control of the puck, the Referee shall either indicate a wash out signal and let play continue, or blow the whistle, stop play, and repeat the signal.
2. It is the Referee's responsibility to make this call whenever he is on the ice, and especially in the end zones.
3. Linesmen shall call this violation only in the neutral zone and only after making certain that the Referee did not observe the action.
4. A Linesman gives no initial signal to indicate a possible violation. But if he should stop the play, he shall blow the whistle and give the signal. The Linesmen procedure is used only when the Referee has not observed the situation and has not given an initial signal. The Linesmen shall always allow the Referee the first opportunity to make the call.
B - Interpretation
1. If a player from the defending team in his defending zone contacts the puck with a high stick during the course of a delayed offside, play stops and the face off takes place in the defending zone according to Rule 440(d).
2. When play is stopped because of a player striking the puck with a high stick, the face-off shall take place according to Rule 492(c) and Rule 440(d), regardless of the fact that the stoppage of play was due to the puck leaving the playing area.
C - Situations
Situation 1: The puck contacts the stick of an attacking player above the height of the crossbar and then hits the body of a player and goes into the goal net.
Ruling: No goal shall be allowed.
Situation 2: The puck contacts the stick of an attacking player above the height of the crossbar and then deflects off of a player or goalkeeper or official into the goal net.
Ruling: No goal shall be allowed.
Situation 3: A defending player's stick is above the crossbar or the shoulder of an attacking player, but the puck deflects off of the defending player's shoulder into the goal net.
Ruling: The goal shall be allowed, as the puck did not contact the stick.
Situation 4: The team in possession of the puck contacts the puck with a high stick during the period of a delayed whistle due to a foul by the team not in possession of the puck.
Ruling: The face-off shall take place according to Rule 492(b, c) or Rule 440 (d): - If the action is made by the defending team in their defending zone, the face-off shall take place at the end zone face off spot on the side where the stoppage occurred. (See Rule 440 (d) - If the action is made by the attacking team in the neutral zone the face off shall take place on the imaginary lines spot follow the Rule 492 (c) - If the action is made by the attacking team in their attacking zone, the face-off shall take place at the face-off spot in the neutral zone closest to that end zone (See Rule 492 (b)
Situation 5: An attacking player is standing in front of the net with the blade of his stick above his head. After the shot, the puck hits the butt-end of the stick below the level of the cross bar and goes into the net.
Ruling: Ruling: No goal shall be allowed.
493 - Interference by Spectators
[a] In the event that objects are thrown on to the ice which interferes with the progress of the game, the Referee shall stop the play and the puck shall be faced-off at the spot the play was stopped.
[b] In the event of a player being held or interfered with by a spectator, the Referee or the Linesman shall stop the play. If the team of the player interfered with is in possession of the puck, the play shall be allowed to be completed.
Report to the Proper Authorities.