Interview Questions for Hockey Rules and Regulations Knowledge

The offside rule in hockey prevents a team from gaining a significant offensive advantage by entering the attacking zone before the puck. Think of it like a race: the puck has to ‘beat’ the attacking player into the offensive zone.

Specifically, a player is offside if any part of their body (skates, stick, etc.) crosses the attacking zone’s blue line before the puck completely crosses that same blue line. There are some nuances: A player can legally be in the offensive zone before the puck if they were there before the puck left their own defensive zone, even if the puck reaches the offensive zone before them (this is called being ‘onside’).

Example: Imagine a player skating quickly toward the opponent’s net. If they cross the blue line even a fraction of a second before the puck fully crosses, it’s offside. The referee will blow the whistle and the play is stopped; a face-off will then occur in the defensive zone of the offending team.

Practical Application: Teams strategize around this rule constantly; smart players will use their positioning to ensure the puck enters the offensive zone before they do. Quick passes to avoid the offside are crucial during fast-paced play.

Icing occurs when a player shoots the puck from behind the center red line completely across the opponent’s goal line, provided no attacking player touches it before that happens. Essentially, it’s a long, uncontrolled shot down the ice intended to stop play and give the team a breather or change lines.

Exceptions: The most important exceptions occur when an attacking player legally touches the puck (other than their own goalie touching the puck) or the puck goes into the net. If either of these happen before the defending team touches it, it’s not icing. The play continues normally. Icing is not called if the referee deems the puck would not have crossed the goal line or there’s another stoppage of play for a penalty, etc. before the icing is completed.

Example: A defenseman launches a long shot from their own zone; the puck races down the ice. However, an attacker touches the puck before a defender and continues the play. No icing is called, the play continues.

Practical Application: Icing can be a tactic in some situations, especially late in a game to slow the pace, but it can be a costly decision if players aren’t careful not to get called.

Tripping is a penalty called when a player uses their stick or body to deliberately cause an opponent to fall. It’s a dangerous play that can result in injury.

The key element is the intent to impede the opponent’s progress through an illegal trip. Accidental contact is not generally a tripping penalty unless there was a reckless action leading to the trip. The referee must determine if the tripping action was intentional or not.

Example: A player reaches out a leg to deliberately hook the opponent’s skate, causing them to fall; that is a tripping penalty. If a player accidentally trips another player during a struggle for position, a tripping penalty may not be called.

Practical Application: Coaches emphasize stickhandling skills and body positioning to avoid illegal tripping infractions. Tripping is often considered a penalty that reflects poor sportsmanship and can result in suspensions in severe cases.

Hockey penalties vary widely in severity and duration. Here are some common types:

• Minor Penalty (2 minutes): These are common infractions such as tripping, hooking, holding, slashing, interference.
• Major Penalty (5 minutes): More serious offenses like boarding, fighting, checking from behind.
• Double Minor Penalty (4 minutes): Usually given for high-sticking (hitting an opponent with the stick above shoulder height).
• Match Penalty (Game Misconduct): This removes a player from the game immediately, usually due to particularly violent or dangerous behaviour. They also face further league disciplinary action.
• Game Misconduct Penalty: This results in a player being ejected from the game without penalty time served by his team, usually for unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Misconduct Penalty (10 minutes): For unsportsmanlike conduct, fighting, etc.

The duration of a penalty determines the amount of time a penalized player’s team must play shorthanded. The penalties can add up, putting a team in a critical short-handed situation. After a penalty, the referee calls a face-off to resume the play.

A face-off is the method used to restart play after stoppages such as goals, icing, penalties, or offsides. Two opposing players face each other, positioned with their sticks on the ice, and a referee drops the puck between them. The players then attempt to gain possession of the puck.

Location: Face-offs occur at various locations on the ice depending on the situation. For example, after icing it’s in the defensive zone of the offending team; after a goal it is in the defending team’s zone; and after an offside, it will be in the offensive zone of the offending team.

Procedure: The referee verbally instructs the two players participating in the face-off, drops the puck, and ensures fair play. Players are not allowed to lift the puck out of the faceoff circle and if either player tries to, he is penalized and given a misconduct or similar.

Practical Application: Face-offs are crucial moments for team strategy. Winning a face-off can quickly transition play into an offensive opportunity.

Goaltender interference occurs when an attacking player illegally impedes the goaltender’s ability to play the puck or defend the net. This protects the goaltender, who is a particularly vulnerable player. Intentional contact is more likely to be called. A goalie should have free reign of his crease.

What constitutes interference: Contact with the goalie inside or outside the crease (depending on context), impeding the goalie’s movement, or knocking the net off its moorings are all examples of potential interference. Simply being in front of the net isn’t interference if there’s no contact or significant impediment to the goaltender’s actions.

Example: A player pushes the goalie, even slightly, while the goalie is attempting to make a save. That’s interference. If the player simply screens the goalie’s view of the puck, it might not be a penalty, unless this screening is intentionally causing obstruction.

Practical Application: Teams must be very careful not to intentionally or accidentally interfere with the goaltender during play.

A delay of game penalty occurs when a player deliberately slows down the game or prevents play from resuming in a timely manner. It disrupts the flow and fairness of the game.

Common Scenarios: Examples include shooting the puck over the glass intentionally, intentionally breaking your stick, or delaying the game during a stoppage of play. If the referee deems a player caused a significant delay in the game, he may be penalized.

Example: A player frustrated with a play shoots the puck into the stands intentionally. This is a clear delay of game, resulting in a penalty.

Practical Application: Coaches emphasize sportsmanship and efficient play to avoid incurring delay of game penalties, which can significantly hurt a team’s momentum and chances of success.

Checking from behind is a dangerous and illegal play in hockey. It’s considered a major infraction because it significantly increases the risk of injury to the checked player, who is unable to protect themselves. The rule prohibits any check delivered to an opponent where the checker is coming from behind the opponent and makes contact primarily to the head, neck or spine. Even if the contact is not to these areas, but the check is still delivered from behind, a penalty may be called at the referee’s discretion. The severity of the penalty can range from a minor to a major penalty, and can even result in a game misconduct or suspension depending on the circumstances and severity of the check.

Example: Imagine a player skating alongside another and suddenly launches a check from behind, hitting the other player’s back or head. This is a clear violation. Even if the checker attempts to make a shoulder-to-shoulder check, if they initiate the contact from behind, it is still considered a dangerous check from behind.

A goal is disallowed due to interference when an attacking player, either directly or indirectly, impacts the opposing team’s ability to defend the play prior to the puck entering the net. This can happen through physical contact, stick work, or even by impeding a defender’s movement. The interference doesn’t necessarily need to directly involve the goalie; any impact on a defender’s ability to play the puck fairly before the goal is scored constitutes interference. The referee has the authority to disallow the goal even if the interference is subtle or incidental, if it’s judged to have directly influenced the scoring opportunity.

Example: A player screens the goalie effectively, preventing the goalie from seeing the puck, but does not make physical contact. This is still considered interference and the goal could be disallowed.

Another Example: A player pushes a defender into the goalie just before a shot, even if the defender is not in direct contact with the puck when the push occurs. The goal is most likely disallowed.

The process of reviewing a potential goal involves a highly coordinated effort between the on-ice officials and the video replay officials. When a goal is scored, the referee signals to confirm it to the linesman. If there is a question about the legality of the goal – such as goaltender interference, offsides, or icing – the referee may initiate a video review. This is typically prompted by a coach’s challenge (if available based on league rules), or at the referee’s discretion. The replay officials review multiple angles of the play to determine whether there was interference or any other violation that would invalidate the goal. They can use slow motion, zoom, and other tools to examine every detail. Once the review is complete, the referee receives confirmation and officially rules on the validity of the goal, signaling ‘goal’ or ‘no goal’ accordingly.

Steps involved:

• Referee signals for review
• Video replay officials examine the play
• Referee receives feedback from replay officials
• Referee signals the final ruling on the goal

Linesmen are crucial to the smooth flow of a hockey game, responsible for primarily offsides and icing calls. They also oversee face-offs, drop the puck, and track the puck’s position, helping the referee maintain the overall game play. They skate alongside the play, watching for potential rule infractions. A key part of their job is observing when players enter the offensive zone before the puck, calling ‘offside,’ and signaling the referee to stop play. Icing is another significant area, signaling when the puck is shot from behind center ice and crosses the opposing team’s goal line without being touched by another player. They play a critical role in accurate and timely calls, maintaining fair and orderly play. They also often assist the referee with general game management and observation of other rules infringements. They are crucial for ensuring the game adheres to the rules and regulations.

The referee is the ultimate authority on the ice, responsible for calling penalties, determining the validity of goals, and generally enforcing the rules of the game. Referees officiate the game from the center ice, maintaining a broader perspective of the play. They manage game flow, ensure fair play, call infractions such as tripping, slashing, hooking, and fighting and decide penalties. Beyond penalties, they make crucial calls such as whether a goal is legal, and ultimately make the final ruling in cases of challenges or reviews. They must maintain objectivity, accurate judgment, and a strong understanding of the rules to guarantee a fair and sporting contest.

The key difference between major and minor penalties lies in their duration. A minor penalty results in a two-minute penalty for the offending player, and their team plays short-handed. A major penalty, however, results in a five-minute penalty, where the offending team plays short-handed for a significantly longer period. Major penalties usually indicate more serious infractions, such as fighting, boarding (checking a player violently into the boards), or spearing (thrusting a stick into an opponent). The severity of the penalty often reflects the potential for player injury and unfair play. A major penalty may lead to additional penalties, such as game misconducts or suspensions depending on the context and the league’s regulations.

A bench minor penalty is a penalty assessed to a team, rather than an individual player. It usually occurs due to a team violation such as too many players on the ice, delaying the game, or unsportsmanlike conduct from the bench staff (coaches, trainers, etc.). The team serves the penalty by playing short-handed, even if the coach or the trainers were the ones who violated the rules. It is a way to penalize the team collectively for the actions of its members and maintain game order and fairness.

A power play in hockey occurs when a team has a numerical advantage due to an opponent receiving a penalty. Think of it like this: one team gets a player sent to the penalty box, leaving the other team with more players on the ice for a set period. This provides a significant offensive opportunity, as the team with the power play has a better chance of scoring.

For example, if a player commits a tripping penalty, they’re sent to the penalty box for two minutes. During those two minutes, their team plays shorthanded (with one fewer player), while the opposing team enjoys a power play (with one extra player).

Power plays are crucial in hockey; they often lead to high-scoring chances and can significantly impact the game’s outcome. Teams practice power-play strategies extensively to maximize their effectiveness during these periods.

Ejection from a hockey game, often called a game misconduct, involves a player being removed from the game and typically facing further disciplinary action. The reasons for ejection vary widely, ranging from fighting to exceptionally dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct. The referee makes the final decision, based on the severity of the infraction.

The procedure generally involves the referee signaling the ejection with a specific hand gesture, announcing the penalty to the officials’ table, and recording the infraction on the official score sheet. The ejected player leaves the ice immediately, and typically will need to attend a hearing later and potentially receive a suspension.

Imagine a situation where a player deliberately checks an opponent from behind, causing a significant injury. The referee, witnessing the dangerous play, would likely issue a game misconduct penalty resulting in immediate ejection from the game.

Penalties in hockey are assessed by the referees and linesmen, who observe player actions and enforce the rules. When a penalty occurs, the referee signals the infraction (e.g., tripping, slashing, holding) using hand signals and verbally announces it to the officials’ table. The penalty duration (e.g., 2 minutes, 5 minutes, major penalty resulting in a game misconduct) is recorded on the score sheet.

A penalty box is used to track the duration of penalties. Each team has a designated penalty box, and the penalized player serves their time there. A penalty clock tracks the remaining time, and when the time expires, the player is allowed to re-enter the game. The penalty clock ensures fair enforcement of the rules.

For instance, if a player receives a 2-minute minor penalty for hooking, the referee will signal the penalty, the penalized player goes to the penalty box, and the clock starts running. For the next two minutes, the offending team is short-handed, and the other team is given a power-play. At the end of two minutes the penalized player may return.

A coach’s challenge in hockey allows the head coach to challenge specific referee calls, usually regarding goals, penalties, or no-calls related to potential interference or goaltender interference. This is usually done immediately after the play in question, and the coach must utilize a challenge button or signal during an allotted time frame.

The procedure involves the coach initiating the challenge, after which the play is reviewed by the officials in the replay booth. Based on the replay, the original call is either upheld or overturned. If the coach’s challenge is unsuccessful, the team loses a timeout. This ensures coaches don’t overutilize the challenge and that review is given to the most compelling situations.

For example, a coach might challenge a goal that seems to have been scored while the net was dislodged. The replay would definitively answer whether the goal is valid or not.

Overtime periods in hockey vary depending on the level of play. In professional leagues (like the NHL), overtime usually consists of a 3-on-3 sudden-death period. This means that if neither team scores within the allotted overtime time, a shootout usually follows. The shootout is a sudden-death penalty shot competition between players from each team.

In amateur leagues, overtime may use different formats, such as a 4-on-4 period or even a full 5-on-5 period. The rules concerning the length of overtime and whether a shootout is used depend on the specific league’s regulations.

The purpose of overtime is to determine a winner without needing a full game. The 3-on-3 format in professional hockey increases the pace and excitement, aiming to produce a winning team quickly. The implementation of a shootout ensures a definitive winner when overtime does not resolve the game.

Fighting in hockey is strictly regulated, and while not explicitly encouraged, it is considered part of the game’s culture. Players involved in a fight will receive penalties, typically 5-minute major penalties, and potentially game misconducts or suspensions depending on the severity and circumstances of the fighting.

The rules discourage prolonged fighting and emphasize player safety. Referees aim to quickly separate fighting players and assess penalties fairly. Fighting is usually a response to an incident, although it is prohibited and has penalties.

Imagine two players engage in a brief but intense fistfight. Both players will be penalized with major penalties and possibly further discipline depending on the intensity and length of the fight.

Equipment violations in hockey can range from minor infractions to serious safety concerns. Rules regarding equipment specify mandatory equipment (helmets, pads, gloves) and prohibit certain types of equipment that could endanger players. Referees closely check players’ equipment, and violations result in penalties or removal from the game.

Examples of equipment violations include illegal sticks (too long or improperly curved), improper padding that doesn’t meet safety regulations, or the use of unapproved equipment. Referees are responsible for ensuring players have the correct equipment and that it is in good working order. These violations can be assessed with minor penalties, or may result in being asked to change the equipment, to prevent a more serious injury, and in cases of extreme violations, removal from the game.

For example, a player with an illegal stick might receive a minor penalty until the stick is replaced with a legal one. If a player comes on the ice without required protective equipment such as a helmet, they may be removed until the equipment is donned.

Both slashing and hooking are penalties in hockey involving illegal contact with an opponent’s stick, but they differ in the type of contact.

Slashing involves a forceful swing of the stick at an opponent, regardless of whether contact is made. Think of it like a ‘chop’ or a ‘swinging swipe’. Even a near miss can be called a slash if the referee deems it a dangerous action. The severity of the penalty depends on the force and intent; a reckless slash might result in a major penalty, while a less forceful one could be a minor.

Hooking involves using the hook of your stick to impede an opponent’s progress. It’s about grabbing or snagging an opponent’s jersey or stick with the hook of your stick to pull them back, disrupt their skating, or prevent them from advancing. This is usually a minor penalty but could be a major depending on circumstances.

Example: Imagine two players battling for the puck along the boards. Player A swings their stick forcefully at Player B’s legs – that’s slashing. Player C uses the hook of their stick to snag Player D’s jersey, preventing them from reaching the puck – that’s hooking.

Contact with the goaltender is strictly regulated in hockey to protect them. Any contact with the goaltender while they are in their crease (the area in front of the net) is usually a penalty, unless it’s incidental contact during normal play. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature of the contact.

• Legal Contact: Incidental contact during a scrum or a legal check in the crease that doesn’t target the goalie is generally acceptable, provided it’s not intentional or overly aggressive.
• Illegal Contact: Any intentional contact, charging, slashing, cross-checking, or tripping the goalie is a penalty. This includes running into the goalie or deliberately hitting them with the stick or body.
• Penalties: Penalties can range from minor penalties (2 minutes) to major penalties (5 minutes) depending on the severity and intent. In some cases, a game misconduct or even a match penalty can be assessed.

Example: A player accidentally bumps into the goaltender while battling for a loose puck in front of the net – this might not be penalized. However, if a player deliberately charges the goaltender, knocking them over, it will result in a significant penalty.

Boarding is a serious penalty in hockey involving forcefully checking an opponent into the boards from behind or with excessive force, potentially causing injury. It’s considered one of the most dangerous and penalized plays.

• Key Elements: The key elements are the check occurring from behind, the force with which the player is sent into the boards, and the potential for injury. The referee assesses these factors when determining whether to call a boarding penalty.
• Penalties: Boarding is always a minor penalty (2 minutes) but often also results in a major penalty (5 minutes) or a game misconduct, depending on the severity. In egregious cases involving dangerous play or injury, a match penalty (ejection from the game) can be assessed.
• Preventing Boarding: Players are trained to avoid boarding by ensuring they’re checking from the front and not making contact that sends the opponent into the boards forcefully.

Example: If a player hits another player from behind, sending them hard into the boards, resulting in an injury, that would almost certainly result in a major penalty and potentially other disciplinary actions.

The ‘too many men on the ice’ penalty is called when a team has more than the permitted number of players on the ice during play. This is usually six players (five skaters and a goalie), but can vary slightly depending on the league.

How it works: The referee will stop play and signal ‘too many men’. The offending team is penalized, and the play is stopped. The team must remove a player before play resumes.

Penalty: The penalty is usually a minor penalty (2 minutes) served by the player who entered the ice illegally. However, the rules can vary depending on the specific league, and the referee has discretion in determining the appropriate penalty and which player serves it.

Example: A team accidentally sends a sixth skater onto the ice. Play is stopped and the referee signals the penalty. The team will need to pull one player off the ice before play can resume.

The rules regarding stick use are extensive and designed to ensure player safety and fair play. Generally, using your stick to hit, trip, or slash an opponent is illegal, but there are nuances.

• Illegal Stick Use: This includes slashing, hooking, spearing (thrusting the stick into an opponent), and cross-checking (checking with the stick across the body). The severity of the penalty depends on the force and intent.
• Legal Stick Use: The stick is primarily used for shooting, passing, and playing the puck. While checking is legal with the body, using the stick for checking is illegal, except for in certain limited situations (such as deflecting a shot or puck).
• High-sticking: Raising the stick above shoulder height is a penalty unless it’s incidental (e.g., a player accidentally raises their stick while shooting). A high stick to the head or face is usually a more serious penalty.
• Stickhandling: While this is fundamental to the game, dangerous stickhandling close to an opponent could be penalized.

Example: Using your stick to check an opponent from behind is illegal; using your stick to shoot the puck is legal. If you accidentally high-stick an opponent, it is a minor penalty; if it is intentional and causes injury, it will be more severe.

When a player is injured on the ice, a structured procedure is followed to ensure player safety and the smooth continuation of the game.

• Immediate Action: Play is immediately stopped. The referee will signal for medical attention.
• Medical Personnel: Team medical staff and/or arena medical personnel assess the injury, and then determine the appropriate course of action.
• On-Ice Treatment: Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may occur on the ice. This could involve simple first aid or more extensive care before the injured player can be transported from the ice.
• Removal from the Ice: Injured players are carefully removed from the ice either by skating off themselves (if possible) or using a stretcher. The injured player is then taken to the appropriate area for treatment.
• Game Continuation: Once the injured player has been removed and treated, play resumes. If the injury appears to require more time, there may be a delay while the medical personnel attends to the player. In cases where a player is seriously injured and unable to continue, the team may be granted a temporary substitution, but this depends on league regulations.

Example: If a player takes a hard hit and is unable to get up, the referee stops play, the medical team assesses the injury, and the player is carefully removed from the ice via stretcher. After treatment, play will resume with a possible temporary substitution.

Several common misconceptions exist about hockey rules, often stemming from the fast pace and complex nature of the game. Here are a few:

• ‘Fighting is always a major penalty’: While fighting usually results in a major penalty, it’s not always automatically a major. The referees have discretion to determine penalties based on the intensity and nature of the fight. There are circumstances where less severe penalties can be applied.
• ‘Any contact is a penalty’: Physical contact is an inherent part of the game. Incidental contact is allowed, but intentional contact that results in an infringement of the rules is penalized.
• ‘All penalties are 2 minutes’: Penalty duration varies. Some penalties are only 2 minutes (minor), others can be 5 minutes (major), and some may result in a game misconduct (player ejected from the game) or match penalty (ejection plus suspension).
• ‘The referee’s call is always correct’: While referees make every effort to enforce rules fairly, they’re human. Sometimes calls are missed, sometimes judgements are subjective. The rules attempt to account for that.

It’s important to understand that hockey rules are complex, and the enforcement is always dependent on specific contextual situations on the ice.