Frequently Asked Ice Hockey Referee Questions

I ref mens league and frequently there are some common questions that come up. Here I will try and narrow down the most common questions asked by adult league players. I have tried to simplify the answers in my own words, because sometimes the jargon used in the ref manual is too complicated and hard to understand.

• Checking from behind - Rule 607
  • minor + misconduct or major + game
  • head first = major+game
• Goalie leaves his crease during play - Rule 205 (e)
  • During a stoppage of play, a goalie may not leave his crease to go to the bench. (without permission from a referee or a substitution)
• Slashing a goalie when he has covered the puck - Rule 633(d)
  • A lot of times I’ll see novice players go after a puck if the goalie doesn’t have it all the way. DO NOT DO THIS! Touching the goalie after he has the puck is a huge no-no, and you will get a penalty for it. In the NHL you’d get punched in the face for even touching a goalie.