Here's a quick rundown of the most important ice hockey regulations! On the puck, whomever has the closest grip on the puck wins. Any player that catches a puck, other than the goalkeeper, must immediately knock or drop it back down on the ice. Any infringement will result in a two-minute minor infraction. Faceoffs On the rink, all players take up fixed positions around one of five face-off circles. The center judge calls out "face off!" and each player takes a face-off position by facing the center judge with their chest uncovered. After three minutes, the referee blows his whistle and the face-off is over. If there is no clear winner after the third face-off, the horn sounds and the officials re-do the face-off. Checks to the head Illegal body checks can cause serious injury such as concussion, kidney damage, and paralysis. If you're going into a fight, go for the eyes, lips, and teeth; don't try to hit someone with your shoulder or helmet. Free kicks A free kick is when the referee gives a penalty against a team outside its own end of the ice. These penalties include anything from too many men on the ice to hooking, holding, kicking, elbowing, and tripping. A free kick is given at the spot where the foul was committed. For example, if a player is held up by another player while trying to shoot the puck, then the player being held up is given a free kick at the feet of the holder.
In addition to penalties, some plays cannot be completed because there is no room to maneuver.
The Rules of Ice Hockey The game begins with a face-off in the center circle. The referee drops the puck between two opposing players, who then fight for position for their team. A faceoff can also be utilized to restart play after a pause in either the attacking or defensive faceoff zones. Once one player has control of the ball, they are allowed to carry it themselves or pass it to another player. A player is penalized if they use their body to stop a puck from moving forward. For example, if a player uses their body to tackle an opponent, they have committed a penalty called a major penalty. If a player uses their stick to try and poke the puck away from themselves or their opponent, they have committed a minor penalty which can lead to a power play for the other team. At any time during the game, the referee may call a time out to discuss penalties or rule changes.
In addition to these rules, some leagues may have additional rules such as prohibiting checking from behind or throwing your helmet at the ice to initiate a fighting major. These variations should be specified when you sign up for a league so that you know what to expect from it.
Finally, each team is given eleven players on the ice at all times during the game, except when playing with a neutral zone trap. The twelfth player is typically used in place of the goalie who has been pulled off the ice.
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