To clear that air up on some debate........ What is the USA Hockey interpretation of body contact versus body checking? Is a penalty required every time body contact is made? No. Rule References 604(c Note) and Glossary. No check does not mean no contact and the Body Contact category game can be very physical. The Glossary defines both Body Contact and Body Checking, as well as several other educational materials (including videos). In fact, USA Hockey strongly encourages legal body contact to occur in all ages of the Body Contact category as part of the skill progression that teaches legal body checking. When determining whether a body check has occurred, the official must focus on whether the player is attempting to play the puck and whether there is any overt hip, shoulder or forearm action used to initiate contact and separate the opponent from the puck. Legal body contact occurs when players are focused on the puck and are simply maintaining legally established body position. This most often occurs when two players are “battling” in front of the goal or along the boards. Legal body contact also commonly occurs when a player has established an angle on the opponent and closes the gap to create an opening that is too small for the puck carrier. Officials must be well versed in understanding the spirit and intent of this rule so the proper application of the rule is enforced. Officials are expected to review all of the educational materials available on this subject on a regular basis. It is USA Hockey’s intent to create a safe environment for players to be able to develop their skills – including body checking in age appropriate classifications – while being able to physically compete within the rules.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 22:09:39 +0000