QUESTION: As a linesman who works higher levels of youth hockey, I see a lot of aftermath pushing and shoving. I believe that older players are inevitably going to get shoved or pushed in front of the net, but what subsides a Roughing from Fighting?

ANSWER: There's no easy answer or simple math equation that determines when an altercation escalates from Roughing to Fighting. The officials must use good judgement to determine when the players cross the line from pushing/grabbing to actually engaging in a fight.

First and foremost, the best way to manage this issue is to immediately penalize after-the-whistle infractions fairly and consistently. If two opponents equally engage in roughing after the whistle, then they should be penalized equally with coincidental minors. However, if one player is an instigator or aggressor, then he/she should earn the extra or isolated penalty.

Secondly, good communication and a strong presence at the net or near gatherings will let the players know you're nearby and watching. Good management of players sets a strong tone for a fun, positive and competitive game, and good penalty application will let players know where the line is. 

QUESTION: A team intentionally only sends four players out on a defensive zone face-off. As soon as the puck is dropped, the fifth player enters play and receives a pass after his team wins the face-off. Rules in either face-off procedure or team player change do not seem to validate or invalidate this “trick” play.

ANSWER: Rule 204.a in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states:

"Both teams must place the full number of players on the ice to which they are entitled to prior to the face-off."

Furthermore, Rule 629.e in the USA Hockey Playing Rules states:

“Play shall be stopped and the face-off conducted at the last play face-off location anytime a team starts play with fewer players than entitled to and the additional entering player is the first to play any puck coming from his defending zone, unless he has first made skate contact with his defending zone.”

QUESTION: What is the penalty for spraying the goalie with snow after the goalie has tied up the puck?

ANSWER: This act of “taunting an opponent” should be penalized with a minor penalty for Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Rule 601.a).

QUESTION: Is there any rule regarding playing music over the rink speakers during stoppages and goals of a youth game, or is it up to the rink management to decide?

ANSWER: The use of music during stoppages is not covered by the USA Hockey Playing Rules. This question should be directed to your local hockey association, league or rink staff.

QUESTION: We were told by an on-ice official that USA Hockey has rules limiting players to only score three goals in a game for Rec. Level league or tournaments. In four years of coaching I have never heard of such a rule, and after reading the entire rulebook I cannot find even a reference of such a rule. I also checked our district rulebook and cannot find this rule.”

ANSWER: There are no rules in the USA Hockey Playing Rules that limit how many goals a team or player may score. However, local hockey leagues, associations and tournaments are entitled to created rules with the approval of the local USA Hockey Affiliate. Therefore, you may check with them if these rules exist.

The USA Hockey Playing Rules are now available as a mobile device app! Check your Apple, Android, or Windows app store to download this playing rule app free of charge.

Check out the USA Hockey mobile-friendly online rulebook application! Enter usahockeyrulebook.com into your mobile device’s web browser to gain instant access to the USA Hockey Playing Rules (must have mobile or internet service).

The USA Hockey Playing Rules Casebook and other educational material can be found under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com.