Home | Gameday | Ice Hockey 101 | Penalties and Signals
Confused by the referee’s calls? Let Skates teach you all the signals!
CHARGING
Rotated clenched fists in front of chest. Called for taking three or more strides before checking an opponent.
BOARDING
Pounding the closed fist of one hand into the open palm of the other hand. Called for any action which causes opponent to be thrown violently into the boards
CROSS-CHECKING
A forward and backward motion with fists. Called for hitting opponent with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice.
DELAYED PENALTY
Referee extends his arm above his head to indicate that a penalty has been committed by a player of the team not in possesion of the puck. Call is made when the penalized team gains controll of the puck or upon a stop in play.
ELBOWING
Tapping the elbow with the opposite hand. Called when using the elbow to impede an opponent
HIGH-STICKING
Holding both fists clenched, one above the other at the side of the head. Called for making contact with an opponent when carrying the stick above the shoulder.
HOLDING
Clasping the wrist in front of the chest. Called for using the hands, arms or legs to hold an opponent.
HOOKING
Tugging motion with arms. Called for using stick or blade to hook an opponent.
ICING
Linesman’s arms folded across upperchest.
INTERFERENCE
Crossed arms in front of chest with fists closed. Called for having contact with the opponent not in possesion of the puck.
MISCONDUCT
Both hands placed on hips. Called for an infraction that warrants a more serious penalty than a standard minor penalty.
ROUGHING
A thrusting motion with the arm extending from the side. Called for engaging in fisticuffs or shoving of a level that is not worthy of a major penalty.
SLASHING
Chopping with one hand across the opposite forearm. Called for swinging the stick at an opponent.
SPEARING
A jabbing motion with both hands in front of the body. Called for using the stick like a spear.
TRIPPING
Striking the right leg with the right hand, below the knee. Called for using the stick, arm or leg to cause an opponent to fall.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
With two flat hands, form a “T” by placing the fingertips of one hand under the other hand. Called for the abuse of an official or other such misconduct.
