Understanding the difference between Body Checking and Body Contact

Understanding the difference between Body Checking and Body Contact

New Body Checking Rule Rule 6.2(b) In divisions of Pee Wee and below and Female hockey, a Minor penalty or, at the discretion of the Referee, a Major Penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty shall be assessed any player who, in the opinion of the Referee, intentionally body checks, bumps, shoves or pushes any opposing player. If a player is injured, a Major penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed.

Hockey Canada Definition Body Checking An attempt by a player to gain an advantage on the opponent with the use of the body. Body checking results when two opposing players collide while skating in opposite directions or when positioning and angling allow the checker to use the force of the body to gain the advantage. (Canadian Hockey Association, 2002)

In levels where Body Checking is not permitted, a penalty shall be called when: Player intentionally plays the body Player leaves established skating lane to play the body Player uses hips, shoulder or arms to push off and create space Player finishes the check after playing the puck

Video Examples: Body Checking Penalty Calls Review each of the following situations for illustrations of when a body checking penalty should be called in accordance with the rules

Minor Penalty Situation #1

Minor Penalty Situation #1 the player: Makes no attempt to play the puck Intentionally plays the body Uses arms to push the other player off the puck

Minor Penalty Situation #2

Minor Penalty Situation #2 the player: Player uses shoulder and drives into opponent No attempt on the puck is made

Minor Penalty Situation #3

Minor Penalty Situation #3 the player: Red defender closes lane Uses hip to drive the player into the boards

Minor Penalty Situation #4

Minor Penalty Situation #4: the player: #14 White makes no attempt to play the puck Makes intentional contact and uses arm/elbow to finish the check

Minor Penalty Situation #5

Minor Penalty Situation #5 the player: Red defender moves into skating lane and uses body force to separate the player from the puck. Second situation is deliberate body contact into the boards.

Hockey Canada Definition Body Contact Incidental contact of two opposing players in pursuit of the puck or position on the ice in the same direction. Body contact occurs as a result of movement by the offensive player. (Canadian Hockey Association, 2002)

Body Contact - Collision Unavoidable contact that occurs at a high rate of speed between two opponents who are clearly attempting to legally play the puck and are unaware of the pending contact.

Body Contact Incidental Contact Unavoidable contact that occurs between two opponents who are clearly attempting to legally play the puck and there is no advantage gained as a result.

Body Contact Puck Battling When physical contact occurs between opponents who use their legally established body position, size, strength or balance to control or gain possession of the puck.

In levels of hockey where Body Checking is not permitted: these are Body Contact situations when a penalty shall not be called: Player establishes body position between the puck and the opponent Player uses her size/strength to establish body position Player is first to occupy space in order to establish body position Player maintains her established skating lane Player angles the opponent into a limited space When incidental contact occurs as a result of playing the puck

Non Penalty Situation #1 the player:

Non Penalty Situation #1 - Collision Red defender does not change lanes nor makes intentional movement to initiate contact. White player is attacking with puck and speed, diminishing available ice forces a collision.

Non Penalty Situation #2 Puck Battle

Non Penalty Situation #2 the player: Both players are competing for possession of the puck. While contact is made, the players intent is to maintain their lane.

Non Penalty Situation #3 Puck Battle

Non Penalty Situation #3 the player: Good example of puck protection. Body shields player, contact is a result of a battle for the puck.

Non Penalty Situation #4 Incidental Contact

Non Penalty Situation #4 the player: Red defender angles attacker to the outside. Maintains movement. Makes no overt action, guides the player to the outside.

Non Penalty Situation #5 Limiting Space

Non Penalty Situation #5 the player: Red player uses proper angling skills. White player is forced to the corner, limiting skating lane.