Rules & Penalties

Violently checking an opponent into the boards.

An illegal body check or open-ice hit (body checking is not a permitted play in the PWHL).

Taking more than two strides or leaving the feet to deliver a check.

Hitting an opponent from behind, especially into the boards.

Delivering a low hit at or below an opponent's knees.

Using the elbow to check or strike an opponent.

Striking an opponent with the head.

Targeting an opponent's head with a check.

Impeding or checking an opponent who does not have the puck.

Using the knee to check an opponent.

Unnecessary rough physical contact, short of fighting.

Using the stick, leg or foot to trip an opponent.

Jabbing an opponent with the top (butt) end of the stick shaft.

Checking an opponent with the shaft of the stick held in both hands.

Contacting an opponent with the stick above shoulder height.

Grabbing or holding an opponent's stick.

Using the stick to impede an opponent's progress.

Swinging the stick at an opponent.

Stabbing an opponent with the blade of the stick.

Using the hands or arms to grab and restrain an opponent.

Verbal abuse, gestures or contact directed at a game official.

Deliberately delaying play (e.g. shooting the puck out of play or dislodging the net).

Exaggerating or faking being fouled to draw a penalty.

Unsporting behaviour such as taunting, gestures or arguing.

Using equipment that does not meet league regulations.

Using a stick that does not conform to legal dimensions or curve.

Throwing a stick or any piece of equipment onto the ice.

Having more than the permitted number of players on the ice.

The goaltender leaving the crease during an on-ice altercation.

The goaltender playing the puck beyond the centre red line.

Any deliberate attempt to injure an opponent.

Deliberately injuring an opponent.

Spitting at or on another person.

Kicking or attempting to kick another player.

Fisticuffs between players (not used in the PWHL, but exists in the rulebook for exceptional situations).

A two-minute (2 min) minor penalty.

A two-minute (2 min) penalty served by a designated player for a team/bench infraction.

Two minor penalties assessed together (4 min).

A five-minute (5 min) penalty for a serious infraction.

A ten-minute (10 min) penalty; the player sits but the team is not short-handed.

Ejection from the game (GM).

Ejection plus a five-minute penalty for a deliberate attempt to injure (MP).

A free shot on goal awarded for a foul that denied a clear scoring chance (outcome).