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USA Hockey Standard of Play and Rule Emphasis Interpretations

Battling in Front of Goal
With the standard of play initiative, players are still legally able to battle for position in front of the goal and in the corners. This may include considerable body contact. A player using their size, strength and balance to establish a favorable body position is an effective play and rewards players who use this skill to gain a competitive advantage. The use of the stick in this process to steer the opponent is also allowed as long as it remains close to the body and the arms are not extended in a manner that cross-checks the opponent. An example of an illegal tactic would include the extension or use of the arm(s) to push off in an effort to create distance between the player and the opponent or prevent them from legally playing the puck.

Free Hand Used By Offensive Player
A player who is in possession and control of the puck and has established body position may use their free hand to maintain that body position. In this situation, both players are skating shoulder-to-shoulder, or the defensive player is slightly behind, and the attacking player uses the free arm to fend off the defensive player and simply maintain their already established body position, as long as they do not grab the stick, sweater or arm of the opponent. However, a player who uses a free arm to push off of an opponent and create space, or uses the free arm to originally establish body position by impeding the progress of the opponent, will be penalized for holding or interference.

Lifting an Opponent Stick and Stick Presses
The use of the stick to lift an opponent's stick and gain possession of the puck, or prevent them from gaining possession of the puck, is considered a good defensive play that should not be penalized. Lifting a non-puck carrier's stick in a manner that does not impede their progress is also allowable under the rules. In addition, the use of the stick to check an opponent's stick, or press the opponent's stick to the ice or boards, is a good defensive play as long as it is done on the lower portion of the stick shaft and the intended purpose is to dislodge the puck or prevent the opponent from playing the puck. Turning the stick blade over on top of the stick of an opponent for the purpose of pressing the stick and preventing the opponent from playing the puck is also allowable. If done, it must be on the lower portion of the stick and for the sole purpose of preventing the opponent from playing the puck. However, if done in a manner that impedes the progress of an opponent, or contact is made higher up on the stick, a penalty for hooking should be assessed.