Every hockey fan knows how fast the game moves. Pucks can fly past players at more than 100 miles per hour, ricocheting off sticks, skates, and boards in unpredictable ways. With four officials skating among twelve players, it’s not surprising that referees occasionally get caught in the crossfire.

So what happens if a ref gets hit by the puck during play? Does the game stop? Is the goal still allowed? And how do leagues protect the officials responsible for keeping the game fair?

Here’s a breakdown of what actually occurs, based on the official NHL rules and real-world examples from professional hockey.

Are Referees Part of the Play?

According to the NHL rulebook, referees and linesmen are considered part of the playing surface. This means that when the puck accidentally strikes an official, play typically continues just as if it had hit the boards or a player’s equipment.

The logic is simple: hockey is a continuous, fast-moving game, and stopping play every time a puck brushes an official would interrupt the rhythm of the match. Unless the contact creates an unusual or unfair situation, the puck remains live.

In essence, officials share the same ice as the players — and the same risks.

The Official Rules: When Does Play Stop?

The National Hockey League rulebook provides specific guidance for situations involving a puck that hits an on-ice official:

1. Puck Deflects Off an Official and Remains in Play:

Play continues as normal. The official is treated as a stationary object in the game environment.

2. Puck Deflects Off an Official and Directly Into the Net:

The goal does not count. The puck must make contact with a player’s stick, skate, or body before crossing the goal line.

3. Puck Deflects Off an Official and Goes Out of Play:

The faceoff takes place at the nearest faceoff spot to where the puck was last touched by a player.

4. If the Official Is Injured:

Play can be stopped for safety reasons. The referee or linesman may blow the whistle if the injury appears serious.

While there’s no general rule stopping play if the puck causes a change of possession, officials use discretion. If a deflection gives one team an unfair scoring opportunity, the referee can stop play to maintain fairness, particularly in amateur or developmental leagues.

Safety Equipment for Referees

Referees and linesmen wear gear designed for both protection and mobility. Though less padded than players, their equipment includes:

• Certified hockey helmet with visor or full cage

• Elbow and shin protection

• Padded pants and girdles

• Neck guard (optional in most leagues)

• Lightweight gloves

This gear helps minimize injuries from errant pucks or sticks while allowing officials to skate freely and maintain visibility.

Despite these precautions, referees still face occasional injuries. High-velocity deflections can cause bruises, cuts, or even broken bones. The NHL and other leagues continually review safety standards to improve official protection without compromising agility.

When an Official Gets Injured

If a puck strikes a referee and causes visible pain or injury, play may stop immediately. Officials are trained to signal distress if they cannot continue.

In professional arenas, certified athletic trainers are always available to assist both players and officials. The NHL prioritizes safety, and injury stoppages take precedence over maintaining continuous play.

Once the injured official is assisted off the ice, the remaining officials adjust their responsibilities.

• Four-Official System (Two Referees, Two Linesmen): The game continues with three officials. One of the linesmen may assume partial referee duties.

• Two-Official System (Common in Lower Leagues): The game may pause until a replacement is found, or one referee manages both officiating roles temporarily.

This flexibility ensures that the game continues fairly without compromising the rule enforcement that keeps play consistent.

Famous Incidents: When Refs Took a Puck

Though relatively uncommon, there have been memorable instances of officials taking a puck to the body or face during NHL games.

• Ian Walsh (2019): During a regular-season game, NHL referee Ian Walsh was struck in the chest by a clearing attempt but stayed on the ice after a brief pause.

• Steve Kozari (2021): Linesman Steve Kozari was hit in the leg by a deflected puck during play but continued officiating after being checked by medical staff.

These examples highlight the toughness and professionalism of NHL officials. Just like players, referees often shrug off bruises and continue performing at a high level.

Are There Penalties for Hitting a Referee?

There is no penalty for accidentally hitting a referee with the puck. The game’s pace and confined space make such contact inevitable. However, any intentional action that endangers an official can result in severe punishment, including game misconducts or suspensions.

The NHL Rulebook (Rule 40) covers “Physical Abuse of Officials,” making it clear that deliberate contact — with a stick, puck, or body — is strictly prohibited and subject to automatic discipline.

In short: accidents happen, but respect for officials is non-negotiable.

Protecting Officials: The Modern Approach

Leagues have become more proactive about referee safety. The NHL and international bodies are exploring new gear options, including stronger helmet materials and lightweight padded pants that reduce impact injuries.

Some development programs also use position-tracking systems to help officials improve awareness and avoid traffic in dangerous zones. Combined with experience and skating skill, these tools help referees stay safer in an unpredictable environment.

Why the Rules Make Sense

The idea of treating officials as part of the play may seem harsh, but it’s rooted in the need for a continuous, fair, and fluid game. Stopping play every time the puck makes incidental contact with a referee would slow hockey’s rhythm and disrupt flow.

Officials understand that risk when they step onto the ice. Their ability to anticipate play, read passes, and stay mobile minimizes the chances of getting hit. Still, even with perfect positioning, hockey’s unpredictable bounces mean it will always be a possibility.

Final Buzzer

So what really happens if a referee gets hit by the puck? Most of the time, nothing changes, the puck stays live, and the game goes on. The only exceptions occur if the puck directly deflects into the net or the official is injured.

Hockey’s officials are skilled athletes who skate, read plays, and make split-second calls while avoiding 90-mile-per-hour pucks. Their resilience and professionalism keep the game fair and fast.

The next time you see a puck deflect off an official and keep rolling, remember: they’re part of the action, just like the boards or the ice. And for every bruise or close call, referees remind us of the courage it takes to stand in the heart of the fastest game on earth.