High-sticking is a fundamental rule in hockey that ensures player safety and promotes fair play. It’s one of the many penalties designed to protect players and prevent dangerous or reckless behavior on the ice. Understanding when high-sticking results in a penalty, how it can nullify a goal, and how to avoid being penalized for it is essential for players at all levels. This essay explores the intricacies of the high-sticking rule, explains its role in the game, and emphasizes its importance in maintaining safety on the ice.
What is High-Sticking?
High-sticking occurs when a player’s stick makes contact with an opponent’s head, neck, or face area, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and regardless of whether the puck is involved in the play. This rule generally applies whenever a stick is carried or swung above the normal shoulder height of the players, as a high stick can lead to serious injury, especially if it strikes sensitive areas like the face, eyes, or neck.
The NHL Rulebook classifies high-sticking into two primary situations: non-penalty situations and penalty situations. Non-penalty high-sticking is when a player’s stick is raised to play or bat the puck above the height of the crossbar, potentially disallowing a goal or resulting in a stoppage in play. Penalty high-sticking, on the other hand, refers to scenarios where a player’s stick makes contact with another player’s head, face, or neck.
When is High-Sticking a Penalty?
High-sticking is penalized if it contacts an opponent’s face, neck, or head area. Penalty high-sticking can lead to a minor penalty or a double minor penalty, depending on the severity and outcome of the incident:
1. Minor Penalty: A minor high-sticking penalty occurs when a player’s stick contacts an opponent’s head or neck without causing visible injury. In this case, the offending player is given a two-minute penalty, and their team must play shorthanded for the duration of the penalty or until the opposing team scores a power-play goal.
2. Double Minor Penalty: A double minor penalty, or four-minute penalty, is assessed when a high stick causes an injury, such as bleeding. This additional penalty time reflects the potentially severe consequences of high-sticking incidents. The team of the penalized player will play with one fewer skater for the full four minutes or until the opposing team scores twice during this extended penalty time.
In extreme cases, where a high stick is seen as intentionally harmful or recklessly dangerous, referees can assess a major penalty and a game misconduct. This severe penalty is relatively rare and is reserved for situations where high-sticking endangers an opponent’s safety, such as an intentional swing at another player’s head.
High-Sticking and Goals: When is a Goal Disallowed?
In addition to high-sticking penalties, there is another category of high-sticking that relates to scoring. A goal can be disallowed if the puck is batted into the net with a stick held above the crossbar. In these instances, the height of the stick matters. The rule states that a player cannot score a goal by making contact with the puck if their stick is raised above the crossbar of the goal frame. If such a goal is scored, the referees review the play, and the goal is overturned.
The rule is clear-cut, as it prevents players from using high-sticking to unfairly bat pucks out of the air into the net, which could be dangerous if players were allowed to swing their sticks at head level near the crease. Notably, if a player’s stick makes contact with the puck below the height of the crossbar before it goes in, the goal is typically allowed.
Why is High-Sticking Dangerous?
High-sticking is penalized because of the serious risks it poses to players’ safety. Hockey is a high-speed, physical sport with players using hard sticks and moving quickly on a confined ice surface. The danger of a stick hitting a player’s face or neck area is significant. Facial injuries caused by high sticks can lead to lacerations, broken bones, dental injuries, and even vision loss if a stick hits a player’s eye. While players wear helmets and, in some cases, visors or full cages, high sticks can still penetrate these barriers and cause serious harm.
The rule against high-sticking is one way to keep players safe and reduce the chance of injuries. Beyond injuries, enforcing high-sticking penalties helps maintain the integrity and flow of the game, as it discourages players from waving their sticks at head level, which can disrupt play and lead to dangerous scrambles around the ice.
How to Avoid Getting Called for High-Sticking
Avoiding high-sticking calls requires skill, awareness, and discipline. Here are some essential tips for players looking to keep their sticks within safe and legal boundaries:
1. Keep Your Stick Low: One of the best ways to avoid high-sticking penalties is to keep your stick low, especially in high-traffic areas. Focus on keeping your stick below shoulder height during intense play, particularly near the boards or in front of the net.
2. Maintain Awareness: Situational awareness is crucial for any hockey player. Knowing where your stick is in relation to your opponent can help you avoid careless high-sticking penalties. Practicing control over your stick, even during physical play, is essential.
3. Use Caution in Scrums: During tight scrums or jostling near the boards, players often battle for puck control, which can lead to unintentional high-sticking if a player loses grip or balance. Be mindful of your stick in close-quarters play, especially when trying to lift or check your opponent’s stick.
4. Practice Proper Stick-Handling: Good stick-handling technique helps players keep their sticks low and in control. Practicing stick-handling can improve awareness and control, reducing the risk of high-sticking incidents.
5. Wear Protective Gear: Though not a direct way to avoid penalties, wearing proper protective gear, including visors or full cages, helps reduce the risk of injury should high-sticking occur. While this won’t prevent a penalty call, it can minimize the consequences if a high stick does make contact.
The Role of High-Sticking in Player Safety
Player safety has become a priority in modern hockey, with leagues around the world emphasizing rules and regulations to keep players as safe as possible. High-sticking rules are an essential part of this safety framework. By penalizing high sticks, leagues help deter players from raising their sticks to potentially dangerous heights. High-sticking penalties work alongside other rules, like checking from behind and boarding, to reduce the risk of injuries in a sport where players constantly push physical boundaries.
Referees are trained to look for high-sticking incidents to protect players from unnecessary harm. Because the consequences of a high stick can be severe, officials in leagues like the NHL have the authority to assess penalties based on the degree of danger posed to players. This flexibility ensures that dangerous or reckless behavior is effectively penalized, while minor, incidental contact can be managed with less severe consequences.
Final Thoughts on High-Sticking and Its Impact
High-sticking is more than just a simple rule in hockey; it’s a critical part of the sport’s commitment to safety. By regulating stick height and penalizing contact with an opponent’s head or neck area, high-sticking rules help prevent injuries and ensure fair play on the ice. Understanding when high-sticking results in a penalty, how it can nullify a goal, and ways to avoid it can make a significant difference for players. Ultimately, adherence to these rules creates a safer, more enjoyable game for everyone, from youth leagues to professional levels.