NFHS rule changes
| Rule | What changed | Applies from | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFHS 3-8 | Players may not wear microphones or cameras. | 2025-26 | NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Changes 2025-26: https://nfhs.org/resources/sports/ice-hockey-rules-changes-2025-26 (web source; not yet confirmed against a printed NFHS rules book) |
| NFHS 5-4 | 'Linesman' renamed 'linesperson'. | 2025-26 | NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Changes 2025-26: https://nfhs.org/resources/sports/ice-hockey-rules-changes-2025-26 (web source; not yet confirmed against a printed NFHS rules book) |
| NFHS 9-8-4 (new) | A puck resting on top of the goal netting is unplayable and play is stopped. | 2025-26 | NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Changes 2025-26: https://nfhs.org/resources/sports/ice-hockey-rules-changes-2025-26 (web source; not yet confirmed against a printed NFHS rules book; Rule 9-8 numbering differs from the 2024-25 book) |
| NFHS 9-1-12 (new) | By state association adoption, the non-offending team may choose the faceoff location after icing and in penalty situations. | 2026-27 | NFHS 2026-27 rules changes release (2026-05-21) as republished by CHSAA: https://chsaanow.com/news/2026/5/21/states-may-allow-ice-hockey-teams-to-select-faceoff-location-after-icing-penalty-infractions.aspx (web source; not yet confirmed against a printed NFHS rules book; check your state's adoption) |
| NFHS 3-3-5 | Catching glove and blocker added to the goalkeeper equipment whose displacement stops play. | 2026-27 | NFHS 2026-27 rules changes release (2026-05-21) as republished by CHSAA: https://chsaanow.com/news/2026/5/21/states-may-allow-ice-hockey-teams-to-select-faceoff-location-after-icing-penalty-infractions.aspx (web source; not yet confirmed against a printed NFHS rules book) |
| NFHS 7-18-1 | 'Violently' removed from the definition of boarding; the release says a minor penalty can now result. | 2026-27 | NFHS 2026-27 rules changes release (2026-05-21) as republished by CHSAA: https://chsaanow.com/news/2026/5/21/states-may-allow-ice-hockey-teams-to-select-faceoff-location-after-icing-penalty-infractions.aspx (web source; not yet confirmed against a printed NFHS rules book) |
| NFHS 2-1-2c | Names and logos are permitted on jerseys. | 2026-27 | NFHS 2026-27 rules changes release (2026-05-21) as republished by CHSAA: https://chsaanow.com/news/2026/5/21/states-may-allow-ice-hockey-teams-to-select-faceoff-location-after-icing-penalty-infractions.aspx (web source; not yet confirmed against a printed NFHS rules book) |
NFHS Rule of the Week cards explain many of these changes in more depth.