Face-offs: full blade down, stick order, and the second violation
Rule numbers: NCAA 81.1 NCAA 81.3 NCAA Points of Emphasis (Face-off Mechanics)
Face-off mechanics are a 2026-28 point of emphasis. In men's games both centers must put the whole blade down inside the white area; in women's games at least the toe of the blade. Centers stand square, facing the opponent's end, clear of the markings. Rule 81.1's men's paragraph also sets stick order: the defending center goes first at the eight non-center spots, and the visiting center goes first at center ice. Once the referee lowers his hand after line changes, the linesperson's whistle gives both teams five seconds to line up. A violation usually means the center is replaced; two violations by the same team on the same face-off are a bench minor for delay of game. In a defensive no-change situation the center is warned instead of removed.
Linespersons should not drop the puck until both players have established a legal position.
- Clock
- Second violation on the same face-off: bench minor, delay of game (face-off violation).
- Scoresheet
- Bench minor for delay of game - face-off violation.
Example
Men's game, face-off in Team B's zone. Team B's center sets his blade tilted and is replaced. His replacement then encroaches. Team B gets a bench minor for delay of game, face-off violation.
Common mistake: Resetting again and again instead of penalizing the second violation, or applying the full-blade standard in women's games.
Sources
- NCAA 2026-27 and 2027-28 Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations (IH28), Points of Emphasis: Face-off Mechanics, p. 10 (PDF p. 13)
- NCAA 2026-27 and 2027-28 Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations (IH28), Rule 81.1, p. 90 (PDF p. 93)
- NCAA 2026-27 and 2027-28 Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations (IH28), Rule 81.3, pp. 92-95 (PDF pp. 95-98)
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