Majors: five full minutes, and a second major means a game misconduct
Rule numbers: NFHS 4-3-1 NFHS 4-3-3 NFHS 4-3-4 NFHS 4-2-6
A major takes the player off for five full minutes, and nobody may replace him on the ice. The 4-2-2 release on a power-play goal is written for minors only, so a goal does not shorten a major. If both teams receive the same number of majors, each may send out replacements immediately, and the penalized players come out at the first whistle after their time runs out. A player given a major and a minor together serves the major first. Two majors to one player in a game also bring a game misconduct, so the scorer and penalty timekeeper need to track majors across all periods.
- On the ice
- Team plays shorthanded for the full five minutes.
- Clock
- Post 5:00 and do not clear it on a goal.
- Scoresheet
- A second major to the same player also needs a game misconduct entry.
Example
Team A is killing a major when Team B scores. The Team A player stays in the box for the rest of his five minutes, since only minors end on a power-play goal.
Common mistake: Opening the box for a major after a goal, or missing the game misconduct when a player picks up a second major.
Sources
- 2024-25 NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Book, Rule 4-2-6, p. 22
- 2024-25 NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Book, Rule 4-3-1, 4-3-3, 4-3-4, p. 23
Verified