Checking from behind: open ice versus into the boards
Rule numbers: NFHS 7-19-1 NFHS 7-19-2
Pushing, charging, cross-checking or body-checking an opponent from behind is illegal everywhere on the ice. Away from the boards it is a major. If the opponent goes into the boards or the goal frame, it is a major plus a misconduct, or a GD if flagrant. The rules committee note puts the responsibility on the player closing in on an opponent along the boards. Because the major-and-misconduct option brings a misconduct, 4-4-2 applies: a teammate goes to the box with the offender and comes back on when the major ends, while the offender stays to serve the misconduct.
- On the ice
- Into the boards: the team is shorthanded for five minutes.
- Clock
- 5:00 major for the substitute; 10:00 misconduct for the offender.
- Scoresheet
- Checking from behind with the tier assessed.
Example
A Team A player hits an opponent from behind into the end boards, and it is not flagrant. The call is a major plus a misconduct.
Common mistake: Calling checking from behind as a minor, or leaving off the misconduct when the hit sends the player into the boards.
Sources
- 2024-25 NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Book, Rule 7-19-1, 7-19-2, p. 38
- 2024-25 NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Book, Rule 4-4-2, p. 23
Verified