Major or match plus a minor: which is served first?
Rule numbers: USAH 402(e) USAH 408(c)
If one player is handed a minor together with a major or match, the major or match goes first and the minor waits for it to end. The 2025-29 wording adds match penalties to that sentence. There is one exception: if the major or match falls under the coincidental-penalty rules, the minor is recorded and served first, because the minor is what actually changes the on-ice strength. The order matters if the other team scores. Under 402(c) a power-play goal ends a minor, never a major or match, so the penalty that is running at the time of the goal decides whether anyone comes out. Note that 408(c), for a major and a minor to different players of the same team, has the timekeeper record the minor first.
When a player receives a major or match penalty and a minor penalty at the same time, the major or match penalty shall be served first.
- Clock
- Same player, non-coincidental: post the major or match first and queue the minor behind it.
- Scoresheet
- Both penalties are recorded for the player.
Example
In one scrum, Team A's #12 gets a roughing minor and a major plus game misconduct for cross-checking; Team B gets nothing. The timekeeper starts the 5:00 major first, with the 2:00 minor queued behind it. A Team B goal during the major releases no one.
Common mistake: Running the minor first in a non-coincidental situation, then letting the player out early when the power play scores.
Sources
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 402(e), p. 84 (PDF p. 118)
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 408(c), p. 92 (PDF p. 126)
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Rule Change Summary, Rule 402(e)
Verified