Hateful or discriminatory language: match penalty and a 24-hour report
Rule numbers: USAH 601(e)(3)
Hateful or discriminatory language from a player or team official earns a match penalty, wherever in the building it happens and whether it comes before, during or after the game. The officials must file a game report within 24 hours, and the offender is suspended until the proper authorities deal with the case under the USA Hockey Standardized Discipline Policy. The rule's note also covers language that was reported to the officials but not heard by them: the officials must tell both head coaches and, within 24 hours, send the proper authorities an incident report describing what was reported to them. In any report, write down the words used and the facts, without opinion.
Uses language that is hateful or discriminatory in nature anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game.
- On the ice
- Heard by an official: match penalty, the offender leaves the game.
- Scoresheet
- Match penalty under 601(e)(3) plus the 24-hour game report.
Example
A Team A player tells the referee an opponent used a slur. Neither official heard it. The referee notifies both coaches that an allegation was made and files an incident report within 24 hours.
Common mistake: Notifying only one coach, filing the report late, or treating language the officials heard as a lesser penalty.
Sources
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 601(e)(3), p. 178 (PDF p. 212)
Verified