Rules by topic
Each topic has a section for every code: the key points with rule numbers, the matching Rule of the Week cards and, where we have one, a rink diagram or simulator scenario.
- IcingIcing stops play when a team sends the puck from its own half all the way past the other team's goal line. The codes agree on the idea but differ on how the race for the puck is judged, who may ice, and where the face-off goes.
- OffsideAttacking players may not enter the attacking zone ahead of the puck. The skates decide in every code; what differs is whether the play is delayed (tag-up) and at which levels.
- Hand passEvery code lets a player stop the puck with a hand. Passing it by hand to a teammate is limited, and the codes differ on where it is allowed.
- Delayed penaltyWhen the team without the puck commits a foul, the referee raises an arm and play goes on until that team gets the puck. What happens if the other team scores first is where the codes differ.
- Coincidental penaltiesCoincidental penalties are equal penalties to both teams at the same stoppage. NCAA and ACHA play 4-on-4 in one common case; USA Hockey and NFHS substitute.
- Goalkeeper penaltiesWho goes to the box when the goalkeeper is penalized changed for NCAA in 2026-28 and is now the opposite of NFHS.
- Penalty shotA penalty shot replaces a scoring chance taken away by a foul. The codes differ on what happens to the minor afterwards and how it is recorded.