New headshot interpretations

In accordance with Hockey Canada playing rule 6.5 “Head Contact” please see the following clarifications for the Junior category. Application of the Head Contact penalty is based upon the “degree of violence of impact” and can be defined in three (3) categories: minimal, moderate and severe.

Minimal Impact: An infraction resulting in a glancing blow or minimal impact with the head where a penalty is warranted. These infractions shall be assessed as a Minor penalty under one (1) of the following rules; elbowing, high-sticking, roughing or roughing after the whistle.

Moderate Impact: An infraction resulting in a more significant degree of impact with the head (without injury). These infractions will be assessed as a Minor penalty and Misconduct under the Head Contact rule. This includes a single direct punch or direct blow to the head area of an opponent with significant force.

Severe Impact: An infraction resulting in a high degree of violence, with or without injury, that warrants a Major and Game Misconduct at the discretion of the Referee. This also includes Match penalties for deliberate attempts to injure (e.g. sucker-punch).

NOTE: A fight is still to be penalized as a Major penalty and Game Misconduct for fighting, not Head Contact. Fighting infractions occur when multiple punches have been thrown. Aggressor and instigator minor penalties will also continue to be applied as outlined by the rules. 

Officials are encouraged to assess penalties in a manner that results in a time penalty differential, causing the team that initiates an altercation to be short-handed.

For example, at a stoppage of play, should a Team “A” player push or punch a Team “B” player who then pushes or punches back, the Referee should assess the Team “A” player a Minor penalty for “Roughing after the Whistle.” Where a retaliation is too severe to be ignored and the retaliating player is penalized, then the Referee is encouraged to assess the initial player an additional Minor penalty for roughing in order to establish a time penalty differential. Should any infraction meet the “moderate impact” category under the Head Contact rule then a Minor and Misconduct for Head Contact shall be assessed.

Please find the follow video link that outlines the appropriate application of the Head Contact rule in accordance to the Junior category of play LINK. If you require any clarification on these topics please contact me.