What is the Head Contact Penalty Rule in Ice Hockey?

One of the penalties in ice hockey that often confuses a number of people is the head contact rule. The head contact rule is either a minor or major penalty that is given to a player when he or she either intentionally or unintentionally hits another player in the head. This is not a form of legal body check, as it can cause serious injury if it occurs. Depending on the severity of the penalty, the referee can assess a game misconduct in addition to a major penalty if he or she deems it necessary.

If a player injures another player by way of a head contact penalty, then the referee has no choice but to give the offending player a five minute major and a game misconduct penalty. However, if the penalty is not as severe, but contact is still made to the head, then the offending player will on receive two minutes in the penalty box. At this time, the offending team will be shorthanded for the specified time, meaning that they will have to play with one player less then they usually would have on the ice if they were playing at full strength.

In order to know when a referee is calling a head contact penalty, you must be familiar with the penalty signs. To signal the delayed penalty, the referee will raise his or her arm straight up and wait for the offending team to take control of the puck. At this time, the whistle will blow and the referee will announce the player number and will make the head contact sign. The sign is made by taking the referees non whistle hand and placing it on the back of the hand. The signal will be done fairly quickly, so you need to pay attention right away so that you do not miss it.

It is essential that players understand the head contact penalty, as violations can lead to very serious injuries. Concussions and other head traumas can help be prevented if players respect the rules and do not attempt anything aside from a legal body check.

Sources:

USA Hockey
Carbon Hockey Sticks