Ice hockey features aggressive, all-out action, with players rocketing slap shots, trading bone-rattling checks and skating at break-neck speeds across the rink. Hockey's off-side rule provides a way to slow the pace and achieve competitive balance. The National Hockey League's regulations with regard to offside govern most all hockey competitions.
Definition
In ice hockey, offside occurs when an attacking player enters the offensive zone ahead of the puck. A player must have at least one skate touching the inner edge of the blue line to be considered onside. If an attacking player carries the puck over the offensive blue line when a teammate is already in the offensive zone, the linesman will immediately whistle the play dead. A faceoff then occurs at the nearest neutral zone faceoff dot.
Function
The offside rule exists to ensure players clear the offensive zone each time the puck turns back up-ice. Without an offside rule, attacking forwards could simply stand next to the opposing team's goaltender the entire game without ever having to leave the zone. The offside rule prevents hockey games from becoming dull contests in which players spread out all over the ice and simply slap the puck from one end of the rink to the other.
Consideration
Linesmen will only blow the play dead if an offside occurs due to an attacking player carrying the puck into the offensive zone. If the attacking player shoots the puck into the offensive zone while a teammate is already inside the blue line, officials allow the play to continue provided the offside player doesn't touch the puck. The linesman will raise his arm to indicate a delayed offside. All offside players must exit the zone, at least touching up to the offensive blue line. Once all attacking players are onside, the linesman will lower his arm, signaling that the attacking players may re-enter the zone and pursue the puck.
Misconception
The puck doesn't always have to enter the zone before the attacking players. If a skater is in complete control of the puck, his skates may cross the offensive blue line ahead of the puck without causing an off-side. Also, if a defensive player willingly carries or passes the puck back into the defensive zone, or if the defender deflects a pass off a teammate and back into the zone, all offside attacking players are free to play the puck.
Warning
If officials believe an attacking player intentionally commits an offside violation, such as blatantly touching the puck in the offensive zone during a delayed offside call, the subsequent faceoff will be held deep in the attacking team's defensive zone as opposed to just outside the offensive blue line in neutral ice. An offside faceoff may also be held at the center ice dot if the officials believe they've made a mistake in blowing the play dead.
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