Hockey contains inherent danger, as players body-check each other and sometimes use their sticks as weapons. At the same time, however, rules exist to protect the players from these dangers by penalizing the individuals who break these rules. Despite the fact that cross-checking breaks the rules, it remains part of the game at most levels.
What Is Cross-Checking?
A cross-check occurs when one player brings his stick up off the ice, places one hand on each end of the stick and strikes his opponent. The player makes contact with his opponent using the shaft of the stick, anywhere on the opponent's body. This remains a common technique for defensemen, because they can use the cross-check to move opponents from the front of the net.
Minor Penalty
Many cross-checking infractions end with a minor penalty, which means that the offending player spends two minutes in the penalty box. The two-minute penalty indicates that the play did not result in severe contact and that no injury occurred. The player can exit the penalty box after the expiration of two minutes or after the opposing team scores.
Major Penalty
In more severe cases, the referee assesses a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct to the offending player. Referees usually reserve major penalties for infractions in which one player injures another with a cross-check. The offending player receives an automatic $100 fine for this penalty. The referee can assess a major penalty, even if no injury results, if the aggressor cross-checks an opponent who cannot protect himself from behind. Major penalties last for the entire five minutes, even if the opponent scores a goal.
Match Penalty
Whenever the referee believes that one player has attempted to injure another player, he will impose a match penalty. Match penalties include an automatic game misconduct, and the referee must file a report with the league after the game. The player also receives an automatic suspension from play until the league looks at the incident and determines if it deems a longer suspension is appropriate.
Suspensions
Any player who receives two game misconduct penalties over a 41-game span will receive an automatic one-game suspension. That suspension will increase by one game for every additional game misconduct penalty that the player accumulates. The league will clear the player's record of these offenses once he plays 41 straight games without receiving a a stick-related major penalty or other game misconduct penalty.
References
- "Hockey For Dummies"; John Davidson, et al.; 2000
- National Hockey League; Official Rules; 2010
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