What is a delay-of-game penalty in ice hockey?
A · Advanced · Fouls · 4 of 11Deliberately stopping play, such as freezing the puck outside the crease, knocking the net off or firing the puck out of play, is a minor for delay of game. Diving or faking an injury to draw a penalty is a minor. Arguing a call, abusive language and banging the boards bring a minor, then a misconduct, then a game misconduct.
How it works
- Delay of game: deliberately freezing the puck, shooting it out of play, displacing the net or falling on the puck.
- Diving and embellishment: faking or exaggerating a foul or injury; a minor.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct: abusive language, hair-pulling, grabbing a face mask, throwing objects, sitting on the boards.
- Abuse of officials: disputing rulings; a minor, then misconduct, then game misconduct if it goes on.
- Discriminatory remarks: obscene gestures, racial slurs or sexual remarks bring a game misconduct.
- Physical force on an official: a game misconduct and a suspension process.
- Bench offences: a bench minor for unidentified players or staff.
- Refusing to play: warnings and bench minors, and in the end a forfeit.
- Spitting or smearing blood: a game misconduct.
The glossary has the delay of game, the diving, the unsportsmanlike conduct, the misconduct penalty, the bench minor penalty and the referee.
Tricky cases
A defender falls on the puck in the crease. Penalty?
A penalty shot, if the puck is in the crease; outside it, a minor.
A player is tripped and falls dramatically. Can both be penalised?
Yes. The tripper may get a minor and the faller a minor for embellishment.
A captain politely asks the referee about a rule. Penalty?
No. The captain may discuss interpretation; complaining about a penalty call is a minor.
A player shoots the puck away from an official collecting it. Penalty?
Yes, a misconduct.
Why the rule exists
Hockey depends on continuous play and on respect for officials making split-second calls. The ladder of penalties gives players a chance to stop before they are ejected.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Delay of game | Many forms | IIHF 63 |
| Diving | Minor | IIHF 64 |
| Abuse of officials | Ladder of penalties | IIHF 39, 40 |
| Unsportsmanlike conduct | Towards anyone else | IIHF 75 |
From the rule book
International Ice Hockey Federation, Official Rulebook 2026/27 (version 1.0, June 2026), Rules 6.1, 39, 40, 63, 64, 73 and 75. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IIHF Official Rulebook, revised each season.