What is a game misconduct in ice hockey?
I · Intermediate · Penalties · 4 of 13A major penalty is five minutes for a foul that recklessly endangers an opponent, and it does not end when the other team scores. A misconduct is ten minutes, but a substitute comes on at once. A game misconduct sends a player off for the rest of the game, with 20 minutes in the records and a report to the disciplinary body.
How it works
- Major: five minutes, no substitute; served in full even if goals are scored.
- When: a foul that recklessly endangers the opponent beyond what a minor would punish.
- Major with a minor: the major is served first, except where coincidental majors apply.
- Automatic game misconduct: for a second major or second misconduct in a game, and for majors for listed fouls.
- Misconduct: ten minutes; a substitute comes on at once, so the team is not short-handed.
- Misconduct with a minor: a teammate serves the minor; the misconduct starts after.
- Game misconduct: out for the rest of the game; a substitute may replace the player.
- Major and game misconduct together: the team serves the five minutes short.
- Reporting: majors and game misconducts are reported; more discipline may follow.
- Video review of majors: at some championships the referee reviews every major.
The glossary has the major penalty, the misconduct penalty, the game misconduct penalty, the reckless endangerment, the supplementary discipline and the proper authorities.
Tricky cases
A team scores during an opponent's major. Does the player come out?
No. A major is served in full.
Does a misconduct leave the team short?
No. A substitute takes the player's place on the ice at once.
A player gets a second misconduct. What happens?
An automatic game misconduct.
Can a game misconduct lead to suspensions?
Yes. The disciplinary body reviews every game misconduct and may add further discipline.
Why the rule exists
The scale lets referees match the penalty to the danger. A misconduct punishes the player without punishing the team, since it is about behaviour, not a foul on play.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Major | 5 minutes | IIHF 20 |
| Misconduct | 10 minutes, substitute allowed | IIHF 22 |
| Game misconduct | Rest of the game | IIHF 23 |
| Junior hockey | Every major brings a game misconduct | IIHF 201.1 |
| Dangerous actions not covered elsewhere | Major and game misconduct | IIHF 21 |
From the rule book
International Ice Hockey Federation, Official Rulebook 2026/27 (version 1.0, June 2026), Rules 20 to 23 and 28. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IIHF Official Rulebook, revised each season.