What is interference in ice hockey?
I · Intermediate · Fouls · 9 of 13A player may not hold, trip or obstruct an opponent who does not have the puck. A defender with body position may block a path but must skate, not grab, to keep it. Checking a player who has already lost the puck is a late hit. Slew-footing, kicking an opponent's feet out from behind, is always a major and game misconduct.
How it works
- Interference: obstructing an opponent without the puck from skating, receiving a pass or moving freely.
- Body position: in front of or beside the opponent, moving the same way; it may be used to block a path.
- Not allowed: using the stick, free hand or a sideways step without body position.
- Late hit: a check on a player who no longer has the puck, outside the immediate window.
- Holding: with hands, arms or legs, including holding the stick.
- Tripping: a stick or body part causing a trip; accidental trips at a completed play are not penalised.
- Slew-footing: kicking the feet from under an opponent while pushing the upper body back; major and game misconduct.
- Penalties: usually minors, with majors for reckless cases.
- On a breakaway from behind: these fouls can bring a penalty shot.
The glossary has the interference, the holding, the tripping, the slew-footing, the forecheck and the possession and control of the puck.
Tricky cases
A defender steps sideways into an attacker who passed the puck a moment ago. Legal?
Only if the check is within the immediate window after the pass; otherwise it is a late hit.
A defender holds their ground and the attacker skates into them. Interference?
No. A player is entitled to the ice they stand on.
A player trips an opponent after touching the puck first. Penalty shot?
No. A minor for tripping, even on a breakaway.
Can a player knock an opponent's stick out of their hands?
No. That is interference.
Why the rule exists
Strict calls on obstruction keep the game fast and reward skating skill. Late hits are dangerous because the player no longer expects contact.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | Strict standard | IIHF 56.1 |
| Slew-footing | Always major and game misconduct | IIHF 52.2 |
| Women's hockey | Stationary players' rights in the illegal hit rule | IIHF 101.1 |
From the rule book
International Ice Hockey Federation, Official Rulebook 2026/27 (version 1.0, June 2026), Rules 52, 54, 56 and 57. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IIHF Official Rulebook, revised each season.