What happens with illegal equipment in para ice hockey?
A · Advanced · Penalties and eligibility · 1 of 3Equipment is approved at a check before each competition. A player using an unapproved or dangerous sledge, stick or glove is sent off with a warning to the team; a second breach is a ten-minute misconduct. An unfounded request to measure brings a minor. A player with a broken stick may use it to push to the bench.
How it works
- Inspection: before each competition.
- No changes: after approval.
- Illegal kit: player off, team warned.
- Second breach: ten-minute misconduct.
- Measurement: may be asked for.
- Unfounded request: minor penalty.
- Broken stick: push to the bench only.
- Replacement: handed by a team-mate.
The glossary has the illegal equipment, the broken stick, the sledge, the pick, the directorate and the adaptive equipment.
Tricky cases
Can a player play the puck with a broken stick?
No.
Can a stick be thrown to a team-mate?
No. It must be handed.
Who checks equipment at a tournament?
The technical delegate or equipment controller.
Is a glove with the palm cut away allowed?
No.
Why the rule exists
Sticks are the only way to move, so a broken one may still be used to leave the ice.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First breach | Warning | R 1046 |
| Second breach | Misconduct | R 1046 |
| Broken stick | Push to bench | R 1035 |
From the rule book
World Para Ice Hockey, Rules 2018-2022 (V2, effective 1 October 2018), rules 3, 1035 and 1046, with the WPIH Officials Handbook (V2), section 5. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: WPIH Rules, Regulations and Classification Rules.