402 - Penalty Termination Is there a general rule of thumb for determining which penalty, if any, expires as the result of a goal scored by the opposing team? Yes. There are many situations where a minor penalty terminates as the result of a goal being scored against a team that is shorthanded. Rule References 402(c) and 402(f). NOTE: “Shorthanded” is to be interpreted as meaning that the team is below the on-ice numerical strength of its opponent. When a goal is scored, ask yourself: | Is the team that was scored upon below the on-ice numerical strength of its opponents? | If NO, take no action. | If YES,
Is there at least 1 non-coincident minor or bench minor penalty being served by the team that was scored upon? | If NO, take no action. | If YES,
Terminate the minor or bench minor penalty with the least time remaining on the clock | |
Please note that for the following examples, 2:00 and 5:00 penalties are being used.If you're viewing this email on a mobile device, rotate!| Time | Team A | Team B |
|---|
| 3:00 | #10 - 2:00 | | | Signaled Penalty | #15 - Tripping | | | 2:30 | | Goal |
# 10 returns to the ice, and the signaled penalty to #15 is assessed. Team A remains shorthanded.
| Time | Team A | Team B |
|---|
| 3:00 | #10 - 2:00+2:00 | | | Signaled Penalty | #15 - Tripping | | | 2:30 | | Goal |
The first penalty to #10 expires; the signaled penalty to #15 is assessed. Double minor penalties are always treated as two separate minor penalties. There should be 2 minutes on the clock for #10 and 2 minutes on the clock for #15. On-ice strength is 5 on 3.
| Time | Team A | Team B |
|---|
| 5:00 | #10 - 2:00 | | | 4:30 | #15 - 2:00 | | | 4:00 | #5 - 2:00 | | | 3:30 | | Goal |
The penalty for #10 expires, and the penalty for #5 begins. Team A remains short-handed by 2 players
| Time | Team A | Team B |
|---|
| 3:30 | #10 - 2:00 | | | 3:00 | | #22 - 2:00 | | 2:30 | | Goal |
The teams were at equal numerical strength at the time of the goal; no penalty may be terminated.
| Time | Team A | Team B |
|---|
| 3:30 | #10 - 2:00 + 2:00 | | | 3:00 | | #22 - 2:00 | | 2:30 | | Goal |
No One Returns. The Teams were at equal on ice strength at the time of the goal, so no penalty may be terminated. See more situations at https://www.usahockeyrulebook.com
Rule 620 - Head Contact What criteria should the Referee use when assessing a major plus game misconduct penalty for head contact?
Any time the Referee deems the contact to the head area to be intentional or a reckless act, a major plus game misconduct or match penalty must be assessed. Rule Reference 620(b).
Intentional would be deemed to be when the player “targets” the head or neck area of the opponent when delivering a check.
A reckless act is when the actions of the player delivering the check clearly do not take into consideration the location on the body of the opponent where the contact is being made and uses excessive force in delivering the check to the head or neck area.
As with other dangerous actions, a major plus game misconduct or match penalty must be assessed if a player is recklessly endangered as a result of head contact Rule 201 - Composition of Teams During the game, through injuries and penalties, a team is unable to place four players on the ice. Can the game proceed?
No. Rule References 201(a) and 408(a).
Any time a team is reduced to below four players on the ice during a game for any reason, the game shall be forfeited. Players in the penalty bench with delayed penalties are not permitted to participate in the game (on the ice) or leave the penalty bench until their penalties expire. | 
