Hockey: The Game
Ice hockey is played on a rink, a sheet of ice which is approximately two-thirds the size of a rugby field. The game is played in three periods of equal length, usually 15 minutes. The sport involves four basic skills: skating, passing, stick handling and shooting. The skills can be learned at any age, and a good Hockey player continually works to improve and refine their skills.
Physical size is not an important factor in becoming a skilled and successful Hockey player. Every player has an opportunity to be part of the action given the speed of the game and the number of players on a team.
The Four Basic Skills of Hockey.
Skating is the skill that makes Hockey unique and it is something that players at all levels of the sport continually strive to improve. Without adequate skating ability, players are less able to perform the other essential skills of the sport.
Stick handling is perhaps the most difficult of the basic skills to master. It allows a skilled player to move around opponents and create better offensive opportunities.
Passing is what makes Hockey a true team sport and helped make the game fun. Passing gets everyone on the ice involved in the action and turns scoring into a team effort. Helping team-mates experience success is what the game is all about, and passing allows the thrill of scoring to be shared.
Shooting is the end result of offensive team play and is the action, which produces a goal. Many players spend most of the time practicing shooting because they believe scoring is the most fun. Players should, however, place an equal emphasis on the other basic skills of Hockey, given the fact most players generally take fewer than six shots in an entire game.
The Team
The team is comprised of a maximum of six players on the ice at any one time. The goal tender is responsible for guarding the team's goal and preventing the opposing team from scoring.
The primary responsibility of the defensemen (two) is to prevent the opposing team from having a good shot at the goal. The defensemen also attempt to gain possession of the puck and pass to team-mates to initiate an offensive scoring opportunity.
The primary responsibility of forwards (three) is to score. However, forwards also assist the defensemen by back-checking after the team has yielded control of the puck to the opposition.
The Player Zones
The ice surface is divided by blue lines into three zones: defensive, offensive and neutral.
The defensive zone is the area in which a team protects its own goal and attempts to keep the opposition from scoring. This same zone is the opposing team's offensive zone, for the area in which they are attempting to shoot.
The neutral zone is the area between the two blue lines.
The Officials
At higher levels of ice hockey competition, three officials -- one referee (identified by an orange arm and) and two linesmen -- are utilized. At the youth level, two officials -- both of whom are referees -- are common. The referee is the ultimate authority during the game and is primarily responsible for calling penalties and determining goals have been legally scored.
The primary responsibilities of the linesmen include conducting face offs, determining violations of offside and icing while assisting the referee in enforcing the rules of the game.
The Rules
The playing rules of Hockey are divided into three basic categories:
Violations that result in a face off.
Violations that result in a player being awarded a penalty shot.
Violations that result in the player been sent to the penalty box for a specified period of time.
The following as a brief explanation of each type of violation. Naturally, there are technical aspects of each rule that will, at various times, determine whether or not the violation is called.
Face Offs
Offside - An offensive player may not precede the puck across the blue lines into the offensive zone.
Icing - A team, when both teams have in equal number of players on the ice, may not shoot the puck from behind the centre red line over their opponents goal-line (except if the puck goes into the goal).
Penalty Shot
A penalty shot is most commonly awarded if:
A player, while in a scoring position, is fouled from behind and deprived of a scoring opportunity; or
A defensive player grabs or falls on the puck when it is in goal crease.
To take a penalty shot, an offensive player takes control of the puck at centre ice and has one chance to score against the opposing goal tender All other players are removed from the action.
Penalties
For the following penalties, the penalized team must play minus the number of players serving such penalties, with one exception: the penalized team can have no fewer than four players, including the goal tender, on the ice for (delayed penalty):
Minor Penalty - If a team is scored upon while it is shorthand because of a minor penalty, the penalty shall be terminated immediately.
Major Penalty - Does not terminate early for any reason.
Match Penalty - depending upon the violation, and is served by a team-mate. If assessed a match penalty, the offending player is ejected for the balance of the game and may not play in future games until the case has been reviewed by the disciplinary committee.
The following penalties, the team will replace the penalized player on the ice immediately:
Misconduct - 10 minutes. Served in the penalty box.
Game Misconduct - Ejection for the balance of the game and the player for coach will serve an additional one game suspension.
Gross Misconduct - Ejection for the balance of the game and the player may not participate in future games until the case has been reviewed by the disciplinary committee.
The following is a quick list of penalties and their definitions:
Boarding - Checking (shoving) an opponent so that he is thrown violently against the boards
Slashing - Hitting or swinging at an opponent with the stick.
Holding - Impeding the progress of an opponent by using the hand, stick or any other means.
Elbowing - Checking the opponent with the elbow extended.
Hooking - Using the stick to impede the progress of an opponent.
Tripping - An action against an opponents leg which causes the opponent to fall.
Charging - Body checking an opponent at an excessive speed; checking or pushing from behind.
High Sticking - Carrying the stick above normal shoulder height. If the violation results in an injury to an opponent, a major penalty should be assessed.
Icing - Intentionally shooting the puck from behind the centre red line over your opponent's goal line. Not technically a penalty, icing results in a face-off in the offending team's zone
Interference - Impeding the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck.
Cross Checking - Checking an opponent with the stick across the body.
Checking From Behind - An extremely dangerous action characterized by a player checking an opponent directly from behind. Parents, players, coaches and referees must work to eliminate this infraction from our sport.
Hand Pass - Called when a player uses his hand to direct the puck to another player from the same team in the offensive or neutral zone. Hand passes are allowed in the defensive zone.
Penalty Shot - When an attacking player has been clearly pulled down preventing a breakaway shot on the goalie.
Spearing - Stabbing an opponent with the point of the stick blade while the stick is being carried in one or both hands.
Wash out - When used by a referee it means the goal does not count; when used by a linesman, it means there is no icing or off-sides.
Delayed Penalty- When a referee signals that he is about to penalize a player, but will not stop play until the team to be penalized touches the puck.
Glossary of Hockey Terms, A to Z
Assist -- an assist is credited in the scoring record to the offensive player or players involved in the play immediately preceding a goal. Maximum of two assists per goal.
Back Check -- The action of forwards skating back into the defensive zone to break up the opposing team's offensive play.
Body Check -- Using the body to impede an opponent who has possession of the puck to break up or disrupt an offensive play.
Breakaway -- A scoring opportunity that occurs when there are no defending players between the puck carrier and the opposing goal tender.
Breakout -- movement of a team in possession of the puck out of its defensive zone.
Changing on the Fly -- Substitution of players without a stoppage in play.
Clearing the Puck -- Shooting the puck out of the defensive zone or away from the front of the goal.
Delayed Penalty -- A team shall not be shorthand if on the ice more than two players at one time because of imposed penalties. Therefore, should a team receive a third penalty, that penalty shall be delayed in its start until one of the preceding penalties has terminated.
Delayed Whistle -- When a violation occurs, the official will not blow the whistle to stop play as long as the non-offending team is in possession of the puck. The moment the offending team touches the puck, play will be stopped.
Face off -- Dropping the puck between 1 player from each team to initiate play.
Forechecking -- pressuring the opponent when they control the puck in the neutral or defensive zone.
Goal Crease -- The area marked off in front of the goal. An offensive player may not enter the goal crease unless the puck is already inside this area.
Goal Judge -- An off ice official who stands behind the goal, outside the boards and determines if the puck enters the goal. Should there be a difference of opinion, the referee will have the final decision.
Icing -- When both teams have in equal number of players on the ice, a team may not shoot the puck from behind the centre red line over their opponents goal-line (except if the puck goes into the goal).
Offside -- When an offensive player precedes the puck across the blue line and into the offensive zone. For an offside violation, a face off will be conducted in the neutral zone.
Poke Check -- Using the blade of the stick to knock the puck away from an opponent.
Power Play -- An attempt to score by a team which has a numerical advantage in players due to a penalty.
Referees Crease -- A restricted area, marked by a red semi circle, in front of the scorers which are player is prohibited from entering while the referee is reporting a penalty.
Screen -- Offensive players positioning themselves to block or shield the opposing goal tender's view of the puck.
Shorthanded -- When a team is playing with one or two fewer players than their opponent due to penalties.
Slap Shot -- A sweeping motion with an accentuated back swing to shoot the puck (similar to a drive in golf).
Slot -- An unmarked area in front of the goal approximately 3 to 4 metres in diameter.
Wrist Shot -- The motion of shooting the puck with the puck directly against the blade of the stick.
Zamboni -- A machine used to resurface the ice between periods.
Equipment: What Will They Need?
Selection of Hockey equipment is a key issue for players, parents and coaches. When purchasing and fitting Hockey equipment, remember to important factors:
Make certain player is adequately protected.
Be sure the fitting allows freedom of movements so the player can properly perform the necessary skills.
By carefully considering these two factors, your child will be more comfortable and will have more fun playing Hockey.
A complete set of Hockey equipment can be purchased for a relatively reasonable cost. Shop around for the best values and remember that you need not buy the most expensive equipment. Enquire about second-hand equipment, but keep in mind equipment must fit properly to provide maximum protection.
Skates -- Purchase skates that will fit your child today, with no more than 12 mm allowed for growth. Seek adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep area is. Improperly fitted skates will have you child's ability to skate.
Helmet -- Must be sized at the time of purchased to fit properly. The chin strap must always be fastened.
Face Mask -- Must be worn by players under 18 years of age.
Mouth Guard -- Must be worn by all players under 18 years of age. We encourage players of all ages to use mouth guard's.
Stick -- length should generally extend from the ice to the players chin (with skates on). The butt end needs to be taped to prevent it passing through the grill on a face cage.
Shin Pads -- Check for proper length so they protect the knee and shin completely.
Supporter and Cup -- the central protective equipment.
Gloves -- Check for proper fitted with good finger and hand mobility.
Shoulder and Chest Pads -- Adjust to fit the individual at the time of purchase.
Pants -- Held in proper position by suspenders. Pants provide protection for the lower spine, hips and thighs.
Elbow Pads -- Properly fitted so they do not slide.
NeckGuard -- Properly fitted.
Socks & Jersy -- Properly fitted .
For goal tenders, special equipment is necessary so seek advice from a knowledgeable source.
Hockey Parents Make a Difference
Keep in mind that, above all, the motivating factor for most children who enter an organised youth sports programme is their desire to have fun.
With a supportive attitude and a fundamental understanding of the "basics" of Ice Hockey, everyone will come away from their youth sports experience with a positive feeling.
In the Stands.
Parents can take the fun out of Hockey by continually yelling or screaming from the stands. Parents should enjoy the game and applaud good plays. The stands are not a place from which parents should try to personally coach their kids. Kids often mirror the actions of their parents; if they see mum or dad their losing their cool in the stands, they may do the same on the ice.
Car and Home.
Some parents not only spoil the fun for the kids at the ice rink, but also in the car, believing this is the perfect place for instruction. Parents should try to keep things in perspective. There is more to life than Hockey, and the car and Home are not places to coach. Parents are responsible for supporting and respecting the coaches decisions and abilities. It is unfair to put children in a position of having to decide who to listen to -- their parents or the coach.
At Practice.
Parents should remember that if a player wants to improve, they have to practice -- not just play. Even if a players not the "star" player for a team, practice stresses the importance of teamwork, establishing goals, discipline and learning to control your emotions, all of which are important lessons players can use both in and away from sports.
At the Rink.
Hockey parents can help create a fun environment by making certain the children are wearing properly fitted equipment. Parents also need to stress the apply and risk management to help eliminate injuries.
Initiation Programme.
Has been developed to make certain that a child's first experience with Hockey is positive, safe and fun. Parents should avoid pressuring for placing unreasonable expectations on their children, particularly during the early stages. No matter what happens on the ice, children need your support, so always strive to be positive.
Support Your Child.
There are many benefits that are derived from playing youth Hockey. Boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. They learn to work together, how to sacrifice for the good of the team, how to enjoy winning and how to handle defeat. In the process, they also in an important lessons of the physical fitness and personal health.
The degree to which your child benefits from his or her youth Hockey experience is as much your responsibility as it is theirs. In order for your child to get the most out of Hockey, it is important for you to show support and offer encouragement while maintaining a genuine interest in the team.
Always the Positive.
Parents serve as role models for the children, who often looked at odds for advice, direction and approval. Never lose sight of the fact that you are a role model and strive to be positive. As a parent, one of the most important things you can do ensure good sportsmanship at all times to coaches, referees, opponents and team-mates.
Remember that your children are PLAYING Hockey. It is important to allow them to establish their own goals and play the game for themselves. Be careful not to impose your own standards upon them.
Let the Coach, Coach.
Avoid placing an exaggerated emphasis on winning. A survey indicates 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than sit on the bench for a winning team. The most important part of your child's Hockey experience is for them to have fun while developing physical and emotional skills that will serve them well later in life. A healthy, risk-free environment that emphasizes the importance of the fear play, sportsmanship, teamwork and importantly, fun, will be invaluable for your child as they continue to develop a positive self-image.
Positive Reinforcement.
The best way to help children achieve goals and reduce their natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. After all nobody feels good about making mistakes.
If your child does make a mistake -- and they will (remember they are just kids) -- keep in mind that mistakes are an important part of the whole learning process. Strive to be supportive and to point out the things they do well. Make sure your child feels that, regardless of the outcome of the game, they had fun.
