Holding This is called when a player grabs the opponents body or stick and holds them back from play. The referee motions this call by grabbing either wrist with the opposite hand.
Hooking This penalty is called when a player slows down an opponent by hooking his stick on any part of the opponent’s body or stick. The referee signals this call with a pulling motion with both arms as if holding a stick.
Interference This penalty is called when a player impedes the progress of an opponent who does not have the puck. The referee signals this call by crossing his or her arms across the chest.
Kneeing If a player uses his knee (this includes sticking his knee out) to take down or check an opponent, the referee may call a kneeing penalty. If the infraction is of a more serious nature, the referee may consider a major and a game misconduct instead of a minor penalty. The referee signals this by bending down and grabbing his knee.
Misconduct This penalty may be called when a player demonstrates extreme and inappropriate behaviour toward another player or a game official. Depending on the severity of the offense, the player may be given a ten minute misconduct penalty. The penalized team, in this case, does not play shorthanded, unless there is contact involved.
Roughing This player may be called when a player uses his arms or fists to hit another player. The referee’s signal for this is a clenched fist extended out to the front or side of the body.
Slashing This penalty is called when a player deliberately hits an opponent with his stick. The signal for this call is a flat hand chopping down on the opposite forearm.
Spearing Spearing occurs when a player thrusts or jabs the blade of his stick toward an opponent. Players are usually ejected from the game for spearing. The signal for this call is similar to hooking, however instead of a pulling motion with both arms toward the body, it is an outward jabbing motion.
Tripping This penalty may be called when a player uses his or her stick or any body part to trip the opponent with the puck. However, if the player touches the puck prior to contact with the other player, there is usually no penalty called. The referee signals this call by bending down and striking their leg with their hand, below the knee.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct This penalty may be called when a player exhibits poor sportsmanlike or inappropriate behaviour on the ice. A “T” is made with the hands to signal this call.
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