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Penalties
Abuse of officials

Abuse of officials

Rules vary

Verbal or physical abuse of a referee or linesperson. Rulebooks treat it as serious, with heavy penalties and long suspensions for physical abuse.

Also called

abuse of an official
official abuse

Rules vary by league, level and season

How this works can differ in youth, high school, college and pro hockey, and rules can change from one season to the next. Check the rulebook your league uses.

Official rulebooks

USA Hockey rulebook
NHL rulebook

Related terms

Unsportsmanlike conduct
Referee
Suspension

More in Penalties

Bench minor
Boarding
Butt-ending
Charging
Checking from behind
Clipping

See all Penalties terms

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