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Rules
Body checking

Body checking

Rules vary

Using the hip or shoulder to separate an opponent from the puck. It is legal only in the classifications and levels the applicable rulebook allows.

Also called

body check
hit

Age note

Whether checking is allowed depends on the rule set, age classification and level, so check the rulebook. Players learn safe body contact before checking.

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

Board check
Body contact
Finish your check
Hip check
Hits (stat)
Illegal body check
Late hit
Non-checking hockey
Open-ice hit
Shoulder check
Taking the body

More in Rules

Body contact
Crease violation
Delayed offside
Disallowed goal
Faceoff
Faceoff encroachment

See all Rules terms

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