Rule 6.13 – Puck Out of Bounds or Unplayable

The puck will be considered out of bounds when it goes outside the playing surface or strikes obstacles above the playing surface, boards, or glass.

The puck will be considered unplayable when the puck becomes trapped along the boards or under a player or it is shot onto the back of the goal netting and cannot be immediately dislodged.

1. When the puck goes out of bounds or becomes unplayable, play will be stopped and a face-off will be conducted in accordance with Rule 6.3 – Face-off Location.

2. If any player deliberately puts the puck out of bounds or makes it unplayable in order to gain a stoppage of play, the offending player should be penalized under Rule 10.1 – Delay of Game.

3. If the puck is shot on the back of the goal netting and comes off without any delay, or if a player knocks the puck off the back of the goal netting without unnecessary delay, play will continue. If the puck is frozen between opposing players or cannot be removed from the back of the net, the Referee will stop play and the face-off will take place as per Rule 6.3 – Face-off Location.

4. A penalty will be assessed to a goaltender who deliberately drops or throws the puck on the goal netting to cause a stoppage of play, as per Rule 10.1 – Delay of Game.