Rule 7.5 – Checking from Behind

Checking from behind is an action where a player is pushed, body-checked, cross-checked or hit from behind. Referees should be aware of the tragic consequences of spinal injuries and strictly enforce the rules in situations such as the following:

Where a player about to be checked turns and, as a result, creates contact with the back.
Where a player along the boards, with their head down looking for the puck or “digging the puck out,” is hit from behind and driven head-first into the boards.
Where a player in the process of checking an opponent swings the elbow and forearm into the opponent’s back with the intent of throwing the opponent into the boards.
Where a player “kicks” or “pulls” an opponent’s feet out from behind and then pushes the player into the boards.

In all circumstances the responsibility is on the player delivering the check to avoid contact to an opposing player’s back. Only through Referees being consistent in calling this type of infraction with strict enforcement will players and team officials realize the danger factor in committing such types of fouls.

A Minor penalty and a Game Misconduct penalty will be assessed to any player who intentionally pushes, body-checks, cross-checks while in motion, or otherwise hits an opposing player from behind, anywhere on the ice.
At the discretion of the Referee, based on the degree of violence of the impact, the Referee may assess a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty for checking from behind.

If a player is injured, as the result of a checking from behind infraction that would otherwise call for a Minor penalty, a Major penalty and Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed.
A Match penalty will be assessed to any player who pushes, body-checks, cross-checks, or hits an opposing player in any manner from behind into the boards or goal frame, in such a way that the player is unable to protect or defend themselves.

A Match penalty will be assessed to any player who deliberately attempts to or deliberately injures an opponent by checking them from behind.
No Misconduct penalty may be assessed for a checking from behind infraction.
A Game Misconduct penalty must be assessed any time a Minor or Major penalty is assessed for Checking From Behind, as detailed under 7.5 (a) & (b).

INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation 1	Rule 7.5 (a) Question: What penalty is assessed to a player who cross-checks an opponent from behind but not into the boards or goal? Answer: The determining factor for Checking from Behind versus Cross-checking is whether or not the player applying the check is in motion. If the player is stationary and cross-checks an opponent from behind, then a penalty for Cross-checking should be assessed. If the player is in motion and cross-checks an opponent from behind, then a penalty for Checking from Behind will be called. If a player is cross-checked from behind into the boards or the goal, then Checking from Behind will be called.
Interpretation 2	Rule 7.5 (a) Question: What penalty is assessed when a player, who is about to be checked, turns and, as a result, creates contact with the back? Answer: The appropriate penalty for Checking from Behind will be assessed to the player delivering the check. The responsibility is always on the player delivering the check to avoid making contact with the back.
Interpretation 3	Rule 7.5 (a) The intent of this rule is not to penalize accidental contact as a result of playing the puck. Provided that contact is marginal in nature and does not endanger the safety of the opponent, no penalty may be assessed. Pinning a player to the boards at low speed and with minimal impact is permitted, even if contact is initiated from behind (except under Rule 7.3 – Body-checking, as applicable).
Interpretation 4	Rule 7.5 (a) Question: The Referee has signaled a delayed Minor penalty for Checking from Behind on a player of Team A. Team B scores before the play is stopped. Is the Game Misconduct still assessed to the offending player of Team A? Answer: Yes.