Rule 9.4 – Spearing

Rule 9.4 – Spearing

Spearing is the action of poking or jabbing, or attempting to poke or jab, an opponent with the toe of the blade of the stick.

  1. No Major penalty may be assessed for a spearing infraction.

  2. No Major penalty may be assessed for a spearing infraction.

  3. A Match penalty will be assessed to any player or team official who deliberately spears or deliberately attempts to spear an opponent by jabbing them forcefully with the toe of the blade of the stick

    A Match penalty will be assessed to any player who injures an opponent by a spearing infraction that would otherwise call for a double Minor penalty.

  4. No Misconduct penalty may be assessed for a spearing infraction.

  5. No Game Misconduct penalty may be assessed for a spearing infraction

INTERPRETATIONS 

Interpretation 1

Rule 9.4 (e) 

In addition to degree of violence, the severity of the spearing action and/or the area of the body where the spear is directed should serve as a guide to the type of penalty to assess (Match or double Minor). If the spearing action is directed at the groin, stomach, chest or head of an opposing player, a Match penalty would be warranted. If the spearing action is directed at the leg or ankle area, or if the spear does not make contact, then a double Minor penalty may be assessed. 

Notwithstanding the above, if the spearing action is violent or vicious, a Match penalty will be assessed, regardless of the area of the body where the spear is directed. If the player speared is injured as a result of that infraction, regardless of the area of the body involved, a Match penalty must be assessed to the player guilty of the spearing infraction.