Cross-checking is an infraction in thesport ofice hockey,ringette, andlacrosse where a playerchecks an opponent by using the shaft of their stick with both hands. This article deals chiefly with ice hockey.

In therules of theNational Hockey League, cross-checking is defined in Rule 59,^[1] while theInternational Ice Hockey Federation rules define it in Rule 127.^[2]

While body checking is allowed in boys and men's ice hockey, the use of the stick increases the risk of injury to an opponent. The most commonpenalty is a two-minute minor, served by the offender. However under certain circumstances thereferee may assess a major penalty (plus an automatic game misconduct) or a match penalty if the action is judged to be an attempt to injure the player. Usually, if the cross-check causes an injury the league itself may look into whether extra punishment is required for the player that delivered the check. In women's ice hockey body checking is allowed in theProfessional Women's Hockey League, however other leagues do not allow it, and all leagues ban cross checking.^[3]

International ice hockey rules and league rules though slightly different lay out the foundation of penalties for cross-checking. While the differences happen to be subtle in the context of international hockey events such as theWinter Olympics and theWorld Ice Hockey Championships, the penalties tend to be stricter than those from theNHL,KHL and the minor leagues. Generally, the severity of the penalty depends on the referees' judgment as to the severity and intent of the cross-check.

The penalty is generally assessed by the referee that is on ice and is up to their judgment to decide whether the penalty was a cross-check or something else. For example, at the2014 Sochi Olympics Women's Gold Medal Game between Canada and USA,Hilary Knight of the USA team was assessed a cross-checking penalty on Canada forwardHayley Wickenheiser. The call caused uproar from both benches, while the Canada bench thought it wastripping and there should have been a penalty shot, the USA bench felt that it was not a cross check.^[4] The discretion of the referee decides whether or not a cross-check is to be called.

A cross-check is defined by theInternational Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in their Rule 127 as "check to the body of an opponent with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice". IIHF states that at least a minor penalty will be assessed, and a major (with automatic game misconduct) or match penalty will be assessed if the player injures or recklessly endangers the opponent.^[2]

TheNHL defines a cross check in their Rule 59 as "The action of using the shaft of the stick between the two hands to forcefully check an opponent". Within the context of the NHL, the referee again decides what the severity of the cross-check was and how the penalty shall be served; the referee may impose a minor penalty, major penalty with an automatic game misconduct, or a match penalty. If a major penalty is assessed for the cross-check, an automatic fine of $100 is assessed as well as misconduct is imposed as well. A match penalty is assessed for a cross-check if the referee feels that the offender aimed to deliberately hurt or injure the opponent. While a major penalty is rarely assessed unless the victim is seriously injured, the nature of a cross-check, that is, using the part of the stick between two hands, means cross-checking is almost always particularly painful. TheCommissioner may also place more fines or suspensions on the player if deemed appropriate.^[1] As an example, after a game between theVancouver Canucks &Edmonton Oilers on 18 January 2025, Edmonton'sConnor McDavid and Vancouver'sTyler Myers were both given amatch penalty for cross-checks on an opponent. Days later they were suspended 3 games by the NHL. Each received a higher than usual penalty due to their history of suspensions and fines.^[5]

ThePWHL defines a cross check in rule 60 as "The action of using the shaft of the stick between the two hands to forcefully check an opponent." The referee may impose a minor, major, or match penalty depending on severity of the infraction and the Hockey Operations Officer may impose additional penalties including a fine or suspension for cross checking.^[6]

• Ice hockey penalties
• Ice hockey terminology
• Violence in ice hockey

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