Ice hockey high-sticking penalties and accidental stick contact
A high-sticking decision starts with the stick, the contact and the opponent's position. Asking only whether the player meant to cause harm misses the practical question: what actually happened?
Key points
- For games governed by the IIHF Official Rule Book 2026/27, Rule 60.1 defines high-sticking as stick contact above an opponent's shoulders, with those shoulders at waist level or higher; players remain responsible for controlling their sticks, so accidental contact can still be penalised.
- IIHF Rule 60.1 excuses accidental contact during a normal shooting windup or follow-through and with a bent-over opposing centre during a face-off, but not a wild swing at a bouncing puck.
- IIHF Rules 60.2 and 16 make an ordinary high-sticking penalty a two-minute minor.
- IIHF Rules 60.3 and 18 bring a four-minute double-minor when neck, face or head contact above the opponent's waist causes injury; bleeding is not required.
- IIHF Rules 60.4 and 20 make a five-minute major and automatic game misconduct available for reckless endangerment.
- IIHF Rule 60.3 permits optional video confirmation or cancellation of a double-minor, particularly to identify whose stick caused the injury, and refers to Rule 18.4.
- Playing the puck with a high stick is a separate IIHF Rule 80 decision from Rule 60's opponent-contact penalty.
Which rules apply?
This article uses the International Ice Hockey Federation Official Rule Book 2026/27, checked on 20 September 2026. Rule numbers below refer to that edition. Use it for games governed by that book; an NHL, NCAA, national-association or local-league decision needs its own appointed rules.
The IIHF's official rules hub states that its latest published version controls IIHF events. Check that hub when applying this explanation in a later season.
Contact above the shoulders
Rule 60.1 defines a high stick by contact above an opponent's shoulders, with those shoulders at waist level or higher. The 2026/27 edition adds this height qualification.
For a useful replay, look for an angle showing both players' posture at contact. A tight shot of the face alone leaves out part of the evidence.
When accidental contact is excused
Rule 60.1 permits accidental contact during a normal shooting windup or follow-through, and with a bent-over opposing centre during a face-off. A wild swing at a bouncing puck is not the shooting exception.
Compare a normal shot's follow-through with a hurried swing at an airborne puck. Calling both actions an attempt to play the puck hides the distinction officials must examine.
Two minutes, four minutes or removal
- Ordinary offence: a two-minute minor (Rules 60.2 and 16).
- Injury: neck, face or head contact above the opponent's waist causing injury brings a four-minute double-minor; bleeding is not required (Rules 60.3 and 18).
- Reckless endangerment: a five-minute major and automatic game misconduct are available (Rules 60.4 and 20).
Identify the stick before blaming a player
Rule 60.3 allows optional video confirmation or cancellation of a double-minor, particularly to identify whose stick caused the injury; it refers to Rule 18.4.
When watching a crowded crease scramble, follow the shaft back towards its owner. The nearest opponent is an assumption, not an identification. Then examine the action and injury separately instead of letting the final close-up explain the entire sequence.
Did the stick hit a player or the puck?
Playing the puck with a high stick belongs to Rule 80, separately from Rule 60's opponent-contact penalty.
For that decision, continue to hand passes and high-sticking the puck. For other stick actions, see slashing, hooking and tripping.
Follow the next part of the call
Governing body and effective edition
- IIHF Official Rule Book 2026/27: Rule 60, printed page 107; Rules 16, 18 and 20 for penalty categories; Rule 80 for puck plays.
- IIHF Rules, Regulations & Guidelines: official downloads and current-version notice.
Checked on 20 September 2026. The examples and viewing suggestions are explanatory illustrations, not additional official casebook rulings.