Tripping is an infraction in ice hockey that occurs when a player uses their stick, leg, foot, arm, hand, or other part of the body to cause an opposing player to lose balance and fall.
Tripping is generally penalized when the action is considered an illegal attempt to impede an opponent’s movement. The infraction may occur during skating, puck battles, or while competing for position.
Referee Signal — Tripping
When a referee calls Tripping, the official uses a recognizable hand signal to communicate the infraction to players, coaches, spectators, and the penalty box.
Signal:
The referee extends one leg forward and makes a downward sweeping motion with the opposite hand, indicating the action of causing an opponent to trip or fall.
The signal is normally accompanied by the referee stopping play and indicating the offending player or team.
Common Examples of Tripping
Tripping may include:
- Using the stick to hook or trip an opponent’s legs.
- Extending a leg or foot into an opponent’s skating path.
- Using the body or arm to cause an opponent to lose balance.
- Making a sweeping motion with the stick that causes an opponent to fall.
- Intentionally interfering with an opponent’s skating motion without making a legal body check.
Why Is Tripping Penalized?
Tripping can create dangerous situations because players are moving at high speed on ice. A player who suddenly loses balance may fall awkwardly or collide with another player, the boards, or the goal.
The rule is therefore intended to protect player safety and maintain fair competition.
Penalty
Depending on the applicable rules and circumstances of the play, a tripping infraction may result in a Minor Penalty. More serious situations may be subject to additional or different penalties under the governing competition rules.
Important: Penalty enforcement can vary according to the specific rule set and competition regulations, so players and teams should always refer to the rules governing their tournament or league.