No Goal is a referee ruling indicating that a goal has not been awarded. The puck may have entered the net, but play is ruled dead or the apparent goal is disallowed because the conditions required for a valid goal were not met.
The referee may use the No Goal signal to clearly communicate to players, coaches, scorekeepers, and spectators that the apparent goal does not count.
When is a No Goal ruling used?
A goal may be ruled No Goal in situations such as:
- The attacking player deliberately directs, kicks, or otherwise illegally propels the puck into the net, when the applicable rules do not permit it.
- The puck enters the net after an infraction that causes the play to be stopped.
- The attacking team interferes with the goalkeeper in a manner that prevents the goalkeeper from playing their position normally.
- The puck enters the net after the referee has already stopped play.
- The puck is directed into the goal by an action that is not permitted under the applicable playing rules.
- A goal is scored during a situation where the attacking team is penalized and the rules require the goal to be disallowed.
- Video review or an official determination establishes that the goal does not meet the requirements for a legal goal.
Referee Signal
When signaling No Goal, the referee communicates that the apparent goal is disallowed. The signal is intended to provide a clear visual indication that no goal has been awarded.
Depending on the specific rule situation and governing ruleset, the referee may also use an accompanying signal to explain the reason for the decision, such as goalkeeper interference, kicking the puck, hand pass, or another infraction.
Important Point
No Goal does not necessarily mean that the puck never entered the net.
It means that the goal is not legally awarded under the applicable rules.
For example, if a puck enters the net but the attacking player has interfered illegally with the goalkeeper, the referee can rule No Goal even though the puck clearly crossed the goal line.
Why the No Goal Signal Matters
The No Goal signal is important because it:
- Clearly communicates the referee’s decision.
- Prevents confusion after an apparent scoring play.
- Helps players immediately understand that play will continue without awarding a goal.
- Allows the scorekeeper to record the correct game situation.
- Provides a clear visual decision for spectators and broadcasters.
Summary
NO GOAL = The apparent goal is disallowed and no goal is awarded.
The final decision is based on the applicable ice hockey rules and, where permitted, video review.
