Too Many Players

What is “Too Many Players on the Ice”?

Too Many Players on the Ice is an ice hockey infraction that occurs when a team has more players on the playing surface than permitted during play, most commonly because of an improper line change or substitution.

Under IIHF Rule 74, players may change at any time during play, provided that the player leaving the ice is within 1.50 metres (5 feet) of the Players’ Bench and is out of the play before the replacement enters. If a substitute enters before the departing teammate is within this permitted area and the team clearly has too many players on the ice, a Bench Minor Penalty may be assessed.

When is the infraction called?

The infraction can occur during a line change when:

• A player enters the ice before the departing player is within the 1.50 m limit of the Players’ Bench.
• The player entering or leaving the ice plays the puck while both players are still on the ice.
• The player entering or leaving checks or makes physical contact with an opponent while both players are still on the ice.
• A player leaves the ice through an exit other than the Players’ Bench during play.

A player entering the ice as a substitute is considered to be on the ice once both skates are on the ice. A retiring player with one skate on the ice and one skate in the Players’ Bench is considered off the ice.

Important Exception

If, during a substitution, the player entering or leaving is accidentally struck by the puck, play is not stopped and no penalty is assessed.

The key issue is whether the players involved in the change become actively involved in the play while the substitution is still in progress.

REFEREE SIGNALS — Too Many Players on the Ice

The official IIHF signal for Too Many Players on the Ice is:

The official indicates six (6) fingers with one hand, held in front of the chest.

How to perform the signal

1. Stop play when the infraction requires an immediate stoppage.
2. Raise one hand in front of the chest.
3. Extend six fingers to indicate that the team has too many players on the ice.
4. Communicate the infraction to the appropriate Referee when the call is made by a Linesperson.

The signal visually represents the presence of an extra player on the ice.

Who can call the infraction?

Under IIHF procedures, Referees and Linespersons may be involved in identifying and stopping play for Too Many Players on the Ice. Linespersons may stop play when they observe this violation and report the infraction to the Referee.

The IIHF also specifically notes that Linespersons have responsibility for stopping play in situations involving too many players on the ice.

PENALTY

A violation of Rule 74 results in a:

Bench Minor Penalty

The penalty is assessed to the offending team rather than to a specific player because the infraction normally results from a team substitution or line-change error.

If the offending team scores a goal before the official stops play to assess the Bench Minor, the goal is disallowed and the penalty for Too Many Players on the Ice is assessed.

COMMON EXAMPLE

A team has five skaters on the ice. During a line change, a sixth skater enters the ice before the departing player has reached the permitted 1.50 m area near the Players’ Bench.

If either player becomes involved in the play—for example, by playing the puck or making physical contact with an opponent—the officials can call Too Many Players on the Ice.

The result is a Bench Minor Penalty.

WHY THIS RULE MATTERS

Line changes are an essential part of ice hockey. Players must change quickly while maintaining the correct number of players on the ice.

Too Many Players on the Ice prevents a team from gaining an unfair numerical advantage during a substitution and helps maintain the competitive balance of the game.

The rule also emphasizes the importance of communication between players, coaches and game officials during line changes.

QUICK REFERENCE

Key Point

Too Many Players on the Ice is primarily a substitution and line-change infraction. The official signal is made by displaying six fingers with one hand in front of the chest.

Rules and interpretations can vary by competition or governing body. For IIHF competitions, always refer to the latest IIHF Official Rule Book and Situation Handbook.