Time-Out

In ice hockey, a Time-Out is a temporary stoppage in play requested by a team and granted by the referee according to the applicable competition rules.

REFEREE SIGNAL

The referee signals a Time-Out by using both hands to form the letter “T” in front of the chest.

This is one of the standard game-official signals used to clearly communicate to players, coaches, the timekeeper, and spectators that a team time-out has been granted.

HOW THE SIGNAL IS PERFORMED

1. The referee stops play when appropriate.
2. The referee brings both hands together in front of the chest.
3. The hands are positioned to form the shape of a “T.”
4. The signal indicates that a Time-Out has been granted.
5. The game timekeeper records and manages the duration of the time-out.

WHEN CAN A TEAM REQUEST A TIME-OUT?

Under the IIHF rules, a team may request its time-out during an appropriate stoppage in play and before the referee has completed the player-change procedure and indicated the face-off location.

The request must therefore be made at the correct time. A team cannot simply request a time-out after the face-off procedure has already been completed.

IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS

The IIHF rules include situations in which a time-out is not permitted. For example:

• A time-out cannot be granted following a face-off violation.
• A defensive team cannot be granted a time-out following icing.
• A defensive team cannot be granted a time-out following certain goalkeeper-caused stoppages from a shoot-in beyond the center red line.
• A time-out cannot be granted when a defending player accidentally dislodges the goal and causes a stoppage.
• Once the referee has awarded a Penalty Shot and given the required instructions to the shooter and defending goalkeeper, a time-out cannot be granted.
• A time-out is not permitted during a shootout.

Specific competition regulations may also contain additional provisions, so teams and officials should always follow the current rules governing their competition.

WHY IS THE TIME-OUT SIGNAL IMPORTANT?

The “T” signal provides a simple and universally recognizable visual indication that the stoppage is a Time-Out rather than an ordinary stoppage in play.

Clear communication between the referee, players, coaches, and off-ice officials is essential for maintaining the correct flow of the game.

QUICK REFERENCE

Signal: Both hands form a “T” in front of the chest.
Meaning: Time-Out.
Official: Referee.
Purpose: Indicates that a team time-out has been granted.

Official Rule Reference: IIHF Rule Book — Game Official Signals, Rule 87 — TIME-OUT. The IIHF signal is performed by using both hands to form a “T” in front of the chest.