Slashing (\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e1f\u0e31\u0e19\u0e14\u0e49\u0e27\u0e22\u0e44\u0e21\u0e49\u0e2e\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e01\u0e35\u0e49)<\/strong> is one of the stick infractions in ice hockey. It occurs when a player swings their stick at an opponent, whether or not contact is made. Under IIHF Rule 61<\/strong>, a forceful or powerful chop with the stick against an opponent’s body, stick, or on or near the hands can be penalized when the action is judged not to be an attempt to play the puck.<\/p>\n Slashing is generally associated with a player using the stick in a forceful chopping or swinging motion against another player.<\/p>\n The infraction may occur when the stick makes contact with:<\/p>\n Importantly, contact does not have to occur<\/strong> for an action to be considered slashing. The act of swinging the stick at an opponent can itself constitute the infraction.<\/p>\n However, not every stick-to-player contact is automatically slashing. The IIHF rules specifically state that non-aggressive stick contact with the pants or the front of the shin pads should not be penalized as slashing<\/strong>. The referee evaluates the nature, force and circumstances of the action.<\/p>\n The official IIHF signal for Slashing is:<\/p>\n \u201cA chopping motion with the edge of one hand across the opposite forearm.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n The referee makes a chopping motion across the opposite forearm<\/strong>, using the edge of one hand to represent the action of a hockey stick striking another player.<\/p>\n This gesture visually represents the chopping action associated with a slashing infraction and allows players, coaches and spectators to quickly identify the penalty being called.<\/p>\n Under IIHF Rule 61.2<\/strong>, the referee may assess a Minor Penalty (\u0e42\u0e17\u0e29\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e32)<\/strong> for slashing, with the decision based on the degree of force and violence involved.<\/p>\n In more serious situations, a Major Penalty and automatic Game Misconduct Penalty<\/strong> may be assessed when the player recklessly endangers the opponent and a minor penalty would not be sufficient. Factors include:<\/p>\n Serious slashing incidents can also result in additional disciplinary measures after the game, depending on the circumstances and the applicable competition regulations.<\/p>\n Examples may include:<\/p>\n 1. Striking an opponent’s hands<\/strong> 2. Forcefully striking an opponent’s stick<\/strong> 3. Swinging the stick at an opponent without contact<\/strong> 4. Dangerous or reckless stick swing<\/strong> These situations are judged by the referee according to the circumstances and the degree of force involved.<\/p>\n One of the important distinctions in applying the rule is intent and the nature of the stick action<\/strong>.<\/p>\n A player may legitimately use the stick to attempt to play the puck. However, if the stick action becomes a forceful or powerful chop against an opponent, their stick, or their hands and is judged not to be an attempt to play the puck, it can be penalized as slashing.<\/p>\n Therefore, players should maintain control of their stick and avoid unnecessary or dangerous swinging motions.<\/p>\n Referee signals are an essential part of communication in ice hockey.<\/p>\n Because the game moves at high speed, players and spectators may not immediately hear or understand the referee’s verbal announcement. The standardized hand signal provides a clear visual explanation of the type of infraction.<\/p>\n For Slashing, the chopping motion across the opposite forearm<\/strong> immediately communicates that a stick-related penalty has been called.<\/p>\n Learning these signals helps players, coaches, parents and fans better understand what is happening during a game.<\/p>\n Official Reference:<\/strong> IIHF Official Rule Book 2026\/27, Rule 61 \u2013 Slashing and Appendix I \u2013 Game Official Signals.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SLASHING IN ICE HOCKEY REFEREE SIGNALS \u2014 Official Referee Signal for Slashing Slashing is one of the stick infractions in ice hockey. It occurs when a player swings their stick at an opponent, whether or not contact is made. Under IIHF Rule 61, a forceful or powerful chop with the stick against an opponent’s body, … <\/p>\n\ud83c\udfd2 What Is Slashing?<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/div>\n\ud83d\udea8 REFEREE SIGNAL \u2014 SLASHING<\/h2>\n
How the signal looks<\/h3>\n
\n<\/div>\n\ud83d\udfe5 PENALTY FOR SLASHING<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/div>\n\u26a0\ufe0f Examples of Slashing<\/h2>\n
\nA player swings the stick and strikes an opponent’s hands rather than attempting to play the puck.<\/p>\n
\nA player delivers a powerful chop against an opponent’s stick without a legitimate attempt to play the puck.<\/p>\n
\nA player aggressively swings the stick toward an opponent, even if the stick does not make contact.<\/p>\n
\nA player makes a violent swing that creates a significant risk of injury to an opponent.<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n\ud83c\udfd2 Slashing vs. Playing the Puck<\/h2>\n
\n<\/div>\n\ud83d\udc68\u200d\u2696\ufe0f Why the Referee Signal Matters<\/h2>\n
\n<\/div>\n\ud83d\udccc Quick Reference<\/h2>\n
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\n Item<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n Infraction<\/strong><\/td>\n Slashing (\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e1f\u0e31\u0e19\u0e14\u0e49\u0e27\u0e22\u0e44\u0e21\u0e49\u0e2e\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e01\u0e35\u0e49)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n IIHF Rule<\/strong><\/td>\n Rule 61<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/strong><\/td>\n Stick Infraction<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Referee Signal<\/strong><\/td>\n Chopping motion with the edge of one hand across the opposite forearm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical Penalty<\/strong><\/td>\n Minor Penalty (\u0e42\u0e17\u0e29\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e32)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Serious Cases<\/strong><\/td>\n Major Penalty + Game Misconduct may apply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Contact Required?<\/strong><\/td>\n No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main Concern<\/strong><\/td>\n Forceful or powerful stick action not considered an attempt to play the puck<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n