{"id":1105,"date":"2026-08-11T17:19:44","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T10:19:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/?p=1105"},"modified":"2026-08-12T14:15:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T07:15:00","slug":"elbowing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/elbowing\/","title":{"rendered":"Elbowing (\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e43\u0e0a\u0e49\u0e28\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e41\u0e17\u0e01)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"534\"><strong data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"365\">Elbowing (\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e43\u0e0a\u0e49\u0e28\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e41\u0e17\u0e01)<\/strong> is a physical infraction in ice hockey that occurs when a player uses an <strong data-start=\"439\" data-end=\"488\">extended elbow to strike or check an opponent<\/strong> in a manner that may or may not cause injury.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"536\" data-end=\"792\">Under <strong data-start=\"542\" data-end=\"558\">IIHF Rule 45<\/strong>, elbowing is considered a physical infraction. The referee evaluates the nature of the contact, the degree of force and violence, and whether the action recklessly endangered the opposing player.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"794\" data-end=\"966\">Elbowing is different from normal body contact. A legal check should be performed within the rules and without deliberately using the elbow as the primary point of contact.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1mxa8sa\" data-start=\"968\" data-end=\"989\">WHAT IS ELBOWING?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"991\" data-end=\"1039\">An elbowing penalty may be called when a player:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1041\" data-end=\"1260\">\n<li data-section-id=\"xe0ie4\" data-start=\"1041\" data-end=\"1094\">Extends the elbow to make contact with an opponent.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"35fcgg\" data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1143\">Uses the elbow to strike or check an opponent.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1mxhvp\" data-start=\"1144\" data-end=\"1197\">Makes contact with excessive force using the elbow.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"n28en5\" data-start=\"1198\" data-end=\"1260\">Recklessly endangers an opponent through an elbowing action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1262\" data-end=\"1478\">The important factor is the nature of the contact and the player&#8217;s action. The referee has discretion to determine the appropriate penalty based on the circumstances of the play.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1480\" data-end=\"1483\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"wahs6y\" data-start=\"1485\" data-end=\"1513\">REFEREE SIGNAL \u2014 ELBOWING<\/h2>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1yp0s2h\" data-start=\"1515\" data-end=\"1534\">Official Signal<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1536\" data-end=\"1584\"><strong data-start=\"1536\" data-end=\"1584\">Tapping either elbow with the opposite hand.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1586\" data-end=\"1691\">The referee indicates an elbowing infraction by <strong data-start=\"1634\" data-end=\"1690\">touching or tapping one elbow with the opposite hand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1693\" data-end=\"1918\">This simple motion identifies the specific body part involved in the infraction and allows players, coaches, spectators and game officials to understand that the call is for <strong data-start=\"1867\" data-end=\"1879\">Elbowing (\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e43\u0e0a\u0e49\u0e28\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e41\u0e17\u0e01)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1cbl47v\" data-start=\"1920\" data-end=\"1951\">How the Signal Is Performed<\/h3>\n<ol data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"2274\">\n<li data-section-id=\"z0xxsz\" data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"2036\">The referee stops play or indicates the penalty according to the game situation.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"3iwtln\" data-start=\"2037\" data-end=\"2092\">The referee brings one hand toward the opposite arm.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"25a155\" data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2136\">The hand taps or touches the elbow area.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ezesbg\" data-start=\"2137\" data-end=\"2185\">The signal identifies <strong data-start=\"2162\" data-end=\"2184\">Elbowing \u2014 Rule 45<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"10qvh15\" data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2274\">The referee then communicates the penalty to the penalty bench\/officials as required.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"2276\" data-end=\"2354\"><strong data-start=\"2276\" data-end=\"2299\">Signal to remember:<\/strong><br data-start=\"2299\" data-end=\"2302\" \/><strong data-start=\"2302\" data-end=\"2354\">Tap the elbow with the opposite hand = ELBOWING.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2356\" data-end=\"2359\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1sze2k0\" data-start=\"2361\" data-end=\"2386\">PENALTIES FOR ELBOWING<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2388\" data-end=\"2530\">The IIHF Rule Book 2026\/27 provides the referee with discretion based on the severity of the infraction.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"187kjmy\" data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2549\">Minor Penalty (\u0e42\u0e17\u0e29\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e32)<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2551\" data-end=\"2710\">A <strong data-start=\"2553\" data-end=\"2570\">Minor Penalty (\u0e42\u0e17\u0e29\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e32)<\/strong> may be assessed when a player is guilty of elbowing an opponent, with the penalty determined according to the degree of force and violence.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"2mj1wm\" data-start=\"2712\" data-end=\"2729\">Major Penalty (\u0e42\u0e17\u0e29\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e31\u0e01)<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2731\" data-end=\"2879\">A <strong data-start=\"2733\" data-end=\"2750\">Major Penalty (\u0e42\u0e17\u0e29\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e31\u0e01)<\/strong> may be assessed when the elbowing action <strong data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"2834\">recklessly endangers the fouled player<\/strong> and a minor penalty would not be sufficient.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1ndsbzk\" data-start=\"2881\" data-end=\"2916\">Major Penalty + Game Misconduct<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2918\" data-end=\"3109\">A <strong data-start=\"2920\" data-end=\"2965\">Major Penalty and Game Misconduct Penalty<\/strong> may be assessed when the player recklessly endangers an opponent and, in the referee&#8217;s judgment, a major penalty alone would not be sufficient.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3111\" data-end=\"3152\">The assessment considers factors such as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3265\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1kctw6e\" data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3182\">Severity of the infraction<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"12uyl6z\" data-start=\"3183\" data-end=\"3208\">Severity of the contact<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ma1oys\" data-start=\"3209\" data-end=\"3229\">Degree of violence<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1nqjxmu\" data-start=\"3230\" data-end=\"3265\">Overall seriousness of the action<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3267\" data-end=\"3405\">Supplementary discipline may also be applied by the appropriate authorities when deemed appropriate.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3407\" data-end=\"3410\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"8dxoig\" data-start=\"3412\" data-end=\"3440\">WHY ELBOWING IS DANGEROUS<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3442\" data-end=\"3633\">The elbow is a hard and relatively small point of contact. An elbow delivered at high speed can cause significant injury, particularly when contact occurs around the head, face or upper body.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3635\" data-end=\"3795\">Because of this, officials must evaluate not only whether contact occurred, but also <strong data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3794\">how the contact was made and the level of danger created by the action<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3797\" data-end=\"4008\">IIHF officiating emphasizes that officials must make decisions based on what they can properly observe on the ice, while working as a team to achieve consistent officiating.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4013\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"is4u6g\" data-start=\"4015\" data-end=\"4047\">ELBOWING VS. LEGAL BODY CHECK<\/h2>\n<div class=\"group TyagGW_tableContainer\">\n<div class=\"TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-start=\"4049\" data-end=\"4382\">\n<thead data-start=\"4049\" data-end=\"4080\">\n<tr data-start=\"4049\" data-end=\"4080\">\n<th class=\"last:pe-10\" data-start=\"4049\" data-end=\"4060\" data-col-size=\"md\">Elbowing (\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e43\u0e0a\u0e49\u0e28\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e41\u0e17\u0e01)<\/th>\n<th class=\"last:pe-10\" data-start=\"4060\" data-end=\"4080\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Legal Body Check<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"4091\" data-end=\"4382\">\n<tr data-start=\"4091\" data-end=\"4155\">\n<td data-start=\"4091\" data-end=\"4123\" data-col-size=\"md\">Elbow is used to strike\/check<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"4123\" data-end=\"4155\">Body is used to make contact<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"4156\" data-end=\"4232\">\n<td data-start=\"4156\" data-end=\"4196\" data-col-size=\"md\">Elbow may be extended toward opponent<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"4196\" data-end=\"4232\">Contact is made within the rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"4233\" data-end=\"4318\">\n<td data-start=\"4233\" data-end=\"4277\" data-col-size=\"md\">May involve excessive or reckless contact<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4318\">Controlled and legal physical contact<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"4319\" data-end=\"4382\">\n<td data-start=\"4319\" data-end=\"4345\" data-col-size=\"md\">Can result in a penalty<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"4345\" data-end=\"4382\" data-col-size=\"sm\">No penalty when performed legally<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"4384\" data-end=\"4500\">The key distinction is <strong data-start=\"4407\" data-end=\"4447\">the manner and nature of the contact<\/strong>, not simply the fact that physical contact occurred.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4502\" data-end=\"4505\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"fcn86u\" data-start=\"4507\" data-end=\"4532\">KEY POINTS FOR PLAYERS<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4534\" data-end=\"4558\">Players should remember:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4560\" data-end=\"4881\">\n<li data-section-id=\"cgi30g\" data-start=\"4560\" data-end=\"4609\">Keep elbows under control during physical play.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1lmb28t\" data-start=\"4610\" data-end=\"4655\">Avoid extending the elbow into an opponent.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1i8kf9v\" data-start=\"4656\" data-end=\"4711\">Do not use the elbow as the primary point of contact.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1gackcu\" data-start=\"4712\" data-end=\"4759\">Maintain awareness of an opponent&#8217;s position.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1hiknyn\" data-start=\"4760\" data-end=\"4809\">Avoid reckless contact that could cause injury.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"19mcg9g\" data-start=\"4810\" data-end=\"4881\">Respect the referee&#8217;s decision and continue playing within the rules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"4j0puw\" data-start=\"4883\" data-end=\"4902\">Quick Reference<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4904\" data-end=\"5146\"><strong data-start=\"4904\" data-end=\"4913\">Rule:<\/strong> 45 \u2014 Elbowing<br data-start=\"4927\" data-end=\"4930\" \/><strong data-start=\"4930\" data-end=\"4945\">Infraction:<\/strong> Using an extended elbow to strike\/check an opponent<br data-start=\"4997\" data-end=\"5000\" \/><strong data-start=\"5000\" data-end=\"5019\">Referee Signal:<\/strong> Tap either elbow with the opposite hand<br data-start=\"5059\" data-end=\"5062\" \/><strong data-start=\"5062\" data-end=\"5083\">Possible Penalty:<\/strong> Minor \/ Major \/ Major + Game Misconduct, depending on severity<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5148\" data-end=\"5304\">The IIHF&#8217;s current rules and officiating materials are available through its official rules and regulations resources.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Elbowing is a physical infraction in ice hockey that occurs when a player uses an extended elbow to strike or check an opponent in a manner that may or may not cause injury. Under IIHF Rule 45, elbowing is considered a physical infraction. The referee evaluates the nature of the contact, the degree of force &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/elbowing\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Elbowing&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1152,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_regular_price":[],"currency_symbol":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[138],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1105","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-referee-signals"],"post_slider_layout_featured_media_urls":{"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Elbowing-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"post_slider_layout_landscape_large":["https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Elbowing.jpg",900,600,false],"post_slider_layout_portrait_large":["https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Elbowing.jpg",900,600,false],"post_slider_layout_square_large":["https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Elbowing.jpg",900,600,false],"post_slider_layout_landscape":["https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Elbowing-600x400.jpg",600,400,true],"post_slider_layout_portrait":["https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Elbowing-600x600.jpg",600,600,true],"post_slider_layout_square":["https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Elbowing-600x600.jpg",600,600,true],"full":["https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Elbowing.jpg",900,600,false]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1105","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1105"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1105\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1143,"href":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1105\/revisions\/1143"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1105"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1105"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.icehockeyfamily.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1105"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}