A linesman, or linesperson, is authorized to stop play in hockey for specific rule violations such as off-sides, icing, premature face-off entry, pucks leaving the playing area, and interference by ineligible persons.
Linespersons play a crucial role in maintaining the flow and fairness of a hockey game. Their primary focus is on infractions related to puck movement and player positioning, ensuring the game adheres to the rules while allowing the referees to concentrate on penalties and major infractions.
Key Situations for Stoppage of Play by a Linesperson
Linespersons are specifically authorized to stop the play for the following reasons:
- Off-side Situation: Play is stopped when an attacking player crosses the opponent's defensive blue line into the offensive zone before the puck has fully crossed that same line. The linesperson signals this violation, leading to a stoppage and a face-off outside the zone.
- Icing the Puck Situation: A stoppage occurs if a player shoots the puck from behind their own defensive blue line across the opponent's goal line without it being touched by any player, other than the goaltender in specific circumstances. This results in a face-off in the offending team's defensive zone.
- Premature Entry into the Face-off Circle: Before a face-off, players must remain outside the face-off circle until the puck is dropped by the linesperson. If a player enters prematurely, the linesperson will stop play and may issue a warning or instruct the player to be replaced.
- Puck Goes Outside the Playing Area: If the puck goes over the boards, hits the protective netting above the glass, or otherwise leaves the designated playing surface, the linesperson will blow the whistle to stop play. A face-off then occurs at the nearest appropriate spot.
- Puck is Interfered With by an Ineligible Person: This refers to situations where an individual not eligible to be part of the play (e.g., a spectator, a team official who is not a player on the ice, or an injured player who should not be involved in the play) makes contact with or impedes the puck.
These specific scenarios highlight the linesperson's critical responsibility in upholding the technical aspects of the game, ensuring fair play and proper execution of game mechanics.
Summary of Linesperson Stoppage Reasons
| Reason for Stoppage | Description |
|---|---|
| Off-side | Attacking player crosses the blue line before the puck. |
| Icing the Puck | Puck shot across opponent's goal line from behind one's own blue line. |
| Premature Face-off Entry | Player enters the face-off circle before the puck is dropped. |
| Puck Out of Play | Puck leaves the designated playing area. |
| Ineligible Person Interference | Unauthorized individual or player (not eligible to be in play) contacts the puck. |
