TrippingPhoto coming soon
1Tripping
Strike the leg below the knee with one hand, keeping both skates on the ice.
When: Using a stick, skate or body to cause an opponent to fall.
9/14 Learn
Hand Signals
Learn each signal, then flip on practice mode and quiz yourself.
Rules come first. Current PCAHA and Hockey Canada rules always take priority over this guide. If in doubt, follow your mentor.
HookingPhoto coming soon
2Hooking
Tugging motion with both arms, as if pulling something toward your stomach.
When: Using the stick to hold back an opponent.
SlashingPhoto coming soon
3Slashing
Chop the edge of one hand across the opposite forearm.
When: Swinging a stick at an opponent.
HoldingPhoto coming soon
4Holding
Clasp one wrist with the other hand, in front of the chest.
When: Grabbing or holding back an opponent with hands or arms.
InterferencePhoto coming soon
5Interference
Cross your arms in front of the chest with fists closed, and hold them still.
When: Blocking an opponent who does not have the puck.
High-stickingPhoto coming soon
6High-sticking
Hold both fists, one directly above the other, at forehead height.
When: Contacting an opponent with a stick carried too high.
Cross-checkingPhoto coming soon
7Cross-checking
Push both clenched fists forward from the chest and back.
When: Checking an opponent with the stick shaft held in both hands.
RoughingPhoto coming soon
8Roughing
A thrusting motion of the arm and fist, extended out from the side of the body.
When: Unnecessary rough contact, like shoving or punching.
Body checkingPhoto coming soon
9Body checking
Bring an open hand to the opposite shoulder.
When: A body check in a non-checking division.
BoardingPhoto coming soon
10Boarding
Pound a clenched fist into the open palm of the other hand.
When: Contact that sends an opponent dangerously into the boards.
Head contactPhoto coming soon
11Head contact
Pat the side of your head (helmet) with the open palm of your non-whistle hand.
When: Any contact to an opponent’s head, face or neck. Called at every age.
Checking from behindPhoto coming soon
12Checking from behind
Push both arms forward from the chest, palms open and facing away from you.
When: Pushing or checking an opponent from behind, often into the boards. Very dangerous, even at U9.
Delayed penaltyPhoto coming soon
13Delayed penalty
Raise one arm straight above your head until play is stopped.
When: A penalty has been spotted but the other team still has the puck.
Watch the clinic video
▶Module 2: HCOP SignalsHow to call a penalty
- Identify the player and infraction.
- Arm straight up for a delayed penalty when needed.
- Whistle when the offending team gains control.
- Make the signal clearly and report the call.
- Send the player to their bench for a 2-minute time out. A teammate replaces them, then restart.
Signal photos are teaching aids, not official Hockey Canada images. For the official versions, watch Module 2 (HCOP Signals) or see the Hockey Canada officiating resources.