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Cross-checking

Cross-checking is an infraction in ice hockey and other sports such as lacrosse and ringette, where a player uses the shaft of their stick, held with both hands and the blade off the ice, to forcefully check an opponent.^[1]^[2] This action is penalized to protect player safety, typically resulting in a minor penalty, though more severe cases can lead to majors or misconducts. The term is also used more broadly to describe verifying information by cross-referencing multiple sources, as in journalism or aviation procedures.^[3]

Overview

Definition

Cross-checking in ice hockey is defined as the act of using the shaft of the stick, gripped with both hands, to forcefully apply pressure or deliver a blow to an opponent, often targeting the body, arms, or back. This infraction involves extending the stick horizontally or at an angle across the opponent's torso or limbs while maintaining a two-handed hold, distinguishing it from permissible stick checks that remain below the waist or do not involve excessive force.^[4]^[2] Unlike body checking, which relies on direct physical contact using the shoulder, hip, or chest without the stick, cross-checking specifically employs the stick as the primary tool for the check, making it a stick-related penalty rather than a body-contact violation. It also differs from slashing, a one-handed swinging motion of the stick that strikes with the blade or an uncontrolled arc, whereas cross-checking requires the deliberate, two-handed extension of the shaft for leverage and control. This infraction commonly occurs in contested areas of the ice, such as along the boards during puck battles or in the high-traffic zone in front of the net, where players may use their sticks to gain positional advantage but risk crossing into illegal territory. When deemed minor or major depending on severity, it results in penalties that disrupt play and emphasize player safety.

Basic Penalties

In ice hockey, cross-checking is penalized based on the severity of the infraction, typically resulting in a minor penalty of two minutes, a major penalty of five minutes accompanied by a game misconduct, or a match penalty leading to ejection and potential suspension.^[4]^[2] A minor penalty is assessed for standard violations where the stick shaft is used forcefully against an opponent without aggravating circumstances, removing the offender from play while their team plays shorthanded.^[4] Major penalties accompanied by a game misconduct apply to more reckless acts, while match penalties are imposed for dangerous or intentional conduct that endangers safety, with the offender immediately ejected and facing review for further discipline.^[2]^[4] The classification of the penalty hinges on factors such as the intent behind the action, the potential or actual injury caused, and the location and manner of the check.^[4]^[2] For instance, cross-checks targeting the head or neck area, delivered with excessive force, or executed from behind significantly elevate the severity due to the heightened risk of injury.^[4] When the stick leaves the ice entirely, as is characteristic of the infraction, referees evaluate whether the motion constitutes reckless endangerment rather than incidental contact.^[2] Referees exercise considerable discretion in assessing penalties, prioritizing player safety while maintaining the flow of play.^[4]^[2] This judgment considers the overall context, including whether the cross-check was deliberate or a byproduct of competitive play, ensuring that penalties deter hazardous behavior without overly disrupting the game.^[4]

Technique

Execution Mechanics

Cross-checking in ice hockey involves a player using the shaft of their stick, held with both hands, to apply force against an opponent, typically to disrupt their positioning or puck possession. The player extends the stick forward or laterally to direct the force against the opponent, with the stick shaft serving as the primary point of contact. This action is performed as a push or thrust rather than involving the stick blade on the ice or in contact with the puck. Cross-checking is an illegal infraction assessed based on the degree of force and intent, often occurring in defensive situations to separate an opponent from the puck along the boards or in open ice. Although sometimes attempted as an alternative to body checks, it is penalized for the risk of injury it poses to players.^[1]

Common Variations

Cross-checking in ice hockey can adapt based on the height of the stick and the duration of contact, leading to variations that alter the risk profile and enforcement. An elevated cross-check occurs when a player raises the stick above waist level while applying force with both hands on the shaft, potentially directing contact toward the upper body or head of the opponent. This variation heightens the danger compared to a standard cross-check at torso level, as it may result in unintended high-sticking if the blade inadvertently contacts above the shoulders, though it remains classified under cross-checking rules unless reclassified by officials.^[1] A follow-through cross-check involves maintaining pressure on the opponent after the initial shaft contact, often using extended arms to drive or push the player further. This extension of the motion can transform a brief check into prolonged force, particularly along the boards, where it may contribute to driving an opponent into the end boards with momentum. Such continued application distinguishes it from a momentary check and is assessed for severity based on the force and positioning involved.^[4] Situational subtypes of cross-checking emerge in dynamic game contexts, differentiating incidental occurrences from deliberate acts. Incidental cross-checking typically arises during intense puck battles, where players vie for possession along the boards or in the crease, and the shaft contact happens unintentionally as part of physical engagement without targeted force. In contrast, intentional cross-checking often manifests in post-whistle scrums, where players deliberately use the stick shaft to jab or push rivals amid heightened tensions, lacking any puck-related justification. Officials evaluate these based on intent, with incidental actions in puck pursuits more likely to avoid penalties if deemed non-reckless, while intentional targeting in scrums escalates to major penalties.^[1]^[2]

Rules by League

IIHF Regulations

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) defines cross-checking as the act of using the shaft of the stick between both hands to forcefully check an opponent, delivering a push or blow.^[2] This infraction falls under Rule 59 of the IIHF Official Rule Book, which emphasizes player safety in international competitions by prohibiting such actions that could lead to injury, particularly given the diverse physical styles among players from various nationalities.^[2] Penalties for cross-checking are assessed based on the severity, intent, contact, violence, and potential for injury. A minor penalty of two minutes is imposed when a player uses the stick with both hands to check an opponent, resulting in contact without reckless endangerment.^[2] For more serious violations, a major penalty of five minutes is applied, with no substitute allowed, if the action endangers the opponent through recklessness.^[2] A match penalty results in ejection and a substitute after five minutes if there is deliberate intent to injure, potentially causing serious harm; this is often accompanied by a game misconduct.^[2] Standalone game misconducts may be issued for persistent or flagrant violations following a warning, with supplementary discipline possible under Rule 28 at the discretion of IIHF authorities.^[2] Officials signal cross-checking with a forward and backward motion of the arms, fists clenched and extended from the chest.^[2] Enforcement in IIHF tournaments relies on on-ice officials, supplemented by video review in major events such as the Olympics and World Championships. Under Rule 37 and Rule 20.6, referees in designated championships can consult video goal judges or use tablets and monitors with a Video Review Consultant to confirm, reduce, or nullify calls for major penalties like cross-checking, ensuring accurate assessments of intent and impact.^[2] This system, available in full setup for high-stakes games, promotes fairness and safety by reviewing multiple camera angles for potential injuries.^[2] IIHF regulations incorporate stricter player safety measures in international and youth contexts to mitigate risks from cross-checking. Mandatory neck laceration protectors are required for all players under Rule 9.12, with immediate stoppages for serious injuries allowing medical personnel prompt access.^[2] In youth tournaments, such as U20 and U18 categories, full-face protection and mouthguards are enforced (Rules 202 and 102), alongside an emphasis on non-contact play to reduce physicality among developing athletes from diverse backgrounds.^[2] These provisions align with broader IIHF priorities, where body checking is permitted only when playing the puck in women's hockey (Rule 101.1), further limiting opportunities for dangerous stick use.^[2]

NHL Enforcement

In the National Hockey League (NHL), cross-checking is governed by Rule 59, which defines the infraction as "the action of using the shaft of the stick between the two hands to forcefully check an opponent," with the stick considered to extend from the ice up to the player's shoulders.^[1] Penalties are assessed in tiers based on the severity and recklessness of the action: a minor penalty of two minutes is imposed for routine cross-checks at the referee's discretion; a major penalty of five minutes, accompanied by an automatic game misconduct, applies when the cross-check causes injury or demonstrates reckless endangerment; and a match penalty results in ejection and potential further discipline if the referee deems the act a deliberate attempt to injure.^[1] Cross-checks to the head or neck area that result in injury mandate a major penalty and game misconduct, emphasizing protection against severe impacts.^[1] The NHL employs a rigorous video review process to ensure accurate penalty assessment, particularly for escalated infractions. Since the 2019-20 season, all major penalty calls—including those for cross-checking—are subject to mandatory review by officials in the league's Situation Room in Toronto, allowing for upgrades, downgrades, or confirmations based on multiple angles and slow-motion footage. This process helps address on-ice judgment calls, such as distinguishing reckless intent from incidental contact. Beyond in-game rulings, the Department of Player Safety, based in New York, conducts post-game reviews of cross-checking incidents for supplemental discipline, issuing fines up to half a player's daily salary or suspensions through hearings with players and teams.^[5] For instance, in October 2025, New York Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin received a one-game suspension following a Department review of a cross-check to an opponent's face.^[6] Enforcement trends in the NHL have intensified since the 2010s, driven by heightened awareness of concussion risks from forceful upper-body contact, including cross-checks to vulnerable areas.^[7] In the 2021-22 season, the league introduced stricter interpretation of Rule 59 to promote player health and safety, targeting previously tolerated actions like repeated low-force cross-checks along the boards.^[8] This led to a marked uptick in calls, with cross-checking minors ranking among the top eight most frequent penalties in the prior season but surging to the most common in early 2021-22 preseason games, reflecting a broader crackdown that continued into subsequent years.^[9] Overall, such measures align with NHL efforts to reduce head trauma, contributing to a decline in reported concussions from peaks in the early 2000s.^[10]

PWHL Standards

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), established in 2023, aligns its cross-checking regulations closely with International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) standards under Rule 59, while incorporating elements from the National Hockey League (NHL) framework to suit the league's emphasis on speed, skill, and player safety. In the PWHL's official rulebook, cross-checking is codified as Rule 60, defining it as "the action of using the shaft of the stick between the two hands to forcefully check an opponent." A minor penalty of two minutes is typically assessed for non-violent instances, whereas a major penalty of five minutes is imposed for forceful or reckless applications, often resulting in an automatic game misconduct if the infraction causes injury, particularly to the face or head. A match penalty may be called if there is clear intent to injure, leading to the player's removal for the remainder of the game.^[11]^[2] Enforcement in the PWHL prioritizes player development and injury prevention over punitive measures, reflecting the league's relatively less physical style compared to men's professional hockey, with a focus on maintaining game flow through high-skill play. Major penalties for cross-checking are less frequently called than in the NHL, as officials exercise discretion to penalize only dangerous or excessive uses of the stick, aligning with the league's inaugural seasons (2023-2025) where safety protocols underscore the protection of emerging talent. This approach has resulted in fewer game disruptions from cross-checking infractions, allowing for consistent emphasis on offensive opportunities and physical conditioning without escalating to severe sanctions unless warranted by clear risk.^[12]^[13] Following the 2024 season, the PWHL implemented adjustments to its rules for the 2024-2025 campaign to enhance consistency with international women's competitions and bolster overall player safety. As of November 2024, these updates did not include changes to cross-checking regulations under Rule 60, maintaining the core penalties while introducing enhancements to other safety rules, such as stricter penalties for illegal checks to the head. The changes aim to promote a balanced environment that supports the league's growth without compromising competitive integrity.^[14]

History and Impact

Origins and Evolution

Cross-checking in ice hockey originated in the late 19th century in Canada, where the sport evolved from earlier stick-and-ball games such as field hockey, introduced by British soldiers stationed in the region, and Indigenous influences like lacrosse.^[15] Early informal play on frozen ponds emphasized physical contact with sticks, but as organized games emerged in Montreal and other cities around the 1870s and 1880s, rudimentary rules began to address aggressive stick work to prevent injury.^[16] By the 1890s, the first formal rulebooks for ice hockey, such as those from the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association and early Canadian leagues, included prohibitions on excessive stick handling, including lifting the stick above the shoulder or using it to impede opponents harshly, laying the groundwork for distinguishing legitimate checking from dangerous actions like what would later be termed cross-checking.^[17] These rules reflected the sport's growing structure, with the term "cross-checking" not yet standardized but the practice implicitly regulated under broader bans on slashing and high sticking.^[16] In the 1920s, as the National Hockey League (NHL) formalized in 1917, penalties for excessive stick use became more explicit amid rising concerns over deliberate injuries; for instance, the 1923-24 season introduced "match fouls" for intentional harm, carrying fines and temporary player removal, while 1929-30 rules added specific penalties for high-sticking and limited stick length to 53 inches to curb forceful thrusts.^[18] These measures targeted practices akin to modern cross-checking, responding to the era's rough play in professional leagues.^[19] The 1990s marked significant updates following a violent era in the 1980s, characterized by brawls and injurious hits; NHL rules in 1991-92 imposed major penalties and game misconducts for checking from behind into the boards, extending to stick-related infractions, while 1992-93 redefined high-sticking to include any contact above waist height, aiming to reduce head and upper-body injuries from sticks.^[18] This period saw cross-checking increasingly scrutinized as part of broader efforts to temper physicality without eliminating the sport's intensity.^[20] The 2010s brought safety reforms driven by mounting medical evidence on concussions and lawsuits from former players alleging league negligence; the NHL introduced Rule 48 in the 2010-11 season, banning illegal checks to the head—including those involving cross-checks that target the upper body or neck—with initial major penalties and game misconducts, refined in 2011-12 to emphasize avoidable head contact.^[21] Studies showed a decrease in the proportion of concussions from body checks to the head following Rule 48, from 48.9% (2006-2010) to 32.6% (2014-2019), amid class-action suits filed by over 300 ex-players in 2018, highlighting links between repetitive head trauma from stick work and long-term neurological damage.^[22]^[23] This evolution reflects a cultural shift from viewing cross-checking as an accepted element of hockey's physicality—rooted in 19th-century notions of toughness and masculinity—to a heavily penalized infraction, influenced by accumulating evidence from concussion research demonstrating risks like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and spinal injuries.^[24]^[25] By the 2010s, leagues prioritized player safety, with cross-checking in non-competitive areas now routinely drawing minors or majors, marking a departure from earlier tolerance.^[16]

Notable Incidents

One of the most infamous cross-checking incidents in NHL history occurred on October 26, 1987, when Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Dave Brown struck New York Rangers forward Tomas Sandstrom across the face with a two-handed cross-check, fracturing Sandstrom's jaw and requiring surgery.^[26] Brown received a 15-game suspension, one of the longest for a stick infraction at the time, which underscored the league's growing intolerance for head-directed violence and contributed to stricter enforcement of penalties for dangerous stick work in subsequent seasons.^[26] The February 3, 2000, clash between Boston Bruins defenseman Marty McSorley and Vancouver Canucks forward Donald Brashear marked a pivotal moment in discussions on on-ice violence, as McSorley delivered a two-handed slash to Brashear's temple—preceded by a cross-checking attempt earlier in the sequence—causing Brashear to suffer a Grade 3 concussion and fall unconscious.^[27] McSorley was suspended for the remainder of the 1999-2000 season and the playoffs, totaling 23 games and the longest ban for on-ice violence in NHL history up to that point, effectively ending his career; he was also charged with assault but acquitted in a 2000 trial.^[27] Brashear later filed a civil lawsuit against McSorley and the Los Angeles Kings (McSorley's former team) for damages related to lost wages and medical costs, which was settled out of court in 2001.^[28] The widespread media coverage of the incident, including televised replays and debates on enforcer roles, amplified public and league concerns about concussions and head injuries, influencing the NHL's long-term shift toward enhanced player safety protocols, such as the introduction of Rule 48 in 2011 prohibiting hits to the head.^[27] In women's hockey, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has seen several high-profile cross-checking violations since its inception, reflecting the league's emphasis on physicality balanced with safety. On March 11, 2024, Toronto defender Brittany Howard was assessed a cross-check to the back of the head of Montreal defender Catherine Daoust during a second-period scrum, resulting in a one-game suspension announced on March 14.^[29] Similarly, on March 20, 2024, Toronto captain Jocelyne Larocque cross-checked the back of Boston forward Alina Mueller's head, leading to a one-game suspension announced on March 22, highlighting the league's zero-tolerance stance on head contact amid its inaugural season's physical intensity. These incidents drew media scrutiny on the PWHL's rules, which mandate automatic game misconducts for major cross-checking penalties, and reinforced fan perceptions of the league as a professional venue committed to curbing reckless plays while allowing competitive contact.^[30] More recently, on January 2, 2025, Ottawa forward Kelly Babstock was suspended one game for cross-checking Minnesota defender Britta Curl-Salemme, further illustrating ongoing enforcement in the league's second season.^[31]

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