Ice Hockey Points of Emphasis - 2025-26

BY NFHS ON September 5, 2025 | RULES, ICE HOCKEY

The NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Committee remains committed to minimizing violent and reckless play — the primary threat to the health and safety of high school hockey. This year’s points of emphasis aim to support that goal.

SPORTSMANSHIP

NFHS rules continue to promote respect, integrity and sportsmanship. High school hockey should model positive behavior:

Win with humility. Lose with grace. Compete with dignity.

Upholding sportsmanship requires the daily commitment of everyone involved.

Coaches, players and goalkeepers must be mindful of their language, as inappropriate or abusive language has no place in high school hockey.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

All players and goalkeepers need to be properly equipped, including newly required neck laceration protectors.

Body-checking is intended to gain puck possession — not to punish or intimidate.

Boarding and checking from behind remain two of the most dangerous plays.

Responsibility lies with the player initiating contact.

The following are illegal and must be eliminated:

  • Hits to the head

  • Fighting

  • Blindside hits

  • Late hits and unnecessary contact

OFFICIALS: GAME MANAGEMENT

• Faceoffs: Ensure equal opportunity by properly positioning all players and conducting fair drops.

• Icing: Apply the rule correctly — the puck must fully cross the center red line.

• Offsides: Officials must maintain proper positioning. Missing an obvious offsides call can undermine credibility of the game.