QUESTION: Is there a difference in what is allowed in a Body Checking category versus a Competitive Contact category when it comes to competing for the puck and body position?

ANSWER: Competitive contact and body position are very important parts of both the body checking and competitive contact games. Although there will be some differences in the amount of force that may be allowed at the younger or lower levels, the same principle of establishing body position exists in both categories and the methods used are the same. The only exception is the use of a body check, which is illegal in the Competitive Contact category

QUESTION: The attacking player chips the puck off the boards and is going to go around the defensive player. At what point can a body check, or any contact, still be legally initiated by the defending player?

ANSWER: The general rule of thumb is that a body check can be finished as long as the defending player first makes an effort to gain possession of the puck and is an arm’s length plus stick length away from the opponent when the puck was dumped and the check that is delivered is unavoidable – meaning it was in the process of being delivered when control of the puck was relinquished. The player delivering the check would also be expected to minimize the force used in this instance and not take advantage of a vulnerable or defenseless opponent. It is not acceptable to skate one or two more strides after the puck is gone and then decide to deliver the check. Contact may also be legal provided the defending player maintains their normal skating lane and reasonable foot speed. In this instance, the obligation is on the attacking player to go around the defender. However, if the defender initiates contact by stopping or changing their skating lane to cut off the opponent, an interference penalty would be the correct call