Offsides in hockey refers to a violation that occurs when an offensive player enters the offensive zone ahead of the puck. Here are five supporting facts to better understand what offsides means in hockey:
1. Rule Explanation: According to the rules of hockey, an offensive player must have both of their skates completely over the blue line of the offensive zone before the puck crosses the same line. If the player enters the offensive zone before the puck does, an offsides infraction is called.
2. Delayed Offsides: If an offensive player is in the offensive zone before the puck but immediately exits the zone while the puck is present, the linesman may waive off the offsides call. This is known as a delayed offsides, allowing the offensive player to proceed into the zone without stopping the play.
3. Play Stoppage: When an offsides infraction is called, play is stopped immediately. The faceoff is then conducted at the spot where the puck originally crossed the blue line.
4. Attacking the Net: The reason for the offside rule is to prevent players from “cherry-picking” or positioning themselves near the opposing team’s net before the play has fully developed. This ensures a fair and competitive game by requiring players to enter the offensive zone simultaneously with or after the puck.
5. No Offsides During a Faceoff: Offsides is not applicable during faceoffs. Players are allowed to enter the offensive zone even if the puck has not crossed the blue line yet.
Now, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about offsides in hockey:
FAQs:
1. Can a player re-enter the offensive zone after going offside?
Yes, once all players have exited the offensive zone, the player who went offside is allowed to re-enter the zone legally.
2. Does offsides apply during power plays?
Yes, the offsides rules still apply during power plays. The offensive player(s) must clear the zone before re-entering to avoid an offsides infraction.
3. Does offsides apply in international hockey?
Yes, offsides is a universal rule in ice hockey, including international play, and is enforced in a similar manner across all jurisdictions.
4. Can a player be offside if they are in the air but haven’t touched the ice on the offensive side of the blue line?
Yes, as long as one or both skates have entirely crossed the blue line into the offensive zone at the time the puck crosses, it constitutes an offsides violation.
5. Can a goalie intentionally pass the puck to an offside player?
No, a goalie cannot deliberately pass the puck to an offensive player who is offside. If such an action occurs, an intentional offsides penalty can be called.
6. Does offsides apply to offside passes or only player positioning?
Offsides applies to both player positioning and offside passes. If any offensive player proceeds into the offensive zone ahead of the puck, it results in an offsides infraction.
7. Can offsides be reviewed or challenged?
Yes, in the NHL, offsides can be reviewed and challenged by a coach’s challenge, to determine whether the play was offside. This rule was implemented to ensure a fair and accurate ruling on close offsides calls.
BOTTOM LINE:
Offsides in hockey occurs when an offensive player enters the offensive zone before the puck crosses the blue line. It is an important rule that promotes fair play and prevents players from gaining an unfair advantage by positioning themselves near the opposing team’s net. It is essential for players to comply with the offsides rule to maintain the integrity of the game.
