Boarding in ice hockey refers to the act of forcefully checking an opponent into the boards surrounding the rink. It is a penalty that occurs when a player uses excessive force to hit an opponent from behind, causing them to be thrown into the boards. Boarding is considered a dangerous play and is strictly regulated in order to protect the safety of players.
FAQs:
1. What are the consequences of boarding in ice hockey?
Boarding is penalized with a minor penalty (two minutes) or a major penalty (five minutes), depending on the severity of the hit. In addition, a game misconduct or match penalty can be assessed for more serious incidents.
2. How is boarding different from a regular body check?
Boarding occurs when a player hits an opponent from behind, causing them to be thrown violently into the boards. A regular body check, on the other hand, involves hitting an opponent using legal techniques, such as shoulder-to-shoulder contact, without causing them to hit the boards excessively.
3. Why is boarding considered dangerous?
Boarding is dangerous because it can lead to severe injuries, including concussions, spinal injuries, and broken bones, as a player is forcefully thrown into the boards. The force and impact of the hit can cause significant harm.
4. Are there any situations where boarding is allowed?
No, boarding is not allowed in any situation. The rules of ice hockey prohibit players from using excessive force to hit opponents into the boards, regardless of the circumstances.
5. How can players prevent boarding penalties?
Players can avoid boarding penalties by being mindful of the position of their opponents and avoiding hits from behind. They should aim for legal body checks that do not involve excessive force or intend to harm the opponent.
6. Who determines if a hit should be penalized as boarding?
The decision to penalize a hit as boarding is made by the referees on the ice. They closely monitor the plays and enforce the rules to maintain fair and safe gameplay.
7. Can a player be suspended for boarding?
Yes, depending on the severity of the incident, a player can face additional disciplinary action, including suspensions, fines, or both, especially for repeated offenses or particularly dangerous hits.
BOTTOM LINE:
Boarding in ice hockey is a penalty that occurs when a player forcefully checks an opponent into the boards from behind. It is strictly regulated due to the potential for serious injuries. Players can face penalties, suspensions, and fines for boarding, emphasizing the importance of player safety in the sport.
