Part of being a spectator and a fan includes knowing the rules of the game you're there to watch. Hockey is an intense and brutal sport, that often results in brawls and injuries, but what does it all mean? If you're excited by the fast-paced brutality of hockey, but don't know what is going on in the game, read on to learn how to understand hockey rules.

The slice of skates across the ice and the rattling of hockey sticks are only part of the intense excitement of the game. Hockey fans know when to roar and shout, so you definitely don't want to be left in your seat during a major moment. The following information will put you in touch with the basic rules of hockey, so you know when to cheer and jeer during the next big game.

(Creative Commons photo by UK in Canada)

• As with any game, scoring is one of the most essential points in the game. The final score is what determines the winner, so you want to know how scoring works. In hockey, a point is scored when the puck passes the goal line into the net. There are a number of actions that could lead to a point not counting:

1. A penalty to the scoring team
2. Puck goes into net by means other than a player's stick
3. Goaltender interference
4. Scored after referee stops the play
5. Scored after green light signals end of play period
6. Puck enters goal crease after net is dislodged

• In hockey, there are three main rules the players must abide by:

1. Offsides: a member of attacking team crosses the defense's blue line before the puck
2. Offside Pass: Puck passed from defending zone to team member past red center line
3. Icing: A puck shot past red center and the opposing red goal line

• When players break the rules during the game, the entire team is often penalized. Referees and linesman may both call penalties, and when a penalty is called, the offending player is often sent to the penalty box for a timeout. Minor offenses cost the player two minutes off the ice, while a major penalty can last up to five minutes. The following offenses will land a player in the penalty box:

1. Tripping: using body parts or sticks to trip opponents
2. Hooking: using one's stick to keep opponent from making a play
3. Cross Checking: checking an opponent with the shaft of one's stick
4. Holding: holding back an opponent with hands
5. Boarding: hitting an opponent from behind or without his prior knowledge
6. Charging: taking three skate strides without deliberately checking opponent
7. High Sticking: stick contact with an opponent above the shoulders

• There are exceptions to this rule, but the standard size for a regulation sized hockey rink is 200 feet by 85 feet.

• One of the first steps to understanding any game, is knowing the scoring system. In hockey, a goal is made when the puck passes the goal line and sinks into the net. There are a number of rules the players must follow, and physical contact penalties which could land players inside the penalty box. If you are aware of these rules and their intonations, the game becomes more exciting.

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