IHM Knowledge Center
What Is Charging in Hockey?
What counts as charging in hockey, and how do referees decide when a body check becomes excessive and illegal?
Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: April 19, 2026
Short Answer
Charging is a penalty that occurs when a player takes excessive strides or distance to deliver a hit with unnecessary force.
Full Explanation
Charging is called when a player accelerates into an opponent to deliver a hit that is considered excessive, reckless, or dangerous.
Unlike standard body checking, which is part of legal play, charging involves building momentum over distance or leaving the ice to increase impact.
The rule is designed to prevent dangerous collisions that can cause serious injury.
This is closely related to “illegal body check hockey”, “dangerous hits hockey”, and “checking rules hockey”.
When Charging Is Called
Referees call charging when:
- A player takes multiple strides to build momentum into a hit
- The distance traveled before contact is excessive
- The force of the hit is dangerous or unnecessary
- The player leaves their feet before or during the hit
The severity determines whether it results in a minor, major, or game misconduct penalty.
Legal Body Check vs Charging
Not all hard hits are illegal.
- Short-distance, controlled checks are legal
- Hits delivered within normal skating motion are allowed
- Excessive acceleration or jumping into a hit is penalized
The difference lies in how the hit is delivered, not just the outcome.
NHL vs IIHF Interpretation
Both NHL and IIHF define charging similarly, but enforcement can vary slightly.
IIHF may penalize charging more strictly in international play, while NHL officials may consider game speed and context.
Decision & Controversy Layer
Charging is controversial because hockey is a fast, physical game where players naturally build speed.
Fans may see a powerful but legal hit, while referees identify excessive distance or force.
Small differences in stride count or timing can change the call.
This leads to debates in “charging penalty hockey”, “big hits vs illegal hits”, and “referee judgment hits”.
Edge Case: Leaving the Ice During a Hit
A critical edge case occurs when a player jumps or leaves the ice while delivering a check.
Even if the hit would otherwise be legal, leaving the ice increases danger and often results in a charging penalty.
This is one of the clearest indicators used by officials.
IHM Signal System
Signal: Momentum Build-Up vs Controlled Contact
To read charging situations correctly, focus on:
- How far the player travels before contact
- Whether extra strides are taken to increase speed
- If the player leaves their feet
- The level of force at impact
Trigger-level rule:
If a player builds excessive speed over distance or leaves their feet to deliver a hit, a charging penalty will almost always be called.
Controlled checks within normal movement are allowed.
IHM Insight
Most fans think charging is about how hard the hit looks, but referees focus on how the hit is created.
At the professional level, players are expected to control their speed and avoid turning legal checks into dangerous ones.
This is why two equally hard hits can have different outcomes depending on the approach.
Understanding momentum is key to reading charging calls.
Mini Q&A: Charging Explained
- What is charging?
A hit delivered with excessive speed or distance. - Are all hard hits charging?
No, only those with excessive momentum or force. - Does leaving the ice matter?
Yes, it is a major factor. - Can it lead to major penalties?
Yes, depending on severity. - Why is it penalized?
To prevent dangerous collisions.
Why This Rule Exists
The charging rule protects players by limiting dangerous acceleration and excessive force in body checks.
Key Takeaways
- Charging involves excessive speed or distance.
- Momentum determines legality.
- Leaving the ice increases penalty risk.
- Control is essential in body checking.