Which rules apply to a high school ice hockey game?

Games under a state high school association that has adopted NFHS ice hockey rules are played under the 2026-27 NFHS Ice Hockey Rules. Some NFHS rules are state options, so a state association can adopt or modify them. Examples include:

• period length (15 minutes, up to 17 by state)
• overtime format
• the non-offending team choosing the face-off spot after icing or a penalty
• video review

High school teams playing under USA Hockey (not sanctioned by an NFHS state association) use the USA Hockey 2025-29 Playing Rules, with high school governed the same as Youth 18U. Under those rules:

• penalty times can be scaled to period length
• every major carries a game misconduct
• the officiating systems allowed are different

Officials certified by both bodies should confirm before puck drop which rule book governs the game, because penalties, icing, face-offs and equipment enforcement differ.