How many penalties before I'm ejected, and when does a penalty carry into my next game?
Rule- USA
- USA Hockey
- Adult hockey
- Adult (18+)
- Non-check
- Recreational league
- 2025-29 USA Hockey rules
- 2026-27 season
- Players
Five penalties in one game: an adult player who gets five penalties in the same game is ejected for the rest of that game, with no further suspension. (Youth players get a game misconduct after four.)
Penalties that carry into future games:
| Penalty | Suspension |
|---|---|
| Game misconduct | Your team's next scheduled game (the one already on the schedule) |
| Second major in the same game | Game misconduct plus a two-game suspension |
| Second misconduct in the same game | Becomes a game misconduct (next-game suspension) |
| Second fighting major with the same team, same season | Three games |
| Match penalty | Suspended until the proper authorities decide, at least one game if suspended |
The local disciplinary authority can also review any incident after the game and add suspensions, even if no penalty was called.
While serving a suspension: from 45 minutes before until 30 minutes after each game, you may not contact the team in person or electronically, be in the locker room, or be on or near the bench.
Added 21 Oct 2026