Rule 617. High Sticks

1. The carrying of sticks above the normal height of the shoulder is prohibited. The Referee may assess a minor or a major penalty on any player violating this rule.

   (Note) The use of the ``slap shot'' in the 10-and-Under (Squirt - Youth only) age classification and below is prohibited. A face-off shall take place at one of the end zone face-off spots adjacent to the goal of the offending player's team who, in the process of making a forehand shot or pass, raises the blade of his stick above his waist in the backswing of such shot or pass.

2. A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by the use of a high stick.

   For Juniors only - When a player carries or holds any part of his stick above the height of his shoulder so that injury to the opposing player results, the Referee shall have no alternative but to assess one of the following:

   1. A double minor penalty when deemed to be accidental in nature.

   2. A major plus game ejection/game misconduct penalty when it is deemed to be careless.

3. A goal scored from a stick so carried shall not be allowed, except by a player of the defending team.

4. Batting the puck above the normal height of the shoulders with the stick is prohibited and when it occurs there shall be a whistle and the ensuing face-off shall take place at one of the end zone face-off spots adjacent to the goal of the team causing the stoppage unless:
   1. the puck is batted to an opponent and the opponent gains possession and control of the puck in which case the play shall continue, or

   2. a player of the defending team shall bat the puck into his own goal in which case the goal shall be allowed.

   (Note) When a player bats the puck to an opponent under subsection 1, the Referee shall give the ``wash-out'' signal immediately. Otherwise he will stop the play.