Regel 49: Kicking

The action of a Player deliberately using their skate(s) with a kicking motion to propel the puck or to make contact with an opponent.

Kicking the puck shall be permitted in all zones. A goal cannot be scored by an attacking Player who uses a “distinct kicking motion” to propel the puck into the net with their skate/foot.

A goal cannot be scored by an attacking Player who “kicks” a puck that deflects into the net off any Player, Goalkeeper or Official.
A puck that deflects into the net off an attacking Player’s skate who does not use a “distinct kicking motion” is a legitimate goal.
A puck that is “directed” into the net by an attacking Player’s skate shall be a legitimate goal as long as “no distinct kicking motion” is evident.

The following should clarify deflections following a “kicked puck” that enters the goal:
(I) A “kicked puck” that “deflects” off the body of any Player of either Team (including the Goalkeeper) shall be ruled “no goal”.
(II) A “kicked puck” that “deflects” off the stick of any Player (excluding the Goalkeeper’s stick) shall be ruled a “good goal”.
(III) A goal will be allowed when an attacking Player “kicks” the puck, and the puck “deflects” off their own stick and then into the net.
(IV) A goal will be allowed when a puck enters the goal after “deflecting” off an attacking Player’s skate or “deflects” off their skate while they are in the “process of stopping”.

A goal cannot be scored by an attacking Player who “kicks” any equipment (stick, glove, helmet, etc.) at the puck, including “kicking” the blade of their own stick, causing the puck to cross the Goal Line.

The Referee shall, at their discretion, assess a Match Penalty if, in their judgement a Player “kicks” or “attempts to kick” an opposing Player. The consequence for this foul is a Match Penalty in any case where “kicking” is ruled, even if there is no contact.

If deemed appropriate, Supplementary Discipline can be applied by the Proper Authorities at their discretion.
→ Rule 28 – Supplementary Discipline