Line Change Procedure

Line Change Procedure

A line change is when a group of players on the ice goes to the bench for a rest while another group of players replaces them in the game.

An official must make sure the line changes happen quickly and smoothly.

• Take face-off position
• Look to visitor’s bench and allow 5 seconds for a line change
• After the 5 seconds has elapsed, raise arm closest to the bench to indicate visiting team line change is complete
• Keep arm raised and look to home team’s bench
• Allow 5 seconds for the home team to make line change
• Drop arm to indicate that line changes are complete and no further players may be substituted

Once both teams have had 5 seconds to make line changes, no players can leave the bench. Any players attempting to leave are in violation of the line change procedure. Send the offending player back to the bench and warm the team that any other line change violations will result in a Bench Minor.