New approaches to physical play in Russian women's ice hockey

Before the start of the 2026/2027 Women's Hockey League (WHL) season, specialists from the Refereeing Department of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) and the WHL developed a new approach to physical play.

Detailed information about all the changes and a presentation with video examples were sent to the WHL clubs. During pre-season, referees will engage in meetings with participant teams to explain the interpretation of how physical play is to be conducted.

Head of the RIHF Refereing Department Mikhail Karpushin:

"The RIHF has no disagreements with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) concerning the issue of interpretation of the rules with regard to physical play. The wording of the rules and requirements for referees are the same.

"At the same time, after the return of the Women's Hockey League to the structure of the RIHF, we drew attention to the fact that both referees and players themselves do not always have the same understanding of the boundaries of acceptable physical battles. We are not talking about hits, which are prohibited in women’s hockey, but rather about fighting for the puck including battles alongside the boards.

"While observing the development of international women's hockey, including the Olympic Games, we were once again convinced that even though the rules are the same, approaches to their practical application may differ. Therefore, starting this season, it was decided to pay special attention to this aspect. No fundamental changes were made to the rules; only certain wordings were adjusted. The main task is to achieve a clearer and more uniform understanding of the criteria for acceptable physical battles and violations of the rules.

"Modern women's hockey allows for moderate physical play, including contact near the boards while fighting for the puck. Physical contact alone should not automatically be punished with a penalty. When assessing a certain incident on the ice, it's necessary to take into account the nature of the contact, its intensity and the intent behind the player’s actions.

"Last season there were situations when, even after minor contact, questions arose both about the reaction of the players and the referees' decisions. As a consequence of this, special attention is now paid to working with referees and explaining the criteria for evaluating such incidents. Following the completion of matches, controversial incidents are analysed and corresponding work is carried out with the competition participants.

"The RIHF does not deviate from the international rules and standards of the IIHF. On the contrary, our task is to bring the practice of their application in Russian women’s hockey as close as possible to international standard. We are counting on the return of Russian teams to the international arena, so it is already important to ensure a common understanding of the rules and that all players and referees are prepared accordingly."