Verified Questions & Answers | Official
Rulebook Study Guide | A+ Guaranteed
Pass
USA Hockey Rules Exam Prep 2026
Verified Questions & Answers | Official Rulebook Study Guide | A+ Guaranteed
Pass
QUESTION 1
What is the standard size of an ice hockey rink as recommended by USA Hockey?
A) 180 feet x 80 feet
B) 200 feet x 100 feet
C) 220 feet x 90 feet
D) 190 feet x 85 feet
E) 210 feet x 95 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B) 200 feet x 100 feet
RATIONALE: USA Hockey recommends a standard rink size of 200 feet long by
100 feet wide, consistent with NHL and international standards for full-sized play.
QUESTION 2
How many players, including the goaltender, is each team allowed to have on the
ice during regular play?
A) 5
B) 7
C) 4
D) 6
,E) 8
CORRECT ANSWER: D) 6
RATIONALE: Each team is allowed six players on the ice at one time — five
skaters plus one goaltender — during normal play under USA Hockey rules.
QUESTION 3
What is the duration of each period in a standard USA Hockey game for senior-
level play?
A) 15 minutes
B) 25 minutes
C) 20 minutes
D) 18 minutes
E) 30 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: C) 20 minutes
RATIONALE: A standard USA Hockey game consists of three periods, each
lasting 20 minutes of stop-time play at the senior level.
QUESTION 4
Which of the following is considered a minor penalty in USA Hockey?
A) Match penalty
B) Game misconduct
C) Hooking
D) Checking from behind
E) Deliberate injury
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Hooking
RATIONALE: Hooking is classified as a minor penalty, resulting in 2 minutes in the
penalty box. It occurs when a player uses the blade or shaft of the stick to impede an
opponent.
,QUESTION 5
How long is a minor penalty in USA Hockey?
A) 5 minutes
B) 4 minutes
C) 3 minutes
D) 1 minute
E) 2 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: E) 2 minutes
RATIONALE: A minor penalty results in the offending player serving 2 minutes in
the penalty box, during which the team plays shorthanded.
QUESTION 6
What is the duration of a major penalty in USA Hockey?
A) 2 minutes
B) 10 minutes
C) 3 minutes
D) 5 minutes
E) 7 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: D) 5 minutes
RATIONALE: A major penalty is 5 minutes in duration. Unlike a minor penalty, the
penalized player does not return to the ice even if the opposing team scores during the
power play.
QUESTION 7
What does a "game misconduct" penalty result in?
A) Player ejected for 2 minutes
, B) Player ejected for 5 minutes
C) Player ejected for the remainder of the game
D) Player suspended for one game
E) Player given a warning only
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Player ejected for the remainder of the game
RATIONALE: A game misconduct penalty results in the player being removed from
the game for its entirety. The team may or may not have to serve additional time
depending on accompanying penalties.
QUESTION 8
What is offside in ice hockey?
A) When the puck crosses the center line before a player
B) When an attacking player precedes the puck into the offensive zone
C) When a player skates behind the goal
D) When the goalie leaves the crease
E) When a player passes the puck backward
CORRECT ANSWER: B) When an attacking player precedes the puck into the
offensive zone
RATIONALE: Offside occurs when an attacking player enters the offensive zone
before the puck crosses the blue line. The play is stopped and a faceoff is conducted
outside the offensive zone.
QUESTION 9
What is icing in ice hockey?
A) When a player slides on the ice deliberately
B) When the puck is shot from behind the center red line and crosses the opponent's
goal line untouched
C) When a goalie freezes the puck behind the net