libterm.com Boarding is a critical phase in air travel where passengers embark onto the aircraft in an organized manner to ensure safety and efficiency. Understanding the boarding process can help you save time and reduce stress during your journey. Explore the rest of the article to learn essential tips for a smoother boarding experience.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Boarding | High Stick |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Body checking an opponent into the boards. | Raising the stick above shoulder level and making contact. |
| Common in | Ice hockey | Ice hockey |
| Penalty Type | Minor to major penalty depending on severity. | Minor or major penalty; can include match penalty. |
| Risk | High risk of injury due to impact with boards. | Risk of injury to head, face, or neck. |
| Safety Enforcement | Strictly penalized to prevent concussions and trauma. | Strict penalties to prevent cuts, bruises, and concussions. |
Understanding Boarding and High Sticking in Hockey
Boarding in hockey occurs when a player forcefully checks an opponent into the boards, resulting in potential injury and a penalty for unsafe play. High sticking is defined by the contact of a player's stick above shoulder level, which can include striking an opponent or playing the puck dangerously, leading to stoppages and penalties. Both infractions are enforced to maintain player safety and uphold the rules prohibiting dangerous physical contact.
Definitions: What Is Boarding?
Boarding occurs when a player forcefully pushes or checks an opponent into the boards or glass surrounding the rink, creating a dangerous impact that can lead to injury. This infraction targets player safety and is penalized under hockey rules to prevent reckless behavior along the rink's boundaries. Unlike a high stick, which involves striking with the stick above shoulder level, boarding emphasizes the use of body contact against the rink's perimeter.
High Sticking Explained
High sticking is a penalty in ice hockey that occurs when a player makes contact with an opponent or the puck using their stick above the opponent's shoulders or head. It is considered dangerous because it can cause injury, leading to a minor or major penalty depending on the severity of the infraction. Unlike boarding, which involves forceful checking causing a player to be thrown into the boards, high sticking specifically involves improper stick use at an elevated height, emphasizing safety rules related to stick control.
Key Differences Between Boarding and High Sticking
Boarding in hockey involves a player forcefully pushing or checking an opponent into the boards, often leading to penalties for dangerous play or potentially causing injury. High sticking occurs when a player raises their stick above shoulder level and makes contact with an opponent, which can result in penalties ranging from minor to major depending on the severity and intent. The key difference lies in the nature of the infraction: boarding is a physical hit into the boards, while high sticking is a violation related to stick position and contact.
Common Causes of Boarding Incidents
Boarding incidents in hockey typically occur when a player checks an opponent violently into the boards, often due to excessive speed, poor angle of approach, or lack of awareness. High stick penalties arise when a player's stick contacts an opponent above the shoulders, commonly caused by aggressive play, improper stick control, or excessive swinging during a check. Both infractions highlight the importance of maintaining control and spatial awareness to prevent dangerous collisions and injuries.
Typical Situations Leading to High Sticks
High sticks typically occur when players swing their sticks above the shoulder level while attempting to pass, shoot, or defend, often causing dangerous contact with opponents' heads or faces. Situations such as quick stick handling in close quarters, aggressive puck battles along the boards, or rushed attempts to clear the puck from the defensive zone frequently lead to high sticking infractions. Referees closely monitor these actions due to the increased risk of injury from sticks elevated near the opponent's head.
Penalties: How Boarding and High Sticking Are Penalized
Boarding penalties occur when a player violently pushes or checks an opponent into the boards, resulting in a minor or major penalty depending on the severity and injury caused. High sticking penalties are called when a player contacts an opponent above the shoulders with their stick, ranging from minor penalties for accidental contact to major penalties and game misconducts for deliberate or injurious actions. Referees assess these penalties based on safety rules outlined in the NHL Rulebook, with potential supplemental discipline for egregious infractions.
Player Safety Concerns: Boarding vs High Stick Risks
Boarding incidents pose significant player safety concerns due to the high risk of head and neck injuries from forceful impacts against the boards. High sticking primarily threatens player safety by causing facial lacerations, eye injuries, and concussions from contact with the stick at or above shoulder level. Understanding the distinct injury mechanisms in boarding and high sticking helps enhance protective gear standards and enforce stricter penalties to reduce on-ice hazards.
Preventing Boarding and High Sticking in Games
Preventing boarding and high sticking in games requires strict enforcement of rules and player education on safe body checking techniques and stick handling. Referees should consistently monitor and penalize dangerous plays to reduce injuries and maintain fair competition. Teams benefit from emphasizing proper discipline and communication to minimize aggressive actions that lead to these infractions.
Impact on Team Strategy and Game Flow
Boarding penalties disrupt team strategy by forcing short-handed play, limiting offensive pressure and increasing defensive vulnerability. High stick infractions result in power plays that create scoring opportunities, shifting momentum and forcing opponents to adjust formations. Both penalties significantly affect game flow by altering player matchups and tactical decisions under penalty kill or power play conditions.
Boarding Infographic
