Slashing facts for kids

Slashing is a rule violation in sports like hockey and lacrosse. It happens when a player swings their stick at an opponent. This action is against the rules, even if the stick doesn't actually hit the other player.

What is Slashing in Sports?

Slashing is a specific type of foul in games like ice hockey and lacrosse. It involves a player using their stick in a dangerous way. The main idea behind the slashing rule is to keep players safe during a fast-paced game.

How a Referee Calls Slashing

A referee will call a slashing penalty when a player swings their hockey stick or lacrosse stick at an opposing player. It doesn't matter if the stick actually hits the other player or not. The act of swinging the stick in a dangerous way is enough for the referee to make the call.

Slashing can also be called if a player uses their stick to break an opponent's stick. This shows an aggressive and unsafe use of the stick, which is why it's against the rules.

Why Slashing is Against the Rules

The rules in sports like hockey and lacrosse are designed to make the game fair and safe for everyone. Slashing is considered illegal because it can cause serious injuries to players. Swinging a hard stick at someone, even accidentally, can lead to cuts, bruises, or even broken bones. By calling slashing, referees help protect players and keep the game fun and competitive.

What Happens After a Slashing Call?

When a referee calls a slashing penalty, the player who committed the foul will face consequences. The type of penalty can be different depending on how serious the slashing was.

• Minor Penalty: If the slashing was not very hard and didn't cause much harm, the player might get a minor penalty. This usually means they have to sit out of the game for a short time, like two minutes.
• Major Penalty: If the slashing was very forceful or caused a serious injury to the other player, the referee might give a major penalty. This means the player has to sit out for a longer time, often five minutes, and sometimes they might even be removed from the game entirely.

The referee decides the penalty based on how dangerous the action was and if anyone got hurt.