Body checks allowed from 2025/26 season

At the women’s league meeting on Saturday, May 3, 2025, a significant rule change was decided: From the upcoming 2025/2026 season, body checks will be permitted in the PostFinance Women’s League (PFWL). This is the league’s response to long-standing discussions and ambiguities surrounding the previous interpretation of physical contact in women’s ice hockey.

The focus is on the previous rule 101.1 “Illegal Hit in Women’s Hockey”, which has repeatedly led to different interpretations in practice – among players and coaches as well as officials and spectators. Although physical contact was already permitted in certain game situations – especially in equal battles for the puck – the boundary to a punishable check was often unclear.

One of the main reasons for the inconsistency in the interpretation of the rules is the varying level of play, the different speed of play and physical differences such as height, weight and physical strength of the players. What is considered fair in one situation can quickly be classified as dangerous in other circumstances. These factors made an objective and uniform assessment much more difficult.

With this adjustment, Switzerland joins progressive countries such as Sweden, where more intensive physical play is a reality in women’s ice hockey. The revised Rule 101.1 now stipulates the following:

Illegal Hit in Women’s Hockey
Checks are generally allowed according to the same rules as in men’s ice hockey – with the exception of so-called “open-ice hits”, where both players move in opposite directions (north-south direction). Such checks will continue to be punished with a minor penalty or a major penalty including automatic exclusion.

The new interpretation of the rules applies exclusively to the PostFinance Women’s League. This also applies to league qualification between the PFWL and the SWHL-B.

In the National Cup, the new interpretation will only be applied when two PFWL teams play each other directly. In all other games, the previous rule 101.1 continues to apply.

Lara Stalder, captain of the EVZ and long-time top performer of the Swiss national team, is enthusiastic: “The adaptation of the rules on body play, as in Sweden, brings more clarity, prepares players better for international competitions and shows an important step in the further development of women’s ice hockey in Switzerland. It is also important for Olympic preparation and helps to reduce injuries, as it leads to more attention and body control during the game.”

What was decided last Saturday is more than just an adjustment to the rules – it marks an important step in the development of women’s ice hockey in Switzerland. With the new interpretation, Swiss women’s sport is showing openness to change and adapting to international standards. The coming season promises more clarity in the game, increased intensity and new impetus for the PostFinance Women’s League.