Cross-checking is an infraction in the sport of ice hockey, ringette, and lacrosse where a player checks an opponent by using the shaft of their stick with both hands.
[2] While body checking is allowed in boys and men's ice hockey, the use of the stick increases the risk of injury to an opponent.
Usually, if the cross-check causes an injury the league itself may look into whether extra punishment is required for the player that delivered the check.
A match penalty is assessed for a cross-check if the referee feels that the offender aimed to deliberately hurt or injure the opponent.
The referee may impose a minor, major, or match penalty depending on severity of the infraction and the Hockey Operations Officer may impose additional penalties including a fine or suspension for cross checking.