A penalty shot will be called when an infraction occurs directly in the penalty area, which in the judgment of the referee, is considered flagrant and/or violent and results in the loss of a clear scoring opportunity as a direct result of the infraction. Before a penalty shot is whistled, the offensive player will be allowed advantage and the opportunity to complete the play. For example, a player on a breakaway who is slashed from behind but remains on his skates will be permitted the opportunity to attempt to finish the play.

If a penalty shot is called and the ensuing penalty stroke results in a goal, the penalty to the player will be waived unless it is a major penalty. Violent play on an offensive player by a defensive player in his or her own penalty area, regardless of the location of the ball, will always result in a penalty shot for the offensive team. In situations where offensive and defensive player(s) initiate an altercation resulting in simultaneously penalties, the penalties will be considered offsetting and no penalty shot will be awarded.

The referee will also have the opportunity to call less severe infractions (technical faults) occurring in the penalty area that do not result in the direct loss of a scoring opportunity. These less severe infractions will result in a free stroke from the dot in the center of the nearest free stroke circle outside the penalty area.