When does a Skater's penalty time begin?

A skater's penalty time begins when the skater sits in the Penalty Box. This is the point at which the referee officially starts timing the penalty. Until the skater has completed this step, they are still actively involved in the game, even if the penalty has been called against them. Once a skater is seated in the correct Penalty Box seat, the penalty clock starts, and they must serve the designated time before returning to play.

Understanding this timing is crucial for skaters as it affects both their team's strategy and their personal playtime on the track. It emphasizes the importance of quickly transitioning from the track to the Penalty Box, ensuring the team can maintain its competitiveness during the skater's absence. The correct placement in the Penalty Box is essential because only then does the official penalty time begin, underscoring the need for skaters to be aware of their positioning after receiving a penalty.