The four-in call often leads to confusion on the ice. This is because the rules do not require that play be stopped when four-in occurs until the team with four-in gains control of the ring.

The procedure that On-ice Officials are to follow on a four-in situation is:

1. If the team in control of the ring skates four-in, make the call immediately.
2. Otherwise, raise a bent arm to signal a delayed violation.
3. If the 4th player leaves the zone before their team gains control - begin a five second count.
4. If the ring leaves the zone before the team gains control - no call will be made.
5. If the team gains control in the zone within the five second count - make the call.
6. If the team gains control while there are still four-in, a delayed penalty should be called.

Next time, before you start yelling four-in: check the signal being given by the On-ice Official nearest the freeplay line.