| Where you play | Rinks | Fields |
| Game | 3 periods with a game clock, about 75 minutes of ice | 7 innings, no clock, about 70 minutes |
| Positions | Skater or goalie | Infield, outfield, pitcher, catcher, or anywhere |
| Lineup | Lines and defense pairs | Batting order and fielding positions |
| On the scoresheet | Goals, assists, penalties (2, 4, 5 or 10 minutes) | Runs, home runs, ejections |
| League leaders | Points, goals, assists, PIM, goalie GAA | Runs, home runs |
| Officials | Referees and linesmen | Plate and base umpires |
| Suspensions suggested for | Fighting, game misconducts, match penalties, abuse of an official | Fighting, unsportsmanlike conduct, arguing a call, thrown equipment |
| Division names | The usual ladder: D2, D1, C2, C1, B, A and so on | E up through Major, the way slow-pitch classes them |
| Rating looks at | Junior, college, travel (AAA/AA/A), high school and adult hockey | Baseball and softball alike: pro, college, travel, varsity and adult classified play |
| Watched during the season | Points per game | Home runs per game, the stat ringers can't hide |
| Specialists | Goalies can be exempt from division limits, if your league allows | None: everyone bats |
| Governing body | USA Hockey | USA Softball |