well actually you are only allowed to check certain parts of the other players stick, or the head.
if you check the shaft, under the head or the stitching you get called for it.
and if they check it anywhere else, its usually a dangerous stick check.
I think the bad thing about it is, if your playing with someone who doesn't know how to make the proper kind of stick check you get hurt, I've gotten my fingers checked quite a few times and its hurt like hell.
Manda