What Is a Fight Strap on a Hockey Jersey? Tie-Downs
Posted onMay 15, 2019 byDan Kent
Every heard the word ‘fight strap’ and wondered what it’s for and why most players wear one during a hockey match?
The fight strap is the name given to the attachment on a hockey jersey which keeps it on during fight. It was introduced to prevent players from ending up with jerseys covering their heads – which can be particularly dangerous during a fight.
They’ve been used since the 1990s and most top level players wear them, but they are not obligatory.
Table of Contents
Hockey before fight straps
Before fight straps were introduced it was common to see hockey fights end with the jerseys wrapped around their heads (fighting blind) or torn off with parts of their elbow pads and chest protector pulled apart.
How fight straps work
Fight straps are loops of fabric sewn into the back of a jersey which tie-down to the players pants during a game.
Fight straps can be sewn into the jersey and then use a velcro or metal snap attachment to attach to the pants.
It’s unusual for the fight strap to come off as it pretty securely attaches both the pants and the jersey, but if the struggle or force applied it can snap and come off.
Penalty for not having a fight strap
Brayden Schenn loses his jersey in fight with Gabriel Landeskog at start of game
If you’re involved in a fight and your jersey is pulled off and you’re not wearing a strap, then in the top leagues you’ll also get an automatic game misconduct (in addition to any misconduct from the fight itself.)
“A player who engages in a fight and whose jersey is not properly “tied-down” (jersey properly fastened to pants), and who loses his jersey (completely off his torso) in that altercation, shall receive a game misconduct penalty.”
NHL rulebook
Exceptions
The jersey, however, must come completely off the player’s torso for this misconduct to come into effect. If it partially comes up over a player or they do have strap no penalty is enforced.
- No strap is worn but doesn’t fully come off.
- Comes fully off despite wearing a strap.
Fight strap origins
NHL enforcer Rob Ray is renowned for constantly losing his jersey during his infamous fights. He’d purposefully wear a loose fitting jersey so he could slip an arm out and gain an advantage. Triggered by this and other events in the league, the NHL modified the rules to encourage most players to wear fight straps in their jerseys.
Conclusion
Most amateur players do not need to wear a fight strap, but if you’re playing in an official league find out the specific rules that govern your matches.
Even in the top leagues, fight straps are not mandatory, they are just encouraged due to the penalty rule in place. Because of this most players in these top divisions do wear straps to keep their jerseys in place during fights.
“While not a mandatory piece of equipment in the NHL, most players now wear fight straps because of the penalties involved with losing equipment.”
Livestrong
Hockey Fight Code
If you’re want to learn more about why some hockey players fight and if all hockey fights are real. Click through to read my articles.
As an avid hockey enthusiast with a deep understanding of the sport, I can confidently discuss the various concepts presented in the article "What Is a Fight Strap on a Hockey Jersey? Tie-Downs." The fight strap, a crucial component of a hockey player's gear, serves a specific purpose in the context of the game.
Hockey before fight straps: The article rightly points out that before the introduction of fight straps in the 1990s, hockey fights often resulted in players' jerseys ending up covering their heads, posing a significant danger during physical altercations. This lack of control over jerseys led to blind fighting or torn-off jerseys, compromising player safety.
How fight straps work: Fight straps are essentially loops of fabric sewn into the back of a hockey jersey, securing it to the player's pants during a game. These loops can be attached to the pants using either velcro or metal snaps, creating a reliable connection. While it's uncommon for the fight strap to come off during regular play, the article highlights that it can happen under extreme struggle or force.
Penalty for not having a fight strap: In the event of a fight where a player's jersey is pulled off, and they are not wearing a properly fastened fight strap, the player is subject to an automatic game misconduct penalty. This additional penalty is outlined in the NHL rulebook as a measure to ensure players maintain control of their jerseys during fights, enhancing overall player safety.
Exceptions: The article clarifies that for the game misconduct penalty to be enforced, the jersey must come completely off the player's torso. If the jersey only partially comes up or if the player has a strap that prevents complete removal, no penalty is imposed.
Fight strap origins: The origins of the fight strap are linked to NHL enforcer Rob Ray, who was known for frequently losing his jersey during fights. His tactics prompted the NHL to modify rules and encourage players to wear fight straps, mitigating the potential for players to exploit loose-fitting jerseys for strategic advantages.
Conclusion: While fight straps are not mandatory for most amateur players, the article emphasizes that players in official leagues should be aware of specific rules governing their matches. Even in top leagues, where fight straps are not compulsory, most players choose to wear them due to the penalties associated with losing equipment during fights.
In summary, the fight strap is a vital piece of equipment in hockey, introduced to enhance player safety and maintain order during on-ice confrontations. Its evolution and enforcement are rooted in the history of the sport and the need to address safety concerns associated with jersey removal during fights.
