In hockey, referees allow players to fight in certain instances because fighting has been a long-standing tradition in the sport and serves several purposes. While fighting is not officially condoned by the rules of the game, referees often permit it to occur within limits to help maintain the overall balance and integrity of the game. Additionally, allowing fighting can serve as a way for players to police themselves on the ice and release built-up tension or frustration. However, referees do have specific guidelines that they follow when deciding whether to allow a fight to continue or intervene.
1. Is fighting officially allowed in hockey?
No, fighting is not officially allowed by the rules of the game. However, the rules do not explicitly ban it either. Rather, they provide guidelines for how referees should handle fighting situations on the ice.
2. Why do referees allow fights to happen?
Referees allow fights to happen because it has become ingrained in hockey culture and is seen as a way for players to handle disputes and regulate the game. Allowing a controlled fight can diffuse tension and prevent further escalation of conflicts.
3. Are there any rules or limits to fighting in hockey?
Yes, there are rules and limits to fighting in hockey. Fights are typically allowed to continue until one player falls to the ice or loses their helmet. When this happens, the referees step in to stop the fight and penalize the players involved. Additionally, fights that arise from altercations after the whistle or fights instigated by a player solely to gain an advantage are usually met with harsher penalties.
4. How do referees determine when to let a fight continue and when to intervene?
Referees use their judgment to determine when to let a fight continue or step in. They consider factors such as whether the fight is mutually agreed upon, both players are willing participants, the fight is not excessively violent or dangerous, and the fight is not a deliberate attempt to injure an opponent.
5. Do all leagues and levels of hockey allow fighting?
Not all leagues and levels of hockey permit fighting. While fighting is generally more accepted in professional leagues like the NHL, it is often penalized more severely in amateur and youth leagues. The rules regarding fighting can vary depending on the specific league and governing bodies.
6. What are some consequences of fighting in hockey?
The consequences of fighting in hockey can include penalties such as time in the penalty box or ejection from the game. In some cases, players may also face fines or suspensions from the league. Additionally, fighting can sometimes lead to injuries for the players involved or escalate tensions between teams.
7. Are there any ongoing discussions about banning fighting in hockey?
Yes, the topic of banning fighting in hockey has been an ongoing discussion for many years. Arguments both for and against the elimination of fighting exist, with proponents of banning fighting citing concerns about player safety and the potential message it sends to younger players. However, supporters of fighting argue that it remains an integral part of the sport’s culture and serves as a self-policing mechanism.
BOTTOM LINE: While fighting is not officially allowed in hockey, it is still permitted to occur within certain limits. Referees generally allow fights to happen to maintain game balance, allow players to regulate themselves, and release built-up tension. However, there are rules and guidelines in place for referees to ensure safety and fairness during fights. The ongoing discussion about banning fighting in hockey continues, with differing opinions on its role and impact in the sport.
FAQs
However, supporters of fighting say it provides a means of security for players, that fighting is a tool players use to keep opposing players in check; essentially allowing players to police which hits and dirty plays are unacceptable. Various politicians and hockey figures have expressed opposition to fighting.
Why are ice hockey players allowed to fight? ›
Allowing fighting makes the sport safer overall by holding players accountable. Hockey players don't fight just for the sake of violence. Combat within the context of the game serves as a deterrent to hurting star players because the aggressors know there will be payback.
Why should fighting not be allowed in hockey? ›
Fighting endangers players' lives
As we've seen in other sports, specifically the NFL, repeated concussions can cause serious damage in the long term. Frequent head blows and concussions cause CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), which leads to memory loss, depression, and dementia, among other issues.
What happens if you fight a ref in hockey? ›
(a) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who engages in fighting . An additional minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who starts or instigates fighting .
Can NHL refs be fired? ›
Officials can be released at any time for insubordination or non-compliance with league policies. Some of the other categories only allow for release during the offseason.
Do NHL players get fined for fighting? ›
Fighting has been a part of the NHL for 100 years, and is not penalized as it would be in other sports. It's against the rules, but not totally forbidden. Ice hockey is a sport that allows fighting, making it one of the sport's most distinctive features.
Why are hockey players missing teeth? ›
When it comes to hockey players, toothless mouths are an enduring and endearing stereotype — and with good reason. Just look at pictures of Alexander Ovechkin and Brent Burns. Some players don't wear mouth guards, and the amount of sticks and pucks flying at head level leads to facial injuries.
What NHL team fights the most? ›
NHL's Most Aggressive Teams Of 2022-23 NHL Season
| Rank | NHL Team | Fights Rank |
|---|
| 1 | Ottawa Senators | T-2nd (36) |
| 2 | Philadelphia Flyers | T-2nd (36) |
| 3 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 1st (37) |
| 4 | Nashville Predators | T-7th (29) |
6 more rowsJul 11, 2023
Today, the NHL rules for fighting are covered under Rule 46—and fighting remains a pretty common part of professional hockey in the US, though it's technically disallowed and still regulated by a range of player and team penalties and league fines.
How violent is ice hockey? ›
Much attention has been drawn to the serious injuries that have occurred in ice hockey, specifically spinal injuries, concussions, and eye injuries. Many such injuries are the result of illegal and violent acts such as checking from behind or a deliberate high stick.
Adam, aged 29, suffered a fatal injury during a game between the Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers on 28 October 2023. He was sadly pronounced dead in hospital. A post mortem later concluded he died as a result of a neck injury. On 14 November 2023, a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Are they banning fighting in hockey? ›
Starting this season, which begins Friday, fighting is essentially banned from the QMJHL. Any fight will result in an automatic ejection, and any instigators will get an automatic one-game suspension. Aggressors get a two-game ban.
Has an NHL player ever fought a ref? ›
Billy Coutu was the first, and to date only, player banned from the NHL for life for violence in 1927; he assaulted referee Jerry Laflamme and tackled referee Billy Bell before starting a bench-clearing brawl during a Stanley Cup game between the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators, apparently on the orders of Bruins ...
Why don t refs break up hockey fights? ›
You don't see officials breaking up fights in the NHL until it's over, one player drops the other, they wrestle to the ice, or if it goes on long enough that the two tire themselves out. Fighting is seen as a way for players to police themselves.
What happens if you beat up a referee? ›
Any Player, Coach, Team Official or Team Spectator committing or attempting to commit a referee ASSAULT is automatically suspended for one (1) year from the time of the assault.
Has a hockey player ever fought a ref? ›
Such behavior is considered unacceptable and results in severe punishments, including fines, suspensions and even expulsion from the league. One of the most notable instances was in 1979 when Boston Bruins player Terry O'Reilly fought referee Ron Wicks during a game against the Minnesota North Stars.
Are NHL refs held accountable? ›
So they're absolutely accountable.” Jackson, who now serves as a rules analyst for ESPN, says most hockey fans don't realize how emotionally distraught referees are after they make a mistake on the ice.
What are smelling salts in hockey? ›
Smelling Salts for Athletes
Today, smelling salts are still widely used in the NHL, the NFL, and powerlifting and strongman competitions. They cause a quick burst of adrenaline which athletes believe helps them perform better despite the fact that science suggests the effects of smelling salts are extremely brief.
