In 1922, the National Hockey League incorporated Rule 56 into its official rule book, which governed what it then called "Fisticuffs" as an official part of the game.
Today, the section of theNHL rule book dedicated to fighting is Rule 46. Itsays that referees are given "very wide latitude in the penalties with which they may impose under this rule." According to former NHL official Kerry Fraser, fighting is technically a rule violation.
Any player who fights is automatically subjected to sitting in the penalty box for at least five minutes. Additional penalties, including ejection, can be imposedif deemed necessary by the referee.
We sought to understand why this sanctioned violence is still embraced by the league and why itdoesn't appear to be going away any time soon.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman called fighting a "thermostat" for the game, and that it "may prevent other injuries."
According to author Ross Bernstein, who wrote the book "The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL,"fighting is a way for the sport to "police itself," and to remind players that there are consequences for stepping over the line during play in such a way that "the Code" is violated.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published in February 2017.
In 1922, the National Hockey League incorporated Rule 56 into its official rule book, which governed what it then called "Fisticuffs" as an official part of the game.
Today, the section of theNHL rule book dedicated to fighting is Rule 46. Itsays that referees are given "very wide latitude in the penalties with which they may impose under this rule." According to former NHL official Kerry Fraser, fighting is technically a rule violation.
Any player who fights is automatically subjected to sitting in the penalty box for at least five minutes. Additional penalties, including ejection, can be imposedif deemed necessary by the referee.
We sought to understand why this sanctioned violence is still embraced by the league and why itdoesn't appear to be going away any time soon.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman called fighting a "thermostat" for the game, and that it "may prevent other injuries."
According to author Ross Bernstein, who wrote the book "The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL,"fighting is a way for the sport to "police itself," and to remind players that there are consequences for stepping over the line during play in such a way that "the Code" is violated.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published in February 2017.
Show moreAs a seasoned sports analyst with a deep understanding of the intricacies of hockey and the NHL, it's evident that the allowance of fighting in the league has deep historical roots and is deeply embedded in the culture of the sport. The article in question delves into the historical perspective, the specific rulebook references, and the viewpoints of key figures within the NHL hierarchy and experts on the subject.
The NHL's acceptance of fighting can be traced back to 1922 when Rule 56, governing "Fisticuffs," was officially incorporated into the league's rulebook. Over time, this evolved into Rule 46, which addresses fighting today. Former NHL official Kerry Fraser provides insight into the technical classification of fighting as a rule violation, leading to automatic penalties such as a five-minute stint in the penalty box. The discretionary power given to referees under this rule is highlighted, indicating a flexible approach to enforcing penalties.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's analogy of fighting as a "thermostat" for the game is an intriguing perspective discussed in the article. According to Bettman, fighting serves as a mechanism to prevent other injuries, suggesting that the physicality and outlet for aggression offered by fighting may contribute to a safer overall playing environment.
Author Ross Bernstein, acknowledged for his expertise in the unwritten rules of the NHL, introduces the concept of "The Code." According to Bernstein, fighting acts as a self-policing mechanism within the sport, reminding players of the consequences when crossing certain boundaries during play. "The Code" serves as an unspoken set of rules and norms that regulate player behavior on the ice, maintaining a delicate balance between aggression and sportsmanship.
In summary, the article explores the historical evolution of fighting in the NHL, the technicalities outlined in the rulebook, and the perspectives of key figures such as NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and author Ross Bernstein. The concept of fighting as a means of self-regulation, both within the rules and the unwritten code of the game, is central to the ongoing acceptance of this physical aspect in professional hockey.
