Why Is Fighting Allowed In Hockey?

Fighting is an aspect of a hockey that is tolerated, to a degree, by those who run the game. The National Hockey League penalizes those who fight with five minutes in the penalty box. However, those who fight are regularly looked on as tough and courageous for responding to a challenge by an opponent.

Fighting Protocol

Hockey requires excellent skating ability, balance, playmaking talent and the ability to shoot the puck. However, the game also features hard hitting -- called checking -- when the opponent has the puck. At times, those hard hits lead to hard feelings from one team toward the other. Hockey players who have been hit hard might want retribution. They can do this by having one of their teammates challenge a member of the other team to a fight. This can be done with a look, a commnet or throwing down the gloves. If the opponent chooses to engage, the two combatants square off and start fighting.

The Fight

The hockey fight usually begins with the two athletes engaging in a pseudo boxing match. Players might circle each other and throw left jabs. When one of the fighters recognizes an opening, he often throws a series of hard punches designed to hurt or cut the opponent. However, if no such opening exists, the fighters might engage in a wrestling match. The fight will come to an end when one of the fighters hurts the other or the two run out of steam. If the fight turns into a wrestling match, the officials will separate the combatants and end the fight.

Rationale

Hockey fighting is defended by some in the sport who believe fighting might deter others who play in a dirty manner by elbowing opponents and swinging their stick at opponents. Former Boston Bruins coach and "Hockey Night in Canada" analyst Don Cherry told Canada's Slam Sports that most fans like fighting in hockey. NHL director of hockey operations Colin Campbell also told Slam Sports that fighting has its place in hockey. "We have fighting in the game and, right now, it has its place," Campbell told "Hockey Night in Canada."

Amateur Hockey

Fighting in hockey is not approved at the international level, or at the college or high school level. Players who fight at those levels are thrown out of the game they are playing in and also have to miss the next game. Subsequent fights cause additional missed games and suspensions.