Fighting redefined: repeated punches, or a wrestle the linespersons can't break up
Rule numbers: NCAA 48.1 NCAA 48.2 NCAA 48.3 NCAA 48.4 ACHA Additions Rule 48.1
NCAA treats it as a fight when a player throws, or tries to throw, repeated punches at an opponent, or when two players wrestle so hard that the linespersons struggle to separate them. The penalty is a major plus game disqualification, and a player who is hit and does not hit back is not penalized. The ACHA additions add that a single punch is penalized as roughing, but stress that fighting in ACHA games should still be penalized as fighting. Non-participants go to their benches and goalkeepers stay near their crease, or receive a minor; an instigator of an altercation that draws penalties on both teams gets an additional minor.
A singular punch to be penalized as roughing.
- On the ice
- Fight: the player is disqualified; a substitute serves the major.
- Clock
- 5:00 major for a fight; a single punch uses the roughing tiers.
- Scoresheet
- Fighting: major plus game disqualification, with a report.
Example
Two players grapple and the linespersons cannot separate them, though no punches land. That meets the 48.1 definition of a fight.
Common mistake: Calling a fight for a single punch, or ignoring a wrestle the linespersons cannot break up because nobody punched.