Fighting now means repeated punches
Rule numbers: NCAA 48.1 NCAA 48.2 NCAA 48.4 NCAA 53.1
The 2026-28 book separates a fight from a single punch. A fight is when at least one player punches or tries to punch an opponent repeatedly, or two players wrestle so that the linespersons have difficulty separating them. Fighting is a major plus game disqualification, and a player who is struck and does not retaliate is not penalized. A punching or slamming motion that is not a fight falls under roughing: a minor altercation is a roughing minor, and an exchange of blows that is more than a minor but not a fight is a major plus game misconduct. When a fight starts, non-participants go to their benches and goalkeepers stay near their crease, or get a minor. An instigator of an altercation that draws penalties on both teams gets an extra minor.
A player who does not retaliate after being struck shall not be assessed a penalty.
- On the ice
- Fight: the player is disqualified; a substitute serves the 5:00 major.
- Clock
- 5:00 major for a fight; roughing per its tier.
- Scoresheet
- Fighting: major plus game disqualification. Single punch: roughing minor or major plus game misconduct.
Example
After a whistle A9 throws one punch at B2 and the linesperson steps in at once. That is roughing, not fighting: a minor, or a major plus game misconduct if blows were exchanged and it was more than a minor.
Common mistake: Giving a fighting major and disqualification for one punch, or penalizing the player who did not hit back.
Sources
- NCAA 2026-27 and 2027-28 Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations (IH28), Rule 48.1-48.4, pp. 61-62 (PDF pp. 64-65)
- NCAA 2026-27 and 2027-28 Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations (IH28), Rule 53.1, p. 64 (PDF p. 67)
Verified