An attempted punch is fighting, even if it misses
Rule numbers: USAH 615 (Note) USAH 615(a) USAH 615(d)
USA Hockey defines fighting by the punch, not by whether it lands: a punch or attempted punch thrown in the direction of an opponent is fighting. The penalty is a major plus a game misconduct, with an extra minor for the player who started or instigated it. A player who is struck and then continues the altercation by retaliating can be given a minor, a double minor, or a major and game misconduct, as the referee judges; one who does not retaliate gets no fighting penalty. The first player to step into a fight that is already going gets a game misconduct on top of any other penalty. The rule gives the referee wide latitude to separate degrees of responsibility.
A punch, or an attempted punch, thrown by any player in the direction of an opponent, regardless as to whether contact is made, is considered fighting.
- On the ice
- The fighting player is ejected; the team plays shorthanded for the major.
- Clock
- 5:00 major (or the designated major length), served by a substitute under 403(d) where required.
- Scoresheet
- Major plus game misconduct; extra instigator minor if applicable.
Example
After a whistle, Team A's #19 swings at Team B's #3 and misses. #3 covers up and does not swing back. #19 gets a major plus game misconduct for fighting; #3 gets no fighting penalty.
Common mistake: Calling roughing because no punch landed, or penalizing a player who was struck and did not retaliate.
Sources
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 615, p. 189 (PDF p. 223)
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 615(d), p. 190 (PDF p. 224)
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