fighting in hockey pros and consfighting in hockey pros and cons

As the science of head injuries and other health concerns advances, the league may need to take further action to protect its players, whether that means further restrictions on fighting or other measures. David M. Singer, NHL Fight Stats, hockeyfights.com (accessed Mar. Should Performance-Enhancing Drugs Be Accepted in Sports? As mentioned earlier, the NHL is the only major sports league in the United States where fighting is allowed, according to the rulebook. Some argue that fighting should be eliminated from the game, while others believe it has an important place in the sport. It is important to know that concussions are the highest occurring injury in all of sports. Fighting in Hockey: NHL Fighting Rules & Why its Allowed, Thanks for signing up - please check your mobile phone to confirm subscription. Fighting also allows players to defend themselves and their teammates against rough play and dirty hits. So, what are the pros and cons of allowing fighting in hockey? 1.Should fighting be allowed in hockey? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Studies have shown that fighting can have serious consequences on players health, both in the short and long term. The NHL also has strict rules about when and where fighting can occur on the ice. This is where the debate of fighting in hockey comes into play. Israel's parliament on Monday passed the controversial "reasonableness" bill, the first major legislation in the government's plan to weaken the judiciary, despite six months of protests . They also suggest that fighting can be a necessary release of tension and a way to energize the team and fans. It does not store any personal data. Travis Strauss is the founder and lead writer of Ice Hockey Central. Wherever you fall in the debate, the fact is that even without NHL intervention, fighting seems to be disappearing from the NHL naturally. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". How To Fight In Nhl 22? In conclusion, while fighting may be an accepted part of hockey culture, it is important to consider the significant physical and psychological risks that come with it. Studies have shown that fighting can result in serious injuries, including concussions, broken bones, and even death. Additionally, fights can often escalate quickly, and players who engage in them can find themselves facing suspensions, fines, or even criminal charges. 2. One aspect that has been criticized with the game of hockey is its violence in the form of fighting, as it is the only national league sport where it is encouraged. Which sports? They could ignore the trend and let players carry on as they wish, they could take the big step of banning fighting completely, or they could simply implement stricter fighting regulations. [5][6] The current NHL rulebook addresses fighting in Rule 46, which defines a fight as at least one player punching or taking a swing at another player repeatedly, or players wrestling in a way that is difficult to break up. But what does the future hold for fighting in hockey? On one hand, there are those who argue that fighting is an important part of the game and should be allowed to continue. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. He also discourages the other team from potential dirty play. ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. "CTE is a progressive brain disease believed to be caused by repetitive trauma to the brain" ("Boogaard" 2). There are good arguments both in favor of, and against, fighting in the NHL, which we will discuss in the next section. Q: How do referees manage fights in hockey? The fight ratio has slackened comparing the regular season each year. By prioritizing safety and reducing the risk of injury, we can make hockey a safer and more enjoyable sport for everyone involved. Some say fighting will make the game more dangerous others safer. Below are the proper citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): the Modern Language Association Style Manual (MLA), the Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago), the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), and Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian). For many fans, its an integral part of the game, adding excitement and intensity. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The fight between the two teams usually settles things as it shows that it will happen if a team tries it again. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The penalty for fighting is five minutes, but there can be other penalties such as instigator or game misconduct. [21] Brawls increase attendance: an economic study of hockey found that violence, specifically fighting, tends to attract fans in large numbers across the United States and Canada. [22] Fights help the NHL stand out from other sports because no other team sports sanction brawling. A fight shall be deemed to have occurred when at least one player punches or attempts to punch an opponent repeatedly, or when two players wrestle in such a manner as to make it difficult for the Linesmen to intervene and separate the combatants. In addition to running the blog, Travis works as a coach and instructor, sharing his love of the sport with the next generation of players. What Is Match Penalty In Hockey? Despite the fact that fighting is penalized, it remains a part of the game that many players and fans enjoy. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Here are the proper bibliographic citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): [Editor's Note: The APA citation style requires double spacing within entries. The contemplating debate about the future of fighting in the nhl has astonished the National Hockey League fans. Fighting is allowed in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the ECHL (formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League). Authors Thomas A Fortney 1 , Liana J Tedesco 1 , Nathan J Kopydlowski 1 , Jack F Korzelius 1 , Sohil S Desai 1 , Charles A Popkin 1 2 Affiliations Yes, there are hockey leagues that completely ban fighting, such as the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in the United Kingdom. Players who engage in fighting are also at a higher risk for other health problems, such as chronic pain, arthritis, and joint damage. At its core, fighting is seen as a way for players to police the game and protect their teammates. However, as the sport evolved, so too did the rules around fighting. Other leagues, such as the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), prohibit fighting altogether. Fighting can have some nasty results. Its difficult to say for certain, as opinions on the issue are divided. Managing Editor Fighting in hockey is not what you would expect to see in a bar, for example. Should Fighting Be Allowed in Hockey: Pros and Cons . It shows goalie Mike Smith, from the Calgary Flames, square off against goalie Cam Talbot, from Edmonton Oilers. However, as of late, fans of the game have been questioning the motive behind it remaining in the game. Wrestling one another may happen, but eventually, someone will land the first punch. Others believe it is simply a part of the sports culture and tradition. The tradition of fighting in hockey dates back to the early days of the sport when players would often take matters into their own hands to settle disputes on the ice. If not adhered to, players usually pay the price for it via a fight(s). Overall, the future of fighting in hockey remains uncertain, but we can expect to see continued debate and changes as the sport evolves and adapts to the needs and concerns of players, fans, and the broader community. Going forward, fighting in hockey will always be part of the NHL. There is no rule that specifically says players have to fight less during these games. 2022 Jun 30;4:890429. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.890429. Lets play devils advocate and take a look at both sides equally. Players are allowed to body check and use their sticks to steal the puck from opponents. How To Fight In Nhl 22? Although fighting can happen with anyone on the ice, even the goalies, it typically is done by players that are known as an enforcer. Teams may place a greater emphasis on players with exceptional skating ability and puck handling skills, rather than those who are primarily valued for their fighting skills. In some cases, players may be ejected from the game or receive suspensions for their actions. However, although it is allowed, it does not mean that Fighting in the NHL comes without consequence. Many people wonder why fighting is allowed in hockey, considering it is one of the few sports where this kind of behavior is tolerated. In 1992, the NHL introduced an instigator rule adding an extra two minutes in the penalty box for anyone caught starting a fight. [2], Professional hockey is a fast-moving sport, and referees often miss illegal body checking, hits with hockey sticks, and other aggressive plays. Further to this excitement, it draws fans into the game. While some see it as a vital aspect of the sport, others argue that it is outdated and dangerous. How Many Players in the NHL? In the early days of hockey, when the sport was much more rough-and-tumble than it is now, fighting was often the only way for players to maintain order on the ice. The IIHF, which governs international hockey tournaments such as the Olympics and World Championships, strictly prohibits fighting. For example, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski argues that fighting in hockey should be kept to a minimum. Fighting is a controversial aspect of hockey that has been a part of the sport since its inception. The NHL has implemented various rule changes in recent years to discourage fighting, such as harsher penalties and stricter enforcement of rules against dangerous hits. It is just something that is agreed-upon league-wide. Particularly if there is a lot of tension between the two teams. 4. Fighting is allowed in hockey because it adds another element to the game that almost all major sports leagues in the world do not have. Fighting in hockey leads to concussions, mental health problems, and death. As a result, players may be less likely to engage in fights, and the sport may become less violent overall. Fighting has since decreased: a fight broke out in 29-40% of NHL games from the 2000/2001 season to the 2013/2014 season. For younger players, concussions can cause permanent learning and cognitive disabilities, many of which may not be recognized until they grow up. [26], Young hockey players are already susceptible to catastrophic spinal cord and brain injury, at nearly four times the rate of young football players. And since most players follow the code, most feel its harmless to keep it in the game. ProCon.org. cart reminders) from HockeyMonkey at the cell number used when signing up. Some people argue that a low level of fighting is healthy for the game, while others argue that it will make it safer. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. With increasing concerns about the safety of players and the negative impact of violence on the image of the sport, many are questioning the role of fighting in the future of hockey. However, different leagues have different rules and penalties for fighting. In fact, some argue that fighting is a necessary part of the game, allowing players to protect themselves and their teammates. CTE stands for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Regardless of which side of the debate you fall on, its essential to understand the tradition of fighting in hockey and why it continues to be a controversial topic. ], [Editors Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries. There's no point in making fun of each other's moms out here." (Brandon Prust) As we all know, there are fights in professional hockey, like the NHL and AHL. They are: Many believe that fighting in hockey is the cause of serious brain trauma, resulting in concussions, mental health problems, and death in some cases. So, even if you have only been to a handful of NHL games, it is almost guaranteed that you have seen at least one fight! However, there is one aspect of the game that is often controversial: fighting. The NHL allows fighting, but players who engage in it are heavily penalized with a five-minute major penalty, which means they are removed from the game and their team plays shorthanded for the duration of the penalty. The Debate Continues: The debate over fighting in hockey is likely to continue, as both sides have valid arguments. The history of fighting in hockey goes back to the early days of the sport. On the other hand, those against fighting argue that it is a dangerous and unnecessary aspect of the game that puts players at risk for injury, including concussions and long-term brain damage. Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner, wrote, Fighting raises the incidence of head injuries/concussions, which raises the incidence of depression onset, which raises the incidence of personal tragedies. [15], Former NHL player Derek Boogaard filled an unofficial role known as an enforcer, which is a player whose purpose is to fight as a means of responding to dirty plays by the opposing team. As the sport grew in popularity, the need for rules and regulations around fighting became increasingly apparent. As mentioned earlier, Fighting in hockey is a concept that has been engraved in the game since the leagues creation. One of the biggest risks of fighting in hockey is the potential for head injuries, which can result from a player being hit in the head or falling to the ice. Terms and Conditions & Allowing fighting makes the sport safer overall by holding players accountable. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The players will circle each other, almost just holding on. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] Pro Allowing fighting makes the sport safer overall by holding players accountable. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. First, by leaving the crease, the goalie will receive a two-minute minor penalty. All rights reserved. They point to the fact that it is often used as a way to police the game and prevent cheap shots and dirty play. Fighting is a hockey tradition that exists in the official rules and as an unwritten code among players. Following the fight, it is to the referees discretion to determine who was the Aggressor and who was the Instigator. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. As the sport becomes more focused on speed and agility, fighting may become less common as players shift their focus towards improving their skills and strategy. One thing is for sure, though fighting in hockey is a controversial topic that will continue to be debated by players, coaches, and fans for many years to come. Are the Olympic Games an Overall Benefit for Their Host Countries and Cities? Steven Stamkos, a forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning, said, You have to police yourselves sometimes on the ice When you see a fight now its a response, someone didnt like something that was done on the ice. [29], Matthew Sekeres, writer at Globe and Mail, said that Hockey is a sport that solves its problems with violence. [32], Allowing hockey players to fight creates a culture in which fighting is respected and valued, according to a study in the journal Men and Masculinities, which stated, The findings of this study indicate that interpersonal aggression is common in the lives of these hockey players, both on and off the ice. [31]. Millions of people play ice hockey on a regular basis. Travis is dedicated to providing the best content and resources for hockey enthusiasts. Here is where the enforcer of the team will step up and take care of the offending player to his goalie. Fighting should be allowed in hockey to make the sport safer. 28, 2016, Sporting Charts, Enforcer, sportingcharts.com (accessed Feb. 27, 2018), John Branch, Derek Boogaard: A Brain Going Bad,' nytimes.com, Dec. 5, 2011, Tom Cohen, Three Hockey Enforcers Die Young in Four Months, Raising Questions, cnn.com, Sep. 2, 2011, Chris Zelkovich, Hockey Fans Love Fighting, Survey Says, thestar.com, Mar. Its also a way for players to police themselves and protect their teammates. The Referees are provided very wide latitude in the penalties with which they may impose under this rule. A player cant sucker punch another player. However, analyses of these theories have found little definitive evidence, calling the utility of fighting into question. Fighting at the professional level sets a bad example for kids. There were no penalties for fighting, and it was not uncommon for players to take off their skates and use them as weapons. They argue that the league should eliminate fighting altogether, as other sports have done. Privacy Policy. So, if there is a problem in the game, it is solved through a fight. And dont even think of bumping into the goalie. While there have been discussions about banning fighting in hockey, it is unlikely to happen in the near future. In fact, fighting was so common in the early days of the sport that it was often considered an integral part of the game. Games with fights have steadily decreased since, from 27% of games in the 2014/2015 season to 17% in the 2018/2019 season. Hockey players dont fight just for the sake of violence; combat within the context of the game serves as a deterrent to hurting star players because the aggressors know there will be pay back. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Fighting is not allowed in IIHF-sanctioned games, and players who engage in a fight are given a game misconduct penalty. These measures could include changes to equipment, rules around fighting, or increased training and education for players and officials on how to prevent and respond to injuries. Hockey is a sport that is synonymous with fighting. Fighting in hockeyhas been banned nearly everywhere outside of the NHL, including youth games, college play, and the Winter Olympics. Players are allowed to body check and use their sticks to steal the puck from opponents. The goal of this change would be to discourage fighting and promote safer and more sportsmanlike play on the ice. What Is the Future of Fighting in Hockey? However, what is often overlooked in these discussions are the significant physical and psychological risks that come with fighting on the ice. [1], In the 2016-2017 National Hockey League (NHL) season, there were 372 fights out of 1,230 games an average of 0.3 fights per game. Over the years, the way fighting is viewed in hockey has changed. Some hockey players think they're too tough to cry." Brett Hull, Athlete Advantages & Disadvantages of Playing Hockey Hockey is one of the most popular sports in the United States. However, in recent years, there has been a growing concern about the impact of fighting on player safety, leading to calls for its elimination from the sport. Players have learned, however, to navigate through its mazes and labyrinths of physical contact by adhering to an honor code of conduct. [10], The code dictates who can fight and for what reasons, and has reportedly existed for over 100 years. Fighting is deeply ingrained in the sports culture and history, and many fans and players believe it is an important aspect of the game. As the sport has evolved, so has the role of fighting, but it remains an integral part of the game for many players and fans alike. Many people also believe that fighting in hockey also sets a bad example for young hockey players. Referees can also penalize players with a game misconduct penalty for fighting after the original altercation. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! There is no clear consensus on whether or not fans enjoy watching fights in hockey. In the 1970s and 1980s, fights were often seen as a way to rally a team and fire up the crowd. How To Win Faceoffs In NHL 22? Second, the rules dictate that the gloves must come off. Why Fighting is Allowed in Hockey: Separating Myth from Reality, The Physical and Psychological Risks of Fighting, The Psychological Risks of Fighting in Hockey. Furthermore, youth players could see fighting as a way to resolve conflict, which, at that level, is not ideal. 3. No part of this site may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner. [18], Even though fighting in youth leagues is banned, young hockey players constantly imitate the tactics used by professionals, both legal and illegal. Are the Olympic Games an Overall Benefit for Their Host Countries and Cities? 9, 2021), Jeff Z. Klein, No Fights. Find Out Now! In a game that was played on outdoor rinks, without any protective gear, fights were often brutal and bloody. And if you're a fan of the occasional scrap, you probably didn't have a very good week. When two players fight, a major penalty is given, five minutes for fighting. These injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe brain damage, which can lead to long-term health problems such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. In addition, the league has introduced new rules to try to prevent dangerous hits and other forms of violent play. Today, players are penalized for fighting, but it is still considered a part of the game. Pros and Cons: Those in favor of fighting argue that it is a way to deter dangerous play and protect skilled players from being targeted by opponents. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Another huge factor is player health and safety. So, which hockey leagues allow fighting? Protecting Teammates: Fighting is often seen as a way to protect a teammate who has been hit illegally or is being targeted by an opponent. If you're curious about the impact of fighting on players' health, the rules and penalties for fighting in different leagues, and the future of fighting in hockey, this article is for you. While fighting remains a hotly debated topic, many leagues are taking steps to limit its occurrence on the ice. Since the lockout year in 2005, the NHL wanted to make the game faster and more offensively-driven. If these violations fail to stop the extra dirty plays or tensions are running high, then two enforcers on each team will choose to fight. The IIHFs stance on fighting reflects a broader trend toward safer, less physical play in international hockey, as many countries prioritize player safety over the spectacle of fighting. This article was published on March 9, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. Get ready to explore the ins and outs of one of hockeys most controversial traditions and decide for yourself whether it has a place in the sport. Fighting in hockey, despite its potential to harm its players, is steeped in tradition and is strongly believed to be necessary by its participants. [ 1] In the 2016-2017 National Hockey League (NHL) season, there were 372 fights out of 1,230 games - an average of 0.3 fights per game. But, uh, you know, don't hurt him. As alluded to earlier, we saw a huge spike of fighting in hockey in the 1980s through the mid-1990s. Pros And Cons Of Fighting In Hockey 651 Words3 Pages Why Fighting should stay in the NHL "My thing is, if you want to go, you want to go. I think you need that. Additionally, players are not allowed to remove their helmets before the fight starts. Finally, encouraging more skilled and technical play can also reduce the need for fighting in hockey. In the severest cases, a player can be ejected from the game. Travis is dedicated to providing the best content and resources for hockey enthusiasts. Games with fights have steadily decreased since, from 27% of games in the 2014/2015 season to 17% in the 2018/2019 season. But the frequency of them could continue to decrease due to teams wanting to always have their most skilled guys on the ice as much as possible (instead of enforcers/fighters). The AHL, which is the top minor league in North America, allows fighting but has slightly different rules than the NHL. Proponents say hosting the Olympics boosts local economies. Some argue that fighting can serve as a way for players to release their frustrations and emotions, which can prevent other forms of violence on the ice. [17], Two other enforcers died within four months of each that same year, raising concerns about the physical, as well as mental and emotional, toll that fighting takes on players. 23, 2016, Adam Greuel, Is the NHL Instigator Rule Really Necessary?, bleacherreport.com, July 23, 2008, John Buccigross, The Pros and Cons of Fighting in the NHL, espn.com, Jan. 8, 2007, Chris Kuc, Why Is Fighting Vanishing from the NHL?, chicagotribune.com, Feb. 6, 2016, Sports Illustrated, Commissioner Gary Bettman Fights to Keep Fighting in NHL, si.com, June 27, 2016, Brandon Prust, Why We Fight, theplayerstribune.com, Feb. 3, 2015, Jeff Z. Klein, In Debate about Fighting in Hockey, Medical Experts Weigh In, nytimes.com, Dec. 12, 2011, John Branch, In Emails, N.H.L. While there are some fans (and some players) who think that the fights arethe most thrilling partof a hockey match, there are growing numbers of people who believe it should be gone completely. This game is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Another short-term effect of fighting is the impact it can have on a players mental health. . The first is by continuing to hack at a puck even when the goalie has it in his possession. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". As such, knowing that there could be retaliation for a dirty play can help keep some players in check. Like the NHL, the AHL also penalizes players who accumulate too many penalty minutes with fines or suspensions. The game is the fastest, and more technical its ever been. While many people enjoy the spectacle of a good hockey fight, others view it as unnecessary and dangerous. And while there is no question of a penalty when a fight breaks out, there is the question of whether or not it should be allowed. A popular argument is that too many aggressive players end up spending time in the penalty box when they should be scoring goals. Push for the position and policies you support by writing US national senators and representatives. Home Ice Hockey Why Fighting is Allowed in Hockey: Separating Myth from Reality. However, with the increasing concerns over player safety and the long-term effects of head injuries, it may be time for the sport to re-evaluate its traditions and make changes to ensure the safety of its players. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. They are: Fighting in hockey helps hold players accountable for certain actions, which usually results in decreased retaliation-type plays. Despite being a popular sport, not everyone , Spread the loveGet ready to enter the ice rink and experience the thrilling world of NHL 22! Proper citation depends on your preferred or required style manual. Fighting draws fans and increases the game's entertainment value. Since the introduction of Ice Hockey in 1917, fighting has been part of an NHL hockey game.