Ninh explains … The code.
The sport of ice hockey, is the only sport on the planet that tolerates fighting and
retribution, even though their rules prohibit doing so.
Referees will penalise players for breaking the rules, but sometimes, the players take
matters into their own hands.
There are unwritten rules that govern how players should behave that you won’t find
in any rulebook.
And there are even specific players on hockey teams whose sole job it is to police the game
accordingly.
These are the enforcers, otherwise known as goons, tough guys, fighters or cops.
And whilst it’s their sole job to police the game, the code applies to every player
on the ice.
These unwritten rules are based on mutual respect for your opponent and protecting your
teammates.
This is the code.
The first rule of the code, is that they do not talk about the code.
Whilst these rules exists amongst players, there is no official record of the rules of
the code (except for this video), and you won’t find these in any official rulebook.
The NHL or IIHF will always officially decline to comment about any code.
This is because they don’t want to officially admit that the sport they govern isn’t completely
under their control.
The players police the game as much as the referees do.
And sometimes, they police it a little too much.
Rule 2 – If you do something bad … expect to pay the price.
Let’s say that you spitefully whack someone with your stick, and for some reason, the
referees and linesmen completely missed it.
No penalty is called and you seemingly get away with it.
I guarantee that the other team saw it … and they’ll be gunning for you to avenge your
crimes.
There is now a giant bullseye on your back, with members of the opposing team looking
to return the favour, one way or another.
And if you manage to avoid punishment until the end of the game, just wait until you play
them again.
I guarantee they won’t have forgotten.
Your crime is not transient and they won’t stop headhunting you until you have paid the
price.
Rule 3 - You do not target stars.
The best players on most teams are the star players that score goals and assists.
There is an unwritten gentleman’s agreement that stipulates that “if you don’t hit
our star players, we won’t hit yours”.
Let the stars score goals and let everyone else do their respective jobs.
Should you unfairly target a star player, expect swift retribution as per rule 2.
Rule 4 - Ignore rule 3 if that star breaks rule 2.
Sidney Crosby, a generational player that can score goals at will and will one day be
enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
A talent so immense that doesn’t need to dive, take cheap shots, or hit anybody when
they’re down.
But he does it anyway.
This is totally unacceptable.
Once you are a star player that resorts to these tactics, rule 3 no longer applies and
you’ll have a bullseye on your back, just like everyone else.
And if you are playing Sidney Crosby, be sure to give him a few extra whacks.
It’s nothing short of what he deserves.
Rule 5 – No sucker punches.
There is a proper decorum to challenge someone to a fight.
However, sucker punching someone, i.e. punching them when they’re down or not looking is
an unacceptable way of doing so.
This is cowardly and blindsiding someone like this will result in the opposing team taking
note.
Expect swift retribution as per rule 2.
Lots of it.
Rule 6 - Pick on someone your own size … or bigger.
Unless they instigate it, it is not acceptable to pick on someone who is significantly smaller
than you, especially if they’re skill players that don’t fight.
The rule is simple: pick on someone the same size or bigger.
Constantly picking on a smaller opponent will result in someone significantly bigger coming
after you.
Rule 7 – Verbally or physically agree.
To challenge someone to a fight, it’s important to stand square on to your opponent.
Gesture with the hands, the helmet, or start shaking off the gloves.
Dropping the stick is a clear indication that you want to throw down.
It’s fair to bait them physically, or verbally, but if you’re wearing a cage or full visor,
it’s proper etiquette to remove that prior to fighting your opponent.
Fighting with a half visor maybe be morally acceptable in some (but not all) leagues.
Rule 8 - Don’t back down.
When challenged to a fight, especially if you have been guilty of a crime committed
on the ice, it is seen as cowardly if you do not accept the challenge.
Backing down is not cool.
You will not receive any brownie points with your teammates, and expect some form of retribution
sometime during the game.
Legal or not.
Rule 9 - You do not turtle.
Once you have engaged in a fight, it is not acceptable to turtle, i.e. curl up in a ball
to avoid punches.
This is seen as cowardly.
You have accepted the challenge to fight, and fight you must.
Rule 10 – it is acceptable to pre-meditate fights.
It is deemed courteous to politely ask a player if he wants to fight.
Exhibit A: Georges Laraque.
This is the gentlemanly way of instigating a fight and a fine example of good code etiquette.
If a pre-meditated challenge is accepted, the gloves must come off and helmet visors
removed before you fight.
Respected enforcers will actually remove their helmets completely and roll up their sleeves.
This is to protect their opponents’ hands, as well as their own.
This the ultimate mark of respect.
Rule 11 - You do not punch somebody lying down.
Once the fight has reached the ground, and one or both combatants have hit the ice, you
must stop immediately.
They are in a defenceless position and it is dishonourable to hit someone when they’re
down, especially if they cannot defend themselves.
The punishment (and retaliation) for breaking this rule is severe.
Rule 12 - You do not fight goalies … unless you are a goalie or they instigate it.
Goalies, like stars, have a job to do.
And it doesn’t involve fighting.
Unless they challenge you and it’s obvious that they’re doing so, leave them well alone.
That said, it is acceptable for both goalies to fight each other, even if no incident has
happened between them.
Rule 13 - Brawling is fair game.
It is perfectly acceptable to retaliate to multiple infractions made by both sides.
If every player steps in at once, it’s fair game to challenge someone completely unrelated
to the original infraction, and fight with them.
This is to prevent the opposing player from applying damage to your teammates, and to
temporarily eliminate them from the game by getting them (and yourself) sent to the penalty
box.
Rule 14 - Be wary of pests.
A pest is a player whose sole job it is to antagonise and annoy you and your teammates,
in order to draw penalties.
They will resort to anything from verbal abuse, to underhand tactics, to licking your face.
They will most likely challenge you to a fight and then proceed to run away, leaving you
with an instigator penalty.
Be cautious when you challenge them to a fight … because that’s exactly what they want.
Rule 15 - The golden rule – you stand up for your teammates, whether it’s your job
or not.
Whether you are an enforcer, or not, if you are on the ice and foul play happens, you
are expected to stand up for your teammates.
Regardless of size, weight or star power.
These players will stand up for you, through thick and thin, and it is seen as cowardly
to not return the favour.
Teammates will notice if you don’t have their back, so be wary – because one day,
it might be you that needs the help.
The most interesting thing is that the code is open to interpretation.
No two players have the exact same interpretation of the code.
But in general, these are the rules that ice hockey players live and die by, even if they’re
not written down.
When regular rules aren’t enforced properly, the code dictates how justice is served.
In conclusion, there are some amazingly talented players in the sport of ice hockey.
And there are people who’s job it is to protect them.
These men and women have given up being stars themselves, taken low pay cheques, significantly
shorted their own careers, and risk their lives and future health - all to protect their
teammates, when the rules of the game fail to do so.
These are noble warriors who fight with honour, and within the unwritten rules of the game.
They deserve our absolute respect.
Because they
are the enforcers … of
the code.
Ninh Ly – www.ninh.co.uk - @NinhLyUK