How come in ice hockey when ever there is a fight the referees just stand around?

Question

How come in ice hockey when ever there is a fight the referees just stand around?

Answer 1

Because it is part of the game. Besides, the refs are not "just standing around". They do what they are instructed to do by the league which is to make sure the fight is fair and to ensure no one gets injured. They don't just fight to fight, either...Like I said, it's part of the game and just like any other part of the game, there is a strategy for it. Fighters usually only fight other fighters. They train for this stuff. Each team has at least one fighter although it's not as much of a priority as it was years ago.  

Answer 2

First of all, the fans want to see the hockey players fight. It's entertaining and it's part of the game (to a certain point). Sometimes fighting can also serve as morale for the team (if you win the fight). When the fighting ends with one player down on the ice or if the fighting gets too rough, the referees TRY to step in. Which leads into the next reason... the referees have minimal protection. Would you want to step in between two fighting men with no protection at all? I wouldn't.

Answer 3

Uou can't do much when two 6+ foot men want to punch each others face in!

Answer 4

because people like to see them fight and its also to figure out who should get get the penalty

Answer 5

In the first place they do not stand around. They are assessing the situation. They are not supposed to break up the fights unless there is a chance that one of the participants is going to be seriously injured.

If one player has an unfair advantage over another the LINESMEN step in to break up the fight. The referees watch to see what penalties are going to be awarded.

Remember fighting is a penalty. If one of the participants is more aggressive than the other his team will often receive an extra penalty. Being down 20% of your players for 3% of the game is a pretty severe penalty in any sport.

Answer 6

First of all, they might get hurt, and second, everyone wants to see the fight anyways :)

Answer 7

because he knows better. he has no protection. would you jump in on a bunch of burly blokes with sticks and padding and blades? NO

Answer 8

because the fans WANT to see the fights..i think its stupid