How do NLL fighting rules work?

Under Rule 80, a fight is an incident where at least one player is penalized for throwing punches or blows at an opponent. Referees have wide discretion: they can assess minor penalties for roughing or a major penalty for fighting, depending on the violence involved.

• Instigator: a minor for instigating, a major for fighting and a game misconduct (80.2). Criteria include gloves off first, first punch thrown, substituting directly from the bench, and menacing attitude.
• Aggressor (continues to fight after the officials order a stop): a minor, a major and a game misconduct (80.4).
• Second instigator or aggressor in one season: a one-game suspension, then one more game for each further instigator penalty, plus a $100 fine each time (80.5).
• Equipment: removing the jersey or equipment before or during a fight brings a minor for unsportsmanlike conduct (80.6, 80.7).
• Intervening: the first player or goalie to intervene in a fight already in progress gets a game misconduct at the referee's discretion, and an automatic suspension for the team's next game (80.12).
• Goalies: must stay in the crease during a fight. Leaving earns a minor. Fighting earns a major and a game misconduct (80.13).
• Other players: those not involved must go to their bench, or to their defensive end if the fight is at their bench. Failing to do so brings a misconduct (80.14).
• Second fight after the first: a game misconduct and a one-game suspension (80.15).

An "unwilling combatant" is a player who only defends himself, keeps his gloves on and does not return punches initially.

Source: NLL Official Rules 2025-26, Rule 80.