How does the rulebook define a fight, and what must other players do when one starts?

Rule 7.10 of the Hockey Canada Playing Rules 2026-2028 says a "fight" occurs when at least one player punches or attempts to punch an opponent repeatedly, or when two players wrestle in a way that makes it difficult for the linespersons to intervene and separate the combatants.

• All other players must immediately return to their respective benches (or a neutral area the referee designates if the fight is in front of a bench) and stay there until the referee calls them back. Goaltenders stay in their creases or go to a neutral zone the referee designates.
• A player who does not return, or who joins a secondary fight, receives additional penalties.
• A goaltender who leaves the crease during a fight receives a Minor penalty, recorded as "Leaving the Crease", unless the referee gave permission to go to the bench.
• A player who fights an opponent receives a Major and a Game Misconduct. A player who joins a fight or acts as a peacemaker receives a Game Misconduct.

The rulebook does not set out a separate procedure for how linespersons physically separate players. The penalties above are assessed by the referee, and linespersons identify offenders and report Major, Match, Misconduct, Game Misconduct and Gross Misconduct infractions to the referee at the first stoppage (Rule 5.3 (d)).