What are the NFHS penalties for fighting and abuse of officials?
Rule- USA
- NFHS
- NFHS rules
- High school
- Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)
- Varsity
- 2026-27 season
- Officials
Under NFHS rules, a disqualification is a 5-minute penalty, immediate ejection and an additional suspension of at least one game. A player can receive only one disqualification per game.
| Act | NFHS penalty |
|---|---|
| Fisticuffs, including a player who retaliates after being struck | Disqualification |
| Any player who joins an altercation (fight) after it starts | Disqualification |
| Continuing an altercation | Disqualification |
| Leaving the players' or penalty bench during an altercation | Disqualification |
| Hateful or discriminatory language | Disqualification |
| "Detrimental conduct" (player or Team Official) | Disqualification |
| Touching or holding an official (player or Team Official) | Disqualification |
| Verbally abusing an official after the game (player or Team Official) | Disqualification |
| Obscene gesture (player or Team Official) | Minor + game misconduct (player may get a disqualification) |
| Foul language on the players' bench (player) | Minor + misconduct |
| Non-physical interference with on-ice officials | Misconduct |
Added 21 Oct 2026