Insults 14B.8.5
This discussion has an associated proposal but it has not been approved yet.Comments about this discussion:
Started
I’d like to start a discussion on the topic of insults. The current rulebook is rather vague on this point under section 14B.8.5, which simply states:
“Insults: A player must not insult the referee or other players.”
Well, obviously! But the consequences remain unclear, even though enforcement is left largely to the referee’s discretion.
Therefore, I’d like to propose the following wording. I’ve specified the penalties more clearly and also included the audience.
--> A player must not insult referees, other players, or the audience. If this occurs, the player receives a 5-minute penalty for a moderate insult, or a match suspension for a serious insult. The decision lies at the discretion of the referee.
Comment
The referees are responsible for the game on the playing field and areas next to it (waiting other players, trainers or players in the penalty box).
The audience is outside the responsible area. But insulting the audiance from the playing field is unsporting behavier can end in sent off for cooling down. If a sent off for the rest of the game the player is not longer in the responsebility of the referees. The responsebility changes to the right of ownership of the gym (domiciliary right) (hockey director or?).
What should be the different between a "moderate" and a "serious" insult, this opens only a new gray area inthe rules. Anyway "The decision lies at the discretion of the referee." - so no change.
Comment
If we think we need to punish it more than we do then we can add insults to players/referees/audience to the 2 minutes.
I am ok if we add "or spectators" to the end of the insult rule but don't think the "If this occurs, the player receives a 5-minute penalty for a moderate insult, or a match suspension for a serious insult. The decision lies at the discretion of the referee." is needed
14B.8.5 Insults
A player must not insult the referee, players, or spectators.
2 minutes:
Insults to referees, players or spectators
• Intentional delay of the game
• Repeated fouls by the same player
• Intentional foul
• Dangerous play
• Backchat to referee (Constant backtalking to the referee or questioning decisions)
• Intentional usage of incorrect equipment and clothing
• Intentionally having too many players on the eld
5 minutes:
• Repeated fouls by a player who has previously received a 2 minute penalty
• Intentional dangerous foul
• Violent conduct against other players, their team ocials or spectators
O for the remainder of the game:
• Repeated fouls by a player who has previously received a 5 minute penalty
• Repeated violence of a player who has already received 5 minutes before
• Violence against referees
Comment
My spontaneous feeling is that with the current rules, giving 5min or even a match suspension is too harsh compared to the other instances where 2min or 5min are given. But I'm in favour of including it in the list of reasons for 2min penalty.
I'm fine with including insults of spectators.
Comment
I'm fine with including "insults to referees, players or spectators" in the 2 min list and add the spectators in the insult rule.
Comment
I agree with the points raised so far in the discussion, especially the suggestion to include “spectators” in Rule 14B.8.5 and in the list of 2-minute penalties. This seems like a practical and meaningful improvement.
At the same time, I’d like to raise a related but slightly different aspect:
How should referees respond when insults or unsporting behavior come from the spectators – directed at players or even at the referees themselves?
At a tournament earlier this year, I witnessed a situation where spectators insulted or booed players. In my view, this kind of behavior is also unsporting and can negatively affect the atmosphere and fairness of the game.
I understand that spectators are not formally subject to the rulebook. Nevertheless, the question arises as to how such situations should be handled – for example, through an announcement, communication with the event organizers, or, if necessary, involving venue staff or the responsible authority under local house rules.
Perhaps it would be helpful to include a note or recommendation in the rulebook on how to deal with such cases – not as a strict regulation, but as a supportive guideline for referees and tournament organizers when dealing with difficult situations.
Comment
Ideally the tournament director would have a chat to the spectators and request they behave. I dont think it's necessary for the rulebook.