In hockey, why do referees allow fighting?

Fighting is considered to be part of the game in hockey. The unwritten rules actually provide pretty strict control over what looks to be uncontrolled. The refs always step in and end the fight when one of the players falls to the ice. At that point, the fight is over. read more

(Fighting is not allowed in European hockey, international competitions like the Olympics, nor in North American amateur hockey.) It’s simply part of the game - when a fight begins, the referees make sure that the other players stay away, but they won’t directly try to break up the fight at first. read more

Nowadays, fighting is still around, but much less than before because referees are a lot more strict in enforcing penalties. Nonetheless, it is still allowed. Nowadays, perhaps, also for entertainment purposes. read more

Referees do not allow players to fight in a hockey game. The perpetrators are punished with a penalty of 5 minutes. I think your question is why are the penalties not more severe in Hockey than in other sports. Actually they are more severe as far as the game is concerned. read more