Final answer:
Actions such as throwing a punch, removing an opponent's helmet, and being the first to intervene in an altercation violate the fighting rule in sports.
Step-by-step explanation:
The actions in the question fall under the fighting rule in sports like hockey or football, where officials have wide latitude in assessing penalties. These actions include throwing a punch to instigate an altercation, removing the opponent's helmet, and being the first to intervene in an altercation already in progress. None of the above actions are permitted in these sports and can result in penalties or ejection from the game.