Page 1 of 19

Preface Training and Education

ection One Registering as an official with Tri-town ection Two Registering as a USA Hockey Official

hre m

cheduling Software ies

SSSection T e On-Line Training PrograSection Four Observation Period Section Five Shadowing Program Section Six Mentoring Program Section Seven Game Assignments and SSection Eight Referee ResponsibilitSection Nine No Show to Assignments Section Ten Cancellation of Games Section Eleven Payment and Invoicing

Page 2 of 19

PREFACE – TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

his referee manual has been developed with Tri-town Ice Arena officials in ind. It is designed to provide guidance and answer some of our most

ommonly asked questions. This is our second edition and many hours have

eriously committed to the development of new and younger officials and do our

lop within the boarders of the game, e too, take on the same challenges with new and younger officials with the

g a multi-faceted training approach. Currently, we utilize the following

ulti-step process to achieve our training goals:

on of new referees. • On-line level one and level two training/development programs • Observation period for new referees to observe a game with a seasoned

fficials t

• ckey evaluation process to identify strengths and weakness of

• and guidance for officials to move to upper levels of officiating

Of cou cipants and their nthusiasm for the game and officiating. Our program can not guarantee the uccess of new and younger officials, but it can enhance their opportunities.

Tmcbeen spent to update and re-organize the content that was in the first edition. Perhaps one of the most comprehensive additions to this manual is our trainingand development program area and components. Tri-Town Ice Arena is spart to help USA hockey reach for their mission of developing and expanding thesport of hockey across the United States. Much like our youth hockey teams take on the responsibility of training and educating young persons to grow and devewhope and desire to help each of them reach for higher levels to work and officiate. Our educational program has spent the last five (5) years researching anddevelopinm

• On-line educational center for the orientati

official • Shadow program to put new referees on the ice with seasoned o• Mentoring program to pair up new/young officials to allow for developmen

USA Hoofficials

• Follow-up with USA Hockey State Evaluator Supervisor to identify young officials who are ready to go to the next step Directionsuch as High School, Jr Hockey, or college level games.

rse this development program is only as good as the parties

Page 3 of 19

SECTION ONE – REGISTERING AS AN OFFICIAL WITH TRI-TOWN

ll persons who are interested in working as a referee with Tri-town Ice Arena ust provide their “information” to the Referee in Chief and the Arena dministration before working assignments.

• Address • Contact Numbers • Social Security Number – a must for invoicing

dress ent information as requested or required by registration

ation On t n the individual egin working assignments at Tri-town.

ll officials are responsible to choose a jersey number for the back of their the

r identification while doing games for oth positive feedback and in times of possible improvement and suggestions.

ri-town does not practice nor participate in any forms of discrimination when

f the arena.

Ama This information shall include:

• Name

• e-mail ad• other pertin

software • Completion of a W-9 form with Arena administr

ce he above information has been provided, only then cab Asweaters and should purchase the number as soon as possible and affix it tobackside of their jersey. This will allow fob It is the responsibility of the individual referee to keep the above information current and up to date for invoicing purposes. Tmaking assignments of games to officials. All officials are considered to be independent contractors and not “employees” o

Page 4 of 19

SECTION TWO – REGISTERING AS A USA HOCKEY OFFICIAL

ri-town Ice Arena has two classifications of games that are playoth USA Hockey sanctioned and non-USA Hockey sanctioned games. For all SA Hockey sanctioned games, only those referees that are currently registered

with USA Hockey may work these games.

s be USA Hockey registered. The feree-in-chief shall have the final decision on officials working these games.

T ed at the arena. BU

For all non-USA Hockey sanctioned games, it shall be the discretion of the referee-in-chief as to who will be permitted to work these games. It is not mandatory that officials working these gamere In order to register as a USA Hockey official, individuals must

1. Go to www.usahockey.com and click on the “officials” link. 2. Click on the registration link and register on-line with USA Hockey as well

3. Complete the on-line open book exam when instructed to do so. round the

website and looking under NH which will be

Once al will recthis tim d games as USA Hockey referee.

e

as pay the registration fee.

4. Complete an official USA Hockey training seminar (5 held aState of NH) individuals can find the locations and dates by clicking on the “districts” section of the found under the “New England” district.

all of the above requirements have been met and completed, the individueive a “crest” in the mail for a validation period of one year. It is during e that the individual may work sanctione

In order to work games at Tri-town, the individual must also attend the annual training and orientation seminar that is held at the end of the summer just beforthe regular games season begins.

Page 5 of 19

SECTION THREE – ON-LINE TRAINING PROGRAM

fficials need additional training from what is received at their USA Hockey eminar.

by e-in-chief each season.

Tri-town recognizes that ll of our officials need continuing education and new os Therefore, we have developed an on-line training website that all new and returning officials must visit and complete the required training as prescribedthe refere The website is constructed into several sections.

First Section – Orientation section. This section introduces new officials to officiating games at Tri-town and the expectations that are

our facility.

em for Tri-town games.

This

fficiating both High School and Jr. Hockey level games.

be eir skill

placed upon them from the arena. Second Section – Level One. This section reviews over the basic mechanics of level one referees and how Tri-town expects them to be completed when working games at Third Section – Level Two. This section reviews over the points of emphasis for USA Hockey games and shows several penalty situationsand the expectations of officials when calling th Fourth Section – Introduction to High School and Jr Officiating. section is designed to introduce those officials who are interested in officiating higher levels of hockey to the basics and mechanics of o Fifth Section – Continuing Education. This section is designed to used by all returning and selected officials to improve and better thsets as referees while officiating games for Tri-town.

Page 6 of 19

Once new officials have completed the FIRST, and SECOND sections (if new fficials), and THIRD section if level two or higher officials (who are new to Tri-wn), they may be eligible to work games.

n-

oto All BRAND new level one USA Hockey officials must then contact the referee-ichief to schedule an observation of a game or two before they are allowed to continue with the development program.

Page 7 of 19

Page 8 of 19

SECTION FOUR – OBSERVATION PERIOD

n opportunity to observe a game in progress with a senior official from the tands area and to discuss their mechanics, positioning, calls, communication ith players, coaches, and other officials, as well as their overall game

e

he observation period will be no less than one game, but can be two or more

vation period to ensure consistency from ew referee to referee.

This step of the development program is designed to allow new level one officials aswmanagement technique. This is an opportunity for new officials to ask questions and truly watch the gamfrom the standpoint of a referee and not a player or a spectator. Tdepending on the individual referee’s comfort zone and willingness to move on to the next development program step. The senior officials that may sit and complete the observation time with new officials must be selected by the referee-in-chief and educated on the specific intentions and objectives of the obsern

SECTION FIVE – SHADOW PROGRAM

vel one officials or those who are less experienced, a chance to get on the ice nd officiate games with a more experienced “shadow” or official skating along eside them.

lls under the supervision and direction of the more experienced hadow.

ill depend on their comfort level, confidence, and the recommendation f the shadow(s) that are working with him/her.

key in general, and be an active orking official at the arena. They must also posses a strong willingness to work

hey shall ensure that the rest of their attire meets or exceeds the standards for e

ss the basics of skating, positioning, ommunication, and making the basic calls of off-sides, icing, marking face off

ey are

URING GAME- The shadow shall go to both team coaches and introduce

and that he/she is only their

The Shadow program at Tri-town is designed to provide opportunities for new leab The objective of this program is to give these officials the chance to work on theirpositioning during an actual game situation and practice making off sides, icing, and penalty cas These individuals are solely working on the “basics” of officiating and their mechanics and the length of time that a new referee is involved in the shadow program wo In order to be a shadow and participate in the program, a referee must have noless than three years experience, be a level three official with USA hockey, be in good standing with the arena and with USA Hocwwith newer and/or younger officials and to share their knowledge of officiating with the same. Shadows will wear all black on the ice surface during games and when working with the newer officials. They shall not wear their referee sweater. Treferees as set fourth in this manual and handbook and must set a good examplat all times both on and off the ice. PRE-GAME – Shadows shall meet with the newer official in the locker room and review over what is to be expected and accomplished during the course of the upcoming game. They should discuclocations, and conducting proper face offs. They should also go over the new referee’s uniform and make sure that thcomplete before heading out onto the ice surface. Dthemselves and explain their presence on the ice during the game and that the referees for the game will be in charge of the game

Page 9 of 19

to provide guidance and support for the new official. Shadows are instructed to

n eriod.

oom at

Any suggestions for improvement should be ade here and the new official should be left with a few things that he or she can

or the

OGRAM

1. Encourage proper positioning on the blue lines and goal lines 2. Encourage proper skating techniques both forward and backward with minimal

ayer” style skating. line to line and not coasting in the neutral zone.

e of sight” in order

of play. for

The hadows and new officials alike

see what is to be accomplished by the utilization of this program. As reviously stated, the amount of time that someone spends in a shadow program ill depend on the individual and the recommendation of the shadow as to that

t game

make a penalty call if it is obvious and failure to make the call would alter thegame or overall management of the game. Otherwise, the shadow should encourage the referees to call the game and make the penalty calls as they would in any other game. The shadow shall meet with the official in between periods to discuss the positives of the work performed and any suggestions for improvement that cabe worked on in the next p POST GAME – The shadow shall meet with the new official in the locker rthe end of the game to review over the performance and to give positive reinforcement for a job well done.mwork on for the next time. This should be done with only the two officials that were assigned to the game with all others excluded from the conversationreferee room when possible. Ii is suggested to use a separate room when thereare others within earshot. OBJECTIVES OF THE PR

use of cross-overs or “hockey pl3. Encouragement of hustling from4. Encourage the proper positioning on the ice to increase the “lin

to make better calls 5. Explain the concept of game management 6. Encourage awareness of the player’s positions and that of his/her partner’s

position on the ice. 7. Encourage the proper way to conduct a fair and equal face off and face off

locations according to the type of stoppage 8. Encourage the idea of what are and are not penalties and the proper signals

those calls. 9. Encourage the proper way to asses a penalty

above list should be used as a guideline for stopwperson’s progress. A shadow should not be utilized in game levels higher than a travel squirwhenever possible.

Page 10 of 19

SECTION SIX – MENTORING PROGRAM

fficiating games on their own with another competent partner. Once new ferees have completed the shadow program and feel comfortable with doin

ames without the shadow, they will be placed with a more “senior” official to do mite or squirt level game.

s of

referee to “work” the game and call the game the ay they see fit. This “senior” official will offer suggestions and serve as a

ntil the new referee feels omfortable doing games with very little, if any, outside direction. At this point

not

ames that

The mentoring program is designed to bring new referees to the next step to ore g ga The more senior official shall be one who has had no less than two (2) yearexperience and is at a minimum a USA Hockey level 2 certified officials. The mentor will allow the newwperson that the new referee can ask questions of during the game, in between periods, and at the conclusion of the game. The “senior” official should serve as a resource to the new referee and be prepared to be supportive. The new referee will be assigned a mentor ucthey should be able to work and manage a game in the “driver’s seat” and from the “passenger’s seat”. Feedback will also solicited from the mentors at the conclusion of the gthey do with new referees to see what their opinions are.

Page 11 of 19

SECTION SEVEN - ASSIGNMENTS AND SCHEDULING SOFTWARE

n the “database” section of the yahoo referee group.

o view available games, referees should log into the yahoo group with their roup.

his will bring referees to a list of posted games by date set. Select the date set nd

order for referees to put their name in for games they are available for, they

of names in the box. These will be ther referees who have put their names in for the same game. Once the end of

he Referee in chief will make the assignments per game from the list of he

he game assignments have been posted. Referees simply g into the same area and click on the date set to view the assignments. It is

me

gher nd may not (for example) be a level one referee if the game requires a level two

Available games are posted for referees at the beginning of each week. Normally, this will occur by Monday or Tuesday. All available games are posted o Tusername and password. Then click on “Groups” Select the TritownRIC gOnce at the main page, select “database” from the left hand side navigation bar. Tthat corresponds to the current week and all games will appear with an “edit” a“Delete” button to the right side of each. Inshould click on the “edit” button. This will open the game in an expanded field format. By scrolling to the bottom of the expanded fields, referees can select the “ref1” box and scroll to the end of the list othe list has been reached, a “,” can be put at the end of the names, and the referee can place his/her name next in line. Once these steps have been repeated for each games that the referee is available for, they can log out. The information will be forwarded to the referee in chief for scheduling. Tavailable names on each game. Then the games will be re-posted under tsame file name in the same “database” area. An e-mail will be sent to all referees stating that tloimportant to note that the “edit” button will have been removed and the gaassignments can no longer be edited by referees, only the referee in chief. If referees have been assigned to a game that they can no longer due, they must send an e-mail to the referee in chief ASAP and will be expected to post the game opening on the yahoo group themselves. They must find their own coverage. The coverage MUST be someone of the same referee level or hiareferee or higher. Once a new official has been chosen, notification will be sent to the Referee in chief so that the corrections can be made to the schedule.

Page 12 of 19

SECTION EIGHT – REFEREE RESPONSIBILITIES Game Responsibilities

1. Once assigned a game(s) referees should arrive approximaminutes early before the game is scheduled to commence.

2. Report to the main office and sign your initials next tame on the referee sign in log. This will help clarify that

you were there and did the game you were assigned should it come into

3. cuss any

4.

tely thirty (30)

he game(s) that are listed under your n

question on another date. Report to the referee room and speak with your partner. Disgame strategies that need to be covered for the upcoming game. Once on the ice, take the game sheet and count the number of players on each team. Ensure that the number of eligible players matches the number on the game sheet. Have the coaches make any corrections as

5. Confirm

Game

needed before the game commences. Check that the nets are ready for play and insert pins as needed. that the doors to the rink are closed tight.

Misconducts or Match penalties

1. layer has been recorded on the game sheet.

2. Make sure that the timekeepers have recorded the proper penalties and

3. Ensure that one of the officials for the game records down the reasons or

als read over the information and verify that it is correct to

4. LD copy of the official game sheet and deliver it to the front

Ensure that the name and number of the p

information.

actions that resulted in the game misconduct or match penalty. Make sure that both officithe best of their knowledge. Take the GOoffice. Make sure that the front office attendant places the gold copy in the referee-in-chiefs mailbox so that it may be reviewed quickly for administrative suspension purposes. Use the attached INCIDENT 5. REPORT template to complete an accurate

6. ay call the referee-in-chief via

and thorough account of the incident from start to finish. This report should be as detailed as possible. Once finished, it should be saved to your computer and a copy sent to the referee-in-chief via e-mail. If you feel as though it is necessary, you mcell phone.

Page 13 of 19

ame managementG

1. Referees are expected to keep the game moving and under control. In order to do that there are certain things that referees can project that will

rees should skate with a purpose. There is truth to the saying “you never know who is in the stands watching you.” This also

r

nd

st

4. essing a penalty, hold your arm straight up against your helmet.

rest of the players while you head to the

5.

help with this. 2. HUSTLE. Refe

gives the spectators, players, and coaches the impression that you are into the game that you are ref’ing and you care enough to be in the propeposition.

3. Use crisp signals and use your voice. Yell “icing” and “good” for icing aoffsides situations. A strong authoritative voice that everyone can hear says that your head is in the game and you are sure about the call you jumade. It helps to “sell” the call. When assWhen you blow the whistle and stop play. Keep your arm up and stand still!! Give everyone a chance to focus on you and what you are about tocall. Count to two; at least, and then assess the penalty. After, skate backward keeping an eye on thebox to make the official assessment to the timekeeper. COMMUNICATE with the players and the coaches. This is very important. Be willing to talk with the coaches especially in the lower level games where a younger player is not as experienced in asking questioor clarifications of the referee. Be willing to work with and speak with the coach without letting it get out of control. As soon as the

ns

conversation

6.

7. e who doesn’t hustle and who looks like

k is

Refere

becomes heated, skate away. Don’t let the coach continue to talk your ear off. Remember our catch phrase: “COACH I HAVE HEARD ENOUGH!” If the coach persists are this, utilize the rulebook to assess whichever penalties are necessary. Be friendly and look like you want to be there. No body wants to see a referee who is not into the gamthey don’t want to be there. This game is about the players and the rinpaying YOU good money to be there!! So earn your money and make usall look good out there.

e Room

The referee room is for t

1. he use of our officials and should be kept neat and clean. This is the responsibility of all of our officials.

up your trash and if the receptacle needs to be emptied, let in the front office know so that it can be taken care of.

2. Please picksome one

Page 14 of 19

3. The game schedules for the weekends will be posted on the corkboard located in the official’s room. You can verify your games and who your

4. n them

e only and should be returned back to

Gener

partner is off that list if you choose. There are spare/extra referee shirts both with and without bands oin varying sizes. There is also a helmet; some spare laces and other misc. supplies for referees in the event that they forget a piece of equipment. This is for temporary usthe red locker when the official is finished with it. It is there for you to use in a pinch, SO DO NOT TAKE THEM HOME WITH YOU.

al Appearance 1. One thing that the referee-in-chief does NOT like to see is an official who

looks lazy or not excited about the games that they have been assigned the ice. Examples of this would be:

a. Leaning on the boards during stoppages

uring play and

while they are on

b. Sitting on the boards during play c. Having the arms crossed in front of you during stoppages d. Hands in the pockets during stoppages e. Not watching the ice surface and players d

stoppages

2. It is ES while officiating. USA hoc ent with each o

3. Black tape on your whistle as opposed to white. The white gets dirty and

4. head of the play. Show these people that you are serious

Admin

also preferred that you NOT WEAR GLOVkey does not condone this either and we need to stay consist

ther.

makes the whistle look dirty. The black does not show. Stand up right and don’t slouch. Skate fast and make every attempt to stay with or aabout what you do and that you are earning the money that you are being paid.

istrative Duties

1. As a referee you have little to do with the over all administrative functions such as seeing who is and is not currently serving their game suspensions

2. You are there to officiate the game, not to enforce the league

. Otherwise these issues should not be taken up on the ice surface.

etc.

administrative rules. IF you suspect that there is an issue, let the referee-in-chief know and he/she will look into the matter on an administrative level

Page 15 of 19

SECTI

is expected that if you are assigned to a game, you will arrive on time and do e game. If you are unable to show for the game, you MUST contact the rink nd the referee in chief to make notification that you will not be able to do the ame. When possible, you MUST make arrangements for coverage.

n

ames at ri-Town.

ON NINE – NO SHOW TO ASSIGNMENTS

Itthag If you are a no show, no call, you will be required to send e-mail to the referee ichief explaining what occurred and why you were not at the game. Should thiscontinue to happen you might be removed from the officiating list for gT

Page 16 of 19

SECTION TEN – CANCELLATION OF GAMES

the arena, due to a team not showing or scheduling conflict, canceled your ame and it is less than 24 hours in advance, you will be paid for the games that ou were assigned that were canceled. If it is more than 24 hours, you will not e paid.

ent of the officials. These are very far and few between and will be andled on a case-by-case basis.

Ifgyb There may be extenuating circumstances in which a game must be canceled withless than 24 hours notice due to injury or death or weather that may result in thenon-paymh

Page 17 of 19

SECTION ELEVEN – PAYMENT AND INVOICING

ayment of officials will be made at the end of every week (Sundaye available by mid to late afternoon at the rinks main desk and office.

fficials must have previous completed a W-9 form with the main office at the

ll games (except adult league) shall be scheduled with no less than two (2)

ll games. Only as an bsolute last resort should a single referee officiate a game, as USA hockey will

e.

hould games be canceled with 24 hours or l

ommitment to the game that was made in

subject to payment of officials. Cancellations of games that occur for the following reasons shall not provide

ll other cancellations shall adhere to the above guidelines.

P ). Checks will b Orink. No payments can be made without said form. Areferees. If one official is not available, all attempts should be made to find a replacement to maintain the two-referee system for aanot provide insurance coverage for the game, the officials, or the players and coaches for that game.

In the event that only one official is available, that official shall be paid double for the gam

Sless, all scheduled referees for that game shalbe paid their game fees. This is due to the cwhich they were no longer available to take other assignments during that time frame. than 24 hours advance notice, shall not be Cancellations occurring with more

payment to referees as they are considered to be outside of the control of the arena management:

• Power outages due to snow, rain, adverse weather, or motor vehicle accidents that affect the electric input to the arena

A

Page 18 of 19

The following game fees shall be in effect:

Boys Youth Travel Boys House League

Mite $20 Mite $15 Squirt

Squirt

$28 $26

Peewee $36

P/B/M $28

Bantam $40

Midget $45

Women’s Youth Travel

Adult League

U12 $20 Sr Women’s $30

U14

Men’s

$28 $30

U16/19 $36

3 on 3 league

Middle/High School Leagues

Mite $10 Middle $30

Squirt

High

$14 $45

Peewee $18

Bantam $20

Midget $22

Page 19 of 19