Eyes On the Game
The Importance of Positioning
Hockey is the fastest game in the world!
Many things are happening from whistle to whistle as players attempt to bury the puck in the net and obtain the glory of victory each game.
This means that there are many things that, as officials, we need to pay attention to to ensure the game is being played competitively and safely.
The key to ensuring we can accomplish this daunting task is by making sure we always have our eyes on the play.
I am going to be honest with you here:
We won’t always have full visibility, but positioning ourselves to collaborate with our teammates can increase our chances of success.
One of the most fundamental aspects of your positioning is your footwork.
You must be able to get into the areas with the best sight lines in the rink, but more importantly, you must be able to get out of those areas and out of the way of the play quickly. You don’t want to put yourself in a position where you are affecting the flow of the game or interrupting an all-important offensive or defensive opportunity. We will talk about where you need to be and not be shortly, but getting there as quickly as possible is a must! You may consider some power skating classes if skating and edge work is not your strong suit.
When covering the offensive zone, there are a few things to remember.
First, use the face-off circle as your guide until you know where you are by feeling it. Do not break inside the circle; follow the circle lines on the boards nearest you.
Try to stay off the boards by six inches to a foot as you move back and forth to give players the option of going around you either in front or behind and using the boards as they are clearing the puck if needed.
Stay vocal and tell players where you are by saying “behind” or “front” as they approach you. This will help them avoid collisions with you and also give them more time to make a play.
Another thing to remember is always to keep your head up and scan the ice for potential infractions or dangerous situations.
You should always know where the puck is and where it might go next. Anticipate the play and adjust your position accordingly.
It would be best to watch the players away from the puck, especially near the net or in front of the benches. Sometimes, tempers can flare up, leading to altercations that need your intervention. Don’t let yourself get tunnel vision and miss something important.
Finally, don’t be afraid to use your whistle when necessary.
You are there to enforce the rules and ensure a fair and safe game for everyone involved. If you see a clear violation or a potential injury, blow your whistle loud and clear and signal what you saw.
Don’t hesitate or second-guess yourself; trust your instincts and judgement.
You may not always be popular with everyone, but you will earn respect for consistency and professionalism.
Check us out on Facebok Refcoach Calmar
