The Linesperson Role
Getting the call to officiate a game as a Linesperson after you refereed a game (or multiple, as in my case) can feel like a much-needed reprieve from the seemingly daunting task of making tough calls and dealing with coaches and players.
Someone else gets to deal with all that for once!
This makes it easy to forget that all officials on the ice are a team.
I have encountered several incidents during a game, such as behind the play while moving up the ice or out of view during a close play at the net. In such situations,
I would request assistance from the linesperson, but I often received vague responses such as.” I’m not sure about that” or “I didn’t quite see it.”
It is important to remember that when we step on the ice as officials, we are a team out there, and as a linesperson, there is more to be aware of than offsides and icings.
Here are things that linespersons are responsible for that you may not realize:
1. Too Many Players On The Ice
While you cannot call this penalty, you can stop the play and alert the Referee when the offending team touches the puck. Remember that only when the player comes or exits the bench intentionally plays the puck or physically contacts another player before the change is complete.
It does not count as a call if the puck strikes someone accidentally.
2. Double Minor Penalties
You will not be making the call, but at the next stoppage, after you witness an infraction, you need to report it to the Referee, and they can make the call.
Ensure it meets the double minor penalty category and you have a number for the offending player.
3. Scrums At The Net or After Whistles
If you have been officiating hockey for a while or have watched hockey, you know that players like to dust it up after the whistle at the net.
Players often try to justify these actions as “protecting their goaltender,” which is often debatable. Regardless, it is your job to break this nastiness up to let cooler heads prevail.
This also allows the Referee to monitor things and look for potential penalties.
Remember to communicate with your partner and only go into a situation when you are both ready and safe. Remember the number of the player you were with. It will help the Referee.
- Your Insight On Tight Plays At The Goal
When the play is tight on the net, there can be a lot going on as the offensive team digs in to try to score and the defensive team searches to avoid it.
Keep an eye on the goal to look for possible infractions if the net is dislodged, even if the puck crosses the line.
The Referee may not have the best angle of view sometimes, especially on the far side of the net. Your view can be critical and can help the Referee.
Your view could make a big difference if there is a dispute.
5. Major Penalties
Knowing what constitutes a significant penalty is essential, even if you are not making the call.
Review the list regularly.
You can report the infraction to the Referee during the next stoppage in play.
You need to provide the Team player number and the infraction you witnessed. This way, the Referee can make the call on your behalf.
Remember to ensure you have a number for the offending player.
This is very important in this scenario, as all major penalties come with a game misconduct and a review from the league.
Your role as part of the team is crucial.
As a linesperson, you are responsible for calling icings and offsides and observing everything on the ice along with the above notes
You need to work with the referees to ensure the game is fair and safe for everyone.
You are a crucial member of the officiating team, and your role is not easy.
I hope this gives you some insight into what it means to be a linesman and how you can contribute to the game.
Here is an excellent resource for learning about the positioning of a linesperson
Positioning of Linesman
