Things Are Heating Up!
Hockey can be a fast-paced game.
As players move around the ice looking to outscore their opponents, things can get heated rather quickly.
Add somebody is checking into the mix; the game’s temperature can boil over at any time.
So, what do we do as officials when players lose their love for each other? Here are some tips for referees and linespeople to keep the game under control. (Notice I say try?)
1. Stay calm
A physical altercation involving a few players or multiple groups can suddenly occur during a game. You need to stay calm and follow your procedures.
Regardless of how many players are involved, the most important thing is to remain calm. If you are a linesperson, start by communicating with your partner and develop a plan of action jointly.
If you are the referee, take a step back and get a better view of the events unfolding before deciding.
2. Keep the offenders and penalties straight
As the referee in these situations, it is crucial to keep track of all the potential penalties and the parties responsible for them.
It is essential to make sure that appropriate penalties are imposed once an issue is resolved. The best way to accomplish this is to keep a notepad and pen on hand, often called a “riot pad.”
Use the pad to note the number of players involved in each team and their penalties so you can accurately and efficiently report them to the timekeepers.
It’s also essential to communicate with your linespeople, who can provide valuable feedback on what they saw or dealt with while breaking things up.
Finally, determine who started the altercation; this information is essential when making calls.
As the referee in these situations, it is crucial to keep track of all the potential penalties and the parties responsible for them and report accurately on the score sheet.
These procedures help to ensure that the appropriate penalties are imposed and that the teams will restart the game once the issue is resolved.
3. Keep your safety as the number one priority
When a situation escalates to the point where intervention is necessary to break things up, we must prioritize the safety of ourselves and our team.
Parents and coaches may sometimes question why we didn’t intervene earlier, but it’s important to remember this rule.
To handle the situation effectively, it is crucial to communicate with your partner and agree on which player to approach. Make sure to confirm each other’s plan before taking action.
Wait for the right opportunity, then go together to defuse the situation.
*Remember your team and the number you handled
“Remember never to go into the altercation alone. Wait for your partner.”
4. Penalties first and then explanations
After the action has ceased, it is essential to let all players on their way to the penalty box know their fate.
Once that has happened, it is a good idea to convene as a team in the referee’s crease.
Coaches will want to know what the outcome is, and they will want to know right now.
Remember two important things here:
First, you are not required to explain the situation to them.
They will quickly see this once the penalties go up on the score clock, and you are not required to talk to them.
Please remember the following information.
It’s essential to note that in case of a dispute during a game, you may discuss the situation with the team captain or alternate captain.
Please remember that other players’ recollections of the events are irrelevant. You should only call what you saw from your perspective during the incident, which was reflected on the score clock. This is the end of the story.
They may disagree with you but will eventually get over it, and the game will resume as usual.
In summary, the game we love is full of emotion, making it very exciting.
This emotion can sometimes boil over, leading to nasty situations.
These tips help you out there when the temperature heats up.
Until next time, build your confidence and competence with some great tips at www.refcoach.ca, and stay safe out there!
Adam White
