OFFICIALS AND THE STANDARD OF PLAY
THE STANDARD OF PLAY - IT'S YOUR CALL!
One of the best ways to understand what the official looks for when making the call is to look closely at
certain cues within the player’s actions. Often penalties are called as a result of an initial action a
player takes that results in an infraction. You could say that the initial action allows the official to
anticipate the infractions because in most cases it is inevitable.
Take our quiz and see how you fair when presented with the cues an official has to work with when deciding
whether or not an infraction has occurred.
1. A player angles their opponent and performs a stick lift on the lower portion of the shaft and takes the
puck – what is the call?
a. no penalty
b. minor penalty – hooking
c. minor or major penalty + game misconduct
2. A player pokes the hands of his opponent which causes the player to lose possession and control of the
puck – what is the call?
a. minor penalty
b. no penalty
c. misconduct penalty
3. In front of the net a defensive player may use his arms or stick to push an opponent while maintaining
‘defensive side positioning’.
True or False?
4. A player while ‘pinning’ an opponent against the wall may use their forearm to pin the player while in a
battle for the puck.
True or False?
5. The new standard of play initiative requires an official to determine ‘consequence’ versus ‘act’ in order
to assess a penalty?
True or False?
Answers:
1. no penalty, a stick lift is a legal checking technique if performed properly
2. a minor penalty is to be assessed as the intent of the player is not to play the puck if he is poking at
the hands of his opponent
3. true, net-front battles allow for positioning and defensive-side positioning
4. true, a penalty would be assessed if the player uses a free arm to hold the opponent or holds the opponent
once the puck has gone
5. true – officials are asked to determine if a ‘consequence’ has occurred, such as loss of balance or loss
of puck control as a result of a hook or hold
THE ROLE OF AN OFFICIAL
• apply the rules of the game as fairly and as accurately as possible at all times
• uphold the philosophy and the rights of all hockey participants to fair play and penalize accordingly all
violent acts
• raise the standard of play in each game they officiate
• do the best job they can in each game, no matter what the level of hockey
We ask players to work hard and try their best … the same holds true for the official.
APPLY THE STANDARD
To many officials applying the standard is the toughest task. An official must be able to see the infraction
and call it. It takes concentration and a clear understanding of the new standard to be able to react
accordingly.
Call it what it is – if a foul has been committed, like a hold, a hook, a cross-check or a rough, then it is
important to avoid the generic interference call and identify the foul for what it really is.
BE A COMMUNICATOR
An official must be able to communicate with players and coaches. The role of an official is to be a part of
the game. The ability to assist all participants in understanding the rules will make the job easier if
everyone is on the same page.
STAY ON TOP OF THE RULES AND NEW STANDARD
Officials are encouraged to review the Standard of Play DVD and continue to learn the playing rules. |
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For more information:
Derek Descoteau Manager, Coaching | Responsable, entraîneurs
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