FROM GOOD TO GREAT

1 – Respect
re-spect \ri-spekt\:  Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines respect as having “high or special regard”.  As an Ice Hockey official, we reference the rule book as a tool when faced with situations.  In this example, the dictionary is another reference tool when dealing with coaches, players and fellow officials.
Treat coaches and players in a courteous way – with “high and special regard”. If they ask you a reasonable question, answer them in a polite manner. If they get in your ear by saying, "Hey ref I want to ask you something," and then start telling you off, respectfully interrupt and remind them of the reason for the discussion. Be firm, but relaxed.
Always show respect to your fellow officials. Never openly criticize another official especially to players, coaches and/or other officials.  If you want to discuss an official’s call or rule application, do so privately, away from others and directly to your fellow official, never behind their back. 
Remember, have a “high and special regard” towards coaches, players and fellow officials in order to develop meaningful relationships on AND off the ice.  You will not only show that you have respect for others but you will also earn it from them as well.


2 – Proactive Officiating
In the world of officiating, one of the best habits to get into is “proactive officiating”.
Being proactive while you officiate is representing yourself in a way that produces and encourages fairness and demonstrates involvement that is constructive and of educational benefit for all participants no matter what the skill level.  Initiating change rather than reacting to events is the key to successful proactive officiating.

How to become a more proactive official:

1. Know the situation – focus on recalling the situation.  What happened?  Who did it?  What was the outcome of the behavior?  Pretend you are a game announcer in your own mind.  Speak to yourself in your mind about what is going on in front of you (i.e. “red 33 has the puck, white 13 is coming up behind him, red 33 gets checked from behind” – throw your arm up!).
2. Anticipate the question from the coach and know the answer in your mind before you speak.  Take the time to speak to your partner if needed.  Use “book language” when answering.
3. Be concise.

3 – Preventative Officiating
A problem prevented is a problem solved. Talk to the players early about crease violations, use of the stick, etc.  Preventative officiating is not limited to verbiage. If necessary, penalize “marginal” cross checking early – don’t let things “slide” just because it wasn’t “that bad”.  Remember:  Standard of Play!  Setting the tone early in a game will help prevent a complete collapse later in the game.
Keep in mind, however, that there are limits. The amount of preventive officiating used can destroy as well as enhance the tempo of a game. This is the nebulous part of officiating. Each official must develop the ability to discern when he should prevent and when he should simply make the call. This ability to discriminate is one of the things that separates the great officials from the average ones.


4 – Using your voice
All officials in all sports exercise verbal skills.  Your voice can be a positive tool that helps you control a game. Appropriate and timely communication is paramount to game control.
Questions may or may not need to be answered.  Statements require no answer.  Realize that often players or coaches are simply venting their frustrations when confronting you.  Being “worked” by players or coaches is as much a part of officiating as making judgment calls.  To a point, let them talk, but don’t let them influence you by intimidation.  Under no circumstances should you fire back at a player or coach… silence can NOT be misquoted.


5 – Sign Language
As an official, a crisp signal and a strong whistle is our language.  This is how we communicate to others, including our partner.  The height of the bar in this domain is established by the referee through his decisions and outcomes in the context of the game. Soft calls can impact on the game, create player tension and bring unwanted attention to the referee for all the wrong reasons.  It can also impair your communication with your partner. 
Your signals and your whistle should be an extension of YOU.  Your whistle is how you grab everyone’s attention – even your partners’ attention!  Your whistle is how you communicate that you want to say something.  A crisp, not rushed, and accurate signal is the key to telling everyone WHAT you want to say.  This is our sign language, make sure you know how to speak it!