What should I know? I want to become a referee.
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
By David Baker
NHL Technical Manager, Officiating
Ten steps to getting started.
- DESIRE, DETERMINATION, HARD WORK
You first need the desire to become a good referee. As with an athlete, this takes a lot of determination and hard work. Learning the rules, procedures, and positioning and maintaining excellent physical fitness are all very important aspects of becoming a good official.
- ATTEND A CLINIC IN YOUR AREA
Both the Canadian Hockey Officiating Program and the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program consist of a variety of levels. Contact your local minor or youth hockey association to find out when a Level I beginners’ clinic will be conducted in your area.
- DON’T BE SHY ABOUT ASKING QUESTIONS
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to leave the clinic with unanswered questions. There are no dumb questions, just questions that go unasked.
- CONTINUE TO LEARN
Once you have attended the clinic, your education has just begun. Continue to read and re-read the rule book. Learn from experienced officials. Go watch officials work. Learn from your partners on the ice. Ask questions. Seek out supervisors. Find a mentor. The more you commit yourself to being the best official you can be, the better chance you have of accomplishing that goal.
- IGNORE THE NOISE
Many people still don’t understand that it is unacceptable behavior to yell at an official. It happens. What should you do? Do your best to ignore it. Never shout back. Never use profanity. Treat disrespect with respect. When coaches or players direct abuse at you or others, penalize them according to the rules.
- DON’T BURN YOURSELF OUT
Never accept more than four games in a day. And try to limit consecutive games to two. If you graduate to working junior or college hockey, never officiate at more than one game a day. If you are tired, your mental capabilities will be affected, too, and you won’t be able to give your best. The players deserve your best.
- REMEMBER YOUR ROLE
Your job is to provide a safe and fair environment for the player to play the game. Remember, nobody is coming to the rink to see you. You must ensure you apply the appropriate rules to keep the game in control and safe for all participants.
- BE MODEST
Ignore the abuse, but say “thank you” when someone compliments you for a job well done. Listen to your supervisor and display a positive attitude toward the advice offered. The supervisor’s role is to help you become the best official you can be. Use the information to improve yourself.
- ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE
Approach officiating as you would any other activity in your life, with a positive attitude. Officials who display a bad attitude, who are unwilling to listen to constructive criticism, who make derogatory comments about the performance of other officials won’t last long. Displaying the right attitude is one of the most important qualities an official can have.
- OFFICIATE FOR THE RIGHT REASONS
Yes, you will get paid for officiating. You get paid because it is a difficult job. But you won’t be paid a lot of money. Don’t do it for the money. Do it for all the good things officiating can offer you – staying involved with the greatest game on earth, making new and lasting friendships, staying in shape, having fun. If you don't enjoy officiating, it isn’t for you. If you do enjoy it, work as hard as you can to be the best model possible for your national officiating program.
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