7 – REFEREE-IN-CHIEF – EDDIE™ – 5 Positive Ways to Give Referees Useful Evaluations

Referee-in-Chief Eddie™ · 

Who this lesson helps: Supervisors evaluating developing officials.

Referee evaluations should explain the observed behavior, its effect, and how to improve. A score without usable feedback can leave the official unsure how to improve. Clear examples make an assessment more defensible and more educational.

A Situation You May Recognize

An official receives a low communication rating but no example. They respond by talking more, which makes exchanges longer. The supervisor wanted shorter, more accurate explanations; the evaluation didn’t communicate that.

Referee evaluations: Practical Steps

Use the program’s assessment criteria. Describe a specific moment, explain why it mattered, and agree on a practice task. Record strengths and gaps separately so improvement does not erase what the official already does well.

Avoid This Common Trap

Avoid rating based primarily on whether benches complained. Silence can coexist with poor decisions, and correct ones can be followed by noise. Do not let friendship, reputation, or one dramatic moment replace the evaluation criteria.

Your Next Development Step

At the next observation, revisit the agreed task. Document whether the behavior changed. If it did not, discuss whether the instruction, practice opportunity, or assignment level needs adjustment.

A Short Video Script for Eddie

Proposed spoken script for this lesson; the matching video has not yet been recorded.

An evaluation should tell an official what to improve and how. Use specific examples, apply the same criteria, and revisit the lesson. A number matters most when it points to better performance.

Use the Right Rules for Your Assignment

This is original development guidance from The Hockey Resource™. Confirm requirements with your Referee-in-Chief or assignor. Game rules, certification, reporting, and permitted procedures depend on the governing body and competition; the age of an official is separate from the age division of the Players.

For Canadian assignments, use the Hockey Canada officiating resources and your Member’s instructions. For USA Hockey assignments, consult the official rules and casebook. These resources support verification; THR lessons do not replace required training.

Continue with Eddie’s advice for new Hockey referees. Bring one question from this lesson to a qualified mentor and agree on one action for your next assignment.

DISAGREE WITH THE CALL. RESPECT THE PERSON.

The Hockey Resource™ · WE MAKE BETTER HOCKEY PEOPLE.™