7 – REFEREE-IN-CHIEF™ – EDDIE – 5 Smart Ways to Check In After a Difficult Game | Referee-in-Chief Eddie™

Referee-in-Chief Eddie™ · 

Who this lesson helps: Referees-in-Chief supporting officials after a difficult game.

Referee support after a difficult game should address both development and wellbeing. An official may need a rule explanation, help with incident reporting, or support after unacceptable conduct. Assuming all three are the same can leave the real issue unresolved.

A Situation You May Recognize

A young official describes being threatened and is immediately given positioning advice. The advice may be relevant later, but it does not address the reported conduct. First establish safety and the proper reporting response.

Referee support: Practical Steps

Ask what happened and whether immediate support is needed. Help the official follow the authorized process for misconduct or safety concerns. Arrange a separate development discussion when they are ready to review performance.

Avoid This Common Trap

Do not promise confidentiality beyond what reporting obligations permit. Nor should you imply that being better at officiating would justify threats less. Performance feedback and prohibited conduct require distinct consideration.

Your Next Development Step

Schedule a follow-up rather than assuming the conversation solved everything. Confirm the official knows the next assignment plan, support contact, and status information you are allowed to share.

A Short Video Script for Eddie

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

After a hard game, ask what support is needed. Address safety and reporting first when they apply. Review performance separately. A useful check-in shows the official they have somewhere to turn.

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.

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