Referee-in-Chief Eddie™
Who this lesson helps: Association leaders gathering official feedback.
Referee listening should happen while there is still an opportunity to improve the experience. An exit conversation can be useful, but it arrives too late for some officials. Regular, specific questions help leadership learn sooner.
A Situation You May Recognize
A referee quietly stops accepting games. Leadership calls only when another scheduling shortage appears. That conversation may feel like a request for labor rather than interest in the official’s experience.
Referee listening: Practical Steps
Ask about assignment fit, mentoring, administration, workload, and rink behavior during the season. Offer a confidential process consistent with reporting duties. Explain who reviews responses and how practical concerns are followed up.
Avoid This Common Trap
Do not treat low complaint volume as proof of satisfaction. Officials may fear consequences or expect nothing to change. Avoid asking for feedback without a realistic plan to acknowledge it and respond.
Your Next Development Step
Ask one focused question this month and share an aggregate finding next month. State the action taken or explain why a requested change cannot be made. Visible follow-through makes future feedback more credible.
A Short Video Script for Eddie
Proposed spoken script for this lesson; the matching video has not yet been recorded.
Ask officials how the season is going before they disappear from the schedule. Listen to specific concerns and follow up. People are more likely to speak when they can see that someone responds.
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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