7 – REFEREE-IN-CHIEF – EDDIE™ – 5 Smart Ways to Review a Disputed Call With Players

Referee-in-Chief Eddie™ · 

Who this lesson helps: Coaches teaching after a difficult decision.

Disputed calls can become learning moments when Coaches separate the rules question from the Team’s response. A review should identify what is known, what remains uncertain, and what Players could control after the decision.

A Situation You May Recognize

During a postgame talk, a Coach blames the result entirely on an official. Players leave without discussing missed assignments or opportunities. A balanced review can examine the disputed moment and still identify Team responsibilities.

Disputed calls: Practical Steps

Describe the decision accurately, verify any rule question, and acknowledge viewing limitations. Then discuss the response: did Players refocus, follow directions, and execute the next task? Keep the official’s personal identity out of the lesson.

Avoid This Common Trap

Avoid using fairness as a reason to invent certainty. A Coach may not have seen every detail. Also, do not force Players to agree that a call was correct merely to teach respect; professional conduct can coexist with disagreement.

Your Next Development Step

Ask Players for one controllable action they could take after the call. Rehearse it in practice. If a formal concern is warranted, handle that separately through the authorized process.

A Short Video Script for Eddie

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

Review the call honestly, then review your response. Check the rule and admit what you could not see. Your Players still need a useful next action when a decision goes against them.

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.™